Why Do I? (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 2: The What now?

Allison's Perspective

I am undeniably, hopelessly gay. The realization didn't just dawn on me; it crashed through my ribs like a physical weight. My internal monologue, usually a sharp, cynical narrator, was suddenly screaming. How had I not noticed her during the assembly? Because you weren't looking, you idiot, I snapped at myself. I had spent years perfecting the art of the "cool girl"—the untouchable, indifferent daughter of the school counselor. But standing inches away from Cadence Von Lewis, the architecture of my composure was fracturing into a thousand jagged pieces.

"Allison?"

The sound of my name, spoken in that grounded, melodic voice, snapped me back. Cadence was watching me, her head tilted, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "You okay there? You looked like you were lost in a very intense thought."

"Uh, yeah. I just..." My filter had completely disintegrated. "You're just... really pretty."

The moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to phase through the floorboards. "I mean—wait, that's not what I—"

Cadence's smirk deepened. "Really? I've had a fair share of compliments today, but I think yours might be my favorite."

The sheer, unadulterated cockiness in her tone was like a bucket of ice water. I blinked, my embarrassment curdling into a familiar, defensive irritation. "Okay, never mind. Forget I said anything. You're arrogant."

"I prefer 'self-aware,'" she countered, flicking a stray lock of hair. "But honestly, Allison, you should try looking in a mirror sometime. You're gorgeous."

She started walking ahead, her stride effortless. I stood there, dumbfounded.

"So," Cadence called over her shoulder, "where are we headed first, tour guide?"

I caught up to her, my heart still doing a traitorous little roll. "Whatever part of the school you won't get lost in."

We made our way to the school park and found a spot under an ancient oak tree. Cadence leaned back against the bark, looking entirely too comfortable in my presence.

"So," she began. "Why the matching last names? The Counselor and the President—you're the middle child of the school royalty, aren't you?"

"Something like that," I replied, plucking a blade of grass. "My mother is the counselor. Audrey is the President. I'm just... here."

"I'm here for the long haul," Cadence said, her tone turning serious. "Family business moved us. I'm starting to think this town might be exactly what I needed."

I took a breath, trying to match her transparency. "Why transfer now? Was your old school that bad?"

"Not bad. Just full of ghosts," she said. She leaned closer, her eyes searching mine. "Are you gay, Allison?"