The Outside Lines (boyxboy) - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I spent the next two months working tirelessly. I continued visiting that cafe on a daily basis, which I eventually found out was named Black Day Cafe. During summer break Lauren's father decided to give me a part time job. It didn't pay much but since I was already coming in every day it was a nice way to make an extra bit of cash. Not to mention I got to play the piano as a bonus. I'd play for at least an hour every day when I wasn't working.
I'd sing along with the songs playing from my phone while I jogged every day. It's harder than it seems. It takes a lot of extra stamina, but builds it at the same time. Sometimes I'd get people yelling at me through their windows for disturbing the quiet streets so early in the day. My voice certainly was far from angelic when I first started out, so I couldn't blame them for being upset. I sounded like a sick man trying to sing karaoke.
Whenever I had free time I would be at home reading book after book. I tried taking in as much information as I could. I tried taking up several new hobbies and skills ranging from knitting to bird watching, looking back on it I almost seemed like I was turning into an old lady. Only a few hobbies stuck with me though.
In the mornings I'd try to improve my culinary skills while cooking for mom and myself. In the afternoon I played piano and learned plenty of cool party tricks from some of the customers at Black Day. And on warm nights I'd wander off to a nearby park to play my guitar. I got pretty good at a lot of things over a short period of time. Though I gave it my all to try and better myself in several different areas. My mom, June suggested that I be more involved with clubs and school activities to help with my social issues. Now that I'm finally capable of doing so I think that would be my first step.
School started back up today. I thought I prepared myself, but I was still getting a case of the nerves. I took my usual seat on the bus and waited to arrive at the gates of despair. I wasn't expecting people to see me different, it was more about how I saw myself, so that I could take the steps to change my social status. I still hadn't cut my hair or shaved, mainly cause I didn't have the money to spend on that stuff. Well, technically I did but I was just being overly cautious.
After the seemingly long bus ride I finally got off, stepping out into the muggy air. I entered the school building to see many students catching up with their friends they hadn't seen over summer break. Everything was going as usual so far, but something did happen in homeroom. As the teacher was taking attendance my name was called and I responded, not with a raise of a hand but with my voice. It probably doesn't seem like a big deal, but it was to me. Just about every head in the classroom turned my way, surprised by my uncommon voice. I was pretty embarrassed.
My first classes came and went, rolling over to lunch time. As I was heading towards the cafeteria I spotted Noah running past. Confusion swept my mind as the expression he wore was that of mortification. I turned and watched as he ran out of sight.
Noah's POV
Today is the first day of school after summer break. Many normal people wouldn't be excited by that, but I sure was. I'd finally be getting to catch up with all the people I haven't seen over the summer. Not to mention I'd be able to hang out with Chad more. I know he'd never like someone like me, I mean he is straight after all, but being in his presence is enough for me. His dumb way of expressing himself is something I love about him. He always makes those around him laugh.
I neared the back of the school to meet up with my friends. Chad, AJ, Matt, and Pablo were all there.
"Hey, Noah, come over here." Chad waved me over. A smile grew on my face as I rushed to his side.
"We were just talking about you." He said as he wrapped an arm around my neck.
"All good things I hope." I laughed back.
"I haven't seen you all in a long time. I missed you homies." Pablo said to the group. "Dang summer school 'bout took up all my time!" Pablo's been out of town, staying with some his relatives, so we didn't see him over the summer.
"Two months isn't that long." Matt chimed it with a chuckle.
"It is without you dudes." Pablo laughed.
"I missed you too Pablo." I smiled.
"What'd you do with your summer break Noah?" Chad asked me, still holding me in a headlock.
"What, besides hanging out with you guys?" I thought for a moment. "I pretty much just sat inside watching reality TV." I answered with a sort of shrug.
"Seriously? That's pretty gay." Chad said in disapproval.
"Yeah, whatever." I responded, looking off to the side. Little did he know. No one besides Taylor knew that I was gay, not even my parents. It was something I would kill to keep a secret. You see, the people here aren't very accepting of others like myself. There are some who do support gays, but those who don't out weigh those who do and it's majority rules in these parts, so I've been very careful about who I tell.
"Aren't you gonna ask what I did during summer break?" AJ questioned us in a offended tone.
"What AJ, what did you do during break?" Chad humored him with an eye roll.
"I got me some chicks! There was this one real fine babe, Alana I think her name was, or was it Darcy? Whatever, anyways she was a real head tu-" AJ continued bragging about the girls he hooked up with during the break, but I just tuned out, not interested in the conversation. I got lost in my head, comfortably wrapped in Chad's arm.
That guy was on my mind. The one that's always quiet and looks like he wants to murder everyone. Every time I see him I feel uneasy. And I know I'm one of the many people here who feel that way. After that Vivendell High article about him being expelled from his last school for violent behavior I've been more on edge in his presence. One thing I still don't understand is why he tried to talk to me? He never speaks to anyone, so why me of all people? Is he out to get me?
The bell went off signaling us to our classes. On my way to my first class I ran into Taylor. She was a little late today hence why I spent the entire morning with Chad's group. But Taylor and I had plans to hit the town later today so it wasn't a big deal.
"Noah Noah Noah." Taylor greeted.
"Taylor Taylor Taylor." I greeted back, both of us breaking into laughter. It's something we did from time to time.
"You're still up to for our trip into town this afternoon right?" Taylor asked.
"Wouldn't miss it. Head out after school?" I tilted my head.
"Sure." Taylor agreed with a smile before running off to class. I did the same.
