The Golden City - 15. The Pity Party

Chapter 15: The Pity Party

It’s odd, you’d think I would know how to comfort someone after a break up by now. I mean, I’ve seen my Mom go through a couple, but even then, I just couldn’t find the right words. Yet she never seemed to mind. She just wanted me close to her. She just needed to be reminded we were all each other needed. But Adam’s different. I can tell by the look on his face that he wants a boyfriend. I can tell he wants someone other than me to come home to. I don’t blame him for that. How can help him when I have Dizzy upstairs waiting for me?

“You’ll be alright.” I tried to comfort as we both finally started to head to bed. “It, it’ll just take some time.”

“I know.” He slowly nodded, but I could tell he was barely listening. “Don’t worry about school tomorrow, I’ll tell them you’re sick or something.”

“Are you sure?” I asked, making sure to guard my bedroom door as we stood in the hall.

“Yeah.” He forced out, now a cross between heartbroken and exhausted. “It’s like, one in the morning. I’m not going to do that to you.”

“Oh, thank you.” I accepted, trying to get a good look at his face. “You shouldn’t go to work tomorrow either.”

“It’s not that simple.” He complained, forcing his door open and taking a step inside.

“Lindsay said it operates fine without you.” I reminded him. “If you go, if you go I’m calling Lindsay and telling her to send you home.”

“You do that.” He grumbled before slamming the door behind him.

I took a deep breath before turning towards my own room and walking inside. I felt all the mixed emotions in my body start to fade as I saw a figure taking up half of the mattress.

“Bout time.” He forced out as I crawled into bed.

“You’re still up?” I whispered, laying down and pulling him in close.

“Barely.” He yawned, holding onto my arm as it wrapped around him then letting it go. “I saw the picture on your nightstand.”

“What picture?” I asked, trying to look over him to the nearby table.

“The one of you as a kid with your mom.” He replied, instantly silencing me.

“Oh.” I finally exhaled as it clicked in my head.

“You were a cute kid,” He teased. “and your Mom. She’s beautiful. I mean that.”

“Thank you.” I felt a smile cross my face as I held him closer. “So, when do I get to meet your mom?”

“You don’t want to meet her.” He tried to dismiss.

“I think I do.” I encouraged. “Maybe she’ll even tell me your real name.”

He grew quiet for a few moments before starting to intertwine his hand with mine. “You want to know my real name?” He asked, surprised by my words.

“Well yeah,” I started to pressure. “you don’t get asked that a lot?”

“People never really care enough to ask.” He shrugged. I guess it’s easy for me to forget, but people don’t see Dizzy the way I do. They see him as a clown, just someone to make them laugh for a little bit before moving on with the rest of their day. But that’s not me. I see him as so much more.

“Then what is it?” I continued to provoke.

“Ask Ky or Charlotte.” He began to fidget.

“I don’t want to hear it from Ky or Charlotte.” I said as he broke free of my grasp and turned to face me.

“It’s not actually my real name though.” He shrugged but as our eyes connected I could tell there was a part of him holding back from me.

“What do you mean it’s not your real name?” I began to smile, figuring he was just goofing around.

“It’s not my real name.” He repeated without putting much thought into it.

“Because you prefer to go by Dizzy?” I asked in a confused voice.

“No, I just,” He began but hesitated. “I just don’t like to be called it.”

“and not because you like Dizzy better?” I pressured, trying my hardest to make him crack.

“Yeah.” He confessed as his eyes began to drop.

“You don’t want to tell me?” I asked but he grew quiet once more.

“It’s not that easy.” He finally exhaled.

“You can tell me.” I encouraged, placing my hand on his side. “I’ve let you in, haven’t I?”

“Yeah, but it’s late and you’ve been helping Adam.” He reminded me. “You don’t need my baggage.”

As I heard those words I couldn’t help but think of what Bradley had said to Adam. Of how much it had hurt Adam. “Part of being in a relationship is taking one another’s baggage.” I suddenly said, surprising even myself. “Not that I think you have baggage. It’s just, you should be able to confide in me the way I confide in you.”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?” He asked, the most serious I had ever seen him.

“No.” I shook my head. “I’ll stay up all night annoying you about it if I have to.”

