Shit goes down in this chapter, people. Not much, I guess. But still. I hope the bit of drama that goes down is satisfying.
I would like to give a special shout out to the terrific Clarry. She's, like, my favorite writer here and she started reading this and her praise of it makes me feel so special and happy. If you guys haven't read her fics DO IT. It'll be worth it, I swear.
On with the story.
Chapter Eleven: Crossing the Line
Logan walked up to Kendall outside the church Sunday morning. "Hi. What's up?"
Kendall pointed. "Mary's talking to your grandparents about something. And they keep giving me dirty looks."
Logan sighed. "Ignore them. Mary's just pissed I turned down those dates she tried to ask me on for yesterday and Friday."
"No. She's pissed because you picked a gay dude over her," Kendall corrected.
Logan lowered his voice and said, "Even if I wasn't gay, I'd pick you over her. I mean, when I was trying to be straight I still didn't go out with her."
Kendall smiled. "I'm glad you'd still pick me. So. What'd you do when you left my place yesterday?"
"I actually worked out for the first time in awhile. And I did some homework and studying that a certain someone always distracts me from."
Kendall smirked. "But I know I can elevate your heart rate like crazy. So who needs exercise?"
Logan chuckled. "You're so full of yourself." The church bells rang and Logan grabbed Kendall's wrist. "Let's go find out seats."
Kendall could feel Logan's grandparents glaring at him all during Mass. Mary must've told them she thinks he's trying to turn Logan gay. Kendall wondered what they would do when they find out Logan's actually gay and has always been. Probably blame Kendall. And maybe try to talk Logan's parents into sending Logan to some straight camp. Thank God Logan's parents would never let that happen.
Finally, Mass ended. The Mitchells and the Knights went off to the church's breakfast buffet. As soon as Logan sat down with his food, Mary was there.
"Logan," she said, "you didn't sign up to go on the retreat our club is doing."
Logan and some of his eggs and looked at her. "I never go on those."
"You can start now. It's next weekend."
Logan shook his head. "Too short notice."
Mary balled her fists. "You would've known that had you attended that past few meetings."
Logan put his fork down. "I would attend more meetings if you didn't verbally bash my friends every time I'm there."
"Maybe I wouldn't bash your friends if they weren't such horrible people."
Logan stood. "What's wrong with my friends?"
Mary rolled her eyes. "Oh please. James is a total slut-"
"He's changed his ways," Logan said.
"Sure. And Camille is a dumb skank."
"She is not!"
"Carlos and Stephanie have had premarital sex."
"No they haven't."
"Yes they did. Yesterday."
"What?" Logan looked at Kendall.
Kendall thought for a moment, then his eyes widened. "That explains the texts Carlos sent is yesterday!"
"The ones that were just a bunch of letters?"
Kendall nodded at Logan. "We should all get together today for lunch or dinner or something."
"Get on that," Logan told him.
Kendall nodded again as he got out his phone to text their friends. "Yes, sir."
Mary groaned with frustration. "And then there's the fag you hang out with."
Logan's head whipped in Mary's direction. "What did you call him?"
"I called him what he is. A fag."
Logan lost control of his body then. He started to raise his hand, ready to slap Mary. But someone grabbed his arm. Logan's eyes went to his dad.
"Logan," Mr. Mitchell said calmly. He took his keys out of his pocket and put them in the hand Logan would've done the slapping with. "Why don't you take Kendall to out house to wait until you meet your friends?"
Logan didn't answer. He just kept glaring at Mary, who looked shocked that Logan almost hit her.
"Um. How will you and Mrs. Mitchell get home?" Kendall decided to ask.
"We'll catch a ride with her parents," Mr. Mitchell said. He glanced at his son before looking back at Kendall. "Maybe you should drive, Kendall."
"OK." Kendall stood and grabbed Logan's other arm. "Let's go, Logan."
