American Differences

American Differences 14

**Disclaimer:

All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.

****Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.

This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.

**A/N: I'd like to thank TalonRider for editing this chapter. His unparalleled brilliance and tiresome effort applied to my work is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

American Differences
-By Emulated

Chapter 14: Friends

I slammed the door behind me and stepped out. I walked down the path, and turned down the street, heading for Connor’s house. I could feel my heart drumming madly in my chest, my palms were sweaty, and I was shaking like mad. I was so ANGRY at them!!! How dare they tell me to stop seeing Jamie! What gives them the right? I gritted my teeth.

Did I mean it, was I really going to leave my house? Yeah I meant it and yes, I was leaving. There was no way I was going to remain in that PRISON with them!

I turned at the end of the street and headed toward the park when I heard someone running up behind me. I glanced over my shoulder and saw my dad approaching me.

“Matt!” He called out.

I ignored him and looked forwards, I wasn’t going back. Not to live with them, not to live like that.

I walked a few metres further before he called out again.

And again I ignored him.

Dad finally caught up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder, ”Matthew.”

I stopped walking and stood there, as he walked around and faced me. He was breathing a bit heavy from the running, but he started to calm down some.

“I don’t want you to go, Matt. Come back home, we’ll sort something out.” He said, looking into my eyes.

Something about his words struck a chord inside me. His words seemed almost genuine. Almost.

I swallowed, “Dad, I can’t stay. I can’t live like that.”

“Tell me what you want and we’ll do that.”

I stared at him, “What I want is to be treated normal. That’s all I have ever wanted.”

He nodded, “Fine, whatever it takes.” He said.‘Whatever it takes? Jeez, is my sexuality THAT much of a deal?’ I shook my head, “No, you said you’d deal with it last time, but nothing happened. Instead you decided that I shouldn’t be allowed to see…” I lowered my voice, “My boyfriend.”

“We can change Matt, I can change. We shouldn’t have said that you can’t see Jamie.”

“No, you shouldn’t have. But you did.” I looked at him, “And that’s why I can’t go back.”

He looked away from me for a moment as he was in deep thought, “Where are you going to stay, at Connor’s house?”

I nodded.

He placed his hands on my shoulders, “Look, if you want to stay there for a few days, that’s fine. But I want you to come back home.”

“I don’t WANT to stay there, I’m staying there because they won’t hate me for what I am!” I fumed.

“We don’t hate you.”

I nodded, “Yes you do, you can barely even look at me anymore.”

“Stop that Matthew-“

I pulled away from him, “No, you stop it. I’m leaving because you can’t treat me like a son anymore. And as for going back, well, that depends on how much you want me to go home. BOTH of you.” I said, before I walked around him and continued walking. I didn’t hear him follow after me, so I assumed that he’d gone back. I glanced over my shoulder, no, he wasn’t following me. Good.

I crossed over the street and walked through the park, a short cut to Connor’s house. As I walked along the path, I noticed a couple walking towards me. They were around my age, a boy and a girl. A straight couple. A ‘normal’ couple. As I drew closer, I saw that they were holding hands. Usually such a gesture wouldn’t bother me the slightest, but given what had just happened, I felt anger. I wasn’t angry towards them, I was angry because I knew that had that been me with that girl, I wouldn’t be getting half the crap from my parents. Actually, they’d be pleased for me, happy that I’d found someone, hell, I could imagine my mum on the phone to her sister, ‘Oh yes, Matt’s fine. He’s got himself a girlfriend. She’s a really pretty and kind girl too. She’s from America and her name is Jamie.’ Yeah, I could see that happening. But change it to ‘BOYFRIEND’ and ‘HE’, and suddenly the shit hits the fan.

Why is that so wrong? Why is it so wrong for me to love a boy? It isn’t like I’m doing anything wrong, or hurting anyone, yet people don’t like me because of it. People don’t like us because of it.

“Hey, Matt!” Called out a familiar voice, bringing me out of my daze.

I looked to my left and saw Ayo getting out of a car, which had stopped against the pavement alongside the park. I looked over at the driver and watched as she got out. She looked like she was a few years older than Ayo and I, perhaps in her early to mid twenties. I hadn’t seen her before and wasn’t quite sure who she was at first. Her skin tone was also much darker than Ayo’s, indicating that unlike him, she wasn’t mixed race, but rather of complete African descent. She was around my height and had quite a slim physique. All in all, she was quite an attractive woman. She flashed me a smile as she began to walk over.