He grew silent once more before taking a long look into my eyes. “I was named after my Dad.” He finally confessed. “So when he left, well, that’s when I started to go by Dizzy. I don’t really remember him or anything, but I don’t want to, and I don’t need my name being a reminder of that.”

“Oh.” I exhaled as it all started to make sense. “You don’t have to tell me.”

“I-I think I should.” He acknowledged as his secrets began to unravel. “My name’s Ryan.”

“Ryan Armstrong.” I nodded my head. “I think I like Dizzy better.” I teased, knowing how much it would mean to him.

“I do too.” A smile finally began to spread on his face. “Adam’s lucky to have you, I’m sure you’ll have him all fixed up in no time.”

“I don’t know about that.” I sighed in a heavy breath. “I couldn’t think of anything to say to him, and anything I did say was just, just, cliché.”

“Sometimes you don’t need to say anything.” Dizzy shrugged. “You were there for him. That means more than any words you could’ve said.”

“I hope so.” I let out as my mind began to wander.

“Mr. Jacobs is going to kill us when we both fall asleep in class tomorrow.” Dizzy suddenly changed the topic, noticing how it was starting to bother me.

“I’m not going to school tomorrow.” I began to smile once more. “Adam said he’ll tell them I’m sick.”

“That’s bullshit!” He protested in a whine.

“You’ll survive.” I shrugged. “Unless, of course, you want to skip too.”

“Does Adam want to call me in sick too?” He asked as I shook my head no. “Then I can’t. My Mom would kick my ass if I skipped school again.”

“Where does she think you are right now anyway?” I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Probably in my own bed.” He guessed as he started to think about it. “If not, then she probably assumed I’m at Ky’s. Like she says, I always turn back up.”

“I don’t like that.” I shook my head. “I always want to know where you’re sleeping.”

“Then you and my Mom can work on that when you come over for dinner on Friday.” He shrugged before turning back around like it was no big deal.

“Whoa, what?” I pressured as he began to back into me.

“You wanted to come over and meet her, didn’t you?” He asked, starting to get comfortable. “And you said you wanted me to confide in you more.”

“Alright, I, that works.” I agreed, amazed by how quickly his wall had crumbled.

“Good.” He exhaled as he finally laid still. “Good night.”

“Night.” I smiled before laying a kiss on the back of his head.

When we both finally fell asleep morning seemed to be right around the corner. We spoke for a little bit, but he let me stay in bed as he got ready for school. With a quick goodbye and a kiss on the lips he was off for another day in his crazy life, and me, well I went back to sleep! I’m not really one to sleep in late, but Dizzy and I didn’t fall asleep until like two! I think I’ve earned the right to some extra sleep!

--

--

When I finally woke up and went downstairs I was relieved to see Adam sitting on the couch playing video games.

“How are you feeling?” I asked as I sat down near him.

“Fine.” He answered in a low voice.

“I’m glad you stayed home from work.” I offered but got nothing back. “Do you want to watch Harry Potter?”

“Not right now.” He dismissed, refusing to look away from the T.V.

I nodded but stayed quiet as I looked down to the book in my hands. Every now and again I would glance up to see how he was doing, but for the most part we just stayed quiet Any conversation I tried to start was immediately shot down with a one word response. I know it wasn’t anything personal, but that doesn’t make it feel any better!

“Lindsay,” I exhaled into my phone as I was finally able to sneak up to my room. “I think Adam needs you.”

“Why?” She asked in a concerned voice. “Did his fever get worse?”

“Fever?” I repeated in a confused voice.

“Yeah,” She hesitated. “he called in sick this morning, said you brought home something from school.”

“That’s not what happened.” I rejected, unsure how much I should share. “Look, just, just get here when you can.”

“Why?” She repeated starting to grow more panicked. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I, everything’s fine.” I managed out, trying my hardest to sound confident.

“Arthur. You need to tell me what’s going on.” She pressured in a strong voice. “I get it, you don’t want to break his trust, but if it’s this bad you need to tell me.”

“He brought Bradley home last night and they got into a fight.” I suddenly opened up. “They broke up and now he’s being all, weird.”

“Weird how?” She asked, but I stayed quiet. “Weird like, only giving one word answers?”

“Yeah.” I confirmed in a nervous voice. “So can you come over soon?”

“As soon as we close.” She replied. “He’ll be alright, I promise.”

“Okay, just hurry!” I encouraged as we both disconnected the call.

