ONE HEART

Chapter 12 University Life

The first week or so, Mariah and Tessa found it really hard being away from they're families. When they started to feel braver and venture out into the campus, they soon started to find their feet. Tessa loved learning drama and dance, as well as all her singing and guitar lessons. Mariah was excelling at what she loved. The business world. She was also loving the fact, she could leave campus and head for the beach now and then. Neither of them thought about the other. But Tessa had made an important decision about her life before she set off for university. She had decided to only date girls from now on. She liked men, she told her mom and dad after sitting them down to tell them. But she knew she didn't want to date one! I just needed to tell you, she stuttered. We sort of guessed a while ago said, Gwen. If we're honest. So it's not that much of a shock. You said you liked Mariah, so that sort of gave the game away. Tessa smiled. Yeah, I guess it did. I'm just glad you're supporting me said Tessa. Your our daughter said, Blake. Nothing can change that fact. Why would we not be supportive? Oh, I don't know. I've just heard a lot of stories, about kids that aren't so lucky to have supportive parent's when they tell them they're part of the LGBTQIA+ community. said, Tessa.

Even Crystal was happy for her. It's a big decision to make said, Crystal. But you're still my big sister. I still love you no matter what. Thanks, sis, that means a lot said Tessa tearing up. Oh don't go all soppy on me now said Crystal grinning. Tessa pulled herself together. Tessa also plucked up the courage to tell her best friend, Lola, that she was gay! Have you always liked girls? asked Lola. I think so said Tessa. Obviously, in the early years, it was my attraction to Mariah, that started all those feelings inside of me. Then she kissed me, and I kissed her back and it's a right mess. What did you just say? asked Lola gobsmacked, at hearing that they had gone as far as kissing. Err, shit said Tessa. I wasn't supposed to let that out of the bag. Just forget I just said that, please. Tessa was panicked she'd been so stupid. "Tessa" It's okay calm down. said, Lola. I promise I won't say a word to anyone. Nobody knows except you and obviously Mariah, seeing as she was there at the time. That's why you've been quiet this year said Lola, I couldn't put my finger on why. You haven't been your normal self. I've had a lot to figure out said Tessa. Mariah is the one for me. I know that much. But we haven't spoken since that kiss happened. And now I've found out, she will be on the west coast, while I'm all the way over on the east coast.

So I've come to the conclusion, I just have to let her go for now, and if we're meant to be, like I think we are. Then things will happen. Is Mariah gay too then? asked Lola fascinated by it all. I have no idea said Tessa honestly. I think she's still trying to work it all out. All I know is she kissed me back. So it wasn't a one-sided thing. But I also think she likes guys way more than I do. They both started laughing. Okay, so for now your just going to get on with university life. And hope Mariah comes around? asked Lola. Sort of said, Tessa. But should someone else come along in the meantime, I'm not going to turn them away. Also, I have told my parents and sister that I'm gay. But they don't know I kissed Mariah. So I don't want them to find out until I'm ready. Especially as it happened the night after the concert at the school. Wow! You have been keeping this for a long time said Lola. I'm so glad I'm the one you let it out of the bag too. I promise I won't tell a sole. Not that I will be able to anyway, seeing as I'm going overseas to study catering. Yeah, you lucky thing said Tessa I will miss you while you're gone. Awe, that's nice of you. But be warned, we will be Facetiming, etc while I'm gone. Which means, a stupid o'clock time difference said, Lola.

I might phone you at one in the morning. But it will only be nine o'clock, where you are in New York. It's only a five-hour time difference. I guess that's not too bad said Tessa for me anyway. You'll have to try and come over to England while I'm there said Lola all excited. I don't know if I'll have time said, Tessa. Juilliard has a punishing schedule. Yeah, that's why it's the best I guess said Lola. Okay, well bye for now my friend said Tessa have a wonderful time and become a master chef. They both gave one another a huge hug before they left chancellor park where they had met. Mariah's goodbye to Kevin was short and sweet. She got him to meet her at her mom's coffee house. Hi, said Kevin as he arrived. Hi said Mariah looking up from her coffee mug. "Mandy" Can you get Kevin a coffee, please? Mariah asked her mom's coffee house manager. We'll be out on the patio, she said as she got up and picked up her mug, and headed outside. Okay, what's all this about? asked Kevin. I dropped everything to come. You said it was important. It is kinda said, Mariah, feeling a little guilty that she'd asked him to come quickly. Is it to do with Tessa? Kevin tentatively asked.