Broken Hearts (LGBT+)

I arranged my tie, knowing by heart how to do it perfectly. I was interrupted by a knock on the door, soon followed by strong footsteps. “You look good, son. Mr and Mrs Noriega are going to be there in a few minutes. You know how important this meeting is for the company so don’t fuck it up.” He said in a warning tone which made me nod as an answer. I knew way too well that the reason for this meeting was extremely important and if things went as expected, my father would obtain the long-awaited promotion.

Satisfied with my answer he left the room, closing the door with a loud thud. I passed a hand through my short hair with a sigh; it was going to be an interminable night... Taking a deep breath I left my room and, knowing that the stairs were right away on my right, I made my way down the stairs. I knew this house perfectly and could walk around it with closed eyes without hurting myself, but it wasn’t like I had a choice. Then, I walked toward the front door where I knew my parents were waiting for our guests who were supposed to arrive at any minute now. My mother gently gripped my hand into hers and squeezed it lightly. I forced a smile into her direction; I could almost perceive the last warning look of my father when the doorbell rang. My father opened the door and greeted them cheerfully, and you could practically detect the cheerful smile in his voice.

“Hello, sir.” I said politely after my father had introduced me before doing the same with his wife. Once the presentations were done, we headed toward the dining room where the table was already set and you could smell the delicious food which only waited to be eaten. We all sat around the table and my mother served the food to everybody. The dinner was primarily spent by my father and Mr. Noriega speaking business which wasn’t really interesting.

“Henry, could you pass me the salt, please?” My father asked in a polite tone. My eyes widened slightly when my hand couldn’t find the salt at the place it was supposed to be. I moved my hand around, hoping to find it without any success. While I was looking desperately for the salt, my hand touched something cold which would have fallen if someone else wouldn’t have grabbed it.

“Here...” My mother whispered while putting the salt into my hands. I thanked her and handed it to my father while trying to ignore the feeling of the murderous glares I knew he was sending in my direction.

“Please, excuse my son; he can be such a burden.” He said in a strong voice, and I lowered my head in shame; he was right.

“No worries, Mr. Andrews, it’s understandable. I’m extremely impressed by what he can already achieve.” Mr. Noriega said in a reassuring voice.

“Thank you, sir. It wasn’t an easy task.” My father answered in a vain voice as if the things I could do were a miracle.

The conversation continued, and I tried to be as discrete as possible, not wanting to ruin this important dinner. However, something captured my attention as soon as the subject slightly changed and I listened to their conversation while finishing my plate. “I know this promotion represents something substantial and that I will have to devote more time at work but I like it. I’ve been thinking of hiring a maid to help at home while we’re both working and also to keep an eye on our son so I can assure you that he definitively won’t be a problem.” My father explained in a calm and firm voice, showing how determined he was.

“Great, that’s what I was hoping to hear. We will see each other tomorrow at work then.” Mr. Noriega said while getting up; you could clearly hear the chairs moving which meant the dinner was finally over. Thank god. I got up and followed everyone before saying goodbye.

As soon as they left, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath; I was feeling exhausted. “Do you realize that I almost didn’t obtain that promotion because of you?!” My father growled while gripping my arm roughly. I winced in pain but kept my mouth shut, he was right after all. His right hand suddenly hit my left cheek making me cry out in pain as a few tears fell on my cheeks.

“Jonathan! Stop, you received that promotion. Don’t hurt him. It wasn’t his fault that the salt wasn’t at its usual place!” My mother said in a panicked voice, trying to calm him down.

“I thought we raised him better than this.” My father said, and I could feel his glare on me.

“Sweetie, you should go into your room... It’s pretty late already.” My mother said gently. I nodded, silently thanking her before making my way upstairs.

As soon as I was into my room, I removed my suit and walked into the bathroom which was connected to my room. I removed my underwear, closing the door behind me and went under the water which instantly relaxed me. The dinner has been long and exhausting but I was glad I didn’t screw everything up.

Sighing, I stepped out of the shower and took the towel which was on the counter, as usual, and put it around my waist. I put a clean pair of underwear on, walked back into my room and directly went under the covers. I fell asleep as soon as my head touched the pillow and dreamt about how different my life could be if I wasn’t born like this or if I could run away...

I woke up when my alarm clock ran, making me groan. Getting up, I hastily put some clothes on and made my way downstairs, making sure not to trip onto anything while I was walking toward the kitchen. I opened the fridge and tried to find an apple by touching the fruits. Once I found one, I closed the fridge and went back into my room to begin the things I had to do. Being homeschooled wasn’t easy nor fun.

I ate my apple while taking the book I had to read. I opened it and put it on my desk, and I placed my finger on the braille letters continuing where I had previously stopped. A gentle knock on the door interrupted me. “Who is it?” I asked with a frown, turning my head toward the door.

“Hello, sir... I’m, mmhm, I’m the new maid...” A gentle but masculine voice said and you could easily hear how nervous he was.

“I don’t know what my father told you but no need to be so nervous. Why did you knock? Do you need something?” I asked, tilting my head slightly to the side.

“I have to keep an eye on you... I also have to clean your room now... I hope I’m not disturbing you or I could clean another room and come back later...” He said, and I could feel him staring at me which made me slightly uncomfortable.

“No, it’s alright... I’ve been reading for a while now, a little break would be awesome.” I replied with a small smile before adding quickly.“So, what’s your name?”

“I’m Ante, sir.” He said as he closed the door behind him. I could hear the sound of things moving which was most likely him cleaning my room.

“That’s an unusual name. I like it! I’m Henry but you could call me Nazar, if you want to!” I informed him with another small smile.

“Thank you, sir. Why do you want me to call you like that, if I-I may ask?” He asked while apparently continuing what he was doing from what I could hear.

“I’ve always thought Henry was a dull name. Nazar is my middle name, and I think it’s a cool name. Don’t you think so?” I asked, feeling happy to have someone to talk to.

“It is, sir; it’s a great name and it’s more mysterious than the other one... I, mmhm, I’m really sorry but I have to continue to clean the house; I don’t want to be fired on my first day, I really need the money...” He said in a gentle voice before adding.“Have a great day, sir.”

I frowned at that answer, not wanting the conversation to die so soon. “Will you be back tomorrow?” I asked, the frown still present on my face.

“Of course, sir. I’m the maid after all...” He replied before opening the door.

A smile made its way onto my face when I heard this sentence. Maybe my life was going to take a new turn, who knew... With this thought in mind, I turned back toward my book and resumed my reading...