Mike walked into the guidance counselor’s office. Ms. Richards was in her late 30s with long blonde hair neatly sprayed into a bun. She was trim and fit and wearing a green business outfit with a skirt that went to her knees. Her face make-up was tastefully done—subtle yet flattering.

  “Welcome, Mike,” Ms. Richards said. “Have a seat.”

  Mike sat down across from her and took his bag off his left shoulder. He looked up at her from the top of his round glasses. His reddish-brown hair fell over the rim of his glasses.

  “How can I help you?” Ms. Richards asked pleasantly with a smile on her face.

  “I’m thinking of switching one of my classes,” Mike said plainly. He was not nervous since he wasn’t in trouble. He just didn’t like being in one of the offices.

  “Okay,” Ms. Richards said and pulled out a notebook. “What are you thinking of switching?”

  “I have psychology this semester and sociology next semester. I wanted to see if I could get into Art I,” Mike replied.

  “Oh?” Ms. Richards asked. “Do you like art?”

  “Yes, I’ve always been good at it, and I wanted to get credit for it,” Mike said.

  “And this has nothing to do with psychology?” Ms. Richards asked.

  “No, it’s fine,” Mike replied. He thought psychology was boring as hell, and he hated the thought of having sociology an entire semester. The only reason he stayed in psychology was to be around Rocco. But now that they were dating, that was not an issue.

  “Well, let me see what options we have,” Ms. Richards said reaching for a folder. The tab on the folder read ‘ART’. She opened the folder which was filled with printouts—rosters of the classes from what Mike guessed. She thumbed through a couple of sheets and settled on one. Her finger traced the stats on the paper. “You are in luck. It looks like 2nd period is Art I and there are a few open spaces in that class. We are almost at mid-term for this semester, so you’d probably have to do some extra credit to make up for it.”

  Mike’s face lit up. He was happy to hear that there was even a possibility.

  “I’d have to talk to Mr. Landers—he’s the teacher—to see what you can work out. I think it’s a possibility, however. Give me a day or two and I’ll let you know,” Ms. Richards said looking up from her paper. “Tell me about this decision.”

  Mike shifted in his seat. He thought for a few seconds. He was not prepared to answer any questions about his decision other than what he already told her. “Well, like I said, I’ve always been good at art and wanted to get credit for it. I’m thinking I’d like to pursue something in art if I do well.”

  “That’s fantastic! Any thoughts about careers in art or colleges?” Ms. Richards asked with her full attention on Mike.

  “I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Mike said.

  “Well, there’s lots you can do. Perhaps graphic design?” Ms. Richards thought.

  “Graphic design?” Mike asked. He didn’t know what that phrase meant.

  “Yeah, using your art to design advertisements, logos, posters…like some of the posters I have on the wall. Look at that one behind you,” Ms. Richards pointed to a poster behind him. It was a poster about school nutrition with a pyramid and some drawings of fruit. “A graphic designer drew that and laid out the poster.”

  Mike let out an ‘oh’. He had been a graphic designer since school started with his ad for Jared and the logo Fred. “Yes, graphic design,” Mike said out loud to himself. “I’d like to do that.”

  “We do have a graphic design class in the vocational school that you could take. A lot of our art students take that,” Ms. Richards said.

  “That would be great!” Mike said.

  “I’ll put a note in your file for next year to make sure you take Art 2, 3, and 4 as well as graphic design,” Ms. Richards said. “Is there anything else going on?”

  Mike looked around not knowing what to say. “No, that’s all.”

  “Are you sure, Mike? I’m not just here about your class schedule. You can talk to me about anything,” Ms. Richards said with empathy.

  Mike looked down then back up at Ms. Richards. “Have you heard about the dance?”

  “I have,” Ms. Richards said knowingly.

  “I guess you know about the scuffle and all?” Mike asked.

  “Yes. I also know that it can be tough to be yourself especially when you’re different,” Ms. Richards said.

  “Yeah, the whole thing was about me having a boyfriend,” Mike said and laughed nervously.

