CHAPTER 3

Ethan and I left the party at three AM and took the shortcut through the woods to get to my apartment building. Ethan had a little too much to drink and had to walk with his arm hooked into mine to keep himself upright as we walked. He mumbled a lot, but every now and then I could make out what he was blabbering about.

“That was a great party.” Ethan said.

“It was alright I guess.”

“Wow… look at that moon. It’s a full moon.”

I looked up at the night sky – it was a waning moon and far from being a full moon, but it still beautifully lit up the woods and the night sounds around us.

“I love you.” Ethan said, “You’re my best friend and you’re such a nice guy.”

“I love you too, Ethan.”

“I mean it. You always have my best interests at heart. I wish I could end up with a guy like you.”

“You’ll meet the right guy one day.”

“When? I’m tired of searching.”

“Welcome to my world.”

“What about you?” Ethan asked.

“What?”

“Would you date me?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer that. I’ve never really thought about it before, but sure I’d date Ethan if I ever got the chance. He was handsome, smart, funny and I’ve always felt comfortable around him. Why wouldn’t I want to date him? But then again, this could just be the ramblings of a drunk, so I decided to change the subject.

“What about that jock from the party?”

“Time waster.” Ethan said, “He’s straight and I think he just thought I was some kind of joke, you know? Fuck him. I think my costume was hot.”

“You looked pretty cute.”

Ethan stopped and turned to me; trying his best to stay stable on his feet as he stared into my eyes. There was a sparkle in his eyes I’ve never seen before and it made my heart skip a beat. I wasn’t quite sure what was happening, but I had butterflies in my stomach as he leaned in closer for what I hoped would be our first kiss.

“What do we have here?”

I spun around and to my shock it were the two football jocks from the party – drunk like skunks and ready to beat up some queers from the looks of it. They must’ve followed us when we left the party. I knew I couldn’t trust the blonde one from the second I saw him chatting to Ethan.

“Two queer boyfriends taking a romantic stroll.” The blonde one said.

“We don’t want any trouble.” I said.

“Hey, I remember you.” Ethan mumbled excitedly.

“Come on, Ethan.” I said, “Let’s go.”

I grabbed Ethan by the arm, but before we could hurry off, the blonde one stepped out in front of us with that devilish smile on his face again as he pushed me aside. I didn’t even see the other one come up behind me until it was too late.

“Where are you off to? The party’s just getting started.”

Something struck me against the back of my head and then everything went black.