The Secret We Share

Alexis

I felt anxiety rising in my chest as we pulled further and further from the neighborhood I've called home for most of my life. From the girl that made me feel like I was home. Well, the girl that used to make me feel that way. As much as it hurt, I had to move on. The worst part was not having anyone to confide in. The one person I would talk to is the one I need to talk about.

I still can't believe she kissed me. Suddenly, all I could think about was the way her lips felt against mine, the way her arms had wrapped around my waist.

I have known I was bisexual for a while, but Kylie was the first girl I'd ever kissed. Nobody knew I was bi, and nobody could know. I just didn't think my parents would support it, and I was scared of what people would think. That's why I admired people like Hayley Kiyoko and Ruby Rose, people who were so proud to be who they were- unapologetic in their difference.

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the car window, relishing in the darkness. Thankfully, it could hide the expressions that I was sure were taking over my features at the moment.

"Alexis honey, did you say goodbye to Kylie?" My mother asked, her tone soft.

I couldn't bear to speak the truth, so I fell back on the only defense mechanism I could think of- I pretended to be asleep.

"I think she's asleep, dear, it's been a long day for us all. We should just let her be for now." I heard my fathers voice cut through the silence.

*****

Before I knew it I was being awoken by the sudden stopping of the car. In my attempts to avoid my parent's questioning I had actually fallen asleep.

"Alexis, we're at the airport dear," my mother said, gently shaking me awake.

"Huh, airport? Right, the flight, Europe." I mumbled in my groggy state. I began to gather my things from the backseat, slowly waking up in the process.

My parents had already retrieved my luggage from the trunk, setting it on the sidewalk behind the car.

As I slid out of the car and into the cool air I felt the overwhelming feeling of sadness that I had tried so hard not to let show. I wouldn't be able to see Kylie now. I had lost that chance to say a proper goodbye and the thought made me bite my lip to keep tears at bay.

"Everything okay?" My Dad asked, concern written across his face, his brow furrowed.

"Everything is good, we should go, I've got a flight to catch." I said, mustering a tight smile. I had to put my worries behind me, at this point they weren't getting me anywhere.

*****

We made our way through the lobby of the nearly empty airport. It was a relatively local airport so it wasn't crowded, especially at this ungodly hour.

Finally, we made it through the security area, and my parents could no longer stay with me. They had their own flight to catch, a flight to Japan. My parents, both co-owners of an international business, had to spend a few weeks in Japan for their job. After that, they were headed to South Korea, Thailand, and then Hong Kong. It would be a busy summer of travel for all of us.

They were going to be gone the whole summer which is why they thought it would be best for me to spend time with my cousins in Europe. In addition to spending time with the family, and not having to stay home alone, I would get to practice my French and Italian. My cousins lived in Paris, but have told me that they make frequent day trips to Italy and the other countries surrounding France.

As we said our goodbyes, I was reminded yet again of my lack of closure with Kylie. I shook it off as I wheeled my suitcase to the terminal.

Ugh. I still had another hour until my flight, but I didn't want to waste phone battery watching Netflix or listening to music. So, I instead decided to grab some coffee and something to eat to hopefully try and wake up a bit. It was still only 3:45 AM.