Reinvent Love

Carter

today is thanksgiving, which means 2 more days in this hell. I'm getting really tired of sleeping on an air mattress, it kinda sucks.

I did my daily regiment of pulling myself out of the crack between the bed and the washing machine that i somehow always ended up in. I texted Addy good morning and laid in bed watching youtube. I don't know how but there's always something for me to watch. The day went by in a blur and soon people were coming over.

My aunt brought the turkey and my grandma brought some other things. Every sane person brought a little something, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, all the classics. My cousins came and we all sat together cause they're the only ones I really relate to. It all went as usual making small talk and eating and everyone bombarding me with questions about college.

I stared at the wall of crucifixes that was in front of me. Glad to know my family will classify me as the human embodiment of sin if I come out, I thought to myself. Even though some Christians are okay with LGBT, My family and especially my father aren't.

About an hour in the table got quiet. My cousin Willow started to speak.

" Um guys, I have something I feel like I need to tell you"

Everyone was silent, waiting for her to speak.

" I-i'm transgender" They said very quickly.

My grandfather sighed in disapproval. All my family but my cousins and I looked very disappointed. I gave Willow a reassuring hug.

" You're just confused. You're a girl Willow, that's how you were born and that's how it's always going to be. You shouldn't choose this life of faggots" Willows father said. I started to get angry. Without even noticing it I was digging my fingernails into my arm.

I stood up forcefully, " IF YOU THINK THEY'RE CONFUSED YOU'RE WRONG. ITS WILLOWS LIFE AND THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT WITH IT!" I practically shouted. Willow gave a weak smile at my already appropriate use of pronouns and for defending them.

" And you know, I wasn't planning on saying this because I know how much of adolescent idiots you are, but i'm bisexual. Yeah that's right, two queers in the same family. And I have a beautiful and amazing Girlfriend." I said, feeling like smoke should be coming out if my ears.

All my family, Especially my cousins, were shocked at what I had just done.

" Get out" My dad said, standing up and practically yelling. The table was silent. a few sighs in annoyance were heard.

" Oh I will gladly! Willow, come on we're better than these dickheads" I said loudly. Willow got up and followed me upstairs. I packed all my stuff quickly and stormed out.

" If you ever care to make up to us don't try it, we'll be living our best lives without you" I said before slamming the door and walking out.

We got into Willows car. They took the drivers seat while I put my stuff in the back and claimed shotgun.

" Ok before anything else, what pronouns should I refer to you by and what name do you go by?" I asked.

" I'm okay with they/them or he/him and I haven't really picked a name out yet, maybe you can help me with that" They said with a shy tone.

I could tell they were nervous. " It's going to be okay, don't worry. You can come live with me and my girlfriend for the time being until we can get you somewhere else. Now come on, let's make a quick stop at your house where you can get some clothes and stuff and we'll go straight to the campus." I told willow as I hugged them over the armrest in the car.

" W-what about your girlfriend, will she be okay with me just, just like walking in and living there?" Willow stuttered out.

" I'm sure she'll understand your situation, and besides, you can just sleep on the couch or something. Her names Addy and I really think you'll like her" I told them.