Unkept Promises // Brolby

-Prologue-

Prologue

All We Do by Oh Wonder

I couldn't breathe. The weight of it all was crushing me. My heart ached and my lungs felt like they were going to collapse. My brain ran wild telling me that I'm a pussy for being scared, that I'm worthless and just wasting everyone's time. They all looked at me with expecting eyes. Fear crept through my skin, stuck in the middle of a sentence that I couldn't form.

   Why can't I say it? Why is this so hard? I've accepted myself, why can't I tell them? "I can't.."

   Everyone's confused as I leave them and race upstairs. My door feels heavy as I shut it, lock it, and slide down it. Anxiety crawls up my throat, choking me. I shake, why did I think I was ready?

    A knock came on my door. I jumped, scooting away from the door, pressing my back on my desk that was across from my door. "Colby? Let me in?" It was Sam..

    "G-Go away... please." I tried, panic filling my every being.

    "Please, Colby. Open the door."

    Silence.

    "I'm not leaving till you open the door." And he didn't lie. It took me 30 minutes, I was sure he'd gone into his room, but when I opened the door I saw him sitting, leaning against the wall on his phone. He looks up and gets up slowly. "Colby.."

    I open the door wider, motioning him to come in. Sam hesitated but he came in without a single word. He sat on my bed, watching me. My best friend of 9 years, his eyes stare me down like a hawk watching its prey. I coward away. "U-Um..."

    "What happened? You know you can tell me anything. I'm here. I won't judge you." Sam said, he sounded so genuine.

    "Swear you won't tell anyone?" I asked, my voice just above a whisper. He nods quickly, his eyes brightening. "I-I.." I choke up. "Please don't hate me.." Tears fill my eyes. I'm a mess.

    "Colby, I'd never hate yo–"

    I closed my eyes and let it out. "I'm gay."

    Silence.

    "O-Oh!" Was all that Sam responded with. "I-I don't hate you. Colby, you're my best friend. I'll never hate you. I accept you. When did you figure this out?" He asked, his voice calm.

    Relief flooded through me, I relaxed, sinking to the floor. "Two years ago. I was so scared. That's why I didn't tell you right away. I'm still scared. I'm sorry."

    "No, no! It's okay! Thank you for telling me. I'm so proud of you." He smiled, brightly.

    A weight lifted off my shoulders. The pressure on my chest lessened. I smiled back, "Thank you." I whispered.

    "No problem, dude. Get some sleep, you look horrible. I'll see you in the morning." Sam got up, grabbed his phone and as he walked passed, ran his fingers through my hair. A weakness of mine that he knew very well of. He chuckled as I closed my eyes in content. He walked out, closing the door behind him.

    Oh, what a night.

~

"And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside. Now fill the world with music, love and pride.." ~Lin Manuel Miranda