How He Broke

The Castle In The Woods (Sage's POV)

"Why hadn't she told me?" I asked Tate who sat on my bed, hugging me from behind.

He came over as soon as we got home.

I assumed my mother had called and asked him to once I had ran up into my room. I wasn't mad if she had. I always felt better with Tate around.

"Maybe she didn't know how you'd react." He answered softly, his chin resting on my shoulder.

"I would've reacted perfectly fine!" I answered, offended.

If she had told me, I would've been happy for her! I would've been ecstatic even! She's my best friend, I just want the best for her no matter what...

"There aren't many openly gay people around here, Sage." Tate stated. "Maybe she was scared you'd become uncomfortable around her once you found out." He suggested.

"You act as if you know that for a fact." I scoffed, shifting to rest my head back on his left shoulder.

Tate was silent, suggesting he knew more than he led on.

"Wait.. did you know?" I asked.

"If I did... would you be upset?" He answered.

I sighed.

I couldn't justify being upset. Skyler and Tate had been friends long before I had even moved here, so I guess it would make sense for her to tell him before telling me.

"No." I answered. "I guess I would be more upset knowing that she didn't tell me in the first place."

"Then yes, I did know." He said softly.

I sighed, my heart cracking.

I hated the idea that she couldn't tell me. That she feared it would change things between us. Nothing could change things between her and I. Especially not this.

"I wish she had told me." I stated.

"I know.." Tate said, "I'm sorry she didn't." He kissed the crook of my neck gently.

I felt myself becoming weak by his touch. Tate had no idea what kind of power he had over me. Every kiss, every touch left me breathless at seemingly the worst times.

"It's okay." I sighed, feeling more relaxed than ever in his arms.

"I have an idea." He said abruptly, stumbling his way off the bed to stand. "Come on." He smiled.

I didn't ask any questions.

I stood, taking his hand as he led me out of my room and down the stairs.

"Where are you two going?" I heard my mother call from the kitchen.

"On an adventure." Tate answered.

Tate and my mother got along so well, almost as if they had some unspoken bond; connection that I didn't know about.

"Alright, well you two be safe okay?" She said as we made our way to the door.

It was funny. My mother never felt the need to ask exactly what we were doing. She never had. Maybe it was because she trusted me. Or maybe because she knew that she was a teenager not so long ago and it's apart of being one; being free and having new experiences. Her only rule was that if I end up in jail, don't call her until at least noon; an appropriate time for her to be well rested enough to fully comprehend what was going on.

"Will do!" Tate said as we reached the door.

"Love you mom!" I called as Tate opened the door.

"Love you too, Bug! See you later!" She called back as we stepped outside, the door shutting behind us.