I was in my office when my dad called me.

  “How are you holding up?” I asked when I answered.

  “Great,” he said. “Nothing to worry about on my end.”

  I cocked an eyebrow. “Skye said there were reporters in the library and people have been pestering you all week.”

  “Oh…that.” He sighed into the phone. “It’s nothing I’m not used to. They stay out of the building so I don’t give a damn.”

  Dad always pretended everything was okay even when it wasn’t. “She said you wore a rainbow shirt.” I couldn’t picture my dad in anything but a suit when he was at the office.

  “The colors really bring out my eyes.”

  I chuckled but it was forced. All I felt was a heavy weight of emotion. “Thanks for being so supportive…I know this isn’t easy for you.”

  Dad was quiet for a while. “You’re my son.” That was all he said. The sentence seemed to describe everything he was saying.

  “I know…” I didn’t know what else to say. Most parents would turn their backs on their kid if they were in this situation. My father was criticized on a daily basis by strangers he would never meet. Their opinions were irrelevant to him, and he didn’t seem to lose any sleep over it. But just because he could endure it didn’t mean he deserved it.

  “Don’t worry about me. Those assholes don’t get under my skin. How are you doing?”

  “Fine,” I said. “The guys walked me home the other day.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes.

  “That was nice of them.”

  “And pointless.”

  “They’re just looking out for you. That’s what real friends do.”

  I leaned back in my chair and looked out my window.

  “No one has given you a hard time?”

  “No. Actually, they just ignore me.”

  “Well, I guess that’s not a bad thing,” he said with a chuckle.

  “It’s a lot quieter at the office, but that only allows me to get more work done.”

  “And Heath?” Dad asked.

  “He’s fine. No one has given him a hard time.”

  “Good. I guess I was worried over nothing.”

  The fact this was an issue at all was stupid. “It’ll blow over soon. How can people care about this for more than a week?”

  “How can people care about it at all?” he said with a laugh.

  “Beats me.”

  “You got plans after work?”

  “Not really.” I would probably just stay home with Heath and play video games. Our relationship was nice because it seemed like I’d fallen in love with my best friend. When we weren’t being physical, we did all the things I liked to do. We played games, played basketball, and drank beer. I could never do any of those things with a chick.

  “You want to get a bite at Mega Shake?”

  I laughed into the phone. “When would I ever turn down a burger and fries?”

  “Am I talking to Skye?” he teased.

  “Shut up.” I rolled my eyes.

  “You’ll meet me there?”

  “Sounds like a done deal.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you then.”

  “Bye, Dad.”

  “Bye, Ro.”

  ***

  I walked a few blocks over and headed to the diner. My hands were in the pockets of my slacks and I had my bag over my shoulders. My stomach rumbled because I hadn’t eaten much today. I just didn’t have a chance to take a lunch or sneak some food.

  I was almost to the diner when I saw a group of five guys outside. They all had large arms and strong bodies. If I weren’t in a committed relationship, my eyes would linger longer than necessary.

  They were talking loudly, laughing at something I missed. Some of them stumbled slightly as they stood in place, telling me they were drunk and just left a bar.

  When I came closer, their conversation suddenly stopped. All their stares were directed my way and I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable. They stared at me intently, like they were trying to recognize me.

  I did my best to ignore them and pretend they didn’t exist. I was almost to Mega Shake and I doubted they would follow me in there if they wanted to cause trouble.

  The one in the front wore a red hat and he stared at me with a look of irritation. “You know who that is?”

  Shit.

  “It’s that PIXEL faggot, right?” A guy next to him said.

  The insult wounded me and made my blood boil but I didn’t react. I wasn’t looking for trouble and I wouldn’t be enticed with empty words. It didn’t matter to me what they thought of me or my lifestyle. I didn’t lose any sleep over it. But I had to admit this situation wasn’t exactly safe. There were five of them and only one of me.

  “Hey, looking for cock?” the man in the red hat said.

