The Hidden

NINE

Blake Holly

I arrived to the main library at five o clock on the dot, just as Cory said. I made my way inside, and there I saw him sitting in the study corner, reading a book. Up until this point, I had never seen him outside of his work clothes, and he actually looked really nice in his uniform. He styled it with a jean jacket and a pair of Nike dunks.

I walked over to him and I'm guessing he felt my presence because he looked up from his book and did the same smile he always did when he saw me.

"Blake"

"Cory"

I sat down next to him and plopped my bag on the ground.

"You okay?" He asked taking a closer look at me. I'm sure my fed up facial expression was plastered all over my face. The events from earlier had me in a not so 'social' mood.

"You know I was just joking when I said you had to come here in order to get the job, I was going to give it to you anyways. If you're not up to it we can hang out another day".

"Well, I'm here now, so that won't be necessary."

He nodded and sat back with his legs crossed.

"I've just been having a shitty day, but I don't want to talk about it" I confessed. He nodded again and stroked his chin.

"Also Cory I don't need any handouts, I can interview for the job like everyone else". Now that I look back on it, I definitely sounded kind of bitchy, but I couldn't help but blurt it out. A part of me still felt like Cory was trying to hit on me. I swear I wasn't trying sound conceited though.

"I just wanted to help you out Blake that's all I swear" He chuckled a bit.

"Well good because I meant what I said when I said I wasn't looking to date anyone"

"Blake-"

"I mean, seriously can't a girl just get a job without being sexualized."

"Blake I-"

"No Cory listen, you seem like an awesome person but can you just back off a little with the 'smileyness' and extra cookies?"

"Blake I'm gay"

"What?"

What?

He began laughing hysterically and my face instantly turned red. He's freaking gay and here I am thinking he was trying to hit on me. I guess I am a conceited bitch after all. -Wow. I feel so stupid and more than anything embarrassed.

"You gotta chill for real." He said continuing to laugh.

I couldn't help but bury my face in my hands.

"I'm such an idiot" I mumbled.

"I'm sorry Cory, this past week has been too much for me and I guess I just jumped to conclusions and also took my anger out on you... you probably think I'm a self-centered bitch and I don't even blame you"

I expected him to be upset but instead, he sat there smiling, I actually think he thought it was funny.

"You're good Blake trust me, I didn't expect you to know and I know how guys can be with girls so I get it."

"I still want free cookies though" I joked. We both started laughing and at this point, I was in a lighter mood.

"I haven't really came out yet, so if you could just- you know"

"My lips are sealed" I did a gesture as if I was locking my lips and throwing away the key.

"Yeah people around here aren't so accepting, considering this is a very conservative and traditional town." He said sucking air through his teeth.