The End Zone

by L.J. Shen

It’s not a phase. It’s here to stay. I’m in love with my best friend. With the girl who ran in the rain for me. With the girl who did my homework all the way through elementary and high school so I could concentrate on my football, and gave me pointers and summaries when we walked to school together every day. With the girl who believed in me before even I believed in myself. And showed up at my games every weekend, her textbooks on her lap, doing homework in-between cheering for me. I’m in love with my roommate. With the girl who cuts my hair and knows my favorite color is black and my favorite food is Cajun fried catfish. With the proud owner of the sweetest pussy in Louisiana. I’m in love with Jolie Louis. And I’m going to conquer her. Consequences be damned.

It occurred to me that I would never be able to be happy for you if you married someone else. It occurred to me that I can’t even think of being with anyone but you, and when I do have a child, I want it to be with you. I love you, JoJo. But you already know that. I’m also in love with you. Crazy about you. Can’t live without you.”

“I’ve always loved you. From that day in the meadow, when the rain knocked so hard on our bodies I thought we were going to go back home with bruises on our skin. I loved you ever since, and I never stopped loving you. Even when I tried really hard. Even when I dated other men.”

“I love you, Jolie Louis. The kind of love that burns through the skin.”

“I love you.” It’s my turn to say. “Every part of you. The broken boy. The strong man. The lighthearted jock and the heavyhearted kid. Every piece of you is loved and cherished, Sage Poirier. Always remember that.”