*Texas's POV*

Me and Cali finish watching the movie, still wrapped in each other's arms... I could stay like this forever...

"Texy, is it ok if I skip dinner tonight?" California asked. I sigh.

"You skipped it last night," I say.

"Yeah It's just... I've been putting on weight...," California said.

"Cali, I don't want ya starvin yourself... Maybe we'll just have salad for dinner tonight ok?" I say. California nods. I make us salad, and Cali only gets a little bit.... it breaks my heart how little he eats. I just don't know how to help him...

"Tex? Is everything ok?" California asked.

"No, it's not," I say. California visibly tenses up.

"O-oh... what's wrong?" California asks. I sigh.

"Cali... I know you've been avoiding eating, even though you always seem desperately hungry... are you starving yourself?" I ask. Cali goes pale, and starts fidgeting.

"I-I eat...," California says, but I can tell he's not telling the full truth.

"But do you keep it in your system?" I ask. California tears up, and I know my answer. I get up and kneel down beside him, taking his hand in mine.

"It'll be ok Cali... you... you can't keep doing this ok? If there's anything you need, I'll be there. I'll help you develop healthy eating habits, I can even set you up with my old therapist... just anything to help you, because this isn't healthy Cali... it's not...," I say. Cali tears up.

"I...is therapy scary?" California asked.

"It's not, I promise. Do you wanna try it?" I ask. California nods.

"I-I.... I think I will," California said. I nod.

"Ok... I'm here for you ok?" I say.

"Ok," California says, before getting out of his chair and falling in my arms. I hold him close, and he gently cries.

The next week, California decided to go out in public again. I wanted to go with him, but he said if I wanted to keep my sexuality a secret it might be best for us not to be in public together... and I couldn't have that, so while Cali is hanging out with his friends, I hang out with mine, planning to come out.

"I heard Cali's still alive y'all!" Alabama exclaimed.

"Makes sense he'd wanna hide for a while, apparently he cheated on his boyfriend with someone," Georgia said playfully, nudging me.

"Oh, those are all just rumors! We were just gettin to know each other as friends," I say.

"With benefits?" Florida said.

"Ah, leave him alone. He's straight anyway," Arkansas said. Well, here's my moment.

"About that... I...I'm not exactly straight...," I say.

"Huh?" Alabama said.

"I...I'm bi," I say. I feel everyone stare at me in silence... shit I should've just kept this too myself.

"Well shit, me too," Tennessee said.

"Really?" I say.

"Yeah! We don't mind right y'all?" Tennessee said.

"Not one bit!" Alabama exclaimed.

"Well damn, I was worried there for a second!" I exclaim.

"Don't you worry Texas, you'll always be a southern state!" Alabama exclaimed. I smile, but suddenly I get a text... it's from Cali.

C: Texas? Are you busy?

T: no, everything ok?

C: I need a ride

T: to my place or yours?

C: yours

T: I'll be right there

"Sorry y'all, something came up, I have to go," I say.

"Aw, ok, see you later!" Florida exclaimed. I nod, and run to my car. I drive to Arizona's house, where Cali is, and see him outside arguing with New York. I get out the car and step between them.

"Cali, get in the car," I say. California nods and quickly gets in. I just stare New York down.

"I heard you and Cali are official huh?" New York said.

"You gotta problem with that?" I say. New York shrugs.

"Just a warning: he doesn't love you Texas. He just wants your dick and wallet... and once he's bored of it, he'll run off to another boy without second thought," New York said. I clench my fist... I know his reputation... but I also know him.... his sweet smile, his beautiful heart, his bubbly personality...

"Just shut up... and leave my boyfriend alone," I say, before getting in my car and driving me and California home.