The Pros and Cons of Being Outed | Peterick

Chapter Seven

Waking up the next morning wasn't exactly pleasant. Like he had suspected, he was full of anxiety and guilt over what had occurred with Brendon. He had a sinking suspicion that he had made the wrong choice last night.

Patrick wasn't sure what he should do when he inevitably sees Brendon at school the next day. Smile like he did before and pretend this didn't happen? Or, would Brendon want him to acknowledge it happened?

He hoped Brendon didn't feel anything. Hoped that he doesn't feel anything at all towards Patrick, and that the kissing was just kissing. Kissing is simple, but not when there are feelings involved.

Along with worrying, it didn't help that once Patrick checked his phone that morning, he saw a few messages from "Satan".

Satan: I told you it wouldn't be too bad.

Satan: One day, you'll thank me for what I did.

Patrick wasn't sure what the hell the guy was doing. Was he trying to get him mad? Or was he just that dense and unaware of other people's feelings?

His bet was the latter.

PS: I assure you that I will never look at you in a positive light again.

PS: Besides, you keep saying coming out is easy peasy, so why don't you?Why don't you face the world, thinking that suddenly everyone is against you?

PS: Better yet, why don't you get someone to out you? Maybe then you'll understand how I feel.

Patrick felt satisfied with his response. There were two ways this could go: "Satan" leaves him alone, or he actually comes out. Either one was good.

"Satan" doesn't respond, and he's not sure how he should feel about that. Maybe happy for succeeding, because he still feels like that wasn't enough to get him to go away.

Patrick passes the day by anxiously, and at school on Monday, it seems normal at first. He's at his locker, getting his stuff, ignoring people's dirty looks.

Pete was next to him, at his own locker, which was right next to Patrick's. For some reason, he wasn't loud and wild. In fact, he wasn't speaking at all, not to Patrick at least.

Patrick figured he was just moody at the moment, so he pushed it aside. As soon as he closes his locker, it's like Brendon suddenly appears in front of him, grinning and friendly like always.
"Hey, man," he greets Patrick.

Pete stomped away, which alarmed Patrick briefly. "Hey," he said awkwardly, unsure of what to say. He had ran through the possible outcomes of this interaction many times, but it didn't help now that this was the real deal.

"Had fun the other day," Brendon commented, nudging him playfully. "Who knew you were such a good kisser?"

It's so awkward that it's probably radiating off him. "A few others," Patrick shrugged.

"Well I was wondering--"

The bell rang, and Patrick, who had been expecting the worst out of whatever would come out of Brendon's mouth next, hurriedly said a goodbye claiming he didn't want to be late for class.

Brendon seemed slightly bummed out, but it only took a moment for him to cheer up again. "Alright, see you later, Patrick!" he called, as Patrick practically ran away from him.

Patrick was never this excited to be in math class, and never this worried, as Pete silently sat down beside him.

Something was up with him, but he had no idea what it could be. He tried to think of possible answers.

Was Pete grieving over a girl right now? No, Patrick thought to himself, he's been single for quite a while. Did Pete fall in love again?

He was always so mopey when that happened, but he was never reluctant to allow Patrick to cheer him up. At first, Patrick thought that it had to do with him coming out. Maybe Pete just wasn't comfortable around him anymore, and their dynamic had changed.

But goddamnit, if that was the answer, then Patrick would be pissed. What happened to being best friends? What makes this time different, because surely that's not the case, and surely they are still two peas in a pod.

But then at lunch, Patrick realizes that Pete is talking to everyone except him. And Pete's not sad or anything; he's happy as can be.

Whatever is wrong with him, it seems like Patrick is the problem. Patrick needs to find out what's wrong, and quickly.