1,000 Butterflies
It was lunch time at Wagstaff Middle School.
"Hey, Jimmy," Zeke said as he took a seat across the table from his best friend. It had been almost a year since Zeke realized he was gay, better yet, in love with Jimmy. Jimmy Jr. barely acknowledged him.
"J-Ju, you alright?" Zeke asked with concern.
"Oh yeah... uh do you want to come over tonight?" the orange-haired boy asked nervously. Zeke smiled and accepted the offer. Jimmy had the craziest feeling in the pit of his stomach. Why am I so nervous? It's just Zeke. Oh man, maybe I really am gay. After an awkward silence the rest of their friends joined them at the table. Jimmy just carried on like everything was normal.
…
The final bell rang and Jimmy headed to his locker knowing Zeke would be waiting for him there. The nervous feeling resurfaced as he got closer to his locker. As Jimmy came in to view a bright smile spread across Zeke's face. Jimmy couldn't look him in the eyes, it made his palms start to sweat and legs shake.
"J-Ju! What's up?" he paused, "you're shaking harder than a piglet who lost its' mama," he observed.
"Oh hey Zeke! I uh… need to grab my… uh" Jimmy was so nervous he lost his train of thought, "thing," he finished. He opened his locker and grabbed his books. He was hesitant to close it knowing what was ahead of him. If not now, then when? He questioned himself. With that thought he slammed his locker shut and turned to brunette staring at him.
"Let's go!" Zeke shouted gleefully. This was the longest walk of his life. Jimmy's feet dragged as he was in view of his house. He opened his front door and ushered Zeke ahead of him.
"Let's head to your room, J-Ju!" Zeke suggested with a strong twang in his voice. The two boys climbed up the stairs, neither one knowing what truly would happen. Zeke jumped on to Jimmy's bed and patted it indicating for Jimmy to sit too.
"You're looking real down today, Jimmy," Zeke started, "somethin' goin' on that you want to tell me about?" he asked with concern. Jimmy's heart sank in to his stomach. Just admit it to him. Maybe he loves you too. Oh what am I saying this is crazy? But I've got to do it.
"Well lately I've been feeling… you know… unhappy. I've been thinking, really thinking hard about this. You're the only person I can tell this to. Zeke, I think that I'm well, you know…" Jimmy trailed off afraid what his best friend would think.
"Are you ill or somethin'?" he inquired. Don't be a wimp, JUST SAY IT. Jimmy demanded of himself.
"I'm gay," he forced out, yet, it was still so quiet and soft. Zeke took a long pause and studied Jimmy up and down. A smile spread across his face which lead to his laughter. Jimmy laughed nervously too.
"I know, Jimmy," Zeke chuckled, "I guess I knew long before you did!" Jimmy continued to laugh nervously, somewhat relieved that Zeke isn't freaking out.
"Look there's another thing, Zeke, I think I'm in love with you," Jimmy felt the larger boy suddenly grab his hand and squeeze it tight. His heart began to race not knowing what Zeke was doing. Zeke hugged Jimmy pulling him in roughly. Jimmy was nearly incased in Zeke's body. It felt like all the times they wrestled only there was some indescribable feeling with it. They let go and just stared at each other.
"Jimmy, I've been in love with you for nearly a year now but never had the guts to tell ya" he admitted. Jimmy pulled Zeke in for another hug, never wanting to let go.