The Last Chance Book 2

Chapter 27

" Thank you Mrs.Betty. For everything " he says as they walk together at the back of the group.
" Don't thank me dear. Thank yourself for being as strong as you are " she says making him smile.
They walk silently together until they reach the room. Max's father has them wait for a minute before going into the room. " Can I have NuNew, Max and Nat sit towards the middle since you guys were the main people in this case " Max's father asked and they all nod yes.
When they enter the room there are several video cameras and reporters that turn and look towards them. The video cameras film them all the way up to the stage where the tables and chairs are.
Like they were asked him, Max and Nat sit towards the middle. On one side of him is Nat while on the other side of him is Zee. Once everyone is sat down Max's father speaks into the microphone. " Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to interview them. The way that this interview will work is by people raising there hands. One of the guards will walk over to you and give you the microphone. You can only ask one question at a time. You may ask another question after someone else has asked another question after you ". He watches as Max's father sits down and the interview begin. Almost immediately several hands go up. He's a little nervous.
" What I would like to ask is for NuNew, Nat and Max to tell us how you feel after wining the case today ".
He waits for Max and Nat to speak first. Max is the first one to speak.
" I'm grateful that we won and they are all in prison for life. They were a danger to society. I'm glad that no one after us can be hurt by them "
Nat talks next.
" I'm grateful. I feel like I don't have to worry about my safety. I'm sure NuNew can agree on this. However I am so grateful to know that we were able to win this case for NuNew. Sure me and P'Max have gotten hurt by them, but it's no where near what NuNew has gone through. So I'm beyond happy that NuNew got what he wanted "
He looks over to Nat and smiles, grabbing his hand before he speaks.
" I can agree that I don't have to constantly be afraid for my safety now. Because that's how I felt even when I was at my new school. So I'm beyond grateful to have won this case. I can finally start to enjoy myself more. I can start to make a lot more memories with my friends and not have to constantly worry about them getting hurt. I don't even know how to fully explain how happy I am. This has gone on for so long and I'm glad it finally came to an end "
He says smiling. Nat gives his gentle hand a squeeze so he turns to look at him. Nat's smiling at him. So he smiles back before turning to look at all the reporters. He watches as one of the guards hand someone a microphone.
" Earlier today when the homophobic reporter asked those questions can you tell me what was going through your head. This is for NuNew and Max. I think you guys did a good job at not getting angry "
His face turns a little red remembering that he kissed Zee in front of everyone. He looks towards Max and can see he's waiting for him to talk first so he turns to look at the reporter.
" Well I was already really stressed about the court since it's the last day. I was nervous to even walk past the cameras. I'm thankful for Mrs.Betty helping me with that, but as soon as I herd the reporter say what she did all the nervousness left my body and I just became annoyed. I can get if your religion that you practice is against same sex love but that doesn't mean you have to go shame someone for it " he turns to look at Zee to see him looking at him which makes his face turn a little more red. So he quickly turns away. " I was annoyed and didn't want her to keep pushing her beliefs on to me so that's why I did what I did " he says the last part quickly. " That's why you kissed me " he hears Zee say. He quickly turns to look at Zee.
" Hia " he shouts making everyone in the room laugh. Which was a lot of people.
" To help NuNew not be so embarrassed I will tell you why I helped him. I could tell that he was trying to keep his cool. When he turned around I could see that one more rude remark could set him off so that's why I quickly helped them by kissing Nat. Hoping that it would calm NuNew down and make the reporter realize she needed to be quiet and stop saying what she was. Luckily it worked ". He looks over to make eye contact with Nat and he can see that his face is red like his face was. He turns away when he hears another question being asked.
" So we know that Zee and NuNew are together while Max and Nat are together, but when everything happened earlier it was revealed that there was two more couples in your group "
He smiles and quickly talks before anyone else can.