The next few hours passed just as slow as the first few. You’d think staying home all day reading would be my dream, but for some reason it got boring fast! I just want to watch something with Adam. It doesn’t even have to be good! Maybe I’d even play a video game with him! I don’t care, I just want my Uncle back to normal!

As a pounding began on the door I felt a sigh of relief escape my lips. “Hey!” I excitedly smiled as I pulled the door open but felt disappointment hit me as I saw Charlotte standing there.

“I know, I’m not Dizzy.” She rolled her eyes. “But you don’t have to look so let down.”

“That’s not why I look let down.” I defended. “I just, never mind.”

“Alright ya weirdo.” She remarked before pushing a stack of papers and books forward. “Here’s your homework.”

“Did you really have to bring that to me?” I complained before taking a step back to let her in.

“Yup.” She happily teased. “That’s what you get for playing hooky.”

“It’s been a crazy day.” I shrugged as I noticed Adam get up from the couch. “You don’t have to go anywhere.” I quickly looked over to him. “Me and Charlotte can go hang out in my room.”

“It’s fine.” He mumbled as he reached the base of the stairs.

“Wait, uh,” I paused looking from him to Charlotte. “Charlotte this is my Uncle Adam, Adam this is my best friend Charlotte.”

“Nice to meet you.” He forced a small wave before climbing the stairs.

“I thought you and Dizzy said he was funny.” Charlotte whispered as he disappeared up the stairs.

“He is, well, normally.” I defended, leading her over to the couch. “He broke up with his boyfriend after the guy called me baggage.”

“Your uncles gay too?” She asked in a puzzled voice. “And you didn’t tell me sooner!”

“Sorry. I don’t know, we had a whole thing, I cried, he cried, it was great but that was like, days ago.” I began to speak a mile a minute. “We’re onto the next thing.”

“Geez you blink once around the Price family and you miss a whole life event!” She teased with a friendly smile. “But it sounds like he’s better off without that dickhead.”

“I know that, and I think he does too, but that doesn’t make him feel any better.” I whined in an upset voice.

“Yeah.” She slowly nodded her head. “He probably just needs time to start feeling better, maybe you can do something with him.”

“Maybe.” I agreed as I carefully thought it over.

“Anyway,” She began to stand up. “I have homework of my own to worry about.”

“What?” I asked, reaching out and barely missing her arm. “You can’t leave!” I protested in another whine. “I’ve been sooo bored all day! Plus, I don’t know, I want to talk to you about stuff.”

“What kind of stuff?” She asked as her smile turned into a smirk.

“Lots of stuff.” I nodded my head. “Like Ryan spending the night type of stuff.”

As soon as she heard that name she sat right back down. “Artie, I, when’d he tell you his name?”

“Last night.” My smile began to grow as I spoke. “I kind of pressured him about it and out it came!”

“You know how private that is to him?” She asked as I shrugged my shoulders. “In third grade he beat up some kid because he wouldn’t stop calling him Ryan.”

“No he didn’t.” I skeptically replied.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” She swore. “It’s just a sensitive subject to him.”

“Because it’s his Dad’s name?” I continued to pry, drawing another surprised face from her.

“What don’t you know about Dizzy?” She asked with a serious look.

“I don’t know.” I answered, starting to fidget in my seat. “I’m going to his house for dinner Friday to meet his Mom.”

“Oh my.” She remarked with a straight face.

“What’s oh my?” I asked, trying my hardest to imitate her.

“He’s never brought any boyfriend or girlfriend home to his Mom.” Charlotte shook her head. “Ky and I barely even see his Mom!”

“Why? Is she like, crazy or something?” I gulped as my mind began to race.

“Not at all.” She quickly dismissed. “Dizzy’s just very very very very protective of her.” She made sure to emphasize.

“I get that.” I nodded my head, not needing any explanation. “I was the same way with my Mom.”

“Alright.” She accepted, not daring to push anymore. “But you do know what this means for you right?”

“That he trusts me?” I guessed, unsure what her actual answer would be.

“More than anyone I’ve met, well, besides Ky.” She shrugged. “He wouldn’t pull you in this close if he doesn’t think the world of you.”

“Well good.” My smile grew as a blush began on my face.

“Why?” She asked, seeing the trouble in my eyes.

