MILES
Ever since that night, I could hardly stop worrying about Tyler. The image of him sobbing into my arms, consumed by deep anguish and distress, haunted me. It was a harrowing experience for us both, one that left an indelible mark on our lives. But what troubled me most was the fact that Tyler, a strong and compassionate man, had become a victim of sexual harassment.
Tyler was never one to objectify others. He possessed a genuine respect for everyone he encountered, valuing their worth beyond mere physical appearances. He understood the importance of consent and boundaries, always making sure he treated others with kindness and decency. But unfortunately, these principles were not reciprocated.
I took a deep breath and focused my attention on the class. The walls of the small classroom seemed to close in on me, amplifying my worries and making it harder to concentrate. I couldn't help myself from playing with my pen, spinning it deftly between my fingers in an attempt to calm my restless mind.
My pen twirled faster and faster in my restless grasp, an outward manifestation of the whirlwind of doubts and fears swirling within me. The sound of the clicking pen filled my ears, punctuating the silence of the room and earning me a stern gaze from Mrs. Dorsett.
Suddenly, the bell rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. Startled, I looked up from my desk, glancing around the classroom. As if in unison, my classmates sprung to their feet, eager to escape the confines of the classroom. It was the end of another monotonous day of algebra and history.
I gathered my belongings, stuffing my textbooks into my backpack, when Mrs. Dorsett's voice pierced through the commotion. "Before you all rush out, don't forget about Talents Night!" she reminded us, a twinkle in her eyes.
Groans echoed throughout the room. "Ugh, not again. Why do they make us do this every year?" I heard one of my classmates say.
After I got everything, I was about to make my way through the door when someone got in my way, causing me to stop and look at who it could be. Standing before me was a tall guy in a green hoodie with broad shoulders and an athletic body.
"Hey," Caleb said, shifting nervously from foot to foot, his normally confident demeanor replaced with a hint of anxiety. It was unusual for him to appear so unsettled, and my curiosity piqued as I returned his greeting.
"Hey, Caleb, hi, what's up?" I inquired, my smile reflecting the genuine warmth I felt towards this guy.
"H-hi, ah, I just want to know when the next session of our practice will be," he stammered, his voice barely audible. As he anxiously rubbed the nape of his neck, it was evident that he felt both nervous and shy about talking to me.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his awkwardness. It wasn't like him to be so fidgety, especially since we were friends. "I don't know yet," I replied, mirroring his nervous energy.
"Hey, are you free on weekends? You can come over to my house; how's that sound?" he suggested, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.
My eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard by his unexpected proposal. I looked at him, searching for any sign that he might be joking, but his expression remained sincere. Flustered, I tried to gather my thoughts, unsure of how to respond.
"Miles and I had plans for the weekend!" The sound of a familiar voice behind us interrupted our conversation, and Caleb and I turned our gazes, surprised by the unexpected interruption.
It was Tyler, a fine young man with a serious look on his face. He stood outside the door, his hands comfortably tucked inside his pockets. His eyes sparkled with jealousy as he made his way toward us.
"So maybe you should postpone your practice until next week," Tyler added, sounding like a jealous boyfriend.
Silence enveloped the three of us. I watched as they exchanged strange glances, their eyes locked in a mysterious understanding. Unsure of what was happening between them, I decided to break the tension.
"Oh yeah! I'm sorry, Caleb; I almost forgot I had plans already this weekend," I said, trying to divert their attention. "Perhaps we can schedule our practice during your free time next week? How's that?"
Caleb looked at me, a slight disappointment flickering in his eyes. But he quickly composed himself and smiled, nodding his head.
"Sure, that sounds good," he replied, his voice lacking the usual enthusiasm.
"But I can't promise that we'll be able to practice at my house by that time; mom has company coming over next week, so that's why," Caleb explained, his usually bright eyes now wearing a disappointed expression.
"No worries, you can come over to my house, though I'll just send you the address," I nonchalantly remarked.
As soon as the words left my lips, I felt an unexpectedly tight grip on my wrist. Before I could react, I found myself being forcefully dragged out of the room by Tyler himself.
"We'll get going now, Caleb! See you!" I shouted out to Caleb as I tried not to stumble when Tyler dragged me out of the room. Confusion clouded my mind as I stumbled along, trying to keep pace with him.
"Seriously? He can come over to your house just like that, while I, on the other hand, had to sneak out and climb through your window just to get in. That's so unfair, Miles," Tyler said, his words filled with a mix of frustration and jealousy. As we walked hand in hand, I felt a pang of pain shoot up my wrist, reminding me of the bruises that were still healing.
