Chapter Seven: An Old Friend, A New Student, And A Borrowed Secret
Marco
Two weeks have passed since Jesse kissed me. We didn't speak of it again, and I didn't tell anyone either. But he did tell me that he thought I was straight. I got a laugh out of it and explained who Ellie was. So the crew knows I'm gay now, which is good I guess. Rex still mysteriously disappears all the time. And we still don't know where he goes. Nate was forgiven the next day for his little outburst at dinner that night.
School is okay. It wasn't any more or less boring than Degrassi, and it had its perks. Like a million guys everywhere.
I found out that in addition to regular classes, we have so-called 'talent' classes. Everyone has to have something that they're good at. Thomas is in some type of wood-working class (no surprise) and Lindsey's in there with him. Nate, Jesse, Rex, Remy, and Rory all chose theater. Since it wasn't my thing, I decided not to follow along.
And what did I choose? Poetry. Yep, poetry. Am I even good at it? Nope. The only reason I chose that class was…Andrew. He's got poems coming out of his ass. When I found out that he was taking it, I signed right up. It had its advantages and disadvantages.
The disadvantage being that I suck at it and am probably failing after only one assignment. And the advantage would obviously be seeing Andrew. And sitting next to him. And getting to have an excuse to visit him so he can help me with my homework. And tutor me. And hold hands. And kiss me. Okay, so I've gotten a little ahead of myself. The last two things haven't happened yet. But, we have a big assignment coming up. I'll need some serious help on that one. I love this school.
I've been spending half of my time with Jesse and his friends, and the other half with Andrew and his brothers. Well, usually I end up spending more time with Andrew, but oh well. Jesse will get over it. He has a boyfriend anyway.
I eat breakfast with Jesse, Nate, Thomas, and Lindsey. Rex is almost never present for that meal. Then, at lunch, everyone's just mixed in the dining hall at different times. I sit at a table then with Jesse and Andrew, because they're the only ones out of all of us that have it then. And dinner is with Andrew, Remy, and Rory.
All of this quality time has been spent learning about everyone. Everyone has a secret. Except for me. Unless you count being in love with Andrew. I think. The only other person I've ever felt this way about is Dylan. Probably because he was the only gay guy besides me in Toronto. Unless you count that kid in drama at DCS. What was his name? It's not really that important.
It was Thursday night. After tomorrow, no classes, no homework, and no teachers for two whole days. We were expected to eat all three meals at school, but we could spend the night in any rooms we wanted and weren't checked on. If we wanted to go off campus (only seniors were allowed) we had to take this bus that was assigned to the school. It only went to the mall, the movies, and one random restaurant. Of course, if we wanted to do something else, we'd just get off at a stop and walk to wherever we wanted. Well, this is what I've been told at least. The first weekend at school, we all had to attend assemblies and counselor meetings to get acquainted. This weekend I should do something with Andrew. And we can… I was dragged out of my fantasies about Andrew when Jesse came storming into the room.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked him.
"Nothing. He threw himself face down onto my bed."
"Liar," I said, smiling. He stuck his middle finger up before letting his arm fall, hanging from the bed. "Okay, so Rex is missing, yet again, and you don't feel like looking into it. You're so boring when you're like this!" I said, standing up and shutting the door while locking it. I jumped onto the bed, in between his sprawled out legs. I poked him in the butt.
So yes, I'm in love with Andrew. Or as in love as someone can be after two weeks. But that doesn't mean I can't flirt and have fun with someone else. Andrew hasn't exactly shown any feelings for me. Yet. I'm still hoping…but in the meantime…
"Pleaaaaaase Donny!" I've long since found out what that means. I asked him one night why Rex always called him that during sex. Oh, did I mention that when Rex comes during the night, I usually go visit Andrew and Rory…and Andrewww until they're done? Anyway, his last name is Donovan. Hence the Donny.
"I've told you not to call me that," he moaned, his voice muffled by my pillow.
"Do not drool on that pillow!" I warned him.
"What are you gonna do about it?" he asked playfully. He turned his face to the side and took a breath, staring at my desk.
"This!" I yelled, hurling myself on top of him. He groaned as I landed, but instantly loosened up as I slid my arms under him and hugged him. I kissed him on the cheek, and he smiled. "That's more like it," I said into his ear.
I just started tickling him when there was a knock on the door. There goes my fun. Jesse jumped up, knocking me to the floor. I sat there in disbelief as he answered the door. Of course it was Rex. But wait! I can go see Andrew. I jumped to my feet.
"Cheer up, tomorrow's Friday," I whispered in his ear as I passed him. But Rex heard.
"Cheer up about what?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously. I shot him a look, but it went unnoticed. Jesse had already started making out with him. I rolled my eyes and left, making my way to Andrew's room...
Rory
"Hey Marco," I said. He can be so annoying sometimes. Well, it's not his fault that Andrew likes him I guess. I just find it annoying that he does. And I can tell that Marco likes him too because he's always here.
"What's up?" he asked, sitting on the edge of Andrew's bed.
"He's not here," I said, grinning.
"Who?"
"Don't play stupid with me. It's obvious that you're here for Andrew. But he's not here. He and Remy snuck off campus to do some secret thing." I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly what Marco was thinking. They're doing something fun without him. Join the club kid.
"Why didn't you go?" he asked me.
"Because I have homework. And I'm actually going to do it," I told him.
