The rise of Strygent is upon Jace Harrison...but it comes with sacrifices. Beginning in High School, Mr. Harrison struggles with identity and secrets. His freedom is brief. The college years end drastically, forcing him to rewrite himself for old fa...
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HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE YEAR 2009
Grayson Smith is a real-life Ken doll. I mean the build, hair color, and eyes. The jawline, nose, and lips. The whole wonder boy package. But as all jocks, he's a megalo showoff. Lucky for him, this doesn't kill the dreamy guy vibe.
I secretly ogle him from across the classroom. Yearning for a connection beyond gazing. I doubt that'll ever happen. All other classmates are head first in their books. The teacher is facing the board. So I'm in the clear to steal another long glance.
My eyes can enjoy him a bit longer. Despite me labeling him as a typical jock, I can't help being interested.
He's lucky he's hot...
Of course, I'd never say this aloud. I envy girls who can compliment his looks without judgment. Not only would I be picked on, I'd be too embarrassed to go home.
Gossip travels fast in high school. My brothers and sister will hear about it. Then my parents. Meaning I'd have to volunteer for adoption...or live in a boarding school for the rest of my life. My parents believe in modern day correction camps.
My father is a cold businessman who trains me to be a solid man, as he is. A right-wing idealist all the way. Duty and tradition are all he wants from me. Meaning a non straight son would destroy him. I'd be disowned...exiled from being a member of the family.
My mother is a true blue traditionalist and also Right Winged. She'd puke if she knew her baby boy was into guys.
My whole family is closed-minded and unaccepting of anything outside of normal. I'm the odd one out. The black sheep. Meaning I'm forever stuck in the closet.
I'm not free at school or at home. My siblings are here and there. Even rumors of a slight attraction towards Grayson would end my world. I wouldn't want to exist anymore.
Everything would crumble.
So I can only admire Grayson from afar. But I shouldn't stare too long. There's a full class...thank god the teacher is too busy chalking the board to call me out.
My eyes dart from his desk, which is three rows up back. I read my Tech workbook. The only class that doesn't bore me. All the general education and mandatory classes are dull. All except this one.
There's something about technology that never fails to excite me. The field is always growing. The tech boom isn't done exploding our world. That's why I love the subject. It's endless.
