We Go Together Or We Don't Go Down At All

First Day of Kindergarten

As the sunlight filtered through the schoolyard, Alex and Zack accompanied Everly to her first day of kindergarten. They watched her, a mix of pride and bittersweetness present within them.

Everly, had her tiny hands gripping her new backpack tightly. But then, looked up at Zack and Alex with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Alex sensed her nerves and he crouched down to her level.

"Remember, sweetheart, you're going to Uncle Jack's after school," Alex reminded her gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.

Alex and Zack had an arrangement with Jack, since Jack works nights at the bar and he would be awake for the day by the time 3:30 rolls around that Everly would go there after school so that they wouldn't have to pay for an after school service. M,W, F she goes to Jack's and T, TH Rian would pick her up from school.

"And he'll be waiting for you at the bus stop," Zack added, also crouching down to her eye level.

Everly nodded solemnly, trying to mask her nerves with a brave smile. But as they walked her to her classroom, She reached her hands out and took each of their hands. Alex was on her left and Zack was on her right. As they walked, her facade cracked, tears welling up in her eyes.

As they stood outside Mrs. Miller's colorfully decorated classroom. Everly stopped in her tracks, turning to Alex.

"I am scared Daddy." she whispered, throwing her arms around Alex, who hugged her tightly, his own emotions threatening to spill over.

"It's going to be ok sweetheart, remember when we met Mrs. Miller last week? Remember how excited you were to sit in the red chairs, and how excited you were that Melody from your preschool class was also in your kindergarten class?" Alex said supportively. Wiping his own tears.

Everly nodded shyly. "Yes... but you and Daddy Zacky were here with me that day. Today I am alone."

She was a bit muffled as she spoke because her head was buried into Alex's shirt.

"I know it is scary. But you are so brave my love. You can do this." Alex spoke into her hair as he kissed the top of her head.

Zack came down to their level. "We will be so excited to hear all about it when you get home. We can make ice cream sundae's tonight to celebrate. How does that sound?"

Everly pulled back her face from Alex's shirt. So that she could look at Zack properly. She slowly nodded her head and she had some snot running from her nose. Zack reached over with his sleeve and wiped it from her face.

"Pumpkin. Let's get you straightened out." Zack said supportively.

He started fixing Everly's hair that she messed up a little bit. And making sure to wipe her tears from her face.

Everly Looked over at her dad and said "I love you daddy... so much. Thank you for making me feel better." She said, putting a smile on her face.

Alex could tell she was Trying to muster up as much courage as she could.

"I love you too, sweetheart," he murmured, blinking back tears.

Zack wrapped his arms around them both, offering silent support as they shared a moment of familial closeness. As they finally let go, Zack rubbed Alex's back soothingly, a silent reassurance passing between them as Everly hesitantly walked into her classroom where her teacher greeted her warmly.

"She'll be okay baby." Zack whispered, his voice tender with understanding. "We'll get through this together. I'm so proud of both of you."

Alex nodded. " I know. She's so brave and strong. I think she was feeding off my energy more than anything. I just get so worried about my baby."

Zack kissed Alex's Temple as they walked hand in hand towards the exit of the school. 

" I know darling. You are Both so amazing. We'll see her later and I am sure she will tell us all about her first day and how great it was." Zack said calmly, trying to be the voice of reason.

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Jack stood at the bus stop, anticipation tingling in his veins as he waited for Everly to arrive. When she finally stepped off the school bus, her face lit up with excitement as she rushed into his arms.

"Hey there, kiddo! How was your first day of kindergarten?" Jack asked, kneeling down to her level.

Everly's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she launched into a detailed account of her day. She recounted meeting new friends, chatting with her teacher, and proudly describing the special chair she had picked out for herself.

"And guess what, Uncle Jack?" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"What!?" Jack said enthusiastically as he held her hand and walked her to his apartment.

"I told everyone about my two dads, and most of them thought it was cool! But one kid said it was gross. Why would they say that?"By the end of her statement, she has a frown on her face.

Jack's heart sank at the revelation, but he maintained a reassuring smile as he pondered how to explain it to her.

"Well, kiddo," Jack began gently.

"Sometimes people don't understand things that are different from what they're used to. But that doesn't mean you or your dads are any less special. Everyone's family is unique in its own way, and that's what makes us all special." Jack said with a soft smile, feeling as if she would understand.

Everly nodded thoughtfully, her brow furrowed in contemplation. Jack could see the confusion in her eyes, and he squeezed her hand comfortingly.

"So I am different so that makes people scared, and not love me?" Everly said solemnly.

Jack sighed. This was a heavy conversation that he wasn't prepared for.

"Uncle Jack loves you and your dads very much," he assured her, his voice soft but firm.

"And so do a lot of other people, even if they don't always understand." Jack said with a smile.

Later, when Zack and Alex arrived to pick up Everly, Jack pulled them aside, concern etched on his face as he recounted the incident at school. He wanted to ensure they were aware of what had transpired, in case Everly hesitated to share it with them herself.

"So... Everly told me that she told everyone in her class. about her two dads." Jack said with a supportive smile.

Alex went wide eyed. "Wow that's brave on day one."

Zack nodded. "I mean I'm sure they were talking about families and stuff to get to know each other in her classroom... But she's so confident and enthusiastic. She said it was so much gusto."

Jack nodded as he continued. "She did say most of them thought it was cool... But she mentioned one kid said it was gross." He winced.

As he explained the situation, Zack and Alex exchanged a worried glance before turning their attention back to Jack.

Anger went aflame in Zack's eyes. "I swear to god if anyone makes her cry."

Jack reassuringly  patted his best friends shoulder. "Zack... it's going to be ok, you can't bully the 5 year olds to be nicer."

Zack shook his head. "I know.. I just...hate that it happened day one."

Alex sighed. Rubbing Zack's back in support. Oddly, Alex was more prepared that this may happen. Even Alex was a bit surprised by Zack's reaction.

"Thanks Jack... we will better explain to her that she may be different, but it makes her no less important. Thanks for starting the tough conversation. I am sorry it was a bit uncomfortable." Alex said honestly.

Jack shook his head. "Anything for you all. You all mean the world to me. I will never stand for anyone hurting any of you and I will always support you."

Alex and Zack's hearts swelled with gratitude for his unwavering support and love for their family. Together, they resolved to continue nurturing Everly's understanding of diversity and acceptance, ensuring she always felt proud of who she was and the family she belonged to.