What do you fear the most? Matthew's only fear is coming out as gay to his family, who are devoutly religious and consider homosexuality a sin. But when he heard from his doctor that he had less than three months left to live. Matthew decided that living his truth was more important than his fears. He planned on telling his family his sexuality, and also, confessing his feelings to his longtime crush, the son of a Deacon, Keith who was every lady's dream in college. But what if Keith is just like everyone else? Would Matt's last wish come true before the end of his days on Earth? And what happens when all that glitters does seem to be gold?
View MoreAttention.
This book is a work of fiction, any resemblance to real-life incidents is purely a work of fiction. And no religion is intended to be disrespected! Enjoy as you read. "Amen!" My parents responded to the priest's prayer, and I shifted my gaze back at my two sisters, who were talking to some church members. I was standing alone on the terrace under the sun while my family was busy talking to some friends and a priest, and I? I don't have friends. I'm an introverted introvert who hates talking to people whether online or physically. I enjoy being on my own with my cat and laptop, watching movies, and playing games. You don't wanna know what movie I enjoy watching. "Call your sisters, it's time to go home." My mother instructed me to walk with my dad to our car. I huffed, walking to my sisters, who were laughing and talking to their friends as if they couldn't live without them. As I got closer, I avoided eye contact with my elder sister's friend, who was crushing on me. "We're going home," I whispered to Ruth's ear. "Hi, Matt," Naomi called and I smiled a little in response to her greeting. "Get your butt to the car. We're leaving." I said to my younger sister before walking away, and I could hear the ladies teasing Ruth's friend Naomi, who seemed to still blush at how I smiled at her. I walked to my dad's car, which was parked at the front of the church, and slid in, adjusting to the left side so Ruth and Leah could sit. "Where are your sisters?" My father asked. "They are coming," I replied looking out of the car window. My sister's arrived and entered the car, still talking as though if they didn't do that, they'd be dying. I find their conversations irritating because it's always about people, crushes, and clothes! Why can't they talk about animals, places, books and movies? "Is that what you were taught in the church today ladies?" My dad seemed to have heard how they giggled at the mention of the clothes they wished to buy. "We aren't talking about something bad Dad," Leah replied. "It's just clothes, and it's not as if it's bad clothes. We're planning on buying it for our upcoming church anniversary." Ruth chimed in. "I asked if that you were taught in church." My dad repeated, glancing at them from the rear-view mirror, still driving, and they shook their heads. "Henceforth, you won't be talking about material things, and start discussing about the Bible. How many times would I tell you that?" He nagged and I laughed inwardly. That would make it one decade of a time that I've heard my dad say that to my sisters, and they'd go back to saying Bible and religious kinds of stuff then the next day, they are back to talking about their usual discussions. "You should be grateful I haven't made one of you to be a nun." My dad added his usual phrase. "If Mum's parents had made her a nun, you wouldn't have married her," I muttered. "And that's why I haven't made them be one yet, but that shouldn't make them unholy." My dad preached. "You should be lucky. That's their flaw," I mumbled, closing my eyes and wondering how come my dad, who is a typical businessman, has always been this righteous. His rules are strict! Live by the Bible, don't break any commandments, and ' I trust you all don't know about LGBT, which always makes me feel guilty. We finally arrived at our house and I was the first to alight from the car. I walked to the gate and unlocked it, opening it wide enough for my dad to drive in. As soon as he drove in, I closed the gate and padlocked it because every Sabbath day, we aren't allowed to go outside but stay indoors, which I always enjoyed anyway, except for my sisters, especially Ruth, the blonde girl who doesn't take after the rest of us brown hair. She is always the one who breaks Dad's rule and would tiptoe to go have a date with her boyfriend, Theodore who I once had a crush on. I walked with my family inside our sitting room, shutting the door behind me. As we stepped in the middle of the room, we held our hands, forming a circle, and my dad led the thanksgiving prayer. When he finished praying, Ruth and Leah walked to the kitchen to fetch us some chilled water while I took off my suit which I always find uncomfortable. If I ever mentioned it to my dad, he would scold me and might even ask me to wear a suit to school throughout the weekday. The long trousers I was wearing were making me feel like it was my first time wearing the trousers, probably because my dad made our tailor alter and I couldn't wait to get it off my tiny legs. I walked with my suit in my hand and collected a glass of water from Leah which I gulped down to my heart's satisfaction before continuing my walk to my bedroom. I walked down the hallway before entering my bedroom, and Jennabeth, my Himalayan cat, ran to me. I smiled at her, squatting to her height and I ran my fingers on her furs. "How are you, Jenna?" I asked staring at her grey eyes while her tail wagged in response. I walked to a side of my bed, checking if she ate her food and drank enough water and I was pleased to see that she must have finished her food. I unbuttoned my shirt, put off the trousers that looked baggy on me,, and walked to the bathroom while Jenna licked some of the water in her bowl. I stripped off, turning on the shower which ran down my brown hair and white body. I was still showering when I started feeling pain in my chest. I groaned, clenching my fist on my chest as if it would suppress the chest ache, but the pain remained, my body was frozen with terror, and I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, my breath coming in a