Published: 6 Sep 2021

A few days had passed since Devyn’s dunking in the men’s room. He still had the angry looks from Dewayne, Dale, and Ted. Although Terry seemed a little reluctant, he joined in with the others on the name calling and harassment. It seemed most of the other kids at school had gotten passed having an openly gay classmate.

Devyn was relieved about not being the focus of everyone’s attention. He preferred to just fly under the radar. He felt good with how things were with Charlie and Sam. Julie and Stacy were being cool with him as well. Stacy was still trying to get him to join the drama club. She claimed they needed more boys in the group.

“You would be perfect for the play,” she was telling Devyn during lunch. “You filled out so much over the summer and have the perfect look.”

“I can’t act,” Devyn said. “Or sing. I would drive the audience out of the auditorium.”

“We would put you in a role that doesn’t require singing,” Stacy persisted.

“She isn’t going to give up until you give in,” Sam said.

Devyn began getting up. “I’ll think about it,” he said. “Now I got to get to Ag class. I told Mr. Hanks that I would help him before class.”

Devyn hurried from the lunchroom to try and not give Stacy any more chances to pressure him.

“That was a mistake,” Sam said as Devyn was leaving. “He’s going to be in that play before much longer.”

Devyn was turning a corner and saw Mindy coming down the hall. He wanted to avoid her but there was no way now as she had already seen him.

“Hi Devyn,” she said, moving to block his path down the hall. “How are you?”

Devyn glanced around and luckily did not see Dale anywhere in sight. He let out a little sigh of relief. He did not want any trouble and he knew Mindy was going to be nothing but trouble. “Um, fine Mindy,” Devyn said. He wanted to get away from her.

“There is this rumor going around that you dumped me because you are…well gay. Is that true?” She looked at him with her pouty lips.

“Mindy,” Devyn began. “I am sorry but yes I am gay.”

“You were so good when we were together,” Mindy said. “It has never been as good for me with anyone else.”

Devyn did not want to know this. He just wanted to get away from her. “Look Mindy,” he said. “I need to get to class. Mr. Hanks is waiting on me.”

“I don’t mind sharing you Devyn,” she said, grabbing his arm. “If you want to be with a guy, it is fine. Hell, we can do a three some. I think that would be hot.”

“Um, Mindy, Devyn said, trying to pull away from her. “Aren’t you seeing Dale?”

“Dale is such a little boy when it comes to sex. You are a man.”

Crap Devyn really did not want to know this either. He wanted to just go to class.

“Dale comes in about 30 seconds every time,” she continued. “If I am lucky, he gets inside before he shoots.”

“Um, sorry.” Devyn just wanted her to stop talking so he could get away. “Have him wear two condoms. Maybe he will last longer. Now I got to go.”

Devyn pulled away from her and hurried down the hall. He did not feel safe until he was inside the Ag Ed room. Why had he ever had sex with her? What was he thinking? “You are stupid,” he told himself.

The final bell rang and Devyn headed to his locker. He was opening the door when someone hit the back of his head and slammed his face into the metal door. He was stunned for a minute and heard the laughter as Dewayne and Dale slapped each other on the back. He knew he was going to have a big lump on his forehead. He spun around to confront them. He saw Mr. Tanner standing there. “Is there a problem Mr. Roberts?”

Devyn knew from the look in the man’s eyes that he had seen the whole thing. He had seen it and done nothing. He had watched as one student got picked on and bullied by another. “No Sir!” Devyn snapped and slammed his locker. He headed to his bus to ride home with Travis.

Things got worse the next day. It was as if Mr. Tanner had given the green light for Devyn to be tormented. He lost count of how many times he got tripped, slammed accidently into a locker and how many times a day he heard the word fag. All of the real harassment was coming just from those four guys. It just seemed like either Dewayne, Dale or Ted was around every corner. Mostly Terry just called him names.

“I don’t know how you are putting up with this,” Charlie said.

“I have no choice,” Devyn said. He felt like he was backed into a corner. He knew there was little that could be done about the guys tormenting him. He was just hoping eventually they would get bored with him.

“I think you should just kick their ass,” Sam said. “You broke Dewayne’s nose after all. I think you can take him.”

“You are damn right he can take them,” Charlie said. “He’s got a hell of a right hook.”

“Knock it off guys,” Devyn said. “I don’t want to fight them. If I just ignore them, they will get bored and drop it.”

The bell rang then and the three went their separate directions. Devyn was just turning a corner to go into his class when something hit him, and his books went flying and he went sprawling on the floor. “Shit!” he groaned as he hit the floor.

“Oh sorry,” Ted smirked. “I didn’t see you there.” With the way Ted was built, Devyn felt like he had just run into a bull.

“Watch the language Mr. Roberts,” Mr. Tanner said.

“Um sorry sir,” Devyn said, a little stunned at the rebuke after having been knocked to the floor.

“And you Mr. Adams need to get to your class.”

Julie had arrived just in time to see Devyn’s books go flying and Devyn hit the floor. “Are you all right,” She asked.

“Yes,” Devyn said, as Julie was helping him pick up his books.

“That was so not an accident,” Julie said as she handed Devyn his books.

“Probably not,” Devyn said.

“MS Cassidy,” Mr. Tanner said, “if you are done drying Mr. Roberts off, then get to class.”

Julie glared at Mr. Tanner but said nothing. She just walked with Devyn into their next class.

“He called on you a bunch today,” Julie said as they walked down the hall towards the cafeteria.

As Julie and Devyn were walking past Dewayne and a couple of his buddies, Devyn herd “fag”. He started to stop. Devyn had just about enough from them. He was ready to break Dewayne’s nose again. When Julie felt Devyn pause, she pushed him forward. She did not want him to get into trouble and there were more of them than him.

“Chicken,” Dewayne called. “Chicken faggot.”

“Don’t,” Julie said, holding onto Devyn’s arm. She could feel his muscles flex and feel him start to pull away.

“I’ve had enough.” Devyn’s voice was hard and his hand was clenching into a fist as he started to turn and confront Dewayne.

Julie tightened her grip on Devyn. She knew they were just trying to provoke him. “Let it go for now. He is trying to force you into something and you shouldn’t let him.”

“You’re right,” Devyn said, still clenching his hand into a fist. “But I would still like to kick his ass.”