  I kept walking. I could take one or two of them, but certainly not five.

  “I asked you a question.” He moved in my way. The distant look of alcohol was in his eyes, and it seemed like he wasn’t entirely sure what he was doing. It was like he was looking for a fight, anything to make his night more interesting.

  His friends moved in, starting to circle me.

  It was dark and the alleyway was directly next to us. No one else was on the sidewalk. It was just them and me.

  “I don’t have time for your questions,” I said coldly. “I have somewhere to be.”

  He moved directly in front of me, blocking my path.

  The other guys boxed me in.

  I tried to remain calm and kept a stoic face. If there were fear in my eyes, it would only give them more fuel. I stared at him blankly, like he was a nuisance I had the inconvenience of meeting.

  “You’re a little cock-sucking punk.” He pushed me in the chest.

  I moved back slightly but still didn’t react. “And you’re a pussy-licking cunt. We aren’t much different.”

  His eyes leapt in flames. “What did you just call me?”

  I spit in his face. “A cunt.”

  The saliva dripped down his cheeks and to his chin. He closed his eyes as he contained his anger. Then he opened them, the rage deep in his eyes. He breathed hard then wiped the spit away. “You’re going to rot in that dumpster in the alleyway.”

  “You think you’re a tough guy because you got your boys with you? If it were just me, you would tuck your tail between your legs and run off. We both know I’d slam your face in the pavement. You’re a coward—a fucking coward.”

  He narrowed his eyes and they continued to simmer. “Looks like this cock-sucker has a death wish.” He stepped closer to me, pressing his advantage.

  I didn’t move.

  He puckered his lips then aimed a wad of spit at my face.

  I knew he was going to do it so I stepped out of the way.

  The spit hit the guy directly behind me.

  “Shit.” He wiped his face. “What the hell, asshole? Aim next time.”

  I tried not to laugh. “Well, this was fun. I’ll see you girls later.” I walked out of their circle.

  He grabbed me from behind then dragged me toward the alleyway. “Come on, let’s put this one down.”

  I spun my wrist out of his grasp then punched him in the jaw.

  He stumbled back slightly as the blood started to ooze. Surprise was in his eyes.

  “Yes, I fight like a man. If you don’t want me to break your face, I suggest you let me walk away.”

  He grabbed his hat then flipped it backwards, making the bill face the opposite way. Then he rubbed his knuckles together. “Grab him.”

  My heart accelerated as I realized what was going to happen. I could pretend to be indifferent all I wanted, but the truth was there were five of them and only one of me.

  A guy came from my left then kicked my knees from under me.

  Fortunately, I saw his movement and jumped before he could trip me. Then I gave him a hard slug in the eye, making the blood immediately ooze. I wouldn’t go down without a fight. The entire situation wasn’t just about me. It was about everyone. No one should be threatened just because they were different. No one should feel scared like I was. I couldn’t let them win.

  A guy tackled me from the left and threw me hard on the pavement. The concrete was wet from gunk and dirt. My hands scraped against the concrete as I tried to get up.

  The guy with the red hat kicked me hard in the ribs. “Stupid faggot.”

  I groaned as I felt my ribs scream in pain.

  “Say it,” he said as he kicked me again. “Say you’re a faggot.”

  I gritted my teeth and took the hits. Then I rolled out of the direction of his foot and got to my feet.

  I was grabbed again and forced into the alleyway.

  “I say we gut him and let the rats eat him.” The guy grabbed my arms and forced them behind my back.

  “No. Let’s shove a knife up his ass and see how he likes it then,” another one said.

  Shit, this was bad.

  The guy in the red hat gave me an evil sneer. “I’m sure the tabloids would love to report that. I’m sure his piece of shit father would love the publicity.”

  Blood trickled from my mouth, and every time I tried to breathe it was painful. But I didn’t give into the discomfort. I didn’t show weakness. If this was how I was going to die, I wouldn’t go as a coward. “If you kill me, you’re as good as dead. I promise you, my father will come after you, and your parents will never see your dead bodies. Your grave will be empty.”

