Page 55 of Michael's Awakening
“Jackson? If it’s the one I’m thinking of– and I know it is, I mean, this is just too coincidental– he’s gay.” Excitement bubbled inside me as I sputtered out the words.
“Yeah, I know.” Zack looked down at me and gave a sheepish grin. “I remember him from school. He was only a year younger than me, but we had some classes together before that whole fucked up mess happened with his parents. He remembers me, too.” He looked back out the window and sighed heavily. “What am I gonna do, Gabe? I can’t be gay. What would people say? What would Dad say? Dammit…”
Words hardly ever failed me when I needed them, I always had something to say. But for once, I was utterly speechless as I stared at Zack. Unlike earlier when I was speechless from sheer shock, I was now speechless because I didn’t know what to say to make my brother feel better. He was clearly struggling with his newfound feelings and it was something he needed to come to terms with on his own.
“Dad will understand, I promise. I mean, shit. Look at me and all my glam. If he accepts me, he’ll accept you too. And I’m here for you. You know that, right?” I laid my head on his shoulder and stared out the window.
All of the leaves had finally fallen from the trees, leaving behind a bare vessel of branches and twigs. The cloudy day added to the emptiness of the trees and I sighed. I missed the sun.
“I know. Thanks, little bro.” Zack stepped away from the window and looked back at me. “We better get back in there before your boyfriend freaks out and comes looking for you.”
I smacked his arm. “He only freaks out because he cares.”
Regarding me with a serious look, Zack stopped before leaving the room. “Do you love him?”
There wasn’t any question in mind. “Yes, I do.”
Zack’s eyes narrowed. “Does he love you?”
I rolled my eyes. “Is this where you go ‘protective big brother’ over me and intimidate him with those massive muscles of yours?” I squeezed one of his biceps and he laughed.
“Stop it, Gabe. I’m trying to be serious here.” His face grew stern. “He better not fucking hurt you or I will tear him to shreds.”
I patted his arm. “Take it easy there, killer. Thanks for having my back, but I don’t think he’ll hurt me.” My brows knitted together as I pondered. “Him and I… we have a weird connection. It’s hard to explain. We just fit together. He understands me and I understand him.” I shrugged.
“Okay, don’t get into the details.” Zack put his hands up and laughed. “I don’t wanna know what goes on between you two.”
I chewed on my lip and looked up at my brother, debating whether or not I should tell him.
“What is it?” Zack asked suspiciously.
“I’m kind of glad you wanted to talk to me because there’s something I need to tell you, too.” I hadn’t told Zack or my Dad about the vandalism to my car. I definitely wasn’t going to tell Dad because I didn’t want to worry him, but I felt like Zack needed to know. I told him everything and hated keeping shit from him.
“Spill the beans, Gabe. Fuck.” He waved his hands anxiously at me and I stuck my tongue out at him before answering.
“Saturday night, my car got vandalized and smashed to bits.” Zack’s eyebrows shot up in alarm and I put a hand out to stop whatever he was going to say. “I wasn’t in the car, no worries. I was at work. When I got off work, I walked out and saw it in the parking lot.”
My stomach turned as I remembered that night.
“So, some asshole was just trying to steal your shit or something? That sucks, bro. I’m glad you’re okay, though.” He pulled me to him and gave my head a noogie.
“Oh my God! My hair!” I tried to pull away and started slapping at his arms.
Releasing me with a laugh, Zack gave me his notorious dimpled grin. Narrowing my eyes at him, I tried to fix the mess that was my hair.
“So, is your car still in the shop?” Zack asked as he crossed his arms and looked down at me. I nodded and he continued talking, “Can you afford it? I can loan you some money if you need it.”
“I called my insurance company and talked to them about it for a while. The damage done is covered under my plan, so I shouldn’t have to pay anything.” I grinned at him. “But thanks for offering, money bags.”
“No problem. What are big brothers for?” He grinned again and I shook my head.
Those dimples of his got him out of so much trouble growing up.
“It wasn’t just some assholes trying to break into my car.” I could have just let the matter go, but I needed to be completely honest with him.
“Oh?” The serious look was back on Zack’s face and he re-crossed his arms, his muscles bulging.
“There was a message spray painted on the driver’s side door.” I hesitated before saying it and looked down at my feet. “Fags burn in Hell.”
