Hug

"I love you, more than just a friend," Cassandra typed from her phone as she entered a room, smelling the scent of old books. She took a seat in one of the chairs and placed her head down as she felt her cheeks reddened because of what she did. Ever since the pandemic started, the girl realized what she feels inside her heart. She was happy that finally she accepted herself but was dismayed because of how people look at what she feels. People look at her feelings as somewhat abnormal, filthy and what hurts the most is when people call it a sin.

She loves the Lord, of course! But she can't also just ignore her heart which beats for someone that has the same features as her. People call it weird, she knows. What would her friends think of her? What would her FAMILY think of her? Normally, in movies, people who are like Cassandra are thrown out of their own homes after their family finds out about their real sexuality. And how about school? What will be her classmate's reaction after finding out the real her?

The lady knows the pros and cons of revealing her real identity, telling people about the real her would never be easy. Ever since before up until now, being part of the LGBTQ+ community has always been an issue wherever she goes. Other people respect and accept it but it isn't even half compared to those people who rejected it.

"Honey, come down so we can already eat dinner," Her mom said, calling her from downstairs. She fixed herself up and took a peek at her phone. Her eyes showed pain and her heart itched as she saw the eye icon that was placed beside her message indicating that the other party had seen the message. The fact that there's no reply, she already knew what would happen. "Everything will change between us" she mumbled. Cassandra went out of the old abandoned room where different books were displayed. Right after coming down the stairs, she takes a look at one of the appliances that were placed in the kitchen. It was filled with different wines and glasses but she can still see her reflection shining through because of the lights.

She took a deep breath and let out a sigh, she's determined to tell her family about the real her right after they eat dinner. Not because she was rejected by the person she loves, doesn't mean that it will stop her from telling her family what she is deep inside. This is the real her and she's proud of herself, now the only remaining question is, whether her family would be proud of her or abandon her.

"Mom, Dad, Jason. I have something to say" Cassandra said and bit her bottom lips, nervous at what she is about to say. She knows how deep her family's connection with their religion is. However, she wants to be a little braver even just for once. She has never been brave before, she always does the things her parents tell her to do but right now, at this moment. She wants to be free. She doesn't want to hide anymore, she wants to illuminate the world with her light. The real her.

"What is it honey, do you need money for your project?" her mother asked her, lightly tapping her shoulder. "No mom, this is not about some project. This is about me" she said looking straight into her family's eyes hoping that her next words would be conveyed and accepted. "I'm bisexual. I like girls and boys and any other human being. I'm now part of the LGBTQ+ community" she added which shocked her parents. Her mom took off her hand that was tapping her shoulders earlier. Her family was left with no words to say. Jason looks back and forth at her parents who look at each other. "At least she still likes boys right?" he uttered breaking the silence that enveloped the kitchen.

"Your sister is bisexual Jason! How could this happen? We told you to look after her and now she's part of the LGBT whatsoever community was that. This is unforgivable to the Lord" his father said raising his voice. His eyes show both ice and fire. Her mother is no different. "Come on, Dad, it's not like that makes her different from a human being. At least she didn't become an alien and speak words that we can never understand." Jason defended which made Cassandra feel at least a little relieved that she has someone on her back.

Their parents didn't bother to answer Jason anymore and walk out of the dining area. They were too disappointed at Cassandra's revelation. The girl had a hint that this would happen of course, but she didn't imagine that the overall outcome would turn out like this. Her brother Jason looked at her and spread his arm inviting the girl for a hug.

"Don't mind what they say. They're like that because it's new for them" Jason said, planting a kiss on her sister's forehead. "Sometimes, I wonder who my real parents are. Whether it's you or them" Cassandra replied hugging her brother like the little koala she is. "I'm your brother, I could always be your parent" Cassandra felt warm at her brother's words. Even though her parents were kind of disappointed, her brother was still there to make her feel better and give her the love and support that she needed. "Well, at least they didn't throw me out of the house. That just means that they still love me right?" Cassandra asked her brother who was now looking straight at her eyes. "How could they not? You are our baby girl. If right now, I'm proud of you, I know for sure that tomorrow or the next day they are too" Jason said, giving her little sister a reassuring smile. Cassandra smiled back at his brother for his words surely made her believe in such a possibility. 

A/N: This is the entry I wrote that brought me first place in the JPIA Regional Mid Year Convention with a theme "The Pandemic Exposed Me" last February 2021. If you like this story, feel free to read my other stories as well. And if you happen to read stories in Webnovel, please support my stories entitled "Moments Of Our Youth" , "CPA In Transit" , and "Our Dawn Is Hotter Than Day" too. Thank You! 

P.S don't forget to vote. xoxo

PPS. The image attached above and the cover photo are not mine. All Credits belong to the rightful owner.