“Not now,” Julie said. She gripped Devyn’s arm tighter. Her soft hand was sliding up from his forearm up to wrap around his bicep. She could feel the hard muscle that had developed there from working on the farm. “Damn, I wish you were straight. You are so cute and damn muscular.” She squeezed his bicep.

Devyn grinned. “You are funny.”

“It made you smile,” she said, grinning up at him. “But it is also true. If you were just straight…well who knows.”

“Why did you never give me a clue that you were interested before?” Devyn asked.

“Oh, several of us thought you were very damn cute,” Julie said. “But you started hanging out with Dewayne and his skuzzy friends. Plus, there were all of these rumors about you.”

Devyn knew Julie was just trying to distract him and he appreciated it. “What rumors?”

“Oh, stupid stuff,” Julie said. “Stuff like you had been in jail. You had murdered someone. There was even one that you were in witness protection.”

“Who comes up with this stuff?” Devyn asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Who knows,” Julie said, rolling her eyes. “It’s a small town. Everybody talks, and nobody gets anything right.”

The two made it to their classes before the bell and the rest of Devyn’s day went fine. He thought he heard a couple more muttered “fag” here and there but he was not sure. He rode home on the bus with Travis. They signed as they rode and Travis filled Devyn in on how his day went. It sounded like Travis had an easier day than Devyn and Devyn was incredibly happy about that.

As soon as Devyn got home, he changed his clothes and set out to do his chores. If Travis was not following him around, he was following Joe around. The harvest was moving into full swing, so Joe had less time to spend with Travis and was leaving that up to Devyn. Joe was there, and Devyn knew he would only have to ask for help with chores or Travis, but Devyn did not want to do that. He owed Joe for putting up with him while he was screwing off with Dewayne and that crowd. Now that he knew what was important all he wanted to do was help Joe with the farm and Travis.

Joe had made it in for an early dinner. The three of them were sitting at the table eating. “You have a good day at school?” Joe asked.

“It was about like every other day,” Devyn said.

“Are you getting much grief?” Joe knew that Devyn was being harassed.

“There is some trash talk,” Devyn said. “It doesn’t bother me.” He knew he was fibbing a bit to Joe but he was not going to let Joe know how bad things were at school. He did not want Tanner to have any reason to call social services.

“Mr. Hanks said you were doing great in his class.” Joe was studying Devyn closely. He could see the boy was not being completely honest but he also wanted to give Devyn the chance to handle things on his own.

“Mr. Hanks is great,” Devyn said honestly. “Where did you run into him?”

“In the grain line,” Joe answered. “The line was long and we had a chance to talk for a bit.”

Devyn looked into Joe’s eyes. He saw the man’s concern for him. “Honestly, there is a few guys that like picking on me. I can handle it.”

“If I need to talk.” Joe was cut off before he could finish.

“Joe, really it’s fine.” Devyn did not want Joe getting involved. He knew the man had enough to deal with, without adding that burden. “It is just talk. Words can’t hurt me. They are just a couple of pricks.”

“Just let me know if you need me to do anything,” Joe said. “I can talk to Ed Tanner.”

“It is fine,” Devyn said. “If it gets worse, I’ll let you know.”

“You had better,” Joe said. “Also, while I was in the line, I talked to the attorney about me getting custody of you and Travis.” Devyn was looking up, now more interested in what Joe was saying. “He thinks it will not be any problem adopting you. Due to your age and the reports from the social worker, the judge is likely to give what you want a lot of weight.”

“That is great,” Devyn said. It would be a relief to not have to worry about being taken away from Joe and Travis. “What about Travis?” Devyn was more concerned about Travis. The kid was special and deserved to be with Joe. The two were good for each other.

“Travis will be more tricky,” Joe said. “He is gathering the reports and I’m faxing him the will and documents from Ben and Hannah giving me custody of Travis if anything happened to them.”

Devyn glanced over at Travis who was finishing his dinner. He then turned back to Joe. “I hope that works out. If, um, if my being here hinders that, I, um could go…”

Joe cut off Devyn’s words. He knew what the teenager was about to say and he was not going to accept that. “No way in hell. You are staying right here and so is Travis.”

“I just mean if it gives you a better outcome for Travis, I could go back to my folks,” Devyn said. It was the thing he least wanted to do but if it meant keeping Travis with Joe, he would make the sacrifice. “Or maybe I could live with Grandma. She might be alright with that.”

“Not happening,” Joe said. “I mean unless you would rather live with Roberta than me.”

“I love grandma, but my home is here with you and Travis. I just want to do what is best for him.”

“Having his big brother here is what is best for him,” Joe said. “I just wanted you to know where things stood. It is really in the hands of the attorney and we will get his opinion once he has reviewed everything.”

“Joe,” Devyn said, looking at the man across the table.

“Yes,” Joe said, meeting Devyn’s eyes.

“I love you.”

Joe could see the sincerity in the boy’s eyes and he could hear it in the boy’s words. Joe’s lips curved up into a smile. “I love you too.”

Devyn thought things at school had settled down. He still heard an occasional comment here and there but he was being left alone. Devyn found school was easier when he was not being abused around every corner. Devyn could just spend time with his friends and do his schoolwork.

The weekend was busy with Devyn helping Joe with the harvest and the livestock. Devyn had wanted to spend time with Charlie but he also wanted to be a bigger help with Joe.

“Once the harvest is over, we can hang out more,” Devyn told Charlie in study hall.

“I’m looking forward to that,” Charlie said. “I, um, had fun when we went camping.”

Maybe we can get Sam and do that again,” Devyn said.

“That would be fun, um, but I would also be, um, alright spending time, um, alone with you.”

“Oh, you would?” Devyn’s voice was teasing. “Just what would you do with me?”

“Um, I’m sure I’d think of something.”

“I’m Going to hold you to that as soon as we are done in the field.”

Devyn was looking forward to exploring his relationship with Charlie. He had not had a real physical contact with another guy since his last time working for Tom. It would be fun seeing where things went with Charlie.

It was not until Tuesday that Devyn discovered the tormenters were not done with him. He opened his locker to find the word “FAGGOT” written on the inside of the door.

“What the hell,” Sam said, seeing the word before Devyn had.

