Page 55 of This is Me

“I should clarify, that wasn’t because you’re gay. I, honest to God, don’t care one bit about that.”

“Then why the fuck did you punch me?”

“Just got the urge,” Brad smirked as I glared at him, and I groaned at the pain in my leg.

“You’re such an asshole.”

“What is your problem? You’re not usually this shitted when I hit you.”

“Why do you care? Shouldn’t you be freaking out about your stupid dancing crap?” I asked, pulling my legs onto my bed and moving back to lean on the wall.

“Ah, I’m so glad my caring, supportive brother stuck around,” Brad joked, and I rolled my eyes.

“I could say the same,” I retorted, grabbing one of my pillows and hugging it to my chest.

It may not have been my ideal situation, but at least I wasn’t alone. Plus, I could be myself around Brad. I think. He did know who I was, and he said he didn’t care, but this was my brother. Someone who punches me for no apparent reason, so, God knows what he would do.

“Come on, talk. You know that sometimes I can be—”

“Not an asshole?” I finished, and Brad nodded with a smile.

“‘Tis on the money, my gay squire.”

“Can you maybe keep your voice down?” I asked, feeling heat rush to my cheeks.

“Sorry, sorry. It’s just we haven’t spoken much since I told you I knew,” Brad said sheepishly, rustling his own hair.

“I wonder why,” I muttered, and Brad punched my leg again. “Ow!”

“I told you I don’t care. Stop being a bitch.”

“Fuck you.”

“Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“Nothing!” I said forcefully, knowing my words were not believable.

I knew what Brad was trying to do. Catch me off guard so I would let slip what was on my mind, but did I really want him to know? I could only imagine how much teasing I would get from him if I told him about what had almost happened with Leroy. And I had no idea what Brad would make of what had happened with Leroy’s father.

“You’re so whiny!” Brad laughed, going to hit my leg again, though I tried to deflect it and he hit the bone in my wrist.

“Mother of a fuck!” I squealed, holding my wrist before deciding against my better judgement. “I almost kissed Leroy.”

I needed to tell someone. Besides, he doesn’t need to know everything.

“One of your best friends?” Brad asked, raising his eyebrows at me, and my cheeks heated up even more.

“Yes,” I mumbled, holding my pillow to my chest even tighter.

“I didn’t picture him as gay.”

“He isn’t.”

“Then why would you try to kiss him?”

“That’s the problem!” I moaned, letting my face fall into the pillow I was holding, and I heard Brad let out a laugh.

“Don’t tell me you have a crush on him?”