One

Eight

The next morning, I was eating breakfast when i noticed that my mom was looking at me with concern in her eyes. "What?" I asked with my mouth full of cereal. "Nothing, sweetie." She smiled and then, "How's school? And... Bette? How come I haven't seen her in a long time, sweet? When is she coming over?" I almost choked when she mentioned Bette's name. She passed some napkins to me and continued, "Ahh, It's Friday! Have her sleep over here tonight!" Rubbing her hands together, "Oh right! I'm gonna give Shiela a call." She shrieked. I didn't even have the chance to say anything. Unbelievable! She went to the phone and dialed the Hansen's number. Seconds later, she was talking to Mrs. H and was off the phone after a few minutes. I was at the door when she called me. I needed to escape.. quickly! Pretending not to hear her, I ran out of the house.

Bette must have told her sister, Bianca that I went home without waiting for her. Bette has a younger sister with whom she is close to. And like before, whenever we have our little silly fights, she would tell Bianca and then Bianca will tell my younger sister Anne and naturally, Anne will tell my mom. As I have mentioned, Bette and I have been friends since we were little. We're almost like sisters from different mothers.

So, I was walking alone to school thinking whether I'd pass by Bette's or not. But then, I decided I should. Taking a deep breath, I walked to their front porch and rang the bell. I guess I just couldn't stand avoiding her again. And I think some explanations are in order. Whew! I heard her say goodbye to her mom and then the door opened. "Good morning, Jade!" it was Bianca giving me a toothy smile, an indication that my best friend indeed told her little sister. At 7, she and my sister are dangerous whenever they're together. Ahh.. just imagine the mess they could do and the noise, too. I said my Hellos to the Guevarra's and then waited for Bette to come out. She was eyeing me as I gave her a small smile.

"So.. are we good now?" she asked.

"Yep." Was all i could say.

She was silent and when I looked at her, she was looking at me as if waiting for me to say something.

"Ok, Ok! I'm sorry for leaving you yesterday."

She raised her eyebrows, "and?" I guess i can no longer avoid the situation.

"Aaand...?" I teased.

She stopped walking and faced me. I grinned. "ugh! What a tease!" she stomped her feet in anticipation.

I took a deep breath and said suddenly serious, "Bette.. I - uh.. I'm sorry but, can we talk about this after school? Please?" Disappointed was evident in her face, so I added quickly, "Sleep at my place? I promise I will tell you everything and answer all your questions." She looked at me and after a while, she sighed and to my surprise she hugged me tight. When she released me, she smiled, "Let's go?"

........

"I think I'm becoming a lesbian or - or maybe Im already a Lesbian! Or curious? I - I don't know!

"Hey, stop pacing back and forth and sit down." She grabbed me by my shoulders, "look at me. Jade! I said look at me."

She sat me down on the bed. "Ok now, breathe. Yes, like that. Breathe in, breathe out." She grabbed my bean bag and sat down in front of me.

"Okaaay.. errm.. To be honest, I've felt it." My eyes widened in surprise. She knows?! Since when? Incredible! She really knows me well. "You knew and you're not mad or anything?"

"What? Oh -no, of course not! Im your best friend, remember? And we're like sisters already. Actually, i felt something but i never got the chance to confirm it until the gym incident. And how you looked at her that day not to mention your reaction." She cupped my face as my eyes began to water. I looked down when she continued, "I want you to know that I love you no matter what. I am glad you're telling me and thank you for trusting me." She held my hand, "Jade, I know it's hard. But, all I know is that everything will be all right. Take your time and when you're ready, tell your parents." I looked at her and hugged her tight. All that came out of me was a teary thank you.