Enigma of Love

Arden

River

The engine roared to life as I sped away from our home, the house that now felt tainted with lies and secrets. My mind raced. How could Arden keep something so significant from me for six months? The woman I loved, the woman I thought I knew completely, had hidden a crucial part of herself.

I pulled up to Kade's house, the familiar sight bringing a small measure of comfort amidst the turmoil. I walked up to the door and knocked. Kade answered quickly, his expression shifting from surprise to concern as he saw me.

"River? What's going on, man?" he asked, stepping aside to let me in.

I walked into his living room without a word, my legs heavy with exhaustion. I sank onto the couch, my head in my hands, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Kade followed, sitting across from me, his eyes filled with worry.

"We had a fight," I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kade leaned forward, his concern deepening. "You and Arden? What happened?"

I hesitated, the words stuck in my throat. I didn't want to out Arden. But the need to share my pain, to get some perspective, was overwhelming. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"It's complicated," I began, struggling to keep my emotions in check. "She... she kept something from me. Something big."

Kade's brow furrowed. "What did she keep from you, River?"

I rubbed my temples, the throbbing headache making it difficult to think clearly. "I don't want to get into the details right now. It's just... it feels like she lied to me, like she didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth."

Kade nodded slowly, giving me the space to say as much or as little as I wanted. "Secrets can be hard, man. Especially when they come from someone you love. Do you think you can work through it?"

I sighed heavily, leaning back on the couch. "I don't know. I just need time to figure things out. To process everything."

Kade reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Take your time. You're welcome to crash here as long as you need."

"Thanks," I muttered, grateful for his support. "I appreciate it."

We sat in silence for a while, the only sound was the faint hum of the refrigerator in the next room. I knew I needed to tell Kade, to share the burden I was carrying, but I couldn't just blurt it out. I needed his assurance that it would stay between us.

"Kade," I said slowly, my voice thick with emotion. "I need to tell you something, but you have to swear not to tell anyone. Not a soul."

Kade looked at me, his eyes serious. "I swear, River. Whatever it is, it stays between us."

I took a deep breath, the words heavy on my tongue. "Arden... she's transgender. I found her hormone pills in a drawer when I was looking for painkillers. She never told me."

Kade's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly composed himself. "Wow, that's... that's a lot to take in."

"Tell me about it," I muttered, running a hand through my hair. "I just don't understand why she didn't tell me. Why didn't she trust me?"

Kade leaned back, considering my words. "River, as a bi guy, I get it. It's tough being different in this world. Yes, people are more accepting now, but there are still so many who don't understand. Sometimes, you're more than just your gender. It's part of you, but it doesn't define everything you are. Maybe Arden was scared you'd see her differently, or worse, reject her."