Dear Jackson

Chapter 16

"Hey Jackson?"

I questioned him with a pausing manner as we sat on the park bench.

"Yes BamBam?"

He spoke while watching a flock of birds in the sky flap their wings and fly off. It's been almost a month since Jackson came out to the entire class that he's homosexual as well. Of course the news spread like wildfire. Prom passed, but we decided not to go and just spend the night together on the beach. No one has been bothering me verbally or physically, but I would get a few looks here and there of disgust.

"Has anyone bullied you? You know, about the entire situation?"

I asked concerned and hesitantly. I was worried, but also afraid to hear the answer. Jackson turned and faced me with a small smile plastered on his profile. He took a small inhalation of oxygen before letting the answer roll off his tongue.

"No, not at all. I feel peaceful to be honest. Like a wall has finally been torn and converted to dust and gravel."

The look in his eyes as I locked my own with them was missing the traits of stress, anxiety, and guilt. This made me feel at ease and lose the same unnecessary emotions.

"Jackson, I'm extremely happy and relieved to hear that. I as well can give you the same answer. No more bruises on my skin, or my mentality."

We both shared a positive filled energy around our shared bubble. The rain cloud passed, and now the sun is out.

"He looks familiar."

Jackson spoke aloud while pointing across the park. I followed his direction and watched a male figure approach the swingset. His aurora was one that could not be figured out. It didn't look positive, but it showed no signs of negativity either. I guess the term neutral could be used.

"I think I have art class with him."

Jackson voiced quietly with furrowed eyebrows. My expression was the same in relation of curiosity and pondering. I felt a jolt sent up my spine and I widened my eyes, remembering the name of the fellow.

"That's Mark! I didn't know he lived around here."

"Mark!"

The one next to me quickly shouted his name with eagerness. Mark turned his head slowly our way, alert from hearing us call him so suddenly. I gave a friendly wave along with a smile to ensure politeness and kindness.

He left his spot of the swingset and took a path to our bench we sat upon.

"Oh hi Jackson, BamBam."

Mark was always the timid kind of being. Quiet, loner type, in his own world, but kind when spoken to.

"Hey man, what are you doing here?"

Jackson's tone was loud and eager as always.

"I live down the street from this park. I suppose you both live around here as well?"

"Yeah. How come we hardly see you in the neighborhood?"

I questioned calmly while tying my shoelaces.

"I'm an insider." Mark slightly laughed. "But I do have urges to come here once in a while."

Jackson quickly replied while giving a slight playful punch on Mark's arm.

"Hang out with us bro, it's just us two."

"I might take you up on that offer, as you both are the only one's I know so far that'll get me."

Mark's voice was calm and quiet. The kind that could read you a story to sleep.

"What do you mean by that?"

I questioned him curiously. He stared us both in the eyes with an emotion that made me feel in a trance.

"I'll say it straight out, I'm gay as well. However, once I saw Bambam being bashed for his orientation, it held me back and kept me in my shell even more. Everytime I went to approach a teacher or higher up about your situation they would just brush me off. Internally I was furiated, but on the outside I seemed timid and unapproachable. Also, what Jackson did was bold and brave, and it actually made me feel better when he presented."

Mark looked down after speaking his words, both feet kicking up dirt and mulch. Jackson gave a slight laugh before replying to his confession.

"You know I bet you're not the only one who is homosexual in school along with us. I'm pretty sure they feel the same way, except unlike you, they act like they aren't who they are. Basically fake. You know who you are, but you stay silent to not be judged. Listen to me Mark, you're your own person. Speak up for yourself and socialize more. When you talk with a friend and they ask out of curiosity which team you play for, and they don't stay by your side, so what? That just shows they were fake, and you don't need them. BamBam and I have your back and will always be there when you're down to pick you up."

I decided to add on to what Jackson proudly preached.

"Yeah Mark, if Jackson didn't defend me that day in art, I would still be receiving bruises and hurtful words. However, that moment of bullying only made me stronger. I would defend you as well if you were ever put down. You're more than welcome to come out of your shell around us. Be proud of who you are, don't be ashamed."

I smiled while patting his back, Jackson giving a thumbs up. Mark laughed happily and showed us the biggest smile I've ever seen on anybody's face.

"Thank you guys so much. For once in my dull life, I actually feel like I belong."

His toothy grin would not leave his face, and it made me feel warm inside. Like I helped someone overcome a wave of self neglect or ignorance. We stood the entire day hanging out with Mark, and even walked him back home in the evening. Our good day turned out to an even better one.

--

"So BamBam, I had an idea."

Jackson conveyed while helping me wash the dishes after dinner. My mother already fell asleep, so we decided to just be kind and clean up.

"Well what is it? Please don't let it be something insane."

I joked while stacking plates in the cabinets.

"It might be to you, but not to me. I want to start a petition and protest for equal rights in Korea for the gay community."

He spoke while rinsing a pot under running hot water. I paused in my doing and turned to him shocked.

"Really? Why Jackson?"

He turned the water off and stared at me intently, taking a few moments before continuing.

"Seeing Mark today and how he said we both helped him and made him feel better opened my eyes. That we can make a huge difference in the same gender love community. Therefore I want to be a voice and activist for those who can't speak for themselves. To help them be able to walk out there homes and have less fear of judgement. Be able to get down on one knee and propose to their partner with a right to do so! I know we will have huge support on our side, because there are thousands even millions of others just like Mark who need a voice to speak their words. I'm going to be that person."

I smiled and put my stack of plates down. Those words fed me warmth and positive power, and I as well knew deep down that many will support for change.

"You're right. I will be by your side to support you Jackson. I will be that first signature on your petition. Korea needs support too for the positive change. We can do this. Though when do you want to start?"

Jackson turned the water back on and tended to the rest of the pots and pans.

"Right after we finish these dishes."

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A/N: I put a big message in my story, I'm such a good person. /insert sarcastic tone/ Vote and comment!^^