"You. Have. To. TELL. ME. HOW YOU KNOW!" Janet snatched my shirt and pulled me closer.
"Well...can you park first. You kind of just stopped in the middle of the street and there's a car coming towards us."
She let go of me and parked us a block from where I lived. She locked the doors and told me that if I don't have any explanation, she won't let me leave. Since we were gonna be here for awhile, I told her to sit back then. She stared at me until I started talking. I didn't really know how to start the story. So, I told her about the time when Dylan stayed over at my house and went like this.
We were three months into our Junior year. Leo and I didn't know the twins very well. We knew who they were, but we didn't know them. Damien was the first to get us talking. He told Leo and I that we were better twins than Dylan and him were. Something called fraternal twins. I didn't really pay attention to that part. Anyways, Dylan had brought out some comics and that caught my attention. There was one comic that stood out to me, the X-Men comic about Iceman. Dylan had said it was favorite, but wouldn't let me read it. At first, I thought it was because he just didn't want the comic to get bent or ripped which was understandable. It wasn't until later that night, the real reason he keeps it.
Fast forward it to later that afternoon. School was about to end and my dad was picking Leo and I up. Once we got into the car, Dylan yelled my name from behind, "Henry! Leo! Wait up!" the guy was out of breathe.
"Uh...yeah?" I said, my father gave me a weird look. He didn't know who Dylan was at the time.
"Can....can I come hangout with you two? Damien has football practice, so I don't got much to do."
I asked my dad and he said yes. I jumped shotgun and Dylan went with Leo. The whole ride they couldn't stop talking about this Netflix show. I don't remember the title, but it was a cartoon of sorts.
"Henry, come on, get on with the story." Janet interrupted me.
"Alright, alright."
For the most part, we just played video games in my room, but as the day progressed Dylan kept checking his phone. He kept getting phone calls from his parents, but ignored all of them. I thought it was a bit suspicious, but we were enjoying the afternoon. The three of us were just doing whatever we can do at my house. It's hard to entertain guests when all you got is just video games.
I ended up showing Dylan some of my comics and we started to chat...like a lot. Leo ended up going home because of his parent's divorce at the time. It was started to get late and I knew for sure Dylan was avoiding something. Once he asked me to spend the night, that's when I had to question him. My parents were okay with him staying the night, but I thought it was weird. Someone I've only known, really, for like a day and he wanted to spend the night. I ended up asking why.
"Well...my parents were fighting this morning about money and stuff. Lately that's been happening. I just wanted to get away from it. I just don't get how Damien is just okay with it. It is fine with me staying the night right?" Dylan asked for the millionth time that night. I told him yes and threw him some pajamas I had. Since it was a Friday, we didn't worry about school or anything.
Parents fight all the time. It's normal in relationships, but I can also understand where he's coming from. No one wants to be around a bunch of angry adults. It's madness. Anyways...fast forward to basically one in the morning. I was awoken by Dylan leaving my room. I thought he had to use the bathroom, but he went downstairs instead. I waited for a bit and went outside. I peeked over the railing to see him on a phone call. Whispering to his mother about something.
"No mama. Lo siento. I know I should've told you, but ever since what happened. I can't. Papa doesn't want me around. Buenas noches mama. I'll be home tomorrow." Dylan hung up his phone and he wiped his eyes. Either from tears or he was tired. I snuck downstairs and met him on the living room couch. He tried to play it off as nothing happened. I asked him about it and he said it was personal.
"Alright, dude. I'm going to get some milk and cookies since I'm up. If you want some, you'll have to tell me."
"You drive a hard bargain Henry Wilhelm." we both laughed and went to the kitchen. I grabbed the supplies and we had our feast. Then there was a bit of silence. Dylan went upstairs to grab something he wanted to show me. It was his Iceman comic book. I didn't know much about the character because I didn't really read the X-Men stories. At first he went on how this was his favorite character and how cool he was. It was fun seeing him this way.
Dylan stared at the comic book and a tear went down his face. He wiped it away and I sat there. Not knowing what to say. "He was one of Marvel's strongest openly gay characters. To learn about his choice to hide his sexuality because he was mutant. He learned to accept himself for who he is. Some people see him as a superhero. I see him as much more Henry."
"Are...you coming out to me right now Dylan?" I was about to fall out of my chair.
"I think so. You can't tell anyone though. Only my parents know and..well Damien. My father's not okay with it, but Damien and our mama is. I just had to stay here for the night. I...I needed a friend." There was more silence and he looked like he was about to cry a river. I didn't know what to do, so I moved closer and hugged him.
"I think you're awesome Dylan." I told him and he smiled. After that we enjoyed our cookies.
"From that point on Janet, Dylan and I've gotten a lot closer. We're really good friends." I turned towards Janet. She was staring at me weirdly. I was about ready to make a run for my home.
"Oh.My.God. Henry. You're fucking amazing! I ship it!" Janet yelled with excitement.
"Fuck..you. Now can you please take me home. Please don't tell Dylan that I told you this. He'd kill me."
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