When it Stops Hurting (Royce)

1

Jacob's P.O.V.

"Pastor Wayne! Oh, it's so good to finally be speaking with you" my mother cheesed, she was shaking hands with our new church pastor. We hadn't even been attending the church for more than a month and she was already working her way up to becoming the pastor's pet. I rolled my eyes at the thought as I trailed behind her.

"Mrs. Perez, correct?"

I studied the pastor carefully, my eyes noticing the wedding ring on his ring finger. He was a tall man and not too muscular, but he wasn't on the chubby side, either. The smile he was giving my mother was inviting, his green eyes watching her. My mother giggled, "yes, Perez is correct". I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest, I shifted my gaze to the floor.

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Perez" Pastor Wayne greeted.

"Same to you, sir. This here is my son, Jacob". I looked at my nails, noticing that the dark nail polish was beginning to chip away. "Jacob, greet the Pastor, please".

I blew out air, I had a sour attitude due to the fact that I knew why she was really trying to get on Pastor Wayne's good side. She wanted him to fix me. My mother was one of those Christians who did not agree with people who labeled themselves anything other than heterosexual. I was one of those very people who did not list themselves as such thing. My mother has dragged me to many churches and I have seen many Pastors who have tried to fix me, but failed because they have failed to realize that I am not broken.

"Hello" I murmured. "Mom, can we... Um... Go? I've got homework, and other stuff to do".

"In a minute. I must talk to Pastor Wayne about your situation".

I frowned, "mom, it's not a 'situation'".

"Of course, it is".

"What seems to be the problem?" Pastor Wayne asked, he looked at me, then at my mother.

"Jacob labels himself as... Gay".

Pastor Wayne took a deep breath and nodded as if he understood. "I see". I narrowed my eyes at him. He didn't 'see' anything because there wasn't nothing for him to 'see'. I could sense my annoyance level rising as I stood there and allowed the man who I was secretly growing to hate, look me over. He had no intentions on hiding the disapproving look he was sending my way. "Let me talk to you, boy".

"There's nothing to talk about".

"Jacob, please" my mother begged lightly.

"There's nothing to talk about" I repeated, "there's nothing wrong with me".

I wasn't going to let another Pastor tell me that the way I represent myself was wrong. I had been told many times that being gay was a sin, and I'd end up earning a spot straight in Hell if I didn't switch up my act. Which wasn't an act, might I add.

"You act like I'm sick" I spoke, frustration shining through.

"You are, and you need help, and Pastor Wayne is going to help cure you... Of your... sickness".

"Maybe you should attend one of my group sessions" I looked at Pastor Wayne. "As much as I'd like to, I'd rather not" I stated, picking at my nail polish. "Mom, if you aren't going to take me home, I'll just ride the bus".

"No, we're leaving right now" she muttered, irritation smacking me right across the cheek. I rolled my eyes and began to walk to the door.

"Don't worry. I'll help you, he'll be cleansed of his devastating sin, in due time".