Pavane for a Lost Boy (Or Rather, How to Survive Loss after Rejection)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Demario's POV

"I still can't believe that you have to work with Ryan for this project," Epiphany commented as she, Serenity, Oliver, Holly, Derrick, and my foster brothers joined me for a coffee run before class began. "And now, he's inviting you to the football game and the after-party this Friday? That's sounds like a major nightmare in the works."

"Dr. Nguyen said the same thing yesterday during therapy. And I had to let him, the judge, and even Gianna and Jose know of the recent developments after calling Serenity," I commented, accepting a fresh cup of decaf coffee. "I'm starting to wonder if this journey to healing is even worth all this drama."

"Nothing's ever easy, Demario," Oliver pointed out. "But I guess that's how you were raised by your late mom with that negativity."

"Well, I don't think she'll be hassling me anytime soon since I finally decided to not have it with me not wanting to end my life," I replied. "She only said that I would regret not listening to her and that I should've listened to her."

"There you go," Derrick hummed. "So I guess that's the end of her haunting you, right?"

"Far from it," I replied lowly. "If anything, she sounded as if she knows what might happen. If I don't go, I'll be labeled as a pariah by McNeese and any of her supporters- teachers and students alike- for not giving Ryan some support. But if I do go... I can't even imagine the consequences from that aside from being on Jillian's blacklist and Theo's plans for my downfall."

"I hope you have a good plan up your sleeve, Demario," Holly said as soon as her mom's large SUV arrived at the parking lot before we all piled out and made a beeline inside. "The game's in two days and all eyes are on you to see whether or not you choose a side. Of course, we're sticking around no matter what the outcome. But it looks like the odds aren't going to be in your favor at this point."

I only nodded as I continued to finish my cup of decaf while Oliver and I separated from the others. "Are you okay, Demario?" he asked me.

"Hmm? What?" I asked, snapping out of my thoughts while draining the last of the now-tepid remnants.

"Are you doing okay?"

I turned to my diving partner and transgender boyfriend. "Honestly? I don't know what to think or do at this point, Oliver," I replied. "These last few days have been nothing short of chaotic and I'm surprised that I'm still holding together even after the recent developments. When I heard my mom's final warning in my head, I sensed that she knew that something bad was going to happen and I was going to face the ultimate climax of my life. What if she's right and I should've offed myself before all of this?"

"But what if she's wrong?" Oliver shot back gently. "I know that things are a bit much by now, but you are a strong young man with so much passion that's been nearly extinguished by your ex-blood relatives and late family. I see you as someone who can rise from the ashes and face down the storms. All that everyone- including myself- asks of you is to start believing it yourself. You hold the key to your destiny or failure through your thoughts, actions, and even your words. It's time for you to own it. And no matter what happens, you're not going to be alone."

He placed a chase kiss on my lips. "Thank you," I said. "I needed that."

"What are true boyfriends for? Now, let's head to class."

***************

Later during break period, I was in the bandroom working on my music compositions when there was a knock on the door. "Come in," I said as I looked up from one of my nearly-finished compositions, expecting to see Mrs. Bermudez-Estrada or the Callaways to check in on me. Instead, I was face to face with none other than Jillian Kendricks.