For Him, I Stayed

Chapter 39: "Unraveling Secrets"

Note:
"WAHHH THE ENDING OF 'FOR HIM I STAYED' STORY IS ALMOST COMING ENDING!!!..."

Warning:
none.
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Chapter 39: "Unraveling Secrets"

The evening after school was a quiet one. Ray sat at the kitchen table in the Evans household, the familiar clinking of plates and silverware a comforting backdrop as the family gathered for dinner. It was a tradition that Ray always looked forward to—a time when everything felt normal, even though things had changed so much in the past few months.

Skyler, ever the easy-going presence, was engaged in a lively conversation with Avilian about their day. Avilian had just returned from a hospital shift, her face still radiating warmth despite the long hours. She had a calm and patient aura that Ray had always admired, but tonight, something felt different.

Ray glanced at the empty chair beside him. Matthew was supposed to be here, but after a series of texts that morning, they'd agreed it would be better to tell his family first, before introducing Matthew to the mix. Tonight, it was about Ray.

“You’ve been quiet, Ray,” Skyler remarked from across the table, noticing the thoughtful expression on his younger brother's face. “What’s going on? You still thinking about that confession?”

Ray looked up, surprised. “Confession? You mean...?”

Skyler raised an eyebrow, his grin only widening. “Come on, man. You’re dating Matthew now. I’m assuming you told Dad?”

Ray took a deep breath, realizing that Skyler was giving him the opening he needed. His pulse quickened a little. He had rehearsed this moment in his head countless times, but now that it was real, his words felt heavier than before.

“I... uh... actually, I haven’t told Dad yet,” Ray admitted, glancing at their Father, who was busy serving dinner. “I was going to tonight. I just... I don’t know if I’m ready to have the whole conversation just yet.”

Skyler sat up straighter, looking at him with more seriousness than Ray had expected. “Ray, you’ve been carrying this around for a while now. And I can tell you’re feeling something for Matthew. Don’t you think it’s time?”

Ray shifted in his seat. “I guess you’re right. I just—what if they don’t understand?” He had never been particularly good at expressing vulnerability, and the thought of having to justify his feelings for Matthew made him feel more exposed than he ever liked.

Avilian, who had been silently listening, placed a gentle hand on Ray’s shoulder. “You don’t have to have all the answers right away, Ray. Your parents love you. They want what’s best for you. If Matthew is the person who makes you happy, they’ll support you. But you have to be honest with them, just like you’ve been honest with yourself.”

Ray exhaled slowly. “I know. I’ve been thinking about it a lot... But it’s just scary, you know?”

Skyler reached across the table, giving him a playful tap on the shoulder. “I get it. It’s a big deal. But don’t let the fear stop you from doing what feels right. If you’ve learned anything from me, it’s that life is too short not to be honest. Besides, I have a feeling that Matthew’s a keeper.”

Ray chuckled nervously, his fingers running over the edge of his water glass. “Yeah, he is. I really like him, Sky. More than I thought I would.”

Skyler’s smile softened, and for the first time in a while, he looked at Ray not as his younger brother, but as someone who was figuring out their own life. It made Ray feel seen in a way that was both comforting and overwhelming.

“I can tell,” Skyler said quietly. “You’ve got this, Ray. Don’t worry about it too much. It’ll be fine.”

As the conversation shifted to other topics, Ray felt the weight of the world slowly lift off his shoulders. He hadn’t expected to get this kind of reassurance from his brother. But it was what he needed, and it was the last little push he needed to make things official with his family.

The evening passed with laughter and lighthearted chatter. But in the back of Ray’s mind, he couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation he had to have. The one where he’d tell his parents about Matthew. Where he’d finally stop pretending and allow himself to be fully open about who he was and who he loved.

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Later That Night

Ray sat in his room, his phone in his hand. The soft glow from his screen illuminated his face as he sent a quick text to Matthew. “I’ll tell them tonight. Wish me luck.”

The reply came almost immediately: “You’ve got this, Ray. I’ll be here, no matter what.”

Ray smiled to himself, the warmth in his chest returning. Matthew’s unwavering support was something he didn’t take for granted. Tonight, he was going to be brave. Tonight, he was going to tell his parents the truth.

He took a deep breath, gathering the courage to walk downstairs. He could hear his mom and dad talking in the living room, and he knew that this was the moment. He was going to do it.

As Ray walked into the living room, both of his parents looked up, smiles on their faces. They didn’t know what was coming, but Ray could feel their curiosity. It was time.

“Dad,” Ray began, his voice steady but not without a hint of nerves, “there’s something I need to tell you.”

His Dad gave him a warm smile. “What is it, Ray? You can tell us anything, you know that.”

Ray took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around his phone. “I’m dating someone,” he said, his voice barely a whisper but carrying the weight of everything he’d been holding back. “His name’s Matthew, and he makes me happy. I just... wanted you to know.”

For a moment, there was only silence. His dad’s expression softened, and his dad leaned forward, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“I thought it might be time to tell you,” Ray added, his heart pounding in his chest. “I care about him. A lot.”

His father looked at him with a serious expression, but there was no anger, no disappointment—just a quiet understanding.

“Ray,” his dad said, his voice deep and thoughtful. “You’re my son, and I love you. Whoever you choose to be with, as long as they treat you well and make you happy, that’s all that matters.”

Ray felt the breath leave his body in a rush. It wasn’t as hard as he thought it would be. He had the support of his family.

His Dad smiled softly, his voice filled with warmth. “We’re happy for you, Ray. Just make sure you’re being true to yourself, okay?”

Ray nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He wasn’t hiding anymore. He wasn’t pretending. He was who he was, and that was enough.

And when Matthew finally came into the picture, he’d be ready for whatever came next.

---

To Be Continued...