The Dance

I coul’ve gone home before the prom dance. Most of the kids at my school
were having the best time of their lives, but not me. I was suspended prior to
this because of an incident. I punched my classmate because he outed me to
the public before I was even ready to say it to the world. I didn’t have the
luxury to be who I am in my own terms. Now, everybody calls me a homo. I
just wish that the ground will swallow me whole, everyday.

My friends, ignored me when they learned the truth about me. I thought that
they will support me through that but we became strangers. Like a gust of
wind that passes day by day. No one can fathom my sadness and insecurity.
Our friendship crumbled. I lost my friends all at once. I hate myself for that.
Why can I not be just like everyone else? Why can I be just a normal straight
guy who acts like a side character to someone’s story?

The mellow music engulfs the dance floor. The mirror ball spins against the
light and sparkles, illuminating the walls with it’s soft glow. I am alone sitting at
the bleachers watching most of my schoolmates laugh, dance and enjoy the
night. I just wish all of this is over.

I stood up. I can’t take this any longer. Just when I decided to lock myself up
in the restroom just a hallway down to kill time until the dance is over,
someone grabbed me by the arm. I stopped to look behind. A familiar face
from eighth grade has showed up. He was my crush back then… Even now.

“Leaving so soon? He asked with a smile. “I’m gonna lock myself up in the
restroom and stare blankly at the cheap roll of toilet paper until this cliché is
over so I can get back to being miserable.” I replied with a snark expression.

“Too bad. I can’t be with you all night.” He said jokingly. I knew I blushed. I
looked away so he will not notice it. “Just dance with anyone. I bet every girl
will be willing to have a dance with you. What makes you think a popular guy
like you who plays basket ball and the president of student council will make
me do such horrendous thing as dancing? I still have a little bit of dignity left
you know.”

“Because I wanted dance with you. I will never dance with anyone else but
you.” He replied. I got teary eyed but held my ground, “You are just sorry for
me. You pity me because I have been the spectacle to everyone’s insults. I
don’t need your sympathy, Rowan. I quickly ran down the bleachers to get
away, but suddenly he called and said, “I see you, Luke. I always have. I’m
sorry that everyone is mean to you. I’m sorry if I’m not there to defend your
honor. I’m sorry if you think everyone hates you for being who you are. I’m
sorry if I didn’t confessed back then when we are on eighth grade. But I’m
here now. I will never let you go again.”

I cried a waterfall when I heard those words. I pinched myself to check if I’m
not delusional or just sleepwalking. Everybody is looking at me and Rowan.
Some of them are teary eyed while others are with pure disgust. I gasped and
ran back to Rowan and held his hand. “I’m new to this Rowan. I don’t know
how to react to certain situations but one thing is for sure. I want to dance with
you.”

We ran outside to the football field. We stare to each others eyes. “ Can I
have this dance, Luke?” Rowan asked and offered his hand.

“Yes, Rowan.”