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Chapter has been edited.

Chapter 17

Crystaline's POV

We all watched in shock as Jasper chased after Gale. The family murmured in confusion, but I knew better. I saw what she did, and whatever was on that note must've been horrible. Seething, I stood and stomped into the kitchen, where my sister, Joss, was pouring herself a glass of water. She rolled her eyes and leaned against the counter as I glared at her.

"What is your problem?" I snapped and Joss huffed.

"My problem is that Aunt Stephanie is letting that fag prance around the house with Jasper wrapped around his finger. Come on, Crys, since when has Jasper ever been a faggot?"

"Does it really matter? He loves Gale, and that's all that's important. And stop calling them that."

"What, fags? Why? That's exactly what they are." Joss snapped. Her words stung because she knew that I was a lesbian, and yet she still hated homosexual couples with a passion. I bit lip and clenched my fists on the counter. She was so...so infuriating! Luckily, my brother, Alex, interfered.

"You guys, they're starting up the Wii while we wait for Jasper and Gale. Joss, Mom wants to talk to you. She's near the stairs." With that, Alex took my hand and led me into the living room. We sat down on the couch and I leaned into his shoulder.

"I hope they're okay." I whispered and all Alex could do was nod.

Jasper POV

It didn't take me long to find Gale, who had hidden himself in the backyard, sitting behind a stump where an old oak tree once stood. I sat next to him and held his hand, squeezing it gently. No response. We were quiet, but the silence was tense, heavy with unspoken words. I decided to be the first person to speak up.

"What happened?" He shook his head but didn't answer. I looked over at him, but he was staring at the night sky. Just barely, I could see the pain and distress on his face, but I didn't know what to do. I had no idea how to get rid of whatever he feared. So instead, I just grabbed his shoulders and pulled him into a warm hug. Immediately, his arms came around my waist and held tight.

"Tell me what's wrong, Gale." I whispered. "Tell me what's wrong and I'll make it better. Just let me help you." His eyes teared up and he shoved me away from him, standing up and glaring down at me.

Life doesn't work like that, Jasper! Life doesn't just fix itself because you want it to. You have to sit back and deal with it. Because no matter how hard you try, nothing will just work out. Nothing will just get better, and nothing you do will make it better. You can't help me, so stop trying and leave me alone.

His words hurt, but I knew he was only trying to push me away. Because that's what Gale does when he's afraid. He withdraws into himself and raises his guard so no one can reach him. When no one can reach him, no one can hurt him. Unfortunately, when he does that, no one can help him either. I stood and took a step towards him, but he put his hands to my chest and shoved me as hard as he could. I didn't go very far.

I don't want to come out. I can't anymore. I'm tired of this. I'm tired of everything! I wish I could just be me without people hating me for it. I wish people wouldn't hurt me, push me away, but then drag me back to them. I wish I wasn't so scared of what other's think of me, but I am! Because I don't have anything else to fall back onto.

"You have me." I said simply. "That has to count for something. Because no matter what people say or what people think of you, how I feel about you will never change. I love you, and I don't give a damn whether others like it or not.

"You're right. Life doesn't just fix itself because we want it to. You have to do something about it. I'm not forcing you to come out, but you've done it once and I know you can do it again. I know it's hard, I know it hurts, and I know you're scared, but sometimes you have to do things that are scary. Over and over again. And it's okay to be afraid and cry, but it's also okay to let people help you. To let others in. I love you, and I'll be here for you. But to do that, you have to let me."

Gale stared at me, wide eyed and teary, for a long time, as if he were searching my eyes for any betrayal or distrust. Then he flung himself into my arms. My arms came around him and I held him close to my heart. We stayed that way as I ran my hands, whispering into his ear, telling him how much I loved him. Finally, we pulled away from each other and he took my hand.

"Come on, my mom is worried about you." I said and led him back inside. He still hadn't told me what set him off, but knowing Gale, he'd tell me when he was ready. Gale followed behind me, shy and a little embarrassed, as the entire family looked to us, worried expressions on their faces. My mother completely freaked out when we came back inside.

"Oh my goodness, sweetheart, are you all right?!" She gushed, squishing him with a warm bear hug. Gale nodded and looked down at his feet.

I'm sorry if I interrupted your dinner.

"Nonsense. Come on, let's get you a slice of Apple pie. That always makes me feel better." Then, like best friends, Gale linked arms with my mother and marched into the kitchen, on a mission for sweets. I shook my head and stood next to my dad and Grandpa Curtis, who were watching Wheel Of Fortune.