"She-"
"I know, I know. Come on." Kendall took the keys out of Logan's hand, and had to practically drag Logan out to the parking lot.
Logan let loose. He kicked a nearby car and screamed, "That fucking... cunt!"
Kendall raised his eyebrows. "I can't believe you just called someone a cunt."
"Well, she fucking is! She insults every single one of my friends-our friends! Then to top it all off, she calls you a-" Logan kicked the poor stranger's car again. Kendall was amazed Logan's foot wasn't broken. "She went too fucking far!"
Kendall went up to Logan and put his hands on Logan's shoulders. "It's OK. I'm not that upset."
Logan took a deep breath, "It's not just that she was talking shit about you. But everyone I'm friends with. People I feel really close to now."
Kendall let one hand touch Logan's cheek. "I know. I didn't like her trying to paint them in a bad light." He laughed a bit. "I can't believe you almost bitch slapped some chick because she called me a fag."
"I don't know what came over me." Logan put his forehead to Kendall's. "I guess i's because I feel extra protective of you."
"Aw. That makes me feel special."
"You are special."
Kendall kissed him. "You're the best, sweetness. Now. Let's get to your dad's car." Kendall checked his phone while they walked hand in hand. "Everyone would like to meet up. Stephanie talked everyone into Cheesecake Factory."
They reached the car. "I can't believe my dad's letting you drive," Logan said. "He's so protective of his car."
"Well, I guess he figured it was best to get you out of there. You were causing a scene after all."
Logan opened the car door. "Really?"
"Oh yeah. Everyone was watching."
"Oh God. I'm so sorry." Logan got in the car after Kendall did.
"I didn't mind," Kendall told him. "You were defending my honor after all. Like my own super hero."
Logan laughed and buckled up. "Oh please."
Kendall started the car. "Yup. I bet you could take down the beefiest football player when you're in Defend Kendall Mode."
"I highly doubt that," Logan said as they left the parking lot.
"You didn't see the fire in your eyes. It was almost like a different person. Really hot."
Logan chuckled. "You would find that a turn on. Weirdo."
"You love it."
Logan smiled a little. "Yeah."
…
From her room, Camille saw Mr. Mitchell's car pull into the driveway of Logan's house. Finding that peculiar, she ran downstairs and outside. She was really surprised when she saw Kendall get out of the driver's side. She walked towards the car and reached it just as Logan was getting out. "What's going on?" she asked. "You usually aren't home this soon on Sunday. And why was Kendall driving your dad's car? Where are your parents? Did something happen?"
"Mary pissed him off like no tomorrow," Kendall told her. "He almost smacked her."
"What the hell did she say?" Camille asked Logan.
Logan sighed. "We'll talk about it inside. I wanna change before we go eat."
Kendall looked at what he himself was wearing. When the three of them reached the door, Kendall asked, "Can I borrow a shirt or something, Logan? I don't wanna wear my special church gear when we go eat."
"Fine." Logan was followed to his room by Camille and Kendall. He quickly went through his drawer and found a shirt Kendall was likely to wear. He tossed it to Kendall.
Kendall caught the shirt and said, "Thanks, sweetness."
Camille sat on Logan's bed while the two boys started to change. "So, what did Mary do?"
Logan let out a long breath. "She was mad that I turned down hanging out with her Friday and yesterday. At the breakfast buffet after Mass, she decided to try and point out all of my friends flaws."
Camille rolled her eyes. "Because she's so perfect. What'd she say about us?"
Logan finished changing his pants and said, "She called James a slut."
Camille frowned. "But he's changed."Logan laughed after sharing a look with Kendall. "That's what I said. Uh. She made a big stink about Carlos and Stephanie having sex."
Camille gasped. "That's what Stephanie's key smash text was all about! Wait. How did Mary know?"
"I have a theory that she's stalking my life," Logan said. He watched Kendall change his shirt.
Kendall smiled when he noticed this. "You should get a restraining order or something."
