The Religious & The Damaged

22

Joseph

  I walk into detention and take a seat in the back of the room. I sit back and look to my right when Nick and Elias walk in.

  "Take your seats, boys."

  I make eye contact with them, and Nick looks unsure of what to do with himself—while Elias invites himself in the seat across from me.

  Nick sits next to him with a huff, his eyes meeting mine again briefly and he looks threatening.

  I know it's because he's protective of Elias, and I can't help but respect that, so I don't react.

  I look in front of me; at my desk.

  He seemed okay with me at lunch, other than the occasional glares, like now. Elias must've talked to him or something because before he would voice just how he felt about me, especially after the fight with Spencer.

  I tense when a paper is placed in front of me. I glance up at Elias, and he smiles back at me.

  I look down and pick it up, and as I hide it under the desk, I'm suddenly aware of how hard my heart races at this new found friendship I find myself in. And I'm happy about it.

  I open the note, and it reads: Do you want to hang out at your place tomorrow?

  I'm flustered, but I remember what my father said, and I frown.

  I can't hang out with him with my father around. Elias told me at lunch that he's not at home at the moment, but maybe I can sneak him in.

  I really want to hang out with him.

  I take a pencil from inside the desk and write back.

  Okay but I have to sneak you in. My father doesn't really want me talking to you anymore.

  I look up and tap his arm gently, and he looks over his shoulder at me. I discreetly pass the note back to him, and he turns.

  I watch the back of his head, my cheeks burn hot as I think about me and Elias in my room once again.

  Forgive me-

  I shut my eyes in frustration.

  No. I can't worry about that anymore—if I do, I won't ever be able to accept what I am and move forward.

  I flinch when I feel a tap on my hand, and I look up. He passes the note back. I open it just how I did before.

  I don't want to get you in trouble...

  I stare at it, not knowing how to respond.

  Obviously, I want to hang out with him—more than anything—but would saying it seem clingy? Do I reassure him?

  I hesitate, but write back: It'll be nice doing something wrong for once with you.

  I shake my head a single time and scribble out "with you" before handing it back to him.