"Is he alright?" My dad asked and I nodded. Grandpa Curtis chuckled heartily and pounded me on the back, nearly launching me from the couch. I winced and turned, ready to join Gale wherever he was, but my dad stopped me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked back at him, but he just nodded towards the stairs. I followed him upstairs until we were at the top of the stairs, away from the rest of the family. Once were out of earshot, my dad produced a crumbled and folded note from his back pocket. He unfolded it and held it up, wearily. I stood, frozen, not really sure what to say.

It was a missing child poster with Gale's picture in the middle. Below, it showed his physical description, age, and last location seen. It included tear out phone number slips so anyone passing by could contact his parents. Obviously, there were plenty more.

"Jasper, be honest with me. Where are his parents?" My dad asked, rubbing his forehead creases. If I wasn't freaking out inside, I'd laugh at how funny he looked being the responsible dad, when normally, he would let me get away with murder, if this wasn't serious. I stared, wide eyed at him, stuttering, before it all spilled out.

"Gale ran away from home because his parents are homophobic and came here and plays his violin for money, which is where I met him, and now he goes to my school, so we hung out and started dating and all our friends know but not the part about his parents but I take care of him and I want him to be happy so PLEASE don't tell him or Mom you know!" I gasped for breathe, face flushed while my dad stared at me like I was drunk.

"Uh..." He trailed off and shook his head. "I wish I hadn't asked. That's a big secret, Jasper."

"Please!" I cried, clamping my hands together. I even got down on my knees for effect. "Please, please, please, please, please-

"Jasper, alright! Jesus." My dad groaned. I stood and gave him a big (and totally manly) hug. My dad awkwardly patted my back and cleared his throat. He wasn't used to us having much of an affectionate bond. That was my mom's job. I finally let go and ran back downstairs. Gale was seated in the living room, watching my mom and Crystaline play Just Dance 4, a weird dance with dancing animal puppet things. I sat next to Gale, who leaned his head on my shoulder.

Hey, where we're you?

"Just talking with my dad." He nodded but didn't press further. He scooted closer and stared at the carpet, his hands slowly forming the words that stuck wit me for the rest of Thanksgiving break.

I...think I'm ready to come out.

***

I change my mind. I'm not ready to come out.

Gale had locked me out of my car in the school parking lot, seatbelt still fastened, refusing to leave. We came to school early so there wouldn't be so many people, and its a good thing we did. I had been sitting there for ten minutes, trying to persuade him to come out, and if we had come at the usual time, we would have been late to school. I groaned and leaned against the passenger door.

Thanksgiving break came and passed all too quick, but it was a blast. Crystaline, Gale, and I spent the break stuffing ourselves with leftovers, burning off the fat with Just Dance 4, and movie hopping for almost seven hours. Crystaline and I almost got grounded for trying to jump out of the very top of the oak tree in my backyard with only large sheets to lower us to safety, but since Gale actually succeeded without a scratch, we were let off with a warning. And bad scrapes. But hey, it worked for Gale, so you can't exactly punish success.

"Come on, Gale, we talked about this all break!" Shannon and Hayley pulled up next to us in her convertible, arguing. I couldn't hear what they were saying since the hood was rolled up, but it looked like Shannon was yelling at Hayley, who was on the verge of panicking. Sighing, I walked away from the car. I was hoping Shannon would talk to him, but she looked busy. The only other option was force.

"Alright Gale, you leave me no other choice." I called out and went around to the passenger seat. Gale watched me, astonished, as I slammed my fist against the window, thumped the backseat door three times, and popped open the front seat door. Before Gale could even blink, I grabbed him by the waist and tugged him out of the car. One of the perks of having an old beat up car is that it's weaknesses can also work to my advantage.

Gale squirmed and kicked, but wasn't set free until the car was locked. I put him down and he glared at me.

If you could do that, why didn't you do it earlier.

"Well, I was hoping you'd relent on your own." I leaned against my car and gave Gale a few minutes to panic. And panic he did. Gale paced and seethed and glared. I'm pretty sure he was cursing as well but finally he relaxed and burried his face in my jacket. I hugged him and cupped his cheeks.

"Are you okay?" I asked and he nodded nervously.

Okay... let's go.

"We'll be with you the entire time." I said and took his hand in mine. Hayley and Shannon looked like they had resolved whatever issue they'd had before and were waiting at the school entrance.

"Ready?" Hayley asked and I nodded while Gale just clutched my hand tighter. Hayley and Shannon flanked our sides and pushed the door open. It was like everyone just knew this was the day we'd come out because everyone in the hallway looked up and openly stared at us. Then, almost simultaneously, eyes shifted to the grip Gale had on my hand. He blushed and looked down at the ground, but I just shrugged and kept walking. Immediately, the chattering, gossiping, and questions started.

"Oh my God, he's gay!"

"That's disgusting."

