6. James

6.

When he emerges he has his arm around a guy I remember from past school years. James, I think.

They kiss lightly and separate to enter the car.

I know this guy.

I'm pretty sure he was the gay kid everyone teased and beat up. 

I was never much of anybody to make fun of somebody, and until this morning, I've never laid a hand on anyone.

I haven't seen him since middle school.

He has twice the amount of hair than Luke and a pair of cat eye glasses. 

The doors open and they enter. 

"Andy this is James, James, Andy."

"Hey! What's up dude! My names James, and I know you, Andres! Andy, excuse me."

"Yeah I'm pretty sure I remember you too." says Andy.

"Yep! We were in 6th grade together, remember? We did country reports and I think you did Cambodia. Your report was done in pictures and that included Frenchman with baguettes killing babies. It was some sick s**t dude."

I hung my head in embarrassment. I tried to forget that day. The teacher made it seem like I did a great job and had me share. She made an example out of me, and it made it even harder to make friends.

"I thought it was hilarious! You know, I really wanted to talk to you during our school years together, but I had this girlfriend since 5th grade who hated you, so I wasn't allowed. That ended in high school! I found myself."

He loves to talk. That's fine, because I'd rather listen anyway.

We drove to Luke's house and James dominated the conversation. Not in an annoying way, but he had the most interesting things to say.

He talked about finding himself, and how high school was really scary Freshman year. He shaved his head to prove to himself he was straight, then vowed to never have it shorter than past his ears when it grew out. He wanted to move to Portland one day and work at that one doughnut store. He loved to make sweets, his mom is diabetic, and he fears becoming the same.

We drove up to a really nice stucco home, and we all got out.

I didn't know what to expect. I walked behind them and as Luke began to unlock the door, my heart was beating a mile a minute. I don't know if I'm terrified or excited.

Is it okay to be both?