The Coming Out

Feelings

Ivan sat in his room, his mind racing with thoughts about his ex-girlfriend, Riley, and his friend, Carson. He had spent his winter break in Greece with Carson, and they had grown closer than ever before. Ivan couldn't deny that he had feelings for Carson, but he also couldn't shake the feelings he had for Riley.

He knew that his friend Cole had feelings for Riley, and that made him feel jealous. He didn't know why he felt that way since he had broken up with Riley, but he couldn't help it. He wondered if he should try to get back with Riley or pursue something with Carson. He felt so confused and didn't know what to do.

Ivan decided to seek advice from someone he trusted. He called his older sister, Alexa.

"Hey, what's up, little bro?" Alexa answered the phone.

"I need your help with something," Ivan said, taking a deep breath.

"Sure, what's going on?" Alexa asked.

"I'm confused about my feelings for Riley and Carson," Ivan admitted. "I know that sounds crazy, but I can't seem to choose between them."

"Well, who was there for you when you needed them the most?" Alexa asked.

"What do you mean?" Ivan asked, confused.

"Think about it. Who was there for you after the breakup with Riley? Who was there for you on your trip to Greece?" Alexa explained.

Ivan thought for a moment. "Carson," he said finally.

"Exactly. Sometimes the answer is right in front of us, but we're too blinded by our own feelings to see it," Alexa said. "I think you should pursue something with Carson. You two have a connection, and he was there for you when you needed him. That's a strong foundation for a relationship."

Ivan felt relieved to hear his sisters advice. He knew that Alexa always had her best interests at heart. "Thanks, sis. You're the best," Ivan said, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.

"Anytime, little bro. I'm always here for you," Alexa said.

Ivan hung up the phone and sat back, taking a deep breath. He felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He knew what he needed to do now. He needed to pursue something with Carson. Slowly though, he needed to take his time, he cannot just tell him how he felt, he needed to wait, he doesn't know for sure if Carson feels the same way. He just hoped he did. He told himself he'd always have a special place to Riley, but you can't always have things you want in life.

The next day at school, Ivan approached Carson nervously. "Hey, can we talk?" he asked.

"Sure, what's up?" Carson said, sensing the nervousness in Ivan's voice.

"I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed spending time with you in Greece, and I feel like we have a connection," Ivan said, stumbling over his words.

Carson smiled. "I feel the same way," he said.

But before Ivan could say anything the bell rang.

"Gotta go, see you for lunch!" Carson said as he stepped away. Ivan sighed in sadness as he saw him walk away to class. He realized maybe the bell ringing was a sign that it wasn't time yet. 

Ivan had a free period so, he decided to go outside the bench near the school entrance on how he could win Carsons heart.