Fifteen

Chapter 11: You Oughta Know

The last year of her life had built up to this moment. As Gracia stood outside the conference room, she had the strong urge to throw her arms in the air and shout "Get it, bitch!" But of course, she refrained.

It was 7:30am and she was ready for college orientation. Austin, Texas was beyond beautiful and definitely the polar opposite of her hometown when it came to scenery. There were so many amazing clubs and bars, which forced her to thank Zander profusely for making her an exceptional fake ID. The nightlife looked amazing and the girls were a major step up from those back in Staten Island. Southern girls were thick and Gracia loved that fact.

As she walked in to the extremely large and cold room, Gracia noticed just how different each group of students were. She took a seat in the back to partake in her second favorite hobby: people watching. It was apparent which groups of students knew each other versus those that were new to the unchartered waters.

She laughed to herself as she watched the students frozen with anxiety and nerves. College is just high school for wannabe adults. She thought, never understanding why people got so bent out of shape about it. There were mean girls, jocks, nerds, etc. but none of that mattered to her in high school and it wasn't going to matter now. She knew she didn't behave the way people expected her to and that was fine. People often judged or assumed things about her based on her looks, but were quickly surprised once she opened her mouth.

Gracia left what she knew as home to be with her older brother, Danny, and his now pregnant wife, Piper a few weeks ago. Danny got an amazing job opportunity with an up and coming law firm in Austin, but the two of them weren't quite ready to be apart. They grew up bouncing around their relatives' homes as their mother battled with Dissociative Identity Disorder.

The moment Danny turned sixteen and got a job, he and Gracia moved in with a family they met through church. The Milan family was so kind, which was very hard to adjust to. These were complete strangers who truly loved Danny and Gracia more than their own family did.

It took some time, but they became accustomed and were happy to still have each other. The two were very close, but when Danny started liking the oldest Milan daughter, Piper, Gracia worried that their dynamic would change. It didn't and Gracia was happy to gain a sister and supporter when she and Danny got married after their college graduation.

Piper was so understanding and encouraging. She knew how to read people, but especially Gracia. Piper knew before Gracia came out that she was a lesbian. She didn't judge her and seemed to love her more for being comfortable and open with her. Gracia needed this backing, because when she did finally tell Danny he reacted completely opposite.

Danny was not accepting at all. He said very hurtful things that should have jeopardized their relationship. They didn't speak the entire three years he was in law school, which was hard. She was still living with the Milan family, but Danny and Piper had gotten a small studio apartment to be closer to his school and her marketing job. It was Piper who brought him to terms with the fact that Gracia was still his little sister that deserved to be loved, respected and appreciated.

It wasn't until the summer before Gracia's senior year that Danny finally spoke to her and apologized. She knew it was hard for him. They were Puerto Ricans born and raised Catholic. Danny still held onto some of the beliefs, but Gracia felt differently. She knew how loving and merciful God was and trusted that Jesus would love her regardless of who she loved.

After a few months, Danny came around fully and Gracia was able to be herself openly and happily. She dated a few girls in high school, but no one worthy to bring home to them. Piper was hoping that would change now that they were in Austin.