The Notebook//Joshler

January 8

today, joshua took me on a date.

he took me to the movies.

i have never been to the movies.

he bought both popcorn and drinks.

$15.

i could never afford that.

i don't have the privilege of spending money on luxury items.

well, i used to.

before i came out.

but joshua got lucky. he has parents that support him and love him.

and his family is very, very wealthy.

i asked him why he settled for me, a boy who can't afford anything more than one trip per day to the mcdonald's dollar menu.

he said he didn't settle, he chose.

he said he chose me because i am kind.

he chose me because i am caring.

he chose me because i am compassionate.

i am loving.

i am handsome.

i am smart.

though i protested as he said i was smart.

i can't afford college.

but he said i didn't need to go to schools to be smart.

he said he had a crush on me as soon as he laid eyes on me in the ninth grade.

and to be honest, i did too.

we held hands during the movie.

i rested my head on his shoulder and he rubbed gentle circles into the back of my hand with his thumb.

i think he was smiling, as well.

when we arrived back at my apartment, i told him i would pay him back for the date as soon as i could, but he refused.

he said he likes treating me.

though, for other people, going to the movies isn't a treat.

it's an average saturday night.

but for me, anything is a treat.

i don't ever leave my house by myself for anything other than work.

and joshua said he is going to change that.

he would like me to meet his parents tomorrow.

i'm nervous, but he said they are kind.

i hope he's right.

but who am i kidding?

joshua is always right.

-tyler