  One guy kicked me in the face. “Did you just threaten me, cock lover?”

  The guy in the red hat made a high-pitched voice. “Daddy is going to come and save you?” He leaned his head back and laughed dramatically. “You really are a faggot.” He kicked me in the ribs again.

  “Let. Him. Go.” The darkness in his voice projected a thick shadow in the alleyway. It fell on all of us, suffocating us. He only spoke three words, but they radiated so much threat that even I was scared. I couldn’t see him, but I could somehow feel him.

  The guy in the red hat narrowed his eyes on my father’s face. “Now the party is really getting started.”

  I tried to break free of my hold but my captor wouldn’t loosen his grasp.

  “I’ll ask you again.” Dad didn’t sound like himself—at all. He’d been angry with me a lot over the years, but he’d never spoken to me like that before. The ferocity and danger in his voice sent shivers down my spine. “Let him go and I’ll let you live.”

  Red Hat laughed then looked at his friends, pretending not to be scared. “Let’s just take them both out. It would definitely make the world a better place.”

  “I’ve warned you,” Dad said quietly. “And now your moment of mercy has passed.”

  “Ahh!” A guy behind me yelped in pain as my dad struck him. I couldn’t see anything because I was facing the opposite way.

  I jerked my body violently and managed to escape the hold I was in. He was clearly distracted, and that allowed me to slip away. Once I was on my feet, I went after the first guy I saw. I got him in a chokehold then slugged him hard in the stomach repeatedly, making him gasp louder each time. Then I kicked his knees from under him and slammed him into the ground. He was knocked out.

  When I looked up, Red Hat was coming my way. He had a violent look in his eyes, like he personally blamed me that all of this happened. He glanced at his friend then turned his rage on me. “You’ll pay for that, shithead.” He lunged at me.

  Dad was fighting three guys at once, and it didn’t seem like he needed any help. One had blood dripping down his face and he could hardly stand. Another was fighting with one arm like the other was broken.

  I didn’t have much time to watch because I had to focus on my own enemy. Red Hat charged me and threw me hard into the wall. I felt the air leave my lungs once I combined with the hard concrete. I was disoriented for a second before I kicked him back.

  He stumbled to the ground then fisted his pocket. He was probably calling the cops because he knew his skull was about to get snapped in half. I crouched with my arms raised, ready for another attack.

  But he didn’t pull out a phone. Instead, he pulled out a blade.

  Shit.

  I knew how to protect myself and box my way out of a situation, but I’d never been in a knife fight before.

  This was bad.

  He got to his feet and sliced at me. I stepped back just in time, my shirt getting ripped and a small trickle of blood forming across my skin. The cut was slight and his tip barely reached me but it was enough to make me bleed.

  He lunged at me again, and since I had nothing to stop the blow I had to dodge it. I stayed on my toes and kept moving, getting away from the knife just before it struck me.

  Somehow, he cornered me into the wall next to the dumpster. Both of my hands were raised because I’d rather stop the blade with my hand instead of let him stick it into my stomach. I was breathing so hard I couldn’t hear anything else. If I didn’t protect myself right I could die.

  “You look like a pig about to be slaughtered.” He swung at me.

  By a miracle, I managed to side-step it. But I knew I wouldn’t be so lucky a second time. There was nowhere for me to go, and I couldn’t turn my back on him and climb over the dumpster. I refused to be stabbed in the back because I was running away.

  Red Hat gave me a victorious grin before he struck me again.

  I knew this was it. I tried to catch the blade with my hands because I would rather lose a few fingers instead of my life.

  But the blade never landed.

  My father shoved Red Hat hard into the wall. Red Hat hit the concrete with such force that he was disoriented for a moment, his hand still gripping the blade. Dad moved in again and grabbed his wrist that held the knife and kept it back. He kicked him hard in the knee and forced Red Hat to collapse on the ground.

