***Milo's POV***

I get home and head straight to my room. I have a ton of homework and I ran late because I stopped by Mr. Connor's class after school. He gave me the audio files for our Literature class. I immediately sit down and begin listening to the lesson. I smile as I read along with the sentences in the book. Mr. Connor is awesome.

My phone alerts me of a text, so I pull it out of my hoodie pocket and slide the screen to unlock it with face recognition.

Batman: Hey Koala how was school? Did anything good happen? Are Steve and Marla causing much trouble?

Koala: My Literature teacher called me to read out loud to the class.

Batman: That must have been frustrating for you. I'm sorry Koala.

Koala: It was. But, after class I explained my dyslexia and he gave me the material in audio format. I miss you. 😘

Batman: 😘😘😘 I miss you too. That was really kind of him. Now answer my other question please.

Koala: Sigh. It's no worse than normal. They did make dinner last night.

Batman: Did you eat?

Koala: Um, no.

Batman: Why? 🤬

Koala: Because, they made Peanut Sauce Stir Fry. 🙄

Batman: Are they fucking serious?

Koala: I will eat at school it's not a big deal.

Batman: I'm going to steal you. I swear. 🤗

Koala: I love you.

Batman: I love you more. 😘😘😘

I finished the audio assignment and skimmed over the rest of my homework. I wish I was never held back in first grade. Life would be better if I was already a Senior. Unfortunately, I will be 19 before I graduate. An extra year of hell. Yay.

I walk slowly towards the kitchen and sit down at the bar with a glass of water.

I hear the door open and brace myself for the shit show that will surely ensue.

My mom walks in and slams her purse down on the counter making my water tip over. I jump to catch it but, the glass shatters and water is in a puddle at my mother's feet.

"Clumsy piece of shit." My mom spits towards me.

I could correct her and tell her she hit the glass, but that won't solve anything. I grab a towel and bend down to wipe up the mess when a sharp sting rips up my left hand. I look up to see my mom's stiletto digging into my hand.

"You are worthless. You are a nuisance and can't wait until you can move out." My mom yells as she twists her heel into my hand. I try to yank my hand free but, she just adds more weight to it.

"Me either Mom." I whisper.

She yanks me by my hair and drags my face to mere inches from her own.

"This weekend we are having guests. They will be using your room. Make yourself invisible." She grounds out.

"I can stay at Max's. I won't be a bother to you." I hopefully offer.

"That's perfect. Maybe they can teach you some fucking manners." My mom rolls her eyes as she releases me to hit the floor. I catch myself on the counter and clean the rest of the spilled water and broken glass.

I rush up stairs to share my wonderful news with Max.

Koala: I'm spending the weekend at a friend's. 😍

Batman: Thats awesome. How did you pull that off?

Koala: Mom said they are having guests this weekend and to make myself invisible.

Batman: Make sure to take your phone. I want a call every day. Do you understand?

Koala: I can't wait. Yes, I understand. This is my first time ever.

Batman: You deserve it Koala. You really do. Text me before bed. Please. 😘

Koala: I wouldn't miss it. 😘😘🤗🤗

Me: Max, will your parents let me stay the whole weekend?

MadMax: Of course.

Me: We can ride home together?

MadMax: Absolutely.

Me: Mom sorta kicked me out of the house for the weekend. Thank you so much!

MadMax: Your mom is a bitch. We will happily take you. I can't wait. See you in the morning. Good nite, Bean.

Me: Good night MadMax. 😁

Me: Nat, it's all set. All weekend at Max house!!!!

Nat: They said yes? 🤯

Me: Surprise to me too 😜

Nat: My parents won't mind. We can all ride home with Max brother I'm sure.

Me: Perfect. See you at school tomorrow. Goodnight beautiful. 🤗

Nat: 😊😊 Goodnight Bean. 😘

I spend a few more hours in my room before going down stairs to meet my parents at the table for dinner.

"We are having pizza. You aren't allergic right?" My Mom rolls her eyes.

"No ma'am. Thank you." I offer the words as a peace offering.

"Don't be a smart ass." Dad quips.

I sigh. It doesn't matter what I say. They hate me.

I sit on the porch and wait for the pizza delivery guy. When he shows up, I take the pizza and offer him a tip. He thanks me and I take the two large pizzas inside.

"You aren't going to show up all weekend right?" My dad confirms.

"No sir. Max will give me a ride home after school to his house. I will come home Sunday evening." I explain.

"Just come home Monday after school. No rush." Mom waves me off.

"Okay." I shrug.

"Eat up and go to bed. We are going out and don't want to worry about you roaming the house and breaking shit." Dad sneers.

I eat the rest of my pizza and head upstairs, snatching two pieces on a paper plate and a coke from the fridge. I plan on playing COD all night.

Batman: You up?

Koala: Yeah.

My phone rings and my brother's handsome face pops up in the caller ID it's a FaceTime call. I immediately answer.

"Hey Koala. What the fuck?" Neko gasps. He leans in closer to the phone like that will make whatever he is looking at clearer.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Your face. Your neck. Who did that? I will fucking murder them." Neko yells.

"Calm down. I'm okay." I shake my head to confirm he doesn't need to worry.

"Marla and Steve!" Neko yells.

"Shhh. Please don't mess this up. I'm okay. I just want to get through the week and go to Max' house." I plead with Neko.

"Okay, Koala. I promise." Neko soothes my frazzled nerves.