"I think I can only do that if my life is in danger."
"What's she say about me?" Camille wanted to know.
Logan bit his lip. "Um. She called you a dumb skank..."
"That bitch!"
Logan nodded at Camille. "Yeah. Then she called Kendall a fag."
"And that's when you almost smacked her."
With his eyes focused on Logan changing, Kendall said, "Mr. Mitchell gave us the car keys and told us to leave. Logan called her a cunt in the parking lot."
Camille laughed. "Damn! I wish I could've heard that. Wow, Logan. You got really mad."
"Well. She crossed a line," Logan said.
Kendall went up behind Logan and put his arms around him. "My hero," he said before kissing Logan's neck. He knew Logan wouldn't mind since Camille was aware of them and approved.
Logan heard Camille sigh sadly and looked at his friend. "What's wrong?"
"You two are just so happy," Camille said.
"You having problems with Rick?" Kendall asked, not letting Logan step out of his hold.
"Well, you know how I went Black Friday shopping with James on Friday?"
"That was a really redundant sentence," Kendall said, then let out an "oof" when Logan elbowed him.
"We know," Logan said.
"Well, Rick got all pissed yesterday when I was telling him about our shopping trip. He kept asking me if I'd rather spend time with James than him, and... And he asked if I fucked James."
"What a fucking asshole!" Kendall cried. "Who does he think you are?"
Camille shrugged. "He says I flirt with James."
"Uh, you're actually kind of mean to James," Logan pointed out.
"I've gotten better," Camille said. "James actually isn't that bad when you get to know him." She sighed again. "He's afraid I'm gonna cheat on him with James."
Kendall remembered when James told him he feared Rick was cheating on Camille. "You know, sometimes when a guy has a paranoia of his girl cheating on him, it means he's the one who's cheating?"
Camille stared at him blankly. "What?"
"It happens on Steve Wilkos all the time," Kendall said. Camille and Logan looked confused, so he added, "It's a talk show. Anyway. The dude calls the show because he wants his woman to get a lie detector test to prove whether or not she's cheating. There's always this huge, ridiculous paranoia the guy has about the woman cheating. But then Steve Wilkos, he knows something's up with the dude. He's always like, 'Are you sure you're not cheating?" The guy claims no, but they give him a lie detector too. And most of the time, it proves he's cheating, and his woman isn't."
"Am I dating a middle-aged stay at home mom?" Logan asked.
Kendall giggled and kissed Logan's cheek. "Nope. Just a really weird homosexual guy." He looked at Camille. "You should at least think about what I said."
Camille nodded thoughtfully. "I will."
…
Logan, Kendall, and Camille got to the restaurant first. They sat at their table, and ate some bread while they waited for the others. Kendall waved them over when he saw them enter.
"So, Logan," Stephanie said as they sat, "is it true that you called Mary a cunt?"
"Yes, it is," Logan told her.
"And you almost hit her?" Carlos asked.
Logan nodded.
James said, "Normally, I'd be against hitting girls. But Mary is the exception."
The waitress came and they all ordered their food.
"Alright," Kendall said. "Now that we all know Logan is a badass, let's move on to another issue. Stephanie and Carlos. How the fuck did Mary know you two had sex?"
"She saw me and Carlos at the store went we went to buy condoms," Stephanie said, not at all embarrassed by the topic of conversation.
Carlos leaned closer to Logan and whispered, "You were totally right, Logan. I just did what felt right, and listened to what she wanted. She totally enjoyed it."
Logan laughed. "Good job, man."
"It's about time," James said to Carlos. "Aw. That means Logan is the only virgin at this table."
Logan threw a chunk of bread at James. "Jerk. There's nothing wrong with waiting until you're sure."
"Very true," Kendall agreed.
"Oh please," James said. "How long did you 'wait' to fuck Dylan, Kendall?"