“Fuck,” Devyn could hear snickering behind him. He wanted to turn and confront whoever it was but resisted.

“How the hell did it get on the inside?” Sam asked.

“No idea.” Devyn heard the laughter again. He was sure it was Dewayne or Dale. He clenched his hand into a fist trying not to turn and punch whichever one of the jerks it was that was laughing. He just did not know how they had gotten the word on the inside.

“Did you give anyone your combination?” Sam asked.

“No,” Devyn responded. He was still stunned by the bold dark letters that stood out against the light gray of the door. Devyn rubbed at the black letters, but they did not even smear. “What the hell am I going to do?” He did not want to see the word every time he opened his locker.

“You will have to get something from the office to try and clean it off,” Sam said. “If Sally doesn’t have something, I am sure one of the janitors will.”

“Yeah,” I guess,” Devyn said and slammed the door. He started towards the office. “Looks like the fairy is upset.” Devyn turned but was not sure who had said it. He suspected it was Ted. He already knew that guy was a prick. Devyn had not even realized that he was clenching his hand into a fist. He wanted so badly to punch the smug smile off Ted’s face.

“They’re jerks,” Sam said glaring at Ted and his buddies from the football team.

“Oh, are you a fag too?” Ted said, looking at Sam.

“Fuck off,” Sam said.

“Is that what you two do? Fuck each other,” Ted said sneering at the two.

Devyn was stepping closer to Ted. He had as much abuse from Ted as he could stand. “Fuck you.”

“You are the faggot,” ted said. “You are the one that gets fucked.”

“Go to hell.” Devyn took another step towards Ted.

“Devyn,” Sam said as he saw Dale and the other guys moving to back Ted.

“I bet you would like to get fucked by all of us,” Ted said. Ted slammed his hands into Devyn’s chest pushing the other boy back.

Devyn was not going to be pushed around any longer. He had tried to just overlook all the slurs. He had tried to be the better man by just ignoring Ted and the others but he was not going to be bullied any longer. He knew he could take Ted down. He might even be able to take down Dale. Stepping forward he forcefully pushed Ted back.

Ted had not been prepared for the strength behind Devyn. He stumbled backwards slamming into the lockers with a crash. He could hear a couple of his football buddies chuckling at him. “You dirty fag.” Hurling himself at Devyn, Ted slammed Devyn into the lockers on the opposite side of the hall. “Fucking little queer.”

The loud crash of the bodies slamming into the lockers sounded up and down the hall. Other people were moving to watch the altercation.

Devyn’s head slammed against the lockers as he was pinned there by the senior. Ted was pressing all his weight against Devyn. “Get the fuck off!” Devyn pressed back, forcing Ted back a step.

“Oh, I thought you liked having a real man on top of you,” Ted said. “A little fag like you likes it rough right?” Ted then spit in Devyn’s face.

Devyn slammed his fist into Ted and is rewarded with a loud grunt of pain from the larger boy. He pushed Ted back across the hall towards the other bank of lockers. Devyn wanted a little room to maneuver so he would be able to use Ted’s bulk against him. “You fucking dirt bag!” Devyn was about to bring his leg up and really cause Ted some pain when a voice cut across the struggling teenagers.

“Enough!” Mr. Tanner barked over the voices. “What is going on?”

“The fairy attacked me.” Releasing Devyn, Ted backed away sneering.

Devyn wiped the spit from his face. He turned to look at Mr. Tanner. “He started it,” Devyn started to explain.

Looking at Devyn, Mr. Tanner said, “Go to my office. You Mr. Adams, get to your class.”

“What?” Devyn said, surprised that Ted was being sent off to class while he was going to the principal’s office.

“You heard me Mr. Roberts,” Mr. Tanner said. “Go to my office.”

Devyn turned and stomped towards the office. He heard Mr. Tanner ordering everyone back to class. “The freak show is over,” Mr. Tanner said.

“But Ted…” Sam was trying to explain that Ted had started it but Mr. Tanner was not hearing any of it.

“You get to class too,” Mr. Tanner told Sam.

“But you need to hear,” Sam began again.

“Did you not understand?” Tanner said, looking at Sam. “You need to get to class NOW!”

“But Devyn did not start this,” Sam said. “It was Ted.”

“Do you want to go to the office?” Mr. Tanner asked, staring at Sam.

“We didn’t do anything,” Sam said.

“If you want to suffer along with Mr. Roberts, I can make that happen,” Mr. Tanner said.

Stacy had been quietly watching the end of the confrontation. She had not seen how the altercation had started but like everyone else in the hall had been drawn to the commotion. She knew she needed to get Sam out of there before he got himself into trouble.

“But you don’t…” Sam’s words were caught off as Stacy grabbed his arm.

“Come on Sam.” Stacy was pulling Sam away even as she was talking. “Leave it. You are going to make it worse.”

“It isn’t fair,” Sam muttered as Stacy was pulling him away.

“You will only get yourself into trouble and it might make it worse for Devyn,” Stacy said, pulling Sam down the hall.

“Oh, hi Devyn,” Sally the office secretary said, as Devyn was coming into the office. “What can I do for you?”

“Mr. Tanner ordered me to his office,” Devyn said.

“Oh,” Sally said, surprised.

Strolling into the office Mr. Tanner said, “Follow me.” Devyn followed Mr. Tanner to his office and the man closed the door behind Devyn.

“Sit,” Mr. Tanner ordered Devyn.

Devyn sat in the chair that faced the desk. Mr. Tanner was standing, looming over the teenager.

“I do not know how things worked at your previous school, but I do not allow fighting in MY school.” Mr. Tanner put extra emphasis on the word ‘MY’. “This is the second time I have found you picking a fight.”

“I wasn’t picking a fight…” Devyn began but was abruptly cut off by Mr. Tanner’s hand slamming against the surface of the desk. It caused Devyn to jump in surprise.

“You Mr. Roberts do not seem to understand the school rules.” Mr. Tanner began. “In this room, I do the talking. You are here to listen, obey and hopefully learn. Is that clear?”

Devyn wanted to tell the asshole to fuck off but he knew he could not do that. It would only cause him more grief and Joe grief. “Yes.”

“Good,” Mr. Tanner said. “Twice this week I have caught you picking a fight with Mr. Adams. I’m going to give you two detentions. One for each of these instances. You will report here right after school today and again Friday. Perhaps if you spend more time learning about the school rules you will spend less time breaking them.”

