Chapter Text
“We all have that one thing we’re ashamed of. A memory of one moment so embarrassing we don’t know if we’ll ever be able to forget it. Single moments when, not only do we betray everyone around us, but we betray ourselves too in the most terrible way.” Theo read his essay, he was in the national essay contest, in front of a microphone and looking at the audience, but he was not afraid, not anymore.
'Yes, we all have that moment. But the pain of remembering the embarrassment begins to fade eventually, with the help of a good friend. I’ll never forget that game for as long as I live. Liam was everywhere. Everyone noticed it. The determination to shut people up. To prove them wrong. What he was feeling spread throughout the team like a fever. People talked about it for months afterwards.’ Theo thought, remembering the game that changed his life. He remembered how happy he was watching the boy play, his best friend and eventually the love of his life.
After the game, Liam did not hide anymore what he was. Like Mr. Hale, the teacher he did not know was also on his side, they both had the courage to dare. Rugby players have apologized, including Brett. His parents did not punish him for everything that happened, because the principal told them everything he did. And the coach talked to the principal too, they decided to create a project that would encourage boys who did not want to play rugby, it seems he learned his lesson.
“Like I said. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get over the embarrassment and the shame of what I did. But in a way, some good did come out of it...” He was reading his essay and looked at Liam, who was smiling at him in the audience.
‘That year, everyone in school learned the same lesson. Not to speak in a borrowed voice. You know, one single year before... I’d have given everything I owned for that kick to be missed... But people change.’ Theo thought.
'You must be asking yourself. 'Is this the end of the story?' But no, this is the beginning of the story. Be ashamed, but do not be ashamed of who you are. Because despite the things you can do when you are scared, if you only have one person at your side, you will be able to face an entire rugby team. Well, now I have to live my life next to Liam, he is the one who will be by my side to face the necessary, but until you find that person, have courage, lads. Reveal to the people who you are. If you dare." He thought, smiling.