Max looked Evan in the eye.

It was obvious that he was angry-his hair seemed to take on a whole new shade of red when he was in a bad mood. His eyes were tearing up, fists clenched in rage. A fling? Is that what you think of this, of us-nothing but one fucking FLING! Evan had regretted the words as soon as hed said them. Max come on-you mustve known that this was going nowhere fast. Everythings against us, and we really cant keep this a secret anymore. So what? Just because Im a guy you thought you could treat me like a little bitch, huh? Is that it? Max listen to me okay, Evan said, trying to calm him down. Ill always be thankful for you-you helped me through a pretty crap time when I was confused and lost. I should have never started a relationship with you, I see that now. Why? Max challenged, moving closer to Evan. They were looking at each other-two boys who were in too deep, boys who had become more than friends. Because we crossed the line, we both did. What weve been these past few months, its not acceptable Not acceptable to whom, Evan? Your promiscuous little friends who are so hormone-crazed they cant think straight anymore? Or to your family? To who Evan! To everyone Max-EVERYONE! Evan lost his patience. Take a look around you-have you seen the country we live in? Every time someone even says the word gay, theres some huge gwan that erupts. Now imagine if people find out about you and I-everythings that weve done these past few months. Everyone will look at us different. EVERYONE! Theyll all think that were Disgusting? Max interrupted. Yes. Disgusting. Evan said. Max turned away in frustration and anger, oddly still for several seconds. Evan walked up and put a hand on Maxs shoulder. Max. Im sorry. He said gently. When he turned around, Max had tears streaming down his eyes. Disgusting? Disgusting? We are the disgusting ones? We are the ones who are going to burn in hell? We are the only guilty, sinful people in Zimbabwe? What about the boy who kills someone for a car or money? What about the parent who traumatises their child for life by abusing them? What about my mother, whos never even told me she loves me-shes never said anything

good to me. What about the man who gets it on with another woman and infects his innocent wife with AIDS? Huh? What about them? Are they disgusting? Max said quietly. Evan didnt know what to say. No- theyre not disgusting. Theyre the good, morally sound people who everyone loves. But you and I-were doomed. Were filthy. Were dogs and pigs. Well you know what, Evan? I am tired of being called a dog. I am tired of being called a pig. I am tired of all those self-righteous hypocrites pointing at me and calling me disgusting! Max moved away again and stepped into the open air. The tears were streaming down his cheeks now. I had no idea that it affected you this much. Im sorry Max. Really. Max turned to Evan. Do you think Im disgusting? Max asked. Evan was caught off guard. What? You and I-do you think Im disgusting? Evan was silent. He had honestly never thought about it before. No. he said finally. Youre not disgusting. Youre one of the most amazing people Ive ever met Max, I mean it. Youre smart, youre outgoing-not to mention the fact that you are downright sexy. Max smiled at that. Youre also brave. Evan continued, moving closer. Youre brave, youre strong, youve got so much courage. Thats what attracted me to you-not the money or the looks, not even the whole gossip gwans. Your courage. II love you, Max. They were a hair width apart. Evan could feel Maxs breath on his face. Max slowly leaned in. Dont lead him on, Evan said to himself. Dont break his heart. Dont do it. But he couldnt. He let Max kiss him, let Maxs tongue slowly move in his mouth. He hated every moment of it. When they broke apart, Evan continued. I love you Max. But not the way you want me to love you." Damn. The look on Max's face said it all. He was heartbroken. "I'm sorry Max, I really am, I just can't lead you on anymore." Without another word, Evan picked up his jacket off the floor and walked out of Max's room.

"Goodbye ma'am." Evan said, peeking into the dining room where Max's mother was sitting. He didn't bother to pause for her to say goodbye back. He

just got into his car, and drove off. Even as the gate opened, Evan could feel Max's eyes on him.

"What the hell's up with you, man?" Andile asked. "Huh?" Evan looked away from the school yard. He had been looking for Max. "I said, what the hell's up with you? You've been acting weird all day-well, weirder." E van rolled his eyes. "Nothing, Dile. Just a lot on my mind, that's all." Where the hell was Max! He wasn't in his usual spot by the supporters stands, not at the tuckshop, and not in the classroom. Evan was worried. Maybe Max was taking the break-up

much harder than Evan had thought. "Hey Cole, you seen Max today?" Evan asked Cole as he was walking by. Cole shook his head. "Probably not at school." Evan was worried now. Max never missed school, even when he was sick. Something was wrong. "Anyways, as I was saying," Simba continued, "Let's go out this weekend." "Why?" Evan asked. For once, he was not in the mood to party. "Why? You ask why? Well, I ask why not? We're still only in first term, where we can actually afford to go out without our parents biting our heads off.