"Tyler, please don't hold me like that; it's hurting me," I said, my voice laced with discomfort. I knew I had to address the issue before it escalated any further.
Surprised by my complaint, Tyler immediately let go of my wrist, and we both stopped walking. His face contorted with a mixture of fear and realization. It was at that moment that I saw a glimpse of the kind and caring man I had first fallen in love with.
"I'm sorry, I was just..." He said it calmly, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. I adjusted the sleeves of my blazer, preventing my bruise from showing off, especially in Tyler's naked eyes. I didn't want him to see it, or he might freak out and start blaming himself for not being careful with his actions.
"Jealous?" I asked, my heart racing, unsure of what his response would be. He looked straight into my eyes, his lingering chuckle temporarily silenced. For a brief moment, time stood still as we watched each other, the world around us fading into the background.
He shrugged his shoulders, his smile unfaltering. "I guess so, what do you think?" he replied, his voice a mixture of playful jest and raw vulnerability. It was as if he had unveiled a part of himself that had been hidden for far too long, exposing his true feelings.
"How would I know?" I replied playfully, feigning ignorance as I laughed.
He pouted, his expressive eyes filled with mock disappointment. Putting his hands over his chest, he pretended to be hurt, his lips forming an exaggerated pout. My heart fluttered at the sight, marveling at how he effortlessly blended cuteness and handsomeness into one intoxicating mix.
"Aw, now you're just being mean," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with faux hurt.
"You're hurting my feelings, Miles, and because of that, you'll have to pay for it!" he weakly threatened, attempting to sound menacing. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Then punish me," I whispered, my voice barely audible amidst the peaceful surroundings. The words hung in the air, charged with a combination of teasing and genuine curiosity.
Tyler's reaction was immediate. He could feel the intensity of the moment, his face reddening as a mix of surprise and embarrassment washed over him. In that brief instant, our roles seemed to reverse. I was the one who had caught him off guard, and the power of the moment was not lost on me.
Unable to contain my laughter, I erupted into a fit of giggles. The sound echoed through the hallway, causing a few curious heads to turn in our direction. Tyler, however, remained silent, his eyes cast downward, avoiding the playful glint in my gaze. I noticed a flicker of shyness in his expression, and it only served to intensify my amusement.
"So... I was wondering about that thing you said to Cal-" I asked to get rid of the awkward silence, but before I could finish speaking, Tyler immediately intervened.
"I had plans for the both of us this weekend'm sorry I talked to you over; it's just that I'm feeling nervous all of a sudden," he said, making me smile. How adorable. I nodded my head in response.
"Hey, do you want to come over tonight?" I asked him. As the words escaped my lips, I could sense the sudden shift in the atmosphere. It was just an innocent invitation, yet his reaction took me by surprise. Today, I decided to take a chance and invite him over. His shock and excitement mirrored my hidden feelings, like the unlocking of a shared secret. As we both stopped walking in the bustling hallway of Adamson High School, time seemed to freeze around us.
He looked into my eyes, a mixture of disbelief and genuine happiness twinkling in his own. It was as if he had been waiting for this moment, patiently longing for me to extend an invitation that would bridge the gap between us. And now, seeing his response, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation within me.
I had always admired his infectious smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, and the warmth that radiated from his presence. But beyond friendship, I secretly yearned for something more. And now, here we stood, on the precipice of possibility.
His head nodded three times in quick succession, his grin widening with every movement. It was an affirmation, an unspoken yes," that made my heart flutter. At that moment, we both understood that this was more than just a casual get-together.
"Okay then, be sure you'll be there before seven for dinner; don't be late, no cancellation!" I warned him, my voice tinged with a playful tone. We both chuckled, reminiscing about the countless times we had made such promises in the past.
ERIN
I walked down the crowded hallway, navigating through throngs of students who were eagerly rushing on their way home or catching up with friends. The echoes of chatter and laughter filled the air, creating a constant buzz that seemed to envelop the entire school.
As I approached my locker, I noticed a group of students walking past, their conversation growing louder as they drew nearer. Intrigued, I casually leaned against my locker, pretending to rummage through my books while eavesdropping on their conversation.
At first, their words blended into the background noise, muffled and indistinct. I intended to ignore them and focus solely on organizing my books and getting home. But then, among the cacophony of voices, I heard one distinct name that immediately grabbed my attention: Jacob.
