Ellen walked into Maud's cozy apartment, greeted by the familiar scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. The walls were adorned with Maud's vibrant paintings, each canvas bursting with color and emotion. Ellen felt an immediate sense of comfort wash over her as she stepped inside. Maud was sprawled on the couch, her fiery red hair spilling over the armrest as she flipped through a sketchbook.
"Hey, you!" Maud called out, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I was starting to think you'd fallen into a black hole or something. How was your coffee date?"
Ellen let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "It wasn't a date Ma. She has a boyfriend, Tristan. It's pretty clear she's totally straight."
"Are you sure?" Maud asked, her tone teasing but a glimmer of seriousness behind it. "Sometimes, people can surprise you."
"I mean, I don't think so," Ellen replied, her voice firm but lacking conviction. "She talks about him all the time, and honestly, even if I wanted to explore something with her, it wouldn't be right. She's famous, Maud. Anything we did would be plastered all over the internet, and it would expose my sexuality to the world. I can't handle that kind of attention."
Maud leaned forward, her expression shifting to one of intensity. "Hiding is for the weak, Ellen. You're already an adult, with your own money and your own life. What do you have to lose by being honest with your family about who you are?"
Ellen felt a knot form in her stomach at the thought. "It's not that simple. It's easy for you to say that. Everyone recognizes you and supports you because you're a famous singer. You have a platform and a fanbase that loves you for who you are. My family... they're different. They have these expectations that I'm terrified of shattering."
Maud's brows furrowed, her voice softening. "But you're not living for them, are you? You're living for yourself. If they can't accept you for who you are, then that's on them, not you. You shouldn't have to hide just because you're afraid of their reaction."
"I get that," Ellen said, her voice wavering. "But the idea of being rejected by my family is so daunting. I've seen how they react to things they don't understand. It's not just about me; it's about my whole life changing."
Maud crossed her arms, her green eyes piercing through Ellen's hesitation. "You're stronger than you give yourself credit for. You've built this incredible life for yourself. Don't let fear dictate your happiness. Julie might be straight, but what if she isn't? You never know how someone might feel."
Ellen sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I really don't think she's into girls. I mean, she talks about Tristan in this way that makes it clear she's into him. I just can't see her being anything but straight. She's all about her social media image and her brand. That's not a world where I think I'd fit in."
Maud leaned back, her expression softening again, but still firm. "But what if she's just as confused as you are? You're not the only one navigating these waters. It's okay to explore your feelings, and it's okay to admit that you have a crush. Just remember, you deserve to be happy and to be with someone who makes you feel good about yourself."
Ellen felt a warmth spreading through her chest at Maud's words but couldn't shake the feeling of doubt. "What if it all goes wrong? What if I lose everything?"
Maud reached out, taking Ellen's hands in hers. "You won't lose everything. You have me, you have your art, and you have your dreams. If anything, being true to yourself will only make you stronger. You need to trust yourself more."
Ellen looked into Maud's eyes, searching for reassurance. "You have so much faith in me. I just wish I could feel the same way."
Maud smiled softly, squeezing Ellen's hands. "You will. Just take it one step at a time. You don't have to rush into anything, but don't shut yourself off from the possibilities either. Life is too precious for that."
