Sincerely, Leah

17

3 days before New Years Eve, Abby returns home as her cousins are going away. I really don't want to send her back there, but I know that she wants to.

She asked me to the New Years dance, so I can't wait for that. Simon and Bram and Lucy and Emily are going together as couples as well. I'm honestly so happy for them. I'm so happy in general. I've never felt better.

• • • • • •

Two days before the dance, mom and Wells take me shopping for a dress. I really don't like them but I want to look nice for Abby.

After around an hour, I begin to get nauseated being around this shop. I really feel like just picking up something random and heading out. Then, I spot this really simple but nice dress. Its a yellow floral dress.

Wells follows my eye and he smiles at me. He walks over to it and picks it up. 

"Want to try it on?", he asks me.

"How much is it?"

He checks the tag.

"Uh, only about $250."

My jaw falls to the floor. I shake my head chuckling.

"No, that's way too much. You already got me a freaking record player."

"Lee, its all good. I know you like it."

"I do, but-"

"Leah, just try the dress on."

I roll my eyes and smile.

"OK!", I laugh, caving in. "I'll try it on. Thanks so much."

"Its nothing."

Is this what it feels like to have a dad?

• • • • • •

So, a half hour later, I'm walking through the mall with my mom and Wells, holding a bag with a cute ass dress inside and I feel like part of a family. I always got nauseated as a kid when I'd hear everyone saying, "CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR FAMILY AND LOVE AND PEACE", but this Christmas, I have a little family of my own, the best girlfriend ever and I feel only peace.

We head into a café for hot chocolate and I see Abby alone at another table. I hand my bag to mom.

"One second, guys. I'll be back.", I say, and they nod their heads.

I walk over to her and I smile at her when she looks up.

"Hey.", I say nervously.

She smiles at me. "Hey, love."

I sit down across from her. "So, what are you doing here alone on Christmas week?"

"My mother kept talking about how embarrassed she was that the entire family now knows that she has a bisexual daughter. It turned bad, and I walked out. Just packed my stuff, walked out the door and parked outside WaHo for the night. Just came here for some hot chocolate."

I sigh. "Jesus, Abs. Why didn't you ask me could you stay over?"

"You guys have already done so much for me. I didn't want to dump myself on you guys again."

I move my chair so it's beside her. I look in her eyes and I hug her. She sighs into my shoulder.

"You know you can stay with us for as long as you need, right?", I say to her.

She looks up at me. "Yes.", she says softly.

I lean in and give her a soft kiss. We smile at each other.

"Now, c'mon.", I say standing up. "Come over to our table, and then we'll go home."