My heart skipped a beat as I froze, my fingers still gripping the edge of my locker. Thoughts raced through my mind, filled with curiosity and concern. What were they saying about Jacob? Was he in trouble again?
I strained to listen, trying to catch every word they said. They spoke in hushed tones as if they were discussing something secretive. Whispers of uncertainty and apprehension filled the air, weaving through the corridor like a delicate spider's web.
As the gossip spread like wildfire through the hallway, it was impossible to escape the whispers and hushed conversations that seemed to follow Jacob wherever he went. "He's changed," someone would say, shaking their head in disbelief. "He's treating everyone differently now, in a good way."
Curiosity piqued, I found myself drawn to the rumor mill, eager to understand what had transpired to cause such a shift in Jacob's demeanor. The more I listened, the more intrigued I became. And then, amidst the chatter, a surprising revelation emerged: Jacob was rumored to be pansexual.
I shook my head, feeling a mixture of disappointment and frustration. As an open-minded individual, I firmly believed that speculating on someone's gender identity was not only intrusive but also incredibly wrong. Yet here I was, witnessing my schoolmates making assumptions about someone. It was disheartening to see how easily people fell into the trap of judging others based on their actions and outward appearances. It's rude and disturbing, honestly.
I nervously glanced around, feeling a sense of unease creeping up my spine. The hushed whispers I overheard in the hallway still echoed in my mind, leaving me with a mix of curiosity and concern. I quickly locked my locker and dodged through the bustling crowd of students. As I reached the exit, my path came to an abrupt halt. A group of burly rugby players, clad in their team jerseys, stood huddled together, blocking my way out.
"Hey Erin, where's your boyfriend?" Kenzo asked in his most annoying tone. I rolled my eyes and tried to pass through them, but he stepped forward, blocking my way again. Irritated, I crossed my arms and glared at Kenzo.
"What do you want, Kenzo?" I asked, my irritation seeping into my tone.
He smirked, not the least bit fazed by my annoyance. "What's with the glare?" he sarcastically replied, his tone laced with amusement. It was as if he took pleasure in challenging me, feeding off the negative emotions our interactions inevitably stirred.
I took a deep breath, attempting to keep my cool despite my rising frustration. Kenzo chuckled, his arrogance evident in his posture. He was known for being one of Jacob's minions, and he thrived on spreading rumors. His gray eyes sparkled mischievously as he continued to taunt me. I could feel the surrounding eyes of other students fixed on our confrontation.
"So what now, Kenzo? Are you the new bully king on campus now?" I sarcastically asked, unable to contain my disdain as I glared into his gray eyes. He gave me a smirk, clearly reveling in his newfound dominance.
"You didn't know a thing, did you?" he repeated, his voice laced with both amusement and something darker. Confusion etched across my face as I tried to comprehend his words. What could he possibly be referring to? I had no clue.
"What are you talking about?" I finally managed to blurt out, my voice betraying a mixture of anxiety and frustration. My mind raced, searching for answers as the man's sinister grin widened.
His icy gaze bore into mine, as if he were studying my every reaction. "You truly are clueless, aren't you?" he taunted, relishing in my bewilderment. The room seemed to shrink around me, suffocating me as the weight of his words settled on my shoulders.
"Your boyfriend Jacob got kicked out of the team because of you, so I'm the new rugby captain now," Kenzo proudly said, his words laced with condescension.
"You? The new captain? Are you kidding me?" I asked one after another sarcastically, a mischievous smile on my face. Their stunned expressions only fueled my amusement, and I had to stifle a laugh that threatened to escape.
"What's so funny?" he finally blurted out, unable to contain his frustration any longer. His words were filled with annoyance, and his eyebrows furrowed in a deep frown.
"What disappointing news!" I chimed, unable to suppress a mischievous grin. "Now I'm starting to think. Is your coach prepared to lose the coming championship? Especially now that you're the captain!" My words dripped with sarcasm, and I crossed my arms, preparing for a playful banter back and forth. Kenzo remained silent, though his glare bore into me like intense heat.
"What's with the glare, Kenzo? Did I somewhat hurt your feelings?" I said, testing his patience. I waited for him to reply, but he couldn't seem to, so I shrugged my shoulders and quickly made my way through them, bumping my shoulder into his. Before I could get away, I stopped once again and faced him. Kenzo's glare intensified, his dark eyes burning with an intense rage. His lips curled into a thin line as he clenched his fists tightly.
