Split Love

4: The Note

It was the first day of grade 12. Ben and Daniel were ready for the stories they'd have to tell by the end of the week. The ranting they'd do at the end of each day, both dramatically sighing as they complained about new teachers and students.

The two ended up together first period, taking seats close to the back of the class by the windows. The class was loud from everybody talking about the summer and what they did.

"Look at all of them talking about what beaches they went to, where they flew but I was perfectly fine with you and your - Sarah! Hey!" Daniel quickly changed the topic as Sarah walked over and leaned in front of Ben's desk, clearly trying to make her breasts bigger and more obvious (which was a difficult task, the girl was so skinny and flat she looked a bit like a ruler.)

"Oh you know, went to the Dominican, skinny dipped, got together with and broke up with 7 boyfriends. . ." she said while looking at her nails pretending like she wasn't trying to flirt with Ben. Daniel rolled his eyes beside him, Ben felt tempted to push her out the window.

"Everybody, take your seats!" The teacher shouted. She was ancient with tight features and tangled grey hair piled on her thin head. Everybody instantly sat down, they didn't want to start off the year by pissing her off. "So as you all know I'm-" she was cut off by somebody entering the room, a boy that Ben didn't recognize.

He was tall, but not quiet as tall as Ben, he had brown hair neatly combed and gelled on top of his head, he was wearing beige dress pants that had a blue collar shirt tucked into them. His shoes where polished and looked expensive. And was that a cravat?

"My apologies, m'am, I had trouble finding class and had to ask for help." His voice was soft and calming, but had barely any expression.

"Psh, get a load of this guy. Hey, buddy! This is high school! Not church!" Sarah sneered, looking for attention from the boys.

Daniel snorted. "How would you know how people dress at church, like you've ever been." Ben stifled a laugh.

Sarah yelped, turning away from them, moving so quick her hair nearly whipped Daniel's face. "I'm done talking with you!"

"Fantastic! Way ahead of you, sister!" Daniel said, flipping his middle finger up at her from behind.

"Ah, right, new kid. . ." She flipping through her papers. "Arthur, is it?"

"I go by Sandy, actually." He said in the same gentle, but monotone voice. Mumbles flew through the room: "girls name?" "Trans kid?" "What's his deal?" "What on earth is he wearing?"

"Okay then, Sandy, find and empty desk" The old woman shot an angry glare at the muttering students to silence them, before smiling at Sandy, you could tell she liked him.

Sandy met Ben's eyes from across the room; they gleamed. He ignored the comments from other students and marched down the aisle to take a seat in front of Ben. Sarah searched him over with her plain eyes, her pink painted mouth twisted in interest and hunger.

He dropped his binder that looked like a briefcase on the table and whipped out a pen and piece of paper. He scribbled something on the corner of the page before ripping it off, folding it and turning to place it on Ben's desk and slide it towards him.

Ben, surprised, hesitated before taking the note under the table to read it.

Sandy, it said in big, flourished hand writing. Along with a phone number and a side note that said: Sandy is a boy's name, I am very much a boy. Hopefully you don't mind that, though ;). Call or text anytime. Ben sat staring at the note for awhile in confusion before it clicked: he's gay, and interested in me.

Ben's heart began to pound. Could Sandy tell Ben was gay? Was he being that obvious?
Daniel shifted uncomfortably beside him. Ben hadn't tried to hide the note from him, he hadn't expected the phone number when he opened it.

He reached across to rub his thumb over Daniel's knuckles, which were white from gripping the chair, giving him a warm smile.

Daniel tried to smile back, but it was strained with jealousy.