It Started with a Secret

Introduction

Everyone in Arcton is catholic. I would know, my town is so small that I know every single family living here. I also know that this town is filled with extremely literal and religious parents, and when these monsters have suspicions of their child's sexuality, they send them away.

I just never thought it would happen to me.

Just a few hours ago, my parents made the decision that will change my life forever.

~~~

"This way the pastors will watch over you, and so will your peers, Harley. We all want what's best for you, and we can't helplessly watch you make this terrible decision and ruin your life," My mom says to me softly, treating me like a pot of water about to boil over and make a mess.

"Bisexuality isn't a decision, I don't-" I attempt to defend.

"Harley! Stop with that nonsense. Stop using that word to hide the fact that you're a fag," my dad scolds with such a rage that makes me truly scared for the first time in my life.

"Bisexuality is a sexual orientation. It's not a bad word. It's a real thing. I'm not using this to cover anything up. Just listen to me-" My shouting is interrupted by my father once again.

"Harley, we have heard enough. Pack your bags, we're taking you to Holy Guardian Academy bright and early tomorrow morning."

"God, even the name is stupid," I mutter to myself, putting up walls of defense and grit to keep out my mother and father's hateful words. However these walls didn't last long, shortly after the tears came pouring down my face like a waterfall finally cracking apart the dam.

~~~

So now I'm here. Sitting in my room, surrounded by all of my familiar and comforting belongings, my face marked with tear stains and red, puffy eyes. I thought this was my safe space, I thought my own room could help me keep away the evil by locking it out.

Turns out that some kinds of evil you just can't lock out, no matter how hard you've tried.