All the doors and windows of Menul's house were closed . Is he not at home ? , I got worried .
As his home was very familiar to me, I got on to the balcony and knocked the window of his room.
" Menul , Menul ". I called in a low voice .
What would I do if he is not at home ? A new fear began to grow in my heart .
But to my relief the window was opened . A sleepy Menul rubbing his eyes appeared before me.
" Shane ! ".
He was astonished to see me there in this hour.
" come in . I fell asleep doing homework "
Smiling he let me in.
" My parents are not at home today. Grandma is in downstairs . Did you knock on the front door ? Probably she didn't here you ".
He was talking as if I am here for a casual chat and play video games like in any other day .
I was wearing a big baseball cap, so half of my face was hidden and bruises and black eye were not visible .
I removed my cap without saying anything , he gasped in shock.
" My God!! Shane . What happened ?"
Tears started to flow from my eyes.
He tried to embrace me. I flinched in pain when his hands touched my back.
Sensing something wrong he lifted my tshirt and looked at my bruised , swollen skin with belt marks.
" My God . Who did this to you ?? ". His eyes were filled with tears too.
I couldn't hide my loud sobs anymore seeing his genuine concern. At least one person in this world cares for me.
" Who did this to you Shane ? "
He asked again .
" My father ."
" What !!!" it was a voice of utter disbelief .
" But why? "
" He caught me watching a porn video ".
It was half the truth.
" But .. But.. Don't all the guys of our age do it ? You don't deserve to get beaten up like that "
I knew it's time to tell the truth . The whole truth about me.
But what will happen after that ?
Will he see it as something disgusting ? Will he abandon me like others ?
Whatever happens I decided I have to tell him now.
" Menul , I have to tell you something . Something serious "
" what is it Shane . ? You know you can tell me anything"
" Father caught me watching a porn video . It was not regular porn. Thats why he got so mad "
He looked alarmingly surprised .
" What do you mean by not regular porn?"
" It's about two boys doing it"
There . I said it.
My fingers were slightly trembling and my palms were sweating profusely .
Menul looked dumbfounded
" But why would you watch something like that? "
Then suddenly a realization drawn on his face.
" Oh,, Can it be because you are.... Well,,
He stammered ..
"Well, are you ......?? "
I nodded my head.
" Yes. Menul , I am. I like boys"
He was immersed in some thought ..
" For How long you have known it ? "
" Probably since I'm 14. "
" And no one knew it until your father found it out today ? "
" Well , I , I sort of told it to Vinura . Last december ."
He didn't say anything What was in his expression ? He looked visibly upset.
I felt suddenly panicked .
Is he too, going to outcast me ??
" Menul , please don't leave me. My father said I am dead to them. I don't have anyone in this world now ."
I was speaking through sobs
"You were my first love.. You are the only one left in the world for me.. "
I sounded so desperate .
With my words , it looked like He shook off whatever the thoughts in his mind..
"Hey, calm down. Don't worry . Why would I leave you ? "
" You looked upset ."
" Yes. It is because , you knew it for two years and didn't trust me enough to tell it. Am I not your best friend? "
He did not sound angry . Just hurt may be .
" Well, you are.. !! I'm sorry . I was afraid ."
He heaved a sigh.
" It's ok. Lets forget it. Let me apply some antiseptic cream on your back ."
He lifted my tshirt and gently applied some cream on the bruises .
" Menul , I ran away from my house. I can't go there again "
I stated.
" Hmm.. I kinda figured it " he said calmly .
It was always amazing how he can stay calm in situations like that.
" You can stay here tonight. But , What's next ? Your parents can easily find you here."
" I don't know .".
I was just clueless .
" Shall we call your uncle Devinda ? I feel he is someone that you can trust. "
" yes. Lets call him. ".
It was the only solution I could see.
He finished applying cream on my back.
He put down my tshirt , but I felt his fingers lingering a bit on my skin over the clothing .
" Mm.. Shane. , just now you said that I'm your first love. Is it true?? "
He asked shyly .
Oh.. I had indeed said that in a whim.
Words had been just blurted out in panic .
" yeah . I said that ". I agreed .
Yes, he was my first love. But after I got close to Vinura I realized that my true feelings are blossomed for him. Even though Vinura told me to stick to my first love , I couldn't do it. I couldn't betray to my true feelings.
I have to make things clear with him. As he finished applying cream on my back, I turned myself to face him.
" You know Shane , , I just watch regular porn. A guy and a girl. Or even two girls doing it"
He said with an akward laugh.
We both laughed for the first time in this evening .
" That means I'm straight ,right?".
" Most probably " I agreed .
And how funny , once Vinura said that he was sure my friend X has feelings for me and adviced me to stick to my first love .
Can you see it now " The-I-know-it-all-Vinura" , that my friend X is straight !! He likes girls .
" But don't ever think there's no one for you in this world. You are always very important to me.. "
His voice was gentle .
" And as you have feelings for me , I think I can give it a try." Menul said taking my hand.
" Wait , What ? "
Oh Menul , I said you WERE my first love. In past tense . God , how can I tell him now??
"Yeah, Even though I figured myself as straight , you know Shane , I always felt you are very special to me. When you got close with Vinura , remember I got really jelous?? . And of course I think you are really good looking . "
He said ..
I was wondering where he was trying to go...
" Don't worry , Shane I will never leave you . So as you already like me... , Please give me sometime. I will figure out my feelings for you . Probably I will learn how to love a boy..!! "
Oh.. The always kind and gentle darling Menul..
Once he didn't want to refuse a strange girl's love just because she worked hard with that 3000 sequins gift for him.
And now??
Are you trying to change your sexual preference for me?? No Menul , It doesn't work like that.
He made me speechless .
Then he did something all of a sudden.
Menul leaned towards me akwardly and placed a light kiss on my lips..
