hotel ceiling ✔ randy

chapter eleven

And that's just how things went. When it was just Rye, he was a kind, caring, funny guy. But around others; he was a demanding douche. And I didn't know how much of it I could take. I want Rye to be normal when his friends are around. Honestly? I don't understand. Why can't he just be himself? Like who cares what anyone thinks? Do people's opinions really matter to him?

I sighed as I made my way into work. Luckily it was Friday. I couldn't wait for the weekend. This past week has gone by so slowly.

I was serving a young man, seemed to be in his early thirties, when Rye walked in; alone. I focused on the order and handed it to the man, who thanked me and made his way out. Then Rye slid over.

"Hey." He beamed. I nodded.

"Hello." I greeted flatly, wiping down the counter. Rye frowned.

"Are you okay?" He asked and I shrugged.

"What's up?" He jumped onto the counter.

"Get down from there." I ordered and he did so.

"Have I done something?" He asked and I could hear the worry in his voice. Was he really that worried that he'd upset me?

"Look I'll tell you after work okay? Now, do you want something or not?"
•••
I sat alone at the duck pond. Rye was to meet me here in about 10 minutes.

I'm telling him that I can't do this. I'm not going to let him continue being rude to me in front of his friends.

I sat there for a while longer when Rye finally appeared. He was smiling as he walked over.

"Hey Andy." He greeted for the second time today, sitting down next to me.

"I can't do this anymore." I stated. Rye frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm tired of you being different when you're around you're friends. I know that they'll tell your parents, but if they we're really your parents they'd be fine with it; they'd support you. I'm just tired of it." I sighed. Rye stayed silent.

"Can I tell you something?" He whispered. I frowned but nodded.

"..Will you judge me?" Rye questioned and I shook my head

"I don't judge people." I stated. I mean, everyone judges on instinct, it's human nature. But I won't continue to judge them until I actually know them. Well, most of the time.

"What about people who are... different?" He asked and I frowned.

"What do you mean by 'different'?" It was my turn to ask a question. Rye stayed quiet for a moment.

"People who are transgender, or a different skin colour... gay etc." He listed and I shook my head again.

"No. I believe that everyone has the right to be here. Everyone has the right of being respected. But depending on your actions, and your speech, people will choose whether you are worthy of their respect. The way that you talk to people or the way you act around them, they will decided whether you should have their respect or not. I believe your sexuality, race, or gender shouldn't change that. It doesn't matter if you like the same sex or you have darker skin, it depends on you, as a person." I stated, staring at the pond. I could feel Rye's eyes on me.

"I'm going to tell you something about me, something that only I know." Rye also turned to face the pond.

"Go ahead." Rye took a deep breath.

"I'm gay."