Elle Jones

Chapter 15: Billy Townes

As Kristy takes ahold of my hands, I felt sort of awkward, yet comfortable around her presence. She didn't threaten to break my hands, nor burn them with a cigarette.

Instead, her touch was rather safe and comfortable-almost like the apartment, I guess.

Speaking of the apartment, it appears as if Kristy, Olivia, and Austin were celebrating Pride Month; there were a large number of rainbow decorations hanging across walls, television screens, and smooth, wooden cupboards.

Somewhere in the kitchen is a massive dining table with bowls of oven-baked cookies and goods, allowing warm smells to spread inside the apartment.

And as Olivia takes out a pitcher of lemonade from the fridge, a catchy Diana Ross song, I'm Coming Out, blared in the background.

Taking in her excitement, I stared at Kristy's beaming face for a minute. "You were expecting me?"

Kristy nodded very happily. "Of course! I need my future daughter-in-law to partake in this celebration!"

I stared at her in amazement, while Austin stifled a groan.

"Seriously, Mom?" he grunted.

As if it didn't bother her, Kristy simply shrugs her shoulders.

"What?" she asked. "It could happen."

"No, it won't." Austin moaned.

Wandering over to the living room, I studied the rainbow-colored ribbons draping over the flat screen television, then smiled.

"What's the special occasion?" I ask, turning away from the decorations.

"We're throwing a 'coming out' party," Austin explained, laughing.

"Oh," I say, nodding. "Who's the lucky guy?"

Just then, a young androgynous teenager with curly brown hair, blue eyes, maple-colored skin, and a chubby face appeared out of the kitchen wearing a blue buttoned-up shirt, long khaki pants, white socks, and black sneakers.

"This is Billy Townes, " introduced Olivia. "They are here because this brave person has joined our crusade!"

Smiling at her beautiful wife, Kristy added: "they have participated in the LGBT community for quite some time now."

I looked in Billy's direction, whose cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

"You pronouns are they/them?" I inquire.

Billy nods. "I am nonbinary, so I don't identify as a girl or a boy."

Giving them a proud smile, I give them a gentle pat on their left shoulder.

"Okay then, " I say cheerfully. "welcome to the LGBT community."

"Thank you so much, " Billy replied, grinning at me. "Are you a pioneer as well?"

Embarrassed, I shake my head. "I am not much of a joiner."

Giving an understanding grin, Billy added, "Truth be told, I have been a member for only a year."

My eyes widen. "You have?"

Billy nodded, allowing Kristy to throw her arms around them for a heart-warming hug.

"I am so proud of you!" she exclaimed, smearing her powdered cheek against Billy's.

Later, as Kristy turns her head to her family, she says to them: "Austin, make Billy comfortable. Olivia, play them one of your favorite songs!"

Olivia smiled then kissed her wife on the mouth.

"Okay," she says, chuckling. "I'll see what I can do."