" I'm glad you asked this " he says with a smirk. " I had no idea that there was more than two couples. However these two couples were constantly flirting with each other so I'm glad that they finally got together " he says the last part looking at the four of them.
" Yeah I'm sure you are more excited about this than anyone else NuNew " Net said.
" Of course I am. Especially since I can start to tease you now. Since you always teased me about Hia Zee " he says in a teasing voice. Causing the whole room to laugh.
" Alright I'm just going to interrupt these two or the question will never be answered. I am dating Jimmy. While Net is dating James " Tommy says.
The microphone is then passed to another person who asked " Can we all hear about everyone's confessions if it's not to personal "
He smiles at the kind reporter before turning to look at Max asking for him to start. So Max does.
" Nat is the first one to confess. It's been known that he's liked me for a while but he's never admitted it to me or anyone else. Until NuNew and him talked about who they liked " Max said looking at both him and Nat before turning back to the reporter and continuing.
" At some point Nat and me were walking back to his dorm room when he started to talk about how he's glad that NuNew has Zee and he accidentally said that NuNew likes Zee. He panicked and then said he liked me. Which made him panic even more. I told him it's ok and that I liked him as well. I also said that I wouldn't tell anyone that NuNew liked Zee " Max said making him and everyone laugh. Except Nat who turns to look at him. " NuNew I'm still sorry for doing that. I'm sorry " Nat says. He smiles and shakes his head. " It's ok because it honestly was the start to me confessing to Hia Zee " he says before turning to the reporter who asked the question.
" When they told our group that they started dating P'Max mentioned how Nat revealed a secret and then he tried to cover it up by confessing. I got so scared because P'Max and Hia Zee are really close. I could tell that Nat was really sorry and I understood that sometimes secrets do accidentally get told. Accidents happen. I remember looking at P'Max and seeing that he was smirking at me " he said playfully glaring at Max who just laughs. " Luckily no one could notice that I was nervous besides Nat and P'Max because they were the only ones to know. When someone asked P'Max to tell them what was so big of a secret that Nat finally confessed he said that he won't tell because it's a big secret which I'm so thankful for " he says. " However because they were on that topic. P'Net who likes to tease me a lot started to joke around about me liking Hia Zee. So I panicked and as a response I got rude and yelled at him. Which I felt so bad for. That same night I was staying in Hia Zee's room. And after I took a shower I started to text P'Net while Hia Zee was in the shower. I apologized to P'Net and he said not to worry. He apologized for making me angry and then asked if he could know what he said so he won't mention it again. Which I was thankful for. I ended up telling P'Net and he said that he's happy that I like Hia Zee and that he can tell Hia Zee likes me as well " Zee interrupts him and says " Net you really exposed me like that " causing him to laugh as well as everyone else. He continues to tell the story.
" Anyways. P'Net encouraged me to tell him and even though I knew Hia Zee would never act like Noah did or do anything remotely close to what he did I was still terrified. P'Net just kept reassuring me that he wouldn't do that and when we stopped talking the last thing he said was that I could talk to him about anything. Which I think the conversation was one of the main reasons why I got so close to him. When Hia Zee got out of the shower he could still tell that I was a little upset and so he kept asking me to tell him. I said I didn't want to because it was embarrassing. Eventually I kind of just had an argument with myself. One side wanted me to tell him and the other side didn't want me to. I kind of just shut my mind off and listened to what P'Net said and confessed to Hia Zee "
" He kept rambling and listing off the things he likes about me and what I do that he likes "
" Hia! Some things don't need to be said to the reporters " he shouts embarrassed by what Zee said. His face turning red. Everyone laughs.
" Aww look at NuNew blu- " Net starts to say but he turns to look and him and interrupts him by saying " P'Net! Don't say it. You don't want to know what I can say to embarrass you " he says pointing at him. Everyone laughs besides him and P'Net. Who raised his arms in surrender.
