A Paper Cut Is The Least Of My Worries

APCLW - Chp 17

Vincent’s POV

                Getting out of my safe, warm bed was the last thing I wanted to do this morning. It was the morning after my secret had been spread, and I had a feeling that everything was going to be in full swing. Everyone was going to look at me differently. I sighed and pushed the covers off of me and climbed out of bed. I had more time that I usually did; partly because I couldn’t sleep because of the “welcome” I was going to be getting. Seeing that I had more time, I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I made sure the word was cold before I got in. Cold water wasn’t really my thing, but I felt like it would help me cope this morning.  I shampooed my hair and washed myself off. I wrapped a towel around myself when I got out the shower and went to my room, throwing on random clothing from Hollister. I pushed a hand through my still wet hair and grabbed my bag, walking downstairs for a breakfast I was sure I was going to need.

                My parents were the last two people I was expecting to see in the kitchen. Not that I expected for anyone else to be in my home, but they were usually at work by this time. I avoided their looks as I opened the fridge, looking for something to eat. I grabbed some eggs and milk and then went to the pantry for the pancake mix.  I got a bowl from the cabinet and mixed the ingredients for the pancakes together. I didn’t realize that things were eerily quiet until I heard a car horn outside. I heard my father cough, indicating for someone to start a conversation. I sure wasn’t going to start it…I didn’t know how to. “I made some calls last night.” My mother suddenly said.  I wasn’t sure if she was talking to me or not, so I ignored her. “Dr. Sloan would be happy to see you in today. It was really short notice, so I’m surprised that he had an opening.” This caught my attention and I looked towards my mother, who was trying not to look at me.

“Are you talking to me?” I asked her. She nodded. What the hell? Dr. Sloan?  “Who the hell is Dr. Sloan? And what does he have to do with me?” She pulled a slip of paper from her briefcase that she had on the counter and handed it to me. I took it warily, looking over the paper, slowly taking it all in before anger started to consume me. I bit back my tongue as I looked up at her and my father. “You want me to see a therapist?!” I exclaimed at them.

                “You need to get over this little belief that you have that you are bisexual. It isn’t natural and no son of mine is going to consider a man as a partner.” Mom said holding her gaze.

“What? That’s ridiculous! A therapist is NOT going to change how I feel.”

“Well it’ll help. You need to be cured—“

“Homosexuality doesn’t have a cure!” I bellowed at her. “I like what I like mom, I can’t help it. You think I want to like men? Do you think I want to be attracted to them?!” both my parents winced at that.

“Don’t say that. It’s disgusting. You’re just confused, you aren’t…you don’t like men. A therapist will work this out and then you’ll be back on the right track.”

“The right track?” I stared between the two of them. It was a wonder my father hadn’t said anything yet.

“Yes.” My mom said firmly. “You somehow got off track because you said you liked men as well as women. Men are supposed to be with women. Period.  If you like anyone else you are an abomination and need to be cleansed.”  I turned angrily, going to the pantry and grabbing a Poptart for breakfast. It was amazing how fast ones mood could be changed. I was about to storm out the door when my mom called over her shoulder that I should go to the appointment with the therapist after school. I didn’t answer as I slammed the door behind me and went to my car. I backed out the driveway and sped to school with a speed that was probably illegal.