"That's terrible Zo!" Johnny looked really sad, like something awful happened to him too. "Hey, it's okay. He was a jerk, anyways." I game him my best sympathetic smile, then touched his hand.
"Zo, there is something I need to tell you." My heart stopped. He didn't like me. I was coming on too strong. I should just keep to smiling. With that thought I quickly pulled my hand off of his. DAMMIT!
"Umm, s-sure, what's on your mind?" I implied gently.
"Well, I know we only met yesterday, but I feel like I've known you longer, and-" he paused, fiddling with his fingers nervously. Then Johnny blurted, "And I really trust you!" Then his face relaxed and his eyes sparkled and he looked like he just accomplished something big. "Well, I'm glad you feel that way too." I gave him a one-hundred watt smile, then he looked away.
"No. That's not what I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you that-" He paused again. I waited until he continued. He made his steady, blue gaze meet mine then quietly said, "I'm gay." WHAT! HOW COULD HE BE GAY! The first person I have a crush on turns out to be gay! He doesn't like me the way I like him! He likes guys!
"Oh." I said. "Well, this isn't going to get in the way if our growing friendship is it?" I couldn't look at him.
"Of course not, Zo!" He laughed at me, then got up and took my small hand in his. He made me stand up, then added, "Chris really isn't my bro, either. He was my partner."
"Was?"
"Yeah. He told me he didn't like Wisconsin and took off last night."
"Oh, I'm sorry Johnny." I hugged him.
"Nah, don't be! We only dated for like a week. Chris, really wasn't that interesting."
"Well, ok then. Hey, can you come to my dad's funeral on Friday? I really could use some support."
"Sure." I smiled at him, then we went off to algebra. Ah, hell.
