The Life After--Part Seven--Jonathan

Living with Jonathan was like living with an angsty, sexually confused, and wild teenage boy--even though he was 26.

We had become very close housemates over the course of the following weeks after the "Shirtless Seven" incident, but not very good friends.

You see, a friend is someone you hang out with, go to the movies with, go to dinner with, play games with, be with, etc. A roommate is someone you simply live and interact with--and perhaps go shopping for food with.

Jonathan and I were the best of friends when we were in the house. But, if we stepped outside, we became like very distant relatives. It wasn't a bad thing, per se, but I wished we would have been able to better friends. But, I digress.

Since our "in-house" friendship was becoming closer each day, I kept on wanting to ask Jon if he was gay. I didn't know how to approach the situation. My GayDar was going off like a torpedo was about to blast through a submarine, but...Jon was the first "gay" guy who I had ever lived with. I was confused and worried. I was scared that if I asked, he would deny it and our relationship would be ruined. On the other hand, I was excited to finally have more interactions with gay people.

I had to do it. I just had to.

Later that week, I was with my friend Katrina at her house. We were sitting on her couch and casually talking about school. I was paying attention to what she was saying, but I was more intrigued about how Jon would respond to the text I just sent him:

"Jon, you are a really great roommate and a great friend. But, there is just something that I have to ask you, and that I have been wondering about you...are you gay?"

As I was checking my phone once again, Katrina closed it.

"Why do you keep checking your phone?"

I hesitated. "Oh, it's nothing."

Katrina smiled. "Andy: I know you. There's something up. What's going on?"

I didn't want to out Jon, but I didn't want to keep Katrina in the dark.

"I...I can't say," I said.

"Yes you can," she retorted.

Well, I thought, I guess I could just....change his name or something.

"There's this guy I know--"

She interrupted me. "Jon?"

I was shocked. "What? How did you...I mean...it doesn't matter who it is."

She laughed. "Just keep going."

"Anyway, there's this guy I know--who may or may not be Jon and it doesn't even matter either way--who I think may be...gay."

Katrina burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"He used to be my home teacher! I am so going to call him right now."

"No!" I shouted. I grabbed her phone from her.

"I don't think he's out...at all."

"Oh," she paused. "Well, that changes things."

"I'm asking him about it right now. I'm texting him."

My phone vibrated. This was it.

Katrina tried to take the phone.

"Nope," I said. "This is for me."

I opened the phone and read the text.

~End Part Seven