3 First meet

"Goodbye, everyone. Thanks for the practice. See you all tomorrow."

"Bye, Ravi, but are you sure you don't want a ride?"

"I'm sure. The station is just four blocks away, and I'm used to walking, so there's no danger."

After saying goodbye to everyone, I left the dance studio and started walking to the subway. On the third block, I saw a group of guys, and since I'd never seen them around here, I crossed to the other side of the street just to be safe. Then one of them called out to me, and my heart started racing because I realized it was Johnny. I had confessed my feelings to him two days ago, and he said he would give me an answer later.

"Hey, Ravi, I came to talk about that, but let's talk over there. It's quieter, and I don't want to speak in front of my friends."

He said, pointing to a nearby alley. Since I was anxious for his answer, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I walked with him to the end of the alley. He took my hands, raised them above my head, and pressed my back against the wall. He brought his face closer to mine, and my heart began to race. I could only look at his lips.

I finally thought I would find a bit of happiness. Or so I thought. I felt a pain in my stomach, and when I looked down, his fist was still pressed against my abdomen. I heard the sound of metal from the entrance of the alley, and when I looked, I saw his friends coming toward us with iron bars in their hands. Johnny punched me in the stomach again, then hit me in the face. He let go of my hands, and I fell to the ground, hitting my head, making my vision blur. Then his friends joined in. I never thought he would do this to me. It was the first time I'd been hit with iron bars. I'm so tired; I think it's better to just give up. It hurts so much.

"WAIT, STOP IT, SHIT! I think we went too far this time; it looks like he'll die if we keep going," one of his friends said.

"And now, what do we do?"

"I don't know, damn it."

"Let's call an ambulance and get out of here."

"But what if he says something, Johnny?"

"Do you think he would dare? If this faggot says anything, he'll end up worse than today. He disgusts me. He had the nerve to confess to me. Fred, call an ambulance for this sissy, and let's get out of here. Disgusting, abnormal person."

Looks like today's not the day I die, huh? Should I be happy about that? I'm so sleepy, it's so cold… *"wee-woo wee-woo wee-woo,"* it hurts so much… I think if I sleep, the pain will go away.

I woke up startled to the sound of a man with a somewhat hoarse voice speaking. I was still dizzy. I looked around and found myself in a hospital room, so I guess I didn't die after all.

"Yes, Mr. Charles, thank you very much. Hello, young master, judging by the sad expression on your face, I understand that it must have been very difficult for you. I was with your father on the phone, and he's already on his way."

*Dring dring.*

"Hello. Ask Mr. Charles' secretary to schedule for 6 p.m. tomorrow. Okay, I'll let him know." *He hangs up the phone.* "The doctor said you were very lucky; you didn't break any bones and didn't have any internal injuries, just a slight concussion, so you'll be able to go home tomorrow. Now I must go, young master. I wish you a speedy recovery."

"Okay, Mike, thanks for everything."

"It's just my job, young master. If you'll excuse me."

When he finally left my room, I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Why did I have to be born like this? Why do I have to go through this? I don't want to see my father. I think it's better to leave this room; I feel like I'm in a white padded cell. Once he sees I'm gone, he'll probably leave.

When I tried to get up, everything hurt, but it was much better than I expected. It must be because of the medication.

I slowly walked to the door and peeked through the crack. There was no one in the hallway, so I decided to leave. After passing the second room, I heard footsteps. The only thing I thought was to hide, so I saw that the door to the third room was slightly open, and I went in.

I saw a beautiful boy lying on the light blue bed with white sheets. He had brown hair, full pink lips, lightly tanned skin. Even looking over the hospital blanket, he seemed to have a muscular body. I think he's about my age. I hear footsteps approaching, so I head straight for the bathroom. As I close the door, I hear someone entering the room.

"Let me see… according to the chart, he had an injury to his left calf, but the surgery was successful. Now it's just rest and then physical therapy."

"I heard he got injured while playing in the state basketball championship. I heard his team won, too."

"That's right, amazing, isn't it? And he was the youngest on the team. But we better stop talking about this; his mother practically owns this hospital, and she was furious when she found out about it. I heard she's on her way here, so wait for her to arrive and explain how the surgery went. I have to check on another patient."

"Okay, see you later."

That's why he seemed muscular, but really, incredible. I heard one doctor leave, but the other stayed in the room until I heard the sound of high heels clicking on the floor as someone entered the room. A woman came in and asked to speak to the doctor outside. It was a female voice full of power; apparently, it was his mother. After they talked outside, she came back in. He was already awake. I was shocked at how cruel she was. It reminded me of my stepmother.

After I heard her slam the door, I finally came out of the bathroom. He looked like a soulless doll. When I spoke to him, he told me to leave with an emotionless face. When I reached the door, I tried to cheer him up. I think it worked; at least I saw a little life return to his eyes. I guess I don't need to give up either, because… he hasn't given up yet."