The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know

Can I predict the future?

Can I predict the future?

I presented my motto to the class the next week, and to my surprise, Professor Caldwell seemed to like it. The students were a little bit more lukewarm, but did that matter? The philosophy professors were the ones who would decide my grade, along with whether my motto would be on the ballot when the students made their final decision. It was more important to ensure that they liked my motto.

At lunch that day, Patrick insisted on gathering just about everyone we knew together. We needed the largest table in the dining hall to fit everyone, and it didn't even include everyone that Patrick knew. Joe had a class during that time, and Gerard was giving a tour to a group of prospective students, but all of our other friends were there.

"What's the point of all of this, Patrick?" I asked.

"I have an announcement to make," Patrick said.

"What is it?" Andy asked.

Patrick sighed and said, "I've been reflecting on myself and my life for the last year, and I suppose that's what college is for..."

"Just get to the point," one of Patrick's friends from chemistry said.

"I'm bisexual," Patrick said.

"We know, Patrick," all of us said at once.

Patrick looked around in confusion as Frank asked, "Did you really expect that to be a secret?"

"How did you know already?" Patrick asked.

"I knew when I first took you to the Aubergine," I said.

"I knew it from 'Hi, I'm Patrick,'" Pete said. Patrick was speechless, so Pete made an attempt to console him. "Trick, we all support you, but you didn't have to make this so dramatic. Everyone already knows that you're bi."

"To be honest, I was waiting for you to come out," Andy said.

"Me too," I said. In fact, I was a little bit surprised that he hadn't done it earlier.

"Well, you guys sure made this easy," Patrick said as he adjusted his glasses.

Pete hugged Patrick and said, "It's what I do best."

All of us chatted about our classes for the rest of lunch, and Patrick Stump's sexual orientation was not brought up again. To be honest, I was glad that Patrick had finally come to terms with his bisexuality. I personally found it a bit unfair that straight, cisgender people didn't have to deal with coming out, but it seems that the world is almost never fair. Fairness is still something that we should strive for, even if it is an unreachable goal.

A few days later, Patrick and I went to the Aubergine together once again. Over the last several weeks, Patrick had become a regular at the Aubergine Dream. It was nice to have him there, although he could still be a little uptight at times. Once we got there, Patrick and I went our separate ways. I made my way over to Brendon, who noticed me as soon as I walked through the door.

"Ryan!" Brendon shouted as he waved to me.

"Hey Brendon," I said. "What's up?"

"Not much," Brendon said. "What about you?"

"I had to take a test in Principles of Ecology today," I complained. "I think I did well though."

"I'm glad," Brendon said. "I found a new song for us to play. Do you want to see it?" I nodded, and Brendon grinned and ran off. When he returned, he was holding a piece of sheet music. "It's another love song just for you," he said as he gave me the music.