“Okay, Mike,” Jared said holding onto both of Mike’s hands. “The only thing you gotta focus on is your stability.” Mike held on tightly to Jared’s hands. It was a struggle for him to remain steady on the skateboard. The board kept wobbling back and forth much like the time when he tried to stand on the board with Rocco. That time was a bit different, however. He wanted to fall off then. They found a grassy area at the skate park away from the bowls and all the young kids.

  “This is so hard,” Mike said laughing and overcompensating his balance as the board teetered back and forth.

  “If it makes you feel any better, the trunks on these rentals are loose. If you can learn your balance on these, you’ll do fine on mine. I keep my trunks much tighter.” Jared said trying to keep Mike as even as possible.

  “Yours?” Mike asked losing his balance and stepping off the board.

  “Hey, good save there. Just walk off the board if it gets away from you. Yeah, I was going to let you borrow mine so you can practice.” Jared said.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Mike said. Even though Jared didn’t say it, Mike could pick up on the fact that his family’s financial situation was not anywhere near his. Mike noticed many times when Jared would pick up uneaten fruit from other kids’ trays at lunch.

  “It’s not a problem. It’s my spare. I’ll just have to be sure not to break my primary board in the meantime,” Jared smiled.

  “Ah man, I appreciate that. Only until I get my own board. You’ll have to tell me what to get though,” Mike said.

  “Not a problem at all,” Jared said and motioned Mike back on the board. “Come on. You’re not going to learn just standing there being nice.”

  Mike tiptoed onto the board with the same amount of difficulty as before all the while holding on to Jared’s rough hands.

  “Does this ever get easier?” Mike asked a little frustrated at his ineptitude.

  “It does, and it happens fast. You just got to practice. Don’t worry about pushing yourself on it. We are just working on getting you on it and keeping you on it,” Jared said patiently. Mike stepped off and looked up at Jared. He gave Mike a thumbs up. Mike got back on the board holding Jared’s hands. This time he was able to keep the board stable for a couple of seconds before wobbling and stepping off.

  “See, you did it for a little bit. Now we just got to make those little bits longer,” Jared smiled and nodded. This guy could teach skateboarding. “Always remember, just step off if it gets away from you. Just step off.”

  Mike gave him a thumbs up and tried again. This time, he was able to add another few seconds.

  “You’re getting it!” Jared laughed. “Now, let’s see if you can be stable for five seconds at a time. If we can do that 10 times in a row, we will be done for the day.”

  “That’s a big task, but okay,” Mike laughed and hopped on the board. He was successful a few times in a row. Once he even stayed steady for 10 seconds straight.

  “I want you to try something. When you get on your board, point your front foot forward and your back foot perpendicular like this…” Jared demonstrated this technique and remained on the board. “Then, when you feel steady, pivot your front foot perpendicular like your back foot.” He showed Mike this a few times before hopping off. “If you can do that, we will call it for tonight—that was going to be tomorrow’s lesson.”

  Mike repeated Jared’s instructions exactly as he said with no issue. He did this a few times but the last time, he had to step off the board. “I almost had it.”

  “What are you talking about? You did it!” Jared encouraged.

  “Why do I need to move my foot like that? I don’t want to do any tricks yet.” Mike asked.

  “That’s not a trick. You’ll want to do that. That’s how you stand on a board when it’s rolling. It’s for stability. You want to keep your feet perpendicular over the trunks. That will be your standard stance when you’re rolling. You only want to have your front foot forward and push from the back foot. But let’s work on that later. Right now, I want you to be able to stand on the board in the standard stance with no wobbling.” Jared explained. Mike nodded. It made perfect sense, but the only thing was to train his feet to do all of that without him having to think it through.

  “You should really teach skateboarding,” Mike said.

  “Nah, I’m just enjoying being here passing on the skills,” Jared smiled.

  “Seriously, you should put up a flyer or something. I’m decent with art so I could draw you up something.” Mike grabbed the board to return it.

  “You’d do that?” Jared was surprised at Mike’s willingness in this matter.

  “Yeah, absolutely,” Mike said. “It’s the least I can do since you’re teaching me.”

  “Well, okay,” Jared shrugged. “Why not? It couldn’t hurt earning some cash.”

