A Kiss on the Neck

Steering Away From Oblivion

“All high school boys must report to the IMC immediately.”  

All the boys in my advisor class got up in an uproar. I silently waited until they were all out to even attempt to walk out the door. I clutched my books to my chest. I wonder what this is all about...  

I walked quietly behind a big group of jocks. My ex-best friend Tyler walked peacefully alongside them, as long as he was popular he was content. They were walking too slow so I tried to whip around them hoping not to get noticed.

“I hear this is about some pedo faggot. Hey Felix, you never know he might be your type!”

Andrew, the lead jock threw at me. Tyler looked at me sadly. Tyler stopped being my friend when I came out. He grew up in a highly religious family so no matter how hard I tried to get him to accept me he wouldn’t, his views were and are stuck. I clutched my books tighter to my chest, withholding my boiling fury. It felt like an eternity before i reached the IMC. Everyone was seated next to their groups. I found an empty chair near the back of the room. Mr. Sykes, our principal blew his whistle to calm the chaos, an almost instantaneous hush fell over the crowd.

“I’m sure some of you know what this is about already but, I’m here to clear up some things that might be foggy.”

With this he clicked a button and a mug shot appeared on the projector screen. A rather handsome man who looked to be about in his mid 20’s beamed mysteriously at us. His hair was pretty much white, almost matching his ivory skin. His sharp red eyes pierced me just looking at a picture of him.

“This man is Vicktor Albescu. He was just released from Bartholomeus Prison a week ago. This is serious Andrew!”

Mr. Sykes angrily pointed his finger at Andrew.

“This man was sentenced to 4th degree sexual assault to a minor, who was a male. I don’t care if you know who it was, okay? Just be careful.”

Andrew raised his hand. I mentally prepared myself for the abusive comment.

“Felix! He’s just your type!”

Everyone burst into a roar of laughter. I’m use to it now, idiot. I rolled my eyes and looked out the window to the parking lot. Mr. Sykes tried to calm them down but everyone was use to it as much as I was.

A figured scurried across the parking lot in a cloak. I caught a glimpse of light blonde hair. What if that’s him? I laughed at myself, maybe all Andrew’s comments and the nearing Halloween date is making my head a little strange. I thought to myself.  

Everyone was dismissed. I walked over to my favorite section of book in the IMC and checked out a book on the spanish civil war. I love soaking up knowledge. The bell rang and I rushed to my locker. Tyler was already at his locker next to mine. as usual I acted like he wasn't there.  I fumbled to get my books and shut my locker. When I turned around a hand found my elbow. I knew it was Tyler. I shook my hand out of his weak grip and turned to him. His eyes fell sadly.

“Felix... I just wanted to apologize for Andrew.. He can be really mean sometimes.”

I glared up at him.

“I’m use to it.”

I said sharply. Tylers shoulders fell.

“Felix... I really am sorry...”

I knew that this wasn’t about Andrew anymore. I snickered.

“If you really were you would still be my friend.”

I put on a stoic facade.

“Felix...”

I raised my eyebrows and refused to look him in the eyes.