Page 107 of Lost Boy
“Yeah, that.” A grin tugs at his lips as his curious eyes dart to my dad next to him.
“Mhm. I’ve heard it from you all, and I’m working on it.”
“Al, honey!” Joel gasps with a hand to his chest, making me laugh. For being such a big, athletic basketball coach, he can be super stereotypically gay sometimes.
“Don’t say that in front of Sofie,” I warn. “Working on Fallon’s and my scrapbook has begun, and let me tell you,” I pause with a crooked smile, “this one involves a lot of black lace, purple, pink, and teal. So actually, it’s pretty awesome.”
Joel and Dad laugh, steering the conversation back to asking me how coming out and school have been.
I let them know that everyone at the academy has been great and supportive, and at this point, my only real nerves involve Mom and when or if I’m going to tell her.
She’s not on my social media, so it wouldn’t be hard to hide and just not announce it. We never talk, and I don’t really want to. She’s toxic and would only have negative things to say.
“I’m not going to tell her,” I say, deciding on the spot. “It’s not that I’m hiding. More like she doesn’t deserve to know that part of me or even be included in my life. She lost that privilege a long time ago, and I don’t plan on ever reinstating it. I’m an adult now. I don’t owe her anything, least of all an explanation about my sex life.”
“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Dad agrees, as does Joel.
“And she’ll only accuse you of making me gay,” I tell them.
Dad scoffs and rolls his eyes.
“You know it’s true, Dad.”
“Yes, sadly, I do.”
“That’s a ridiculous notion,” Joel adds.
It is what it is at this point. We’ve known she was unreasonable for a long time.
“Okay, it's settled then. I’m not telling her, but if she finds out, I’m not denying it, either.”
She probably won’t find out, though. She’s selfish and is only concerned about keeping up with herself and whatever man is paying for her expensive lifestyle that week. I wonder how poor Roger is fairing and whether she’s drained him dry yet.
“I’d like to discuss something else with you while you’re here, Ry,” Joel says hesitantly.
“Yeah?” I always get a little nervous when my dad wants to talk, and Joel is no different.
He clears his throat. “The sixth anniversary of my brother’s passing is coming up at the end of the month, and I thought it would be good for Fallon to visit his dad’s grave in Philadelphia. Has he read the letter yet?”
I feel bad for divulging the information, but Joel only cares, and I need to make sure Fallon is okay, which heisn’t. I know it deep down.
He still hasn’t said I love you.
At least he’s not sneaking weed and alcohol all the time now like he used to. And I even see little glimpses of happiness beneath the mask he always wears.
“No.”
Joel rubs the scruff forming on his chin. “That’s what I thought. Do you know where it is?”
Shit.I feel like such a snitch.
“Yeah. He asked me to keep it for him.”
“Keep it for him?” Joel’s brows scrunch together behind his dark-framed glasses.
I nod slowly, not willing to explain any further.
“Okay. Well, would you feel comfortable bringing it with us? If Fallon agrees to go? I think it would be really healthy for him to read it. He hasn’t told me how he feels about everything, but I think he’s harboring some guilt for not being around toward the end.”