  “Not at all,” Mike said. He and Jared walked up to the stand to return the board. “Hang on.” Mike turned to the clerk. “Is O’Malley here?”

  The clerk looked up and yelled “O’Malley!! There’s a dude here wanting to see you.”

  O’Malley came out from behind the little shop. He had a Camel hanging out of his mouth. “Yeah, what is it?” he said in his surly voice.

  “Hey, I was wondering, are you guys looking for a skateboard teacher?” Mike asked. Jared blushed and slouched further trying to make himself small.

  “I’m listening,” O’Malley said taking a drag from his cigarette without touching it.

  “My friend, Jared, here is teaching me how to skate. He’s an awesome teacher. I was thinking about making him a flyer to advertise his services,” Mike said pointing to Jared. O’Malley looked over at Jared.

  “Oh yeah? I know you,” he said looking at Jared. “You’re pretty good on the board.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jared said softly.

  “Shit! I ain’t no sir,” O’Malley said laughing. “Well, tell you what. I’m not looking to hire any more folks right now but, give me your flyer when you get it done. I’ll make some copies and put ‘em up.”

  Mike looked over at Jared who gave him a shy nod. “Thanks!” He walked over to Jared, “And now, I just paid you for my lesson tonight.”

  “Have a seat, Marcus,” Rocco’s mother said. “We need to talk.”

  Rocco closed his eyes and rolled them inside his lids so his mother would not see his anger. He remembered how awful he felt after telling his mom everything, so he dropped his attitude.

  “Ok,” Rocco said and sat in the chair next to the couch. They had hardly exchanged anything more than “Good Morning” since Sunday.

  His mom inhaled and exhaled deeply before starting. “You told me a lot of stuff a few days ago. A lot of stuff that I can’t just ignore, and hope it goes away.” Rocco nodded. “The first thing we need to talk about is your being gay. Is that true or was that just something you said in the heat of the moment?”

  Rocco stared at the floor for a moment and then looked up at his mom. He was embarrassed at how he came out to her. “It’s true.”

  His mom smiled, “Thank you for telling me and being honest. The first thing I want you to know is that it doesn’t matter. You are my son. I love you no matter what. I’m sad that I didn’t pick up on it.” She lit a cigarette and inhaled. She exhaled. “I guess I always knew it. I just didn’t know what to say. I mean, I figured that’s for you to figure out on your own.”

  Rocco nodded. “I can see that.”

  “I always blew things out of proportion because I knew you were struggling with being different. I thought that maybe if I got you some professional help, you could work things out on your own. That’s why I always wanted to get you to go see someone if you were feeling blue. I was just worried that whatever you were going through would get too out of hand.”

  Rocco really felt bad when he heard this. He just assumed it was some way for her to hold it over him— “Look what I did for you”. It never occurred to him that she blew things out of proportion out of concern.

  “That offer will always stand, you know. As for the boyfriend, I’m very happy you have found someone to share your experience with. What’s his name?”

  “Mike,” Rocco said looking at his mom.

  “What’s he like?” she asked interested.

  “I mean, he’s cool. He’s into art. He’s in a couple of my classes. He’s a sophomore,” Rocco didn’t really know what else to say. That question was like when someone says, “tell me about yourself”.

  “Art, hmm. That sounds interesting,” his mom replied.

  “He designed the logo for our band,” Rocco answered.

  “How long have you two been an item?” she asked.

  “A few weeks now,” Rocco replied.

  “That’s so sweet,” she responded. “I don’t understand though. What about all those girlfriends you’ve had?”

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  “I never really liked them. They liked me,” Rocco looked down.

  “Oh, I see,” his mom said. “You were dating them out of false pretenses?”

  “Yeah, I didn’t want anyone to know about me,” Rocco replied. “So, I just went along with it.”

  “Well, Marcus,” his mom said taking a drag from her cigarette. “That part of the story is not nice. I think you owe them an apology for going out with them when the feeling wasn’t mutual.”

  “You’re right,” Rocco replied. “But I’m not totally out to everyone.”

  “Who else knows?” his mom asked.

  “A few friends, Mike’s brother, that’s all I think,” Rocco responded.

  “Well, you need to figure out a way to address that and apologize,” his mom said. “Do Mike’s parents know everything?

