White lies.

Part 11

Chapter 11. Kim.

"I think you should tell your parents," I mutter, fishing my keys from my purse.

"Why?" Your tone is harsh and sharp in a way it's never been with me. I look up, hurt, and you see it. "I'm sorry. It's just..."

"Just?" I prompt.

"They won't be understanding." That's all you say, but I know what you mean.

They'll kick you out.

"You could stay with me," I suggest. You smile this weak, fragile little smile at me and you say, "Thanks, but I won't want to burden you like that."

"You won't be burdening me," I say, but I know your mind's already made up.

You smile at me and you crank up the radio.

Your eyes are red when you come to school the next day.

I grab you by the wrist and drag you into the nearest toilet. "What's wrong?" I ask, after checking there's no one else in there.

You look like your heart is hurting. "Yesterday I asked them on their take on homosexuality."

"And?" I prompt with a sickening feeling in my chest.

"They said they would never allow it, that it's unnatural, that people like that should..." You close your eyes, collapse against the sink like there's nothing else holding you up. "Rot in hell."

I want to say I'm surprised, or shocked, or outraged even. But all I feel at that moment is resignation, quiet, tired resignation.

I say the only thing I know how to. "I'm sorry." But it's not sincere enough. I don't know what else to say.

You wipe away your tears and you straighten your makeup. "We should go," you say.

"You should tell them."

"But what if they kick me out? What if I fail at being a daughter to them?"

"What if you fall? Oh but honey, what if you fly?"

You stare at me.

"I got it online," I say.

You laugh.

"But really, you should," I say.

Your eyes are cold. "That is my decision to make."

I give in.

We walk out of the bathroom.