"You may be the new captain, but you're still no better than Jacob." I sneered at him, my voice dripping with contempt. "Ciao!" I said, with a dismissive flick of my hand and a middle finger raised defiantly. Without another word, I turned my back and made my way out.
While I was waiting for my friends right at the entrance, the late afternoon breeze whispered its secrets around me. The rustling leaves and distant laughter of my peers were drowned out by the perplexing thoughts swirling in my mind.
The sudden recollection of Jacob consumed my thoughts. Kenzo's words echoed in my head, haunting me. He had alluded to the fact that Jacob was dismissed from the team because of me, but why? What have I done?
As I pondered over this enigma, my mind stumbled upon a faint memory. A rumor, barely audible, that had lingered in the halls of our school. It was a whisper about Jacob's sexuality, a mere speculation of his pansexuality. I had never paid much attention to gossip before, but now the puzzle pieces seemed to align, fitting together in a conspiratorial pattern.
Suddenly, a realization struck me like a lightning bolt. Could it be that Jacob's transphobic coach had ousted him from the team because he was associated with me? My heart sank at the thought. The unfairness and injustice of it all threatened to suffocate me.
My mind became consumed with a sense of responsibility. I knew that I had to reach out to Jacob to find the truth behind this tangled web of assumptions. Determination surged through me, overshadowing any doubts that lingered on the periphery of my thoughts.
MILES
After I got home from school, I found myself standing in the doorway of my house. The silence seemed to echo through the halls, and I realized that I was all alone. My parents had gone to visit Grandma, and my brother, Jackson, was off with his bandmates performing in a show in Brooklyn. It was rare for me to be alone like this, so I decided to make the most of it.
I dropped my school bag on the floor and ventured into our living room. The space that was usually filled with my brother's laughter and my mom's chatter now felt strangely vast. I sank into the large couch, curling up under a cozy blanket. The overwhelming quietness had an eerie but intriguing effect on me.
As twilight cast long shadows in the room, I decided to get changed and start to prepare for dinner. The day had been exhausting, filled with endless meetings and demanding deadlines. I needed some solace and a good meal to rejuvenate my weary soul.
I rummaged through my closet, searching for something comfortable to wear that also made me feel presentable. I settled on a soft, navy blue sweater and a pair of well-worn jeans. Slipping into them, I felt an immediate sense of relief, as if shedding the weight of the day alongside my work attire.
Heading to the kitchen, the enticing aroma of spices wafted through the air, courtesy of a simmering pot on the stove. Tonight, I was determined to create a culinary masterpiece dish that would take me on a journey far away from the mundanity of everyday life.
I was entirely engrossed in preparing my signature chicken curry for dinner. The tantalizing aroma of spices filled the air as I stirred the pot with tender chunks of marinated chicken. My mouth watered with anticipation, knowing that tonight's dinner would be a culinary delight.
Amidst the sizzling of onions and the fragrant blend of turmeric and cumin, I suddenly heard the familiar chime of the doorbell. Startled, I turned off the stove and wiped my hands on my apron before heading towards the front door.
As I opened the door, I was met with an unexpected sight. Standing before me was none other than Tyler. "Hi," he greeted me with a smile. For the hundredth time, I found myself captivated by Tyler's smile. It had this magical quality to it, lighting up his face and filling the room with warmth. No matter what kind of day I was having, Tyler's smile never failed to bring me a sense of joy.
"Hi! Come in! I responded with a warm smile, holding the door open for him. I gestured for him to come inside, trying my best to hide my excitement.
As he stepped into the house, I couldn't help but notice the smudged dirt on his face and the grass stains on his knees. It was clear that he had just come from an intense soccer practice. Despite his disheveled appearance, there was an undeniable charm about him that made my heart skip a beat.
"Hey, you look cute with those," he teased, chuckling as he pointed his finger at me. I paused and furrowed my brows, not quite sure what he was referring to. Puzzled, I looked down at myself and discovered that I was still wearing a bright pink apron.
Embarrassment flushed through me as I realized that I had completely forgotten to take it off. I burst into laughter as I tried to untie the apron but found myself tangled in a knot. Tyler joined in, finding my predicament amusing, and I couldn't help but laugh harder at the hilarity of the situation.
After a few failed attempts, I managed to free myself from the apron's grasp. Finally, I stood before Tyler, apron-less and slightly disheveled. "Well, that was quite a look, wasn't it?" I said, wiping away tears of laughter from my eyes.
With a playful smirk, he replied, "Absolutely. You never fail to surprise me, even with something as simple as forgetting to take off an apron."