“I can’t…” Devyn was once again cut off by Mr. Tanner.

“You seem to be confused, Mr. Roberts,” Mr. Tanner said glaring at the teenager. “This is not optional.”

“But I have to be on the bus with my, um, little brother.” Devyn knew that Travis would be upset if Devyn was not on the bus. The kid had been through so much that he did not want to upset Travis by not being there.

Mr. Tanner grabbed Devyn painfully forcing the teenager’s face up at a painful angle. He held the teen there staring down at him. “That lie just earned you an additional detention. I have checked into you. I know everything about you. That boy is not your brother.” Mr. Tanner said the word ‘boy’ with such contempt that it made Devyn wonder what the man could have against Travis. He could only assume that it had to do with Travis being deaf. “I know exactly what kind of filth you are. You are nothing but trash. Even your grades from last year prove what kind of slacker you are. You are a piece of foster care trash that Joe picked up off the street. His judgement has never been right. I know just what kind of trash you are. You will be lucky if you graduate.”

Devyn could not help but wonder just who this asshole thought he was. Yes, Devyn’s grades last year started out poorly, but he was doing great in the spring semester. If this man thought he was not going to graduate, he would be surprised. Tanner did not know just how stubborn Devyn could be. “You are not being fair.” Devyn knew he was getting screwed over by this homophobe. He knew this all had to be because he was gay. “I did not do anything wrong. Ted started both of those confrontations.”

Devyn winced in pain as Mr. Tanner’s fingers dug painfully into the flesh of his shoulder. “You are worthless, just like that pathetic guardian of yours. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt last year. But you proved just what kind of trouble you are. You are a slacker; your grades from last year prove that. You are nothing but a troublemaker and we will not have that in MY school.”

“My grades were good by the end of last year,” Devyn said. He had to try and defend himself to this man. “Your issue with me is because I’m gay, which is…”

Mr. Tanner’s fingers dug more painfully into Devyn’s shoulder. Devyn winced with the new pain. “It appears you are not that bright. Did I not tell you in this room I do the talking? If I receive much more trouble from you, I may just have to reach out to my contacts at Family Services. Just think of what might happen if I report how much of a troublemaker you are. Just imagine what could happen if I tell them how you pick on other students and start fights. They probably would be very interested to know about your drinking and drug use.”

Devyn felt his heart sink. Just because things went great the other day with Mrs. Grubb, did not mean a report from Tanner could not mess things up. Devyn knew Tanner could not know about the drugs and alcohol that he had consumed at the parties last fall. It was not like the man had been at the parties but then everyone probably had some idea what went on at the lake and that old barn. Devyn did not want anything to mess up the life he had with Joe and Travis. If they ended up in front of a different Judge, Joe might lose custody of Travis. It was not as though Devyn could use his past to influence another judge. Even if they were to go before Judge Green, the man might still take Travis from Joe. Devyn would not allow anything to hurt Joe or Travis. Devyn could tell this man did not like Joe and just wanted an excuse to mess everything up for Joe. Devyn knew he could not let that happen. He would not let that happen. There was no price too high to protect Joe and Travis.

“Now do we understand each other?” Mr. Tanner asked, releasing his hold on Devyn.

Swallowing, Devyn answered, “Yes,” hanging his head in defeat.

“Good,” Mr. Tanner said, and he grabbed Devyn’s shoulder, His big hand squeezed, and the man’s fingers dug once again painfully into Devyn’s flesh. “Now get to class. I do not want any more drama out of you. No fights, no yelling contests in the hall. Nothing but proper behavior.”

“Yes sir,” Devyn said.

Devyn stomped from Turner’s office. He glanced over at Sally. She must have seen something in his eyes. “Everything alright?” she asked.

“Um, yes,” Devyn said. He then paused. “Um, do you happen to have anything to clean my locker?”

“Clean your locker?” she asked.

“Um, someone wrote something inside of it,” he said.

“Wrote something?” she said a question on her face.

“Something offensive,” Devyn added.

“Oh, let me look in the supply closet.” She got up and rose from her desk. She was only gone for a couple of minutes. She returned with a spray bottle and a rag. “Try this.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said, taking the cleaner and leaving the office.

Devyn hurried from the office to his locker. The hallway was deserted as the first class had already started. Devyn sprayed the cleaner onto the dark letters and was surprised that they were coming off on the rag. It took him several minutes of spraying and scrubbing to remove all the traces of the offensive word.

“Thank you,” Devyn said, returning to the office and giving the cleaner to Sally. “That did the trick.”

“No problem,” she said. “Do you need a slip to go back to class?”

“Yes please,” Devyn said.

“He does not get a pass,” Mr. Tanner said. Neither of them had heard him come from his office. He stood there in the doorway glaring at them both.

“But” Sally began.

“No absence excuse,” Mr. Tanner said. “He had made his bed. Now he will have to live with it.”

Devyn could tell from the glare that this man was filled with hatred for him. Devyn did not understand what the issue was. Mr. Tanner had always been a hard ass but never like this. He had never seemed fond of Devyn, but he had never appeared to be this disdainful to him. Devyn knew it had to be him coming out. Tanner must be one of those people that Joe had said would never be accepting of them.

“You had better go to your class and hope the teacher is more understanding than I will be,” Mr. Tanner said and returned to his office slamming the door.

“I don’t know what his problem is,” Sally said. “I’m sorry Devyn.”

“It is fine,” Devyn said. “I just don’t want any trouble.” The bell started to ring then. “Guess I missed the whole thing.”

“Don’t be late for your next class,” Sally said. “And try to stay out of his way. He, he, well he is an ass.”

Devyn smiled a little. “I am really figuring that out.”

Devyn made it through the rest of the morning. He did not know how he was going to explain to Joe what had happened. How was he going to explain it to Travis? Joe had told him that coming out might cause problems for him. It looked like that was true. Devyn had just never guessed that it would be this kind of trouble. He expected shit from other students but never teachers.