  “There’s no need to be nervous. I know that must have been a huge decision on your part,” Ms. Richards said.

  “Well, having a boyfriend wasn’t a huge decision. That just sorta happened. Everyone finding out was the hard part,” Mike replied.

  “I can imagine,” Ms. Richard said. “We are forming a gay-straight alliance. It’s meant to be a safe space for gay and lesbian kids to share experiences.”

  “Yeah, my brother said he was supposed to help with that,” Mike said.

  “Oh, that’s right!” Ms. Richards exclaimed and laughed. “You’re Joe Barber’s brother.” Mike closed his eyes. Even though it didn’t bother him that much anymore, he still didn’t like to be known as Joe Barber’s brother.

  “I am,” Mike said respectfully even though he wanted to be a wiseass and tell her that Joe was Mike Barber’s brother.

  “Well, I’d rather it be by gay kids for gay kids. However, I don’t really see a problem with Joe helping. It is after all a gay-straight alliance.” Ms. Richards stated. “Would you be interested in helping out with starting it as well?”

  “What would be involved?” Mike asked genuinely.

  “At first, just a few meetings during school to talk about what we want to do. Then we’d put some posters up. Maybe you could design and draw them. That could be your part!” Ms. Richards offered excitedly.

  “I’d really like that,” Mike said.

  “Then I will put you down for it,” Ms. Richards smiled and wrote his name on a list of names. “Okay, for Art, let me talk with Mr. Landers. We will be in touch.” She got up from her chair and walked over to the door. She opened it. “It was a real pleasure meeting you, Mike.”

  Mike got up from his chair and put his bag on his shoulder. “Likewise.”

  The old drive-in was playing a ‘Friday the 13th’ double feature that evening. Rocco and Mike decided it would be a fun outing for a date—Rocco thought it would be a fun outing. Mike didn’t care for gory horror films, but he didn’t mind the idea of spending his night covering his face in Rocco’s chest. The old drive-in had been there for decades. Its heyday was in the 60s. Since the early 80s, it had been on a steady decline. Hardly anyone went to the drive-in any longer. Much of it was in various states of disrepair. The screen had developed a crack that started to grow larger and larger each year. There were no plans to fix anything in the drive-in as it was the consensus that it would close down in a couple of years. Still, a few dedicated fans of drive-ins continued to patronize the place—mostly older Boomer couples reminiscing about their younger days and a few younger kids who relished the deteriorated nostalgic decay.

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  They pulled into a spot in the center of the drive-in. There were only three other cars parked around them. Rocco turned the car off.

  “Would you like some refreshments?” Rocco asked Mike in a voice that tried to sound like he was a 50-year-old man.

  “Yes, kind sir,” Mike said and laughed. Rocco got out of the car to go to the concession stand. Mike sat quietly in the car enjoying the silence. They got to the drive-in 30 minutes before the double-feature was going to start. It was run by teenagers, so they had a radio station pumping pop music through the speaker. It sounded like a Color Me Badd song was playing. He looked at the cars that were parked around them and did not recognize anyone his age. It didn’t take long for Rocco to come back with concessions—likely because he was the only customer. Rocco opened the door and had a little cardboard tray with a couple of extra-large drinks and a couple of burgers wrapped in wax paper. He also was pinching a huge tub of popcorn. Mike reached up for the tray as Rocco got back in the car.

  “Wow, you loaded up!” Mike said.

  “Yeah, the burgers were free. I guess they were just trying to get rid of them,” Rocco said situating into the seat. He put the popcorn between them and rolled the car window down. He reached up for the little metal speaker and clipped it on the window.

  “This is such a weird experience. I don’t think I know anyone who comes here anymore,” Mike said looking around.

  “It’s perfect for a slasher movie,” Rocco grinned in an evil way.

  “Stop it! You’re already scaring me,” Mike laughed as Rocco let out an evil ‘bwahaha’.

  “I’ll protect you,” Rocco said changing the expression on his face. Mike smiled at him and put his straw in his drink. The cups were huge. They had to be at least 64 oz. Mike had a difficult time holding it with just one hand.