“No reason.” I lied as my smile grew even wider.

“Artie Price, you better spill!” She pressured in a strong voice.

“I just, maybe, maybe last night we were close to having sex.” I shrugged as she caught my smile.

“Details! Now!” She excitedly ordered.

“Okay, so long story short we were getting changed and I don’t know, we just started slow dancing in our boxers.” I confessed. It’s odd. I’d be too embarrassed to share this with anyone else, but not with Charlotte!

“Yesss Artie!” She encouraged in a loud voice.

“But then Adam and Bradley got home and started fighting so that kind of killed our mood.” I exhaled. “But I don’t know, I told him to pump the brakes and that we weren’t doing anything but he was totally the right sentence or two away from getting what he wanted.”

“But was it what you wanted?” She asked, forcing a deep look into my eyes.

“Yeah.” I confessed as my blush grew and she burst into laughter. “Come on! Look at him! I’m only human! I just wanted to make sure he wasn’t in this for the sex first!”

“Well now I know he’s not.” She confirmed as she caught my smile.

“Me too.” I happily nodded. “But he can’t know any of this!”

“Of course not.” She agreed. “Don’t give up the pants Artie. You control this relationship not him.”

“I do?” I nervously asked.

“Oh yeah.” She laughed. “You’ve got him wrapped around your finger.”

“Do not.” I rejected, but knew I was lying to myself.

Before either of us could say anything else more knocking began on the door. “Speak of the devil.” Charlotte teased as I rose to my feet.

“I don’t think so.” I rejected as I pulled it open to find a nervous Lindsay. “Finally!” I exhaled.

“Look, there was a lot of traffic.” She explained, forcing her way inside. “Where is he?”

“His bedroom.” I shrugged as she walked towards the stairs.

“Adam!” She shouted but got nothing back. “Adam I know you didn’t lie to me then ignore me!”

“I’m coming!” A muffled voice shouted back.

“Hello there.” Lindsay quickly transitioned as she noticed Charlotte watching from the couch.

“Lindsay this is my best friend Charlotte.” I quickly introduced. “Charlotte this is Adam’s best friend Lindsay.”

“Hi.” Charlotte forced a smile.

“You two gossiping about boys?” Lindsay pried. I went to shake my head no but Charlotte quickly nodded her head. “What do you think of Artie’s boyfriend? I’m not too sure on him yet.”

“He’s a sweet guy.” Charlotte defended. “Plus he’s really crazy for Artie.”

“He better be.” Lindsay nodded her head. “Adam, would you hurry up!” She shouted as she turned back towards the stairs.

“Alright, I think I’m going to head out.” Charlotte rose to her feet.

“No, no, please, stay.” I tried to insist, but could tell there was no convincing her.

“We could use the support.” Lindsay nodded her head.

“I’ve got my hands full with Artie as it is.” Charlotte shrugged.

“I understand.” Lindsay sighed, reaching out and opening the door for her.

“Text me?” I called out as she reached the exit.

“Already sent.” She replied, shutting the door behind her.

“She’s cute.” Lindsay remarked as we finally heard a door open and shut from the top of the stairs.

“Yeah.” I agreed with a smile. Yet as I saw Adam finally walking down the stairs my grin faded.

“You really had to get her?” Adam sighed as our eyes connected.

“What else was I supposed to do?” I shrugged, but got no response.

“So what happened?” Lindsay ordered as Adam took a seat on the couch.

“Nothing. I’m sure you know it anyway.” He grumbled, staring at the coffee table in front of him.

“I don’t actually.” She lied. “Artie wouldn’t tell me anything.”

“Good.” He nodded his head.

“So go on.” She encouraged, wanting to hear it from him.

“No.” He refused, growing quiet once more.

“You tell her or I will.” I threatened, playing along with Lindsay’s plan.

“Judas.” He remarked, finally looking up to me then to her. “Nothing, Bradley and I just got into a drunken fight after the bar last night. We broke up. That’s it.”

“I’m sorry.” Lindsay offered, taking a seat close to him. “What was the fight about?”

“Nothing.” He lied once more.

“Adam.” I pressured, keeping my eyes on him.

“Bradley didn’t like that I took Artie in.” He grumbled in a low voice. “He didn’t want a boyfriend with a kid I guess.”