"Like... a month. And I kinda wish I didn't sleep with that douche. I did it because I felt... obligated I guess. That's what boyfriends do, he said. And he wouldn't shut the fuck up about it until I finally gave in."
"That sucks," Logan said. He put a hand on Kendall's knee. "I'm sorry."
Kendall shrugged. "I'm over it." He put his focus on Stephanie and Carlos. "What led to the glorious moment?"
"Well, my parents were gone for the night," Stephanie said. "Carlos came over to keep my company, things got a little hot and heavy, like, clothes were off and whatnot. Then we realized we didn't have any protection. So, we quickly went out and got some and picked up where we left off when we got back."
"Did Carlos rock your world?" James asked Stephanie.
Stephanie giggled. "He was definitely better than the guy I dated last year. That dude was so selfish in bed."
Carlos smirked at Logan, and Logan gave Carlos a thumbs up.
"Have you and Shelby done the deed yet?" Camille asked James.
"Nah," James said. "She wants to wait awhile. The last guy she was with dumped her right after they did it, so she's being careful. You and Rick?"
"Nope. He says he doesn't wanna pressure me, but... I feel like maybe he just doesn't want to."
"Like he doesn't need it from you?"
"Are you insinuating he's cheating on me?"
James raised his eyebrows in surprise. "No! I was just asking. I mean, I can't think of any other reason why he wouldn't want you. You're very desirable." He felt all of his friends' eyes on him. He chugged some water awkwardly then asked, "Logan, what has Kendall managed to get you to do?"
Logan blushed. "I, um, don't know if I'm comfortable talking about it..."
James, Camille, Carlos, and Stephanie called him a pussy, and urged him to tell them.
"Guys," Kendall said, "if he doesn't wanna talk about it, don't make him."
Logan smiled at Kendall, thankful Kendall was standing up for him. He gave Kendall's knee a squeeze.
"Well, you guys have obviously made out," Camille said. "I've seen the hickeys firsthand. Hmm. Hand jobs?" She smirked at Logan's blush. "That's a yes. Blow jobs?" Logan turned redder and looked down at the table. "Oh! That's a yes too! Sex?"
"No," Logan said. "No sex."
Camille grinned, proud of herself for getting answers. "I'm actually surprised you've gone that far."
Logan look offended. "I'm not a prude or anything."
"But you love Jesus and shit," Carlos said. "Like, you wear a purity ring."
Logan sighed. "I need to get rid of it. I haven't exactly been following the purity rules for awhile."
Their waitress showed up with their food. They spent the meal talking about more innocent things. Like how their Thanksgivings were, or stupid things family members did.
When it was time for cheesecake, Camille and James shared a piece, Logan and Kendall shared, and Stephanie and Carlos got separate pieces. But Carlos finished Stephanie's when she couldn't eat anymore.
They paid and then left the restaurant.
Camille looked at Logan. "Is it cool if I catch a ride with Stephanie? I need to talk to her about girl stuff."
"Um. OK," Logan said. "I gotta drive Kendall home anyway, and it's in the opposite direction."
"I'll just go with James so you ladies can talk," Carlos said. He gave Stephanie a kiss then he and James left.
Logan said bye to the girl then went with Kendall. "This was nice," he said. "Even though we talked about sex a little too much."
"That's what you get for being friends with a bunch of pervs." Kendall put an arm around Logan. "It's getting cold out."
Logan smiled. "Yeah. I can't wait until the first snow fall."
"We should go sledding when that happens. Ooh! And kiss when it's snowing. I've always wanted to kiss in the snow. I find it more appealing than the idea of kissing in the rain."
"I like that plan." They reached Logan's car and got in.
When Logan started the car, Kendall said, "You never told me what you want for Christmas."
Logan started to drive and sighed. "I don't know. I feel bad requesting that you get me something."
"But I want to get you something. And do you have problems asking for stuff from your parents?"
"That's different," Logan insisted. "Parents are, like, obligated to get you gifts on Christmas. And they're used to it."
