We're Working On It by Richard Norway

moving back a fraction of an inch, the Principal remarked, “Actually, our boys swim team made regional finals last season.”
    Getting out of his chair, Mr. Bettler asked Cory, “Do you swim?”
    Richard and Cory also got up from their chairs and started to follow the Principal to the door. Cory looked at the Principal as they walked. “I was on the team in Plymouth. I’d like to continue.”
    “I’m sure Cory will be fine here. We had some trouble last year with some of the boys. Turns out there were two gay boys on the team, and, well, the situation became just too disruptive. We’re somewhat particular now on making sure that the right kids are part of our team.”
    As they continued down the corridor in front of the administration office, Mr. Bettler turned his head to look at Cory.
    “I bet you’ll find a place here.” he remarked.
    Cory’s eyes became inflamed at what he had just heard back in the office. He said nothing, but turned his head away from the Principal and stared down the empty corridor.
     
    Richard’s car sped away from the school parking lot, and as they watched the evening city lights passing outside the window, Cory turned to Richard.
    “Thanks for the clothes. It was a lot of fun this afternoon shopping with you. And I’m also glad that you let me pick out the styles for myself.” Cory tried to be cheerful, but wasn’t.
    “Now, you’ll have something to wear to school on Wednesday.”
    They sat silent for a moment, Cory still stewing.
    “So, what’d you think of the school? I know it’s a little too far to walk, but the bus will pick you up about three houses down from our house.”
    “School buses are bad news, man. Can’t we move closer?”
    “Yeah, right!” Richard said with a tone of humor.
    Cory was silent for a moment and then continued, “I think I’ll be okay here. It’s a little small, but the school’s got everything that Plymouth had, so I’ll be okay. Except...”
    Cory paused and looked straight ahead, but then turned to look directly at Richard.
    “Did you hear what Mr. Bettler said about their swim team, or should I say, ‘his’ swim team?”
    Richard was staring straight ahead and did not speak right away. Then he turned and looked straight at Cory.
    “Cory. I wasn’t sure if you heard what he said or understood what he meant.”
    “Oh, I understood. He doesn’t want any queers on ‘his’ team.”
    “Cory. If you want to be on the team, you do it. It should have nothing to do with you being gay or straight, only if you can swim well.”
    “But...”
    “Just be yourself Cory. That’s all. Just be yourself. Don’t try to let anyone tell you what you should do, how you should act.”
    Cory turned to the side window, speaking softly almost to himself.
    “Alright, but it’s being who I am that always starts the trouble.”
    After a moment of silence in the car, Cory turned to Richard.
    “Do you think that things are going to change for me?” he asked.
    “What kinds of things are you talking about?”
    “Well, you, Dad and Mike are the only people who know I’m gay. I’m afraid that when other people find out, they won’t like me, they won’t let me be me.”
    “First off, how do you know you’re gay, Cory?”
    “I just do. I’ve known for almost three years, since I was 12. Well, I started thinking about it then. It took a couple of years for me to really figure it out, that I like boys better than girls.”
    Cory turned toward the side window again.
    “I could never talk to girls without feeling stupid.”
    “Many guys who are straight also feel that way, you know? Not everyone is a Casanova.”
    “No. No, I don’t mean it that way. I mean, guys are different.”
    “Of course they are.”
    “It’s more than that, Richard. It’s that goose bump feeling, you know?”
    “Yeah, I think I do now.”
    Richard was quiet for a moment, thinking about what he wanted to ask Cory next. He was unsure of himself and fumbled with his