Behind Closed Doors

25: Hidden Paradise

Kaimi wasn't sure whether she should be upset or sad about what happened. She wanted the world to know, she wanted people to see them holding hands and realize that they were a couple. But for some reason, Skyler didn't want that.

She knows that Skyler has a much harder time with the bullying. She would rather take Porter's verbal abuse than say anything or stand up for herself. Kai understands how hard it can be to fight back. But at the very least, Kai wishes that Skyler would let Kaimi fight back for her.

Skyler's words were ringing in her ear. All Kaimi can think about is what Daniel and Colton had mentioned to her a while back, about Skye being in her own category. But if she wasn't a girl, then what was she? Gender identity was something that was completely out of Kaimi's league, especially since it's something that they aren't allowed to talk about. Kai has always thought about how transphobic and homophobic it was that schools to ban knowledge about gender identity and gay relationships. How were those who were in those said relationships supposed to learn anything?

But Skye wouldn't tell her the entire story behind her words, so for now, Kaimi was going to have to guess. Until school gets out and she can get dropped off at Skyler's house, she's clueless. Kaimi grabs herself a school lunch, but realizes that with Skye gone, there's nowhere for her to sit.

"Kaimi! Over here!"

She looks around, startled. Behind her is River, a student two grades above Kai. Why would River want to talk to Kai? River runs over, a lunchbox in hand, with two other people that Kaimi had never met.

"Hey! I'm River, I'm the president of the GSA club. I heard about what happened with Porter in third period, I'm sorry. I came to offer you and Skyler refuge in the GSA club for lunch and see if you'd like to join? Unless my gaydar is off, and you guys were holding hands as friends."

Kaimi laughs, nodding her head. "Yeah, we're dating. Skyler doesn't like to be super public about it, for obvious reasons in relation to what happened earlier," Kaimi explains. River's eyes light up.

"Oh good! I'm glad I wasn't wrong, that would have been awkward. Not that we don't allow allies to join, but none of them have wanted to. Anyways, would you like to eat lunch in there with everyone?"

"Lead the way!" Kaimi says, body bustling with excitement. As much as Kaimi loves Skye, this is the first time someone other than her has wanted to talk to Kaimi, let alone invite her to lunch. But she's saddened at the fact that Skyler was going to miss out on the experience.

"Is Skyler not coming with?" River asks.

"No, she went home. She got upset about the whole thing. Then said something confusing... hey, maybe you could help me in figuring it out," she suggests.

"We can try out best! But let's go, before we get trapped in with the huge crowds."

Kaimi follows River and the two friends who were yet to introduce themselves. They walk into a classroom, one that Kaimi hasn't seen. It must belongs to a teacher that teaches a higher up class.

In the classroom, there weren't more than fifteen people. But Kaimi liked how tight-knit everyone looked. Everyone was talking, laughing, smiling, and in smaller groups within the big one. No one looked left out or uncomfortable.

"Hey guys! We've got another potential member! This is Kaimi. What's your pronouns and sexuality, if you don't mind sharing," River asks.

"Oh! My pronouns are she/her, and I think I'm a lesbian, but I'm not one hundred percent sure on that," she says.

"That's okay! It's fine to still be questioning. Well, I'm River, my pronouns are they/them and i'm ace! This is the one that all the freshman keep talking about, who puts Porter in his place," River explains.