Devyn headed from his last morning class towards the cafeteria. He went through the lunch line and spotted Julie, Charlie, and Sam so he headed towards them. He was just about to the table when a foot shot out and tripped him. His tray went flying and he went sprawling. He heard “clumsy faggot”,” from someone to his right. He picked himself up and glared in the direction of the voice. He saw Ted and his buddies sitting there laughing at him. The cafeteria had gone silent for a few seconds before the laughter and pointing started. The typical comments could be heard. “Have a nice fall? Enjoy the trip?” and so on.

“You, okay?” Julie asked.

“Yes,” Devyn said, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“I can go get you something,” Charlie offered.

“I’m not really hungry,” Devyn said. He saw the janitor was already there cleaning up the mess. “Sorry Mr. Albert.”

“Just be more careful,” Mr. Albert said.

“Yeah,” Ted said, stepping up next to Devyn. “Be more careful. Try not to be such a flaming queen.”

“Fuck off Ted,” Sam said.

“You watch it too,” Ted said. “We have your number.”

“Oh?” Sam said glaring back.

“Yeah, both of yours,” Ted said, indicating Sam and Charlie. “We know what both of you are.”

“You don’t know shit.” The words were out of Charlie’s mouth before he even realized it. He bit his lower lip.

“Oh, we know,” Ted said, “and your big brother will know too.”

“You should go,” Julie said.

“It is just a matter of time before you start to get the same treatment from hanging around with him,” Ted warned.

Sneering Ted left them. Mrs. Jones was watching Ted as she walked up to the table. “Everything alright here?” she asked.

“Yes,” Devyn said before the others could answer.

“You missed my class this morning,” she said looking at Devyn.

“I, um, was in the office, um, but did not get a pass from, um, Mr. Tanner,” Devyn explained.

“You know normally that would cause you to get a 0 on my quiz,” she said.

“I, um, understand,” Devyn said. He could not blame Mrs. Jones for what Tanner had done. He just wished she had not chosen today for a pop quiz.

“You have study hall last period, correct?” she asked.

“Um, yes,” Devyn said.

“I’ll leave the quiz for you to do during your study hall,” she said. “I’ll warn you it will be harder than what the other students had to complete.”

“Um, thanks,” Devyn said.

After Mrs. Jones walked away, “He tripped you,” Julie said.

“I heard him call you…well call you, you know,” Charlie said.

“We should have told her,” Sam said. “She is actually kind of cool.”

“Just let it go guys,” Devyn said. “I cannot afford any trouble with Mr. Tanner. He has it in for me. He, well he has me screwed if I get into any more trouble.”

“We won’t say anything,” Julie said and shot looks at the other two. “But this seems to be getting worse.”

“It will blow over,” Devyn said. “I will understand if you don’t want to hang out with me. I wouldn’t want to hang out with me, if I were you guys.”

“Ted is not going to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with,” Sam said, defiance in his voice.

“Thanks dude,” Devyn said. “But I won’t take it personal or anything. If you hang around me, he is going to think, well think that you are, um,” Devyn’s voice dropped a little softer as he said, “gay.”

“They could be so lucky,” Julie said.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Sam asked.

“You two figure it out,” Julie said. “I need to hit the girl’s room before class.”

Julie left them, and Devyn turned back to his two friends. “It’s OK guys. We don’t need to hang out in school. I don’t want you to have to put up with the shit I am.”

“It is fine,” Sam said. “I can take whatever they dish out.

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “Are you okay with them thinking you are gay?”

“Um, sure,” Sam said. “I might become more popular with the girls.” Sam then realized what Julie had meant by her comment. “Hey, That is what she meant. She thinks Devyn is out of our league.”

They all three started laughing at that.

“Charlie,” Devyn began, looking at his friend. “If you want to put some distance from me, I do understand.”

“Screw that,” Sam answered for Charlie. “He isn’t going to let those pricks decide who his friends are. Right?” Sam said, turning to Charlie.

Charlie was glad that his best friend was being supportive of Devyn. The thing that was causing Charlie to hesitate was what Ted had said, about Charlie’s brother Howard knowing that Charlie was hanging out with Devyn. Charlie knew it was just a matter of time before Howard knew. He so wished Howard had just gone back to college instead of taking this year off to learn the business.

“Charlie!” Sam said, surprised at his best friend not standing up with him for Devyn.

“Sure,” Charlie finally answered. “I am not going to let them pick my friends either.”

Devyn could not help but be a little hurt by Charlie’s hesitation. He had to remind himself that Charlie was struggling with the same issues he had struggled with. He needed to allow Charlie time to come to terms with who he was. Devyn thought Charlie should just tell Sam. He was sure that Sam would understand and be simply fine with it. Devyn knew Charlie had to come out at his own pace and in his own way.

“Guys it really is alright with me,” Devyn said. “I completely understand.”

Sam shot Charlie a look before answering. “We will stand by you,” he said. “No matter what.” Sam glared at Charlie again.

“We will,” Charlie said after being kicked under the table by Sam.

“Thanks guys,” Devyn said. “I’ve never had friends like you two before.”

“We had better get to class,” Charlie said. “We don’t want to be late.

“Yeah, let’s get going,” Sam said to Charlie.

“Later,” Devyn said as he headed to class.

As they turned the corner and went separate directions from Devyn, Sam pulled Charlie aside. “What is up with you?”

“Um, what?” Charlie said, confused.

“You seemed reluctant to stand by Devyn,” Sam said. “He’s a good guy. Does it bother you he’s gay?”

Charlie was hesitant. Should he just tell Sam? Should he confess that he was gay and he and Devyn were…well what were they, boyfriends? Were they just friends? They had not even really gone on a date. Would Sam be alright with his best friend being gay? Charlie was about to tell Sam. His lips were parting and then a voice cut across them.

“Well, well, look at this a couple of little faggots.” Dewayne was sneering at Sam and Charlie.

“Back off,” Sam said.

“What you two enjoying fucking him?” Dewayne said, staring at the two younger guys.

“Shut the fuck up!” Sam said, stepping toe to toe with Dewayne.

“Sam,” Charlie hissed.

“I’ll let your brother take care of you.” Dewayne was looking at Charlie. “If he can’t straighten you out, then you will get what you deserve.”

“Shut the fuck up!” Sam said as he was clenching his hand into a fist.

“Never thought you were a fag,” Dewayne said to Sam. “Always knew you were a loser.”

