REID

Chapter: 7

With high school slowly coming to an end, it was the time to begin planning for life after graduation. Reid only had one year left before he had to prepare himself for entry to the real-world. He wasn't sure exactly what he wanted to do with his life, but he felt better talking to friends who were in the same situation as he was.

Every year during the spring semester, their city would hold a grand career fair, and local schools would bring students out to take part. It was always a huge deal, letting in hundreds of young students and those looking for work every day for the three-day event. This would be the first time that Reid would go to one of these career fairs.

Walking into the building, he had no idea what to expect. However, when his group stepped into the main convention floor, he was stunned by the number of booths that were set up around the area. They were laid out in a way that formed halls with booths on each side. He followed along with everyone he was with, heading over to the start of the line of tables.

Each table had at least two representatives sitting behind it. There were usually stacks of paper, along with other small souvenirs they would hand out to those showing interest in their business. Some gave out pens, others gave out little carrying bags. He saw one table that had candy they were giving out to everyone. He did get a laugh when he noticed that on the opposite side of them were a pair of dentists who seemed rather annoyed.

While moving along at a leisurely pace, he heard someone call out his name. He looked over to see Royd sitting behind one of the tables underneath a banner that read "Information Technology" with different patterns and symbols he couldn't recognize. He walked up to the table and gave his brother a hug.

"So, looking to get into the wonderful world of technology?" Royd asked him with an over-exaggerated smile on his face.

Reid laughed. "I dunno, do I REALLY want to work in the same building as my brother, who just tortures me all the time at home anyway?" he smirked.

Royd looked over to the bear standing next to him. "He um ... he's joking." He gave Reid a stern look. "Reid, tell him you're joking."

Reid shook his head, while simultaneously saying slowly, "I am joking." Then mouthed the words, "Help me."

"Reeeeid!" the older buck covered his eyes frustratingly with his hand.

Finally, the younger brother laughed. "Of course, I'm joking. I know I'm good with computers, but it's just not something I want to spend my life doing. Though I'm glad you're able to make a living from it, and I wish you nothing but success." He glanced at the bear. "Go easy on him. He's sensitive." Reid winked.

The two brothers hugged, and Reid walked off, heading over to meet up with his group, who were still nearby. Luckily, they weren't traveling very quickly, stopping at most of the booths as they pass by them. He would look at all the signs and the banners, and nothing would really catch his eye. That was until they turned a corner and saw a large space filled with people all dressed in white coats.

Reid tilted his head in confusion at the sight in front of him. What made these outfits even more distinguishable was that each one had on a tall chef's hat. He was entranced by what looked to be a chef showcase. There were grills and counters arranged in rows, steam rising to the ceiling, and the scent of fried veggies and perfectly cooked meats floating through the air.

The group continued walking past, and Reid saw on the other side what looked to be tables with samples of food laid out. They were too far away, otherwise this would be a prime opportunity for a snack.

Focusing back on what was ahead of them, there was another lone booth, this one seeming larger than the others they were seeing. When they came up on to it, Reid looked up at the sign on display that read "Central Valley State University". There was a nicely dressed polar bear talking to a couple of patrons about something, but he wasn't quite able to hear what was being said.

Once they got closer, the bear noticed the group and began speaking cheerfully to everyone.

"Hello there! You all look like some smart kids. Do you have a moment to talk about your future? Because you, my friends, have bright futures if you chose to attend CVSU!" he grinned widely, and gathered a stack of pamphlets.

He began handing them out, and Reid grabbed one and started to look through it. He never had thought about what exactly he wanted to do after school. His primary focus was graduating and helping his brother pay for the apartment. College wasn't ever a top priority for the deer. He placed the pamphlet into his backpack and continued walking through the building along with his class.

Later that day, Reid walked in through the door of their apartment and sat his backpack down by the couch before going into the kitchen to grab a light snack. There was a note on the counter next to the fridge, and he picked it up and read what it said.

I'll be late coming home, gotta help take down the booth. I'll stop and get dinner on my way back. – R

They made it a habit of leaving notes like that, so neither would worry if the other was gone for longer than expected. Prior trauma with what happened with their mom was the unfortunate cause of such routines. Reid put the note back on the counter and walked back to the couch with an apple in his hand.

He looked down to his backpack and gave a sigh. He might as well do homework before he forgets. Last time that happened, it cost him not only a grade, but Royd laid into him with words of disappointment. He had always wanted what was best for the younger deer, even if it wasn't something Reid wanted. Though he always ended up being on the correct side of the coin.

Reid grabbed his bag and found the assignments he needed. He pulled up a small folding TV tray and used it as a writing surface. He turned on his phone, and started a music playlist, letting the sound play through the speakers, rather than using his headphones. Luckily, today's work was relatively easy, he was hoping that it wouldn't take too long to complete.

Homework. School. He used to like attending school. He used to love getting to learn new things and show off his knowledge to his mom and big brother. However, once she passed, everything sort of went downhill for him educationally. He stopped caring as much. His grades began to drop, though not enough to fail, but still low enough to severely hurt his GPA.

School was a place where he could be with his friends and have a good time, but then there were the bullies. After he came clean about his sexuality, he was teased a lot. Thankfully, Reid has a thick emotional shell, not letting his emotions show on the outside, and not allowing himself to become effected by what is said to him.