  “I think his dad may know,” Rocco answered.

  “Well, that brings me to next thing. Sneaking him into your room and sneaking out to go see him. I do not like that one bit,” his mom responded firmly. “You cannot do that anymore. I don’t care if you bring him here. He can stay for however long he likes provided his parents give him permission. But no more sneaking around, understood?” She was getting a little angry in her voice.

  “I understand,” Rocco said looking down at the floor.

  “He is to come in through the front door from now on. And from now on, you are to leave your door unlocked so I can check to make sure you haven’t snuck out. I’ll take your car keys away if I find out you’re not in your room,” his mom said in a firm tone again.

  “I understand,” Rocco said still looking at the floor.

  “Now, for California. I know you want to get out and explore the world. I just don’t think I can help you out with that move, honey. Where else are you thinking of applying? Anywhere closer? I mean, you can be at least within driving distance!” his mom said.

  “That’s the only place I want to go,” Rocco said, eyes still on the floor.

  “I think you should consider some other options, Marcus Antonius Rocio,” his mom exclaimed. “What if you didn’t even get in to whatever California college you want to go to?”

  “I didn’t think about that,” Rocco said looking at his mom.

  “Well, you better give it some thought,” his mom continued.

  “I know,” Rocco said with tears in his eyes.

  “I mean, you can go out to California and see how you do, but it won’t be with my blessing,” his mother had finished her cigarette.

  “I understand,” Rocco said with a tear falling off his cheek.

  “Now, all the rest, you being gay and you having a boyfriend…” she said. “I fully support you.” She extended her arms to indicate he needed to give her a hug. Rocco got up and hugged his mother. He started sobbing in her arms. He felt like an idiot for how he treated her and for being so foolish. “It’s all going to fine, honey. It’ll work out in the end. Just know that I love you so much and I want you to be happy.”

  “I love you too,” Rocco said, his voice muffled in her arms.

  “My mom knows everything,” Rocco said into the receiver.

  “What do you mean by everything?” Mike said.

  “She knows about us. She knows about being gay. She knows about the sneaking into my room. All of it,” Rocco replied.

  “Oh shit,” Mike said sitting down on his bed. “What’s the fallout?”

  “Well, the gay thing and us is fine. It was the sneaking around that she doesn’t like,” Rocco replied.

  “I can see her point about that,” Mike said. “She’s really fine about us?”

  “Yeah,” Rocco laughed. “She kinda knew about me being gay. She wants to meet you sometime.”

  “Are you ready for that?” Mike asked.

  “Well, no, but, if you come over, you have to use the front door,” Rocco replied.

  Mike laughed. “I suppose that’s not terrible.”

  “She is okay with you staying as late as you are allowed. So---” Rocco drew out the ‘so’.

  “Yes?” Mike asked.

  “Maybe you can stay over if your parents let you,” Rocco suggested.

  “Oh, I like that idea. I’d probably have to ask my dad though since he has an idea about me now,” Mike said.

  “Yeah, how’s that been going?” Rocco asked.

  “We haven’t really broached the subject since we had our little talk,” Mike replied.

  “Hmm, something to think about,” Rocco replied. “Okay, enough parents. What the fuck am I supposed to pack for our camping trip?”

  “You don’t know?” Mike asked a little sarcastically.

  “I’ve never been camping. Like am I supposed to bring beef jerky and toilet paper or something survivalist like that?” Rocco laughed but was serious about his question.

  Mike belly laughed at the thought of Rocco just showing up with a package of beef jerky and a roll of toilet paper. “You silly, adorable man! Just pack some clothes you don’t care about getting dirty. I’ll take care of everything else.”

  “You will?” Rocco was surprised at this.

  “Of course,” Mike replied. “Just clothes and you. That’s all you need to bring. I’ve got all the gear, the food, and drinks.”

  “I can manage that,” Rocco said.

  “Oh, and bring bug spray. I think mine is expired,” Mike said.

  “Well, I’m sure we can just get some on the way, right?” Rocco asked.

  “If you want to do that last minute, that’s fine. But just remember, the more time we waste before setting up camp, the less time we have to snuggle,” Mike stated. Rocco laughed at Mike’s statement.

