Where Isak met Even

Chapter 7

I ended school earlier than Even, but I still waited for him at the bus stop. I had something I wanted to ask him. When he finally arrived at the bus stop, I was nervous. "Hey" Even said walking up to me. "Hey" I said, looking worried. Even must've noticed because he asked, "Something happened?" "No. I just want to ask you something.." I said nervously. He nodded. "I was wondering.. if um... maybe I could...um stay with you a little more?" He looked disappointed. I knew I shouldn't have asked. It was his private apartment, I just had to go invade that too. "I'm sorry Even. I shouldn't have asked. I know it's your apartment, I'll check into a motel or something. I'll- I'll figure it out." I was talking quickly. Suddenly the disappointed look on his face turned confused. "You think I want you out of the apartment?" he asked, laughing a little. "Well no" I replied, "But I don't want to invade-" he interrupted me. "You're not invading anything Isak. You're just staying at my place because you don't have anywhere else to go." he said with a less serious tone. "Thanks.." I looked down on the ground. 

When we arrived at his apartment, I put down my bag in the entrance and called my dad. I walked around the hallways outside of Even's apartment waiting for him to pick up the phone. "The person you have called can not be reached. If you wish to leave a message, speak after the peep" *peep* Hello dad. Please pick up, it's important. I waited a few minutes and he called me back. "Hello Isak. What is it?" he asked. Wow he was so welcoming.. "Yeah, dad. What is going on with mom exactly?" I heard him sigh. "I'm taking her to rehab." What the hell? "What?! Dad you were just going to leave like that without telling me?" I was pissed off. "She didn't want to upset you.." It made sense. "O-ok dad. Tell her I wish her all the best." "I will" he replied. "Dad-" I said a second before he was going to hang up. "Yes?" he asked. "I-I'm gay.." I mumbled a little bit, but it was clear he could hear me. "It's ok son. We all have flaws. Just like your mother has a drinking problem, and just how I couldn't be patient enough to stay with you guys. Everyone has mistakes in their lives." I hung up without saying a word. Did he really just compare my sexuality to my mother's drinking problems and his abandonment? What a loser he was.

 I went back into the apartment where Even was making food. I didn't want to tell him I was gay just yet. I had to wait a little bit.

***

When we arrived at school after the silent bus ride, it all went normal. I sat with the boys at lunch and didn't pay attention in classes. I waited for Even at the bus stop after school and we went back to his apartment. It was about 9pm, and we were watching TV. I knew this would be the time to come out. "Even?" I asked. "Yes?" he answered. I wanted to come out. We had grown so close, but I couldn't find the words. "What do you um think about um-like boys-" I was stuttering. "About what?" Even asked confused. "About boys- who- who like-" I couldn't speak clearly. "About boys who like boys?" Even asked. I guess I did speak clearly. "Yeah" I replied. "Do you think all boys who aren't straight likes all boys?" he asked seriously. I was so confused, that was not what I was trying to say at all. I just looked shocked. "Isak just because I'm bi doesn't mean I have a crush on every guy and every girl out there." Even said with a mad tone in his voice. I wanted to explain but I couldn't. I just sat there paralysed. "Just because I can be attracted to guys, and that I'm nice to you doesn't mean I'm hitting on you Isak." he grabbed his phone, went out of the apartment and slammed the door. I could feel tears running down my cheeks. I was so stupid! I couldn't come out, I sounded homophobic, and biphobic. I took a sticky note off of the fridge and used the pen I had in my pencil case. 'Even I didn't mean to say that. I don't think you have a crush on me or anything, I promise. I was going to say something but I couldn't find the words. I'm sorry. I think it's best if I leave. Thank you for everything.'