  “It’s a shame no one comes here anymore,” Mike said. “It’s pretty romantic.”

  “Yeah, I know. Just think about all the kids that were conceived here,” Rocco said looking out. He and Mike laughed at the thought of their friends’ parents having sex here.

  “Rocco, I’ve got to tell you something,” Mike said placing his massive drink on the floorboard since it didn’t fit anywhere else.

  “Okay, is everything okay?” Rocco asked suddenly concerned about what was going to come next.

  “Oh yes. It’s just something I did. I went to talk with Ms. Richards, the guidance counselor, the other day,” Mike started. Rocco nodded but was still concerned about what Mike was about to say. “I am going to drop psychology and sociology next semester so I can take art.”

  “What? Really?” Rocco exclaimed. “That’s great!”

  “You think so?” Mike asked unsure that Rocco would be receptive to this news.

  “Of course it is. You’ll get to do what you like!” Rocco smiled widely.

  “It doesn’t upset you that we will only have one class together?” Mike asked.

  “Well, a little. But it’s not like I won’t see you any less,” Rocco replied.

  “So, you’re okay about that?” Mike asked.

  “I’m more than okay. I’m thrilled!” Rocco exclaimed.

  Mike breathed a sigh of relief. Rocco saw the big picture. He was happy that Rocco approved of his decision.

  “I have an idea,” Mike said and looked around. “After the movie and after you drop me off, do you want to sneak into my room and sleep over?” Mike had a slightly naughty look on his face.

  “I’ve already told my mom that I’m sleeping over at Austin’s,” Rocco returned the look.

  “You are a bad influence,” Mike said grinning.

  “Yeah, I know. My whole reason for existing is to lead you down the wrong path!” Rocco chuckled.

  They leaned in to kiss a few seconds. The speaker stopped playing music and started playing the sound to the previews for upcoming movies. There were only two previews before the speaker popped loudly startling the couple. The first Friday the 13th started. Rocco sat back and extended his arm so Mike could lean his head on Rocco’s chest. Mike was prepared for many opportunities to hide his face in Rocco’s shirt and enjoy his earthy scent.

  Rocco dropped Mike off at his house after the first two Friday the 13th. Mike pretended to be scared even though he was more grossed out than scared. As always, the porch light was on so Rocco expected the light to go off when they kissed.

  “So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Rocco asked.

  “It’s almost 11. My parents should be in bed in about thirty minutes. You pull down the road like you usually do.” This plan involved a little more work. Usually, Mike’s parents were already in bed when Rocco snuck in. “Stay up close to the road. I’ll flicker my bedroom light three times when it is safe for you to make your way to the back. Then, I’ll let you in as usual,” Mike was methodical in his explanation of the plan.

  “Ok. I’ll see you soon,” Rocco said as he kissed Mike on the lips. The porch light went out as normal. Mike got out of the car and watched Rocco drive down and park the car on the side of the road. Mike went inside to greet his parents and sat down on the couch with them waiting for them to turn in.

  Meanwhile, Rocco turned his car off and got out. The chilly late October air hit Rocco causing him to gasp. He was glad he had on a substantial jacket but wished he had some gloves. He shoved his hands in the jacket pockets to warm them.

  Close to the road, he found a metal decorative table that served as a bench. It was a little wet from the late-night moisture, so he tried to wipe it down with his jacket sleeve. His attempt was not very successful because within a few minutes, the seat of his pants was starting to get wet. It didn’t matter that much since he saw the light flickering in Mike’s bedroom. His parents must have gone to bed earlier than normal. Rocco took his cue and made his way to the back of the house. He had done this enough to know where to avoid walking. It took him about five minutes to turn the corner of the house to the back. He saw Mike standing on the back patio waiting patiently. Rocco glided up to the patio and took Mike’s extended hand.

  They tiptoed up the stairs to Mike’s room. Rocco darted into the safety of Mike’s warm room. Mike closed the door and gave Rocco a smile. He walked over to Rocco and leaned in to give him a kiss. Mike started to push Rocco towards the bed.

