A New World

another closet case

Through his bushy hair, John watches the drag performances, amazed by everything going on around. Men holding hands. Women holding hands. Girls on skates, smiling from ear to ear, wearing shirts that read DYKES ON ICE. Guys and their skinny jeans. Make up, glitter, beads, glow sticks...  and a few heterosexual couples as well. 

"What am I doing here?" he asks himself over and over. He doesn't know the answer yet, but he knows that if any of his family acquaintances knew he is at the Pride /Fest, he would lose everything he's worked for - respect and acceptance from family, friends, teachers, neighbors; and he isn't ready to face reality on his own. He saw it happen to his brother. And he is not going to repeat the story. It's then when he decides that he is going to do the NORMAL thing to do: go on to college on a football scholarship, and marry Haley as everyone is expecting them to. Yes, that's what he's meant to do. His parents don't deserve another disappointment. However, when he looks around once again, he feels free. He is home.

Reviews

[Wandering Violet]

How well I know that feeling of belonging, yet feeling guilty that I shouldn't. Nicely expressed. I'm going to read the next chapter now...

[compositionc]

Wow. Emotional. Powerful.
I feel for John. He doesn't want to lose the respect and love of his family, friends, and society. He's scared to admit it, so he doesn't.
I love the last sentence especially.
"He is home."