Free Embracing Emma (Companion to Brisé) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page A

runs with leave a lot to be desired. Those parents, too. He’s hurt about something and feels safe taking it out on you.”
    “I’m not his punching bag. I won’t stand for it.”
    “Is he abusive?”
    “No.”
    “Is this a common thing?”
    “No.”
    “Does he treat you with respect?”
    “Always.”
    “You aren’t his punching bag. You’re his safe haven, and you’ll be whatever you need to be as long as he loves you like he does. He was angry, and he unleashed on you because he knows you won’t leave. He has abandonment issues. I don’t agree with some of the whisperings I’ve heard about who he spends his time with, but does he ever act like them?”
    “No, he gives me some bull saying they play on the same team, and he’s not rocking the boat.”
    “He’s wiser than you think. I see your point, but sometimes we can’t make a difference in people if they don’t want to listen, and when you try they have a way of making you stoop to their level, which is what happened tonight, I suppose.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “William has a good heart, but none of this is easy. He’s torn between tolerance and ignorance. Sometimes ignorance wins. It’s the way of the world. Just because it wins at that moment doesn’t mean it always will. Those boys are stuck in ignorance, I hate the word tolerance, but maybe one day they will have some. You and William, like most humans, embrace people. This stems from his parents, doesn’t it?”
    “Mostly. I hate the names they use.”
    “He does too, honey, but he’s smart enough to know that it doesn’t matter at the end of the day. Nothing you say will change them and trying to just stirs up animosity.”
    “He tried to tell me that.”
    “And you pushed?”
    “Yes.” I’m embarrassed.
    “Honey, there are some lessons that come with age and experience. I bet he’s dealt with it a lot more than you realize, so this is where his experience trumps your indignation to do the right thing. In this situation, it’s not up to you or William to do the right thing because you aren’t in the wrong. In life you don’t agree with everyone, you don’t even have to like everyone, but you can’t change anyone.”
    I let her words sink in. “So in pushing him I ruined something important for him.”
    “No. I just said you couldn’t change someone. He chose to do what he did, sometimes you just have enough and you snap. He’s just punishing you because he’s hurt and that’s what we do for those we love. We soften the blow however we can.”
    “Thanks, Nana.”
    “You’re welcome. Now wash that glass so your parents don’t lock me up for corrupting their baby.”
    “Will you be here tomorrow?”
    “Yep, staying all weekend. That place gets lonely, I miss my family next door.”
    “Why didn’t you move in with us again?”
    “I’m wondering that myself.”
    “It’s never too late to change your mind.”
    “Quit taking my wisdom and using it against me.”
    “Whatever you say can and will be used against you.” I hug her as I’m going to bed.
    “Last time I heard those words it was a fun night.” She looks lost in thought.
    “Nana!” I admonish her.
    “Juvenile records are sealed honey. It’s okay.” She laughs at my shock as I walk away.

Chapter Ten
    William
     
     
    As I leave her house, I know it’s a mistake, but I can’t quit replaying the last hour in my head. My dream, my escape from reality was in my grasp, and in one moment of weakness, I let Brian get the best of me.
    “Your girl is a piece of work, QB. Is she as tight as the assholes you’re used to?” Brian’s taunts are getting worse. I ignored it, and it took all I had to keep walking. “No response, big guy? I saw your daddies here. Quite a show you gave us.” He’s getting closer to pushing every button I have. Instead I keep going, I need to shower and talk to Coach. “Your secret’s safe with me, William. They adopted you so you can be a faggot just like