Chapter 12
As the newest members of the Gay-Straight Alliance, Ivan and Jesse walked out of the room along with everyone else.
"Hey." The two looked to their right to see the new boy greeting them with a smile.
"Hey,dude." Jesse immediately responded, but in a controlled nonchalant voice. Ivan settled for a friendly hi.
"This is kind of embarrassing but our family just moved here and I don't really know anyone. I was wondering if I could have lunch with you guys." The boy asked.
"Sure thing," was Jesse's eager reply.
"I'm Max by the way." The boy said and offered his hand.
Jesse shook it, replying, "I'm Jesse and this is my friend Ivan." He cocked his head towards Ivan. He didn't let go of the new boy's hand for a few more nanoseconds, enjoying the feel of it.
Privy to Jesse's intentions, Ivan settled for a nod as he said, "Nice to meet you."
The three boys got their lunch and Ivan and Jesse led the way to their usual spot under the tree. The two found out more about Max as he shared his story while they walked. Max's family had relocated for his dad's work. His mother was a stay at home mom and he had a little brother.
"You do know there are tables inside the cafeteria and over there at the quad." Max commented as they sat down on the grass.
"This is kind of my—our spot." Ivan changed the word when Jesse cleared his throat loudly.
"Oh, that's cool. You guys must be pretty tight." Max said with a look of admiration towards the two boys.
"Yeah. We are really tight." Jesse said with a devilish grin. Ivan didn't fail to catch Jesse's usual sexual innuendo. Max, not knowing Jesse, missed it.
"So, what made you decide to join the alliance?" Ivan asked.
"My younger brother's gay." He paused to let it sink in. "And this is the way I show that I support him no matter what."
Jesse and Ivan nodded at each other, genuinely impressed.
"Wow. You're a great brother." Jesse commented.
Max blushed which the two found cute. "I try to be. He's just in grade school, you know. I just can't imagine someone as young as him going through all of that alone."
"But did he say he was sure? I mean, he just might be confused." Ivan inquired.
"Oh, he's sure alright. He is like a little version of Randy actually." Max smiled and Jesse noticed his gorgeous dimples.
"Awww. That's cute." Jesse remarked, more towards the dimple than the thought of a mini-Randy.
"Really?" Max and Ivan asked. Max was genuinely surprised while Ivan doubted Jesse would find anything associated with Randy cute.
Max looked at Ivan, catching on his tone. "I just think cute isn't the appropriate word." Ivan reasoned. However, he couldn't offer any alternative.
"I mean, it's cool that he's not afraid to express himself." Jesse explained.
"Yeah. That's exactly how he is." Max said.
"How about you Max? Are you also, uh, gay?" Ivan inquired. He and Jesse looked at each other.
"Oh, no. I'm straight." He answered.
"Oh. Dude, that's cool." Jesse tried to hide his disappointment while Ivan gave him a subtle sympathetic look. "I'm straight too." Ivan, surprised by Jesse's words, looked at him but hid the questioning look on his face from Max