“Hey.” I said as Ayo approached me.

“Are you ok?” He asked, looking at me.

I nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine.” I replied, taking another glance at the young woman.

He frowned, “You don’t look it.”

I tried to smile, but my muscles failed to respond, “No, I’m fine, honest.”

Ayo turned and looked at the woman standing next to him, before he turned to me, “Tanisha this is Matt, and Matt this is Tanisha; you know the cousin I told you about.”

I looked at him. ‘Cousin? Was this the gay cousin?’ I thought to myself as I reached out a hand, “Hi Tanisha.”

She reached out and shook it, “So you’re the famous Matt that Ayo has been talking about?” She said, smiling at me.

I looked at Ayo, wondering how she knew about me. He seemed to notice my confusion, “This is the cousin I was telling you about…at the party…” He said, being careful with his words.

“He means that I’m the gay one.” She added.

My eyes widened slightly, “G…gay one?”

Tanisha giggled, “Yep.”

I looked at Ayo for a second before I looked back at her, “I guess you know about me then.”

Ayo opened his mouth to speak, but Tanisha interrupted, “He only told me because he was worried about you and wanted some advice. He hasn’t told anyone else…” She said, looking at him for confirmation.

He shook his head quickly, “No, I wouldn’t do that.” He said, sounding panicked.

I nodded, “I know. It just…surprised me, that’s all.”

He looked at me again, frowning, “Something’s happened, hasn’t it?”

I glanced at both of them, guessing that neither would let me leave without an explanation, “I…er…It’s a bit of a mess.”

“Why don’t you come back with us and we’ll talk about it? I was just dropping Ayo home anyway.” Suggested Tanisha.

Ayo nodded, “Yeah, I mean, if you want.”

I thought about it for a second. While I wanted to go back to Connor’s house and speak to his parents about what happened, I thought that speaking to Tanisha might be a good idea. Perhaps her own experiences would be able to help me out some. I smiled at her, “Yeah, if you guys don’t mind.”

She shook her head, “Of course not. Come on.” She said, as she headed towards the car.

I followed her, walking next to Ayo when I became acutely aware that I was still wearing my uniform, and that I’d left my school bag at home. But I tried to put that out of my mind, as I had already assumed that I’d have to go back home briefly to pack some stuff to take over Connor’s.

I walked over to the car and opened one of the rear doors before I sat down. Ayo walked around the other side and sat next to me, “You ok?” He asked, as Tanisha started the car and began to drive off.

“Yeah.” I replied, “I’ll talk about it in a bit.” I said, not wanting to talk about what just happened, until we sat down somewhere.

He nodded and flashed me a grin, “Sure.”

I stared at him for a second before I stared out of my window. While I had pretty much always known Ayo since I was quite young, I’d never really gotten to know him as a friend. Neither of us were really to blame, as we had never been in the same classes, and we usually hung out with separate groups of friends. But it was during those past few weeks where I’d really begun to realise how great a person he was. Sure I always used to steal a couple of glances whenever I’d see him about in school, but we seldom ever talked to each other back then.

After a short five-minute drive, we pulled up outside Ayo’s house. I got out of the car and looked at his home. I’d never seen or been inside his house before, but it did look very nice indeed. It was similar in appearance to my own house, only his was semi-detached with a driveway and garage.

I followed them up the path and inside the house. As soon as I stepped inside, I shed my shoes and took a quick glance about. It was immediately clear that careful attention had been given to the décor and appearance of the house. It wasn’t like a show home or anything like that, but the colours and furniture all contrasted nicely. I followed them into the lounge and sat down.

“Wanna Coke or something?” Asked Ayo.

I nodded, “Yeah, a Coke would be great, please.”

“Sure.” He looked to his cousin, “Do you want anything?”

She shook her head and removed her jumper, “No, I’m fine thanks.”

“Ok.” He said, before he walked off into the kitchen.

Tanisha looked at me, “Look, if you’d rather not talk or anything…I mean, you just met me…” She said.

I smiled, “No, I think I need to talk to someone.”

She nodded, “Ok, well I’ll try to help in any way I can.” She said, as Ayo entered the room with two cans of Coke.

