Short Story Collections

Hopeless Romantic

Chapter 1.4: Confusion and Decision

"You've been acting weird for the past couple of days. What's wrong? And don't you dare lie since I can read you like an open book." Lena glared at me as she said those words. Maybe it could help if I tell her my problem. Besides she's my best friend, I don't think she'll be disgusted at me.

"Remember the girl that I spilled coffee last Sunday?" I started. While I look over the twins that were playing in front of the television. Her parents were still out of town for a conference therefore, she was stuck baby-sitting and as her best friend, I help out sometimes.

"Of course! She's hot!" I then raised a brow. "She has swagger. So what's with her?" Did she just admit on checking out a woman?

I told Lena how the mysterious girl delivered the pizza, came back and propositioned me to become her faux girlfriend. Lena kept her silence as I continued to tell the story. "So that's it." However, I didn't mention about my dream.

"Okay... So let me get this right... She delivered the pizza... asked you to become her fake girlfriend to piss her aunt... And you're actually considering it." I nodded at her.

"What do you think should I do?"

"Go for it girl! You have been looking for Mr. Right but what if Mr. Right is really Ms. Right." She said with glee.

"Wait? What?" I asked in shocked as Lena pushed the idea of having Ms. Right into my head.

"What?" She asked back and I could see the total amusement on her face.

"Did you just say Ms. Right?"

"Yes!" Lena exclaimed. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing..." I replied nonchalantly as I shook my head.

"Don't tell me you're secretly homophobic Chelsea? Or our friendship will be totally over!" Lena said.

"What? No! Of course not! It's just..." I took a deep breath while gathering the right words to say. "It's just... I haven't really thought about it... being with a woman... in fact... I never felt like this before."

"Oh my god! You're actually feeling something!" She exclaimed again and I wonder why she was so excited about the fact that I may be bisexual.

"I honestly don't really know." I sighed, dejected. "She's been in my mind a lot." I admitted but I will never ever share the dream I had last night even if Lena's my best friend for life because that was way too embarrassing. "And you're okay with it?"

"Of course I am! You're my best friend and I love you no matter who you are!" She then gave me a tight hug. "Besides, have I mentioned to you my two cool aunts?

"Yes you did, when you came back from vacation last summer. Why?"

"Well... they have been in a committed relationship for more than three decades! They had a really hard time since in their time, same sex relationships weren't really much accepted." Lena paused. "Last summer, was also my grandmother's 90th birthday and it was her dying wish for them to come. I never knew they existed before because they were outcaste but when I got a chance to bond with them, they are so cool. You can see the love on how they look at each other.

"So true love do exist!" I said excitedly.

"Yes! You buffoon! You're one of the most hopeless romantic person I have ever knew. So it doesn't matter if it's a man or a woman. Love is love." I just nodded.

"Maybe this Andy girl is your soul mate."

"Hello? Lena? She doesn't believe in love! Have you forgotten about that?" I asked. "Besides..." she was actually glad to know I'm straight so that I 'don't fall in love' with her. "

Lena just shrugged and we just left the conversation at that. The twins were still busy playing their blocks while a Disney movie was playing. After a few quiet moments, my cellphone vibrated.

1 new message

Hey, It's Andy. Have you decided?

Was written in the banner of my phone. I was glad I set this as a notification, at least it won't show as "seen mode" when I opened it since I still don't know how to respond.

"It's a yes or no Chelsea, just answer the lady so she can move on and plan something else." Lena said and I noticed that she was shoulder surfing my phone.

"Stop looking at my phone!" I mocked anger then hit her with a pillow.

"Then stop using a banner!" She then took another pillow and threw it at me.

"Pillow fight!" The twins exclaimed. They abandoned their toys and jumped towards us. For a moment there, I forgot about everything else and just enjoyed playing with them. It's this scenario that I hoped that I wasn't an only child.

Later that night, I went and stayed at the kitchen to drink some warm milk. I felt guilty because I still haven't opened the message from Andy. I sighed. Lena's right, I need to provide my answer in order for her to have a back-up plan.

"What's wrong sweetie? What are you doing up? It's late." I turned around and saw my mom walking towards the kitchen.

"I couldn't sleep. I thought warm milk might help."

"Anything wrong? Is there anything I can help?" My mother sincerely asked as she went to the fridge to get some water.

Should I tell her? Come to think of it, I have no idea how will they react. Will they accept me if I'm a lesbian or bisexual? Will they throw me out? I knew they have friends that were members of LBTQ community but will they be okay if it's their own child?

At the end, fear overcame it. "It's nothing mom, just some teen stuff. Why are you up?" I asked back.

"Just thirsty." She rinsed the glass and walked towards me. "Even if it's weekend, don't stay too late. Sleep is important."

"I will mom. Good night."

After I heard my mother, closed the door of their room, I drank my milk, rinse the glass and walk back towards my room. I had a message to reply.

I typed: Ok. I'll do it. Then hit send.