Unwanted Romance

Kyson’s POV

      His eyes. Big, blue, and beautifully mesmerizing. As I stared into them, I couldn’t help but wonder how lucky I was as to be with Chris. I’d dated so many people, but I had never felt such a strong connection with anyone else.

      Suddenly, we’re pulled out of our daze by the ‘click’ of a phone camera. Chris and I jerk up to find the source of the noise. It was Melissa, our best friend. My stomach turned and it became hard to breathe. If that picture got out, my life would be ruined. If that picture got out, my hopes of having a peaceful high school experience would go straight down the toilet. If that picture got out, who knew what would happen. I’ve read about relationships like mine and Chris’ ending in suicide. I don’t want to feel like I have to kill myself because I’m in love.

      And I swear, I’m not over exaggerating this. If Melissa took the picture, it WILL get out. Don’t get me wrong, I love Liz to death, but she’s obsessed with Facebook. She will post that picture, no doubt. The last thing I need is someone connecting two and two because of some dumb Facebook post.

      I guess Chris could read my facial expression, because he got up and wrestled Liz’ iPhone out of her hands and deleted the photo. My heart rate slowed, and my head stopped buzzing. That was close.

      “Aww! You’re not fun, Chris,” Liz whined, “Those pictures are the reason I live!” Chris rolled his eyes and handed Liz’ phone back to her.

      “Hey, Ky, are you okay?” Liz asked me, concern plastering her face.

      “Huh?” I asked, confused at first. “Oh, yeah. I’m fine.”

      “Oh, it’s just that you’re super pale. Do you want something to eat?” Liz asked, obviously still worried.

      “I’m fine, Liz. Just not feeling great,” I informed her. “I think I’m gonna call Jesse to see if he can come pick me up.” At the mention of my older brother’s name, Liz’ face lit up.

      “Jesse?” Liz asked

      “Oh come on, Liz.” Chris said “He’s a senior.”

      “And I’m a freshman.” Liz stated “Now that we’re done playing ‘Guess the Grade,’ let’s get onto the next subject.”

      “You do know that he’s still dating Vanessa, right?” I ask her

      “Yeah,” Liz answered, still smiling “So? Can’t a girl dream?” I rolled my eyes. One thing I’ve learned is that when Liz has a crush, she has a crush. I mean, she goes all out. Naming the kids they’d have together (in this case, Matthew, Cassidy, and Whitney), what her wedding dress would be when they got married (a white Cinderella gown), and even comes up with code names for them. Jesse’s is Hotaeseseef. Don’t ask how she came up with it because I'm not even quite sure.

      “Yeah, I should probably get going too.” Chris said as he stood up.

      “Wow,” Liz said “Some friends I have. Whatever.” She joked. I laughed as I pulled out my phone to call my older brother.

      “Chris, you wanna ride home?” I asked my secret boyfriend. Gosh I love calling him that. Boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend.

      “Yeah, sure.” Chris said casually. Right before I hit the call button to call Jesse, I get a text notification from Chris.

      From: Chris

        Would it be too much of a bother if I ask to spend the night tonight?

      I smiled. My boyfriend spending the night sounded like a plan to me. I quickly typed a response to him, sent a quick text to my mom seeing if she was okay with Chris spending the night, and finally called Jesse to get him to come pick up me and Chris. It took some convincing, but after I told him I’d do his laundry next laundry day, he practically teleported to Liz’ house.

      A few minutes later, I get a message from Jesse telling me that he’s there.

      “I’ll walk you guys out.” Liz announced, even though neither of us asked.

      “Hey, Jess. Thanks for picking us up.”  I called to my brother.

      “Sure thing,” Jesse replied “Oh, and remember, I like my boxers dry cleaned.”

      “Shot gun!” Chris yelled as he jumped in the front seat of my brother’s car.

      “Hey, Jesse,” Liz said in a somewhat seductive voice. She’s not the best when it comes to flirting, so seducing was for sure out of the question.

      “Hi Melissa.” Liz’ cheeks reddened.

      “So, um, uh, yeah. Hi.” She stuttered. Uh oh. I’m never going to hear the end of this tonight when she texts me.

      “Yeah.” Jesse said awkwardly. “So, are you two ready to go?”

       “Yep.” Chris and I said at the same time.

       “Alright,” Jess said as he turned his car on “See you, Melissa.”

       “Bye Liz!” Chris called.

       “See you Monday, Lizzy!” I called

       “Don’t call me Lizzy!” Liz snapped back as we pulled out of her driveway. I chuckled. I don’t understand why she doesn’t like being called Lizzy. It’s a cute name. She says it’s because she’s “not a Lizzy,” she’s a Liz.

      Finally, right when Jesse is asking whether Chris is coming home or he has to drop him off, I get a text from mom saying its fine if he sleeps over. After replying with a quick “Thanks,” I tell Jesse that he’ll be sleeping over.

      Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This chick’s mom is insane! Who, in their right mind, would let their daughter’s boyfriend spend the night?!” Well, I’m not exactly my mother’s daughter. I’m my mother’s son.

      I’m gay.