" Alright  it's my time to interrupt these two. I was the one to confess to Jimmy. I kind of just slipped it into a conversation to see if Jimmy would catch on to what I meant. Luckily he did and then we talked about how we felt about each other before we agreed to get together "
" That's kind of similar to how P'Net confessed to me. We had saw the post that NuNew made about him and Zee. We started talking about how it's brave of them to say that they are dating each other. Especially with so many people watching. At some point Net said it would be cool to do that for me and him. Basically saying that he likes me so I told him I liked him as well. Nat then kissed me and we got together " James says the last part a little loudly while looking at him. As if saying he said that last part so he will have teasing material. He smiles and nods before turning back to the reporters. He watches as another reporter takes the microphone.
" going back to a little more serious questions. When you herd the sentence, what went through your head NuNew "
He thinks for a little while before saying " At first I didn't think about anything. I just pulled Nat into a hug and started to cry. I was kind of just in shock that we won. I could also remember just feeling like I could breath for the first time in years. The first thing I could really think about was that I can relax now that I know Nat will be safe " he says the last part looking at Nat before turning back to the reporter. " Ever since I got close to everyone I was scared they'd get hurt but I was the most scared to have Nat get hurt because he was and still is the person who I'm the closest to. Ever since the beach I just haven't let my guard down because I wanted to make sure he's safe as well as everyone is. So when we won I was just so relieved that everyone I care about would be safe " he says with a small smile.
When he feels Nat pull him into a hug he immediately hugs him back. He can hear Nat whisper " Thank you " before pulling away from the hug. He smiles gently at Nat and nods his head. They turn to look at the next reporter when the see a guard hand them a microphone.
" NuNew in one of your journals you talk about distancing yourself from you parents. Can you tell us what went through your head and then can your parents tell me what they thought "
He turns to look at his parents for a couple of seconds before looking back to the reporter. He takes a shaky breath and starts answering the question. " There are two journals that were shown that involved my parents before the first incident. The first one is the one you mentioned and asked about. It was the first time that they have threatened my parents. I love my parents so much and they were the only people who still showed me love and kindness. So when they threatened my family it was like the whole world just stopped. I never went back to class that day. I stayed in the snow just thinking. I was just trying to come up with any way possible to help keep my parents safe. I hated myself so much because I couldn't think of an answer. I could only think about distancing myself from them. I knew how much my parents loved me: we talked everyday about our days. Even though I was lying about school I still talked with them. So that day when I didn't talk to them I felt so horrible. I started to just lock myself in my room. I didn't want to leave my room at all. I only ever left to go to school " he takes another shaky breath.
" In the second journal was when I got really bad. The abuse has been getting a lot worse. My mental health was at an all time low and I felt so alone in the world. It was the last time they hurt me before the incident. It was the last day of sophomore year. My parents even though I distanced myself from them would constantly tell me that they loved me and I felt so horrible knowing how much pain I am putting them through. They even gave me a cat to help me not feel as alone as I did. Which it did help but I felt horrible. During summer I hardly ever left my room. I barely even got out of bed. I just didn't want to be here anymore. I even mentioned how I would want Nate to just kill me because I thought that was better. I even wished that my own parents would stop loving me so they could be safe. I just didn't know what to do anymore and I was in so much pain. I truly felt like there was no more hope. That I will never get better "
He says holding back tears.
" When he started to distance himself from us I knew immediately something was wrong. For a while I knew something was happening but no matter how much I would ask he would never say anything. So when he started distancing himself I was scared that something bad was going on. But no matter what we did he wouldn't tell us anything. I was heartbroken and at a loss. Not knowing what to do. He would yell at me whenever I kept pushing to much so eventually I just gave him space thinking that would help but it didn't. We even tried to get him therapy but he would just say I'm fine and refuse to talk. We were at a loss at what to do " His mother says. He looks down at the table. He starts to cry a little.