“Oh.” Lindsay exhaled as the real truth of the argument hit her. “Artie, why don’t you go hang out upstairs?”

“I overheard the whole argument.” I explained, refusing to leave. “It’s nothing I haven’t heard.”

“Alright.” She sighed, trying to figure out what to say. “So this is it right Adam?” She suddenly provoked.

“What?” He asked in an irritated voice.

“This is it for Artie, right?” She continued to pressure. “You’re just going to ship him back to Texas now, right?”

I couldn’t help but gulp at her question. “Why would you ask something that dumb when he’s sitting right here?” He asked as the anger in his voice grew.

“Because that’s how you’re acting.” She pointed out. “You seem awfully upset you had to pick Artie over Bradley.”

“That’s not why I’m upset.” He began to raise his voice. “I’m upset because I liked Bradley.”

“You barely knew Bradley.” She said, continuing to point out the hard truths. “You dated for like four weeks, and he turned out to be an asshole.”

“Alright.” He rolled his eyes.

“Seriously,” She refused to let up. “you’re going to sit here and cry because you learned he’s not right for you? Seems to me like you saved yourself a lot of time and effort.”

“You can be a real bitch, you know that?” He complained, looking back down.

“I know.” She began to smile. “But that’s what you need sometimes.”

“Yeah.” He agreed in a sigh. “But what am I supposed to do here Linds? This sucks.”

“Eh, pack it all up and save it for a rainy day.” She suggested, quoting a familiar song. “Besides, I’ve seen you get your heart broken then find another guy within the week.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I saw Adam shoot her an angry look. “I thought guys didn’t fight over my Uncle.”

“They don’t,” She swayed her head. “but he still finds a way to flag them down.”

“And you guys call me a heartbreaker.” I couldn’t help but tease, finally drawing his stare.

“You better get that homework done.” He warned in a strict voice. “I’m not calling you in sick again tomorrow.”

“You called in sick for him too?!” Lindsay exclaimed as she overheard our conversation. “Adam!”

“We stayed up late.” He shrugged before turning back to me. “Run before she starts yelling at you!” He warned in a quiet voice.

“Whatever.” She gave in. “You two want to be stupid, you can be stupid together.”

“We will be.” I decided in a confident voice.

That night we wound up ordering a pizza and just hanging out. Before I knew it Adam’s mood seemed to turn around as he finally began to smile again! As the night went on I tried my hardest to keep his mood up but pretty soon he had mellowed out and grew quiet again. Lindsay assured me he would be better in the morning but I still couldn’t help but worry.

That night before bed I told him not to eat much when he got home from work. I finally had a plan of my own to cheer him up! And it’s going to work, I swear!

--

--

The next evening couldn’t come fast enough. Friends, class, it was fun, but I just needed the day to be over with! Dizzy and Ky kept teasing me about how fast I was moving, but I didn’t mind. I just wanted to put my plan into action already!

“Where are we going?” Adam protested, as he realized my plan meant leaving the house.

“You’ll see.” I whined, dragging him out of the house and towards the bus stop.

“Are you going to get us lost?” He asked in a serious voice.

“Maybe.” I shrugged, trying my hardest to remember the directions.

Yet as we stepped on the bus and began our journey it didn’t take him long to figure out where we were headed.

“The Tavern?” He asked in a sigh. “I don’t know Artie.”

“Yes, the Tavern.” I answered, refusing to hear anymore. “You told me to save the change from the other night and take Dizzy out to dinner, but I want to spend time with you.”

He fought off a smile as he heard those words and looked out of the bus window. “Alright.” He accepted without another word.

This time when we reached the Twin Peaks Tavern we found it a bit more crowded than that Sunday afternoon! It took some time to get a table but when we finally did I couldn’t help but feel my smile grow as Adam began to relax.

“Stop it with the smug grin.” He groaned, staring down at his menu.

“You’re glad you came.” I teased as he nodded his head.

“Hello boys,” A waiter began as he reached our table. “My name is Mason, and I’ll be your waiter tonight. What can I get this little cutie?” He teased drawing a blush from me.

“Uh, water.” I quickly recovered.

“And for the big cutie?” He continued, looking over to Adam.

As their eyes met Adam hesitated for a second before looking over to the bar. “Whatever beer on tap is best.”

“I’ll make sure I get you the best we have.” The waiter smirked as he left the table.

