Kiss me

Chapter 14

5 years before, Handi. 4 months before coming out.

I was sat in the booth, my mom and dad across from me. They were having a stupid argument over which dish to order.

As usual, they didn't ask my opinion. Not that I cared, I wasn't going to eat much anyways.

My bangs flopped over my eyes, and I quickly below them away. I had gotten it cut just 3 months earlier. It was honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made, but I was in need of another haircut.

"Mom, I need a haircut."

"Again?! God, you're so full of nonsense, you have beautiful hair, wear it like a lady is supposed to."

I feel a stab in my chest, and only slouch down farther in the chair. My shoulders are unconciously rolled forward, hiding my chest. Mom and dad had dragged me out here, saying I was too depressed sitting at home all day. Whatever.

I look up as the door swings open, a tall Italian man walking through. He's followed by a young boy, about my age. They look almost exactly alike, their black hair and olive skin, even their eyes are the same shade of green. I can't help notice that they both have amazing posture, and a sort of waltz to their step.

The man glances towards me and I quickly look down at my lap, hoping he didn't see me. My parents still have their noses buried into the menu.

"No, Maverick, I can't have any seafood. It upsets my stomach."

"Penellope! All the dishes you want are unappetizing! What do you expect?"

I have to tell them soon, but I was afraid of how they would react.

Hey guys! I'm actually your son!

They weren't exactly the most accepting people.

I look up again to the pair of, I'm guessing, father and son. They laugh as they sip their drinks, genuinely enjoying their time together. I wish I could be that care free with my parents.

"Oh! The baby kicked!" I look over to see my mom and dad fawning over her baby bump. Ever since they found out they were expecting, it's like I didn't matter. Or maybe it's cause their perfect "daughter" didn't turn out so perfect after all.

"That hoodie looks so gross, and old. Why didn't you wear that pretty new dress I bought you?" My mom rudely remarks as I mind my own damn business.

"Mom, it's just a casual dinner." I hold back the urge to roll my eyes. My mom knows I wouldn't be caught dead in a dress, but I was scared if I said that, she'd start to make a scene.

She only goes back to socializing with my dad. I just want to be back home with Fly. I feel a buzz from my pocket.

From: Ellis

Ellis: I have to tell you something. Come to my place after school?

Me: sure.

I don't bother asking my parents, I'll just go anyways. I had met Ellis just this year, he was really my only friend besides Fly. I planned on telling him before my parents.

I eat in silence, watching the clock, silently begging my parents to ask for the bill.

Soon enough, they leave me with their debit card to pay, making their way to the car. Finally, some peace.

I give the waitress a large tip, since it's my parents money. Might as well. I nod my thank you, collecting all the left overs, and stand up to leave. My head is tipped to my toes, so I'm not watching where I'm going when I bump into the Italian man, leftovers spilling all over him.

"Oh my god, I am so sorry!" I finally look up to see him looking down at me in slight disaproval. The boy only snickers friendly beside him.

"Young man, watch where you step! You have the gracefulness of an elephant. And my, your posture!"

I can't help the grin, ignoring the rest of his statement. He called me young man.

"Hello?" a hand waves in my face as I zone out. "What's your name?"

Oh shit. Umm. Think.

"Uh... Ma- Maddox." Hey, that's pretty nice. I like it.

His eyebrow arches, until he finally introduces himself.

"This is my son, Elio. My name is Leon."

I shake his hand, confused. His grip is strong. I clear my throat, doing my best to lower my voice.

"Nice to meet you... sir."

"Aren't you a laugh." I look over to the boy, Elio. His presence is bright, and quite charming. I feel my cheeks redden.

"Yea, um, sorry about the leftovers, again."

Leon seems to have forgotten, his eyes focused on me.

"Oh! No worries. This may sound weird, but are you interested in ballet?"

I knew it! It was on the tip of my tongue. They were dancers.

"I did a few classes when I was younger." I shrug lightly.

The boy hands me a card

Dance Till You Drop

There's a number and an address. I'm so confused, I just spilt my leftovers all over this man and they're inviting me to a dance studio.

"Drop by sometime, if you're interested." Leon nods, and walks past me, his son in step behind. Elio turns around quickly, mocking a salute with his fingers in my direction as he winks.

A car horn blares outside, no doubt my parents being impatient.

What just happened?

I turn around and run to my car, pushing the recent event aside. Oh boy, were my parents going to be mad about the leftovers.