"Suit up, Serpents!"

Same, old, boring announcements.

Same, old, boring Tuesday.

Same, old, boring life.

"This Friday, show your school spirit by dressing up for our pride game!"

I perked up at that announcement. Gay? Gay? I'm gay.

God, I sound like a dog when they see other dogs.

"Will the football team please report to Couch Rivera's office today after school to get pride jerseys. Remember to come out and show support for people, whatever team they play for!"

I cringed at that corny joke. I swear I could hear Mr. Smith winking.

After school, I headed down to Dad's office with Alan. He hadn't mentioned anything about a pride game. What even was it?

"Come on in, boys," Dad said as we entered the office. The rest of the team was already there, including Jack.

"Jack here had a brilliant idea for the team," Dad continued. "He came up to me after practice the other day and said he was getting 'gay vibes' from a member of our team. Although he wouldn't reveal who, I just wanted to make it clear that whoever it is is fully supported."

I could've fainted right then and there. I shot Jack a look with daggers but he was talking to Shawn. I glanced back down at my shoes and held my gaze there.

"So, for this game, you guys will be receiving special jerseys." Dad pulled a box from under his desk and pulled out jerseys with a bunch of the sexualities' colors.

"When I call your name, come get your jersey. Jansen- here." Dad threw a pride jersey at Jack. It was- the lesbian pride flag?

Jack jumped up and down with glee and quickly put it on. He spun around for the team to admire. Wait- is that MY jersey number?

Dad continued down the list. Bisexual, asexual, pansexual, transgender- all were given out- until at last, only one remained. He pulled out the last jersey. Rainbow.

"Ollie- here ya go." I went to Dad's desk and took the jersey from him. I pulled it over my head and looked down. It made me feel- confident?

"Well, that's all the jerseys. You guys can head home."

I don't know what made me do it. Whether it was Jack's gaydar, or the jersey, I called out to the team.

"Wait!"

Dad turned to me.

"What is it, Champ?"

I started sweating. My palms were shaking. Was I really going to do this?

I caught Jack's eye. He seemed to know exactly what I was about to do and gave me a nod of encouragement. I smiled meekly at him and swallowed, turning back to the team.

"I- um-" I cleared my throat. And went for it. "I'm gay."