Way of the World (BXB)

03

Kendric St. James

Ok, maybe at first I invited Reggie over for my own personal gain, but once he got there and we started talking on the roof, watching the sunset it- I realized that it was more for him, to give Reggie a break, you know? But I will admit that I definitely found him attractive, how could you not? Plus, I'm a teenage guy, and well... I thought that maybe one day he could feel the same.

What?! What the hell am I thinking?! He is my partner for english class, and that's how it has to be, that's it. However, I really did enjoy spending time with him. I knew it had only been two days but it was nice having a rooftop conversation.

He was so unique. I had never met anyone like him. Reggie could be a jerk sometimes, but it just goes in hand with his sass. He wasn't afraid to be authentic and show who he really is. Plus, the crop tops gave me an opportunity to sneak a look at his perfectly toned and slim stomach...

Oh my god shut up! I am not predatory! God I have to get this under control... but it's going to be so hard if I'm around him all the time...

I can keep myself together. It'll all be fine.

After I drove Reggie home, I went back to my house as the sun slipped deep under the horizon. I entered inside to see my dad standing there.

"Hey, son," he said in his loud, deep voice. Hes a tall, balding man with only a thin cover of ginger hair left on his head.

"Hey," I said emotionlessly

"Have a seat, will ya?"

I sat down at the kitchen island and looked to him as he stood in front of me.

"Is... everything okay? Did I do something wrong?" I asked

"Well, that depends. Who was that boy that you had over? The blonde one," my father asked. I paused for a moment to roll my eyes,"hes my partner in english class, his name is Reggie,"

"Last name?" My dad hummed

"Weller? Why?" I could see my dad place him index and middle fingers to his temples and close his eyes.

"You cant hang out with that kid, Kendric. His parents are constantly coming to the bank and after reviewing their purchases..." my dad paused,"his mother buys large quantities of alcohol and his father uses most of his money on one-night-stays at the Motel on 10th street."

My eyes widened, why hadn't he told me about this? We were so deep in conversation only less than an hour prior, and he failed to mention it? I know that he isn't in the best living condition, but I had no idea...

"And your point is?" I said after a while

"Kendric, you cant be hanging around people like that! He'll turn out just like his parents!" He raised his voice and I internally yelled at myself not to flinch... I had to stand my ground.

"You know what dad, I know what this is really about. This is about you, thinking that I'm going to fall for him, and you just cant stand the idea of having your son with another boy, can you?" I said, raising my voice now as well.

"Dont you talk to me that way! I am your father!" Dad screamed

"Well, you're a pretty shitty one if you ask me," I said before walking up to my room and locking the door behind me. I slid down to the floor and let out a breath I didnt know I was holding in.

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Once at school the following day, I was surprised to not see Reggie right away. It was fine, I would get to see him in english and Ghetto Tones anyway.