Social Norms (Synacky)

Chapter Forty-Six

It became a problem.

In two short weeks, it became a very big problem.

Justin had given him a little supply that he could take home and do on his own time. At first, Brian had been ecstatic, but he knew what Justin was doing. If Brian got addicted to this stuff, he’d be relying on it, which meant buying it from Justin. And Justin would start making big bucks.

He knew he needed to stop, but the thrill of that high kept bringing him back. It felt so fucking good, he just didn’t want to stop. Not now.

He knew what he was doing, though. He was very aware that this drug was addictive, but he also knew he could stop whenever he felt like it. He wasn’t dependent on it, he just liked the adrenaline rush.

He also knew that if Zacky found out about it, he’d probably get really mad. So he kept it a secret, from everyone except Justin. And it was all going to work out.

With that in his head, he carefully lined up some powder.

-Zacky’s POV-

“Kids, we have something to tell you.”

Zacky looked up from his plate of meatloaf, frowning as he looked up at his parents. Those were words unfamiliar to Zacky when they were put together. His parents didn’t tell him much. Zina and Matt, however, always seemed to be in the know.

“What is it?” Matt asked, smashing his loaf into tiny pieces and stirring it with his mashed potatoes.

“Well, your father and I have decided… that it would probably be best if he starts looking for a different job. Back in Washington.”

Zacky couldn’t help but feel his heart leap a in his chest. “So, you mean dad’s moving back to Washington?” he tried to keep the smile off his face.

If his dad went back to Washington, everything would turn out right. He and his mom could become close again, he could maybe even hang out with Matt. It would be perfect.

“Not just me.” He said gruffly. “All of us.”

And just like that, his evening was crushed.

“W-What?” he asked, “Why? I like it here!”

“Yes!” Matt shouted, “Finally! We’ve only been here like three years too long! Now I can go back to all my friends!”

“Yes, you can, Matt.” His dad smiled, then frowned at Zacky. “It is best, Zachary. You are out too much with that… that boy, and I am not comfortable staying here while you’re out doing god knows what!”

“B-But dad…” Zacky had never felt more panic before in his life. “W-We can’t move back, please! You’ve never even met Brian! If you just met him, I’m sure you would-“

“It’s not negotiable, Zacky.” His mom said quietly, “You listen to your father.”

“I-I turn eighteen in December.” He said, “Can’t we wait until then? Then I’ll stay behind and-“

“No.” Zacky’s dad’s voice was firm. “I will not have you… sinning and defiling this household… with that boy. We will be moving in the middle of August so we can get you all enrolled in school. Do not argue with me, Zachary.”

“Can’t we talk about this? It isn’t just about Brian. I’ve started a band, dad. I’ve made friends. I’ve finally found a place where I belong, and you’re just gonna rip me away from it? Why? Besides, this is the best job you’ve ever had, why leave this to go back up there? It’s always rainy and we didn’t even live on the beach and you could never see the sunsets. Dad, I love it here.”

“You are my son and you will-“

“Exactly! I’m your son! Don’t you care about me at all? Does being gay make me some sort of alien? Am I really so different?”

“No son of mine is a homosexual.” His dad’s voice was firm. “We’ve already been over this.”

“Then if I’m not your son, why can’t I stay behind?”

“Enough!” His father shouted, voice like thunder. “Be quiet.”

“Actually, I like it here, too.” Zina’s voice peeped up. “I’ve started making a few friends. I don’t want to move either.”

Zacky knew that was a lie. Zina hated it here, she had absolutely no friends, the sun made her sweat, which she despised. She was lying for him. She would be willing to stay in California so that Zacky could keep his life, stay with Brian, be in the band.

He had the best sister in the world.

“We’ll talk about this later, Zina.” His mom said, “As I can recall, you liked Olympia.”

“We will not talk about it later, there is nothing to discuss. We are moving. End of story.” Zacky’s dad frowned at him, daring him to say something more.

Zacky felt his breathing pick up to make up for the lump that was forming in his throat. He felt his eyes start to burn with tears, his bottom lip began to tremble. He stood up abruptly, glaring at his father. “Why don’t you love me, dad?” he whispered, “How come I had one little change, and suddenly you won’t accept me anymore?”

“It was not a ‘little change.’” His dad replied. “It was a very significant, sinful one.”

“We’re not even Christians. How can you say that?”

“I still have morals. I still know right from wrong. Unlike you, I’m afraid.”

“Are you saying I’m not human?” Zacky asked, “All humans have morals.”

“Take what you want from it.” His dad replied, serving himself some peas.

Zacky took slow, deep breaths, trying to prevent the inevitable tears. He looked at his family once more, hurt and disbelief in his eyes, before he ran from the house.