"Okay," Brad said.
Tris's eyes flicked around the room. "I just don't want to be treated any differently."
"Yeah, of course, I get it," Brad affirmed.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." Brad was too afraid to say anything else.
He left Tris's house shortly after with an awkward wave.
---------------------------------
Brad texted Carrie: So Tris is bi.
Yeah, I think I'm becoming a psychiatrist, Carrie replied.
Uh huh
Did he tell you?
Yeah.
And did you tell him that you're gay?
No.
Well why not?
Because I'm scared
why? It's not like he'll judge you. What are you scared of? It seemed that Carrie was full of questions.
I don't know.
suuuuuuure. I think you like him.
Do you ever get tired of being always right? Brad indirectly confirmed Caroline's statement.
Nope never ;)
Don't meddle. Promise?
Of course
Brad tucked his phone in his pocket and sank further into his couch.
-----------------------------
Brad tried to act the same way around Tris that he always had, but it was hard knowing that his crush actually did like his gender.
"What's going on with you?" Connor commented on Brad's ridiculous smile.
"Not telling!" Brad replied.
Connor furrowed his eyebrows. "Okay dude." He turned to James and James just shrugged.
Tristan gave no indication of telling James or Connor about his sexuality. Tris and Brad hadn't talked about it since Tris came out.
And so life continued for a couple weeks.
------------------------
On Thursday, Tris walked into band practice flanked by a guy. An attractive one, which disappointed Brad.
"Hey guys, this is Corey. I, uh, told him about our band and he wanted to check us out," Tris said.
The guys quickly invited Corey in, Brad with a tight smile.
Brad knew he shouldn't jump to conclusions. He's probably just a friend.
When Corey left, the four decided to call it a day. They had practiced enough.
Brad couldn't continue to be in the dark about Corey. He took Tris outside and just talked.
"Is Corey your . . . boyfriend?" Brad asked Tris.
"What if he is?" Tris replied.
Brad's heart sank and he couldn't get any comprehensive words out.
"Would you have a problem with it?" Tris suggested, his tone getting stern. "He's not, but I thought you were okay with this. I told you in trust."
"I am okay, Tris!" Brad said.
Tris shook his head. "I really don't know. Your reaction spoke for itself."
"No, I promise!" he pleaded. "I'm supportive of you and anyone you'll choose to date." No matter how much it hurts.
"I don't-"
"It's not what you think," Brad responded, his voice getting soft.
"Then enlighten me," Tris said.
" . . . I can't."
"Oh," Tris said pointedly.
Brad didn't know exactly why, but he wasn't ready to come out to Tristan yet. The bad thing was that now Tris thought Brad was homophobic. Ugh.
Brad left Tris with a heavy heart and a need to talk. He figured that if he wasn't ready to come out to Tris yet, maybe he should come out to someone else as practice. Besides, it needed to be done anyway.
Brad took out his phone and scrolled through his contacts.
Mum.
He let out a breath and dialed.
"Hello?" his mother greeted.
"Hey Mum, its Brad."
"Oh Brad," his mum gushed, "it's so great to hear from you!"
"Yeah, I was actually wondering if I could stop by over the weekend?"
Brad asked.
"Of course! Come Saturday morning, is that good?"
Brad replied, "Great, Mum."
His mother hung up first.
-----------------------------------------
Brad got to his parents' home at 11:30. He managed to get one knock on the door before it was opened and he was smothered in a hug.
"You're just in time for lunch," Brad's mother said.
"Okay Mum, let me say hi to Dad first," Brad stated.
His father was in the living room. "Hello Bradley."
"Hey Dad!" Brad replied.
"So, what brings you back here?" his father asked.
"I just wanted to spend some time with you and Mum," Brad responded. Lie.
His dad smiled. "We always like having you and your sister around."
"Boys, lunch!" Brad's mother called.
Brad filled his parents in on all the things they didn't know, except for one little detail.
[I'm so bad at updating]
