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Richie sobbed as he swung open his front door. His mother and father were at the work, so he had the place to himself. Richie sat on his bed as tears rolled down his reddened cheeks. He placed his glasses next to him as he tried with all his might to stop crying. Richie just couldn’t take the horrendous truth. He was just chased down by a moving lumberjack statue- it offered to kiss him! Not to mention what had happened at the arcade. Richie knew deep down that he was gay but hated the idea of it. It was a dirty and shameful thing and he wished that he weren’t the way he was. “What would mom and dad think about this- Am i crazy- Am i just confused-?” Richie’s thoughts drove through his head at 90 mph. Being a queer was one thing but hallucinations about moving statues?! He was insane! “What would the others think if they knew?” Richie placed his head into his hands and wiped the tears from his face.
About 15 minutes passed before Richie looked up at the clock on his bedside table. The black clock said the numbers 4:14 in a bold red color. “Shit!” He yelped. Richie’s mother is going to be home from her shift in barely a minute. Richie grabbed the glasses and set them on his face as he ran to the bathroom. He looked in the mirror to reveal his pink completion with tear stains running down his face. Richie grabbed a small tissue and tried to rub his face until it was bone dry, resulting in his eyes looking even puffier as well as his cheeks looked even redder. “Fuck me-“
Richie mumbled. Suddenly he heard the front door open and keys jangling as they were set down. “Richie- honey are you home?” The brunette middle aged woman yelled as she set her coat on the dining room chair. Richie didn’t know if he should answer or crawl out the window. Maggie walked down the hallway and approached the bathroom door. She jolted it open to see her son sniffling as he rubbed his red face. Richie quickly turned around so she couldn’t see him. “Hey mom- How was uh- Work?” Richie said without turning his head. “Richard. Turn around this instant.” Maggie said as she watched her 13 year old nervously turned his head ever so slightly. “I can’t- I erm-“
Richie was trying to think of an excuse as Maggie grabbed his shoulder and turned him around to face her, revealing a pinkish- red, tear stained face. “Richie what-“
Maggie said as her eyes bulged at the sight. She had never seen him like this. “I’m so sorry Mom.” Richie said. “What have you got to be sorry for darling what-“ Maggie looked and saw dirt on the back of his jeans and his pale blue Hawaiian shirt. “Did you crash your bike- what happened sweetie?” She kneeled down to get a better look at the boys face. She tucked one of his loose black curls behind his ear. Richie felt his face get hot again and tears started welling in his eyes. “Mom i have to tell you something-“ Richie said as he tried to avoid eye contact with Maggie. “What?” Maggie said in her calming voice. “Please don’t be mad” Richie said as looked down at his feet. “Don’t tell her.” Richie’s conscious screamed at him. “I promise I won’t.” His mother said as she tilted his head so she can regain eye contact with him. “Mom i’m-“ Mom i’m-“ Richie stuttered as he tried to get the words out. “I’m gay mom.” Richie said quietly as he felt the tears slide down his face again. Maggie’s eyes widened and her jaw fell a bit. “Your- your what?” Maggie said in a hushed tone. “I’m so sorry-“ Richie said as he felt tears run down his face once again. Richie looked away from her as he saw a confused look on her face. “Richie look at me.” Maggie said firmly. Richie struggled to look her in the eye as turned to face her. “I’ll always love you sweetie- As long as you are happy and healthy then who cares if you gay or straight- Your my son Richie and you always will be.” Maggie said as she pressed a kiss to his temple. “But- it’s wrong- It’s a sin!!” Richie said abruptly. “Who told you that nonsense?” Maggie said as she cut him off. “The bible and- the church and well everyone!!” Richie said as he grew agitated. “The bible also says love thy neighbor- and I know I didn’t raise you to believe everything your told. People in this town don’t understand.” Maggie said as she pulled him into a hug.
“You’ll always be my boy Richie. Now come help me work the Tv- the damn things busted again.” Maggie groaned as she stood up and walked into the living room. Even though they were done with this conversation, it never left Richie’s head.