You Were Mine From The Start (boyxboy)

The New Kid Part 2

"I told him that I was bisexual," Those words echoing in my head. I heard Taylor gasp in the corner, I looked over to her and found her with her hand over her mouth. We looked at each other with knowing looks. We both instantly knew what had happened to Alex, without him having to say another word. My heart ached for him, I don't want anyone going through what I had gone through or worse. His eyes and mine locked for a moment, I could see all the pain, the regret, the loneliness. Something I saw in myself at one point. He broke our gaze and looked at the floor, then said.

"He was shocked and was unsure how to feel about it, at least that's what he told me. He promised me that he wouldn't tell anyone, I was too worried and too naive to question it. The next day I walked through the halls and it was like walking through hell itself, everyone made fun of me. Even those who didn't know me, I was called every offensive phrase you could think of and more, I was pushed, shoved, punched, and the teachers didn't even bat an eyelid. Some of them encouraged others to do the same. I wasn't even able to get through half the day, I ran out of class and to my locker to get my things to go home. I was on my way out the door to go outside when I was jumped by a few of my soccer teammates. They said how they had to get payback for having me look at them while getting dressed or something. They beat me up mercilessly, I somehow got away and ran home."

I could hear Taylor crying from across the room. I wasn't crying, not even tearing up. After last year I forced myself not cry, get sad, or anything like that. I taught myself to stop feeling. But I did feel something, I felt like I wanted to help, but there was nothing I could do. I just sat there, listening to every word. I felt sorry for him and for anyone who has gone through what we did. I felt angry at anyone who hurt him, and most of all I felt close to him. I noticed that he got choked up while talking about his teammates, I could tell talking about all of this hurt him, but he pushed it down. His expression then changed to a blank stare, forcing those feelings back. Huh, I guess it's something people like us have in common.

"When I got home, I told my parents what had happened. They already knew about me being bisexual. They called the principle and talked with him for a while. When they got off the phone they told me that there wasn't much he could do. He could punish those who hurt you physically but he couldn't punish an entire student body over name calling, even if it was as vicious as it was. My parents didn't let me go back to school, they drove by and got all my supplies for me. I dropped out of that high school and enrolled in another one the next week. By then there were only a few months of school left, so it was hard. I remained alone, no friends. Freshman year ended, and when the first month of my sophomore year started, things got worse. People from my old high school found out which high school I went to, and they told everyone about me. It wasn't as bad, but it was bad enough that my mom and dad decided that it would be best for us to move here. When looking for high schools the first thing we asked was what was the anti-bullying policies like and how did they apply to lgbtq+ students. When we heard that this school had recently added a lgbtq+ addendum to the anti-bullying policy, we talked to Mr. Brownfield. He acknowledged that joining classes a few months later would be challenging, so he suggested a guide. All I asked for was for someone who was not homophobic, then he told me about you. To my surprise he told me that you were the one who got the addendum. I'm sorry to cause trouble, I promise to not be too needy or annoying and I'll give you space. I heard what happened to you last year, I'm sorry that you had to go through that."

 I am at a loss for words. What he described as his past seemed like hell on earth. Yet, he talked about it as if he were talking about what he had for lunch. He seems so strong and confident on the outside, but I can see what no one else can. I see it in his eyes, I recognize the way he struggles to meet peoples eyes when he speaks. The way he seems so unfazed by all that happened to him, he hides it well. Just like me.

 I say, "Alex, I would love to guide you throughout school, don't worry about being a drag, I can do that enough for the both of us." I smile at him, he chuckles. "I know how hard it is being the way we are, but I want you to know that things are different here. People are so much more acceptant, there a few ignorant people that stay homophobic but they don't matter. I can't imagine what it was like going through what you went through alone. But you're not alone anymore, you have me here with you."

"And me," Taylor says walking towards us and stopping next to me.

"You can come by my office anytime you'd like." Mr. Brownfield says. Alex looks at all of us and smiles, a real smile.

"Thank you all so much, this means the world to me." He says.

"Come on, let's start that tour," I say extending my right hand, waiting for him to grab it. He does, his hands are firm but soft. I walk to the door, opening the door with my left hand, we walk out and Taylor following behind. We all stopped in the middle of the hallway. Alex turned to us and says,

    "I want to thank you guys again, I've never really had friends, not close ones at least. What you're doing means a lot to me, I wish I could make it up to you," he looks down at the ground guiltily. Before I could respond, Taylor does.

    "Don't you worry about it, ever. You've been through enough, think of us as the world finally starting to make things right for you. Seriously, you don't have to do anything for us. I have to go back to class but I hope I see you around. We're gonna be great friends, you just wait. My name's Taylor by the way." She smiles at him. They share a moment, smiling at each other, gazing into each other's eyes. 

"I sure hope so, see you later Taylor," Alex says.

"Bye Taylor!" I wave her goodbye. I look over at Alex who is watching her leave. I definitely sense something going there. Alex and Taylor! I'm happy for them, and only a little jealous that she stole him away before I got a chance, but it'll pass. I doubt he'd even like me, so I might as well settle for the second best option. Help Taylor have him. I know I'm supposed to be Alex's guide but I can also give him some advice that may or may not help him get with Taylor. Oh yes, matchmaker Charlie is in.