I sit in the principal's office, feeling nothing but anxiety. How are my parents going to react to finding out I'm gay from my principal?

How is that fair? First, I was outed and now someone else is going to tell my parents when I'm not ready, without my consent. Fuck, I should have just told them when the bullying first started.

Now everything is just all messed up.

Except for Tao and Tori. I would not be able to survive this without them. Tao is my safety net at school, and Tori makes me feel safe no matter what. I wish they were here with me now. But it's just me, my parents, and the principal.

I checked my phone when it dinged and smiled to myself, Tao had sent me a good luck text and Tori had sent me a meme to cheer me up.

I quickly put my phone away as Barnes cleared his throat, beginning to talk. "So from what I heard, Charlie here has been getting bullied for a while now...Is that right?" He asked, adjusting his large circle glasses that made him look like an old fat version of Harry Potter.

"...Yeah." I managed to say through nerves. "I don't understand why anyone would bully my son. He's done nothing wrong!" Julio interrupted the principal before he could continue.

Principal Barnes sighed deeply, "It has come to our attention that your son is a homosexual. People made complaints that they are uncomfortable now with your son." He explained.

I froze as both my parents went quiet and sat there in shock. I fiddled with my sleeves, taking a breath. This was not how I wanted this to go...

My mom had an unreadable expression, while my dad was giving the principal a death stare. I felt myself to go pale; terrified of their reactions.

"People are uncomfortable with my son because he's gay? That's homophobia, Mr.Barnes." Julio seethed, clenching his fists. Tears whelmed in my eyes as the only response Mr.Barnes had to give was a sigh. At least my parents didn't seem homophobic, or as if they don't want me anymore; they're more upset at the school which is a good sign.

I sat silently as my dad continued to argue with Barnes. I looked up in confusion as my mom suddenly walked over to me and pulled me into a hug. I was surprised but hugged back. I need as much comfort as I can get right now. She's hugging me which is a good sign that she supports me.

"I don't quite understand all of this whole...LGBT+ stuff but you're still my son. Your dad and I still love you no matter what." She kissed my head. I sunk into her arms and nodded.

I get that she doesn't get it, but she could always do more research about it. But at least they still supported me, that's all I needed for now.

"Well...we would've done something sooner but your son didn't tell anyone." Barnes sighed deeply in his defense.

"DON'T, you dare blame my son about this. He shouldn't have to tell anyone about the bullying. The school should be more aware. We are done with this conversation! We both had to leave work early for this bullshit! Come on Charlie, we're going home." Jane snarled and pulled me out of the school with my dad following behind.

I allowed myself to break down crying once we got to the car. My parents pulled me close into a hug. I didn't know I needed this until now.

"Come on bub, let's go home. You must be exhausted." Dad said quietly.

I nodded and got into the car, shakily wiping my eyes. I leaned against the car windowsill, closing my eyes as I took a deep breath. I was exhausted.

My arms ached as I fell asleep against them using them as a pillow. I probably should eat dinner tonight...I haven't in a couple days. But I'm starting to like this empty feeling.