once bitten, twice shy

               I couldn’t sleep. Thoughts of my own life usually caused me to fall into a few days of sleepless nights. However, this time I was kept awake by Daryl, and others who were in situations similar to his. How many children were unwanted by their family? I shifted to look at my ceiling. How is it that people always talk about being good people, but they don’t help those who needed help? It was five in the morning when I finally gave up on trying to sleep. I got out of bed, and decided to go for a run. I made sure I was ready to leave the safety of my room, and I tip toed outside. I left a note for Bobby on the kitchen table. He knew that I liked to take morning jogs, and just asked that I leave a note. I jogged for about an hour before returning home. Bobby and Daryl were already awake. “Howdy,” I said entering the room.

               “Good morning,” Daryl said.

               “How was your run Joe?” Bobby questioned.

               “It was pretty good. I think I might have solved world hunger while I was out there.” I said with a cheeky smile.

               “Smartass,” He said with affection. I smiled back.

               “So what would you like for breakfast Uncle Bobby?” I asked making my way to the refrigerator.

               “Since Daryl is the guest, how about he picks?” He said patting Daryl on the back before leaving the rom.

               “M’kay, what are you in the mood for Daryl?” I asked shifting stuff around.

               “Uh-um you don’t have to worry about me.” He said. I shook my head and looked at him.

               “Bobby is right, you are our guest, and the guest gets to pick breakfast.” I said with a smile. “We got pancakes, eggs, ham, bacon, pop-tarts,” I said making a list.

               “Um…pancakes and an egg?” He said unsure of his answer.

               “Do you like chocolate pancakes?” I asked raising my eyebrows.

               “I never had them.”

               “WHAT? Really? Oh my goodness! My special chocolate pancakes and an egg are comin’ your way sir!” I said. I put on the radio and Once bitten Twice Shy blasted. Luckily it had just started. I started to get everything ready, and started to sing. “Now it’s the middle of the night,” I said in my best rock voice. I started to dance around and make funny gestures to make Daryl laugh, or at the very least feel a little bit happier. He gave me a weird look at first, but when I my guitar solo he couldn’t help but join in.

               “My, my, my, I’m once bitten, twice shy, baby,” We sang as we did our own guitar solo. I did my best classic rock walk, which looked a lot like Mick Jagger. By the end of the song we were both laughing so hard Bobby came in to see what was so funny.

               “Sorry Bobby,” Daryl said in between laughs, “We were putting on a small concert.” Bobby gave a smile and shook his head.

               “Just make sure those pancakes are not on the ceiling again Joe.” He laughed. I gave him a small side smile and a shrug.

               “No promises,” I grinned. He helped me make the pancakes, and I could tell that his mood was a little bit better. When we finally made all the food, we all sat down and had a talkative breakfast. It was nice having Daryl there. It almost felt as if he was part of the family. He borrowed some of Bobby’s clothes to wear to school, and once we were ready we headed to the bus stop. I wanted to ask him why he didn’t just stay over at Bobby’s most of the time, but I decided not to ask.

               “So do you like Emilia?” He asked.

               “Well, I don’t really know her.” I said honestly. When it came to my sexuality I wasn’t exactly an open book. I identified with the bisexual orientation, but I knew that a lot of people still didn’t tolerate different orientations. Again I was trying to not make any waves.

               “She and Dean kinda had a think one time. They dated for like a week while Leo and she were broken up.” He said. I gave him a smile.

               “So what you are saying is that Deano still has the hots for Emilia?” I asked.

               “I am not sure. He denies it, but I think so. But that is not why I’m askin’. Leo beat Dean to a bloody pulp after they got back together. Leo is crazy.” He said.

               “Did he press charges?” I asked. Daryl shook his head.

               “He just stayed away from school for a few days. To get better and all that. Still, I think that the only reason that Emilia when back with Leo was because he threatened to kill Dean.” He said with a sigh.

               “Do you think that he’ll try and do something to me?” I asked. He gave me a little shrug.

               “I wouldn’t put it past him. He goes out of his way to make sure that no one remains friends with her. She doesn’t really have any female friends either.” He commented. I shook my head.

               “It must be tough for her. Well, I’m not going to let some guy stop me from being her friend. It seems as if she could use one.” I said. Daryl looked at me. “I know it isn’t really smart considering what you have told me, but I would feel like I was in hell if I was in her situation. Which is a shame, because life shouldn’t feel like freedom.”

               “I guess you are right. Still…be careful.” He said.

               “I’m not going to go sneaking around if that is what you are saying. Then he would have a reason to be upset,” I said. “Besides that would give her the wrong impression. Like maybe I’m ashamed to be her friend in public or something like that.” I said. My tone was not as cocky as it usually was. It had a hint of past experience. I had never done that to anyone, but I had it done to me on many accounts. Once I confided that I wanted to be a boy or that I was in fact a trans-male, a lot of people tried to only be associated with me in private. It made me feel like I was something to be ashamed of. I was not sure if Daryl had caught the change in tone, and thankfully Dean and the gang were already at the bus stop when we arrived.