“DrewandBenjamin?” I think she can see the panic in my eyes. She knows me too well. She kisses my cheek.
“It’syourday, Little Bird.” Ah, fuck. I need to find Amber. She’ll know what to say, how to fix this.
I find her hitting a vape by the auditorium—a final fuck you to the school, I guess.
“Thatbitch!” She yells when I tell her. “He doesn’t even have someone graduating, does he?”
“I don’t think so.” I lean against the wall next to her, keeping my eyes off the annex. “Did I tell you I caught them making out by the swimming annex a while back?” She gasps, turning toward me and smacking my bicep.
“You did not! Motherfucker. Okay, was it like kissing ormaking out?” She wiggles her brows and does the hand to mouth motion for a blow job.
“As in I thought Drew was going to eat him whole, and Benjamin wouldn’t stop whining and whimpering like he’s just nowfinding out what an orgasm is. I left before I could see clothes being removed.” Amber's staring at me in what I believe is a healthy mixture of anger, shock, and sympathy.
“I’m sorry, A.” I shrug. “So, he lied right? They’re totally dating.”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “I think it’s pretty obvious now.” She pulls me into a hug, and I breathe in her vanilla perfume. “Thanks for listening. Petty drama, I know.”
“Boy, I don’t care abou—oh no. Don’t turn around. Cutie Bear approaching.” She tries to hold my head forward, but I get loose, turning around and spotting my parents, Felix, and Benjamin. When they see us, the boys break off, sending the parents in for seats and then heading toward us.
Felix is wearing his khakis and a gray polo, like any self-respecting teenage boy who likes to dress like a frat guy. Benjamin has on blush blue shorts that stop right above his knees, a gold belt that has a dainty chain to dangle down to mid-thigh. He’s got on a plain white crewneck shirt tucked into the belt, and his shoes are casual sneakers. He looks pretty. Even his hair is neatly arranged today, falling around him in its halo.
“Bub! Are you ready?” Felix asks, jumping into my arms. Benjamin gives Amber a hug.
“Not really.” I say with a nervous laugh.
“You’ll be fine. Once you're in front of people you don’t know how to not act like a conceited—stop pinching!” Amber lets go of his ear.
“No bullying Aaron on grad day—you know how sensitive he is.”
“Okay,thatwas bullying and you know it.” She smirks, shrugging her shoulders.
“Seriously though, you’ll be fine.” Felix is smiling up at me, so sweet and pure.
“I wish I could put you in my pocket and take you with me, Fe.” I tell him, grinning. His eyes tear up, his bottom lip trembling.
“Really?”
“Oh no,” Benjamin says, giving me wide, terrified eyes. “It’s started.” Felix drops his head onto Benjamin's shoulder and he yelps. “No! Fe, the shirt! The shirt!” Felix lifts his head, staring down at the wet patch staining the white cotton.
“Oops.” He winces at Benjamin's glare. “Bub, I love you, but I love myself more. I’m running. Bye!” Felix takes off, leaving Benjamin to glare after him.
“That jerk.” He mutters and turns back to me and Amber. “Anyways, congrats guys.”
“Thanks, Cutie.” She looks at me, then back to Benjamin. “I need to find my mom. Bye!” And she’s gone—that clever siren. Benjamin looks up at me, hesitant and nervous.
Then I notice a certain figure is missing.
“Where’s Drew?” I ask.
“Oh,” he starts, scratching the back of his neck. “He doesn’t have a relative graduating or anything and it’s no secret you guys aren’t best friends, so I told him to just wait for the party or something.” My heart warms. Benjamin uninvited Drew for my comfort. He’s such a good boy.
“Does he know?” I keep my tone calm and curious. “About us, I mean.” Benjamin stares up at me, trying to find a motive most likely. When he can’t find one, he says,
“Yes. He’s the only one who does.” Well, I am no longer warm. My day is either about to get much better, or much, much worse.
“Why does he get to know, and no one else?” Benjamin takes a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment, like he's preparing himself. He looks around, sees the families walking past, and grabs my hand.
He pulls me to the bleachers around a building nearby, but all I can focus on is the warmth of his skin. When he pulls his hand away, I realize we’re alone.
