"Mom, Dad...I'm gay," I say to my parents as they sit across for me with nervous expressions, clearly feeling confused about the news.
"But you're on the football team!" says Mom, looking dumbfounded about the news.
"I know."
"And you played soccer."
"I know."
"You took Emaly to the prom, and you guys were out all night together."
"I know."
"For heaven's sake, Oliver! Say something besides 'I know!"
"Mom, I'm gay," I say nonchalantly.
"Don't get smart with me young man, this is a serious matter! Say something, Eugene!"
My mom turns to my father in a full-blown panic, waiting for him to back her up and tell me that I'm disgusting and that there's no way that they'd ever accept me. My father looks at me in the eyes for the first time in the 30 minutes that we've sat down and he just takes a deep breath and sits back into the love seat.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, Oliver." He inhales deeply and then lets out a long sigh, " but, you're my son, and I'll never give anyone the right to say that Eugene Granger isn't a supportive father in his kid's time of need."
My "time of need" is what my father had decided to call me living my life as my most authentic self. Everyone sits in silence for what feels like a lifetime and I decide to break it by saying, "I know that this is a shock to you guys but I've known for a long time. I just want you to know that this is not a "lifestyle choice" or my "time of need" this is just me, your son, trying to be the best me I can be." Shit, I sound like I'm trying to justify everything but, I'm really just trying to get them to understand. My mother adjusts the sleeves of her oversized sweater and sits back into the love seat, joining my father.
They sit there for about thirty seconds and then my mother sits right back up with her legs criss-cross on the couch like she's had a stroke of genius.
"How about this, you asked about taking a year off before college to travel. Dad and I will pay for your travel and expenses while you're gone. But you have to promise to think a little harder about your decision. Okay, bud?"
The conversation went downhill from there, but in the end, we decided that I'd take my year off to travel, and they'd take that time to wrap their heads around their only son being gay. I know they didn't mean any harm, but it's hard for me not to think that they just don't want to get me.
Fast forward to now and my year's almost up. I'm now staying in a hotel in Mexico for the last night and I decided to go out and have some fun to celebrate. I go to a restaurant called Jorge's which I've been to many times, the owner is handsome and we hooked up once. I had nothing but good memories until tonight though...
It's dark, why is it so dark in my room, the last thing I remember is being at Jorge's restaurant, and after that...I went back to the hotel right? I feel a sharp pain come up my spine and though I'm hesitant, I open my eyes. Upon opening them I see Jorge himself, and he's FUCKING ME!