“Hmmm.” I let out, starting to stare Adam down.

“Stop.” He warned, refusing to look back up.

“Our waiters flirting with you.” I provoked with a growing smile.

“He’s just trying to get a bigger tip.” Adam dismissed.

“You’re such a liar.” I called out. “Whatever beer on tap is best.” I mimicked. “What kind of order is that anyway? You like him back.”

“This isn’t high school, it’s not that simple.” Adam shook his head, yet as dinner went on I could tell his words were hollow. Mason made sure to visit our table as many times as he could without being over bearing or creepy, and of course, they always seemed to have a flirty exchange.

“I’m going to the bathroom, please don’t do anything stupid.” Adam warned, seeing trouble in my eyes.

“Me? Do something stupid? Never.” I teased with a growing smile.

After a few moments passed I noticed Mason linger near the table before moving in to clear some plates. “You and your Dad need a check, or you think you’ll hang out a little longer?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “But he’s my Uncle not my Dad.”

“Oh, sorry about that.” Mason offered, but I could tell he was happy with my answer. “And you guys left your Aunt behind today?”

“He’s not married.” I answered. “Plus he’s gay anyway, and kind of looking for a boyfriend.” I hinted as my heart began to race.

“Kind of?” Mason repeated, grabbing the last plate.

“It’s complicated.” I tried to explain. “I think he just needs a little push.”

“Well hopefully he gets one soon.” Mason played along.

“Like real soon.” I tried to encourage.

“You seem to know him well.” Mason said, trying to get as much information he could without appearing too nosy.

“I live with him.” I nodded, knowing I would be the biggest obstacle for his next boyfriend. “He took me in, he’s kind of like, my hero.”

“Well he seems very sweet.” Mason’s smile grew.

“Trust me,” I called out as Mason began to walk away. “he is!”

As Adam walked back to the table he signaled for the check and took a seat. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing.” I shrugged, trying my hardest to keep my smile contained.

“Alright boys, I hope you both have a very good night.” Mason offered, handing Adam the check with another piece of paper attached to it.

“I’ll be paying that.” I teased, reaching out for it.

“No, I’ve got it covered.” He waved off. “Save your money for Dizzy.”

“Technically it’s your money.” I provoked trying to grab it, but Adam was too quick for me.

“Aren’t you like a varsity baseball player or something?” He couldn’t help but laugh at my attempt.

“The season hasn’t begun yet!” I yelped, taking another swing at it. This time I got the loose piece of paper behind the check.

“Artie!” He scolded.

“Hope you come back to visit real soon! And if you can’t, I hope you can give me a call sometime!”

Below was Mason’s signature and phone number. My smile grew as I quickly handed it back to Adam who shoved it into his pocket

“Ohhhh.” I teased as Adam slapped down some cash and stood up. “Bye Mason.” I offered as we passed by him on our way to the door.

“Bye boys.” He called out with a friendly smile.

“So you gonna text him?” I asked in a snooping voice. “I’m going to Dizzy’s house for dinner Friday night, maybe you can have Mason over.”

“Stop.” He warned in a strict voice.

“Come on.” I pressured, giving him a light bump.

“I know you’re trying to help,” He sighed. “but I just got out of a relationship.”

“And just like that you were flirting with our waiter.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Funny how that worked out.”

“Arthur.” He groaned.

“Adam.” I pushed back.

“Maybe, maybe, I’ll text him to grab dinner some time.” He finally caved. “But that doesn’t mean anything.”

“Not at all.” I teased, finally laying off as I saw a hint of excitement in his eyes.

During the ride home I made sure to change the topic so he wouldn’t feel too pressured into anything. I can tell deep down he wants to call Mason, he just needs to come to that decision on his own first!

“Artie,” Adam began as we reached home. “I, I know I was kind of a dick yesterday, so I’m sorry.” He began to apologize. “I didn’t mean any of it directed at you.”

“I know.” I nodded as our eyes connected.

“I really am happy I took you in.” He reassured, taking a deep look into my eyes. “I’ll never let any guy get in the way of that.”

“Promise?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Promise.” He repeated, pulling me in for a hug.

It may not always be perfect, but we’ll always have each other’s backs. From coming out of the closet to bad boyfriends, and everything in between, he’ll always be there for me and I’ll always be there for him.