  “Wait, my pants are wet. I don’t want to get your bed wet,” Rocco said stopping Mike.

  “Did you piss your pants?” Mike asked empathetically.

  “No!” Rocco chuckled. “I sat on something that was wet.”

  “Let’s get you out of those wet pants then,” Mike said.

  “Now, you can get in the bed,” Mike said. Rocco walked over to the bed and crawled on top of the comforter. Mike spread out Rocco’s clothes so that they could dry during the night.

  “Let’s get under the covers,” Mike said and pulled down the comforter. Mike slid under the comforter and welcomed Rocco to do the same.

  A little while later, as Rocco was lightly dozing, Mike quietly reached for his sketch pad and pencils. He got the inspiration to do a sketch of Rocco as he slept. He lightly sketched the layout of the drawing and began mapping out the proportions of Rocco in the bed. Once he had the proportions right, he started shading in areas of shadow around the bed and then the part that was to be Rocco. He made the shading of Rocco a step lighter so that he would stand out in the drawing. Within the span of only 15 minutes, Mike had a well laid out and shaded drawing of his boyfriend lying in bed. Mike was starting to get drowsy, so he placed his sketch pad and pencils to the side and got back under the covers. He laid his head on Rocco’s chest. It didn’t take long for Mike to doze off in Rocco’s arms.

  It was around 2 AM when Mike awoke to see Dan, his dad, standing in the doorway of his room. A rush of panic washed over him as Dan was standing silent and motionless. Mike sat up quickly causing the comforter to slide off the bed. Mike quickly grabbed the comforter.

  “Are you awake enough now to talk about this?” Dan said.

  “Yes,” Mike whispered trying not to wake Rocco. He knew he was in trouble.

  “Meet me downstairs,” Dan said and walked away. Mike started to get tears in his eyes out of fear but batted them away. He put on the undershirt and the pants he had on previously. He exhaled and walked to the kitchen table where his dad was sitting waiting.

  “Have a seat,” Dan silently said. Mike sat down next to his dad and looked down at the table.

  “First, you’re not in trouble. I’m just disappointed at seeing that you snuck Rocco into your room. How long have you two been doing this?” Dan patiently asked.

  Mike continued to look down. “We’ve done this a few times.”

  “I see. I don’t like the idea that you two are doing this,” Dan said.

  “I know,” Mike said.

  “But I can see where you would be afraid to ask me if he could stay the night since he’s your boyfriend,” Dan said. Mike looked up at his dad. How did he know this is why he didn’t ask if Rocco could stay over?

  “I knew you wouldn’t say yes,” Mike said.

  “And I wouldn’t have. But here we are,” Dan said. “Even though you are not trouble, I’m still going to have to punish you. You know you did wrong here.”

  “Yes, I did,” Mike responded.

  “So, we’re going to pretend you asked if Rocco could stay over. We’re going to pretend I said it was fine. Just for tonight,” Dan explained. Mike nodded his head. “Then, as your punishment, I’m taking your car away from you for a week.”

  Mike looked at his dad in confusion. His car? Mike didn’t have a car.

  “My car?” Mike asked.

  “Yes, Mike. We bought you a car that we were going to give to you tomorrow. It’s a few years old, but it’s in good shape and runs very well. However, you’re not going to get it for a week,” Dan explained.

  “What is it?” Mike asked in anticipation. His parents got him a car???

  “I guess you will find out next week,” Dan explained. “Now, go back upstairs. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Mike nodded his head. He was both relieved that he was not in as much trouble as he thought. He was in disbelief that somewhere out there in the world was his car even though he wouldn’t have possession of it for another week. Most of all, he was embarrassed for Rocco. His dad saw his boyfriend. To spare him from this, Mike decided that he would leave this detail out of the story tomorrow morning when he would tell Rocco that it wasn’t necessary to sneak out of the house. Since Rocco was officially a sleep over guest now, he would have to awkwardly have breakfast with everyone in the morning. Mike slipped back in bed next to Rocco. Explanations could wait until tomorrow. For now, Mike went back to sleep with his head on Rocco’s chest.