Finding Myself In The Real World

Chapter 1

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Xander can remember hearing his mother and father talking a few weeks later. In the Globe and Mail Newspaper.

"I know it's terrible, honey. Don't think too hard about it." His father had comforted his mother. Surrounding her with his arms. She had nodded, set the paper down, and walked out followed by his father. Xander had gone to pick the news up and nearly burst out crying.
Head Title: Luke Martins Commits Suicide
The town of Kitsault was hit with tragic news on Saturday, March 15th. Luke Martins a 15-year-old high schooler committed suicide at his home in Kitsault. He attended Clark Boman High school, where he was 'bashed' for being gay. Now, three weeks later, Martins was found in his home bathroom where he overdosed on some very heavy pills (not yet stated). "I can't believe this. He's our only son and we told him this would happen if he announced he was gay, we told him... But he didn't believe us." Luke's mother Alyssa cried. Luke's older sister stood silently refusing to make any comment on her brother's death. Three out of the four boys have been sentenced to one month in a juvenile center and four months of community service. "I said to him, 'Look, Luke, the world is growing stronger, getting used to the many changes coming its way, but still... We are still... We are still trying to get used to, gay people. Not many people accept it, but many are starting to.' That's what I said, but he still didn't listen." Luke's father stated after the news of Luke's death got out. It's true, the world still isn't quite comfortable with gay people, but the world is getting used to it. Gay people aren't bashed, beat up, and abused as much as they once were.
Xander had sighed finally looking up at the picture of Luke at the top of the page. He had to admit, he was hot. Blonde hair, blue eyes, a thin face with plump pink lips. He was smiling in the photo, laughing almost with his mouth a bit open. Xander had shut the paper and turned away.
He hadn't wanted to see it.
He hadn't wanted to hear it.

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High school was so much different than elementary school. There were more teenagers, more teachers, more boys, and more girls. There was every type of kid out there; jocks, nerds, anime lovers, gamers, populars, laid back, stressed, musical, dramatic, dancer, artist. There were even more gay people out of the closet in high school, not many, but there were still more than in Xander's old school. The first day of high school Xander had freaked out, he couldn't find any of his classes, he forgot his locker combo and had to go to guidance to get it, the hallways were too crowded and at every bathroom, there were always guys smoking or dealing. The cafeteria was loud and busy, there were never any seats open and he had resorted to eating in the front lobby. Xander hadn't made many friends but he had made a few. He can still remember when he had first met Lucy one of the only open lesbians at the school.

"This isn't elementary school anymore. There won't be any back talking, skipping, eating, or phone usage in my class. I won't tolerate rude students, anyone who disrespects another student in this class is disrespecting me." Ms. Crown, Xander's home room teacher had stated as soon as he walked in the class. His first class was English which he was actually quite good at. Xander took in everybody's features and habits from where he sat at the back of the class by himself. There were the geeks who sat all the way at the front and already had their notebooks out ready to write down everything Ms. Crown said. There were the popular crew who sat checking their phone every ten seconds as if Ms. Crown couldn't see them, Xander could see a couple of shy kids sitting in the middle of the class to the left of the room, the three girls all wore baggy sweaters with sweatpants, each of their long hair covered their faces and their hands were placed on the desk to show they meant no harm. None of them had looked up to whisper or giggle at something Ms. Crown had said. Xander could also see the jocks who sat talking quietly but still loudly about some stupid start of the year party, and they kept glancing at the popular girls who sat in front of them, probably betting whose butt would look better in a cheerleaders outfit.
"I will be assigning desks this year." Ms. Crows stated in a business like tone. There were some groans that quickly cut off as she threw an icy cold glare at the group who had complained. This was how he was paired with Lucy. She was sweet and kind, shy but still talkative.
"Lucy and Xander." Ms. Crown called out as she neared the back of the class. Lucy immediately scurried over to the desks but Xander just sauntered casually over to his seat. Taking a seat, he leaned back, stretching his arms above his head.
"Xander." He said, smiling at Lucy. Lucy smiled gently back and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Lucy." She replied in a tiny, high voice. She was very pretty he thought at first. Blonde hair, hazel, big eyes, pale pink lips, and a little button nose. She was small when she stood up to get her first English book but then when she came back her shirt rose a little and he couldn't help but look at her pale hip. Xander nearly had a heart attack when he noticed a small tattoo. Then he nearly had a second heart attack when he read it.
'I'd rather be a curly fry than a straight one. Heard they taste better anyway. Lesbian and Proud.'
"Hope you don't have a problem with that." Lucy snapped, pulling her shirt down. Xander looked at her and grinned.
"I'm gay."
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