On The Ice (boyxboy)

seven

OLLIES POV

I was fidgeting with my fingers when Charlie came back from using the bathroom. He was in there a rather long time I thought maybe he was second guessing this whole situation. His hair looks as though he has been running his fingers through it, but still playfully beautiful.

"What were you doing in there?" I asked in a playful tone. He looked at the ground and sat down slowly. Then he shot up like something just bit his ass and it took everything in me to not laugh or even chuckle.

"You know, I think I might head out." He said gesturing towards the door. His eyebrows furrowed slightly and a line grew in between them.

I wanted him to stay. "Is everything all right?" I could tell things weren't right in his head. I wanted to know. "I get if you want to leave, but if something is bothering you, you can tell me."

He looked as though he thought about it, then he began to say, "I'm not sure you would want to know," he stopped himself mid sentence. He gathered again and said, "it's a lot to take in. A bit of a controversial topic for most." He tried at a laugh, but it came out as a breath.

"Do you want to go to my room and talk about things? I'm here if you want to talk. If we're gonna become friends," no matter how much deep down I wanted to be more, "I want to know everything." I felt that last part sounded odd, I rushed to add, "seeing as we will become best buds and all." I smiled.

He thought it over and tried at a smile. "Yeah can we just talk in your room? This is very personal."

"Yeah, sure sure." I stood up and turned off the TV, even though the game wasn't over we had seem to have forgotten all about it. I led him up the stairs and could feel him behind me. It took everything in me not to become noticeably tense.

We walked far down the hall toward my bedroom, passing the old family photos, strung up like awards. Posing as some perfect family.

I briefly passed an old photo of myself, smiling with a front tooth missing. It was at a time right before everything hit me. I was always embarrassed that I was the only 10 year old still having baby teeth. It was the last to go, even though it was the farthest front. I was holding an award for fastest skater at a 12 year old hockey camp. I was always one of the best and they allowed me to play with the 12 year olds and I beat them all. I was so proud. I was smiling so bright and up close you could see the beads of sweat dripping from forehead. My family and I had stood over a carpet on the ice, while I was still in all my gear. I still have that sweater.

I snapped out of my daze and remembered where and what I was doing. Charlie didn't question my slowed speed, he just followed mindlessly, like he was stressing.

I pushed open my bedroom door and stepped inside. I made a way to my bed and sat down and sat my back against the pale walls. My comforter felt so warm and I just felt so cold.

Charlie moved to my desk chair and sat down. He fidgeted with the back of his head, the strands of hair growing long. He told me he was gonna get a flow by the end of the season, I guess he's well on his way now. His hair looked soft, if I could touch it I bet it would be. He looked nice with longer hair, but I would never say it.

"So," he began. I whipped my eyes to his dark ones, I wanted to give my full attention. I want to know what he has to say and I want him to know I care.

"So." I prompted.

"I don't know how to start off with this." He touched his long eyelashes. "I guess I should start off by asking are you, um, homophobic?"