Candi had just left the church, and she was walking home, when she saw Gabriel's friend, Billy, arguing with his girlfriend, Katie.
"But, why are you doing this?!" Katie cried.
"Look, it's just not working for me!" Billy replied.
"I thought you were in love with me! You said so yourself! Damn it! I can't believe you!"
"Well, I was wrong!"
"You lied to me!"
"Katie, it's not you! It's me!"
"Oh, that old 'It's not you; it's me' excuse!' You're such a jerk!"
"Don't make this any harder-"
"Oh, shut up, Billy!"
"Maybe we can still be friends!"
Katie ignored Billy, and walked away.
Billy followed. "Katie, wait!" He gently grabbed her arm.
"Let me go!" Katie shouted. "I don't wanna hear what you have to say! I've heard enough!"
"Just let me-"
"No! I get it! You never loved me! You led me to believe we actually had a future together! I'm sick of being lied to! Just leave me alone! I hate you!" And, Katie walked away.
Candi's heart sunk while watching the couple split. Billy turned around to see her a few feat away, and he sauntered toward her. "Did you hear the whole thing?" he asked.
Candi nodded sadly.
"I'm actually glad you did, because I need to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"
"I was trying to find a way to tell Katie, but I can't. I've never told anybody, but I know I can trust you. So, promise you won't tell anyone?"
"I promise."
"I thought I had feelings for Katie, but I don't. See, I don't like girls like that. I'm gay."
"You haven't told anyone this?"
"No."
"Not even your friends or family?"
"No. You're the first one to know."
"I'm flattered you trust me enough to tell me, but why haven't you told anyone else?"
"I'm too afraid. What if they won't accept me?"
"I accept you."
"I know you do, but... I don't know about everyone else." Billy sighed. "I just... I don't know what to do."
"Billy, I know it's frightening to tell your friends something like that, but you have to be honest with the ones you care about. It may take them a while to get used to knowing, but if they really care about you, they will accept you for you."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. I don't see anything wrong with being homosexual. That's just part of who you are. In fact, I have friends who are gay but I don't love them any less than I did before I knew."
"Well, I'm not ready for my friends to know yet."
"I understand."
"Please don't tell anyone."
"Your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks." Billy hugged Candi.
"Aww, you're welcome."
"I know I can trust you."
"Muinín."
Billy was confused. "What?"
"That's Gaelic for 'trust.'"
"Oh, cool. I can muinín you."
Candi giggled. "Yes."
"How do you say 'thank you' in Gaelic?"
"Go raibh maith agat."
"Oh, well, go raibh maith agat."
"Tá fáilte romhat. You're welcome."
Billy exhaled quickly. "Wow, you're good at Gaelic."
"Well, I am Irish."
"That explains it," Billy joked.
Candi laughed. "Do you want me to walk you home?"
"Yeah, I don't wanna go home by myself right now."
"It's alright. Come on."
Candi held Billy's hand, and she guided him through the dark night, until they reached his house.
"Thanks for walking me home, Candi," said Billy.
"Anytime, Billy. Do you want me-" Candy was interrupted by another cough.
"Are you okay?"
Candi kept coughing.
Billy was getting worried. "Should I call a doctor?"
Candi stopped coughing. "No, I'm okay."
"Maybe you're getting a cold. I mean, it's a little chilly out here."
"Maybe. I'll be alright. Do you want me to come in with you, for a little while?"
"No, I'll be okay after a while. I'll just watch TV."
"Okay, but if you need to talk, you can always call me, or come over."
"Thanks." Billy gave Candi another hug. "Oh, and I don't care if I catch your cold."
Candi chuckled. "You're so kind."
"You, too."
"Well, good night, and I hope things get better for you."
"I hope you feel better."
"Go raibh maith agat."
"Tá fáilte romhat," Billy replied. He watched Candi leave, and then, he closed his front door.
Candi headed back home safely.