Page 95 of Unexpected Boyfriends

"That no-good fella of yours came by," he says, gruffly. "Left a message."

I ignore the insult, hope feeling light in my chest. But when I hear his next words, my heart and my soul are crushed.

"Said to tell you he was sick of all the drama and was done with you.” My father smiles at me. It’s a nasty, self-satisfied smile.

"The boy is no good for you, son,” he adds, smugly. "Forget about him." He doesn't care that his words have shattered my world. I can almost hear the unspoken wordsbetter stick to girls, son.

A look I can't decipher passes between my mother and father. Then my mother comes over and puts her arm around me.

"Maybe it's for the best, Justin," she says, softly.

"What do you mean?" I ask. I hate that my voice cracks, giving away how much I'm hurting.

"That boy was a bad influence on you. If it wasn't for him, none of this would have happened."

I shrug off her embrace, staring at her in horror.

"Mom, he didn't turn me gay, if that's what you're saying. I've always been gay!"

She gives the sigh of a taxed parent with an obstinate child.

I can see nothing has changed here. There's no point in staying.

"You know what? I'm done here. This was a waste of time. When you're ready to accept me as I am, get in touch. Otherwise, don't bother!"

I don't wait to see their reaction. My heart is racing and the tears are blurring my vision as I rush to my bedroom. I stuff the few clothes I brought into my backpack and call an Uber.

Maybe I can get back to Gran's and I'll find Axel there and we'll sort things out. Maybe it's not too late to change his mind.

I can try to be less difficult, try to cause less problems.

But a sneaking thought creeps in... maybe I really am unlovable.

Chapter 40

Melbourne

JUSTIN

Evening finds me on Gran’s doorstep again. I’m very conscious that I’m only here because of Axel’s friends. If he really has left me, maybe I don’t have a place here anymore. Hopefully, he’d just had enough of my parents and I’ll find him waiting for me here.

Gran sees instantly that something is wrong, and when I ask, “Axel?”, she shakes her head and a frown creases her brow.

“He came by and picked up his bag a short time ago,” Gran says.

My face crumples. Hehasleft me.

“Come in and tell me what happened,” she invites me gently.

I have nowhere else to go, so I come inside and begin telling her about yesterday afternoon; my parents’ barely disguised hostility towards Axel, their proposal I stay the night, and Axel's reaction and subsequent ghosting.

I break down and cry before I’ve finished the story. Gran scoops me up in her arms and holds me while the tears flow. Eventually, I sniffle and pull away.

“Can I stay a bit longer?” I ask through my tears. “Until I sort myself out.”

“Of course, you can. I’ve already told you you’re welcome to stay as long as you need.”

“I… I wasn’t sure if I could, now that Axel’s… Axel’s…"sniff "…left me.”

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