"My dad just send me and Katie a hundred bucks each."
"He doesn't buy you anything?"
"Nope. He stopped buying us shit since once he left."
"I'm sorry, Kendall."
Kendall smiled at Logan. "It's fine. I'm used to it. Now. Tell me what you want."
Logan groaned. "I really don't know. Just get me whatever you think I'll like."
"Hmm. Me under your tree wearing nothing but a bow."
Logan started to laugh. "I'd love to see my parents' faces on Christmas morning if you did that."
"We'd have to ban them from the room for a little while."
Logan had to shake the dirty thoughts from his mind. He didn't need to be turned on while driving. Lord knows what Kendall would do if he noticed. "I have a question for you."
"What is it, sweetness?"
"When you write, do you type it up right away, or do you actually write it down first? Like, with a pen and paper?"
"Uh. I usually write in a notebook or something first. Why?"
"Just wondering," Logan said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Is this about my Christmas gift?"
"That's none of your business."
Kendall poked Logan's cheek. "What'd you get me?"
"You'll find out when we exchange gifts."
Kendall kissed the cheek he just poked. "I bet it'll be the best gift ever."
"It's nothing special. I just saw it and thought of you. I couldn't resist."
Kendall clapped a little. "I can't wait. Now I feel I must top whatever you got me."
Logan chuckled. "It won't be that hard."
"Logan. I know I'll love the gift you got me. Simply because it's from you. And that something, no matter how small it is, reminded you of me. I like that I sometimes cross your mind."
Logan bit his lip. "You're on my mind a lot, Kendall."
Kendall felt his heart speed up. "Really?"
"Yeah. It's crazy. When you're not around, I wish you were. And I always find a way to bring you up in conversations. I'm surprised my parents aren't annoyed by it, like Camille is. I even dream about you."
Kendall smirked. "Oh? What kind of dreams?"
"They're not sex dreams. Well. Not always. But you're pretty much in every dream I have."
Kendall saw Logan's blush, and found it cute he was embarrassed by something like that. "You're in almost all of my dreams too. One time, I dreamt that you were sleeping beside me, and was really disappointed when I realized you weren't there."
"Aw. Sorry. I had one of those once too. It sucks when you realize it was just a dream. It's weird. I think I sleep better when you're next to me." Kendall hadn't said anything when they stopped at a red light. Logan looked at him. "What?"
Kendall was smiling with tears and emotion swimming in his eyes. "You really like me, don't you?"
"Of course I do. I wouldn't be here with you right now if I didn't. I wouldn't be with you at al if I didn't like you a lot."
Kendall grabbed Logan by the collar of his shirt, and pulled him in for a kiss. Kendall didn't stop until the car behind them honked, telling them the light was green.
Logan started to drive again. "Do you kiss every guy who says he likes you a lot like that?"
Kendall ran a hand through Logan's hair. "Only you." He didn't miss Logan's smile. "You like that you're different from the others?"
"Depends on how I'm different."
Kendall's hand settled on Logan's shoulder. "Eventually I got tired of them. Or they annoyed me. I just couldn't stand them after awhile. But I can't seem to get enough of you. No matter how much I get of you-in any sense-I always want more. And for the first time ever, I have the fear that the person I'm dating will get tired of me."
Logan pulled the car over. He looked at Kendall. "I'm pretty sure it's impossible to get tired of you, Kendall."
Kendall's smile widened. "You think?"
"I know."
"Why is the car stopped?" Kendall wanted to know.
Logan laughed. "Because we're at your house."
Kendall looked over his shoulder. "Oh." He looked at Logan and pouted. "Pooh."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"I know. But I'll still miss you."
Logan put a hand on Kendall's cheek. "I'll miss you too."
"Kiss good-bye?"
Logan leaned forward for a brief kiss. "That's all you get for now."
Kendall stuck his tongue out at Logan. "Tease."
"Go do your Lit homework. The stuff that's due tomorrow, and the stuff that's late."
