𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫. (turning red; miriam x meilin fic)

𝐎𝐍𝐄

MEI'S POV
After what happened at school, we had all been increasingly worried about Miriam. I did feel guilty because I had been building up my courage for weeks, to come out to my best friends after I found myself. So the entire moment was mine and all I was focused on then was myself.

I knew she didn't want anyone to go after her or press her further about her feelings, but I couldn't get the look on her face off my mind. It was like something very deep was bothering her. We're all not used to her looking like that — even when she is sad, she does a great job at masking it.

"What do you think is up with Miriam?" Abby asked me on a phone call, as I was just entering the house. My mother was sitting at the dining table, ranting into the phone as if she was taking a very important (and tense) business call. My father was busy boiling some chicken and vegetables as he hummed.

"I... really don't know," I replied. I gave quick hugs and cheek kisses to my mom and dad, my mom quickly giving me a fake grin and giggle before returning to her angry ranting. "It seemed like something was really bothering her."

Abby laughed from the other side of the line. "What's up with your mom?" I kicked off my rainbow Vans next to my bed and threw my backpack across the room, and then finally threw myself against the bed. I let out a long sigh. Besides the thing that happened with Miriam about an hour ago, it's been kind of a stressful day. Everyone is still asking me to come perform at their birthday parties, or asking why Tyler is suddenly hanging with 'the losers.'

"She's the way she always is, she's arguing with someone about shipments and tax prices. It's probably one of my aunties. They all have the most weird relationships."

"Your mom's always had issues with her sisters," Abby said in agreement. There were a few seconds of silence as I stared up at my ceiling and she probably was sketching a 4Town member. I could tell, however, we both had the same thing on our minds. Miriam. "Well, Mei . . . I've tried to call Miriam and so has Priya and she's not picking up. I feel like if any of us would be able to find out what's wrong with her, it's you. Why don't you pay her a visit or something?"

I immediately sat up straight and my eyes widened. God, why didn't I think of that? Miriam had always trusted me more than the other girls, and we'd met far before we met them. My mom may not like her for some odd reason we all can't figure out, but it can't hurt if she doesn't know I'm going over there, right? I do not go over to Mir's a lot, and I'm sure she'll be angry that I showed up uninvited. But. . . My intentions are good enough and I just have to hope she sees that. "Abby, you're a genius. What would I do without you?"

"Oh, you would die without me, red-panda." She replied melodramatically, as if she was acting out a scene from a play. We immediately burst into laughs, and I was reminded yet again how glad I was that I didn't lose my best friends. I really thought the thing with my mom would make me lose my friends, and then I thought being bisexual would. But still, these girls have loved me through everything and stuck by my side. I'm eternally grateful for them. "And again, I'm really glad you told us that you're bisexual, Meilin. I mean it's not news to anyone but I'm glad you got it out anyway."

I let out a small groan because that's the fifth time I heard this today! "Jeez, Abs. Was it really that obvious?"

"Mei, there's four people in this world that can make you swoon," Abby started. "First one is Robaire. Next one is pretty-hair-emo-boy that you're obsessed with for some weird reason. Third one is Devon, and fight me all you want but you do seem to get all blushy around Miriam."

Something made my entire body freeze when she brought that up. What does she mean? Was she joking? I felt an entire rush of emotions crush through my mind and. . . None of them made sense. One of them was a weird level of anger and frustration that made me wanna shout SHUT UP WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? But instead, I couldn't think of any response.

Do I act like I have a crush on Miriam? I mean, she means the entire world to me and I try to show her that. I always make her friendship bracelets, and give her hugs when she's sad, and I'm always her boyfriend when we play make-believe. I hold her hand when she needs support. I hold and cuddle her at sleepovers when it's obvious she's having a nightmare.

"Mei-Mei? You still there?"

I hadn't realized just how long I'd been silent and sulky until Abby's voice rang out, taking me directly out of my thoughts. God, what's wrong with me. "Uh, yeah! I was just putting my shoes on and about to head over to Mir's house."

"Okay, love ya girl. Be safe okay?"

"When have I not been safe, Abby?" I teased back as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My short, red hair was fully intact and the fluffy beanie I had on added character. I recently started doing a bit of makeup, white glitter around the eyes and a subtle wing. My cherry flavored lipgloss was still fresh somehow, and my outfit wasn't so bad. I was ready.

"Don't trust any weird sketchy guys that skateboard and puff metal sticks that smell like cotton candy."

"What?" I half-shout in response. I literally have no idea what she was talking about, but anyway we quickly said our goodbyes and I headed to Miriam's house. Sneaking past my parents was. . . Not as hard as usual. Once I was setting out to visit Mir I felt like I was on a mission. A mission to cheer up my best friend, and make sure everything was alright with her.

Aaa first chapter done! I hope this wasn't awkward or weird, I'm not the best at fanfics and I have been thinking on what moments I want to include in this book in the future. I know the chapter may have seemed a little boring, but it's because I'm still mentally reciting my plans for this book. :)

I hope you guys enjoy Mei and Miriam being gay messes, and Abby being the big supporter! I promise more fluff, romance and cute moments are coming soon!

I quickly told her I had to go and we hung up, as I sped back into the kitchen like lightning.