A Different Kind of Love

Chapter 3: Today's the Day

It had been one week since the first day of school, which for some reason was on a Friday. I was enjoying all of my classes and none of my "friends" were talking to me after I almost broke that senior's arm. Today was also the first meeting of GSA and I couldn't be more excited, I still wasn't used to my school schedule since we had odd and even day blocks so I looked at the date on my calendar. It was the eleventh, an odd day. I put all of my class folders for an odd day block and went downstairs to leave for school. My mom had already left for work and wouldn't see me until I got back from GSA, I walked out of my house making sure the door was locked before I closed it. I got into my sister's car where she was waiting for me.

"So," she began, "do you want me to go to GSA with you?"

"No, only if you want to, don't you have another club today too?" I asked knowing that every Friday last year she would be at a club.

"I feel like you'll be surprised at the club I went to every Friday last year, I could hang with you guys for awhile." She said while pulling out of the driveway and taking us on our way to school.

"Okay." I smiled, it was gonna be the best day ever.

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The bell rang signalling the end of the day and as kids pushed pass one another I made my way to the classroom where GSA was held, room 214. I walked over and pushed the door open and saw Thomas pushing tables with some people and Charlie was slowly putting chairs in a circle along with the help of Zach. They didn't notice me enter so they continued with their conversation.

"Do we know how many people are gonna be here?"

"Nope, but I'm sure it's gonna be a larger turnout than last year. We'll be sure to have a lot of straight allies."

"Oh please don't use that word, straight allies hurt us more than they help us."

"Casey could you just be nice to them? We could really use the support."

"Fine, but don't expect me to jump at being the one who explains all of the sexualities and gender identities they don't know." I decided then to make my presence known so maybe everyone in the room would hate me less.

"Hi guys." I said meekly. Zach looked up at me and dropped a chair which landed on Charlie's foot but he didn't react because he was also staring at me, everyone was. I didn't know what to do so I just stood there waiting for something to happen, after a couple seconds Thomas walked over to me and broke the silence.

"Yay you're here! Everyone this is Elizabeth and she's new here!" I was pulled into the room and left there so I decided to help set up chairs with Zach. A person walked over to me while I was setting up chairs and started to make conversation.

"So, you're a freshman." They said. I thought it'd be in my best interest to not give anyone pronouns until I knew their gender identity.

"Yeah." I said back meekly, I'm pretty sure this was Casey and they would hate me forever if I slipped up.

"You straight?" They asked. I was lucky Thomas intervened again or else I would've had an anxiety attack.

"Hey it's almost time to start, you should go find a seat and I'll finish setting up chairs for you."

"Okay." I responded and went to sit down in between Charlie and Zach while Thomas pulled who I believe is Casey aside and started to what looked like scolding them. Zach and Charlie were already having a conversation so I sat there and watched everybody come into the room and find a seat. Then the club advisor, who just so happened to be my guidance counselor walked in and sat down in the chair that had a "for advisor" sign on it. I looked around the room to see who was here. Ali, Kate, my sister, Zach, Thomas, Charlie, and some other people who I had classes with or saw in the halls. Then the meeting started.