AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Elena
Elena’s stomach had been in knots since Riley first broke the news to them. She still didn’t know how she’d made it through the show the night before. Or how she was still standing after barely sleeping. After telling Skylar she needed space to think, Elena had spent the night alone, and she didn’t like it. More than once, Elena thought about calling Skylar to come over, but she never did.
She didn’t know why. There was no one but Skylar who could possibly know what Elena was feeling. But Elena also knew she had to be at peace with whatever decision she made. It would affect not only her and Skylar’s lives but her career as well. The weight of it all was too much for Elena.
After going back and forth all night about what to do, Elena had come to a decision. She had taken Skylar’s words from the night before. If they denied the picture was them kissing, it would give them more time to release the news on their terms and not someone with a phone and a computer. It pained Elena more than she expected to tell Skylar that, but she seemed to understand.
At least, Elena hoped. They’d only talked briefly about it with Riley before the interviewer arrived. Now, the whole band and Riley were gathered around a round foldout table backstage at their next venue.
The irony of the location was not lost on Elena. They were in the same venue where Maine Event had their last performance together ten years ago. Elena still remembered watching Skylar drive away that last time. She’d stood crying in the rain like some cliche rom-com.
Back then, Elena wasn’t confident in herself or her dreams to acknowledge that she wanted to be with Skylar. She wasn’t prepared for that then, but things were different now. Elena was in control of the situation.
And her previous plan for the interview was suddenly not sitting well with her. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Skylar placed a hand on her knee under the table. Elena tried to focus on whatever the interviewer was asking, but her brain could only focus on one thing.
Today was the day she was going to publicly come out.
Now, if the interviewer could speed up the questioning and get to that one, Elena could relax.
“So, I think it’s time we address the elephant in the room.” Nora Dyer smiled up at Skylar and Elena as if she wasn’t just about to toss a significant question to them. “Skylar and Elena, there was a photo recently posted online of the two of you that has caused quite a stir.”
Elena nervously laughed and glanced over at Skylar. Under the table, she squeezed Skylar’s hand as she glanced back at Nora.
“Yes, we were made aware of that recently.”
“So, do you want to confirm the rumors?”
This was the moment. This was when Elena was supposed to deny it and say it was just a hug between friends and nothing more. She had prepared a whole speech in her mind and had been ready to give it. But not now.
“Yes.” Elena firmly nodded as she felt every eye on her. She flashed a smile at Skylar as she lifted their intertwined hands up onto the table. “Yes, I would like to confirm the rumors. Skylar and I are together.”
Skylar’s grin couldn’t have been dorkier if she tried. She looked so beyond happy that it made Elena want to scream for joy.
“She’s right,” she proudly stated. “We’ve been together since the beginning of the tour.”
“Wow, I know some fans will die when they hear that.”
“Hopefully, they’ll just celebrate with us.” Elena couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever felt more confident than she did at that moment. “I’ll openly admit that I was hesitant to come out of the closet and announce my relationship with Skylar. Hell, until about two minutes ago, I was prepared to deny the photo was of us kissing.”
Elena forced herself to take a deep breath. She looked at Skylar for reassurance.
“But the longer I thought about it, the more I realized I didn’t want to be stuck in a closet any longer. This is me. I’m gay, and I’m in love with Skylar Ford.”
Nora was clearly unprepared for the turn the interview had taken. She looked at Riley. “I didn’t think this was the direction the interview was taking, but I have to say I am here for it.”
Riley laughed. “Elena and Skylar control the narrative. I’m happy for them.”
The interview lasted for a few more moments before Nora wrapped it up. Each of the band members made it a point to share their congratulations with Skylar and Elena before they got ready for the show. Elena didn’t know if it was the weight off her shoulders or that soon enough, the world would know she was in love with Skylar, but she felt happier than she had been in years.
That happiness bubbled over to the show, where the band was more electric than ever. Every note was perfect; every chord echoed through the venue eloquently. She shared the mic with Skylar as she had every other night on tour, but it was different now. Soon enough, everyone would know why their chemistry was so palpable.
But Elena didn’t want to wait for a news article to drop the news. During an interlude, when she usually talked about writing the next song, Elena decided it was time to come out instead.
“So,” she laughed into the mic, “I know there’s been a picture going around the internet of me and this one right here.”
Elena looped her arms around Skylar’s neck as they both laughed. She looked into her eyes, seeking unspoken permission for what she was about to do. Skylar nodded, still beaming with pride.
“Well, we just want you to know it’s all true.”
