Chapter Text
Dear Diary
July 6
Mother said I looked professional in my outfit. Father stared a quick glance to the side, but not a word was said. We showed up in front of the chapel and had a briefcase in hand with choir music, tipped the cabbie and hurried to the main entrance. We set our music stands up and put aside our sheets. There was a boy, his hair was curled but neat, he gave me a glance but it wasn't just “a look” it was different. He looked away, but I held on to the look a bit longer than what's holy. I started to perspire then collapse, I awoke on the floor as the other boy pointed and guffawed, even him. I had gotten up and dusted my clothes, he was still giggling but I didn't pay too much mind to it. We started warming up, we threw glaces, but they were caught by cold, stares of hatred, even by the crucified savior. After warm-ups I scampered up to him, clutching my black coat. I said hello in a sheepish tone, he said hello back, confidence brimming. He looked more confident than I could ever be, I too wish to be like that. Before I could get another word out, I was interrupted by the beginning of the song. The songs felt longer than they actually were, but in a sense I wish they could go on forever,The harmony.
July 21
Father hurt mother again, smashed a plate over her head and called her worthless. Nonetheless I was drawn a cabbie for choir, although my father said for the thousandth time that I am a silly little boy for not knowing the notes for the music and bruised my face, black and blue. I walk in the chapel to see… the boy? I went up to him and questioned why he’s here. He said “There was nothing else to do” so, I just went along with it knowing he could be doing more productive things. He said his name was Jack, what a nice, proper name. I repeated it, and said my name was Simon. He rolled his eyes as if he already knew and pretended he did. He started rambling about how boring life at home was. I listened but only a little, the choir came one by one, and as they came, the less I was acknowledged by Jack. But that's okay, I'm used to him, this is just how he is. In fact this is the 6th day he showed up early, every time we end up being alone together. That's when he puts down his facade.
August 15
Jack was ill, I was reading him Huckleberry Finn and at some point I started doing funny voices, he laughed so I kept doing it. He said he was getting chilly so I gave him blankets, he was having a hard time sleeping so I kept him company for as long as I could. I wish father would've let me stay longer, Jack was pale, almost too pale. I started to tear up at the silly thought, it was nothing but a cold, he’ll be fine. I know he will, I believe in my one true friend . Father had made me come home to decide who to go with. He asked boy or girl, I said I didn’t know, father grabbed mother by the hair and spewed “Even your own son doesn’t love you.” My mother glanced at me then walked away hastily.