  He fell with a loud thud and gasped at the collision. The knife left his hand and lay beside him. His eyes were wide as melons just before they closed. His head fell slightly to the side and he lay still.

  Dad watched him for a second before he immediately rushed to me. The blood lust was no longer in his eyes, and the man I’d known since childhood came back to me. “Son, are you alright?”

  “I’m fine.” My arm was tight around my waist. “I think my ribs are broken.”

  Dad nodded, being calm. “The hospital can take care of that. You’re going to be alright.”

  “I know.” I breathed through the pain. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” he said immediately. “Now let’s go.” He extended his hand to help me up.

  I took a deep breath to power my muscles before my legs pushed me to a stand. I got dizzy just from the slight movement. When my eyes focused, the scene became visible.

  And then I saw him.

  Red Hat raised the blade high into the air then slammed it down into my father’s back. It happened so quickly, but it also played out in slow motion. The knife slowly inched closer toward my father’s skin, and I hardly a chance to react. “NOOO!!!” I pushed my dad to the side with all the strength I could muster. The adrenaline spiked in my body and gave me everything I needed.

  But I was too slow.

  Dad fell sideways onto the pavement, the knife inside him.

  I couldn’t breathe.

  This wasn’t happening.

  No.

  “Dad!” I rushed to him on the ground and grabbed his arms. “Dad!”

  Dad lay there and didn’t respond. His eyes were open but he didn’t speak.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  “Shit, let’s go. Now.” Red Hat grabbed his comrades and disappeared from the alley.

  I wanted vengeance but I couldn’t leave my father. I immediately pulled out my phone to call 9-1-1.

  Dad shook his head slightly then touched his watch. He hit the side button three times. He was hardly breathing. He looked weak. When I examined the knife in his lower back I saw all the blood ooze onto the dark pavement.

  “No…” My eyes immediately filled with tears and I started to panic. “Dad, it’s going to be okay. The ambulance is on the way.” I grabbed the handle and prepared to pull it out.

  “Leave it in.” His voice came out eerily calm. It almost couldn’t be heard.

  I turned back to him. “Dad, it’ll be alright.”

  He continued not to move or react. If he was scared, he didn’t show it.

  “Dad, just stay awake.” I pulled my shirt off and propped it under his neck so he would have a pillow. Then I grabbed his hand and placed my other on his arm. “You’re going to be fine.” My voice was shaking and I was on the verge of sobbing. I wanted him to be okay but I didn’t see how he could be. The knife was large and deep inside him. “I’m so sorry…” He was just trying to protect me and now…I couldn’t finish the sentence.

  “Roland, listen to me.” His voice came out quiet again, like he was trying to conserve his energy. “This isn’t your fault. I would have done it again—a thousand times. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  Tears dripped down my cheeks. “You’re going to be okay too…”

  His eyes met mine, strong and unwavering. “You need to do something for me.”

  “Anything.”

  “Listen to my words and don’t forget them.”

  “Okay…” I didn’t wipe my tears away because I was holding him. His grip on my hand was weak, almost non-existent.

  “I’m very proud of you, Roland. You’re the greatest son I could have ever asked for. I love you so much.”

  The tears blurred my vision because there was so much moisture. He was giving me his last words, saying goodbye. My chest hurt because I couldn’t get enough air. All the pain in my ribs disappeared because I was in shock. This couldn’t be real. It just couldn’t. “I love you too, Dad. But don’t talk like that…”

  “Tell Skye I love her. She’s an amazing woman and daughter. She carries my spirit because we’re the opposite sides of the same coin. Tell her that I will always live through her.”

  “Dad…”

  “And tell your mother…” He took a deep breath like he was in pain. “That my soul will wait for hers on the other side.”

  “Dad…”

  He closed his eyes.

  “Dad…” I shook his arm. “Dad, wake up.”

 

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