Chasing Her

Chapter 1: Coming Out and Consequences

Taylor's POV

I nervously walk into the kitchen where my mom and dad are already eating dinner. I sit down, but can't bring myself to eat anything because I'm too nervous. They look up at me with confused and concerned looks on their faces. 

"Taylor, what's wrong? You can eat now." My mom says.

"I know, it's just that...I have something to tell you guys." They both stop eating and put their forks down, really paying attention now. 

"What is it, Taylor?" My dad asks. I look down at the table and mumble the words. 

"What was that honey?"  I hear my mom say. Concern was clearly in her voice and I had a feeling she knew what was coming. But first, let me give you a little bit of a background on my life.

              My name is Taylor Swift. I'm just kidding it's Taylor Nash. I'm a junior in high school, at Springfield High. I have three best friends, Max, Haley, and Kylie. Max has been my best friend since I can remember and has always been there for me, even when I came out to him.  He was supportive through it all, and I couldn't thank him enough. He is even the one that encouraged me to come out to my parents. He plays football and has been a starter since he was a freshman. Max is just talented at what he does. If he puts his mind to it, he has no problem taking down the task.

               Then there's Haley. She is one of the girliest girly girls I know. She does her makeup to perfection every day, and I can't remember the last time she wore jeans. Seriously, she can be out of control sometimes, but that's okay because I love her for that. That's why she is one of my best friends. She's loud and crazy, but she really knows her stuff when she needs too. When I say stuff, I mean drama. Every day there is new gossip that she finds out days before anyone else can. It's crazy.

                And last but not least, Kylie. She is the polar opposite of Haley. She's quiet, shy and reserved. She couldn't care less about drama and just wants to get out of school. I met her when I was partnered with her for a chemistry project. Once we got to know each other, things clicked. Best friends ever since. I have gotten her to be a little bit more social over time, but it's a process. She is definitely the smartest of the group, but we don't complain since she can help us with pretty much anything, not just school stuff, but personal stuff. I swear she should be a therapist someday. 

             Anyway, I guess that leaves me.  I am definitely not a girly girl, but quite the opposite. All I wear is jeans and basketball shorts. My hair is cut short because I could never take care of it when it was long. I play any sport I can, even football with Max, but still keep my grades up somehow. I've only come out to my best friends, even though I think the whole school thinks that I'm gay. But they're not wrong, so I don't deny it. I can be loud when I need to be, but most of the time I keep to myself when I'm not with my friends. 

Back to my parents. They stare at me waiting for me to repeat my mumbling, but you know, clear this time. I straighten my back with a newfound confidence I didn't know I had, and said loud and clear,

"I'm gay." I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding and waited for a response. My dad mumbles something and I ask for him to repeat himself.

"GO TO YOUR ROOM!!" He screams. I immediately do as he says and go to my room. I close the door and regret everything. I know what is coming so I start packing my belongings into a box and my backpack, along with a suitcase. Once I'm done, someone knocks on my door, and I stand up. My mom walks in with a sad smile. 

"I'm sorry that he reacted like that. It's just that, his only daughter is gay, and he isn't taking it well. He had big dreams for you, and once you told him that you're gay, I guess they all came crashing down. I'm sorry."

"It's ok. I already know he wants me out of his sight. When do I leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. Your aunt and uncle are gonna pick you up."

"Wait, wait, wait. Aunt Beth and Uncle Spencer? The ones that live like two hours from here?" I ask my voice rising. I didn't think I was gonna move that far. 

"Yeah, your father thinks it would be good for you to realize that you made a mistake. I just want you to know that I think your father is wrong, and that I'm glad you finally told us."  I walk over to her and hug her. I thank her and go to bed knowing tomorrow is gonna be a long day.

---The Next Day---

I wake up, thinking that what happened yesterday was a dream. But once I saw all my stuff packed up, I realized it had been real. That is also when I realized that Max, Kylie, and Haley still don't know. 

I open the group text and explain everything in one lengthy text.  From when I went into the kitchen that day,  to packing everything up only ten minutes later. I also told them where my aunt and uncle live so that if they wanna hang out, they know where to go. The first to respond was Haley. Typical, she was always on her phone.

Seriously?! This isn't a prank right, cuz I'm seriously crying right now!! I respond,

No, this is legit. And don't cry, you know I can't handle a crying girl. It's not like I'm falling off the face of the earth. We can still hang out and stuff, and I'll keep you guys updated as much as possible.  Max is the next to respond.

I'm gonna miss you, dude. Who's gonna be my wingman now? I laugh and shake my head.

How bout Kylie? I bet she would be willing to do it. Kylie replies straight away and says,

NO WAY!! But seriously, do you have to go?

Yes, sadly. I'm gonna miss you guys. They all respond with,

We'll miss you too. I hear a knock on my door and reply,

I gotta go. I'll talk to you guys later. They respond all the same saying that they will talk to me later, and I go and open the door. I see my mom standing there with teary eyes. I embrace her and say,

"Mom, don't cry. It's no big deal, I knew this would happen." 

"I know, but I really don't want you to go." 

"You can always visit mom. Please, don't be upset. For me. Besides dad is the one in the wrong, not you." She sighs.

"I know. I love you, no matter what. Remember that."

"I will mom. Now let's get my stuff out of here." With that, we grabbed the little I had and went outside to see my aunt and uncle waiting for me in their minivan. Yes, they have kids. 5 of them. I know, fun, right?  

I sigh and get my stuff in their car after greeting them with hugs. I wave goodbye to my mom, and get in the car, leaving behind pretty much everything I have ever known. Here goes nothing.