Noah drove with blurry vision from the tears welling in his eyes, begging for an escape, but Noah held them back.

He couldn’t believe what had happened. He couldn’t believe he did it that way, but what was worse was his father’s reaction. Noah knew any chance he had of actually getting to know his dad was gone, and what was more upsetting was that he didn’t mind it.

As he pulled into Casey’s driveway, he wiped his eyes and grabbed his bag. Before he could even knock on the door, Casey opened it and had a sympathetic look on his face.

“Hey man. Come on in.”

“Thanks.”

Noah walked in and looked around. The house was cozy, and had a loving atmosphere about it. He noticed two adults in the living room, and suddenly forgot to ask if Casey’s parents were ok with it. His mind was rushing when he called, and it still is.

“Noah, these are my parents, Margo and Tom, mom, dad, this is Noah.”

“Hello Noah,” Margo said with a warm smile in her face.

“Nice to meet you,” Tom said extending his hand. Noah took it and tried to smile, but he knew it probably looked pathetic and weak.

“Mom, dad, can Noah stay over tonight? He uh…he’s had a long night and needs a place to crash.”

Margo and Tom looked at each other hesitantly, but when Margo looked in Noah’s eyes, she agreed that he could stay.

“Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Hughes. It really means a lot to me.”

“No problem,” Tom began. “Do you, ah…do you mind telling us why you need a place to stay?”

“Dad!”

“Noah, I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer. I apologize for prying.”

“It’s ok. I uh…I had a big fight with my dad.”

“Ah,” Tom said. “Please, please, put your bag down and sit.”

“Thanks,” Noah said putting his bad down by where he was standing and sat in the love seat next to him. Casey, Tom, and Margo sat on the couch and showed caring faces. Noah felt comfortable to go on. He kind of figured he should tell them if he’s staying at their house.

“We, uh, got into this big argument about my future and…” Noah paused and took a deep breath.

“Noah, you don’t have to tell us if you’re uncomfortable,” Margo said, reaching over and placing her hand on his lap.

“It’s ok. We got into it about my career choice. I want to be a director, and he thinks I don’t know what I’m talking about, said it’s not a real career.”

“Why does he think that,” Casey asked.

“I don’t know…he just wants me to join the military.”

”The military,” Margo exclaimed. “That’s a bit of a drastic action for not liking your career choice!”

“No, he’s wanted me to join since the day I was born.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. And we uh…got into this big fight about…uh…”

“Oh my God,” Casey said. “Luke. You got in a fight about Luke.”

“No! Well, not exactly…I…I told him I was…you know.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, back up here,” Margo said putting her hands in front of her. “Luke? Luke Snyder?”

“Yeah,” Casey said.

“What does Luke have to do with your career,” Tom asked with a confused expression.

“Well, nothing. The whole fight was really about my future and I kind of blurted something out.”

“Oh God,” Casey said covering his face.

“What?!” Margo asked concerned.

“I uh…I told my dad I was…gay.”

“Oh,” Margo said, her eyes widened and her mouth made a perfect ‘O’ form.

“Oh God,” Casey repeated again, hands still in his face. “Does he know about you and Luke,” he asked, looking up at Noah.

“No! Are you kidding?! He would’ve killed me right then and there. It was bad enough.”

“Wait, I’m still confused where Luke fits in,” Tom said.

“Luke’s…Luke’s my boyfriend. But no one knows. Well, except you three and my friend in Branson.”

Noah watched as Margo and Tom took in all the information he had just laid on them. This was one hell of a first impression. He was just glad they didn’t freak out.

“I’m sorry man. I really am,” Casey said looking at Noah sympathetically.

“Thanks. You’re a great friend Casey. And Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, thank you too.”

“We’ve all had a rough patched in life son,” Tom said. “I’m just sorry you had to have one so soon.”

“Yes, “ Margo agreed. “Come here,” she said, standing up and opening her arms.
Noah looked up hesitantly at first, but then rose from the seat and hugged Margo. Casey and Tome joined in.

After a few moments, they all let go. Noah couldn’t believe how Casey had such an amazing and understanding family.

“Well, I think we’ve had enough excitement for one night, and you two have school tomorrow.”

School.
Noah forgot about school. Noah actually forgot about Luke. He needed to call him. Now.

