AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Standing in front of everyone after Hil insisted I make a speech, I pondered what I should say. Looking at my mother, who had been talking with Remy’s mother, it came to me.
“I would like to thank everyone for being here,” I began. “Also, I would like to thank everyone who has agreed to work and volunteer for the center. I was born very close to here. I used to see this building almost every day. I could never have imagined that it would become a place that could make the lives of kids better.”
I paused lowering my head as I remembered staring up at the lights, wanting my father to accept me.
“I think it’s important for everyone here to know that I’m gay. I’m sure many of you have already figured that out,” I said to a few chuckles. I smiled. “I’m not great at hiding it.” They laughed again. “But, I thought it was important that I state it. Growing up in this neighborhood, I didn’t always believe I could.
“I want this space to be the first of many places in this community where people can feel comfortable saying that. Someone once told me that when you embrace your true self, you are rewarded. Well, I’m gay, and I’m mixed, with a black mother and a white father who wanted nothing to do with me. I don’t know why he didn’t. But that is the way it was.
“Those things have shaped me. Often, I’ve run from them. But that is my true self. I want this center to be a place where everyone feels safe being their true selves. Because I believe that if you are true to yourself, life will reward you,” I said looking at Remy.
Walking away to a round of applause, I was congratulated by everyone, starting with Hil.
“You never told me about your father,” he said.
“You never asked,” I responded with a smile.
“It always felt like a topic you didn’t want to discuss.”
“I guess I didn’t.” I sighed. “Because it was hard.”
“Oh, Dillon,” he said, pulling me into a hug. “Have I been a good friend to you?”
“Hil, you have been the best friend I could ever ask for. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
“I don’t think I would have survived my life without you,” Hil replied, his voice hitching.
“Please don’t cry. If you do, I’ll be next, and I’ll never get through today,” I joked.
Hil released me and laughed. “Go do what you have to do. You got this,” he said, ushering me off.
By the time things were winding down, the only one I hadn’t spoken to was Remy. I had kept him in sight the entire day. He had been his usual charming self. Most of the older ladies and all of the gay guys he spoke to fell in love with him, because, of course, they did. Who wouldn’t? And after everyone but the cleanup crew had left, Remy approached me, beaming.
“You were amazing today,” he said, giving me that look again.
“Thank you.”
“You know, when I suggested you do this, I didn’t actually think that you would.”
I looked at him, shocked. “You didn’t believe in me?” I asked, hitting his arm.
“No, I mean I knew you could. I just didn’t think that you would. The only reason I had suggested this was as an excuse to look at you every day.”
“Well, that didn’t happen,” I said, snidely.
“Nope, it did not.”
“Nope.”
I could see his thoughts swirling. I was about to ask him what he was thinking when he asked,
“Are you ready for your surprise now?”
A flash of excitement shot through me.
“What is it? Did you prepare a fancy dinner for me on the rooftop?” I asked, looking for spoilers.
“No. But that would have been a great idea,” he said seriously. “I, um, was just going to split a candy bar with you in my car.”