" When my wife would talk to me about how worried she was it was scary because I thought that anything could take away our son. He looked so exhausted and barley ate. At some point I suggested that we get him a cat to at least give him some company. And it cheered him up but not a lot. We just felt so horrible because we felt like we were failing at being parents " his father says. He closes his eyes and takes a couple of shaking breaths. Once he's calmed down he says " I hope you guys realize that you didn't fail as parents. I'm sorry you guys felt like that. But to me you guys are the best parents someone could ask for. I wouldn't be here without you guys because I only got up when I started to think about how much you both cared about me " he says looking at them before turning to look back down at the table again. He wipes away his dry tears. He looks at Zee when he feels him wrap his arm around him. Zee gives him a gentle smile. He gives Zee a small smile as well before turning back to the reporters. He watches as the guard hands another reporter the microphone.
" Can you tell us about your cat? It seems to have been a major help during everything "
He smiles.
" She's an amazing Cat. Her name is July and she's a silver tabby cat. I will post a photo later but she's like an emotional support animal. She can sense whenever I'm upset and will immediately come over to me and just start trying to cheer me up in any way that she can. She's kinda like my best friend cause sometimes it's like she can understand what I'm saying and she'll meow back at me. She's really ever only done that with me but when Nat was upset after we had a talk she immediately went over to him and tried to comfort him. Everyone was joking around that she sees me and Nat as her kittens "
He says smiling. He then looks at Max's father when he stands up and grabs a microphone.
" Unfortunately we only have time for one more question so if you haven't asked a question yet and have a question please raise your hand and one of the guards will hand you the microphone "
He watches as the guard hands the microphone to someone around his age that's sitting in the front row. He watches as he stands up.
" Hello my names earth and I'm doing a school project about bullying and acceptance. I was wondering if you want to say something to those that are going through or have gone through something similar to what you have went through for the past couple of years and to the people that have supported you "
He smiles before pulling down his sleeve and showing the rubber lgbtq bracelet. He sees Earths eyes light up. " You were the one who sent me this. Aren't you " he asked with a smile. When he sees Earth smile and nod he gets excited. He looks Earth directly in his eyes and says
" I want to tell people who are going through something similar to what I went through or have gone through something similar is that you are not alone. Even if you feel like you are you're not. There are people out there who will love and accept you for who you are. There's people out there who have unfortunately gone through similar things and that can help give you advice or encourage you to stay strong. I am here for anyone going through similar things that I went through because I know how hard it can be. I know that things seem like they won't ever get better when in reality they will. I am living proof that you can overcome what they are going through. My friends are living proof that there are people who will accept you for you. Hia Zee is living proof that you will find someone to love you for you. My parents are proof that your parents will love you no matter what. Mrs.Betty is proof that not all strangers are mean. Earth just like me, you are living proof that things can and will get better " he says smiling at Earth. He could see him starting to cry. " As for the people who are supporting me, that send me kind words, that send me letters. I want them to know how much it means to me. When people say that I helped them not feel alone it makes me glad " when he sees Earth look up at him he says " When someone tells me their story and how I've helped them so much and that I helped them open up to their friends I become so grateful to have helped them. I also become so proud of them because opening up can be so terrifying and hard. By opening up and telling people it shows you how strong and brave you are. All the support I'm getting I am so thankful for and I want to spread it to others. I want everyone to know that if you are going through difficult times that I am here supporting you. It doesn't matter who you are, your age or where you live. I will always be here to support you and accept you for you " he turns to look at Max's father. Letting him know that he's finished. So Max's father stands up and asks for everyone to leave. As everyone's getting up to leave he gestures for Earth to stay because he wants to talk with him. He stands up and walks over to Max's father and whispers that he wants to talk with Earth. He nods agreeing.