“Alright. I’ll go get extra blankets and stuff for you Noah. Night mom, night dad, “ Casey said as hugged them goodnight and headed upstairs to get Noah’s blanket.

Noah pulled out his phone and dialed Luke’s number. Luke picked up after 4 rings.

“Hey you,” Luke said cheerfully.

“Hey,” Noah said, with a lump in his throat. “I need to talk to you.”

“Every person in a relationship’s favorite words.”

“I’m serious Luke."

“Noah, what’s wrong,” his whole voice and demeanor changing.

“My dad…my dad just kicked me out and I’m staying at Casey’s.”

“What?!”

“Yeah. He caught my practicing how to tell him, and we got in a big fight about my future and my career and…”

“And,” Luke said impatiently.

“And I said I knew what I wanted, but he insisted I didn’t, and he kept on at it and…I told him I was gay.”

“You what?!”

“I know, I know, believe me, I didn’t want to tell him that way.”

Noah heard Luke sigh heavily into the phone.

“Luke…”

“Yeah?”

“Say something…please.”

“I…I don’t know what to say Noah. I’m at a loss for words right now.”

“C’mon, you at a loss for words,” Noah half-heartedly joked.

“Noah…I really don’t…I mean you just…”

Noah silently sat on the other end of the phone, waiting for something. Anything.

“People are gonna know,” Luke finally said.

“Luke, they were going to know anyway! Remember?”

“I know but…Gah! This isn’t part of the plan.”

“What?! What plan? Do mind telling me what the hell the plan is then?”

“Noah, you don’t have to get so mad!”

“No, Luke, I think I do. I just told you I came out to my dad, and you’re worried about what people will think!”

“No! Well…I mean, they’re going to think we’re you know.”

“Boyfriends?! Yeah, but we kinda are Luke!”

“I know, I know!”

“Well what’s the big deal then? Why are you so freaked out at me?”

“Because if they think we’re dating, then people are going to think I’m gay too.”

“You are!”

“I know! But I’m not ready to tell them that!”

“Oh, and what? Sixteen days is going to make a hell of a difference.”

“Yes, it is. It’s how I planned it, it’s what I need to do.”

“Well, that’s great, but I’m pretty sure I’m the one that just came out, so can we maybe think about that for just a minute please.”

“You know what? I don’t need this. Goodbye Noah.”

“Bye!”


Noah hung up and threw his phone his bag. He can’t believe Luke could be so insensitive. He just need Luke to be there, but he clearly wasn’t ready. Noah put his head in his hands and rubbed the temples of his head. He didn’t need this.

“So…” Casey said, appearing with a pillow and a blanket. “I take it Luke didn’t do well with the news.”

“No, not really.”

“Well, what can you expect you know?”

“I kind of expected him to support me. Instead, he was worried about what people think about him.”

“Ouch. You just got to give him time, man. He’ll come around. He likes you too much.”

“Still. He said we could be like we were in Branson. Not caring what people saw or thought, but I think he’s having second thoughts.”

“You need to tell him. Communication is so freakin vital. Seriously. “
“I tried! We ended up fighting.”

Casey sighed and said, “Look, it can only get better ok? You got through the hard part, and I’m here for you.”

“Thanks. You really are a good guy you know that?”

“Yeah, I know,” Casey said with a cocky smile.

“You really have to work on that self-esteem issue you have,” Noah said with a smile.

“Your starting to sound like Luke you know that? Hey look! A smile, see things can only get better. Well, I’m going to bed now. See you in the morning.”

“Alright. Thanks again.”

“It’s what friends are for bro.”

Noah smiled as Casey headed up the stairs. For someone in the Midwest, Noah could sometimes swear Casey talked as if he grew up in California.

--------------

Noah woke up early. He only got about two hours of sleep and was exhausted, and he knew today was going to be the worst day ever.

He took a shower, brushed his teeth, and put new clothes on. He didn’t care what he looked like beyond that point.

As he sat at the island in the kitchen with Casey eating toast, he heard Margo and Tom walking down the stairs.

“Morning boys,” Margo said with enthusiasm. “Noah, did you sleep well,” she asked as she kissed Casey on the head and started to pour coffee into her cup.

“Yeah,” Noah lied.