"Sorry, I'm a mess; I just got here from practice, and I didn't bother taking a bath before heading here," he said, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. He couldn't help but find the situation amusing. He had always been one to take things a little too seriously, especially whenever I told him not to be late.
"It's fine; you still look and smell good, though," I replied, a playful smile dancing on my lips. I reached out, gently fixing his disheveled hair with my fingers. Despite his sweaty appearance and rushed demeanor, something was endearing about his carefree attitude.
"Do I?" I nodded in response. His question hung in the air, saturated with uncertainty and vulnerability. We stood there, frozen in the moment, a dance of emotions swirling around us.
"Can I kiss you?" Before he could finish what he was about to say, I quickly wrapped my arms around his neck and landed a warm kiss on his soft lips. The taste of anticipation mingled with the sweetness of his breath, filling the space between us. With my eyes closed, I felt his hands holding my waist, his touch firm yet gentle, pulling my body much closer to his.
We continued kissing, lost in the warmth of each other's presence, surrendering to the enchantment of the moment. Time seemed to fade away, leaving only the melody of our breaths intertwining and the symphony of our hearts beating in sync. Every touch, every caress, spoke a language only we could understand.
For a second, we stopped and leaned our foreheads against each other, basking in the afterglow of our shared connection.
"You should go take a shower while I'm going to prepare our dinner," I said, breaking the silence. He nodded in response, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He caressed my face with his soft, warm hand before making his way upstairs to the bathroom.
As he disappeared, I returned to the task at hand, preparing the final touches for our meal.
...
Later on, after I had meticulously set the table for dinner, with the aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the air, I heard the soft thudding of Tyler's footsteps on the stairs. Turning towards the staircase, anticipation bubbling within me, I caught sight of him and could not help but be captivated by his presence.
There he stood, half-naked, wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants that clung effortlessly to his sculpted form. His tousled hair, still damp from the shower, glistened under the soft glow of the overhead lights, and he absentmindedly dried it with a white towel. Time seemed to stand still as I took in the sight before me, feeling a flutter of butterflies in my stomach.
Caught in the moment, I found myself momentarily speechless. The sheer beauty of his figure mesmerized me, inviting me to explore its depths, like an artist being presented with a masterpiece. His chiseled chest, adorned with faint trails of water droplets, rose and fell rhythmically with every breath he took. His strong, toned, and defined athletic arms seemed to hold the promise of safety and comfort. As my gaze wandered lower, I couldn't help but appreciate the sculpted abs that hinted at hours spent dedicated to physical fitness.
Tyler traveled his eyes around the room until the piano caught his attention. It was an old, weathered instrument covered in a thin layer of dust. As he approached, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the beautiful instrument.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Tyler gently lifted the piano cover and peered inside. The keys were slightly yellowed but still intact. Intrigued, he lowered himself onto the velvet-padded bench in front of the piano. He hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering hesitantly above the keys.
Watching from a distance, I could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. But then, without warning, a spark ignited within him. A smile broke across his face, transforming his features into an expression of pure joy. With newfound confidence, his fingers began to dance across the keys, filling the room with beautiful melodies.
As his fingers danced on the piano keys, I found myself drawn into a world I never knew existed. The dimly lit room seemed to come alive with every note, weaving a melody that transported me to a realm of unknown emotions. And then, as if a gentle breeze had whispered in my ear, he began to sing.
His voice pierced through the silence, captivating me with its soft timbre. Each word he uttered hung in the air, carried by a melody that wrapped around my soul. It was as if he had unraveled the depths of my heart and poured its essence into every lyric. At that moment, it felt as though he were speaking directly to me, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability and longing.
The song he had chosen, "Dandelions" by Ruth B., held a special significance in that moment. Its lyrics spoke of resilience and hope, a testament to the beauty that can spring from unexpected places.
Suddenly, he pressed the wrong key, creating a jarring and discordant sound that echoed through the room. His voice faltered, interrupted by this unexpected betrayal from the instrument he held with such adoration.
Immediately, his fingers hesitated, hovering uncertainly above the keys. The familiar reflection of passion in his eyes flickered, replaced by a tinge of embarrassment. He turned his gaze towards me, filled with a mix of surprise and disappointment.
But instead of laughing at him, I gave him my sweetest smile and approached him, landing a kiss on his cheek. Surprised yet delighted by my unexpected gesture, he returned my smile and stared into my eyes. For a moment, time stood still as we found solace in each other's gaze.
"Dinner is ready," I said to him, breaking the spell. He smiled genuinely before nodding in response.