Jay stayed on the floor, against the door, until it was time for lunch. He got up and sighed, walking downstairs into the kitchen. There was a woman who looked 50, with her auburn hair wrapped up into a tight bun and stirring something in a big pot.

“Um… Hello.” Jay finally said after a moment.

The woman yelped with alarm and spun around, gripping a wooden spoon, her amber eyes flashed with fury. “Who are you!?” She demanded.

Jay squeaked and rose his hands up in surrender. “S-soory I-I scared you! I-I'm Jay! The new maid.”

“That's you?” She looks surprised. “Everyone thought you’d be a girl.”

Jay motioned to the maid’s dress he was wearing. “Oh? I just thought this was the latest fashion trend”

The woman laughed. “My name is Autumn, the cook.”

“It's nice to meet you, Miss.”

She smiled. “So, you’re a boy…” She went back to stirring. “Is that changing Master Billys flirt side?”

Jay growled bitterly. “No…”

Autumn shakes her head. “I knew he was a little bent in that way.”

“Does his dad know?”

Autumn’s eyes went round “Heavens no! You see, Mr. Eltion is… well, homophobic.”

Jay sighs. “I was wishing that wasn’t true.”

“Why?” Autumn handed him a plate of salmon. “Are you gay?”

Jay took a bite of salmon, blushing softly. “Ah... well… Yeah.”

“I knew it. You didn't look straight at all.” She grinned.

“GEE, THANKS.” Jay stabbed the salmon with a fork.

Autumn laughed. “You’re a feisty one.”

Jay huffed and ate his salmon, mind drifting off. Everyone here seems so nice. Well, except for Billy. He sighed. And what he said…

“I wanna know you… I do.”

ARGH! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!

Autumn was watching Jay as the blondie got redder and redder. Jay realized that he was blushing and got up. “I-I'm gonna go upstairs.” He squeaked, thanked Autumn for the meal, and went upstairs. He bristled the whole time. Just because he’s nice sometimes means nothing! He… could be just like… him.

“Youre pathetic! No one will ever love a maid like you!”

Jay shook himself and opened his door, walking into his room. I’m gonna write a letter to my parents. He decided, easing himself onto the desk chair. He got out a piece of paper and got lost in his letter.

He sighed, halfway through the second page, and leaned back, he glanced over at the window, then did a double-take.

There was Billy, sitting on the ground and feeding some birds, birdseed scattered around him and the sparrows chirped with delight. Billy smiled ever so slightly, eyes bright with affection at the little birds he was feeding.

Huh… Jay watched, eyes softening. He’s really… sweet. His mind betrayed him as he thought.

Would he ever treat me like that?

Jay jumped as he saw Billy look up and lock eye contact with him. Jay felt energy zip through him, as though he could reach up and touch the sky. He didn't wanna look away, his heart thundered in his chest, and he felt it bang through him. Billy smiled ever so slightly. And Jay forced himself to frown and walk away. What’s wrong with me!? He blushed hard and flopped down face first on his bed. You can't do that! You can't fall in love again! Not after what happened! His heart ached, upset-filled his eyes, I can't…