My Misadventures

33.5: Thanksgiving Pt 2

More silence. Stunned faces. All eyes on me. I smile, unafraid. Caleb's hand in mine.

Then, all at once, everyone speaks:

"Skylar!"

"I knew it!"

"That's so cool!"

"Aw I'm so happy for you two!"

Applause. Applause?!

I glance from person to person, gauging their reactions. Everyone seems genuinely proud of me, and happy for us.

Arielle tries to hide her true reaction by clapping politely with a tight smile, but I'm no fool.

A couple of the kids perk up when they hear clapping, and they look over. "What happened?"

"Skylar and Caleb are boyfriends!"

"Wait, like dating?"

"Yep!"

"I didn't know boys can date boys!"

I blush, embarrassed by the attention. I happily lean my head on Caleb's shoulder, laughing. I am so relieved. I hadn't even planned on coming out tonight. I thought I would keep this secret bottled up forever.

My dad has never looked so proud in his entire life. Maybe when Arielle and Alexander announced their engagement... but this is a different kind of proud. Knowing that his happy smile is because of me makes my chest swell with pride.

I did it. I told everyone, and they accepted me. It doesn't matter what happens next. I'm loved. I'm allowed to be myself.

I'm free.

-

After dinner, everyone migrates to the living room while the kids play outside in the left over fallen leaves. We lounge on the big couches, content with the sleepy silence.

I rest my head in Caleb's lap, and he lazily runs his fingers through my hair. This feels like a dream. I'm still a bit nervous every time someone's eyes flick over to us; but I just remember the peace I felt after coming out, and I can relax again.

I turn to face up, gazing at the underside of Caleb's face. He tilts his head down a little so he can smile at me.

Wordlessly, I turn into him, kissing his belly through his shirt. He ruffles my hair, and holds me close. His scent puts me under a spell. Mixed with cologne, but still so uniquely his. It's my favorite smell in the whole world.

I could've stayed like that forever: face squished into his belly, his hand in my hair, the warm air filled with laughter and the smell of thanksgiving dinner.

Being all comfortable like that... it was impossible to stay awake.

-

I open my eyes to see Caleb fast asleep, nose to nose with me. I sit up quietly, doing my best not to wake him.

We are tucked into bed, the room dim and warm. This is one of the guest rooms at Granny Murdock's house. I recognize the age-old wallpaper, and the sliding closet doors with chipped wood.

I check the time on my watch, then look down at Caleb again. He's so peaceful. His lashes rest on his cheeks, his hair is in a tousled mess, and his lips are slightly parted.

So cute. I have to take a picture. Uh... for science. Yeah this is for science.

I stow my phone under the pillow, then take my place next to him under the blanket. He stirs, shifting closer so our bodies are pressed together. In his sleep, he places a wet kiss on my forehead.