“Here.” He said, handing me one.

“Thanks.” I replied, as I opened it and took a sip.

Ayo hovered above me for a second, “Do you want me to stay or…”

I smiled, “This is your house, you can stay.”

“I know, but I mean, if it’s too personal, I don’t mind…”

I shook my head, “No, sit down.”

He nodded and sat on the other side of the sofa next to me.

Tanisha looked up, “So, do you want to begin with what happened before we found you?”

“Yeah, I guess we can start there.” I said, before I started to retell the events of the past hour or so. Ayo seemed to be surprised at some of the things I said, but Tanisha sat there, nodding or smiling warmly, encouraging me to go on. After a few minutes, I finished talking, and just sat there for a couple of seconds, before Tanisha spoke up.

“I can’t blame you for getting angry at what they said, they have no right to tell you to stay away from Jamie.” She said.

I nodded, “Yeah.”

“But…” She began, “Matt, the thing is, now don’t take this the wrong way, but I think you’re pushing things too much.”

“What d’ya mean?”

“Your parents, you need to give them time.”

I glanced at the can in my hand, “That’s what they said.”

She nodded, “It’s true. They only found out on…Saturday, right?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s only Wednesday today, they haven’t even had a week to deal with this yet.” She continued, “So by pushing them, you’re pressuring them into making rash decisions. I’m not stickling up for what they said, but you still need to let them deal with this at their own pace.”

“How long do they need? How hard can it be to understand?”

“How long have you known that you’re gay?” She asked.

I paused, “Since I was about thirteen.” I said, noting Ayo raising his eyebrows.

“Then you’ve had around three years to understand your sexuality. You can’t expect your parents to understand it all in just a few days.” She said softly.

I looked at her, “But…” I trailed off, “How long did it take your parents?”

“Well I’ve never really known my dad, he left when I was young.” She took in a breath, “As for my mum, while she didn’t take it too badly, it still took her a few weeks before she’d begun to settle down. It took months before things could even be considered to be ‘normal’.” She paused for a moment and looked at me, “I won’t lie to you, some things will never be the same again. “ She flashed me a smile, “But everything will be much better. You will feel better, happier. All you need to do is hold in there for a while longer.”

I shook my head, “I’m not going back.”

She nodded, “Then don’t. They pushed you away. Once they’re ready to have you back, they’ll ask.” She looked at Ayo, “And from what Ayo told me, you seem like a really close family. Believe me Matt, they won’t last long without you.”

I thought for a few seconds, “So should I stay at Connor’s house?”

“Yes, if that’s where you feel comfortable.”

I frowned, “But then there’s Josh. Fuck.” I said, before I quickly looked up, “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know what it’s like to have your world shaken about, not knowing what to do, which path to take.” She leaned closer, “But you have friends, and we’ll help you in every way we can.”

I smiled, “Thanks.” I said before frowning again, “What should I do about Josh? How’s he going to react to all of this?”

“It’s a tough one, but you’re going to have to sit down and explain it to him, perhaps get Connor’s parents to talk to him as well.”

“What if he wants to stay with me, at Connor’s house?”

She thought for a moment, “That’s something that you’re going to have to talk about with Connor’s parents. Ideally it would be better if Josh could go home, but if he doesn’t want to, then you’re going to have to sort some things out with them.”

I shifted in my seat, “It seems that whatever I do hurts Josh in some way.”

She looked at me, “Your parents are putting you in a difficult position. It isn’t your fault, so don’t blame yourself.”

“But if I just…I should have…” I stammered.

“No, don’t second guess everything you’ve done. From what you’ve told me, you’ve managed really, really well given the circumstances.”

I smiled, “Thanks. I just wish there was more that I could do.”

“You’re sixteen, you’re not supposed to be worrying about stuff like this.” She paused, “But unfortunately, many of us do have to deal with stuff like this.” She looked at me, “Just give it some time, that’s all you can do now.”

I nodded, “Ok. I’ll give them some time.”

She smiled, “Good.” She said as she sat back, “Now tell me about this Jamie. Ayo says he’s super hot…” She said, causing me to glance at Ayo.

Ayo bolted up, blushing madly, “I never said that!”

Tanisha giggled, “No he didn’t. But he did say, ‘blond, tall, and American.’”

I smiled, “Yeah, he’s all those, and a lot more.”

