When Best Friends Kiss

Before the 2nd Kiss - Part 7

I returned to school after the break, glad to be back in my safe space. My roommate since the beginning of the school year had been Tim and upon my return, he sensed something was up with me.

I couldn't quite place Tim. He was awkward our first meeting and though he'd assured me he wasn't homophobic then, one of the first things he'd said when we were paired up to room together was, "I don't have a problem with you being gay, but I'd appreciate it if you don't do gay stuff where I can see." At times he could be a jerk, at other times he was strangely kind, like when he'd given me medicine after noticing I was sick. And now, he noticed something was off and was asking if I was okay.

"My whole family knows I'm gay and my cousins' grandfather is a 70-year-old closeted gay man who wants me to follow in his footsteps, but I'm cool," I'd said.

Honestly, I would survive. It being confirmed that I was indeed a maricón who sucked vergas, my cousins didn't get as much enjoyment out of teasing me anymore. My uncle was satisfied with ignoring me. They never wanted me to bring a guy to family events ever―even if that guy was my husband―but my mom, tía, and aunt were still supportive. It was fine and I wouldn't have to deal with them again for another several months to a year.

Besides, I had awesome friends, one of which I was having awesome sex with. Everything would be fine.

Jay strutted into my room after our classes on the first day of the semester and handed me
a box. Jay's family was well-off and while he claimed he wasn't spoiled, his family had spent Christmas break in Dubai. Meanwhile, I hadn't even been to Niagara Falls.

I sat on my bed and opened the box. Inside were decorated chocolates. Now, I liked
chocolate but had expected something more unique from the luxurious city. "You went to grand
Dubai and bought chocolates?"

"Not just any chocolates. They're made with camel's milk. Which is not as weird as it sounds." Jay sat in my desk chair and propped up his legs on the desk.

"Thanks," I drawled.

"I know it's not fancy, but your friend here isn't rich."

Leaning towards him, I stared like he was stupid. "You're rich."

"My parents are rich."

I sat back upright, pursing my lips. "Fair enough. Thanks."

"Yep. So, let's go back to being plain 'ol friends."

Way to abruptly change the subject. Or were the chocolates somehow a consolation gift?

"Say what?" Jay just looked at me, knowing I'd heard. "Why?"

"Elias agreed to sleep with me without me having to date him. It doesn't feel right to
sleep with you and him. Also, he hates you."

Glaring, I snapped, "He doesn't even know me."

Jay smirked. "Do you think Elias is jealous? That's so hot."

I'd dealt with coming out to homophobes over Christmas, thinking I'd return to Toronto
where life went the way I wanted. This was like a slap in the face. I'd be alone again.

"You can't just make this decision on your own," I countered, despite knowing full well he could.

"What are you talking about?" Jay stood up and put his hand on my shoulder. "The sex
was good, Alex, but I'd rather have sex with Elias."

I knocked his hand away then jumped off the bed to stand face-to-face. He was only a
couple of inches taller than me so there wasn't much I needed to do to stand my ground. Why did
everyone think they could have their way with me then drop me when it was convenient for
them?