Out Of The Closet - 8. Chapter 8: Reunion

August 23 2019

The Friday before school started in senior year was the day for signups for fall sports at Jasper County High School. Cody was outside for football while I was a volunteer in the gym helping everyone sign in. I unfortunately wasn’t in the line Cody was in so I didn’t get to see him. He was in Tyler’s line actually. I was thankful I was indoors and not outside, where it was blazing hot under the August sun, despite being morning. I was dressed in a t-shirt with its sleeves cut off, and a pair of knee length shorts. Towards the time tryouts were all set to begin, and the line was empty, I looked up and saw Logan Martinez jogging over to my table. The Hispanic teen was wearing a grey t-shirt shirt and some baggy red shorts.

“Hey, Logan,” I smiled, checking off his name. “Glad you could make it.”

“Hey, Ollie. I hope I am good enough to make the golf team.”

“Well, luckily, you’ll all make the team,” I smiled. “It’s not like golf here is super competitive.”

“Right,” Logan nodded. "There's only, like, 10 people here at tryouts. And it’s a coed team?”

“Yup. Girls and boys play on the golf team.”

“Is Cody back from Montana yet?”

“Yeah, he got in on Tuesday. I haven’t seen him yet, cause I’ve been working a lot at the video game store.” I added. Gave me something to do outside of summer sports training and karate besides thinking about Cody.

“Nathaniel bumped up your hours for August?”

“Yeah,” I nodded. “Six hours a day for four or five days a week.” Yup, in July, I got that part time job i wanted. I guess I forgot to mention that. It’s a pretty chill job in a quiet store and I get to make 9 bucks an hour. Have to work part time cause I am still legally a minor. I’ll have to stop it once basketball season starts up in November though because then I’ll be too busy to work.

“Dang, nice,” Logan nodded. “Maybe I should work there too.”

“Anyways, Cody is outside on the field for football tryouts,” I sighed. “I hope he’s gonna be ok in the heat.” I stood up to lock the gym doors, as the sign in time for tryouts was closed. Logan went over to warm up with the other golfers. Tyler and I ended up hanging out on the bleachers outside and watching the football players. My eyes were glued to Cody and Tyler’s were glued to his girlfriend who was a cheerleader. It was REALLY hot out here and Cody was soaked in sweat. Thankfully the boys were taking a LOT of water breaks because I don’t want my blond baby collapsing from heat stroke! In the open grassy field behind the football field, I saw the golfers working on their hitting. Logan looked to be making friends with some sophomore boys.

After a bit, as tryouts were coming to an end around 10:30, everyone went inside.

“Hey Oliver!” Logan entered the school. “Ready to get our pictures, schedules and books for senior year?!”

I nodded. “Yeah, dude. But, like, you have to shower and get changed.”

“Shower?” Logan asked, blushing a bright shade of pink. “In the locker room?!”

“Mhm,” I nodded. “All athletes have to shower after sports stuff. School’s rules.”

“Shit...” Logan muttered. “I don’t feel comfortable doing that in a locker room.” Logan looked down. “I’m super self-conscious.”

“Dude, nobody cares enough to bother you,” I laughed. You’ll be fine. Just wear flip flops in the shower to avoid a foot infection.”

I sat on a bench in the hall outside the locker room. I was dressed in a baby blue colored plaid button up shirt and khaki cargo shorts for school pictures, with my favorite red converse sneakers on. I had also gotten a shower despite not participating in tryouts today but I was all sweaty from being outside and didn’t wanna look gross for my pictures. Logan was still in there showering. What’s takin’ him so long? I thought. I got up and went to go check on him. “Logan?” I opened the door. “Are you okay?”

“Come on! Show us!” he heard Matt Gillespie and Tanner Volk, a couple sophomores talking to Logan. Both of them were on the golf team. I turned the corner. The two sophomores had Logan backed up against the wall. Logan had just a towel around his waist and some flip flops on. “Shit...” Matt cursed when he saw me.