"You are still beautiful." Neko smiles widely at me.

I blush.

"You are the better looking of the two of us." I say as I shake my head. Neko is stupid.

"I beg to differ." Neko chuckles.

"You need glasses." I giggle.

"I need you, here with me." Neko whispers.

"Soon." I promise.

"Soon." Neko agrees.

"I'm going to bed. I love you Batman." I blow my brother kisses.

"I love you Koala. Sweet dreams." Neko blows me kisses and I reach into the air and grab them. I hold them to my face.

We turn off our phones and I fall back on my bed. Soon. I sigh.

<<<<<<<<<

The week slowly trudges by but, finally Friday comes. I pack my bag and walk to school. Mom and Dad didn't hit me anymore this week since I would be at someone else's house. I guess they don't want to tarnish their fake image.

I wait patiently with Max and Nat by my side. Max' brother Lux shows up in his Mustang. We hop in the back while Nat sits up front.

"Long time no see Bean." Lux chuckles.

"Thank you for the ride." I whisper.

"Still shy as ever." Lux smiles.

"Still confident as ever." I smirk back.

"There's my sassy Bean. How's Neko? I heard he was home last week." Lux asks.

"He's great. I had a great time with him. I miss him." I shrug.

"I know. He's a great brother. He fucking loves you Bean. Or, should I say Koala." Lux laughs.

"No, you can say Bean. Koala is his name." I stick my tongue out at Lux playfully.

"I'm sorry Bean. I know better." Lux apologizes.

"No harm. No foul." I shrug.

We make it to Max home shortly after Lux and I stop bantering. I ask Max' mom, Mrs. Julie, if I can impose until Monday. She agrees and we head upstairs to Max room.

"Mom's ordering out. What do we want?" Max offers.

"Whatever is fine." I shrug.

"No peanuts, no seafood. Right Bean." Max confirms.

"Yeah. Sorry for the hassle." I apologize. My allergies are annoying.

"No. It's all good. Mom doesn't mind and no one else does either." Max pats my shoulder.

"My parents act like I'm such an inconvenience." I shrug.

"Your parents are the spawn of Satan." Nat growls irritatedly.

"I'm not correcting you." I laugh.

We set up COD and start playing on the PS4. I am all in on killing the zombies when Max mom calls us down for dinner. We sit down and are gifted with a display of Mexican cuisine.

"Thank you Mrs. Julie." I say.

"Milo, dear you are the most well mannered child. Please teach Max your ways." I laugh and Max pouts.

"Do you have a girlfriend yet sweetie?" Mrs. Julie asks.

"Mom!" Max shouts.

"See no manners." Mrs. Julie huffs.

"No ma'am. I don't and don't want one." I state.

"Boyfriend?" Mrs. Julie asks and I blush red as a tomato.

"Mom, God! You're so embarrassing." Max whines.

"Do you want a boyfriend? You can tell me. I don't judge." Mrs. Julie wiggles her brows at me.

I giggle and Nat smiles largely. Max fist bumps me.

"Did Bean just bust out of the closet?" Max claps.

"Oh God. I'm sorry." I whimper.

My nerves fly sky high as I worry if Max will hate me.

"Bean. Come on! It's about to be 2020. I'm all for love who you love." Max waves his hands dramatically and Natalie nods her head yes.

"God I'm so glad you guys are okay with this. I have been hiding being gay forever." I breathe a sigh of relief.

"BEAN!" Lux voice shouts into the air.

"Don't tell Neko. Or my parents. Please. Please." I beg.

"Bean, you could fuck dogs and Neko would walk you down the aisle. And, I hate your parents." Lux messes up my hair.

"Lux." I whine.

"Lux Arthur Wallace! Give Milo a break. He just did something extremely courageous." Mrs. Julie scolds Lux.

"I can be your first kiss." Lux offers. He kisses my cheek.

"Max, Nat and Neko kiss me on the cheek all the time." I smirk.

"Is that a challenge?" Lux leans in closer. I smack his head out of my personal space.

"LUX!" Mrs. Julie yells.

Mr. Luke walks in and slaps Lux upside his head.

"You're an ass Lux." Mr. Luke laughs.

"What? I would love to steal Bean's sweet kisses." Lux laughs.

"Oh God." I groan as I cover my poor strawberry face.

"You are evil." Natalie laughs as she hugs me and yells at Lux.

"The offer stands." Lux winks at me. I giggle.

"God you're adorable." Lux grins.

"Lux has a crush on Bean." Mr. Luke laughs.

"That's not a secret." Max smirks.

I gape my mouth open. My fish impersonation is on point.

"Neko would kill you." Mrs. Julie winks at me.

"I will fight for my Bean." Lux shrugs.

"Kill me now." I groan out.

"Okay. Give poor Milo a break. He is under too much stress." Mrs. Julie slaps Lux. Lux blows me a kiss. I catch it and throw it over my shoulder. Lux holds his hand to his heart.

"You wound me Bean." Lux pouts like a puppy.

"Someone Euthanize him." Max laughs.

"I don't think Neko would walk me down the aisle towards that particular puppy." I point to Lux.

Lux spits out his water as everyone laughs.

"Fuck you're hot." Lux laughs.

"Get in line bro." I joke.

"Need a first aid kit?" Mr. Luke asks.

"You just got burned." Nat busts out laughing.

"You can dance at our wedding." Lux smirks.

"I can't even with you." I groan.

We laugh too hard at Lux fucking Wallace.