Jordan Matthews is a good kid, an average student, and has never gotten in trouble at school before. But today he finds himself in the principal's office with fellow classmate Casey Sothern. He doesn't think they've done anything wrong, and doesn't expect much in the way of punishment until Casey's mother arrives. Which means someone's called his parents, too. And they'll know Casey isn't just his best friend, but his boyfriend, as well. Then Jordan sees his father storm through the front doors of the school. Any punishment the principal has planned for catching the two boys kissing in the hall between classes will pale in comparison to what Jordan's father might have to say.

Trouble at School

“You kids have to be careful,” Mrs. Sothern said. “I read the news. I know times are changing, but many people here are still pretty close-minded. I don’t want either of you getting hurt over this.”


Casey stood and crossed the room to hug his mother. “Just knowing you’re not mad at me will make it easier. Thanks, Mom.”


As Jordan watched the tender moment between mother and son, he knew his own mom wouldn’t be as cool about the relationship he shared with Casey. She was one of those close-minded people Mrs. Sothern mentioned—the daughter of a Fundamental Christian, she even still frowned on mixed race relationships, and when Jordan’s oldest sister wanted to invite an African-American friend to a school dance as her date, Mrs. Matthews refused to allow it. There was no way she’d accept a gay child. If he came out to her, he’d be locked in his bedroom and home schooled the rest of his life. He wouldn’t be allowed nearanother boy, and seeing Casey would be out of the question.


Chapter 8