The Journal [boyxboy]

The Journal {20} END

                “Mr. Christman, does it ever get better?” the boy sitting in front of me asked, looking at me with desperate eyes.

                “Yes Zack, it does get better. I honestly think you should sit down and talk with your parents. I think that while they’re mad at you, they don’t hate you the way you think they do,” I said. “But if you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, that’s fine. It’s your choice. Just know that I am always here for you.”

                Zack nodded and fidgeted with his hands. “Did things ever get hard for you Mr. Christman?” he asked.

                I nodded at him. “Things did get hard for me, Zack. But now I’m happily engaged, I have a job I love, and everything is going great. You just have to endure the hard times. I know it’s easier said than done, but you’re a strong person. I know you can do it,” I said honestly.

                Zack’s eyes watered a little. “Sometimes I just feel alone.”

                “But you’re not. I know that’s hard to believe, but I promise you’re not alone. People care about you, Zack. I know I personally would be crushed if something happened to you,” I said.

                “Thank you Mr. Christman. I have to go before I’m late to class. But…thank you so much. Is it okay if I come back tomorrow?” he asked timidly.

                “You can come back whenever you want to,” I said, offering him a smile.

                “Thank you,” he whispered, pulling his backpack on and leaving the room.

                I sighed and leaned back in my chair, checking the time. It was almost time for my lunch break, but that didn’t matter. I had stupidly left my lunch at my apartment.

                There was a knock on my door and I looked up in surprise. No one ever came this late. It was posted that it was my lunch break.

                “Come in,” I called.

                The door opened and I stared in surprise as Matt came in. He gave me a sheepish smile and held up a brown bag.

                “You left your lunch at the apartment. I knew this was your lunch time, so I figured I’d bring it to you,” he said.

                I got out of my chair and went over to him. We shared a kiss and I took my lunch from him, tossing it on my desk.

                “Thank you Matthew,” I said gratefully. “I was starving.”

                “How’s work going?” he asked.

                “I think I got through to Zack Grago,” I said, honestly happy.  

                “I’m glad to hear that. I have to get going soon because I left work to bring you your lunch. But I’ll see you after work,” he said, kissing me.

                “Thanks for coming Matt,” I said, hugging him.

                “Anything for you Emerson. I love you, and I’ll see you in a few hours,” he said.

                I shut the door as he left and went back over to my desk, sitting down. I opened my lunch and started to eat, opening my desk drawer and pulling out a binder.