Blossoming From Zero (boyxboy)

Chapter 32 - A Gale Of Painful Memories

Boy, this book is much longer than anticipated. I'm nearing the end though! I appreciate any comments, votes and shares. They help a lot. Thanks!---

We walked down the street in silence. I followed close behind Gale. He was looking off into the distance, like he was thinking about something.

"What was the favor you wanted?" He broke the silence. I gleamed at him, excited he might be interested. 

"I'm not saying I'll accept it though, so don't get all... that." He gestured to me. I frowned a bit.

"I was going to ask if you'd play a game of soccer with me for my final match with Zeal."

"What the hell does that have to do with this whole situation?" He asked like I was crazy.

"Well... Zeal's competition isn't as friendly as he's making it seem." As I spoke Gale narrowed his eyes at me. "He said if I were to win he'd leave me and Liam alone, but if I lost he'd have full control over me, and I assume he'd continue harassing Liam. I would've refused the challenge but he said He'd make our lives hell..."

"So this is really just about saving yourself then huh." He responded thinking he had figured out my intentions.

"No one knows what I've been going through. There's not much Zeal could do to make my life any worse." I say, slowing up. "I don't care what happens to me, as long as Liam is okay."

"If you're telling the truth, why go through all of this trouble for Liam?" He questioned. I thought for a second, then froze.

"I... I think I like him." I admitted shyly, though I don't know why.

"Fag." Gale chuckled. That single word made my frown deepen.

"I-I didn't choose to like him... It just happened." I defend. "I don't care if the feeling isn't mutual. I just want him to be happy."

"I suppose, that would be considered real love." Gale said, more serious this time. My heart skipped a beat. So what I've been feeling really was love? I was expecting more insults from him, so that came as a surprise.

"I can't say I'm any good at soccer." He changed the topic, shrugging.

"Well, it looks like we're here." Gale spoke in a simple sigh, cutting me off before I had a chance to speak. 

"Any thing in particular you want?" He asked, speaking about the ice cream.

"A-anything is fine." I responded, trying not to bother him. I'm usually indecisive when it comes to ice cream.

"I hate it when people give me that answer." He groaned before heading in the ice cream shop. I felt bad for not being able to decide on a flavor.

"Two cups, one peach, one blueberry." He quickly demanded, heading up to the counter.

"One moment." The girl behind the counter stated. Her arms moved back and forth grabbing and moving things, which were out of my vision. She placed two styrofoam cups, containing two plastic spoons at the top of the counter.

"That'll be seven dollars." She announced. Gale placed a ten dollar bill on the counter and grabbed the two cups.

"Keep the change." He said walking away, waving backwards with a cup in his hand. That was nice of him... Unless he was trying to be a show off. It made her happy though, so either way it counts. When he exited the store he handed me a cup. It looked to be the blueberry flavor. We made our way to a near by park in silence. While it filled the air my mind wandered. Why did Gale hate me? Is it cause I'm gay, ugly, or annoying, or all of those?