Theories.

Keep in Touch {twenty-seven}

I share some parts of my college experience so far, but I want to hear from Marcus, so I let him speak. It sounds like he's doing great, passing with only one B and the rest are A's. I've always been a little jealous of him and his experiences, but now I just smile at his stories. They're just like mine. We're both in college and living practically the same life.

"So how about you, Quinten? Got someone special on your shoulder?" Mrs. Clarkson asks. I know I'm blushing as I bite into a peach, but I smile anyway. Marcus looks down at his plate of food.

"Maybe," I nod.

"Well who is he?" she asks. I pause mid chew. I never told Principal Clarkson I was bisexual. I don't even think I've actually told anyone. I've just... been. I don't even think Frasier knows I'm attracted to women. Just because I haven't dated one, or been with one at all, really. "Oh, honey. Now don't think I didn't know that about you. Please," she chuckles.

"His name is Frasier. He's Polish."

"Yeah? What else?" Mrs. Clarkson asks eagerly.

"He's artistic. Um, likes poetry and music and photography. Wants to make a career in photojournalism." As I describe Frasier, I can see Marcus frown with every bite. He can act like it doesn't affect him, but I know otherwise. I don't want to make him feel this way. "He's damn rich too."

"Well, life isn't about money, we all know that," Mrs. Clarkson says. Marcus and I nod in agreement. "I'm retiring soon. It breaks my heart seeing kids in this world... getting nowhere, finding comfort in drugs and alcohol. It's getting worse out there."

"Mama," Marcus warns. She always did have this habit of getting a little depressing sometimes. "So where you stayin' man?"

"I have enough for a hotel or something," I respond. I already know what's coming, so I just smile to myself.

"Oh no. No way you're staying in these cheap motels with them drug infested rooms, honey. You're staying here, in Monty's old room."

I shake my head, even though I know there's no way Mrs. Clarkson is going to let me go. I don't want to stay in Marcus' dad's room, though. "Quinten..."

"If you'll have me," I finally say. No point in turning it away. "I gotta go see Lani, though."

Nobody says anything for a second. I wish for nothing more than I wish for Lailani to be safe.

**********

It's getting dark outside as I walk up to our house. I didn't tell Lani I was coming home. I miss the hell out of her. I knock on the door four times before I hear shifting inside. Someone's home, but I don't know if they'll let me in. Good thing I figured out this door ages ago. I twist the knob and lift up at the same time, and then ram my shoulder into it.

Lani sits at the kitchen table, and when she sees the door burst open, she immediately stands up, on the defensive. At the sight of me, her fists drop to her side, and she lets her jaw drop.

Without saying a single word, we meet in the middle, hugging each other tight.

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a/n: hayyy i can't think of anything clever to put here so vote comment and don't forget to subscribe and like for more funny jokes