I Think I Like You

28

TW: homophobia and violence

KAIS POV
I'm worried sick about Amelia. She said everything was fine but I'm worried. She never mentioned her mother being abusive. I don't know if she is. Amelia said it was one time. I grabbed my phone and texted her.
"What are you up to today?" I sent.
"Seeing some friends today," she sent.
"That's good! Have fun," I sent.
"Thanks, love you," she sent.
"Love you too," I sent. I got up and went downstairs and started making myself some breakfast even though it was almost noon.
"Kai?" My mother said.
"Yeah?" I said.
"Is everything alright?" My mom asked, "I wasn't listening but I walked by your room and heard part of your conversation with Amelia." I froze. Amelia would kill me. She didn't even want me to know. Do I cover for her?
"Kai?" My mom said again.
"I, I don't know," I admitted.
"Is she in trouble?" My mom asked.
"I don't know, I don't think so," I said, "she didn't think so, I don't know what to think. I'm scared she's lying."
"Okay it's okay," my mom said and hugged me, "has Amelia ever lied about anything like this before?"
"No, never," I said, "she's mentioned how her and her mother don't get along, but nothing like this. And I don't even think she was going to tell me until I brought it up."
"Let me know if there's anything we can do," she said and hugged me.

AMELIAS POV
"So, tell me about them," Owen said.
"It's so weird talking to you about relationships," I laughed as I sat down next to him.
"Why? Because we dating freshmen year of high school?" He chuckled.
"Yes! You're technically my ex boyfriend," I chuckled.
"I knew about you and Arizona, you know about Teddy and I," he chuckled.
"I saw her the other day," I said.
"Arizona?" He said.
"Yeah," I said.
"How awkward was that?" He said.
"So awkward, and then I had to tell my sister why it was awkward," I chuckled.
"Oof," Owen said.
"How's teddy?" I asked.
"Good," he said, "we're good. And you didn't answer my question."
"Kai is amazing," I said, "I'm very much in love with them, and I'm the happiest I've been in a very long time."
"I'm glad to hear it," Owen said.
-
I unlocked the front door and closed it behind me. I haven't been home since my mother slapped me. I slept over Derek's and spent the day with Owen. I walked into the kitchen and she was sitting there on her computer.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi," I said as I grabbed a glass of water.
"Where we're you?" She asked me.
"I slept at Derek's," I said.
"You could have at least told me," she said.
"I don't owe you an explanation," I said.
"I'm still your mother," she said.
"I know," I said.
"I'm sorry for hitting you," she said.
"No you're not," I said.
"I just don't get it Amelia. Okay? I said it. I don't get it. You date guys all in high school and suddenly you do off to college and are apparently in love with some girl," she said.
"Kai is non binary," I said, "and I dated Owen for a few months, and had a little thing with Link. I wouldn't say I dated guys all throughout high school."
"Well did you ever date a girl? No this is out of the blue and not like you," she said.
"Arizona and I were dating," I said, "she was my girlfriend for over a year. I never said anything to you or anyone besides Derek because I knew you wouldn't understand, and you wouldn't try to, like you are now."
"You we're dating her? I let that girl sleep over here how many times? I knew she was gay but I didn't know she corrupted you!" She yelled at me.
"She didn't do anything," I said.
"Oh right. You hang out with the town lesbian and suddenly you're one," my mom said.
"Stop talking about her like that," I said.
"Let me guess it was her idea to do the drugs too right?" My mom said.
"No it wasn't," I said.
"She's already corrupted you enough I'm sure she gave you drugs," my mom said.
"Leave her out of this. My addiction had nothing to do with her," I said, "I'm going to bed."
"If I hear you on the phone with Kai you're in trouble," she said.
"Fuck off," I said as I walked out of the kitchen.
"Amelia Frances!" My mother yelled at me.
"Leave me alone!" I yelled. She smacked me again. Harder this time. I grabbed my face as I looked at her.
"Enough of this bullshit," she said and walked away.