Genderfluid Camilo
mean abuela
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Camilo was known for his humor; he could make anyone smile with just a look. He was the person people turned to when they were down because he brought so much joy and light wherever he went. Everyone loved him. But what they didn't know was that his smile hid a lot of things. Well, almost everyone. Only Isabella knew his secret.
The truth was, Camilo was genderfluid.
He really wanted to come out to his family, but he was afraid of Abuela's reaction. The last time Isabella came out as a lesbian, everyone in the family was supportive—everyone except Abuela. She'd been so furious that she'd even slapped Isabella and told her to go to her room. Camilo was the only one who followed her, wanting to make sure she was okay. When he entered her room, he found her on the bed, crying.
He felt terrible for her, so he ran over and hugged her, letting her know he was there for her. From that day on, they became closer. Eventually, Camilo trusted her enough to come out to her as genderfluid. Although she didn't fully understand it at first, she put in the effort to make him feel comfortable. Every day, she'd ask him what pronouns he felt like using. If he felt like a girl, she'd call him Camila.
Camilo/Camila's POV:
I paced back and forth in my room, my thoughts spiraling.
What if they don't understand?
What if Abuela gets angry?
What if they kick me out?
What if the whole town turns against me?
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to shut out the worst-case scenarios that seemed to flood my mind. But even though the fear weighed heavy in my chest, I knew I couldn't keep hiding anymore. I had to tell them. It was time.
I took a shaky breath, trying to calm myself.
"Calm down... calm down..." I whispered under my breath, willing my nerves to settle. I could do this. It wasn't going to be easy, but I could handle it. After all, I wasn't completely alone. If things went south, I knew I could always count on Miguel to be there for me. He'd give me a place to stay.
My hands were trembling, but I balled them into fists, trying to steady myself.
Taking one last deep breath, I pushed the door open and stepped out of my room. I could hear the voices of my family downstairs, and with each step I took toward the staircase, the weight in my chest grew heavier.
But I couldn't turn back. This was my truth, and it was time to share it.
I straightened up, pushed down my fear, and walked down the stairs.
As I reached the main hall, I heard a familiar laugh. Looking over, I saw Miguel and his family, comfortably chatting with my family. The sight of Miguel talking with them eased my nerves a little, but not entirely.
Then, my mamá called out, "Camilo! Come say hi!"
I walked over, hugging Miguel's mom and dad and giving a high-five to his little sister. When I reached Miguel, I went for a quick fist bump, but he pulled me into a tight hug. Leaning close, he whispered, "Hola, mi amor."
I felt my face heat up as Dolores' eyes widened from across the room. She was about to say something when Aunt Julieta interrupted, announcing that dinner was ready. I sighed, grateful for the distraction.
Third Person POV
Everyone sat down around the table, chatting and laughing. Camilo tried to focus on eating, but his mind kept drifting back to his plan to come out. His family was here, Miguel was here... he knew he had to do it tonight, but the thought filled him with anxiety.
He took a deep breath, looked at Miguel, who nodded in encouragement, and stood up to address everyone.
The table went silent as everyone turned their eyes to him, looking a little surprised and confused.
Camilo cleared his throat, glancing at Abuela. She was the one he feared might react the most, but he steadied himself and began. "Um... I wanted to tell you all something," he started, trying to keep his voice from shaking. "And... I really hope it doesn't change the way you feel about me."
Abuela raised her hand, urging him to continue. "Go on, Camilo," she said softly.
Camilo swallowed and spoke up, "I'm... genderfluid. Sometimes, I feel like a boy, sometimes a girl, and sometimes... neither. It's something I've been keeping to myself, and it's really important to me."
A pause lingered over the room, and Camilo braced himself.
But then, he heard a collective, warm response from his family.
"We support you, Camilo!" Mirabel called out, grinning. A wave of agreement came from the rest of the family, with Luisa giving him a proud smile and a thumbs up.
Abuela smiled gently. "Mi nieto... we love you, and we are proud of you."
Camilo felt tears welling up. "Really?" he asked, his voice breaking.
Abuela nodded, her eyes warm. "Sí, always."
His heart soaring, Camilo decided to take the plunge. "Also... Miguel and I, we're dating."
Pepa's eyes narrowed slightly, a cloud appearing over her head. "You're dating? When did I give you permission to date, hm?" Her tone was serious, but her lips twitched as if holding back a smile.
"I... I'm sorry, Mamá, but I really like him," Camilo said, turning to Miguel for reassurance.
Miguel took his hand under the table and whispered, "Sit down, mi amor, and eat. I'll handle this."
But before he could, Miguel turned to Pepa, then to everyone else, saying, "Forgive me, but I can't wait any longer." With that, he leaned in and kissed Camilo gently. The room gasped in surprise, and then laughter and cheers erupted as the two boys broke apart, smiling at each other.
As the laughter settled down at the dinner table, Félix leaned back in his chair, fixing Camilo with a playful but stern look.
"Camilo," he began, his tone only half-serious, "I need you to understand something, mijo."
Camilo looked up, curious, while Miguel shifted nervously next to him.
"No dating until you're 60," Félix announced with mock seriousness, folding his arms across his chest. "It's a rule—firm as the walls of this casita. Sixty years old. No exceptions!"
The whole family burst into laughter, and Pepa rolled her eyes, chuckling at her husband's antics. "Félix, amor, he already has a boyfriend!"
Félix feigned shock, clutching his chest. "No, no, no, this isn't happening. My little Camilo already dating?" He glanced at Miguel, raising an eyebrow. "You're going to wait for him until he's 60, right?"
Miguel, playing along, nodded with a grin. "Of course, Señor. I'll wait as long as it takes!"
Camilo groaned, covering his face in embarrassment. "Papá, please!"
Félix laughed, pulling his son into a hug. "I'm just teasing, mijo. You're growing up fast, but remember—you'll always be my little sunshine."
Camilo relaxed, laughing along, feeling grateful for the love and warmth surrounding him. Moments like these made him cherish his family even more.
Camilo looked at his family finally taking it all in—the joy, the love, the acceptance. His family was happy, his boyfriend was by his side, and he could finally be himself.
For the first time, he felt like he was truly home.
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THSI GOT TO BE MY FAVORITE CHAPTER!!!
