Genderfluid Camilo
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Camilo was the kind of person who could light up any room. His jokes and smiles made people feel better when they were sad or stressed. Everyone loved being around him. But there was one thing most people didn't know was his true self.
The truth was, Camilo was gender fluid.
Sometimes he felt like a boy. Sometimes like a girl. Sometimes like neither. It was part of who he was, but he was scared to tell his family—especially with Abuela.
When Isabella came out as a lesbian, the family was supportive.
Everyone except Abuela.
She had been so upset that she slapped Isabella and sent her to her room. Camilo followed, worried. He found Isabella crying on her bed and hugged her tight, promising to be there for her no matter what. That moment made them closer, and eventually Camilo trusted Isabella enough to tell her about being gender fluid. Isabella didn't fully understand at first but tried her best to support him. She asked every day what pronouns he wanted, and if he felt like a girl, she called him Camila.
Now, Camilo was ready to tell the whole family, but the thought still terrified him. Sitting alone in his room, his mind raced with questions.
What if they don't understand?
What if Abuela gets angry again?
What if they stop loving me?
He squeezed his hands into fists, trying to calm his pounding heart.
"I can do this," he whispered. "I have to be brave."
Miguel's words came to mind—how he promised to stand by Camilo no matter what. That gave him hope.
Taking a deep breath, Camilo stood and opened his door. The sound of voices downstairs made his heart jump, but he stepped forward anyway.
In the living room, laughter and chatter filled the air. His family sat together, and Miguel's family was there too. His mamá called him over, and he smiled faintly as he greeted everyone. He hugged Miguel's parents, high-fived Miguel's little sister, and when he reached Miguel, they shared a quiet fist bump. Miguel pulled him into a soft hug and whispered, "I missed you" Camilo felt warmth spread through him despite the nervousness.
Before he could dwell on it, Aunt Julieta announced, "Dinner's ready!" and everyone moved to the table.
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. "U... 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... gender fluid. Sometimes, I feel like a boy, sometimes a girl, and sometime.... 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," Félix began, his voice serious but with a mischievous glint in his eye, "there's something very important you need to understand, mijo."
Camilo looked up, curious, while Miguel shifted nervously beside him.
"No dating until you're sixty," Félix declared, folding his arms like a judge passing down a verdict. "It's a rule. As solid as the walls of this casita. Sixty years old. No exceptions! Not even for you, Camilo."
The whole family burst out laughing, and Pepa shook her head, smirking. "Félix, amor, he already has a boyfriend!"
Félix gasped dramatically, clutching his chest like he'd been stabbed. "No, no, no. This can't be happening! My little Camilo... dating? What's next? Skipping chores? Sneaking out at midnight?"
He shot Miguel a pointed look, raising an eyebrow. "And you, young man—are you prepared to wait until he's sixty? Because I have no patience for drama before then."
Miguel grinned, playing along. "Of course, Señor Félix. I'll wait. Sixty years is nothing when you love someone."
Camilo groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Papá, stop! You're embarrassing me."
Félix laughed heartily, pulling Camilo into a bear hug. "I'm only kidding, mijo. You're growing up too fast. But no matter what, you'll always be my little sunshine—whether you're sixty or six."
Camilo couldn't help but laugh too, feeling the warmth and silliness wash away any nerves. Moments like this made him love his family even more.
He glanced around at their smiling faces—the joy, the love, the playful teasing—and finally felt a deep sense of belonging. With his family and Miguel by his side, he could be his true self.
For the very first time, Camilo truly felt at home.
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THIS GOT TO BE MY FAVORITE CHAPTER!!!
