It was the beginning of December, Jack and Alex had been secretly seeing each other for almost 2 months now and everything had been going perfect. They would meet up at the park everyday after school and walk home together once the mass of kids had gone home. Weekends were great. Jack loved waking up in Alex's strong arms, knowing he wouldn't have to leave them at all that day. But today was different. It was Tuesday, just a regular Tuesday, but for some reason Jack felt something bad was about to happen. He didn't want to bother Alex with his silly little worries, but he was scared to death. Scared of losing the good life he had slowly grown accustomed to over the last few months. Scared of losing Alex.
As always, Jack was right.
"Hey Gay-skarth hold up a sec" Max yelled down the hall making Alex stop in his tracks. Last period was over, all he wanted to do was go see Jack but no, this asshole was gonna make him fucking late.
"What?" Alex sighed, turning to face his old best friend.
"Where ya in such a hurry there buddy? Got a hot date with your boyfriend?" Max smiled maliciously, shoving Alex's shoulder and making him drop his bag.
"I have a fucking girlfriend Max. You know that." Alex tried his best to keep his cool as he flung his bag over his shoulder and turned to leave.
"Oh no, you didn't hear? Sam dumped you. Last month actually. But since you didn't bother speaking to her, or us, for two months I guess you wouldn't know, would you? Oh and I bet you didn't know her and I are dating now? Yeah a lot's changed since you started hanging out with your little fuck buddy" He pushed Alex against the wall, grabbing his shirt in his fists.
"Did you forget who I fucking am?" Alex spit pushing the boy off him.
"No, I think YOU forgot who the fuck you are Alex. Your little fucking homo waved his sparkly pink wand and infected you with his disease" He yelled, his face turning red with anger.
"Homosexuality is far from a disease you ignorant bastard. That's like saying heterosexuality is a disease. It's not. It isn't even a choice in most cases. People can love who ever the fuck they want. I'm straight, but that's just my fucking preference you fucking douche bag. "
"Really? Is that why I have pictures of you and your boyfriend eating each others faces in the park? Yeah, I really wanted to talk to my best friend one day so I followed him after school, hoping to get a word in. But nope, instead I saw this." His laugh rang through the empty hall. Alex felt his whole world falling apart at the seams as the Max flashed him the screen of his phone, swiping through what had to be at least 50 pictures of him and Jack. He couldn't believe what was happening. His stomach was in knots.
"Delete them." Alex whispered hopelessly.
"Oh totally man. After I show them around school."
"I'm not gay."
"You are a fucking faggot Alex. Don't fucking lie."
"I'm not. I swear. I can't explain the pictures, it's all too complicated. But I swear on my fucking life I'm not fucking gay." Alex choked. He wanted to break down and cry, but he knew that wouldn't help his case at all.
"Prove it. Forget that little cock sucker exists. Come back to our group, and I'll forget about the pictures. Believe it or not, we miss you Al. But not this version of you." Max's face softened, images from the past flashed through his mind.
"I-I can't. He. He lives with me..."
"Kick him out."
"I can't do that either. It's my m-mom's choice." Alex mumbled, staring at the floor.
"Well it's your choice if you want to be known as the little faggot around school or not. Your choice Alex. Your. Choice." He turned to walk away. But made sure to call once more over his shoulder, "Oh and remember, I have eyes everywhere bud, so don't try pulling anything you little bitch."
Alex fell to the floor, cupping his face in his hands. His whole body shook as he sobbed. He sat there for hours, until the janitor told him to leave. It was dark outside now, and freezing, but he didn't bother getting his jacket from his locker. He walked home. His whole body was numb. Not from the cold, but from the thought of facing Jack's shell shocked, and heart broken face when he got home and said the harsh words that would make him leave. But it was for his own good. It was. Wasn't it?
"Alex? What's wrong. You didn't show up at the park, you missed supper, and you haven't spoken two words to me all night. Did I do something wrong" Jack asked innocently, staring at Alex from across the room. This was the first night Jack had actually been in his cot since he started living with the Gaskarths, and it made him feel empty.
"Shut up" Alex hissed. He was pretending to be on his laptop, but really he was silently preparing himself for this moment. He knew Jack wouldn't leave, even if he tried kicking him out. He'd want an explanation, and that was something Alex didn't want to give him. So the plan was to make Jack hate him so much that he'd willingly leave. But that meant hurting Jack.
"Excuse me?" Jack whispered, his eyes wide with fear. He knew this would happen. He knew it would all fall apart today. This was it.
"Shut. The. Fuck. Up. Is that clear enough for you cunt?"
"Alex I don't understand..."
"Of course not. You don't understand anything you little queer."
"Alex..."
"Don't say my name. I can't believe I actually kissed you, ew oh my fucking god. I guess we all go through a bi curious phase though. Thank god it didn't last eh." Alex forced a laugh. He saw a tear fall down Jack's face, it felt like a million knives stabbing through his chest. But he knew he had to continue. Who knew what Max would to do Jack if Alex chose him over reconciling their friendship. It sent a shiver down his spine.
"Haha jesus christ are you fucking crying? You little wimp. You didn't actually think I loved you did you?"
"Alex... stop..."
" OH MY FUCKING GO YOU DID YOU THOUGHT I WAS IN LOVE WITH YOU" Alex fell to the floor laughing and Jack couldn't believe his ears. This wasn't the real Alex. This couldn't be true. But... he had been like this when they had first met... maybe this was the REAL Alex after all. Either way, Jack felt like someone had literally ripped out his heart. He couldn't breath. His body was shaking. He was in complete shock over what the older boy was saying.
"Leave Jack. Leave this fucking house and never come back. I'll tell my mom you raped me if I have to. I need you out of my life. Now." Alex spoke with a low voice, not able to even make eye comtact with Jack.
"Okay" Jack whispered, "I'll be out by morning."
Alex turned out the light and they boys went to sleep in silence. At least that was how it seemed, in reality, neither boy slept a wink that night.
