next door » joshler [book #1]

eight » family

"josh, we haven't seen you in forever. got a girl back home?"

of course that's the first question his father would ask him. there's a good reason they haven't talked in a while, honey, you just haven't figured it out yet.

"no."

his mom chimes in, eyes sparkling. "aw, come on joshie, i want grandchildren!"

josh looks at her with faint disgust. "mom, you have more children than just me. and i do have someone back home... sorta. but not a girlfriend."

he and tyler are just friends. but he can't help but feel a sick sense of pleasure from the horror on his parents' faces. hey mom, hey dad, i'm bi. ha, josh scoffs. as if he could tell them.

"it's not a... a boy, is it?" his mom asks nervously.

"no. it's no one. never mind." josh waves her off, deciding to remain in the closet once more.

after he's gone home, he texts tyler.

josh: told my parents i had someone back home, but not a girl. they flipped.

tyjo: wait.. you have a boyfriend?

josh: no! i was talking about you. i mean, we're not dating, but i wanted to see my parents reaction bc they're really homophobic

tyjo: oh

tyjo: i thought you were dating someone else

tyjo: and i got really really anxious for some reason

josh: i feel like that when i think about you dating someone

tyjo: josh, can you

tyjo: can you come over please

josh: okay