LOVE AT MILITARY CAMP

I sat in the principal's office. When you're here, you know you've committed a grave sin-you just sit and wait to hear what you did.

But this time, it was different. I didn't even know why I was sitting alone in the office while my parents spoke with the principal outside. Well, I had a good guess. My sex tape was circulating around the school.

It felt unfair. I had seen sex tapes of straight students spread without the principal batting an eye. But because I was gay, I became a threat to the other students.

I didn't care much about my school, but my father scared me. He was openly homophobic and a strict man, a retired army officer.

His eyes alone showed how disappointed he was.

I wished this day would end. Slowly, tears began streaming down my face.

I looked down at my phone-Blocked was boldly written on my screen.

I couldn't believe Westley had secretly recorded me and shared it. Now, he had blocked me everywhere.

I was stupid to think I had finally found someone who understood me. I did everything to make him comfortable. I kept our relationship a secret-even though I wanted to go public-for his sake.

He made me lie every time we were caught together. He pretended not to know me at school.

He lied about loving me. I gave him my first everything.

And now? He had destroyed me, humiliated me, and disappeared.

"Allen."

My father's authoritative voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

My mom stood beside him. She looked disappointed but more... pitiful.

I stood up, lowering my head.

"We're leaving," my father said sternly and turned to leave immediately.

"Mom, I did it but... I didn't know he recorded it." My voice barely came out.

"Allen, it's alright. I know you were framed. I still love you, no matter what. You're still my sweet little pudding."

Being the last child and only boy my parents had together, I had always been my mother's pet. She knew all my little secrets.

I never told her outright that I was gay, but she had guessed it. She had known since I was seven.

My dad, though? He had been in the military for most of my life. We barely knew each other. And now, six months into his retirement, this was how he found out.

I had no idea what he might do.

I held my mother's hand as we walked out of the principal's office.

Students peeked through their classroom windows, whispering and laughing.

My anxiety kicked in, and I tightened my grip on my mother's hand.

"Hey, it's okay," she whispered.

I focused on my breathing, trying to block out the murmurs.

"Gay slut!" a girl yelled, laughing with her friends.

"Mom..." My voice shook as we exited the school building.

"Shh, don't cry," she hushed me.

We reached the parking lot. My dad stood by the car, making a call.

He still looked furious, but his voice was surprisingly calm.

"...I'd appreciate it if you put him on the recruitment list. That's the favor I'm asking," my dad said.

My stomach dropped. Was he talking about me?

Was he trying to force me into the military?

"Dad!" I barely got the word out, but I knew better than to interrupt him on a call.

"Thank you, Commander." He ended the call.

Silence filled the car until my mom finally spoke.

"Honey, you can't send Allen into the military. That's not his path."

"Shut up, woman!" My father's sudden outburst made me flinch. My mother looked wounded, staring at him as if seeing him for the first time.

"I've made my decision. Allen is going for military training next year. Be prepared before March. The military will bring out the man in you." His voice was calmer now, but the words stung even more.

My father knew his words hurt my mom but he was to proud to say sorry.

The ride home was quiet. My mom didn't say a word, but I could see the pain in her eyes.

I, on the other hand, let my tears fall freely.

But it wasn't just about the military.

It was the betrayal.

The fact that the only boy I had ever trusted had done this to me.

Was it a crime to love?

Was it a crime to be gay?

The next few days were hell.

My father kept lecturing me about how much of a sinner I was.

The internet and our entire community judged me.

I couldn't step outside without someone asking if I was the "gay slut from the viral video." Those who already knew me didn't bother asking-they just insulted me outright.

The number of churchgoers knocking on our door was greater than the pizza deliveries.

Parents made sure their kids didn't even look at me. My friends? Gone.

My mom spoke less and less. Some nights, I could hear her crying.

One evening, as I lay on her lap, she stroked my hair absentmindedly.

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

It was the end of the year, so she was home more often.

"I hate myself for being gay. I should change... for Dad's sake."

"Shhh," my mom hushed me gently.

"You should be whoever you want, not who your dad wants. You know how controlling he is-he doesn't care about other people's feelings. But I do. Whatever keeps a smile on your face puts one on mine."

I looked into her eyes, and for the first time, I felt an invisible thread connecting us.

I cleared my throat. "I know it was horrible for you and Dad to see that video go viral. I ruined your reputation. I never knew he was recording, Mom. I trusted him too much. I was stupid. I... I just want to make things right. Maybe I should go to the military. Maybe I can change."

I didn't realize my eyes were shut the whole time I spoke. But when I opened them, my mom was crying.

"It must hurt," she said softly. "Hearing those words, and all the bullying on social media..., I know you, darling. You never let people's words get to you. But this? This is different."

She wiped her tears, but more slipped out.

I sat up, resting my head on her shoulder.

"Joke's on them. I deleted all my social media," I scoffed.

We both chuckled weakly.

"You shouldn't be someone you're not," she whispered. "Not for your father. Not even for me, Allen."

After three months of hell, I had thought and thought.

Maybe if I became straight, the hate would die down.

Maybe my dad would finally look at me with affection.

"Mom, I've already decided. Not because of Dad. But I want to go to the military. I want to change."

I watched her swallow hard. She shifted uncomfortably.

But my mind was made up.

I'd become the straight man everyone wanted me to be.