Closeted (BoyxBoy) [2014 Edition]

38: Love and Live - Liam

"So... Liam," Holly started cautiously, catching a glance at me through the rear view mirror, "how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," I lied through my teeth. Bridge turned around in her seat to give me a concerned glance, but I only enforced my lie with the best fake smile I could muster, "No, really. I'm okay. It's for the best."

"If you say so. We won't talk about him if you don't want to."

"I don't want to," I stated.

Bridgette nodded and turned her attention back to the front. She started talking about what her plans were after high school, but I tuned her out. I didn't really feel like talking anymore. I didn't even want to listen to them. It's the same bullshit we've talked about hundreds of times before.

After graduation, everyone was going their separate ways.

Holly is going to attend law school, Bridgette is going into the military, Evan Simms is going to college on a sports scholarship, and Zachary is planning to study abroad.

As for me? My plan was quite obvious.

I wanted to study psychology and become a counselor. I've realized that I'm a magnet for troubled individuals and who better to help them other than the person they come to. And hopefully my small contribution to mental health will help with people like Kyle Collins.

Speaking of which, no one has even heard from Kyle since prom. He hasn't shown up to graduation rehearsals, much less school.

"Hey," I called to the girls, "has anyone heard anything about Kyle? Is he coming to graduation?"

"Who cares if that dick shows up or not," Bridgette responded while rolling her brown eyes harshly.

Holly giggled under her breath before becoming serious, "Rumor has it, he decided not to walk or speak at graduation. He just up and left California."

"That's really fucking weird of him to do that right before graduation," I paused and began to think. Was this somehow connected to why Gabe left as well, "You don't think he and Gabe ran away together, do you?"

"I wouldn't put it past either of them. Sorry, Liam. But those guys are just assholes and I'm glad we're done with them," Holly sighed a heavy breath of relief as if a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders.

I looked to Bridge who didn't want to speak anymore on the situation. She mouthed an 'I don't know' to me before giving me a small smile.

I leaned back in my seat, contemplating the thought of the two running away together. Was being with Kyle what Gabe truly wanted? Was he feeling guilty about breaking it off with Kyle for me that he had to feel like he had to fix everything himself? And this was his way of doing it? There were so many new questions starting to form in my mind that a headache began to throb. Either way, all I know is that Gabriel Knight was gone, my love was gone.

And the more I thought about it, the more I started to hate him for it. For leaving me, and for making me love him.

~

The girls and I arrived to the arena and hurried inside to get in our spots for the march. Everyone was decked out in their golden caps and gowns and the overwhelming joys were making me a little nervous. There was over 200 students graduating, and Holly and I were in the top ten percent.

"Everyone, get settled! We're about to start," called one of the organizers. All of us straightened ourselves and stood still in our lines.

"Hey! Where's our valedictorian?! Kyle Collins," one of the teachers called, shifting through the lines. Apparently she hadn't heard the rumors.