Once everyone is outside of the room he quickly walks down to Earth. When he gets to him he smiles. " Thank you for coming Earth " he says. " I wanted to be here to see you and ask if you had anything to say to people who support you or went through difficult times " Earth says quietly. He can tell that Earth is nervous. " Did you know that the reason I did this interview today was mainly because of you " he said with a smile. He can see Earth's eyes widen. " Because of me " he asked confused. He just nods and says " I already knew that I wanted to use the chance I have to give hope to others but I was nervous because I would have to speak about things that are difficult for me to talk about. However after hearing that I helped you as much as I did, I got the courage to do the interview to help others who have gone through what we have ". Earth smiles. " C-can I hug you " Earth stutters. So he smiles and pulls him into a tight hug. " You've been through a lot Earth. You went through something so similar to what I went through and I'm so sorry that you did. However I am so proud of you for being so strong and coming out to your parents and friends ". He can feel Earth start to cry. " Its because of you and your friends being as strong as you are " Earth says. He smiles and says " We might have helped you but in the end you are the one who was the strongest person ". He pulls away from the hug and smiles. He takes off one of the necklaces that he's wearing. It's a silver necklace with a lion shaped pendant. He grabs Earths hand and places the necklace in his hand. " I had bought this when I went to the mall with my friends. It was the first time that I had a lot of courage and strength. I want you to have it Earth " he says as he closes Earth's hand. " Are you sure. You don't need to give me anything P'NuNew ". He smiles. " I'm sure Earth. Keep it as a thank you from me and as a reminder of how proud I am of you ". He turns to look at all of his friends and everyone else who are watching them. " Do you want to meet everyone else " he asked Earth. He sees Earth smile as he has him follow him on to the stage. " Everyone this is Earth. The one who sent you guys letters " he says smiling. They all great him and introduce themselves. " I-I just want to say thank you to you guys for helping me so much ". Nat walks over to him and gives him a hug. " You have been so strong with going through what you did Earth " Nat says before pulling away from the hug. " You're joining our friend group ok! What's your instagram Earth " Nat says excitedly making everyone including Earth laugh. " My instagram is cooheart " he says happily. " We will all follow you on instagram when we get back to NuNews house after leaving the court house " Zee says. " I have to go meet with my parents but before I go can I get a photo with NuNew and a photo with everyone together " Earth asked. He nods his head. Everyone else does. So Nat takes Earth's phone to take a photo of him and Earth. He wraps his arm around Earths shoulder and smiles. When Nat is done taking the photo of both of them his mother comes over to them. " I'll take a photo of you all " she says. He smiles before they all get together for a group photo. Where Earth is in the middle while him and Max stand next to him.
His mother takes a few photos before saying ok. Him and Earth walk over to his mother. When Earth sees the photos he gets excited. " Thank you everyone for talking with me and for helping me like you all do. You guys are an inspiration to me to continue to be strong and help others who are getting bullied " Earth says. He smiles before giving Earth one last hug. " Continue to be strong ok " he tells Earth before pulling away from the hug. " I will make sure to stay strong. Thank you and bye everyone " Earth says before he quickly leaves the room. He can tell that Earth is really happy so he smiles and laughs. " You said some really inspiring things when Earth asked what he did NuNew " his mother says. He turns to her and smiles. " I said what I knew was true. Everything I thought was proven wrong and that things would get better. I also want people to know that they are not alone and that I will be the person they need to support them if they feel like they have no one ". His mother pulls him into a hug. " I'm proud of you NuNew " she says making him smile. When he pulls away from the hug he says " Thank you ".
" I hate to brake up this sweet moment but we have dinner reservations to get to " Max's father says. " Dinner reservations " he asked confused. " We all decided to go eat at a restaurant because Zee said you had a dream like that and seemed really happy after waking up from the dream " he smiles and nods. " Let's go then. I'm hungry " he says making everyone laugh.
They all leave the room and walk outside of the court house. When they do there are several people cheering. He looks at everyone as they walk down the stairs and smiles. He feels so accepted and happy. He's the happiest he's been in years.

Word Count: 4805

Sorry it took a long time. I didn't know what to really write and I had a lot going on recently