1
Fresh Start, Same Secrets
“Youneedtostayaway from these fraternity boys.I don’t want them ruining your reputation, your scholarship, or making you lose focus.Your father and I just want the best for you, okay?”Mom says as we near my new apartment.
I stare out the window, taking in the streets of this new town.It’s not bad—comfortable enough for a college student.I should have resumed college a week ago, but Dad and Mom had other ideas.Before the resumption date, my father toured the campus with me, sat in during orientation, and even looked through the dorms.I was supposed to live in the dorms, but my parents had other ideas.Off-campus living seemed safer to them, especially since I’m a freshman.They’re terrified I’ll stray off the path they’ve laid out for me.Like I would.
I’ve promised myself I’ll do better.Maybe even date a girl, to shake off this confusing attraction I’ve always had toward guys.Focus on school, get a job, support my family, and avoid the typical athlete jerks who infest every college campus.
Pushing my glasses up, I step out of the car, shut the door, and grab my bags.Mom insists on driving me here, helping me settle in.More than anything, she wanted to meet my roommate, to make sure he wasn’t a “bad influence.”If he was, they’d find me a new place in a heartbeat.
Mom and I approach an older man by the parking lot as he waves at us.I stare at the tall modern building, taking in the architecture.
“Mrs.Brooke!”A man greets us as we approach him, extending his hand to my mom.They shake hands, exchanging pleasantries.
“And you must be Cameron,” the man says, turning to me with a wide grin.He must be the landlord.
“Yes, sir,” I reply, shaking his hand.
“Good to meet you.Let me show you your new apartment.”He leads us into a lobby and we follow.
The three of us ride the elevator to the 12th floor as the elevator opens and we step out.The man leads us to the door by the end of the hallway.He fishes out the key from his pockets and open the door and we walk inside.
There is no way in hell we can afford this place.It’s not a luxurious apartment, but it’s beautiful enough to know it costs a lot to stay here.
I busy myself by checking out the living room area.It’s clean and decently kept.Maybe Fox—my new roommate—might be the neat type.
There’s a music set and an Xbox, with a huge flat TV screen on the wall.The couches look almost new, and everything is neatly arranged.I’m starting to feel better about this place.
“Fox isn’t around right now.He’s probably at school or soccer practice,” the landlord says.
“He’s an athlete?”I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep,” the landlord replies with a nod.“But don’t worry, Fox is a good kid.”
Mom, of course, narrows her eyes.“I hope he doesn’t like parties or get into any trouble.”
“I assure you, Mrs.Brooke, Fox won’t be an issue.”
Mom turns to me.“Why don’t you take your bags to your room, Cam?I’ll be right there after I finish talking with Mr.William.”
I grab my bags and head down the hallway.“Your room’s the first door on the left,” the landlord calls after me.
The room is clean enough, though it could use a little more attention.I sit on the bed and run my hands through my blonde hair, breathing into my palms.
Why am I nervous?
Maybe because this is the first time I’m really on my own.High school was rough, and things haven’t been the same with my family ever since.Both of my parents are homophobic, and, well, I ended up being their worst fear.
Back in high school, I had a crush on Bryson.He wasn’t a jock, but still popular.I used to watch him from a distance, convincing myself it was just admiration.I didn’t know much about being gay.I thought it was normal to admire someone, a guy or a girl.But eventually, I realized I never looked at girls the way I looked at him.
One day, during a game of truth or dare, I was dared to write him a love letter.I don’t know why I did it—maybe to prove I wasn’t a coward—but I wrote him a letter, spilling out everything.
It was a mistake.Bryson cornered me the next day at school, with his friends, and beat me up.Called me a “fucking fag” and spread rumors that I’d tried to seduce him.I skipped school for four days, and when my parents found out, I told them the truth.I couldn’t lie.
High school was hell after that.Bryson and his friends tormented me whenever they felt like it.Now, college is my chance to start fresh.I just need to stay away from guys, avoid jerks, and maybe try dating a girl.A clean slate.
“Cameron?”Mom’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts as she walks into the room.
