2014 Prompt Responses - 19. Prompt 323

“Can I talk to you?” The skinny, blonde freshman stood just outside the guidance counselor’s office, fidgeting nervously. He pushed his glasses up his nose and stared at the floor.

“Oliver, right?”

The youth nodded.

“Come in, have a seat.” The counselor smiled reassuringly.

Oliver closed the door and sat down. He shifted in his seat, bouncing his leg, looking everywhere but at the counselor.

“How can I help you, Oliver?” He asked gently.

After a short pause Oliver whispered, “Are the rumors about you true?”

“What rumors?” The counselor’s expression was gentle, yet unreadable.

“That you’re… you’re… that you’re… you know… you’re…” Oliver’s face was bright red and he shuffled his feet on the floor.

“That I’m what?” The counselor said softly.

Oliver turned even redder and said so quietly that the counselor could barely hear him, “g…g…gay.”

“Yes, Oliver. I am gay.”

Oliver briefly looked at the older man. “And you’re not ashamed?”

“Why should I be, Oliver? It’s a part of who I am. Being gay is nothing to be ashamed of.”

After a lengthy pause, Oliver spoke. “I think I’m…” He closed his eyes and gripped the arms of the chair tightly. Tears started falling down Oliver’s cheeks and he sniffled, whispering into his chest. “I think I’m…that… that…way.” He stifled a sob.

“Oliver, look at me.” The counselor said, with as much compassion as he could muster.

Oliver looked at him with red, tear-filled eyes. The expression on his face was so full of pain that the counselor’s heart broke for the scared youth; he knew exactly how Oliver was feeling.

“It’s ok to say the word, Oliver.”

Oliver shook his head. “I can’t.” He whispered. “That would make it true.”

“Why do you think you’re gay?”

Oliver flinched. “Because I don’t like looking at girls.”

“But you like looking at boys.”

“Yes.” Oliver whispered. “I really like looking at Tommy.” He smiled, then his eyes grew wide and he gasped in horror. “You can’t tell anyone!”

“Relax, Oliver. Anything you tell me is confidential. No one will know anything you don’t want them to. The only exception is if I feel you are a danger to yourself or others.” He paused. “You aren’t considering harming yourself, are you?”

“No!”

The counselor smiled warmly at him. “Good. Have you talked to Tommy?”

Oliver looked at the counselor incredulously. “No! I haven’t ever talked to him.”

“Maybe you should. I bet at the very least you two could be friends.”

“I don’t know if I can…”

“Give it time. Get used to the idea and talk to him when you feel comfortable.”

“Ok. Thanks, Mr. Benson.” Oliver stood up to leave.

“Come see me any time you need to talk, Oliver. Just remember that you are not alone.”

Oliver smiled at the counselor and left his office.

Over the next month Oliver tried to work up the courage to talk to Tommy. He couldn’t help staring at him, imagining going up to him and starting a conversation. Occasionally he would notice Tommy staring back at him with a strange smile. He would turn away each time, bright red with embarrassment, and flee if he could.

One day, Oliver was sitting alone in the lunch room when he noticed Tommy walking towards his table. Oliver looked at Tommy’s bright blue eyes and was trapped like a deer in headlights.

Tommy smiled at him and set his lunch down across from Oliver. “Can I talk to you?”

Thanks for reading!  Let me know how you liked this snippet into Oliver's life.