  At that moment, Mike heard some shuffling outside his door. He looked over and saw his dad in his doorway. His stomach fell. He sensed that as soon as he got off the phone, he was about to have another chat with his dad.

  “Listen, I’ve got to go. We will talk tomorrow, ok?” Mike said into the receiver. Rocco said goodbye. Mike hung up the phone. He stared at the phone for a moment before turning around to face his dad.

  “Hey Dad,” Mike said not looking at him.

  “It sounds like we need to talk,” his dad said and closed the door.

  “Yeah, I think so,” Mike said looking up at his dad.

  “I heard a little bit of that. Snuggling on your camping trip,” his dad said and sat down at Mike’s desk. Mike felt the color rush to his face. His heart started to beat fast at what was to come.

  “You heard then,” Mike exhaled as he rubbed his legs in anxiety.

  “I thought you were going camping with your friend, Rocco,” his dad started, making some more connections.

  “I am. Dad,” Mike started seeing that his dad was staring at him. “Rocco is my…” he paused and looked down at the floor. “Rocco is my boyfriend.”

  “I see,” his dad said walking over to the bed where Mike was sitting. “So, that’s why you got in that fight with Stanton. He called you that slur because it’s true.” His dad sat down next to Mike.

  “Well, he doesn’t know about me and Rocco. None of my old friends do. Only Rocco’s friends know about us,” Mike explained still looking down.

  “Okay. So, you are gay?” his dad asked.

  “Not exactly, Dad,” Mike replied. He saw his dad’s confusion. “I don’t think I’m totally gay or totally straight.”

  “I don’t understand,” his dad said.

  “I like the person, not what gender the person is,” Mike replied in a factual manner.

  “So, you like Rocco who is a guy but you’re not gay?” his dad asked still puzzled.

  “It makes more sense if you just stopped at ‘So, you like Rocco?’ which the answer to that is yes,” Mike explained.

  “But you still like girls?” his dad asked.

  “Right now, I like Rocco. Period. I don’t care that Rocco is a guy,” Mike said.

  Mike could see that this was starting to make sense to his dad.

  “Wow, I don’t think I was nearly half as mature when I was your age as you are now,” his dad said and smiled. Mike returned the smile.

  “Thanks, Dad,” Mike said.

  “So, you and Rocco are dating. He’s your significant other,” his dad replied.

  “Yeah, I guess you could say that,” Mike said.

  “Well, I’m happy you have been such an adult with your love life. Now, since you all are dating, I can’t say I’m thrilled you two are going out on your own to camp. I mean, if Rocco were a girl, I don’t think this trip would happen,” his dad pondered.

  “I can understand your point. But we really want to do this,” Mike explained.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just wondering if I should let you two do this,” his dad thought.

  “Why are you worried?” Mike asked.

  “You two are dating. I mean, you two are going to be alone in the woods. I know what happens,” His dad replied.

  “Dad,” Mike began, “that’s already happened.”

  His dad’s eyes widened. “What???”

  “We’ve already done what you’re afraid we will do,” Mike answered frankly.

  “You two have already had sex?” his dad blushed. He was not expecting to have this conversation on this night. “How long have you two been going out?”

  “A few weeks,” Mike responded.

  His dad breathed in deeply. “Of course, you have—a lot, I imagine. Did he force you into anything?”

  “No, Dad. It was mutual for the both of us,” Mike said.

  “I can’t say I understand fully the mechanics in this situation, but I’m going to trust you know better than I do,” his dad replied. Mike looked down at the floor a little embarrassed that his dad was imagining him having sex.

  “Dad, we’re going to be fine,” Mike said trying to ease his dad’s mind.

  His dad looked off and then back at Mike. “I suppose you are.” He shrugged. “I guess I don’t see why you two can’t go camping. You’re going to do what you’re going to do regardless.”

  Mike looked at his dad and gave a coy smile. “So, does that mean we can still go camping?”

  “I don’t see why not,” his dad said and got up. “Are you thinking of telling other people?”

  “Not just yet. We haven’t gotten to that point just yet,” Mike said.

  “Have you told your mom all this?” his dad asked. Mike shook his head. “Do you want me to tell her?”

  “No, I think I should be the one to tell her,” Mike said. His dad nodded.

