I went to the game. Watching Leo in his jersey, running across the court, I felt…strange. Two months wasn’t nearly enough time to fall for
someone, not really. But I couldn’t deny Leo’s… appeal. Maybe it was a bit of “trauma
bonding.” He’d pulled me out of a dark place
when I was vulnerable and confused. His
confidence and clarity were like a beacon.
Developing feelings for someone that amazing,
that supportive, seemed…natural.
But a same–sex relationship? It wasn’t just
about the usual relationship challenges, money,
family…there was prejudice, judgment… Could
we handle it?
Someone sat next to me. I ignored them until
their constant staring became too much. I
turned. Ethan’s eyes were bloodshot. He looked
exhausted.
“You win, Caleb,” he said, a bitter smile twisting
his lips. “I can’t. I give up. The ridicule, being an
outcast… I can’t do it. But if you come back…
I’ll do anything.”
<
I stared at him, surprised by the calmness
inside me. “No need,” I said. “Because…I don’t
want you anymore, Ethan. Too much has
happened.”
Maybe timing was everything. Maybe fate gave
you a few chances, but it was up to you to
seize them. Ethan and I…the moment he chose
to ostracize me, things were irrevocably broken.
Ethan’s eyes filled with tears. His voice
trembled. “Why? You liked me! I was just…
slow. Two months doesn’t erase two years,
Caleb. You can’t just…stop feeling what you
felt.”
“I haven’t stopped,” I said, leaning back on my
hands. “But I will. Eventually. It just takes time.”
“But we could have…”
“Caleb!” A shout echoed from the court. Every
head turned towards me. Ethan released my
hand. I smiled faintly. He seemed to realize
where he was, his face flushing with panic. “I…
it was a reflex! I’ll…I’ll stop,” he stammered,
reaching for my hand again. I pulled away, my
eyes meeting Leo’s across the court. He was
<
grinning, waving.
“Caleb!” he shouted. “I like you! Screw what
anyone else thinks. After college, they’re all
irrelevant. After you start working, your
coworkers are irrelevant. But the person you
share your life with, your bed with…they’re your
oxygen. We’re just living our lives. Gay or
straight, who cares! Just…do you want to be
with me or not?”
Silence fell over the court.
I knew my life wasn’t going to be “normal”
anymore.
I covered my face with my hands, muttering,
“Smooth, dude.” When I lowered my hands, I
looked at Ethan, his face ashen, before turning
to Leo.
“So, how impressive were your efforts,
exactly?” I asked Ethan quietly. He remained
silent.
I stood, a weight lifting from my shoulders. My
eyes met Leo’s across the court.
“I haven’t decided yet!” I shouted back. “Give
me some time! But…congratulations, you’ve got
me some time! But…congratulations, you’ve got
pole position!”
As for the rest? I’d said it already.
Time would tell.
