this is for the beginning of pride month <3
Breathe in, breathe out.
Connor Murphy could do this. It was already too late to back out; he called a family meeting, and everyone was waiting for him. He could see Zoe’s annoyed eyes as she mindlessly scrolled through her phone, and Cynthia’s caring ones when she tried to see what Zoe was doing. Lastly, he looked at his dad-the person he was truly afraid to tell. Larry wasn’t a bad dad, but he had an aura that just made him seem cold, far away from reality. Connor was afraid he wouldn’t come around, and that he would make a fool of himself just trying to tell his whole family one of the biggest secrets he’d ever kept.
“Oh my god, Connor. I’m not waiting here all fucking night for some stupid thing you have to say.” Zoe yelled, standing up.
“Zoe, language,” Cynthia reminded with a vague smile.
“He’s taking forever! Doesn’t he know that we have lives?” Zoe complained further, ready to head upstairs and drag Connor out of his room if she had to.
“I’m sure whatever he’s trying to tell us isn’t easy to say, Zo. Please sit. He’ll be right out.” Cynthia tried taking her hand to calm her down.
“Bullshit,” Zoe sneered, pulling her hand away from her mother’s, “It’s probably just some absolute shit-”
“Please don’t fight. This is, it’s just kinda hard for me, okay? And it isn’t shit, it’s important to me.” He said as calmly as possible. Even Larry turned his head, wondering why Connor was so calm.
“Are you high right now, Connor?” Zoe laughed.
“Zoe, please,” Connor sat in the last available spot, continuing, “I’m serious.” With that, Zoe sat down and rolled her eyes. She had never seen Connor so calm, let alone serious with what he was doing.
“What’s up, sweetie?” Cynthia asked, encouraging Connor to speak subtly.
“A lot. But I just, hold on.” He closed his eyes and breathed in and out deeply. Afterward, he reopened his eyes, looking at Zoe, Cynthia, and Larry. Zoe looked impatient, Cynthia looked sympathetic, and Larry looked slightly unamused and like he wasn’t really here.
“Okay,” Connor looked down, back up, and back down again, “Just know that what I’m gonna say doesn’t change anything about me and that I want you to treat me normal, okay? Don’t baby me, or whatever.” His eyes shifted to a small crumb stuck in the carpet. Looks like Mom missed a spot.
“Yes, sweetie, of course,” Cynthia looked at both Zoe and Larry and nodded.
“Alright,” He nodded, chuckling sadly, “Shit. I guess I should just get on with it. But please, don’t hate me.”
“Oh my god, Connor, spit it out.” Zoe rolled her eyes. She was one to think this was all fake.
“Zoe, seriously!” Connor snapped, breathing in and out to calm himself down.
“Okay, sorry, jeez.” Zoe’s eyes widened as he put her phone down.
“Thanks,” Connor said, sighing, “So, this may be a shocker, or maybe not, but… I’m, um, I’m gay.”
He finally said it. He did it.
Connor looked up to see his family’s reaction. Zoe’s expression was immediately softened, and he could’ve sworn a tiny smile could be seen on her face if you looked close enough. Cynthia had the biggest smile ever on her face, looking like she’d say something like, “Aw honey, I’m so proud of you for telling us.”
Connor glanced at Larry, afraid what he’d look like. But, to his surprise, Larry looked calm, not angry. He looked like he was processing things, but that was better-way better-than him hating Connor for it.
“We are so glad you told us, right Larry? Zoe?” Cynthia finally said. Connor chuckled softly. He had anticipated that.
“Yeah, I am.” Zoe nodded. She looked at Connor again, smiling a little.
“I… I am proud.” Larry nodded as well, looking at Connor with the smallest smile as well.
It was Cynthia that brought them all into a giant hug.
For once, Connor felt satisfied with a decision he’s made. He felt complete.
He felt happy.
