When Tori and I walked in, Jane and Julio sat on the living room couch as if they were waiting for us. My dad had a worried expression while my mom sat there, looking at me.

I didn't know what to do, so I stood there and looked back at them.

"Tori, go to your room," Jane said after a few minutes of awkward silence. I began to feel uneasy. Why else would they be home early if it wasn't about what happened today?

They know.

"Charlie." Julio began; he motioned for me to sit on the couch. I shook my head no in response. I decided to stay standing. In case I had to escape the conversation.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Jane was tense and trying to keep her tone calm.

"D-Didn't tell you what?" I stammered, acting oblivious.
Jane drew a sharp breath and looked at Julio for help, not wanting to yell this early into the conversation.

"That you...t-that you are gay." Julio said softly.

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. I did not want to come out this way.

How is any of this fair?

I'm only 13; I shouldn't have to deal with this. Right?

"Yes, I'm gay." I decided to go with saying the obvious. "I wanted to tell you myself, but-"

"But we had to find out from your principal. How do you think that makes us feel?!" Jane interrupted, beginning to show she was angry.

"How do you think I feel!?" I squeaked; tears began to form in my eyes.

"I've been outted to the entire school. Everyone is mocking me just because I like boys. I was hoping to get comfort when I got home, but no. I get yelled at over something I can't control!" I shouted in frustration; I thought my parents would understand. 

Nobody does but Tori.

"Just," Julio rubbed his face. "why didn't you tell us?"

"I wanted to wait till I was older to be able to handle it. To be able to explain it better, in a mature way." I said with tears escaping.

"Oh, bub," Julio got up and hugged me close. I let out a sob that I'd been holding throughout this entire conversation.

My dad rubbed my back in a comforting way as I cried. I didn't even care that my mom was still on the couch trying to process the information.

At least they seem to be supportive enough not to disown me.

Once I calmed down, I wiped my eyes and turned to face my mom.

"Mom?" I asked, wanting to know if she approved or not.

"It will take me a while to comprehend all of this, but you are still my son, and I love you," Jane assured.

I smiled in relief and hugged her. I didn't want to think of what she meant by having to comprehend this.

She still loved me; it was good enough, I guess.

"Go upstairs and get some rest, bub. It must have been an exhausting day." Julio kissed my forehead.

I nodded and looked at my mom once more before walking upstairs. I didn't want to come out to them this way, but it was relieving that they knew now.

"Char." Tori stood at my door with a worried expression. I ran over to her and tackled her into a hug. I needed as much comfort as possible;

Tori pulled me close.

I sniffled, wiping away the rest of my tears, and hid in her shoulder. "It went better than I thought," I told her softly.

"Good." Tori nodded and smiled weakly. "Dad is right. You should get some rest." She said after a couple of minutes.

I nodded and walked into my bedroom, shutting the door. I collapsed onto my bed and let the tears fall again.

This was not how I wanted my 8th-grade year to go.

At all.