Hamilton Elementary

Chapter 18

I Love You

John's POV

Let's just say that the protest 'escalated'.

The school was closed for the day, Four news crews were here, a LGBT+ rights group was protesting with us, and five assholes from the Westbro Baptist Church showed up all within an hour.

I ducked behind Alexander as soon as I saw a camera catch my eye.

"I have to go home. If my dad sees me in a skirt on the news he'll kill me!" I said, and took off my skirt revealing the shorts I was wearing, and I ran home.

Lafayette's POV

After three hours of protesting, a young student teacher stands on a suitcase.

We lower our water guns as he frantically waves the school dress code policy.

"Hello! Hold your fire. My name is Samuel Seabury. It pains me to say this, but there is no dress code against wearing a skirt no matter your... Gender. Although it is total bullshit, Boys can wear skirts. You all may show up to school tomorrow." He said, and sprinted inside while we all cheered.

John's POV

I frantically ran home from school, to see my dad watching the news.

"Ah! John! Somebody told me that your school got cancelled because of those god damn liberals. What's next? Gender neutral bathrooms? Gay marriage becoming legal everywhere? Basic human rights? Appalling." He spat.

I tried to walk upstairs without him noticing me, but failed. "Hey John! Come here a second."

I nervously sat down.

"Yes?"

"What do you think about this whole skirt business?" I looked down at the burn scar I had from a couple days ago.

It's totally against what I believe, but I'm fucking scared. I don't want him to do that again. I'm so sorry, Lafayette. 

"I think it's stupid. Skirts are for girls, pants are for boys?" I said, almost like it was a question. It didn't seem very convincing, but he bought it.

He pat my back. "That a' boy... Hey, I'm sorry I had to correct you the other day. I just got mad. Don't be upset about it." He said, smiling sadly.

'Correcting me? You mean physically and verbally abusing me and making me feel like shit?' I almost said, but I figured I actually want to live.

"No problem. It's my fault anyway, I was way out of line. It won't happen again." I said, and swallowed hard.

I ran upstairs, and logged onto club penguin. The people that Alex was staying with for the week had a computer, so he made an account.

johnnyboy1754: Hey Alex. You leave on Friday, right?

immigrantlover1755: Yeah. Two days. I'll really miss you, John. Can you promise me something?

johnnyboy1754: What?

immigrantlover1755: To never forget me. We've only known eachother for a short time, but I really will miss you. So much. I'm proud to call you my best friend.

Somehow, the words 'best friend' stung. Am I really just his best friend? Is it wrong to want something more?

Shut up, John.

I shook the thought out of my head and resumed typing,

johnnyboy1754: I will NEVER forget you, Alexander.

I hesitated in sending my next response. I need to let him know. You can love somebody without it being... Platonic, right?

"This is purely platonic." Is what I whispered to myself before typing.

johnnyboy1754: I love you, Alex.