Sam and Dewayne were staring daggers at each other. They were both tensed ready to start slugging it out. Then Mrs. Rogers stepped out of her classroom. “Boys! Is there a problem?”

With Dewayne and Sam standing there toe to toe and both tensed ready to punch the other, it was obvious there was more than just a problem.

“No,” they said at the same time.

“Then move on,” she said.

Charlie grabbed Sam and pulled him towards their class. “Let it go. He’ll kick your ass.” Dewayne was a senior and bigger than both Sam and Charlie. The two sophomores might have been able to handle him together but Charlie knew that would only cause them both more trouble later.

“He’s a prick,” Sam said.

“Yeah,” Charlie agreed.

Sam stopped grabbing Charlie. He looked at his best friend. “You never answered me.”

“Um, what?” Charlie said hesitantly.

“Damn it,” Sam said. “What is up with you?”

“I don’t know…” Charlie began.

“You know,” Sam said. “Is Devyn being gay a problem for you?”

“No,” Charlie said.

“Then what is up?” Sam asked.

“I don’t know,” Charlie lied.

“I know it was a shock,” Sam said. “I was surprised. I never knew, but I like Devyn. He’s a cool guy and this shit is wrong.”

“I agree,” Charlie said.

“It has to be hard on him and we need to support him,” Sam said. “To hell with everyone else. It is only those pricks and you know they were all fine with Devyn when they thought he was straight and fucking that slut, Mindy. They are all assholes and they don’t get to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with.”

“They’re friends with my brother,” Charlie said.

“Oh,” Sam said. “I forgot Howard, the golden child, hung out with them.”

“He does,” Charlie sighed.

“You have always worshiped Howard too much,” Sam said. “You are too worried about what Howard will think. I know he’s your big brother; but if he is like Dewayne and Ted, then he’s an ass.” Sam had never been treated all that well by Howard. He always felt like Howard looked down on him. He had never said anything to Charlie, because Charlie was his best friend and Charlie worshipped Howard.

“Yeah,” Charlie said honestly.

“Let me ask you this,” Sam said. “If I told you, I’m gay, would you drop me?”

“No,” Charlie said. Sam was his best friend. If Sam were gay, it would not change that.

“Even if Howard knew?” Sam asked.

“No,” Charlie said.

“Then it shouldn’t matter if it is Devyn. He’s our friend, gay or straight. If you cannot stand up for him, then you aren’t the guy I thought you were.”

The bell started ringing and Sam hurried into class not giving Charlie time to answer. Charlie watched Sam disappear into the classroom. He needed to just tell Sam. Sam would understand. Charlie knew once he told one person, just one person, then he would feel more relaxed. Sam should be that person. Sam was his best friend. If Sam was willing to stand up for Devyn, then Sam would stand by him too. Wouldn’t he?

“Mr. Atwood!” Mr. Parker’s voice pulled Charlie from his thoughts. “Are you planning on coming in or do you want to just listen at the door?”

Charlie heard other students laughing at the comment. He hurried into the room and took his seat next to Sam. He looked at Sam. He took out a sheet of note paper and wanted to write what he would say but the words were not there and then Mr. Parker was calling on him and he had not even heard the question.

“Stop daydreaming Mr. Atwood and pay attention.”

“Mr. Roberts,” Mrs. Jones said as Devyn started towards his next class.

“Yes Mrs. Jones,” Devyn said.

“On your way to class?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said.

“I will walk with you,” she said.

“Um, thanks,” Devyn said.

“You know I am not oblivious to what goes on around here,” she told him. “I know you students sometimes think I am, but I choose to ignore things just to keep everyone guessing. What I am saying Mr. Roberts is that if you need to talk, I will be happy to listen and to help. If you have some sort of problem that you need help with?”

Devyn heard the question in that last statement. He knew she was opening a door for him. But he just did not know how to walk through it. He needed to think.

“Um, thank you,” he said. “I appreciate that. If I need help with stuff, I will, um, let you know.”

Her lips were quirking up, into a slight smile as she said, “As you wish. The offer is always there.”

Devyn realized that they had reached his class. He saw that Ted and a couple of his friends were waiting outside the door. “Are you boys afraid to go in?” Mrs. Jones asked.

“No,” Ted said.

“Remember what I said,” Mrs. Jones said.

“Thanks again,” Devyn said. He realized that part of her walking him to class was to offer him some help. The other part was to keep Ted and friends from pushing him around again.

She waited for both Devyn and the other boys to go into the classroom before leaving.

Devyn’s last period of the day was study hall. He was relieved that there had been no additional issues during the afternoon. He collected the quiz that Mrs. Jones had left with Mr. Johnson and sat next to Charlie. He started working on the quiz while Charlie was doing some homework.

Devyn did not find the quiz that difficult. He wondered if she had really given him a different one than the rest of the class. He would not put it past her to keep everyone guessing.

Devyn turned the quiz in and then whispered to Charlie. He knew that Mr. Johnson did not mind talking if it was soft and not disturbing anyone.

“Um, Charlie, I need a favor,” Devyn said. “Would you be able to help me out after school?”

Charlie glanced around to see who might be watching or listening to them. Sam’s words echoed in Charlie’s mind. He knew the right thing to do was to stand by Devyn. Plus, Charlie was really into Devyn. He wanted their friendship to become more than just friends. Charlie was going to have to not worry as much about what Howard thought. His parents were fine with Devyn so he should not care about what other people thought. Charlie’s voice was soft as he said, “If I can.”

“Can you ride the bus home with Travis?” Devyn asked.

“Um, I guess so,” Charlie said. “But I don’t know much sign.”

“I know,” Devyn said. “But you can write. Travis can read. So, I’ll write him a note. I just don’t want him to freak out if I am not there. I can explain to him later in more detail.”

“Sure,” Charlie said.

“You won’t get into trouble?” Devyn asked.

“No,” Charlie said. “I will work it all out.”

“Thanks Charlie,” Devyn said, relieved that Travis would not be freaking out when Devyn was not on the bus.

The final bell rang, and Devyn headed to the office. He saw Charlie heading to the buses. He hoped Travis would be fine. He knew the kid would be. The kid was stronger and smarter than most people gave him credit for.

“He is on the phone,” Sally said as Devyn entered the office. “He wants me to give you this book.” She handed him a binder. “You should probably start reading it. It is the school rules. Like you don’t already know them.”

