Drowning in a River of Denial (Jalex)

With His Hands So Cold They Shake

HI THIS IS KIND A FILLER BUT ALSO NOT. also, I would like to mention my family can be like how Alex's are in this lmao.

Alex
It was an excruciating night which consisted of my nagging Aunty, my pissed off uncle and let's not forget my two little cousins who loved screaming. It was possibly one of the worst family experiences ever.

I spent more time than I should have checking the phone, expecting the screen to light up with Jack's name. But there wasn't a text, there were no calls and I didn't know why I was expecting it. He was at a party- he wasn't going to spend his night worrying about me like I did with mine.

I gave up checking my phone (mostly) after dinner. I half expected my Mum to look over at me and tell me that I could leave the room at that point, but instead she gave me a slight push towards the loungeroom where they all were headed.

And it got worse when I found out they were all going to stay for the weekend. My parents neglected to tell me this most likely because they knew I wouldn't be okay with it. They'd be completely right in assuming that because I was pissed. I could only put up with them for so long.

Don't get me wrong, I've always loved my family and always knew it came first and all that crap, but I also knew that being a closeted, gay teenager and being around mildly homophobic family members wasn't fun. It wasn't like they'd be dicks if I did tell them, but I knew they'd be different towards me. Mum agreed that my uncle wasn't the most accepting man, and my aunt automatically agreed with everything he said.

It became kind of ridiculous when I glanced down at my phone and saw it was midnight and there I was, still in a tie and white button up and still sat across from my Aunty and uncle. Their kids had fallen asleep long ago (thankfully) and I kind of wished I was them because I'd rather be asleep than hear anything more about their lives.

"How is everything, Alex?" My uncle spoke with a bellowing laugh. I cringed slightly before forcing a smile.

"Um, good," I replied with a nervous chuckle.

"Great, great... Your mother tells me your grades are good," he said, and I could tell he was past the point of buzzed when I heard him slur certain words.

"Yeah, they're good," I could tell I was being awkward, but could I really be blamed?

"Wonderful. Got lots of friends at your new school?" He asked, bringing the red wine up to his lips. 

"Yeah. Everyone's very friendly," I expand, not wanting to sound rude or disinterested.

"Good... Any girls caught your eye, son?" I cringed at the name and also at the fact that he had already asked me earlier that night. He was one of those drunk people who seemed to forget what they had and hadn't already said.

I opened my mouth, on the verge of saying, no, the person that's "caught my eye" has a dick. It must have been fate that my phone rang before I said it, or maybe it was just good karma, but I was glad it happened when it did. I gave my uncle an apologetic look, telling him it was important and excusing myself. My Mum makes eye contact with me, giving me a look and I mouth Jack. She sighs but nods, allowing me to leave the room. I can faintly hear her explain that I really did need to take the call.

"Hello?" I answer, ascending the stairs. He doesn't reply for a moment, but I know he's there because I can hear the distinct sound of bass in the background.

"Alex," he says finally. I frown because he doesn't sound quite right.

"Jack? What's up?" I say, keeping my voice low until I reach my room.