I really like her. I probably look like a creep, staring at her with unwavering eyes, but I can't help it. I still remember the day I first saw her. Carlos and I decided to go to the same high school. It was our first day. We were nervous as any new kid would be, but we knew that we would have each other's backs no matter what. I think she was probably the first person I laid my eyes on as soon as I entered the school building. And let's just say that I was captivated by her beauty. There's a term for phenomena like this--love at first sight, but that's taking it too far. I don't love her yet. I just like her. A lot. I might end up falling in love with her in the future if things go right. What is love anyway? Might need to pester Carlos with some deep questions.
The school fountain is probably the most popular area among all the students. You can make out, break up, study and most importantly sketch there, which is what I do--the sketching I mean. If there is anything else I love besides my family and friends, it's art. I admire the way we can express our thoughts through art without anyone knowing what we are feeling. It's like a diary entry but more colourful. I think it's something about the fact that the fountain is magnificent which gets the creative juices flowing. Everywhere you look, there are lots of flowers, tiny toads, sparkly water gushing from the fountainhead and students enjoying their break time. I skedaddle my way through the people to see Carlos sitting under the shade of the white oak tree. He makes the 'I have hot tea' face as I sit down beside him. This is going to be interesting.
"Did you hear ?"
"What?"
"Geneva likes gay boys."
"I am sorry but WHAT! I am so confused. Explain"
"The phrasing came out wrong. Chill. I meant that I overheard her saying that she wants a gay friend. Something about how she loves the gay best friend in the movies and hopes to get one someday."
"I don't blame her. Gay best friends are pretty much worth it."
"Aww, that is so sweet."
"Oh right, I forgot you were gay"
" Shut up!"
"I was just joking. You know I love you man."
"Get your gay ass away from me."
"This is coming from the gay man himself."
"Oh, just shut up and listen to me, ok ?"
"Yes sir."
"So, I was standing right next to her and she looked at me and said-' don't you have a gay friend? ' You should have seen the look on my face!"
"Wait, she thought I was gay?"
"Um, yes! That proves that she and her little friend Cara have no idea that I am the one who is gay."
"That's fine, but why did she think I am gay?"
"I mean, Harry, you do act gay."
"What do you mean I act gay?!"
"Oh, I am sorry, you act like the stereotypical gay. I forget how to speak your elegant language sometimes."
"Man, I feel like Chandler."
"You mean that sarcastic guy from that show you love?"
"Yes, the show is called F.R.I.E.N.D.S. It's seriously not that hard to remember the name, Carlos. It's literally one of the most popular shows of all time."
"Yes yes, you have said that millions of times. I get it. It's not my fault I like to spend all of my memory on The Office."
"At least I watched The Office for you."
"How long are you going to crib about that? I will watch F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Chill out. I can't take so much pressure."
"When will you watch it ?"
"Um, why do you want to know? I will watch it when I want to."
"Rude. I want to know because we can watch it together then."
"You wanna watch the show again?"
"Carlos, I have watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S at least 15 times. It won't hurt to watch it for the 16th time. Besides, you have watched The Office many times too."
"Forgive me, your highness. How's tomorrow?
"Perfect"
"You are so girly."
"Carlos!"
"I am sorry, you are so feminine."
"It is not even funny at this point."
"Then why are you grinning?"
It's funny to think about how you start with one topic and end up with another. It's even funnier to think about it when it happens every single time you and your best friend talk. That's my relationship with Carlos in one line. Even though our conversation consists of various ranges of topics, there are some things said which I am not able to forget. Even if they were said in good taste. Presently, I can't stop thinking about two things said during our last conversation. Does Geneva really think that I am gay? What about me made both her and Carlos call me 'stereotypically gay'? Is it the way I walk? Or the way I talk? I mean, if she does think that I am 'stereotypically gay', how am I supposed to shoot my shot? This is tearing me apart. I support the lgbt+ community, but I am not one of them. I don't want to be perceived as gay. Not because I find it offensive, but because I feel comfortable with my identity and sexuality as a straight guy. I get that I have a tad bit of a feminine personality, but that doesn't mean I am gay. It is disrespectful to everyone. Maybe I am overreacting a little bit. It's not like she stated that I was gay. She asked. That makes a difference, right? And Carlos is gay himself. It's just a little joke to him, which it is. I need to stop overthinking everything. Wait, I didn't even ask Carlos about what he said to her. I hope he clarified that I am indeed straight. Oh, no. What if he just went along with it? He would definitely do that just for the fun of it. Carlos better watch out tomorrow.