“He doesn’t know them,” Mr. Tanner said. The man was like a cat sneaking up on people.

“Read them and summarize them in your own words and give me 3 reasons for each of the rules. If you don’t get done today, then you will finish at your next detention. If you are not done then, then you will be back here until you are done.”

Devyn could tell that Mr. Tanner wanted him to not get done so he had to keep coming back for more and more abuse. “The old fucker doesn’t know who he is dealing with,” Devyn thought. “This abuse is nothing compared to what Tom had dealt him. Nothing compared to the physical punishment caused by several of his customers.

Time seemed to drag as Devyn sat there reading and writing. He could feel Mr. Tanner watching him. He could feel the glares and anger coming off the man. It took forever, but Devyn’s detention was finally over. “See you at this same time on Friday,” Mr. Tanner said.

“Yes sir,” Devyn said. He returned the binder to Sally and headed to his locker. He grabbed a couple of the books he needed and headed out. He was trying to decide if he should try and call Joe or walk home. It was quite the walk and it would make him super late. Devyn wondered if he could track down Lee for a ride home. He really did not want to tell Joe about the detention and if he involved Lee, he knew Joe would know.

“Need a ride?” Sally asked.

“Yes,” Devyn said. “Only if it isn’t too much trouble.”

“Not at all,” she said.

Devyn slid into the passenger seat of her Toyota, not sure what to say. He felt a bit awkward and wondered just how much she knew or suspected.

“I’m sorry that school has turned into such a hardship,” she said after several minutes of them riding in silence.

Devyn was not exactly sure how to respond to her comment. He could feel the silence getting more awkward. “Um, thanks.” It sounded even more lame being said out loud than it had in his head.

“He has always been difficult and a bit of a, um, stern Principal but it seems to be worse this year.” She glances over at Devyn as she is driving.

“I seem to be bringing it out in him,” Devyn said, his eyes briefly meeting her eyes.

“For some people, it is hard to break away from childhood issues.” She smiles at Devyn as if she knows a little more than she is saying. “I think you just remind him of someone that he had a grudge with.”

“So is it…” Devyn paused, both needing to find out but also afraid of making things worse. “Is it the rumor that I am gay?” He decided to add the rumor part to make it easier on them both.

“I think that has awakened some old demons for him,” She confirmed. “I am hopeful that he will get them under control.”

Devyn was not sure the man would get those “demons” under any sort of control. “It feels like he and some of the other guys are gunning for me.”

“I have noticed that some of them are rough on you,” she said. “You kids often don’t think I know what is going on because I’m stuck in the office most of the time but I do see stuff. I will keep my eye out for trouble and try to do what I can for you.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “It is going to be a long year for me.”

“Just try to avoid them,” She suggested. “They may lose interest in you.”

“I hope so,” Devyn said.

“I always thought it was beautiful out here,” Sally said as they turned down the road to the farm.

Devyn had to agree with her. The trees were still a rich shade of green. The leaves had not yet started turning. The trees blended well into the rolling hills of green pasture ground and then, there was the golden tan of the ripening soybeans. They crossed the creek and started up the hill to the house. “I would have never considered myself living here before,” Devyn said. “But now I cannot imagine living anywhere else.”

Sally stopped the car. “Tell Joe I said hello.”

“I will,” Devyn said. “You could come in and tell him yourself.”

“No,” she said. “I couldn’t do that. Maybe some other time.”

“Thanks again,” Devyn said as he slid out of the car.

“Anytime you have detention,” She said,” I will be happy to give you a lift.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “I do appreciate it. I did not want to bother Joe with this. He’s busy this time of year.”

“Joe will understand,” she said. “You should tell him. He might be able to help.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “I will…when he is less busy. Like after harvest.”

“He will understand Devyn,” she said.

“I know,” he said. “He is the most understanding man I know.”

“Bye,” she said, before she drove around the drive and back down the hill.

Devyn knew there would always be jerks in the world, but there were more nice people like Sally to counteract them.

Devyn walked up to the house and into the kitchen. He found Charlie trying to play cards with Travis. “Oh, am I glad to see you,” Charlie said.

“Is everything alright?” Devyn asked aloud and signed to Travis.

“I have got to learn sign better,” Charlie said.

“Travis says he has been having a blast,” Devyn said.

“I hope so,” Charlie said.

“Thanks for doing this for me,” Devyn said. He placed his hand on Charlie’s shoulder and then leaning down he gave Charlie a soft kiss on the lips. Devyn felt Charlie tense up and glance at Travis.

“No, um, problem.” Charlie could feel his face starting to burn. He did not know why he was getting embarrassed by being kissed in front of Travis.

“I have another detention on Friday,” Devyn said. “I am sure it will be as bad as this one.”

“That is so not fair,” Charlie said. “You did not start this. Every time, it has been Ted or Dewayne or that jackass Dale picking on you.”

“I know,” Devyn said. “But life is not fair.”

“I called my mom and told her where I was,” Charlie said. “She is ok with me being here. If I need a ride home, she will come out and get me.”

“I can give you a ride when Joe gets home,” Devyn said. “He has the truck out in the field.”

“No problem,” Charlie said. “If he is too late, I’ll just call her.”

“I need to get to my chores, but there is something else I want first.” Devyn made a couple quick signs to Travis who nodded and ran upstairs. “You want to help me with my chores?”

“Sure,” Charlie said, getting up. “But didn’t you say you needed to do something first.”

“Yes, this.” Devyn pulls Charlie closer. He slides his arms around the boy and then moves in for another kiss. His lips press to Charlie’s. Devyn’s tongue flicks across Charlie’s lips and they part, allowing Devyn inside. The two teenagers’ tongues meet. Charlie slides his arms around Devyn and holds him tight. They kiss long and slow.

“I have wanted to do that all day,” Devyn said after the kiss had broken. He is still holding Charlie.

“Hmmm,” Charlie said. “I like it.”

“You know, I understand your hesitation at lunch today,” Devyn began. “It is alright…”

Charlie held up a hand stopping Devyn. “It wasn’t alright. I should have been more like Sam and jumped to defend you like he did. I’m sorry I’m not…”

“I know it is hard,” Devyn said, pressing a finger to Charlie’s lips to stop him. “I understand. If you need distance, it is alright.”

