Jeremy sat on the couch thinking of his best friend Tad and knowing he was going to miss him. They grew up next door to each other and had gone through everything together all their lives up until high school. It was then that Jeremy knew he was gay, but Tad wasn't. He went through his frustrations alone and was saddened each time Tad brought a new girlfriend home.
Always on the edge of things, Jeremy had become the loner; never participating in anything for fear that the other boys would beat him to death for his preference. Mostly, he knew himself, it was because he wouldn't be able to stand the hate and rejection that Tad would give him; he loved Tad in more than just a friendly way.
He was happy when his first college choice had sent him his acceptance packet; going away was going to be hard, but staying here would be worse. He knew that this college was more open minded regarding sexual preference and he was looking forward to finally be free from this small town with small minds.
Jeremy closed his eyes and drew upon his daydream on lying in bed with Tad and exploring his body. Suddenly he was drawn back out of his reverie by a knock on the front door.
Sighing as he got off the couch, he opened the door and Tad stomped into the living room.
"Where's your folks?" he asked apparently angry about something.
"They left for the weekend to visit my Aunt Madge and her brood," Jeremy replied.
"That bitch!" Tad exploded. "Do you know what she did?"
"Dump you for the captain of the football team because he's going to the same college she is," stated Jeremy matter-of-factly as he sat back down on the couch.
Tad stood still as a statue, his mouth dropped open and stared at Jeremy. "How did you know?"
Jeremy was silent a moment then he went on, "She's a cunt. Nothing in her head but fluff, she barely has passing grades, on the cheerleader squad and looking for something that's marriageable; figures she can get it with her cunt. I'm surprised she waited this long to finally dump you."
Tad stood speechless for a minute, "She not a cunt!" he flung back the word at his friend. "If you weren't my friend, I'd punch you in the mouth for that!"
"Oh come on Tad. She's fucked every guy on the football team and some on the basketball team as well; not sure about the baseball guys, but can't tell. Hell, she's probably fucked anything with a cock including her old man. You're telling me that you are the only one who didn't know. Fuck; thought you were fucking her to satisfy an itch," Jeremy stated. He knew he was hurting Tad, but he was so tired of hearing him complain about this girl or that girl. Frankly, he had finally had enough.
Tad threw himself into the chair adjacent the couch and stared at his friend. "What makes you so sure she's fucked around like that?"
"I hear things; keep my ears and eyes open. I happen to know that she's even fucked Coach Daniels and has had sex with Mrs. Nelson," Jeremy continued.
"Mrs. Nelson? The cheerleader coordinator; are you sure?" Tad sat dazed.
"How do you think she got on the squad? You've seen her cheers; pathetic man," said Jeremy.
Tad seemed to be a bit amused now, "What else do you know?"
"Quite a bit in this small town; no one notices me and even if they do, they don't think twice about talking to others when I'm within earshot," Jeremy laughed. "They're all stupid assholes including, I point out, my best friend."
Tad laughed and then came over to sit next to Jeremy. Jeremy felt his heart beat increase having Tad so near to him. He wanted so desperately to put his arms around him and to give him a kiss; felt the tightening in his jeans. He looked into his friend's eyes and rose to sit in the chair Tad had vacated.
Tad was surprised by his actions, "Why did you do that? Hey man, been years since I had cuddies," he laughed.
Jeremy looked once again at his friend 'well it's now or never', he thought. "Tad; did you ever wonder why I choose the college on the West coast?"
"Because they had what you wanted to major in." Tad replied.
Jeremy drew a deep breath knowing this was going to sever their long friendship, "No. It's because I'm gay."
Tad looked like one of those pictures you see of a deer in head lights. He just stared at me and then finally asked, "How long?"
"I've known since my sophomore year. That's why I'm leaving this stinking small town and never looking back," replied Jeremy. "We both know that my life expectancy would be close to zero if anyone finds out. I'd just become another statistic on a police report."
Tad got the hint, "I won't tell Jeremy if that's what you're worried about. We've been best friends for too long."
Jeremy willed himself not to cry, but soon the tears were wetting his cheeks. His best friend didn't hate him for being gay, but his heart was still hurting.