It was a strange drive as William tried to remember the way but as he pulled in front of Shane’s house he was happy that he was able to remember the route. He got out of his car and walked to the front door where called Shane instead of ringing the doorbell. He heard Shane pick up and a grunt.
“Sorry,” William said. “Hey, I’m outside.”
In a few moments the front door opened and Shane stood on the other side smiling as best he could as he signaled for William to come inside. Shane had less bandages on his face but the swelling was still significant, the skin was purple, black, blue, and yellow but both of his eyes were uncovered. But he had an energy that was unmistakeable. William stepped to the door, smiled back, and then entered.
“You look good,” William said. He was suddenly aware Shane couldn’t answer him back. “School sucked so you got that going for you.”
Shane nodded then signaled that William should follow him farther into the house. It was an over decorated, over furnished house that William realized had a family room, a living room, three bedrooms, and a small office. Nearly every room had a ceiling fan. It was cluttered but it was also very clean.
Shane’s mother stood in the kitchen reading directions in a cookbook as the partially mixed ingredients of a cake sat in front of her on the counter. She smiled to William as he entered and asked him if he wanted anything to drink.
“No thanks,” William said.
“Are you sure?”
William nodded.
“Well are you staying for dinner then?”
Shane made an noise from his throat that William thought sounded like ‘mom’ which made him smirk that he would respond like that with his mouth wired shut.
“Ignore him,” she said.
He waved away the invitation and said, “I couldn’t.”
“We’re having cake,” she said. Shane sagged his shoulders at the comment and she smiled. “Well, everyone except Shane. It’s his younger brother’s idea because Shane here gets to drink all the ice cream he wants all day long along with protein shakes and whatever else. We have to make sure he doesn’t lose weight.”
Shane pursed his lips and furrowed his brows as he looked to William who smiled back. Then he signaled for them to continue through the house.
“It’s tempting,” William said.
Shane moved to him and took hold of his hand then began to pull gently.
William knew he could win in the tug of war but he decided to go along with the gesture suddenly happy that he was holding Shane’s hand as he was led into the living room where the television was already on and what looked like a shake in a glass awaited them on the coffee table. Shane looked back to the kitchen then pulled his phone from his pocket and gestured for William to get his out as well.
My little brother is in his room. So we can watch some television.
William looked around the room. He didn’t know what he had expected but somehow watching television wasn’t it. He was glad when Shane sat then typed him another message.
Don’t worry. Everyone knows I’m gay.
William felt his face blush as if he had just been caught at something.
Don’t worry. They don’t know if you’re gay.
William sat down beside him.
You didn’t tell them?
Should I?
Shane motioned as if he was going to yell out to the house but all that happened was he made low groans. William laughed then typed on his phone.
You’re such a dork.
Shane read the message and nodded. William shook his head.
Anyone say anything at school?
To me? No.
Good. I heard they got suspended. My mother says they are considering expelling them but she doubts that will happen because they're jocks.
William read the message and his heart sunk. It may very well be true especially in a small town. It was one thing to fight but this was a brutal attack. He let his thumbs drift over the keypad as he was unsure how to respond.
“You boys are so quiet.”
William was startled by Shane’s mother’s words and looked to her.
“Sorry,” she said.
“We’re texting,” he replied then held up his phone.
“Kids,” she said. “Though I guess in this case it’s a good thing. Are you sure I can’t get you anything. Shane you should really finish your shake.”
Shane looked to his phone and typed out a message for William to read out loud.
“He says he doesn’t want it anymore,” William said.
She shook her head and moved to the table where she picked up the glass and then headed back to the kitchen where he put it in the refrigerator.
Thanks.
“No problem,” William said.
Shane held up his phone and shook it at William.
“Sorry,” William said.
Shane shook his phone again then moved to type out another message.
Text it.
Okay.
So really. No one said anything?
Not really.
William hated himself in that moment for lying about what he had heard and even though part of him felt Shane might be amused by the rumors he didn't want to be the one to say.
Too bad.
They probably will tomorrow. Are you coming back to school?
Shane shook his head.
They gave me some good pain pills and my mom wants me to stay home this week. Maybe next too.
Too bad.
I won’t miss it.
William nodded. He sighed at the thought of Shane being out two weeks but he could understand not wanting to come back because he had ended up in the hospital. He could have died.
Maybe I can just come back for the GSA. That would be funny.
William smiled to Shane.
Sounds dangerous.
Danger is my middle name.
They texted for another half hour before William felt hungry and the smell of Shane’s mother cooking wasn’t helping but he didn’t want to stay because he didn’t want to explain to his family where he had been so he said that he had to leave and Shane walked him to the door. He offered his hand to shake but Shane moved to hug him and he let it happen then he stepped out of the house and Shane watched as he walked back to his car. He turned and looked back to house and he could make out Shane’s silhouette when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He took it out and opened it.
Text me when you get home.
William smiled at the text then looked back up the house where he waved before turning back to his car where he got inside and drove away.
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