Glowing

*Nathaniel*

Well…that was interesting.

“So what did you think?” Julian asked.

“That was…kinda cool, I guess. I’m seeing a whole new side to you, honestly.”

“What do you think the family would think of it?”

“I’m sure they would eventually be able to wrap their minds around it, but you’re right. It’s definitely not the norm in the family.”

“Thanks for coming man,” Julian hugged me. “It means a lot.”

“Hey, your parents would still be really proud of you.” I smiled. “You ready to go?”

“Actually I think Charlie said something about an afterparty. Wanna come?”

“Uh, I think I’m gonna head home. Try not to stay out too late, huh?” I asked.

“See ya.”

On the drive home I thought about Julian’s predicament.

I wondered what it would be like to be in Julian’s shoes. To realize that maybe the path you had been taking your entire life wasn’t for you. To feel like an outsider in your own family.

I was only everything my parents wanted me to be. Smart, resourceful, charming. If I was anything other