“What the fuck is going on?” I asked before the sophomores ran off. “Logan? Are you alright.” Logan nodded. “Did they hurt you?”

“They wanted to make fun of me...” Logan said. His hair was wet from the shower. “But I didn’t let them.”

“Make fun of you for what?”

“My small dick.” Logan responded.

“Dude, they’re just a couple sophomore jackasses. Don’t listen to them.”

“Hey, bro,” Toby fist bumped me when I met my brother and friends in the library. We got in line for yearbook photos first before getting textbooks. “How was tryouts?”

“Um, it went well I guess,” I responded.

“I’m on the golf team!” Logan smiled.

“No way,” Toby crossed his arms. I nodded. “Seriously? Congrats dude!”

“Hey guys,” Cody’s amazing voice said as he walked in.

“OMG! It’s Cody!” I ran up and hugged my boyfriend, kissing him on the lips. “I missed you so much baby!” A couple tears of joy dripped onto Cody’s shoulder from my coffee brown eyes.

“I missed you a lot too!” Cody fought back tears. Logan was busy staring at a cute nerdy boy across the library.

“You got a nice tan... and more muscular,” I observed, seeing Cody less pale than he had been in spring.

“Oh, uh, yeah,” Cody blushed. “I guess that’s what farm work does for you.”

Farm boy... Cute... I thought. I imagined Cody shirtless on a horse with a cowboy hat, jeans, and boots on. “That’s so hot...” I mumbled. “Oh crap... did I say that out loud?” My cheeks flushed as pink as a cherry. I probably would have gotten a nosebleed if I saw a sweaty Cody change out of his football jersey and pads.

“You look different too,” Cody said. “Been working out, baby?” Cody put his hand on my toned arm.

“Oh, yeah,” I stretched his arms a bit and popped my back. “Been working out with Toby over the summer training for our black belts. Working at the video game store lifting heavy boxes also helps,” I smiled. “We did earn those black belts by the way. Even if Toby barely managed the 100 pushups!”

"HEY!” Toby pouted.

“How’s band camp, Toby?” Cody asked my twin.

“The same as usual,” he sighed. “Sweaty, hot, and full of freshmen who don’t cooperate.” Toby sighed. “But, I still love being in band.”

“That’s awesome,” Cody gave Toby a smile and a thumbs up.

“You coming to the party at our place tonight?” I asked Cody.

“Sure thing!” Cody smiled. “Mom told me about it. We’ll all be there. And, if you want, you can come by to help me wash the Jeep. She’s still covered in dirt from Montana. Anyways, I have to go pick up my textbooks. I’ll see you later,” Cody kissed my forehead before leaving the library. Hehe that’s cute he referred to his Jeep as she… XD

After I got my picture and books, I drove Toby, Logan, and I home in my mom’s car. I quickly changed into an old white tank top and some pink and grey striped board shorts and I walked down to Cody’s place where we ate lunch and caught up finally. “Hey, uh, I’m really sorry about never answering any texts you sent me. My pear phone fell into the creek one time while I was herding goats across the stream. Unfortunately smartphones aren’t waterproof.”

“That’s probably for the best. I thought you were giving me the silent treatment for thinking you cheated on me.”

“Oliver. Look at me.” Cody held my face with his hands. “I promise I will never cheat on you, okay? Especially not with my straight cousin.”

“What about your gay cousin?” I chuckled before taking a bite of a sandwich.

“I don’t have one of those, but if I did I wouldn’t be interested in him. Only you.”

After eating we went outside to wash Cody’s Jeep. It was all muddy from driving on dirt and gravel roads up in Montana. The afternoon temperatures were over a hundred degrees so it felt nice to get a bit wet. I grabbed a sponge, soaped it up, and started cleaning the metal frame. That’s when Cody directly sprayed me with cold water. I heard him giggle as I yelped and squealed.

“Oh it’s on,” I laughed anh pulled off my shirt and threw my soapy sponge at him. His pink t-shirt got all soapy and he pulled his off too. He continued spraying me and I playfully grabbed the hose from him and watered him down.

“Dang that feels nice,” Cody said. “So freakin’ hot out here.”

“I wanna see your bare chest all soapy though.” Cody grabbed a sponge and I ran around the Jeep but he caught me by going the other way. He grabbed me and soaped up my chest and abs and then we started kissing, and our chests met, getting his all soapy from touching mine. Cody’s neighbors were probably appalled at what we were doing out here, but I didn’t care. He pushed me against the Jeep and our tongues met. My hand approached his waist, wanting this to go REALLY far. “Not now, babe. Not out here in the open.”

“Right,” I blushed. “Let’s get this Jeep washed.” I grabbed a sponge and continued what we were doing.

That evening, I was still in my pair of board shorts. I also had a simple necklace with a shark’s tooth on. It’s something I didn’t wear too often, because I don’t want to lose it. I made it myself from a tooth I found at the beach in California when I was just eleven years old. I looked at myself in the mirror and noticed some slight sunburn on my broad shoulders from earlier, which surprised me because my skin is pretty tan and doesn’t burn easily. Must be those tropical Filipino genes. A couple pink pimples dotted my left cheek and chin, and some dark brown peach fuzz was growing on my upper lip. I guess my facial hair finally decided to start growing in. It’s about time!

I heard the doorbell ring and rushed downstairs to answer it, thinking Cody arrived. “Dustin? Morgan? Hey guys,” I smiled. Dustin was a senior in band with Toby and Morgan was his younger sister, a sophomore, and Toby’s current girlfriend. Dustin was holding a dish of potato salad which he carried into the kitchen.

I led the pair to the backyard. Several guests had already shown up. Cody and his family had already shown up, along with Logan’s family, and Toby’s band friend Richard. Cody had on red and blue swim shorts and a bright yellow tank top with grey stripes. He had gotten more sunburned than I did, mainly on his shoulders and chest where he forgot to use sunscreen.

“Hey, Cody,” I smiled and blushed looking at my boyfriend in casual summer wear. Toby, Logan, Iris, and Gabe were all in the pool, with Morgan joining as well. Richard and Dustin had just started a ping pong game at the table on the patio. The adults were drinking beers around the table, except for Samantha and Laura who were drinking sparkling lemonade.

“I… I can’t believe this is our last year of high school…” Cody smirked.

“Same…” I smiled. “You look really awesome.”

“Thanks,” Cody blushed. My eyes were glued to Cody as the blond teen pulled off his shirt, and got in the pool, exposing his slightly pink chest. “You gonna join?”

“Oh, uh, yeah!” I pulled off my necklace and set it down near Cody’s shirt then jumped into the cool water with a flip. Cody laughed as I swam over to join him in the middle of the pool where the water was five feet deep.

“Great jump, Oliver,” Cody kissed me on the lips.

I fully submerged myself and did a flip underwater before coming up for air. Cody blinked a couple times. The taller blond teen didn’t know how to swim. It wasn’t a fact he publicly advertised, as it was kind of embarrassing for him. “Cody, I’m, uh, glad you came. Even though... you know...”

“Yeah,” Cody sighed. “I can stand in water. It’s really not a problem. I just wouldn’t be able to swim in deeper water.”

“You want me to teach you?”

“N-not now…” he said. “All our friends are here. And I don’t wanna look dumb.” Cody shlyly rubbed his neck. I shrugged in agreement. We ended up passing a beach ball back and forth like a volleyball and continuing to catch up.

A half hour later, I put the hot dogs on the grill while Toby was inside getting the buns and sides ready. There was potato salad, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, and salad as sides. Ketchup, mustard, mayo, and pickles were out as toppings for the hot dogs. When the hot dogs were done, I brought in the tray and set it in the buffet style line and set out paper plates. I was quick to get myself some food before everyone else came in. Toby joined me as well. We then exited the house with their food. “Food’s done.” Toby said with a smile.

I followed Toby to sit on the edge of the pool. Toby sat cross legged and I sat with my feet and ankles in the water. I had two hot dogs in one bun with a bunch of ketchup and pickles, and I had some potato salad and a small cob of corn as well. Today was exhausting and I was STARVING so I got myself some more food then I’d usually take. Toby and I had each snuck out a beer, hiding them in the pockets of our swim shorts.

“First beer,” I opened the can and took a sip. It was a cool refreshing taste, and the bubbles danced on my tongue.

“You did great on the hot dogs,” Toby nodded, his mouth full.

“Cheers to a great year, bro,” I raised my can of beer, and Toby did the same. Cody soon joined us with his hot dogs and salad which had raspberry dressing.

“So, uh,” Cody muttered. “You have your list of colleges to apply to?” Cody forked some lettuce and ate it.

“No...” I fiddled with my thumbs. I took another sip of my beer.

“Damn...” Cody teased. “No plan for the future and already doing drugs...” Cody tsked jokingly. Cody was wearing his tank top again and I was still shirtless. The starry sky had come out, with a little bit of pink and purple remains of sunlight still peeking out at the western horizon.

“Shush it...” I sighed. “And I’m nervous to apply to college, okay? I’m like, not that smart...” I rested my face on the palm of my hand. “Toby meanwhile is like a genius...”

“Hey, don’t talk that way about yourself,” Cody rubbed my shoulder. “You’re smart...” Cody began. I stifled a laugh. “In your own way...”

“I guess,” I sighed and leaned back.

“Hey, boys, you have any trash?” Dad walked over, carrying a trash bag.

“Oh, yeah,” I grabbed my beer can and Cody’s soda can, which were both empty.

“Oliver.............” Dad growled. “Is this a beer can?!”

“Uh, yeah,” my eyes widened. “I just had one. Toby did too.” Toby gave me a glare.

“You boys know you’re too young to drink,” he shook his head. “Oliver, you know the military won’t allow you to drink.” I rolled my eyes.

“You’re enlisting in the military after high school?” Cody asked, his green eyes going wide.

“No, but dad’s been pressing me to join the Air Force like he did. The Academy is just over in Colorado Springs so only like 90 minutes from here. He doesn’t think I can get into a college.”

“Well it is an option for you,” Cody shrugged. “You’d look cute in a uniform.”

“I’m too gay for the military. And not into all the blind obedience stuff.” I stood up. “Cody I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.”

“Really? It’s only 8PM.”

“I said I’m going to bed, not to sleep. You can come up and cuddle with me, though.”

Cody told his mom he was gonna spend the night with me. In my room, we stripped out of our swim trunks and showered together. Cody didn’t have a change of clothes, so I let him borrow a pair of my plaid boxers to sleep. They were maybe a little small on him, but we were close enough in size, I suppose. We got into my bed and the buzz from the beer went away and the full feeling in my belly was starting to make me tired. Maybe having sex wth Cody wasn’t gonna be an option tonight. Cody turned onto his side, facing away from me. “Can you give me a back rub?”

“Sure,” I smiled before we both yawned.

“I think I pulled my shoulder blade at football today.”

“Yeah, I feel a little knot in there,” I said, trying to give him a nice backrub.

“I’m so tired, it’s been a….. long day…” Cody mumbled, yawning. “Thanks, Ollie. Sorry I can’t do anything fun tonight.”

“Me, too. I was prepared to give you head, but I hit a wall. I been up since 6AM with tryouts, and washing your car, and the whole pool party thing.” I yawned. I heard Cody already softly snoring. I stopped massaging him and tucked both of us in before I laid back into my pillow. “Night, Codyy...” I murmured, already half asleep. I kissed his shoulder blade.