Red Side of the Moon

VIII

"Daniel," mum called.
"Yeah?" I mumbled.
"The school called me earlier today and said that you left school around third period the other day."

Shit.

"Oh..."
"What's the reason behind it?"
"Nothing really. Had easy classes for the rest of the day so a few of my friends decided to go out. No big deal."
"Mhmm. And that's why your 'cousin' called you out?"

Fuck...

"Daniel, who were you with?" she asked. "If you tell the truth I won't be mad at you."
"A friend."
"Have I met this friend before?"
"Yeah, it's Phil."
"Who's Phil?"
"The kid who always drove me home from rehearsal last year."
"Oh, what is he doing hanging around an eleventh grader?"
"Just hanging out."
"Kind of loserish, if you ask me."
"He's not a loser," I grumbled. "He's really smart."
"And that's why he's hanging around someone five years younger?"
"Only four," I defended.
"Daniel, what does it matter the age difference?"

A lot, as far as I know.

"Does Dan love Phil?" Adrian teased.
"Back off, Ade!" I hissed.
"Jesus, I'm joking. Why're you acting like there's a stick up your ass?"
"No reason..." I blushed.
"Adrian, leave us alone," mum said. He rolled his eyes and headed for the lounge. "What's going on?"
"Nothing's going on."
"Daniel James Howell, I know when you're lying to me." I let out a sigh and looked to the floor. "Dan?"
"Phil and I have been going out for like a year."
"What do you mean?"
"Like... dating."
"Oh..." she whispered. "So you're gay?" I nodded. "Hm... should've known."
"Excuse me?" I scoffed.
"Sorry, that came out wrong... So have you two done anything yet?"
"Mum–"
"Cause if you have, then some problems are going to arise."
"The most we've done is slept in the same bed. And kiss, of course, but nothing more than that."
"You swear?"
"Yes."
"Okay..." She pursed her lips as seemingly a million thoughts raced through her mind. "Daniel..."
"Yeah?"
"I don't want you seeing this boy anymore."
"No, mum–"
"Not until you're sixteen, at least."
"Why not‽"
"Because it's illegal!"
"Yeah, and? So is being gay! Why not break another law while I'm at it, y'know?"
"Dan, you are not allowed to see him as long as you are living under my roof."
"Fine," I huffed.

I raced upstairs, grabbed my duffle bag out of the top of my closet, shoved a bunch of random clothes in there, and waited.

Dan: phiiiil
Phil: whaaaat?
Dan: could you come and pick me up?
Dan: please?
Phil: dan, im at work rn. can it wait?
Dan: when do you get out?
Phil: idk maybe 10 or 11. why?
Dan: cause i miss you. is it a crime that i wanna spend time with my boyfriend?
Phil: are your parents cool with you spending the night at my place?
Dan: yeah ofc
Phil: fine, ill pick you up after my shift
Dan: thank yoooou
Dan: ily
Phil: ily too bby
Phil: see you around 11:30
Phil: you better still be awake
Dan: babe, it's me we're talking about. ofc ill still be awake.
Phil: fair point. talk later. love you

***

Phil: I'm outside

I started grinning like an idiot as I reached for my bag. I ran down the stairs and quietly left the house. I didn't bother leaving a note or anything—they'll figure it out eventually. I got in the car with Phil and flashed him a smile. He smiled back at me before placing a soft kiss on my chapped lips.

"Hi," I grinned.
"Hi," he chuckled. "So are we going back to my flat?"
"Yes, of course."
"If you insist," he sighed. "It's like a fourth-five minute drive. You're okay with that?"
"It's just more time I get to spend with you, my dear."
"Ew, don't be cheesy. Buckle up."