  “Okay. What about Joe?” his dad asked.

  “He knows,” Mike stated.

  “Oh, I see,” his dad said surprised.

  “He knew very early on,” Mike said. “Please, don’t be mad at him.”

  “No, no, of course not,” his dad said. “Brothers have their secrets. I get that.”

  “Dad?” Mike said.

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you for being so cool about all of this,” Mike said and got up to hug his dad. His dad left to go to the kitchen. Before Mike could turn around, he saw Joe peeking out of his door which was cracked.

  “You can come out, Joe,” Mike said and rolled his eyes.

  Joe opened his door and walked into Mike’s room. “That went really well.”

  “I swear, this house has ears,” Mike said and sat back down on his bed.

  “Yes, it does,” Joe said and sat down at Mike’s desk. “So, you and Rocco have the official okay to go camping on your own.”

  “We do!” Mike said and laid on his bed.

  “What do you have planned?” Joe asked in a prying manner.

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Mike said and laughed.

  “From what I heard, I already have an idea,” Joe laughed.

  Mike sat up in his bed. “Actually, there’s one thing we haven’t done that I’ve been thinking about.”

  “You mean…” Joe made a gesture. Mike nodded. “You haven’t done that yet?”

  “No, not yet. I really want to but I’m nervous about it,” Mike said earnestly.

  “It’s a big step but a step I’m sure you’ll be glad you take,” Joe said.

  “Do you have any advice?” Mike asked looking at the floor.

  “Well, like Dad said, I don’t understand the mechanics, but I would tell you to just relax and let it happen,” Joe said.

  Mike looked up and laughed. “Yeah, relax and let it happen.”

  Joe winced thinking about his little brother having sex and then laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Mike asked.

  “Just the thought of you and Rocco bumbling around in a tent,” Joe laughed. Mike threw a pillow at Joe barely missing him by an inch.

  Rocco was waiting by his car having a cigarette when Joe and Mike pulled into the parking lot. He had been waiting to see Mike before class for several minutes. They pulled into a spot on the other side of the lot which meant Rocco would have to wait another few minutes. By the time he finished his cigarette, Mike and Joe were a few feet from him. The two waived as Rocco put his backpack over one shoulder and walked up.

  “Hey y’all,” Rocco said. “Guess what?”

  “What’s that?” Mike said with a sly smile.

  “I have secured a big can of bug spray,” Rocco said with a grin on his face.

  Mike’s smile turned into a broad grin matching Rocco’s. “So, we don’t have to waste any time!” Rocco laughed. “Actually, I need to tell you something before we go in the building,” Mike said.

  “Okay,” Rocco said and stopped. Joe sensed they needed some privacy.

  “See you later, guys,” Joe said and walked off.

  “What’s up?” Rocco said with concern in his voice.

  Mike looked around to see if anyone was listening. “I came out about us to my dad.”

  Rocco’s eyes grew wide. “How did he take it?”

  “It went very well. For a minute, I thought he was going to nix our trip, but he’s fine with everything,” Mike said.

  “Mike, that’s fantastic!” Rocco exclaimed. “I’m proud of you. Fuck, do you realize we are out to our parents?”

  “Well, my mom doesn’t know yet,” Mike replied.

  Rocco nodded. “How do you think she will take it?”

  “I don’t know, but I was more nervous about Dad. And that went well,” Mike said and looked off. “Now, that I’ve come out to one parent, I’m not really that worried about Mom. But I still want it to come from me if that makes any sense.”

  “Totally,” Rocco said. “We are practically out now.”

  “I guess so,” Mike said a little weary. “I mean, I don’t want to make an official announcement or anything to everyone. I just want us to be together and, if someone figures it out, then that’s fine.”

  Rocco nodded. “I totally get that. It’s our business.” Mike smiled at his boyfriend.

  “So, what’s time are you picking me up?” Mike asked.

  “What time are you thinking?” Rocco replied.

  “I’m thinking that you pick me up at 6 tomorrow. It’ll still be light for us to set up camp. How does that sound?” Mike asked.

  “I’ll do whatever you want me to do,” Rocco replied hoping Mike would pick up on his innuendo. Mike gave him a little evil grin and squeezed Rocco’s love handle.