Kendall kissed Logan's forehead. "Yes, sir."
Logan watched Kendall go into the house before he drove away. He then began to mentally prep himself for the conversation he's have to have with his parents about the incident at church.
Logan arrived home and went straight to the living room, where his parents were waiting. "Hi," he said to them. "What, um, happened after I left?"
"Your grandparents threw a fit," Mr. Mitchell said. "Saying that you wouldn't have acted that way if we didn't let you hang around with Kendall."
Logan balled his fists. "What did they say about him?"
"That's not important," Mrs. Mitchell said. "Listen, sweetie. I know you care about Kendall-"
"You're not asking me to stop hanging out with Kendall, are you?" Logan asked with panic. "Because there's no way that's happening. He's, like, my best friend. I can't stop seeing him."
"I thought Camille was your best friend," Mr. Mitchell mentioned.
Logan sighed. "It's different. But-"
"Logan," Mrs. Mitchell interrupted. "We're not asking you to stop seeing Kendall. Obviously that's never gonna happen. But do you really think it's healthy that when people say bad things about Kendall it sets you off like that?"
Logan frowned. "It's probably not... normal."
"You almost hit a girl, son," Mr. Mitchell pointed out.
"We don't know if I actually would've."
"Oh, you would've. I saw it in your eyes. You were furious. I've never seen you like that before. It was actually kind of impressive." He was elbowed in the side by his wife. "Impressive, but scary. Listen. I know you and Kendall are close and she insulted him-"
"She insulted very single one of my friends," Logan said. "Calling Kendall a fag was just the tipping point. And it's not only that. Mary has been giving me nothing but shit since I became friends with Kendall. Always on my case about him. Just because he's gay, and she's a bigoted religious bitch who has some creepy crush on me, and dreads the fact that I might be into a guy and not her."
Mrs. Mitchell raised her eyebrows. "Is there... something you want to tell us, Logan?"
Logan blushed a little. "Um... No?"
Mr. Mitchell sighed. He was slightly disappointed that Logan didn't just take the opportunity they had given him. "Listen. Your grandparents, Mary, and Mary's parents wouldn't stop bitching. Until Father Liam stepped in and said he would counsel you."
Logan was surprised. "He did?"
"Yup. Apparently you've gone to him before?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, good," Mrs. Mitchell said. "So you'll have no problems seeing him Friday?"
"I guess not..."
"At least do it to get your mom's parents off out asses?" Mr. Mitchell asked.
Logan managed a smile. "Sure, Dad. What time do I have to see him Friday?"
"After school."
"OK. I'm gonna go do some studying now." Logan ran off to his room.
Mrs. Mitchell sighed and looked ay her husband. "We gave him a chance to tell us. Why didn't he?"
Mr. Mitchell grabbed her hand. "He'll tell us eventually. It's a big thing. He probably didn't want to tell us in a situation where we're dealing with the fact that he almost hit a girl."
"You don't think it's me, do you? Because of how religious I am? Do you think he thinks I'll hate him?"
"Darling, no." He kissed his wife's forehead. "You know our son. He's most likely waiting for the perfect moment to tell us."
"No moment will be perfect enough for him."
Mr. Mitchell laughed. "True. We'll probably be told by someone else before him."
"And then we'll have to confront him about it. He'll have a panic attack."
"But he'll feel better when he knows for sure we're fine with it."
…
"Why so glum?" Kendall asked Logan on Monday. It was right before first period.
"Mary told everyone in the We Love God club about what happened yesterday. They voted to ask me to leave the club."
Kendall put a hand on Logan's shoulder. "I'm sorry, sweetness. I know you need a place to talk about God stuff."
"It's OK," Logan said with a sigh. "It hasn't really been the same since Mary took over. We used to do Bible study or discuss issues in relation to our religion. Maybe we'd argue about some things. But when Mary became in charge, it was like she was-is-pushing her own agenda, or something."
