Just Different

Chapter 32

Mike sobbed, head pounding. He was so glad his family went out to run errands. He just wanted to cry freely without anyone coming into his room to see if he was alright. Mike wanted to be alone. His cellphone was clutched in his hand. Mike held onto it tightly. He didn't want to unlock it. He sent a regrettable message, but it was for the best.

Mike sniffled and hiccuped. His body was becoming tired from crying. Maybe Chester was crying too. 

'Stop thinking about him!' Mike's heart ached, his throat squeezing as he wheezed out a sob. He sat up, the throbbing headache only getting worse as he rose. His inhaler lay on the nightstand. Two puffs from it and he was breathing just fine again. The medication made him even more lightheaded and he had to lay back down. 

 When Sam told Mike that Chester wanted to talk, it scared him more than it should have. He had been overthinking everything the whole day. And then when Sam mentioned that both Dave and Chester couldn't be found, Mike just knew. He had a feeling Chester only slept around with Dave just to fill the void Mike always left. It made him jealous. But it wouldn't matter to anyone. Mike and Chester weren't official. It wasn't wrong for Chester to do that. It still made Mike's belly bubble with envy.  And then there was Rob....

Mike hiccuped. Chester had Rob. All he was doing with him was trying to get over Mike. It was almost like Dave-- another trick to fill the emptiness.

Mike just knew Chester wanted to talk about what was between them and about the night they had sex. And still, it was difficult for him to think about it all. Mike couldn't come to terms with every event that happened. It truly was difficult for him to see the situation as it is. Mike was gay and there was no changing it. He just didn't know why he hated the fact so much. Mike did love Chester. But what about the consequences? Mike didn't know how everyone in his life would feel if he were to ever come out. 

Rob was gay too, but he seemed to be a little more accepting than Mike was. Dave was gay. Amir was gay. Even Brandon. They all seemed happy with it. Mike didn't know why he felt so different from all of those other guys. 

'Wait,' Mike's rushing thoughts came to a halt. 'Brad!'

Mike chewed on his lip. Rob was trying to get with Brad and it seemed like Brad was liking him back without knowing it. What from Rob told Mike before, Brad always had this look in his eyes when Rob was with him. And Mike knew they look all too well. It was the same glittering kind of look that Brad held in his eyes when he saw Elisa, before he and Rob became close friends.

'I'm not alone,' Mike thought happily. Soon enough, when Brad becomes aware of his feelings, they could both work through it. Mike would help Brad and vise versa. Mike sighed, relieved. Now that Elisa and Brad broke up, Rob had his shot at getting Brad to realize what he was feeling. It was only a matter of time. 

***

The cabin was quiet inside. Outside, birds were chattering loudly, awake and ready to start the day. Brad yawned and leaned against the wall. The front room was musty and humid making Brad peel off his sweater. He only wore it thinking the day would feel fresh underneath the thick clouds. It was actually humid and hot. 'The worst weather, best to match how I feel,' Brad thought sadly as he bunched up his sweater beside him. 

Light footsteps pattered on the front porch, the wood creaking loudly under the person's feet. Brad stood up, smiling since he knew who it was. He quickly rushed up to open the door before the other person could. Rob jumped back, hand frozen in front of him.

"Jesus Brad," he laughed. Brad laughed too, stepping outside. "Ready to go?" Brad nodded as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. The pair started walking out of the clearing. Rob's lips were quivering with happiness. He shoved his trembling hands into his pocket to hide the fact that he was shaking. Brad sighed.