“Good. You know, if you need a place to stay for a while, Tom and I talked about it, and you can stay here if you like.”

“Oh, thank you, but I couldn’t impose, I mean—“

“Don’t be silly, son,” Tom said patting Noah on the shoulder. “You won’t be imposing at all. Besides, it’s nice to have Casey’s friends over. I mean, I love Maddie, but you only watch those two be lovey dovey so many times before you want to leave the room.”

Noah looked at Casey who was choking on his orange juice he was drinking because he was laughing at his dad.

“Hey, I don’t want to hear it,” Casey said with a smile, clearing his throat.

“Just saying,” Tom said raising his hands in the air.

They laughed it off, finished their breakfast, and headed off for school in Casey’s car.

Noah and Casey made small talk about everything other than what happened with Noah last night, and Noah was thankful for that.

They arrived at school, and Maddie greeted them as she wrapped her arm around Casey’s waist.

“Hey babe,” Casey said, kissing Maddie’s forehead.

“You two! Apart now!” said some angry teacher. PDA certainly was not allowed except the holding of one hand. Everyone ignored the rule though.

“Ok,” Casey said, rolling his eyes and reaching for Maddie’s hand. “You ready for me to take you to class?”

“Yeah, just hang on a minute; I want to talk to Noah real quick.”

“Uh, ok,” Noah said. He was a little shocked. Sure, he considered Maddie a friend, but he’s never talked to just her. They usually made small talk when they were hanging out as a group.

Maddie let go of Casey’s hand and wrapped her hand around Noah’s arm while she led him to a spot by a drinking fountain.

“Hey, Luke called me last night and told me what happened.”

“He…he what,” Noah asked in a loud whisper.

“Yeah, and he was freaking out, he didn’t know what to do. He was really upset, and made me promise not to tell you.”

“Then why are you?”

“Because he’s too stubborn to tell you that he cares about you after the fight.”

“Oh,” Noah said looking down.

“He was concerned about you Noah.”

“Yeah, but he didn’t tell me that. That’s what I needed to hear.”

“Just give him a chance.”

“I don’t know if I can.”

“Ok…I know where you’re coming from. I really do, I get it. Just, promise not to completely rule Luke out alright?”

“Ok.”

“Thank you. Ok, I’ve got to get to class.”

“Maddie,” Noah said as Maddie was starting to walk towards Casey, but she turned around.

“Yeah?”

“You’re a good friend you know that?”

“Someone’s got to be,” she said simply with a smile.

Noah grinned as he looked at her walking towards Casey again.

He headed to class unwillingly. The day was turning out to be that bad. Until Noah remembered Luke was in two of his classes.

He walked in the class, and sure enough, Luke was in there with Kevin, talking to Liv and her friends.

Luke looked miserable, and looked up at Noah and attempted a smile, as if trying to see if everything was back to normal.

It wasn’t.

Noah just glanced at Luke then at the floor until he reached his seat, and laid his head down on his desk, using his arms as a shield from the light and surrounding world.

Casey slid in next to Noah, just before the bell like always, and put his hand on Noah’s shoulder.

“C’mon man. You have to at least try. Besides, you don’t want Luke to see you like this,” Casey whispered.

Noah heavily sighed and lifted his head up at Casey.

”See, we’re making progress! You’ll be ok.”

“If you say so.”

“I say so.”

Noah tried smiling as the teacher walked in with a new student. He could feel his mouth part as he stared at the student.

It was the girl from the night he took Luke to the coffee shop. He could’ve recognized her anywhere.

Noah noticed Luke titled his head and slightly looked over his shoulder at Noah.

“Class we have a new student, Kate! Welcome Kate.”

“Thanks, it’s awesome to be here,” she said with mock enthusiasm.

“Just take a seat behind Mr. Mayer over there,” Mr. Wilson said pointing towards Noah.

Kate tilted her head and slightly smiled as she walked past Noah. Did she remember him? There were only about a dozen people in the coffee shop that night.

He couldn’t believe she was here. Noah didn’t know her that well, but on some level he felt he knew a lot about her just by the way she was and the way she sang her song. Noah and Luke’s song.

He was itching to talk to her, to see if she remembered him. Then he remembered that if she remembers him, she would remember Luke. She would remember them.