“So where is he from in the US?”

“California.” I said, smiling to myself as I recalled how Jamie would pronounce ‘California’ in his sexy accent. I spoke for a while longer, ok, quite a while longer before I stopped, suddenly realising how long I’d been talking to her about Jamie, “Sorry.” I said, looking at her.

“For what?”

“It’s just weird, I mean I’m talking about him like you’d be interested, but you wouldn’t be.”

She smiled, “I might be a lesbian, but I still know what a good looking guy looks like.” She said, “Besides, talking about him sure makes you happy.”

I grinned, “Yeah, he makes me happy.” I looked up at her, “I just wish I could take him everywhere, be with him everywhere.”

She giggled, “Everywhere? I’m sure he’d like that.”

I smiled, “No, I mean like be with him, like hold his hand, kiss him in public and stuff, without people saying things.”

She nodded, “I know, it’s hard, but things are changing, people are becoming more accepting.“ She paused, “But are you ready for that, to be out in public?”

Ok, I hadn’t thought about that. Sure it was easy to say that people would say things, but was I ready to hold hands with Jamie in public? What if someone from school saw us? What if the rest of my family saw us? I glanced at her, “I don’t know. I want to do those things, but I…”

“It’s ok, there’s no rush. Personally I’ve never done those things with my partner until I left school.”

“You have a girlfriend?” I asked.

She smiled, “Yes, we’ve been together since high school.”

“Cool.” I looked at her, “What’s it like, I mean, I’m assuming that you’re out…” I asked. If she’d been with her partner since high school, I wanted to get some insight into what the future could be like for Jamie and me.

She nodded, “Yeah, I’m out. I don’t publicise it though, but I’m honest if someone asks.” She paused, “As for people saying things, most people stay to themselves, but we get a few stares if we hold hands and stuff. Only a few people have actually said stuff, but Julie doesn’t take any crap from them.”

I smiled, “Your partner’s name is Julie?”

She nodded again.

“What were her parents like, I mean did they accept you as her girlfriend?” I asked.

“Julie and I had been friends for quite a while before we started going out, so her parents already knew me. But yeah, they accepted me, I mean, they knew I wasn’t bad or anything, so that really helped and stuff.” She replied.

I nodded, “That’s good then.”

She smiled, “So back to Jamie, how are his parents taking it?” She asked.

I nodded, “Quite well I think. His dad has been really good to us, and his mum…I think she’s coming around.” I looked at her, “They’re both doing better than my parents though.”

“They’re not the same people, Matt. Just because some people can accept it quicker, it doesn’t mean they all can. It’s frustrating, I know, but it’s also a fact.”

“I know…It’s just frustrating. All the waiting and stuff.”

She frowned, “It isn’t the best time for some gay people, I can tell you that much.” She leaned closer, “But once this is over, you’ll never look back. Things get better from then.”

I sighed, “I hope so.” I said, before my phone vibrated in my pocket. I reached down and retrieved it, finding that I received a text message. I opened it up and read it.

“Your parents?” Asked Ayo.

I shook my head, “It’s Connor, he wants to know if I’m ok.” I glanced at the time, before I looked over at Tanisha, “Erm, I don’t want to be rude or anything, but do you mind if I go over to Connor’s house? It’s just that I need to speak to his parents and…” I looked down at my clothes, “I really need to get out of this uniform, it stinks of school.”

She laughed at that, “And I was about to tell Ayo to hit the shower.” She said. He rolled his eyes at her. She turned to me, “No, no that’s fine, I hope I was able to help you out some.”

I stood up and nodded, “Yeah, yeah, you did. It helped to talk to someone who…knows what it’s like. Thanks.”

She smiled, “You’re welcome, I’m not really doing anything at the moment, so I’m usually about if you need anything or want to talk.”

I grinned, “Thank you.”

She stood up, “No problem, you need a lift?”

“Naah, I’m fine walking.”

“You sure?”

I nodded, “Yeah.”

“I’ll walk with you, if you want.” Suggested Ayo, standing next to me.

I smiled, “Sure.” I turned to Tanisha, “Well it was nice to meet you Tanisha, thanks for, well, listening.”

“Anytime, Matt.” She said as she walked us to the door, “I’ll see you later.”

“Bye.” I waved as I stepped out.

“See ya.” She replied, before she closed the door.

