[Billy doesn't know if he wants him. And right now, Teddy's not sure how to process this information. It sinks deep into the pit of his gut, churning there.
Teddy ruined things. And Billy doesn't want him.
Without Billy, there's nothing.
Without Billy, there's just a sea of faces. A boy who can be anything, everything, but at the cost of something unique. A year ago, he'd go to his Mom about something like this. They'd get a gallon of ice cream and two spoons. She'd break her diet and he'd share his secrets and they'd hug and cry. A year ago, he'd text Eli about it. They'd play video games and vent. Mom and Eli are both gone.
But he smiles, because he has to smile. Billy likes it better when he shrugs off bad news.]
I -- understand. If you want me to back off a little. I don't have to-- we don't.
[What does nineteen year old Teddy look like? Taller, probably. Maybe his jaw is squarer. Maybe that's what Billy likes now. Maybe he wants something else.
The shape of his nose shifts indecisively, then resets to its normal place.]
no subject
Teddy ruined things. And Billy doesn't want him.
Without Billy, there's nothing.
Without Billy, there's just a sea of faces. A boy who can be anything, everything, but at the cost of something unique. A year ago, he'd go to his Mom about something like this. They'd get a gallon of ice cream and two spoons. She'd break her diet and he'd share his secrets and they'd hug and cry. A year ago, he'd text Eli about it. They'd play video games and vent. Mom and Eli are both gone.
But he smiles, because he has to smile. Billy likes it better when he shrugs off bad news.]
I -- understand. If you want me to back off a little. I don't have to-- we don't.
[What does nineteen year old Teddy look like? Taller, probably. Maybe his jaw is squarer. Maybe that's what Billy likes now. Maybe he wants something else.
The shape of his nose shifts indecisively, then resets to its normal place.]