His parents were dancing around the room together when we walked in. Hand in hand. They looked so lovely. I don’t remember my parents ever doing that, not even before they found out I was gay. They spotted us and smiled.

“Hey, River you came back.” His mom came over to talk to me.

“Um yeah.” I did not really know how to respond.

Dustin stepped forward whispering something to his mom. They both look at me. I felt my heart almost pause. Dustin then walked over to me.

“River you look really pale go wait in my room. Okay?”

“okay.”

Just as I promised I made my way up to his room. I was still tired when I got up there, so I went back to sleep waiting for Dustin to come back. I don’t really know how long I was asleep, but Dustin woke me up to eat dinner.

“Hey, wake up sleepy head.”

I sit up quickly not realizing how close he is to me. I turn a bright red and quickly back away.

“How long was I asleep, and how did things go with your parents.”

“You slept for about an hour. They seem to be okay with it but also want to talk to you.”

“They do?”

“yeah, uh don’t freak out I don’t think it's about anything bad.”

“Who says I was going to freak out?”

“River, it's all over your face.” He laughed. “Come on they are waiting for us.”

“Fine, I’m coming.”

We walked down the stairs into the dining room where we previously ate breakfast. His parents were sitting on the one side of the table and had to places on the other side set out for us. We sat down and his dad began to speak.

“So, your name is River?”

“Uh, yes sir.” I said looking down.

“No need to call me sir that makes me feel old.” He laughed.

His laugh reminded me of Dustin's. They are so similar. Here he is asking his parents who love him so much if I can stay here to get away from problems. They can sit at the same table, make eye contact and there is no yelling. They seemed calm when he confronted them. Did not just get mad before they knew what he was going to say. I’m jealous.

“Hey, are you okay you look sick again.” Dustin leaned in and whispered.

“Yeah, I’m fine just thinking. I am a little nervous I don’t talk to adults a lot.” I whispered back.

“Are you guys okay over there?” His mom suddenly asked.

“Yeah, we are good I just am not good at talking, I’m sorry.” I tell her.

“Oh, sweetie you are fine, we just need to know a few things. If anything makes you uncomfortable just tell. Don’t feel pressured to answer anything.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Are you ready for some questions?”

“yeah, what do you want to know?”