Until We Meet Again

Chapter 32

Calvin

As I woke up to the sound of my cell phone ringing, a smile immediately spread across my face when I saw Cody's name and picture on the screen. My heart filled with happiness as he sang me a birthday song. "Thank you, Cody," I said with a groggy voice, still half asleep. "So, what are your plans for today?" he asked eagerly. I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed as I replied, "Well, I'm going to see my parents first, and then I'm not sure yet." "Well, happy birthday to the best friend in the world," Cody said cheerfully.

Feeling a mix of embarrassment and excitement, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to get ready for the day. After brushing my teeth and taking a refreshing shower, I got dressed and headed downstairs. Just as I was about to leave, my sister called to say she was waiting for me in the car. I quickly grabbed my backpack and headed out, locking the front door behind me. My sister greeted me with a warm "happy birthday, little bro" as we drove to our parents' house.

We spent the car ride catching up and jamming out to our favorite songs. When we arrived, it was already past 3pm. As I rang the doorbell, I couldn't wait to see my family and enjoy my mom's delicious cooking. My dad greeted me with a warm hug, commenting on how busy I've been lately. "Well, saving lives never stops," I replied with a smile.

Sitting down for dinner, I couldn't help but admire the spread of food my mom had prepared. "The food looks amazing," I complimented. "Of course, your mom made it," my dad replied proudly. Just then, the doorbell rang again, and my sister went to answer it. To my surprise, Heather walked in, wishing me a snarky happy birthday. I gave her a strange look, but my parents explained that they had invited her over and that she had a gift for me.

As we were eating, my phone started ringing, and I saw that it was Xavier calling me. "Calvin?" his voice sounded scared. "Yes, Xavier?" I replied, immediately feeling worried. "What is this?" My mom asked, cutting Xavier and I conversation off. I look up to see a picture of me half naked from chest and up and I'm smiling. My heart racing, I asked, "How did you get that picture of me?" My mom's voice filled with anger as she asked, "The bigger question is, who took this picture? "I couldn't bring myself to answer her question, and tears started streaming down my face.

Feeling overwhelmed and hurt, I stood up and walked into the other room. My mom called after me, but I couldn't bear to face her. Finally, through tears, I blurted out, "Fine, I'm gay."

"Why are you lying?" my mom's voice was harsh and hurtful. "What?" I responded, my voice quivering. "Mom," I cried, "you can't just say that. It hurts." As she approached me, my heart sank. "My son can't be gay," she said, her tone still unkind. I stood my ground. "I'm not going to change who I am just to please you," I said firmly. I couldn't take it anymore, so I ran outside in tears. Suddenly, my sister called out my name, but I ignored her and kept walking down the street. As I wiped my tears, I saw a car pulling over to the side of the road. I turned my head to see Xavier.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice still trembling. "I was on my way to pick you up," he replied. I didn't want to talk to him, so I kept walking. But he got out of the car and followed me. "Calvin," he said, trying to get my attention. I looked up to see him standing in front of me. "It's okay," he said, wrapping his arms around me. And for the first time in a long time, I felt safe and loved.

"I'm sorry," I cried into his shoulder. "My parents think I'm a freak." Xavier held me tighter. "Who cares what they think?" he said. "I don't think you're a freak. And that's all that matters." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Of course you don't," I said, my voice shaking. "You're my boyfriend." Xavier pulled away and looked me in the eyes. "No, I'm not saying that just because I'm your boyfriend," he said firmly. "I'm saying it because I care about you. I love you just the way you are, Calvin. You don't have to change for anyone." And in that moment, I knew that Xavier was the one who truly loved and accepted me for who I am.

As Xavier leads me towards his car, I can't help but feel a rush of excitement. "Are we going home?" I ask, my tone dripping with seduction. But Xavier responds with a teasing "no." I raise an eyebrow in curiosity, "Then where are we going?" He simply replies with a sultry "It's a surprise." I can't help but play along, following him until we turn into the woods. "Xavier, I'm not playing. Where are we going?" I say in a husky voice, a hint of fear in my tone. "I've seen too many horror movies to know how this ends." But Xavier reassures me, "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it when we first met."

We pull up to a stunning house and I can't help but ask, "Whose house is this?" Xavier smirks as he unlocks the door, "My cousin's. She said I could stay here any time of year." I follow him up the steps and into the house, my eyes taking in the beauty of the place. "I'm going to take a bath," I announce, feeling a wave of relaxation wash over me. Xavier nods, "The bathroom is upstairs, second door on the left."

As I walk upstairs, my heart swells with emotion as I see rose petals scattered around the tub and candles flickering by the sink. Tears begin to form as I realize just how much Xavier loves me. I turn on the water and add a bit of body wash, undressing before stepping into the warm tub. I close my eyes and let out a content sigh, but my senses are brought back to life when I hear Xavier's footsteps. I open my eyes to see him walking in with a beautiful chocolate cake.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you," he sings, a sweet smile on his face. I can't help but cry as I blow out the candles, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "Is everything okay, my love?" Xavier asks, sitting on the edge of the tub. "Yes, I'm just so grateful to have you as my boyfriend," I reply, tears streaming down my face. Xavier chuckles and encourages me to take a bite of the cake. As I do, he leans in and kisses me, making me melt into his embrace.

As we finish the slice of cake, Xavier undresses and joins me in the tub. We share another kiss, the warm water and sweet taste of chocolate making for a perfect moment. "You look delicious," Xavier murmurs against my lips, a mischievous smirk on his face. I can't help but giggle as we continue to enjoy each other's company in the comforting warmth of the tub.