Graduation was only a year away, and he could not wait for him to be done with everything. Soon, he will be out of there. Away from the bullies, away from the homework. He didn't despise school, but there were other things he would rather do with his life.

It took around 3 hours before Royd got home. Reid finished the homework and took a shower, and now the two of them were sitting on the couch watching a movie and eating their takeout. Royd spoke.

"So how did you like the fair?" he asked.

"It was alright. I did enjoy the chef's showcase. That was interesting to see in person." Reid took a bite of his food.

"Did you get any fin souvenirs?" Royd questioned.

Reid shrugged. "I got a couple pens and a dumb pamphlet for that college. SV ... CVU ... something?"

"CVSU? That's a good university from what I've heard. Do you know if you're gonna go or not?"

Reid paused. "Probably not. I'll just find a job somewhere so I can help you pay rent."

Royd furrowed his brow. "Reid, I think you should consider it. Cause if you have a degree, it's so much easier to find a job. Not only that, but you even have a better chance of finding something you like to do."

Reid shook his head. "Maybe, but school is enough as is. I don't need another four plus years added onto it."

"I get that, but I think you should at least look into it." Royd put his food down and looked at his younger brother.

"Royd-"he sighed. "This is my life we're talking about. I don't need anyone trying to push me into doing something I don't want to do." His tone started to become serious.

"I know, Reid. I'm not trying to-"he was interrupted by Reid glaring at him.

"Well, it sure as hell sounds like you're trying to push me!" he said harshly.

"Don't raise your voice at me, Reid. I'm just trying to give you advice on what to do after you graduate!" Royd lifted his arms and dropped them exasperatedly.

"I don't want advice! I want to be left alone about it!"

Royd crossed his arms. "Are you just going to just going to settle with a terrible job with low pay, when you could be successful, doing something you love to do?"

Reid balled his fist. "So, what if I'm not doing something I want? YOU didn't go to college, and you seem fine to me!"

"You know I couldn't go to college. I got lucky getting the job I have now! You may not get as lucky as I did!" he slammed his fist into his lap.

"Are you saying that you're better than me, and better off than I would be if I didn't go to school?" Reid gave a scowl, and an almost inaudible growl, but Royd heard it.

"YOU KNOW THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!" Royd yelled at the younger buck.

"Yeah, but you were thinking it! I know what you're trying to do. You think you're so smart and successful because you're older and have a job! But YOU'RE not the one still in school!" Reid's eyes began to water from his emotions, getting the better of him.

"I know that, but I used to be." Royd kept a stern look.

"Yeah sure. But you didn't have to deal with the same shit I did growing up. You're straight. You're normal! You're not a freak like I am!" Reid shook a bit.

"Reid, you're not a freak. What's gotten into you?" Royd used a calm tone this time, trying to de-escalate the situation.

"OTHER PEOPLE, ROYD! They've gotten into me! They're the ones calling me a freak! Calling me a fag! Saying I'm a creep for liking a guy, telling me to go eat alone, because I'll be alone for the rest of my life cause I can't get a girl! You didn't have to go through ANY of that, did you?!" Reid had a tear roll down his face.

Royd sighed and spoke calmly. "No, I didn't go through that. And I'm sorry that you had to. People are assholes, and you don't deserve to go through all that. But that was high school. College is different."

"How do you know?!!" Reid still yells.

"I work with graduates. I have a gay co-worker who went to college, and he said other students are a lot nicer in college." Royd tried to place his hand on Reid's leg but was batted away.

"Still though. I'm not gonna do it. It's not worth it." Reid looked at the floor.

"Don't you think mom would want you to do something constructive with your life other than struggling to pay bills until you die?" Royd leaned forward and stared at his brother.

"DON'T bring her into this!" Reid stood up. "This is MY life, and I don't need ANYONE telling me what I can and can't do with it!"

"I'm not telling you. I'm just making a suggestion!" Royd put his arms out to gesture.

"I DON'T WANT YOUR SUGGESTIONS! I DON'T WANT YOUR ADVICE! I JUST WANT TO GRADUATE AND BE DONE WITH ALL THIS SHIT!" Reid turned around and started walking toward his room.

Royd stood up as well, meeting eye to eye with his brother. "REID! Just listen to me, please!"

The bedroom door slammed shut, leaving Royd standing in the living room alone. He sat back down and buried his face in his hands, softly crying to himself. The two of them bicker sometimes, like brothers do, but they never fight like this. This was their first major fight, and he did not know how to handle it. Whose fault, was it? Could he have stopped it from happening?

Once Reid had calmed down, he cracked his door open, and saw Royd still sitting on the couch. He was cleaning up the mess from dinner, and Reid opened the door all the way, walking out slowly. Royd looked over and gave a half nod, acknowledging the younger deer. Without saying anything Reid walked up and hugged his big brother.

Royd brought his arms around and they quietly held each other. Neither spoke anything, but sometimes, no words are needed. Through action, they both knew exactly what the other was saying. After a minute or two, Reid let go and sat down. Royd finished cleaning and walked into the kitchen to throw away the trash.

Reid stared at the ceiling for a few moments, deep in thought. Sure, his high school experience was not the best, but what kind of buck would he be if he let that determine what he does with his future? People can change the older they become. Not only that, but maybe Royd was right. Why go through the struggle of having good grades, when you're just miserable for the rest of your life doing some nine-to-five job?

The young deer sighed, andreached down to his backpack, pulling out the pamphlet he was given. He openedit up and flipped through the pages.