Forever and Always

24

                As we pull into Courtney’s driveway, I look over to Garret, who is completely drenched in sweat. “Um… Garret… do you want a towel, or a change of clothes or something?” He looked at me with a quizzical look, obviously unaware of being so sweaty. “Are you nervous?” He looks at me with eyes as wide as the full moon. “Umm… Are you ready?” Again, he stares at me as though he’s seen a ghost.

                Without a word, he opens the car door and walks to the front of Courtney’s house, leaving me behind, struggling with my seatbelt. After rapid knocks, Courtney flings the door open, whisper-shouting, “Garret! What are you doing here? I have company, what do you want?”

                He is clearly startled by her anger, looking sheepishly back at me as I make my way up to her house. “Garret came to my house today, and he wanted me to come with him. He has something really important to tell you.”

                “Oh, God Garret. Did you get someone pregnant? Didn’t dad teach you about condoms?” I elbow him in the ribs as she yells at him, “Jesus Garret, you’re only in high scho…”

                He cuts her off, “No, Courtney, I didn’t get a girl pregnant, chill. I… Alex… Alex thought it would be a good idea…”

                “Get on with it, Garret.”

                “I… Well… You know how… I can’t say this…” She gives him a blank stare as he mutters something inaudibly, then begins to blush uncontrollably.

                “Again, I don’t think she heard you.”

                “I’m gay” He says quietly, looking down at his shoes.

                “What do you mean?”

                He blushes even more wildly. He looks at me as if asking if we could leave, “Go on Garret, answer her question. You have to be prepared to answer questions.”

                She repeats herself, “What do you mean you’re gay?”

                “I mean I’m gay. I’m homosexual, not straight, un-heterosexual, I like dicks. I have my second boyfriend right now,” He rushes out, but pauses to breathe, “and let me just tell you something I like his dick.” He says louder than I hoped he would. At least now all of Sunflower Lane knows that Garret likes dicks and that he likes bottoming.

                “I know.” She says matter-of-factly. Both Garret and I look at her, confused. A tall, burly teenage boy walks into the doorway.

                “Michael!” Garret shrieks, pushing past Courtney and running into the boy’s arms.

                Courtney and I exchange looks, walking quietly back to my car, she quickly turns around, her dyed black and blond hair whipping me in the face. She interrupts their giggles by shouting, “Hey! Be sure to lock the door, I’ll be back in a few hours. Use the condoms that are in my bedside table, I don’t want to be responsible for God knows how many STDs,” she giggles, “And for God’s sake, don’t use my bed. I actually sleep there.”

                Both of the boys, who are still in each other’s embrace, stare at us, mind-willing us to leave. Just as I reach for the driver’s door handle, Garret shouts back, “Thank you, Alex. Seriously.”