Another Love Story

Chapter 3

Author's note:

I just want to dedicate this chapter to Lex_2014 and FallenLyric. Thank you two.

(and also I'm sorry in advance)

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The cold air felt nice brushing across my burning skin as I walked along the dimly lit concrete path. I should have gone home, but the thought repelled me so much so that I felt a gag stick in my throat. Instead, I sat down just outside of an open-field park. The quiet solitude gave way to a moment to think. I laid down on the moist grass behind me and tried to do the opposite of that, of thinking. It didn't work.

My mind kept going back to wondering what McKenna meant when she had said she wouldn't tell anybody who didn't need to know about me being...that. I had a sinking feeling in my gut, what if she decided my family needed to know? Or possibly worse, people in the school. A cold panic rushed through my veins, and a chill ran the length of my body. I quickly pushed out the thoughts, numbing myself to the feelings that were invading my body. She was probably just being cheeky. McKenna was the type to relish in people not being able to decipher anything about her other than what she expressly wanted you to know. As much as she looked like a barbie doll, she acted more like a Sherlock Holmes. She was somebody who could get to the bottom of any mystery, but at the end of the day was a mystery herself.

My mind drifted to how she had kissed me. It was rash and quick, mesmerizing, but in the end only a moment long. It wasn't what I wanted. Or maybe, I allowed myself to ponder, it just wasn't who I wanted. I laughed to myself, well apparently it wasn't Daniel. I cringed at the memory of how I rejected Daniel's kiss, but honestly I would rather be embarrassed than have had to kiss a boy I didn't even like. Or kiss a boy period, really.

So no boys, and no girls who are manipulative and already have a girlfriend. I could follow that rule. I am a lesbian. A lesbian with a moral compass. I wondered if other people had to clarify these things to themselves. Was everybody so weird in their own heads? Probably. Or maybe It was just me.

I pulled out my phone, shaking my head. The screen was brighter than the moon and the streetlamps combined, making my eyes water until I was able to dim it. That was when I noticed the unread message.

Serina: Hey.. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out? I just finished all of my homework, Ms. Jenner is going easy on the trig this week. Anyway, you can come over to my place if you want.

After the initial heart flutter, I realized something unpleasant. It was sent two hours ago. Crap. My heart did a 360 and sunk to the bottom of my stomach. I hurriedly typed out my response.

Me: Hey! I'm so sorry I wasn't able to text back earlier, I was at Daniel's party.

I felt terrible for not texting back earlier. I probably would have enjoyed doing homework with Serina more than the events that went down at Daniel's.

Not even a full minute passed before my phone vibrated.

Serina: Oh. The offer still stands...You could stay the night since it is so late.

Yikes. No 'It's okay' or any other hint that the lapse in time did not affect her. She did still want to hang out though. That was something. I stood up and started walking down the path towards my house. I was going to need to pack if I wanted to stay the night.

I started going through the list of things I would need to pack so that I wouldn't have to think of the fact that I was walking towards the last place I wanted to be right then. Clothes, toiletries, electronics. Not specific enough. Shirt, underwear, shorts, socks, deodorant, toothbrush, tooth paste, makeup. Oh and phone charger, can't forget my charger. Shirt, underwear, shorts, socks.... This went on until I was standing in front of my front door. Deep breath of freedom before I could muster another step. All I had to do was sneak past unnoticed. If I could do that, it was smooth sailing from there. In a passing thought, I noticed that there was no porch light welcoming me home, before I creaked the door open slowly.