𝑰𝒏 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒏𝒐

17 : Confiding in the Ex

𝕊 𝕆 𝕄 𝔼 ℝ

March 10th, 20xx

As Oakley drove me the short distance to my apartment, I wondered why he had left me with his family for a split second. It didn't make sense to me since it seemed that it was him begging me to come over rather than him asking for his family.

"So, how did the date go? Was it just awkward or what?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Huh? Oh, it was just awkward. We went to watch a movie but he was very nervous. I don't like when people are nervous after they ask me to go on a date. I get it but it's like, you asked me out with confidence, how are you nervous now?" 

"I mean, it makes sense. Now that you got them, why wouldn't you be afraid that they only did it out of, like, pity for you? Or to make you shut up?" 

"Mhm," he agreed. "I just think it was strange. But, he did make up for it with a trip to the lake. It was nice but it wasn't as fun as the beach since we were a bit secluded from everyone. I don't mind waiting for him to tell everyone but if he's not serious about telling anyone, I don't want to be with him. I'm done hiding who I like for the sake of society. You know?" Oakley asked, looking at me at the red light.

I nodded at him. I knew what he meant. I had yet to experience a real girl crush so I didn't know what it was like to feel ashamed by society. Oakley had been shamed by his classmates. It was probably worse since he grew up with them and they knew of his situation.

"I know what you mean. If it doesn't go well, we can just set each other up on dates. Actually, you can set me up on dates because I don't know of a queer guy or a girl who wants to date someone who is bi. Or the same sex," I laughed.

"It happens," he chuckled along.

When we arrived at my apartment, we sat there. I didn't want to leave the warmth inside the car. It felt as if the moment I opened the door, the heat that was built up would be frozen in seconds and it would take forever for it to be warm enough for Oakley. There was that and the fact that it seemed Oakley had something to say. He stared at me, looked away, and then repeated. All I could think was ask me, Oakley, I'm tired and still have homework to do.

"Where have you been during sixth? Sally told me you ditched for your dad but what about me?" 

He sounded like a little kid. I chuckled at him before letting him know what was going on.

"I'll be back Monday, I already talked to the teacher. She said it was fine and gave me the work. My dad just wants to spend time together so we chose to hang out after he was done with work and it clashed with school. It's why he pulls me out early. Sorry if I left you to fend for yourself," I explained.

"No, it's fine. I was just worried you were sick or something."

"Oh, no, I would have told you or something. I was just too busy doing my work and then hanging out with my parents. Sorry."

"It's okay, it's not like you did it intentionally. Sorry that I ignored you first, I was a little caught up too," he said as he reached for my pinky that was laying on the armrest.

We sat in another silence as we watched his pinky cover mine. I found it strange. The warmth of the night seemed to boil me the longer his hand was over mine. It wasn't until he grabbed my hand that I realized how hot I actually was. My palms had gotten sweaty but I couldn't tell the difference between the reason why.

"Are you going to be at the hospital when Willow has her surgery?" I asked, the fear spiking in the stead of nerves.

"My aunt is coming down tomorrow so she can be there for my mom. Are you busy that day? I don't want to be in the hospital but I don't want to be far. There's a trampoline place near there, isn't there?"