I turned and walked down the street, turning to Ayo, “I think I know roughly where we are, but don’t let me get lost.”

He giggled, “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

I smiled and looked at him, “Your cousin is a really nice person.”

He grinned, “Yeah, she is. I’m lucky to have her.”

“And she’s lucky to have you.” I added.

“Yeah, well she’s always been there for me when I was younger. Kinda been like an older sister.”

I nodded, “Yeah.” We were silent for a moment before something came to mind, “Hey, I wanted to ask you, are you doing anything this Saturday?”

He shook his head, “No, why?”

“Well we’re having a small meal out, for Connor’s birthday this Friday. It was only going to be Jamie, Connor, Max, and me, but I don’t think Max is going to go anymore.”

He thought for a moment before I continued.

“It’s only going to be a small thing, Connor doesn’t like to be the centre of attention for too long. Otherwise he would have had a party.”

He smiled, “Sure, I’d like to go.”

“Good.”

“It’s a shame about Max though.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” I looked at him, “You never know, maybe he’ll turn up and surprise us all.”

He giggled, “Perhaps.”

I studied him for a moment, “So who’s the lucky girl?”

He turned to me, “Which lucky girl?”

“The one you’re dating.”

He blushed, “I’m not dating anyone.”

I giggled, “I don’t believe that.”

“Why?” He asked.

“Because…well for one you’re kind.” I said.

He continued to look at me, expecting more.

“Hehehe, and you’re caring, smart, funny.” I paused, “And really, really hot too.”

“Oh jeez!” He said, blushing madly.

I laughed at him, “Someone had to say it Ayo.” I placed a hand on his shoulder, “Besides, it must be really flattering to hear it from a guy.”

He giggled, “Yeah, well you’re the first guy to say that.”

“And I won’t be the last, either.” I said, winking, causing him to giggle again.

We spent the rest of the journey in idle conversation. I had tried to refrain from making Ayo blush again, but sometimes the temptation was too high. He was way too easy! But it was during this time when I began to see how great a person he was, but more importantly, I was quickly beginning to consider him as a good friend.

I walked up Connor’s path first and knocked on the door. We waited for a few seconds before Connor opened it, “Hey, guys.” He said, before he stood back, letting us in, “I was wondering where you’d gone.” He said, looking at me.

I kicked off my shoes and turned to him, “I was walking through the park when I was kidnapped by Ayo and his cousin.”

Connor looked at Ayo, “Sick of him already then?” He asked, grinning.

I turned to him, “Behave.”

He giggled as he walked towards the kitchen, “Mum and Dad want to see you.”

I nodded, “Yeah, I need to talk to them.”

He looked at me, “Is it bad.”

“Kinda.” I glanced up the stairs, “Is Josh here?”

“Yeah, he’s upstairs with Adam. Do you want me to go get him?”

I shook my head, “No, let me talk to your parents first.”

“Hey, Matt.” Called out Terry, as he poked his head out from the kitchen, “We’re in here.”

“I’ll be there in a minute.” I called back, “You guys don’t have to come too, if you don’t want.”

Connor stood still, “I don’t mind, I can stay.”

Ayo nodded too, “Yeah. I’m good.”

I smiled, “Ok, let’s get this done.”

*

“Of course you can stay here, Matt. You’re always welcome.” Said Amanda.

I had just finished filling them in on what had happened earlier. We were all sitting around the dining table, with Connor’s parents on one side, and us guys on the other.

“You sure? I mean Jamie also has a guest room over his house…” I said.

Terry nodded, “You can stay wherever you feel most comfortable.”

I looked them and thought for a moment. While I’d love to stay over at Jamie’s, the fact remained that I didn’t know his family as well as I knew Connor’s family. And there was also the added fact that it might be hard on Jamie’s mum, Sue, to have her son’s boyfriend living in the same house, “I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind.”

“Course not. It’ll be like one long sleepover.” Said Connor, trying to lighten the mood.

I nodded, “Thanks.” I paused, “But the problem I have is with Josh. What do I tell him?”

“He’s welcome to stay here too, but I’m not sure how Monica and Joe would respond to that.” Said Terry.

“I wanna stay with Matt.” Came Josh’s voice.

I looked up over at the door to see Josh and Adam standing there. Seemingly they had heard that part of the conversation.