"Well, do you mind if I stay here for awhile? Rex is in with Jesse again." He sighed.
"Sure, whatever." I went back to my homework as Marco lay back on the bed. He closed his eyes for a minute, but then started flopping around, trying to get comfortable. I watched him pull the picture frame out from under Andrew's pillow. Uh-oh.
"Who's this?" he asked, staring at it.
"That's Alex," I said. I might as well explain now, so Andrew doesn't have to.
"I didn't know he had a boyfriend," he sighed.
"He doesn't. Not anymore," I told him, shoving my book aside and sitting next to him on the bed. "They were in love. So in love," I started, remembering back. "I wasn't there for most of it, I only knew Alex for a year. But Andrew and Alex were in love, ever since they were ten years old. They had been together for seven years. Seven years," I laughed a little, when I remembered something else. "We used to call them Alexandrew. I swear, they were attatched at the hip or something."
"What happened?" Marco whispered.
"When Remy and I were sixteen, only a year ago of course, and they were seventeen, Alex…" I sighed, running a hand through my hair. It was hard for even me to talk about it. Alex was a great kid. Fighting back tears, I continued. "He was killed," I said softly.
"How?" Marco asked.
"He was beat to death…for being gay." A single tear rolled down my cheek, and I felt Marco wipe it away.
Thomas
"Where the fuck is everyone?" I yelled. Lindsey and I were lying on our beds, doing absolutely nothing.
"I don't know, maybe they've finally gotten sick of you after all these years," he said, snorting.
"Or maybe they got sick of hanging out with a dude named Lindsey," I joked.
"Shut the fuck up Tommy!" he said. I jumped up.
"Dude, don't," I warned him.
Lindsey
Oh man I hit a nerve on that one. Okay, don't hit him. Don't call him Tommy. Got it.
"Sorry man," I said. But why? Why am I sorry? Why is he so uptight about this shit?
"Okay, let's go," he said suddenly.
"Where?"
"Off campus. We'll find something to do," he said, standing up and grabbing his jacket.
"Fine," I said, rolling my eyes.
Nate
I swear I just took two a minute ago. Why do I hurt so much right now?
No one will believe me about Rex. He's a horrible person. He's hurting Jesse and I hate him for it. Maybe I should find proof…but how? Follow him around? Yeah, that's it. Now, all I need is a camera.
Two more first.
Just three. Okay. Three more.
I popped them into my mouth, taking a big gulp of my water bottle.
As soon as Rex gets back from being with Jesse, I'll follow him when he leaves again. But what if he's not with Jesse right now?
My head is swimming. I can't even see clearly. I need my medicine…
One more.
And one more. How many is that now?
I just can't take this.
I stood up from my bed, and felt my legs go out from underneath me. My head hit the floor and then…there was nothing.
Remy
Andrew and I got back pretty late. We successfully snuck back into the school. It was so easy. Andrew blabbed on and on about Marco the whole time. It gets so annoying. I don't even know why I went out tonight. I was just going along with him.
We went our separate ways and I got back to my room, only to find some kid in the extra bed.
"Um, who are you?" I asked. He was writing in a notebook. His head popped up and he smiled.
"Oh, hi, I'm new here. You must be Remy," he said, walking over and extending his hand.
"And your name is…?" I asked.
"Right, my name's..."
Marco
"I'm so sorry," I whispered to Rory. "I can't imagine what it feels like to lose someone like that." I wiped another tear off his cheek. "Don't cry," I added.
"I can't help it. Andrew loved him. And ever since then…he's just been…different. You know?" he asked me.
"It happened to me once…" I told him.
"You were beat up? For being gay?" he asked, looking sideways at me.
"Yeah. I could have…I don't know. The cops came and saved me. I don't know what would have happened if they hadn't seen…" I trailed off. Great, now my eyes are starting to water.
"I'm sorry it happened to you. But you're lucky that you lived…" he started to full on cry.
"Rory," I whispered.
"What?" he asked, turning towards me slowly.
One hand cupped around his face, I kissed him softly. I don't know why I did it. But as soon as I did, I felt pretty good. Our foreheads pressed together, he smiled at me.
"Thanks," he whispered.
Andrew
"What the hell?" I yelled. I come into my room to find Marco and Rory on my bed, foreheads pressed together and whispering. And Rory was holding the picture of Alex.
The two jumped and Marco flew up to my side.
"What the fuck Rory!" I yelled again, grabbing the picture frame from him.
"I…I…" he trailed off, starting to cry.
"I better go," Marco said quietly, rushing from the room.
Rex
"I gotta go babe. It was great though," I told Jesse before standing up.
"Yeah, okay," he replied glumly.
"Don't look so sad. I'll be back tomorrow night." I kissed him on the cheek and left.
I walked back to my room. As soon as I got back there, I'd take a quick shower, change my clothes, and then off to…
"NATE?" I yelled. He was on the floor, shaking and drenched in a cold sweat. "NATE!" I yelled again, rushing to his side.
A/N: Hah I'm ending it there. Yes, it seems Marco's getting all the action. Who do you think he should be with? Anyway, there was a little more with Thomas' secret…you find out he doesn't like to be called Tommy for a reason. It's linked with him being beat up before…and now you know about Alex. Any guesses as to who Remy's new roommate is? I'll give you a hint…he's from Degrassi. I never saw the full episode of Marco getting beat up…all I saw were scenes of it from a music video about Marco.
