Tainted Perfection [bxb]

Chapter 24 - Hospital

Music - Too Afraid by MARINA

•••

Todd

"We'll be on our way," Bryce announced as both Cole and him stood from their stools, preparing to leave. Gray acknowledged them with an almost unnoticeable nod. "Aren't you gonna go home yet , Hitcher?"

"Yeah, I'll stay here for a while," I told them and soon they left the room. When I looked at Gray, he was staring at the ceiling, his face not showing any signs of emotion. His injuries were serious enough to get him sent to the hospital. "Aunt Tessie should be here anytime soon."

"The entire school now probably knows I'm gay," Gray said and sighed. He snickered and added, "I'm fucking up my life so hard right now, it's almost funny."

"Just don't think about it too much," I told him as I tapped on his arm. "Bryce and Cole seemed fine with it. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad. Maybe people aren't so bad after all."

"Thank god, you're here," He let out a soft chuckle but was unable to turn because of his neck brace. "I need that kind of positivity in my life."

"I got you, man. Don't worry about it."

"We haven't really been communicating these past few weeks because I was so busy with Gio," Gray spoke. He then asked, "Let's catch up. How have you been?"

"I'm doing pretty good actually," I replied. Then I continued, "I'm not exactly sure if it is what it is, but I'm courting Tony."

"Tony? Jo's bro?" He asked and I nodded, not realizing Gray wasn't able to see me. He stifled a laugh and added, "he must've really impressed you at ROY G'BIV, huh?"

I let out a giggle and shook my head. "We've already met before so I wouldn't say that was the sole reason why I'm attracted to him," I explained. "I can't really explain how, but I just really, really like him."

"I wouldn't blame you. Tony seems like a nice guy," said Gray. He continued, "and hot too."

"Yeah, he's amazing." I found myself daydreaming about last night and this morning. Discovering that Tony also had feelings for me felt like I was back to being a kid again, unwrapping presents on Christmas morning and finding out they were exactly what I wished for. "I can't wait to see him on Thanksgiving."

My eyes landed on Gray's closed eyes, a small smile painted on his face. The bags under his eyes seemed to tell me that they haven't had enough rest these past two days. "How about I invite you and Aunt Tessie for Thanksgiving?"

He heaved a sigh before replying, "I have to ask Aunt Tessie about that first, but I would love to."

"You are always welcome at home, Gray." I let him know before someone knocked on the door. As I went to get the door, I told him, "I'm planning on getting my hands on the new Sonic game tomorrow night. We'll play lots of it on Thursday night."

When I opened the door, I was met by an unfamiliar face who was just as equally confused as I was. "Is this Gray Parker's room?" asked the guy whose voice reminded me of Tony, but a lot sharper.

I nodded and said, "Yes, this is his room. And you are?"

"I'm his... I'm a friend of his," He replied and looked behind me to take a peek at Gray. "I'm Giorgio."

My eyes were fixated on his face as soon as I realized that he was the guy who convinced Gray to come out to his parents. The guy who promised him everything but gave him nothing. "I know you," I said not breaking eye contact with him. I then asked, "Can we talk?"