"I think his boyfriend's cute!"

"It's about goddamn time."

Shannon laughed out loud at the last comment and soaked up the attention she was getting. Everyone was asking her questions about who Gale was, how long I'd been gay, and how long we'd been dating. Gale was beginning to relax since most of the school was either curious, indifferent, or fangirling. I stopped at my locker and Gale stayed close to me, leaning into my chest.

"See? Nothing bad will happened." I reassured and Gale smiled thoughtfully.

I didn't expect the school to be so open-minded.

"Excuse me?" A high pitched voice squeaked. A small group of freshman girls were practically vibrating with enthusiasm. The girl with the squeaky voice had bright pink hair and a hello kitty backpack.

"Yes?"

"We just wanted to tell you guys that you are so cute together!" She squealed and the other girls giggled. "My bestie is gay, so we totally support you!" Then they turned on their heels and walked away. Weird.

"So you finally came out." Danny was leaning against his locker, one down from mine. I mock glared at him punched him in the arm. He laughed and raised his hands in defense.

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. To be honest I didn't really know it was happening until it did, and I was still figuring some stuff out. I really am sorry." He apologized and I rolled my eyes.

"I forgave you a while ago." He smiled and then it grew brighter as he spotted something behind me. Or, I guess someone. Ashton approached him a little shyly, keeping a few feet distance between them.

"Hey." He said, staring down at his shoes. "So..."

"Jasper and Gale came out today." Danny said awkwardly, but that seemed to do the trick. Ashton looked shocked, then happy, his eyes lit up.

"Really?" He asked and we nodded. His smile soon became a devious smirk. "Well in that case..." He closed the distance between him and Danny and launched himself into Danny's arms. Danny fell back against the locker, startled, as Ashton pressed his lips to Danny's roughly. Everyone gasped and was silent as they waited for Danny, who had been frozen the entire time, to react. Finally, right when Ashton was going to pull back, dejected, Danny grabbed his waist and pulled him closer. I could tell our two coming outs were all anyone talked about for weeks.

"So, you really are a faggot." Damn. I was hoping that maybe she was absent or, I don't know, dead, but apparently that wasn't happening. I groaned and glanced over my shoulder, shifting in front of Gale so he was behind me. Reyna stood in front of us, hands on her hips, glaring. Her friends were watching her anxiously, for once not looking eager to back her up. Guess they weren't homophobes after all.

"Just leave us alone, Reyna." Danny muttered, but his attention was still, for the most part, on Ashton. They definitely weren't shy about their relationship, judging by the way they held each other intimately.

"And you! What the hell is wrong with you, Danny?" She almost screeched. "You're not a homo!" Hayley and Shannon took a step towards her, angered, but we're beaten to the punch by the group of giggly freshmen. The pink haired girl got into Reyna's face.

"Shut the f*ck up!" She squeaked, and her group cheered her on. "They love each other and not even homophobic skanks like you can change that. So walk away, bitch, or I'll kick your sorry ass!" Reyna stared at her in disbelief, and I'm pretty sure everyone else was, including me. For a tiny, pink haired freshman, she's got a lot of spunk. And a colorful vocabulary.

Reyna flipped her off and turned on her heels, a pretty decision wise decision from the look of things. Gale sighed in relief when she did. Everyone in the halls slowly begin to drift to class. The pink haired girl chartered with her friends before going to class as well. Funny thing is, she defended us so adamantly, and yet, we still didn't know her name.

"We're going to class, are you guys coming?" Shannon asked and I shook my head.

"I'm going to walk my BOYFRIEND," I exclaimed super loud and Gale rolled his eyes, "to class." 

Shannon nodded and went to class with Hayley. Danny threw an arm around Ashton's waist and kissed his cheek, listening and walking as Ashton spoke. I took Gale's hand in mine and swung it as I walked him to the sophomore classes. And he let me.

-

Totally not satisfied with this chapter, but it's been way to long since I've updated. I'm suffering from a horrible case of writer's block, so my chapters might be a little shaky. I'm trying to catch up on my one shots (since I owe someone a one shot and should've already finished it), but it just isn't coming to me. *Sigh* This is so depressing.

On a happier note, I'd like to formally dedicate this chapter to LuvInfection for remembering who Crystaline was. Your a superstar! I got your message, and when I get started on my one shots again, I'll definitely make you one :)

Next chapter will answer a lot of questions left unanswered, and of course, create more. I can't tell you everything! Luckily, I should answer some, oh, and introduce new characters and conflict.

Posi isn't anyone truly important now, but she'll be in another one of my stories coming up. Just wanted to introduce her now.

Posi (PO-ZEE) aka. Pink haired girl to the right----------------------->

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