The Sacrifices We Make by Sophie Bonaste

Author:Sophie Bonaste [Bonaste, Sophie]
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 12

“HAPPY Birthday, Adam.”

Adam turned at the sound of the quiet voice to see Leah Aderman standing behind him. She was in his class at school and was always very nice to everyone, if a bit shy.

“Thanks, Leah. Enjoying the party?”

“Very much. It was really nice of your mother to invite me.”

Adam didn’t mention to the slight, brown-haired girl that his mother had invited everyone, opting instead to just nod.

His mother had decided that, to honor her son on his eighteenth birthday, she would hold a large community party at their house. Adam had to admit his mother had done a very nice job with the party. The entire house was tastefully decorated with pastel streamers in blue, green, and yellow with balloons scattered around. Due to the fact that their church community was so large, the party extended outside. The majority of the food was outside, with snacks and drinks inside to maximize socialization. The yard had a scattering of long tables covered in blue tablecloths, surrounded by chairs. A few of the younger children were taking advantage of some games set outside by his sister, and the sound of their laughter extended into the dining room where Adam was.

“So… is today your birthday?”

“Yeah. It happened to fall on a Saturday this year.”

“That’s awesome. And it was so nice of your parents to throw you a party.”

“Yeah.”

An awkward silence fell between them. Adam supposed he should have been more into mingling, since it was his party, but he just wasn’t into it. Ever since he had come to the realization he was gay, Adam felt more and more disconnected from the people he had spent his whole life around. As nice as it was for his mother to throw him a party, this whole afternoon felt like torture, having to make small talk with everyone. Most of it ended like this, with neither person knowing what to say.

“I hope you have a good time at the party, Leah,” Adam said, needing to get out of the dining room.

“Thank you, Adam.” Leah seemed disappointed that he was leaving, but she didn’t try to stop him.

Adam quickly left the house, in case she changed her mind. He walked out to the back patio, squinting as the bright sun shone in his eyes. It was a beautiful day, the temperatures perfect for staying outside all day. The women and girls were all in their best sundresses, mostly in floral patterns. The men wore clothes similar to him: khaki pants with a colored polo shirt. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, as most were playing games, eating, or mingling. Everyone but him. It sounded weird, but all Adam wanted to do was leave and take a bus to the other side of town. This was a big day for him, and he wanted to spend it with the one person who meant more to him than anything in the world.

Adam sighed as his mother came toward him, knowing his wish was not to be.

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