Can I Have That in Writing?

Riley: Behind the Curtain

It didn't surprise me that Noah wasn't straight, but at the same time, I didn't want to automatically assume. The club was called the LGBT Alliance, after all. Everyone was welcome.

It also didn't surprise me that Emily rushed out of the room past me, and even past her sister. I knew this was a touchy subject for her. Again, though, I didn't want to assume anything about her. Whether she was gay or just an ally, either would be difficult with her father's views.

I tried to follow her down the stairs, but Allison placed her hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you let me handle this?" she said.

Reluctantly, I agreed. I remained in the hallway, leaning against the wall. I started to play music from my iPod.

My jam session came to a halt when I saw Vera. I paused the music to greet her. "Thought you left."

"No, just had to use the bathroom," she said, leaning with me against the wall. "I thought you left. You usually do by now."

"Yeah, well..."

I stopped myself. Emily's business was her own, and I promised I wouldn't bring up the club meeting.

"Riley, what's wrong?" asked Vera. "You're making that face."

I titled my head. "What face?"

"The face you made when I told you about my dad."

I had three sudden realizations. The first was that I couldn't hide anything from Vera. I would just need to omit any details about the meeting. The second was that I really hadn't checked in with her since her dad got back from rehab. I would need to make that right as soon as possible. The third and final revelation was that history seemed to be repeating itself. Why did I have to be drawn to girls with parental issues?

My eyes fell to the floor as I offered the best answer I could.

"Em seemed a bit upset after the meeting, and Allison went to check on her. They're probably both outside. I'm just giving them space and letting them handle it."

"Anthony didn't say anything to her, did he? I'll kill him if he did."

"Not that I know of. They actually seemed really polite to each other, from what I overheard."

"Really? Hmm."

Vera fell silent for a moment before speaking again, "So you know Allison can handle it, yet you're still worried. It's killing you right now to give them space."

I chuckled. "Yeah... it's stupid, I know."

"It's not."

I met Vera's eyes as she continued in a low voice. "I mean, some people really do need space. But with me... it was because you would never leave me alone that I was finally able to talk about my dad... how he hurt me. I kept all of it locked inside for so long, and when I let it out? Pure relief."

My heart squeezed itself inside my chest. She had to mean all of it. It wasn't like Vera to say things just to make me feel better. I bit my trembling lip as she finished.

"My point is that you're a meddler, but that's not always a bad thing. I needed one, and... maybe Emily needs one, too."

I nodded slowly. "Thanks, Ver. I'm... I'm sorry. I got so caught up with all of this, and..."

A lump formed in my throat. I swallowed and gathered my things as I continued. "Maybe later you could text me an update about your dad? I know he's back home, and... I hope things are better."

Vera smiled at me, but her eyes welled up with tears. "I will. And... thanks."

We walked side by side, descending the stair case. I managed to stay a few paces ahead. On the off chance that Emily was still out there, I wanted to put my meddling skills to good use.