“Adam. You know it’s rude to eavesdrop.” Said Amanda sternly.

“We just came down.” He replied.

Josh walked over and sat next to me, “I wanna stay with you.”

I looked at him, “I want the same Josh, but I also want to do the best thing.”

Amanda piped in, “Here’s what we’ll do. Terry and I will go over to your house and talk to your parents.” She turned to me, “I know you want to stay here, and that’s fine. We’ll go over there to talk about Josh and to pick up some stuff for you.”

I thought for a second, “Ok.” I looked at Josh, “Is that ok?”

He nodded, “Yeah.”

“Good.” Said Amanda, as she turned to Terry, “We’ll go now then.”

“Thanks you guys. I really mean it. I’d be in a real mess if it weren’t for you.”

Amanda smiled, “You don’t need to thank us, Matt.” She said as she stood up, “We’re just glad we can help.”

“Still, I really appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Terry stood up alongside his wife, “No problem, mate. Is there anything in particular that you want us to bring back?”

I shook my head, “Not really, I only need some clothes.”

He nodded, “Ok.” He looked over at Connor, “We shouldn’t be too long.”

“Ok, Dad.” He replied, as they walked out of the room.

“See you guys later.” They said from the hall.

“Bye.” Called out Connor.

We heard the front door close shut, before Josh turned to me, “Why can’t you go home?” He asked.

I turned to him, “Well…” I began, unsure of how to word it, “Mum and Dad don’t want me to see Jamie anymore.”

“Because you were kissing him?” He asked.

“Kinda. And because they think he’s bad.”

He looked at me, “Jamie isn’t bad. I think he’s awesome.” He said in an attempted American accent.

I smiled at him, “Where’d you pick that up?”

“His sister, she’s cool too.”

I smiled again, at least Josh liked Jamie. That meant a lot to me.

“Hey, you guys wanna go upstairs?” Asked Connor.

“Sure.” nodded Ayo.

I nodded too, “Yeah.” I replied, but then I looked at Josh, “Actually, can I speak to Josh for a second, I’ll be up in a bit.”

Connor stood up, “Ok.” He looked over at Adam, “Come on, we’ll leave them alone.” He said, causing Adam to stand up and walk over. Ayo followed suit too, leaving Josh and me alone.

I turned to him, “Erm, there’s something that we need to talk about.”

He nodded, “Ok.”

“Well, you know how…You remember when…” I began, but hesitated, trying to find the right words to use, “I’m gay, Josh. Do you know what that means?”

He frowned at me, “I’m not stupid.” He said, raising his voice slightly, clearly he wasn’t very happy talking about that.

“It’s important that you do, Josh.”

He sighed, “I do, Matt.”

I looked at him, “When I say ‘I’m gay’ I mean that I like boys.” I paused, “I know you sometimes use the word ‘gay’ when you mean that something is bad, but that doesn’t mean that being gay is bad. It’s just different, that’s all.”

He glanced at the floor, “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For saying gay. I didn’t mean it.”

I touched his shoulder, “Saying ‘gay’ isn’t bad, it’s just not very nice when you use it as a bad word, like ‘oh that’s so gay’. See what I mean?”

He nodded.

“Good.”

“Do you like Connor then? If you’re gay?”

I smiled, “No. Being gay doesn’t mean I like all boys, only some boys.” I paused, “Like you, you don’t like ALL girls, do you?”

“I do! Nearly.” He replied quickly.

I giggled, “No, I mean, there are some girls which you don’t like, right? Like they annoy you or something?”

He nodded, his eyes lighting up, “Yeah, there’s this one gir-“

“That’s what I mean, Josh. There’s some girls you don’t like, just like there’s some boys I don’t like.”

“So you don’t like Connor?”

I shook my head, “No, Connor is my friend.” I paused, “But there is a boy which I really like-“

“Jamie!” Said Josh happily.

I nodded , “Yep.” I looked at him, “And because Jamie likes me too, he’s my boyfriend. You get it?”

“Yeah.”

I smiled at him, “Good.” I said before I reached out and hugged him, “You’re the best brother ever, you know.”

He hugged me back, “You’re better.” He said, causing a big smile to break out on my face.

And just like that, I had the sneaky feeling that perhaps Tanisha was right, perhaps things would start to get better, given a little bit of time. A little bit of time.

I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter of American Differences.

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