Who I Became
Chapter 3
I remember watching her walk down that hallway with that word drawn on her chest in red paint. As the entire student body watched and laughed and commented. While I stood there frozen. Thinking of the fact that my brother sprayed that word full of hate all over her locker. As if to brand her. Not realizing the person, he should have been aiming at was me. Seeing her walk into the principal's office with her head held high. Filled me with such pride. Silence only makes them stronger. She had told me. After I was able to look her in the eye again. After kissing her misinterpreting her kindness and friendship for more. Then I told her my truth. She hugged me and said her and her friends were completely open and accepting. And I should consider then my safety net. So I did and they have been by my side. Through telling my brother and my parents. I feel so lucky to have good real honest people in my life I can depend on. It wasn't a bad kiss. She said as she smiled shyly. And introduced me to her music collection. As we opened up to each other and danced and sang the rest of the night.
Hey Peyton how was work? I say laughing as I see the expression on her face. Music Is dead. I just need a few minutes to center myself. Before I meet this new artist. How was the new group? she asked. energetic, excited nervous. I counsel LGBT teens at the Tree Hill center. It is what I'm meant for. Every day is new and fulfilling. Peyton is as successful as ever. Running Red Bedroom Records. So do you think your family is coming? Peyton asks. Looking at me hopeful. No you know them. Not even your brother. I haven't spoken to him. Since I came out. I say visibly upset thinking back to that conversation. Luckily for us. My dad has always wanted another daughter. Now he'll have you. She says reassuringly. I love you Peyton. I love you to Anna. She says as she links her fingers with mine. Let's get going to the home improvement store we have to finish painting and decorating that spare room. I'm loving this home design idea. We are sticking to neutral colors. Anna said. Gender neutral yep so red is still an option? She says smiling. As they get going to the store. As their engagement rings. Glisten in the fading sunlight. People say Hell is endless. I say Hell is empty and all the devils are here. I guess my view is skewed because my father attempted to kill his brother instead ended up killing Karen instead. And I will never forgive him for that both me and Lucas at least had each other and Keith and my mom. We made a strong family out of what we had left. Which I know made Karen proud. With the help of Whitey, I went to Duke for basketball. Lucas on the other hand went in a completely different way. After finding out Dan was getting permission to be paroled. And was set free on the community and us. He quit basketball. Changed his last name to Roe and stayed below the radar throughout the rest of high school. He took up writing instead. And went out of state. We talk every day. I miss him and Karen. But for myself if I thought life was crazy before it's about to go to another level. He's coming home and bringing someone with him. It hasn't been the same without him. I think to myself as I make my last shot of the day before heading out of the gym.