How To Stay Afloat (BxB)

Chapter 26: Birthday boy

The whole discussion with my parents ends with everyone hugging. I don't even know how to feel. Does that mean I don't have to be scared to come out anymore? Because, quite frankly, fuck my grandparents. Being openly gay is the best excuse I could have to never having to visit them again.

My dad is far from perfect. Fuck him. But he's a lot better than Austin's dad, he's better than Carla's mom, he's better than Nora's mom and he's definitely better than that father I had to treat at work.

I should be grateful.

After a very emotional hugging session my parents pack their stuff and get ready to leave.

"You're really stubborn and cause me so many headaches, but I'm proud of you." My mom says to Caleb and then turns to me. "Both of you."

My dad waves to Caleb and me and then walks out to the car, waiting for mom to come. "Don't get hung up on what your grandparents think, alright? You're gonna have a great night with your friends." She looks at my brother. "Caleb, I trust you to keep everything under control. No alcohol."

We both nod and then our parents are finally both out of the house.

"Let's get wasted." Caleb says the moment the door is closed behind mom.

"I heard we are getting drunk?" Kevin calls from upstairs. He must have been waiting upstairs, next to the staircase, listening to our family drama. Typical.

"Hell yeah. Where's the booze?" Caleb asks.

Shouldn't he be the responsible one? If I had known he's up to letting us underage people drink, then I would have bought the drinks with him today.

Carla and Harry got drunk at the car race, I should have known what Caleb expects from my birthday party.

"Kevin, help me bring in some bottles from my car." He says. "Our birthday boy is gonna get ready and tell everyone to come here, alright?"

Honestly, I'm not even in the mood to drink or celebrate anymore. I should be happy, knowing that my parents are kinda chill about being gay. But honestly? I'm still not ready to come out. I don't even have any excuses anymore. Everyone's just gonna try even more to convince me to come out already.

I pull out my phone and text in the group chat, telling the others to come over at 6, like we planned.

Carla and Harry both respond immediately, sending a bunch of emojis.

Since Kevin is out of the house for a moment I decide to take this chance to call Austin. I grab the clothes I planned on wearing tonight and lock myself in the bathroom.

"Hey, what's up?" Austin asks.

"Uhm, I just wanted to tell you you can come over at six. I could ask Harry to pick you up, too." I suggest.

"Oh, yeah, thanks. I'm gonna just ask him myself." He says.

He sounds weird. Again, not really annoyed and not really happy.

"Are you okay? You sound different." I ask him worriedly.

"Yeah, all good. I can't wait to see you." He says, making me smile.

"Yeah me too. I hope we can get a moment alone." I say.

"If not, that's fine. I'm gonna put on my best act and play your not boyfriend." He says.

"I'm sorry." I say.

"Don't be. As long as we can hang out sometime soon I'm okay with it." He assures me.

"You're the best." I cheer. "I guess I'll see you in an hour."

"Hang on, how was dinner with your family?" He asks me.