"But still."
Logan nodded. "Yeah. I do wish I didn't get kicked out. And who knows what lies she's been spreading about me. I feel like everyone is looking at me differently." Logan saw the apprehensive look on Kendall's face. "You've heard things! What are they saying about me?"
"The female population of our school has decided to shun you for raising a hand to one of their own." Kendall didn't like the sadness in Logan's eyes. "Hey. At least now you don't have to worry about any of the girls in our school hitting on you."
Logan laughed a genuine laugh. "You're just happy about that because it means less people will be trying to make moves on your man. Even though there's not precedent for it."
"You really underestimate your desirability."
"Is that even a word?"
Kendall shrugged. "If not, it is now. You feel any better?"
"Yeah. Thanks. Oh. You left your church shirt at my house."
"Keep it," Kendall said. "A fair trade since I'm keeping the one of yours you let me wear yesterday." He was glad Logan was smiling. "What did your parents have to say about the incident?"
"May grandparents and Mary's parents threw a fit. But then Father Liam said he would counsel me. I have to see him Friday after school."
"Oh shit. He's probably regretting the advice he gave you about me."
Logan put his hand on top of Kendall's hand on his shoulder. "He's probably gonna help me with these new anger issues of mine. He has a psychology degree, you know."
"Really?"
"Yup. So hopefully that'll help." The bell rang and Logan said, "Let's get to class. You do your Lit homework?"
"Yes. But mostly because I knew you wouldn't let your lips near mine if I didn't."
"It's a good system, isn't it?" Logan asked cockily.
"It's fucking torture, that's what it is."
…
Logan walked into his church Friday after school. He went straight to Father Liam's office. The door was open, but he knocked on it anyway.
Father Liam looked up from his computer. "Hi, Logan. Come in, have a seat."
Logan walked in, shut the door, and sat down. "Is this gonna be a weekly thing?"
Father Liam laughed. "I honestly only stepped in to prevent a further scene. I know everyone has their breaking point, and you obviously reached it on Sunday. Mary must've been hitting a nerve for some time."
Logan nodded. "Yeah. Even before Kendall and I were a thing, she was always on my case about him. He was one of few friends I had, and she kept trying to make me see the bad in him."
"Kendall does seem to be a very nice young man," Father Liam said.
"Thank you! He's a wonderful human being! The best! And because of him I have other really great friends. Who she was also insulting."
"But what she said about Kendall really set you off," Father Liam remembered.
"I feel really protective of him for some reason."
"You care about him."
Logan smiled a little. "Yeah. A lot."
"But do you also think that just hearing that word set you off?"
"You mean fag?"
Father Liam nodded. "Yes. It probably felt like she was calling you one too, right?"
"Well. It does kinda hurt whenever I hear it. It's usually said with so much hate. Hate about people like me. When people find out, how am I gonna be treated?"
"There will be hard times, Logan," Father Liam said. "But you have friends who will be there for you. A boyfriend too. I also know your parents will support you. And you will always have God. If you experience problems with people, remember God will always love you. You're not hurting anyone by being gay, and He will not punish you for that."
"What if people like Mary are right?"
"What does your heart tell you?"
Logan let out a breath. "My heart tells me it's crazy to think that me being gay is wrong."
Father Liam smiled. "God. Now. We should try and discuss ways to control your anger."
"Like what?"
"Next time you feel the urge to hurt someone like you did on Sunday, try taking deep breaths and counting to ten."
"If that doesn't work?"
"Leave the room before you actually do anything rash." Father Liam paused. "If none of that works, we'll try other things."
"So I can go?"
Father Liam laughed. "Sure."
Logan stood. He paused at the door and looked at Father Liam. "If someone ever hits Kendall, I don't think I could control myself."
"I wouldn't blame you for that, Logan. Wouldn't blame you at all."
Enough drama for you all? The next chapter won't have so much of it...
