Jesus.
My brother is gay?
Wow.
That’s insane.
Sucking in a deep breath, still unable to process all this, I get my food out of the microwave before sitting where I can see both doors in case he comes back. I know it’s sad that I’m scared, but he had nothing but hatred in the depths of his turquoise eyes. As I dig into my food, I swear that was a mindfuck. Who would have thought that? And why is he hiding it? We are adults and it’s not like we have parents of the year anyway. I wonder how long he’s known, I wonder if he’s been in lov—
Wait.
Letting my head fall to the side, I pull my phone out, going to Facebook and typing in a name. When his profile comes up, I’m surprised I’m able to look at his profile picture without crying. To be honest, I don’t feel anything as Caleb’s grinning face looks back at me. When I see that he is on Messenger, my heart throbs in my throat as I hit his name and then start typing.
Avery Rose: Caleb, it’s Avery Haverbrooke. I know it’s been a really long time, but I need to ask you something.
His text bubble comes up right away.
Caleb Rutherford: Wow. Hey. Long time.
My heart is pounding in my chest. I can’t breathe because I never thought I would speak to him again. Like ever. I’ve hated him for so long, and yet, here I am, talking to him. But I have to know. Swallowing hard, I type back quickly.
Avery Rose: Yeah. So, do you have a moment?
Caleb Rutherford: Yeah. How are ya?
Avery Rose: Good, thanks, u?
Caleb Rutherford: Good, just touring the world.
Avery Rose: I see. I have a question because I know my boyfriend contacted you, Jace Sinclair. And you told him my family told you that you would never go into the draft. It was said that when I tried to kill myself, my dad retaliated and ruined your career, but that isn’t true. I asked my dad about it and he said our breakup wasn’t your fault, which I don’t agree with. I can’t believe I’m actually talking to you right now, but then I have to cuz I just found out something and I really need the truth.
Caleb Rutherford: Whoa. What?
Caleb Rutherford: Can I call you?
Avery Rose: What? Why?
But before he can answer me back, my Messenger is ringing with a call from him. Swallowing hard, I accept the call and his voice comes over the line.
“Avery?”
Oh man, it’s still as deep as I remember it.
Swallowing hard, I croak out, “Yeah?”
“Okay, hold on. I don’t understand. How is it my fault you tried to kill yourself? I had no clue about it until the end. Surely it wasn’t ’cause we broke up.”
My face scrunches up in confusion. “Um, did you forget that you tormented me, told me to kill myself?”
“What the fuck? I wouldn’t do that.”
“I have screenshots.”
“Send them to me.”
Pulling my phone away from my face, I go the folder that’s labeled “Hell in a handbasket” before I select them and send them to him. He is silent on the other end and my gut hurts. I don’t know what is going on. I thought when I heard his deep voice again, it would mean something to me. It doesn’t. Which, I guess, is good. Really good. I can’t believe this is happening, but it’s needed. I not only need closure, but I also need to know the truth.
Even if it does make my chest feel tight and my eyes flood with tears.