“Thanks,” Charlie said. “It will all work out. I am glad we get to be here like this.”

“Me too, and thanks again for taking care of Travis,” Devyn said and then kissed Charlie’s lips again.

“Hi guys,” Joe said, coming in.

Charlie jumped back and felt his face turning red. He did not know why but every time he felt like he was caught doing something that he should not be doing.

“Hey,” Devyn said. “You are in early tonight.”

“I finished up and did not want to start on the other field.” Joe’s lips were twitching as he tried to fight down his amusement at the two kissing teenagers. He could tell Charlie was shy about the displays of affection. “I think those beans are not quite ready. I’m sorry if I interrupted something.”

“No,” Charlie said, “we, um, were just talking.”

“Yeah,” Joe said. “Talking. I have never seen anyone talking before with their lips pressed to the other person. When I was in school, we called it kissing.” Joe reached out and ruffled Charlie’s blonde hair. The boy was so cute when he blushed.

Devyn’s lips were twitching as he glanced over at Charlie. “Yeah, we were kissing.”

Charlie felt his face burn a little more pink. He did not know why he was embarrassed about kissing Devyn in front of Joe. Joe was one of the few people that would understand.

“Have you been doing this every night when I am working until late?” Joe asked.

“No,” Devyn said. “Charlie just came out for a while. I said I would drive him home…if you don’t mind loaning me the truck.”

“Nope,” Joe said, passing the keys to Devyn. “It is backed into the shed still hooked to the wagon. I was going to haul the beans off in the morning.

“I can unhook it.” Devyn pushed the keys into the front pocket of his blue jeans. “I, um, am sorry. I, um, got a little behind tonight. I haven’t done my chores or started on dinner.”

“You slacker,” Joe said and saw something pass over Devyn’s face.

The word reminded Devyn of his lecture from Mr. Tanner. The word stung more coming from Joe than it had from Tanner.

“You know I’m joking,” Joe said and reaching over gave Devyn’s shoulder a squeeze.

“I, um, just got behind tonight,” Devyn said. He was looking down at the floor. He did not want to meet Joe’s gaze.

“It isn’t a problem,” Joe said, his voice tender as he could see there was something bugging Devyn. “I was teasing you. You are in no way a slacker. You have been doing a lot of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of Travis. You deserve a little rest.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said. “I’ll just go get started on my chores.”

“I’ll help,” Charlie put in.

“I’ll throw together dinner,” Joe said.

“Alright,” Charlie said after the silence had drug out. They had been doing the chores and Devyn was being abnormally quiet. “What is wrong?”

“Nothing,” Devyn said but he did not meet the soft blue of Charlie’s eyes.

“Devyn,” Charlie said, his voice serious. “Something happened, I’m not sure what but please talk to me.”

“That comment Joe made about me being a slacker,” Devyn said.

“You aren’t,” Charlie said. “Joe knows that. He was just teasing you.”

“Tanner said the same thing to me. He called me a slacker.” Devyn looked down at the bucket he was filling with water.

“He’s a prick,” Charlie said. “Ignore him. It isn’t true. You are no slacker.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said, lifting the bucket and setting it into the pen for the calves to drink from.

Charlie put the empty bucket of feed down and went to Devyn. He pulled him in and hugged him. “Don’t let anything that jerk says get to you. He’s an ass. He’s just being a total dickwad.”

Devyn’s lips curved up into a smile. It felt so good having Charlie hold him like this and trying to comfort him. It did make him feel better.

“Thanks,” Devyn said and then they kissed again briefly.

Devyn drove Charlie home after dinner. “Thanks again,” Devyn said when they pulled into Charlie’s driveway. Devyn squeezed his friend’s leg. “Maybe you should just stay over Friday night. I mean if you don’t mind riding the bus home with Travis while I serve my detention?”

“You mean spend the night with you?” Charlie asked.

“Yeah,” Devyn said. “That is if you want.”

“I’ll check with my folks.” Charlie could feel his stomach doing flips at the idea of spending the night with Devyn. Charlie could not think of anything he wanted to do more. “I, um, definitely want to.”

“Then we can plan on it.” Devyn was also excited at the idea of spending the night with Charlie. It had been a long time since he had slept next to someone he cared about. Well, he had slept next to Joe a few times but that was not the same. Devyn might have had sexual feelings for Joe but the feelings were different with Charlie. He was not sure he could say how they were different, only that they were not the same.

“I’ll let you know what my folks say but I’m sure it will be alright.” Charlie closed the truck door and headed towards the house. He could hear Devyn backing out of the driveway. Charlie turned to watch Devyn pulling into the street and then waved to him. Charlie waved back and headed into the house.

Charlie had just stepped inside and found Howard there blocking his way. “I saw you,” he added.

“You what?” Charlie felt his stomach drop. What had Howard seen? They had not done anything.

“I’ve warned you,” Howard said. “You need to stop hanging out with that trash.”

“There is nothing wrong with Devyn,” Charlie said.

“Just what were you doing with him again?” Howard demanded.

“Just hanging out,” Charlie said and tried to push past Howard.

“Not so fast little bro.” Howard put out a hand stopping Charlie. “We aren’t done!”

“Look,” Charlie said, “We hung out after school. I’m not sure what your problem is.”

“You need to drop that trash,” Howard said.

Sam’s words from earlier that day were still fresh in his mind. He knew he needed to stand up for Devyn. Maybe he needed to start standing up for Devyn to his brother. “Sam and I think Devyn’s a good guy.”

“Sam’s a loser,” Howard said. “Hanging around with that worthless fag is only going to get you hurt.”

“You do not get to tell me who my friends are,” Charlie said defying his brother.

“I will not have a little brother hanging around with that.” Howard thumped Charlie in the chest to punctuate his words. “Stay away from him. I don’t want my little brother getting hurt. My buddies can only go so far to keep you out of it. Yeah, I know from Ted and Dewayne that you and that little piece of trash Sam are hanging around with him at school. You need to stay away from both of them.”

“You do not get to pick my friends,” Charlie said. “Sam is my best friend and that isn’t going to change. Just back off.” Charlie forcefully pushed past his brother. Part of him felt brave at having stood up to Howard. Part of him felt sick at not having his brother’s approval.

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