In 5 years

Adrian and Connor were quite a pair, and although they were never an official couple, everyone always perceived them as such. The only ones who knew about their relationship were our close-knit circle of friends. While being gay is not a crime, being in a relationship when one is meant to be in a union is illegal, and the punishment can be imprisonment. Adrian and Connor faced many challenges, but Connor had it particularly tough since he was already entered into a union. This situation completely broke them, but they managed to hold on through their difficulties.

“Oh, hey,” Adrian said as Connor sat beside him. Connor reached out and gave Adrian a playful nudge on the leg. Adrian leaned into Connor’s side, inhaling the familiar scent of Connor’s hair. It was comforting and perfectly him. It was 8:00 a.m. on a Tuesday in the homeroom at Clarendon State High School, a decade before any thought of being in a relationship crossed their minds. Those days felt like they would last forever, yet they were fleeting. They always enjoyed hanging out before class started, when no one else had arrived, relishing that sweet, uninterrupted time together.

“Where do you think we should live when we get out?” Adrian asked.

“When we get out?” Connor replied, surprised. “Haha, you make it sound like we’re locked away in here.”

“We are locked away in here,” Adrian countered.

“Well, we can always leave when we want. Nothing is stopping us, haha.”

“Nah, I really need to focus on getting into university. My parents are counting on me to get into a decent program,” Adrian said.

“Aren’t you such a goody two-shoes?” Connor teased.

“You jerk,” Adrian snickered.

“Alright, we’d better head to class.” The two exchanged a subtle kiss before heading off to class.

Adrian walked down the corridor when Gary, a bully from his year, made his usual snide remarks, muttering them under his breath. Adrian knew that Connor would have confronted Gary without hesitation. However, he chose to ignore the comments, understanding that some people cannot change unless they want to change themselves.

With a sense of determination swelling within him, Adrian strode confidently toward his classroom, seeking refuge in the vibrant world of art. He was eager to escape the weight of negativity that often lingered in the hallways. As he pushed open the heavy wooden door, a wave of sensory delight enveloped him. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of fresh oil paint, mingling with the earthy aroma of canvases stretched taut against their frames.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow that illuminated the myriad colours splashed across the walls. His heart raced with excitement as he entered his favourite class, eager to lose himself in the creative process and allow his imagination to run wild.

Adrian was pouring his heart and soul into a painting that beautifully captured the unwavering bond of love he shared with Connor. Each brushstroke served as a testament to their deep connection, presenting a vibrant portrayal of a relationship that flourished in trust and affection.

As Mrs. Flannery walked by, she paused to assess Adrian's painting. “Adrian,” she said, “you know this is not appropriate for the school, and it likely isn't suitable for most people today.” Adrian disagreed as he gazed at his work. “I can’t tell what it is,” Elsy from the back chimed in. Mrs. Flannery has a knack for embodying the charm of a bygone era, even though she wasn't raised in such a time.

It was almost amusing how she adhered to those traditional ways, making her seem like a character straight out of a classic story.

Adrian responded, “It's art, and I should be allowed to express myself this way. From what I can tell, no one can even see what it is anyway.” "I clearly understood what it was," and she shot Adrian a piercing glare that left no room for argument. The painting beautifully depicts a moment between two gay lovers, their affection radiating from the canvas. While their love story is perfectly legal, society often views such portrayals with a mixture of admiration and disapproval, especially given the current social climate.

Adrian paid no attention and continued with his work; after all, art is meant to provoke emotions, even if those emotions are not the intended kind.