My first class was history. I wasn't into it much but the teacher made it interesting. Her name's Ricoti Barkeut but she likes to be referred to as Ms Coti. Her antics could make even the gloomiest person crack a smile. One time she got on her desk to tell the tale of a renowned explorer, got in character and everything. I feel bad for the poor sap she pulled up on the desk with her.
After our classes ended lunch finally rolled around. I met up with Chad, AJ, and Pablo, at the entrance of school. It's where they liked to hang out in between classes.
"So, when are you and Taylor gonna get it on?" AJ asked as I approached.
"What?" I asked raising a brow.
"You know, like." He paused, making a circle with one hand and profusely pushing his other index finger through it.
"Ew, heck no. I don't see her like that. She's like a sister to me." I said scrunching my face at the thought.
"What a waste." AJ sighed, still doing the hand motion.
"Damn I'm hungry." Chad sighed leaning back on the wall, distracted by his phone.
"I told you we should've stopped at that Taco place before coming to school." Pablo complained.
"We can go right now, can't we?" AJ said.
"I can't afford to miss class. I'm already pretty far behind. Coach wouldn't have it if I skipped out on another class." Chad sighed again. He's been failing some classes. He isn't the smartest, and he's skipped school often. Despite all of his shortcomings, I still found myself falling for him.
"I can grab us something from the cafeteria?" I said pointing in the direction of the cafeteria.
"Sure why not, I'll eat thatjunk this time. I don't want to go to my next classes feeling hungry AND bored." Chad accepted, making a compromise.
"Alright, anything you guys want in particular?" I asked.
"Taco." Pablo simply said, making us laugh. "I'll have whatever the special is." He requested for real this time.
"Same." AJ lifted his hand not looking up from his phone.
"I'll have the special and an apple." Chad said having his attention on me instead of his phone. I was probably unconsciously blushing.
"Got it." I noted before jogging off towards the cafeteria. It made me happy that I was helping. Not only cause I was head over heals for Chad, but it's part of my personality I guess. I've always liked to make people smile in whatever way I could, whether that be making a total fool of myself or simply complimenting someone to brighten their day.
On my way to the cafeteria I noticed some people looking at me funny. It was a little odd but I didn't pay much attention to it. I was just about out of breath by the time I reached the entrance. I walked in hoping to see something left to buy for the guys. Luckily I wasn't too late. The special today was pizza. There were about a dozen slices or so left. As I was ordering I could feel eyes shooting into my back. I turned my head slightly before fully revealing the sea of people catching looks at me. Some were whispering between each other, and wore looks of distress on their faces. At this point I couldn't help but feel uneasy. One thing that stuck out was several of them were holding the school paper. Red alerts were going off in my head. I knew how Rebbecca operated. She's always writing about Chad and Haley. They hate it.
After buying lunch for my friends I headed for the door. Not before picking up Vivendell High Weekly though. I was fearful that rumors were spreading about me so I grabbed the paper and read through it in the halls.
The headline read "A Friend Who Wants Something More". I shrugged it off not thinking much of it. I flipped through some articles, feeling more relieved with every one that had passed without my name on it. That was until I flipped to a page with a giant picture of me on front and center. My heart started racing, beating faster than a marching band drummer.
"The friend of all, the face of positivity, the cheerful spirit. Noah Orman, what could be the reason for his outgoing sweep of the entire school, does he have an ulterior motive? Could it simply be to make friends, is it to rise to the top of the popularity ladder? ...Or is it to get close to the one already sitting in the throne? It would seem the latter. Noah Orman the cheery face of Vivendell seems to have a thing for the hot football jock admired by many and well known around the school, Chad Michaels. They've gotten pretty chummy over the past year, but it would seem as though Noah wants something more, something romantic, with the football star, an anonymous source tells."
The feeling of fear that washed over me felt as if a hundred thousand ants suddenly crawled from under the walls and washed over my skin. Chills shot through my body and my face went blue. My mind was racing faster than the speed of light, going over all of my thoughts and options to get out of this. Half me was still hoping this was simply a nightmare, the other half knew all too well that it wasn't.
I looked up from the paper and then through the halls feeling scared sick. Nausea and panic began to overwhelm me, and I ran. I ran so fast my legs had trouble holding me. I had to get out of school. I couldn't be around anyone at the moment. Chad didn't seem to know about the article, so I wanted to be out of the school before he found out. He has a real distaste for gays, so I don't want to imagine what he would do to me.
I was hoping to every being dead or living that Chad and the guys moved away from the school entrance, but luck was not in my favor today. When I reached the door I spotted Chad, AJ, Matt, and two girls huddled close, raising their head from a piece of paper to look at me, amidst my desperate escape.
I kept running.
The couple seconds in their presence felt like an eternity. The look Chad wore scared the skin off of me. He seemed to be overtaken by shock, confusion, and disgust all at the same time.
I charged out the door and kept running. I ran until I couldn't anymore.
I ended up in an unfamiliar park. I didn't care where I was. I just trudged over to the nearest bench and sat in it, face in hand.
I'm terrified. My life is over, isn't it? How did this happen, who could have told them? I knew Rebbecca had her ways of finding out information people wanted to keep hidden, but even then it didn't makes sense how she figured out I'm gay. The only person I've ever told was... Taylor... she couldn't have though. No, no way. My heart ached at the thought, but... there was no other explanation. I trusted her, I trusted her with my life, and she betrayed me.
About twenty minutes after I arrived at the park my phone started going off. I ignored it. This continued for the rest of the day. I couldn't face anyone.
The chill of the evening air crept over me, eventually snapping me out of my haze. The peaceful sunset and ambiance helped ease the brewing chaos stirred within me. I realized how late it had gotten so I headed home. I didn't need my parents finding out about what happened.