Let Them In (Book 3.0) -INTERSEX

Chapter 14

Iris

Why did I kiss her? That's the question that haunts me as I sit on my bed before work, the memory of her text from last week still fresh in my mind.

Dinner? Saturday?

I remember that I hesitated before replying, unsure of what I was getting myself into. But I agreed, and she chose an upscale restaurant, one that I'd only ever dreamed of visiting.

The date started out well. I wore a simple black dress with a delicate silver necklace, while Hope looked effortlessly stylish in a tailored navy-blue blazer, a crisp white shirt, and fitted black slacks. The restaurant was elegant and intimate, with low lighting and plush velvet seats. The murmur of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air as we settled into our seats.

Our conversation was light and humorous at first. We exchanged stories of our teenage years, and somehow, the topic of smoking weed came up.

"Ever tried it?" Hope asked, grinning.

"I dabbled a little in high school," I admitted, my voice trailing off as memories of Julian surfaced. I quickly changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on the past.

But then, the date took a turn for the worse. A flirtatious waiter approached our table, her eyes and body language clearly focused on Hope. Instead of rebuffing her advances, Hope played along, touching the woman's hand as she handed over her card to pay the bill. She then laughed it off, as if it meant nothing, leaving me feeling humiliated and hurt.

As I remember that night, my chest tightens. I thought Hope might have changed, but that moment convinced me she was still a player. Shaking off the memory, I get dressed for work. I put on a modest blouse and a knee-length skirt, typical attire for a teacher. After making sure Imani is ready for school, we hurry out the front door.

Since the date, I've been distant with Hope, even insisting that she no longer pick us up for school in the mornings. But every day, like clockwork, she drives beside us as we walk to the bus stop, waiting for us to get in her truck.

This morning is no different. As Imani and I walk, Hope's truck creeps alongside us. When we reach the bus stop, she pulls ahead and honks her horn obnoxiously loud, making me reluctantly give in and climb into the vehicle. Other people waiting at the bus stop stare at us, their expressions a mix of curiosity and annoyance at the disruptive noise.

"You're such an asshole," I mutter.

Hope just grins, clearly amused. "Here, I got you breakfast sandwiches," she says, handing them to Imani and me.

Imani takes the sandwich eagerly, but I can't bring myself to be grateful. As we ride to school, I stare out the window, lost in thought, while Imani dozes off after finishing her meal.

"You look beautiful today," Hope murmurs gently, her compliment an attempt to charm me.

For a fleeting moment, her compliment warms me, and I feel a faint smile tug at the corners of my mouth. But just as quickly, the memory of her player tendencies resurfaces, causing my smile to vanish and my heart to harden once more.

"Why do you keep picking us up even after I tell you not to?" I ask, unable to hide the frustration in my voice.

She sighs, her eyes focused on the road. "I just don't want you and Imani to have to ride the bus. That's all."

There's something in her tone that makes me want to believe her, to trust that she genuinely cares. Yet it's still difficult for me to let my guard down.

It's been a week and a half since that first kiss, and nothing more has happened between Hope and me. I regret it now, knowing that the scent of sex lingering on her that night was a clear sign she wasn't going to change.