Chapter 11

“I can handle strangers hating me. It’s easier than the people who are meant to love you hating you,” Donnie says bitterly.

“Your parents?” Jed asks hesitantly.

Donnie had mentioned being helped by a LGBT charity for homeless youths. He hasn’t mentioned his parents at all since Jed has known him, not even at the party last week, where a lot of people had brought family along.

“My whole family. And it’s a big family.” Donnie shrugs.

“How big?” Jed asks curiously.

“Six aunts, nine uncles, ten cousins, two sets of grandparents, five siblings, and my parents.”

“Do you talk to any of them?” Jed asks.

“No. Not since I was fourteen.” Donnie bites his lip.

Jed reaches out and touches Donnie’s hand for a second, wishing he could give Donnie a hug

“I’m sorry. That’s horrible.”

“Thanks. I’m over it,” Donnie says, and Jed thinks he’s lying, but he doesn’t call Donnie out on it.