short, shallow gasp, and the pain was starting to overwhelm me. "Ah!" I shouted gritting my teeth as I began wondering if this was the end of me. I had always known my heart disease could be serious, but now it felt like the threat was imminent.I exhaled sharply as I walked into the classroom, only to find Billy absent. Honestly, I was already wrestling with a sense of guilt.What drove me to spark that argument? What made me react so intensely to the hug? It seems like something only someone consumed by jealousy would do.I took my seat and pulled out my phone, hoping that browsing the web might distract me from these remorseful feelings.Darren and Mark entered the classroom and as soon as I noticed them, they walked towards me. "Hey man, what's up? Why did you go with Billy? You didn't even finish your food," Mark said while sitting on the chair facing me. Meanwhile, Darren stood next to the table and focused his attention on me. "I lost my appetite," I responded. "Also, you shouldn't interfere with me and Winifred next time," I added, referring to the milk incident he had caused in class. The milk was meant for Matthew, but it was such a stupid idea after all. Thank goodness I didn't give it to him, or I would have been
"What are you doing there?" Keith asked gravely tone as soon as Billy walked away."Uh... I, I was looking for you and I heard you guys---""How much do you hear?" He cuts in with a deep voice, he wasn't sounding any nice at all, I bet his gaze on Winifred was cold which was making her remain frozen on her stand or probably she was also taken aback by what she had heard just like I who is still wondering how I'm gonna leave this forsaken restroom.Billy had walked in and as usual had been a great comfort he had even cracked a joke and had asked for permission to hug me which I gladly accepted because who the hell would refuse a hug from such a loving fellow like him, his smile alone always keep me staring at him but he liked me?It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but was it a good thing either?"I'm sorry---" Winifred was saying when Keith cut in again."You should try keeping yourself in a place, not clinging around me like some bugs," Keith cussed annoyed. I heard him huff and then
Matthew got up suddenly, and I watched him hurry out of the lunchroom.Why does he act so naive? I asked myself. Nothing should have prompted his sudden embarrassment but I guess he's close to being allergic to people. And Winifred has even made him uncomfortable. "What's up with the question?" I muttered meeting with Winifred's gaze.Wini's level of possessiveness can be likened to an obsession. She is extremely uncomfortable with the idea of me being close to anyone who is not part of our circle of friends. In particular, she becomes quite agitated if I happen to forge a bond with someone who I feel is worth being called a friend. She knows I don't mingle with anyhow people and once I begin to call someone my friend, that person is just as important in my life as her.And I wouldn't deny that Matt is someone special...Billy stood up and ran to look for his friend, just as I expected. I let out a deep sigh feeling annoyed and frustrated, I stood up too, but Winifred placed her hand
Keith's gaze collided with mine, leaving me bewildered. My expression, a mix of anger and perhaps jealousy, puzzled me. Christ! Why did I react this way?Swiftly, I averted my eyes from Keith, redirecting my attention to Billy, who had already joined me, his gaze remained fixated on the unfolding scene ahead. I dared not glance back at Keith or even Winifred, who must already be guessing about my crush on Keith since she knew I was gay, and I didn't want anyone revealing my secret except me.The atmosphere in the classroom suddenly seemed calm, so I assumed Keith and the others had left the class."That was such a scene." Billy started and I nodded in agreement. "Guess we will be seeing Winifred often." He says and I raise a questioning look at him."What do you mean? I thought she didn't live in London." I whispered."How do you know she doesn't live here?" Billy asked. I bit my lip, not sure if I should tell him the truth."We knew each other during elementary school," I told him; h
"You arrived home safely?" Billy asked as soon I stepped into the class."Sure... Thanks for your care." I say shaking hands with him after I get closer to them."What's up man, damn... I have a horrible headache." Darren whispered as we both shook hands in our familiar way, I did the same with Mark who was fashionably late as always."You guys are definitely not ready for the exam. I can tell." I teased as I took my seat at the back.I looked over at Matthew's empty chair, hoping he would arrive soon.The night before hadn't been that eventful, but it had kept me awake. I couldn't stop thinking about Matthew, and I couldn't understand why he kept coming to mind. I tried to convince myself that it was nothing... I had thought all day about Jude when I found out he was bisexual so there was possibly nothing so special in me thinking about Matthew. His hazel eyes, and the way he acted so naive, had made me smile even back then.He had an air of simplicity about him, a quality that made
I stopped breathing, my eyes locked on Keith's. I heard the gulp of his throat as his Adam's apple bobbed. He seemed so vulnerable in that moment, his guard down, and I knew I could take advantage of that. But if I acted on my impulses, I would surely regret it, especially if he were to sober up the next day and remember what had happened. I didn't want to risk the consequences."Keith," I said softly, holding his gaze. "Thank you," I appreciated him for offering me another round of milk. He smiled back at me, but this time, there was no heat in his gaze. The moment of temptation where I almost kissed him had passed, and I was relieved.His essence seemed to fade away, But his scent lingered in the air teasing my senses. No matter where I went, I knew I would be able to recognize him, that unique fragrance was all I needed to recognize his presence."You like milk so much." He says having his seat where he had gotten up from."Yeah," I replied trying not to sound awkward about what ha
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments