>I strap in as Naser starts the car. Always likes to take us on little drives around the bluffs. Cool air and nice music to clear some frustration. God we need it today.
>He pulls from school almost silently as we go. I consider starting the conversation, asking him how his day was. I can't open my mouth to do so. A weight of guilt and pressure holds my jaw taught. I wonder if he's forgiven me yet for outing us to his parents.
>I look over his face. Flat and empty. No smile nor scowl. It's chilling. Almost determined. No need to break it. I'll just do as I always and enjoy the moment as we go.
>He takes us up to the usual route, round the highway and up near the park. I start to motion for the radio as we get to a gliding pace. I find my hand stopped.
>A side-eye is pointed at me. He's ready to speak. My hand slowly retreats to the armrest and he breathes in.
>"Anon." Serious and forward. We're doing this. I swallow.
>"Yeah?" I worriedly follow.
>"I forgive you for doing that. You're right, it need to be said sooner rather than later. Not like we could hide it forever." There's a calmness in him. It sets off something primal in my head. I push it away and smile.
>"I hope it works out." He chuckles dryly at my well-wishing.
>"They're kicking me out." I lock up.
>"No fag will live on their dollar. They made that very clear." He's gripping the wheel hard enough to start to wound it. I watch his knuckles whiten as they tighten. I listen in horror.
>"Perfect little boy all these years and all it took was one day. One admittance. One mark." He cackles again. It's rattling and chilling. It bears intention.
>"I-It'll work out, I promise." I start to reach for his arm. I can't force my hand to him.
>I notice a noise. The engine's pushing, hard. I glance forward to see us speeding through traffic. Speedometer is climbing. I start to panic.
>"Naser!" I finally grasp at his arm. He shirks me off. I get a scowled and furious glance.
cont.