The Blueprint (Rules of Possession #1)

by S.E. Harmon

As I stared out the passenger-side window, barely seeing the passing landscape, I reminded myself to drop a line to my old physics professor and tell her about my recent foray into time dilation. Her students didn’t need to pore over tiny printed text or complete elaborate lab reports. Fifteen minutes in a car with an ex was a remarkably effective teaching tool.

I was as delusional and optimistic as any Disney princess.

“Are you sure you’re gay? I have a couple girlfriends who would just love to go out with you.” Survey says, ding, I like dick.

Then he whacked me on the shoulder in camaraderie—football speak for “sorry I nearly broke your everything.”

It was no wonder guys had such an aversion to acknowledging a different sexual orientation. We were indoctrinated from childhood. Be manly and tough and aggressive, and above all, don’t be a fag.

Closets are for clothes and shoes, Blue. I’m not interested in making room for me.”

I could feel the jumping, butterflylike flutter of my pulse under my skin. Such a thin barrier prevented my life force from spilling on the floor. It was all so delicate—life, that is. Fleeting.