Exceptional

Chapter 4

Charlotte heard a loud slam and instantly looked for her mom. Cynthia stormed into the kitchen, clearly not too happy. "Are you okay?" Angelica asked. "Yeah, everything's fine," she lied. Moms had to be tough. Moms couldn't show weakness... right?
Miranda's voice ran in her head. People were awful, true. But maybe it'd be better to disregard people like her. They were obviously just stubborn and uneducated. Miranda wasn't worth her time.
Cynthia didn't doubt that Miranda would keep to her word and leave poor Rose here. She had to think of a way to keep Rose there temporarily without drawing attention to the situation. But just how?

Angelica and the girls were seated at the dinner table, waiting to be served Cynthia's delicous meal. Cynthia initially decided that she would figure something out later. Now was time to enjoy dinner with Charlotte's friends and her nibling (nibling = gender neutral for niece/nephew).  This is supposed to be a well-deserved relaxation, Cynthia thought as she served the meal.

Charlotte was engaged in a conversation with the others. Angelica and Olivia introduced themselves to Rose, as they hadn't met her before. Charlotte and Adalin were intent on getting to know her more, as she seemed like a very nice and good person. Adalin was very interested in learning more about her. "So, Rose, could you tell us more about yourself?" Adalin asked, taking a bite into her 'beef' patty (more like a veggie patty, since she couldn't have meat). She knew it would be better to let Rose speak for herself, as opposed to bombarding her with questions she may not want to answer. Angelica gave Adalin a look of confusion.

Charlotte watched as Adalin's expression turned from content to upset. "Did I do it again? Interrupt? I'm so sorry! I have a hard time knowing when my turn to speak is." Adalin said with a tone of self-frusturation. "You did, but it's okay! You have a valid explanation for it, and you are doing it less, so good job," Olivia comforted. "We weren't talking about anything important anyways. I would also like to get to know more about Rose!" Angelica chimed in, smiling at Adalin. His smile seemed to relax Adalin a lot.

All eyes were on Rose now, and she was a little shocked. The only person who ever cares about me or how I feel is my Dad, this is new... she thought. "Well, okay...," she muttered, taking a deep breath. "I was born in Italy. My Dad is Italian, and my Mom was born somewhere in the U.S, I don't remember where," Rose began. "My Mom and Dad are divorced. For some odd reason, my Dad and Mom have shared custody, even though they shouldn't. My Mom doesn't like me very much. Maybe if I was non-disabled and not Bisexual, she'd like me more,"

"My Dad understands my disability, how walking and lots of movement hurts me some days and other days it doesn't. My Mom just thinks I'm useless and bound to a wheelchair. I can see why they divorced; they have two mindsets that just don't go together," Rose shrugged, as if this was a completely normal thing. It hurt Charlotte to hear this. "That's unfortunate, and you must be very strong to have to deal with that!" Olivia stepped in. Rose blushed. Nobody has ever called her strong before.

"Anyways, I am still quite active... I just take long breaks in between events. Sometimes, very rarely, I like to ski and stuff," she said. "I like to ski too!" Charlotte exclaimed. The thought of having something in common with Rose was exciting.

"So, uh, Angelica, was it? Are you transgender?" Rose asked. "Yep! I am Genderfluid. That means I change what pronouns I identify with. Just to let you know, some transgender folks don't like being asked those kinds of questions, but I don't mind!" Angelica stated. "I still use my feminine name though, because I have a personal connection to it. It was the name of Charlotte and I's Grandma. I never met her, but I heard she's really cool!"

By now, the teens were done eating. They thanked Cynthia for the delicious meal, and were starting to get their things together. "Mom," Charlotte started. "Can we all have a sleepover here on the weekend?" Charlotte asked. "Sure, sweetie. Just make sure to ask your friends and their parents," she answered.

Charlotte talked to her friends and the plans were set. She would've liked to have one now, but Cynthia had told Charlotte before that last-minute plans made her nervous. She respected her mom's wishes, it was only a short wait anyways. Besides, it was a school night.

Olivia and Adalin were picked up by their parents, and now only Adalin and Rose remained. Cynthia pulled Rose aside and explained the situation with her mom. "Do you have a safe adult, like your dad, who can pick you up?" Cynthia asked. Rose nodded. "My Dad is out of town, but my Aunt should be able to pick me up. I'll call her," Rose answered.

Now all thst was left to do was sort out where Angelica was going. "Who's picking you up? Auntie or Tía?" Charlotte asked Angelica. Tía meant Aunt in Spanish, and Angelica's other Mom preffered that title, as she was Venezuelan.  "I'm walking." he replied.  "Are you sure? It's getting dark," Charlotte asked with a concerned expression on her face.
"I'll be fine!" Angelica replied. "Tell Aunt Cynthia I said thanks for dinner!" Angelica said as she skipped away.

But "fine" Angelica was not.

To Be Continued