The Tide Began to Rise - 4. Chapter 4

The school day ended, and I met up with James, Brad, Jennifer, and Brie outside the school. We talked about our classes. What we think this year is going to be like. Well they talked about that stuff. I was mesmerized by my prince. Brent was sitting across the parking lot, talking with his friends.

Brie said my name, which brought me out of my trance.

“Tyler, you coming?” Brie said.

“Huh, what? Were we going?” I asked.

“Stop staring at Ashley and pay attention me and.” James said.

“OK fine, but where are we going?”

“Going down to Pizza Hut.” Brad said.

“Why?” I asked

“Because, LaDeena is going to give us free food.”

“Sounds like a good enough reason for me.” I said

We all went to get in our cars. Well I don’t have a car, so I went to get in Brie’s car. We talked a little bit on the way. The drive was not a long one. It probably took about 5 minutes with the stop signs and red lights.

We pulled in the parking lot and then went inside. We know the manager of the place. When we walked in, she came out from behind the counter to say hi to all of us. We all exchanged pleasantries, and then she showed us to our table.

“Ok guys and gals, I’m going to be your server…………what do you all want to drink?”

“Root Beer” I said

“Pepsi” Brie said

“Water” Jennifer said

“Tea” Brad said

“Root Beer” James Said

“Ok, I will be right back with the drinks so to get your order.”

LaDeena went back and got our drinks. While she was gone we talked about what we wanted to get. Of course we were going to get a family order of cheese sticks and a order of 20 hot wings. By the time she got back with our drinks we all agreed upon 2 medium pizzas. One half beef and on the half pepperoni. The other pizza with half taco and the other half ham and pineapple. That is such a good pizza.

LaDeena put our order into the computer and went to go make it. We talked about our first day of school. What we thought of the teachers. Brad said that he was thinking about dropping a class. I told them that a few of my classes are going to be switching because of the teachers and the amount of students in the classes.

The hot wings and bread sticks came out. We inhaled them like those things were nothing. They never really had a chance to rest on the table. I don’t think they were sitting there for more then 2 minutes. Then the pizza came out. We all sat quietly and ate.

After a while LaDeena came back to check on how we were doing.

“Ok guys, It is on the house today. But I guess that you already knew that. You all come back soon.” She said and then walked away.

“Hey guys, let’s leave her a really good tip.” I said.

We all grabbed our wallets or money holder and took out some cash. We all ended up leaving 6 bucks. Nice 30 dollar tip. Then we all went to the cars. Brie drove me home. We talked along the way.

“Hey Brie, can I ask you something?”

“Other then what you did, sure.”

“Very funny, I’m serious though. I need some advice with something.’

“Tyler, I’m always here for you. You can come to me when ever you need something.”

“Ok, well I want to know if you think that it would be a good idea if I came out to everyone. I mean I don’t want to be made fun of, but I can’t be my self. What do you think?

There was a pause.

“Brie?”

“I can’t answer that. Only you can. You have to go with what ever you think is right. Either way it is going to be hard. But all I’m going to say is life may be easier for you if you don’t come out. I mean, yeah you can’t be yourself, but then you aren’t getting picked on of bullied. Both sides of this have their upsides and they both have their downsides. You have to weight the options of both and make your choice. What ever you chose to do, I will be your friends and that will never change. Got it?”

“Yeah I got it. Thanks Brie. I love you. Thanks for the ride.”

“I love you to Tyler. And no problem, I will see tomorrow.”

I hugged her and got out of the car. Then I walked to the front door. As I reached for the door handle, I froze. Images of the night before flashed through my head. I went over to the window to make sure that dad was watching TV. He was. “Thank God” I sighed. I went back to the front door and then went inside.

“Hi Mom, Hi Dad.”

“Hey honey, how was your first day of school?” My mom asked.

“It was gre………….”

“Never mind that. Where the hell have you been, It’s 6:30. School ended 3 hours ago.” My dad said, cutting me off.

“I was hungry, so I went out with some friends.”

“Friends? Who would want to be friends with some pansy ass loser like you?” Tristan said while walking into the room.

“Shut the hell up Tristan. At least I’m not a bastard child.”

“No, but you’re the one that da………’

“Knock it off” my dad said. He stood up from his chair. Fearing another beating, I ran up to my room. I expected my dad to come barreling throw the door, but he never came. I found it hard to wait until 12 o’clock. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was because I knew what tomorrow was going to bring.

I went down to the alley and spent the usual amount of time with Patch. I talked to him about things that I was feeling; about things that happened. Once again Patch has that look about him that made me think that he understood everything that I was saying.

After a while I went home and went to bed. When I woke up the next morning, I was sorer then the day before. I could hardly move. I figured that it was because everything had time to settle and form. My shower did more harm then good. The water streaming down and crashing against my skin was causing me agony. I finished up as fast as I could. Then got dressed and headed down stairs.

I expected to find dad and everything else eating at the table. But only Tristan was there. I said nothing to him. When I walked into the room. I got a drink of OJ, and got some pop tarts. Then I headed out the door. The less that we say to each other the better. I was walking down the side walk, when I head someone running up behind me. I turned around to see who it was. It was Tristan.

“Just Great”

“Wait up fag.”

“What the hell do you want?”

“What, I can’t walk to school with my favorite brother?”

“Half brother, and no you can’t. We hate each other.”

“Good then I can’t feel bad for doing this.” He pushed me down then kicked me in the stomach twice. He walked away laughing. When I finally got my breather back, I yelled a curse at him. Then I t stood back up and made my way to school.

All my classes changed, except my 6th hour math class. When I got to the room and I walked in, there was only one desk left. I almost dropped dead when I saw who was sitting next to that one desk.