𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐌𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

F O U R

Agnes

Everyone was quiet this morning. Usually they were but not too quiet. The only person who seemed to be happy was my mother who danced and cheered as she gave me a stack of pancakes.

"Happy birthday," she danced. "Feel like a teen yet? Your boobs grow an inch?" She squinted her eyes at me as she gave me a sadistic smile.

"Have some common curiosity," Devin said as she ate a bowl of cereal. Just as she said that my dad walked in.

He kissed me on my forehead. "Happy birthday," he said dryly.

"What does the death of your abusive parents have to do with me and my daughter? It's her birthday and I want to make her feel good," she argued.

"It's disrespectful."

"On who's behalf?" My mother challenged.

"Your husband."

"He can't make me feel bad for him when people who treated him like garbage his whole childhood died. Shit," she laughed a little. "I'd be jumping for joys if it were mine."

"Well we aren't the same," Devin shouted at her.

"I'm glad." She rolled her eyes. "Now come on Ags. Imma take you to school this morning."

"Bye Aggy," my dad kissed my forehead yet again. "Have a good day, okay?"

"Of course."

As me and my mother were leaving I heard Devin and my father begin to argue.

"Just ignore it," my mother whispered to me.

*****

"So did your parents tell you your birthday plans?" Tilly asked.

I shrugged. "A party."

"A party? Like a high school one?" She asked, surprised.

"Yup," I said popping the P. "I don't want to though."

As Tilly responded, I zoned out. There was a girl, I wasn't sure what her name was but she was stunning. She always had her hair done, locked and all. I've walked behind her and her head smelt amazing.

I loved her style too. Baggy pants tied with a tight, cropped, white wife-beater. Forces on her feet. I could tell she was older. Junior or senior maybe.

She has a bright smile, freckles, and dimples to die for. Her big brown eyes, I could stare all day.

"Agnes, Agnes?" I heard snaps.

"Huh?"

"You zoned out again," she rolled her eyes. "And it's always when the possie walks past."

"So," I shrugged.

She smirked. "Do you have a crush on one them?" She pushed her head back. "Because Lucas Vandom is fine. And so is Martin Parker but he's so-"

"I'm not those boys. I'm not into any of them," I exclaimed, walking away from her.

This girl always walked with her friends, smiling and laughing. She might even be with one of them.

I doubt she's like me.

A weirdo.

Liking another girl isn't something that's considered normal. Most people will laugh and shame me because it's apparent the LGBTQ are the outcast of our time.

But still, I'm not even sure I'm truly into girls. It could be a flook. Or a phase even.

What if that's what my parents think?

And yesterday was a close call.

I know I'm young, and I definitely shouldn't have been, but I needed to see it for myself. I watched lesbians do it with each other. I watched straights as well. It felt odd watching both, neither of it making me feel comfortable or answering my questions.

"I'm sorry, Agnes," Tilly smiled. "But anyways, the party is a great idea. Maybe then you'll get some school publicity and people will know you."

She was right. Maybe it was a good idea. Maybe this girl will come and she'll actually talk to me. Or I could get the courage to talk to her.

"Okay..." I drifted off. "Maybe it can be a costume party or something."

Tilly gasped. "Perfect."

*****

"Okay mom, lets do it. Let's have a party," I told her as we drove home.

She harshly stepped on the breaks. "For real?"

"Yeah. A costume party."

"Thats perfect!" She shouted, running out of breath it seems too. "We gotta go make flyers."

"When is it going to be?" I furrowed my brows.

"Tomorrow, duh. Tomorrow is the last day of school til Christmas break."

"So why not tonight?"

"Too late, how are you going to promote? You have twenty followers on Insta-Snap."

I rolled my eyes. She was right. "Okay. How do we know they'll come?"

"Again, it's highschool and a party. With the additional costume feature, it's destined to be a jammed packed party. And it's before Christmas, perfect. It has to be so great that even after the break, they'll still be talking," she gave me a sadistic grin.

"You really want this don't you?" Her excitement scared me.

"I've never had a party. No one ever threw me one. I always went to one but never threw one.  I'm sure you understand why," she sighed. "But my daughter just started high school and the perfect way to celebrate her new teenagacy is by having a party and don't worry," she put her finger up. "I know the shows and the mom ends up making it about her which is why we are doing it one hundred percent your way, no questions asked."

"You done?" I laughed.

"Yes," she nodded her head.

"Okay well, lets go shopping."