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Thalia pushes her lip out in a pout. “Aw. Okay. Thanks for helping me win beer pong, champ.”
She gives me a long hug, and I’m thankful she doesn’t try to kiss me again, even on the cheek. When I walk out of the house, I take a deep breath. Thalia was clearly very drunk, but that’s still not a situation I want to get myself into.
When I get home, all I can think about is writing another note to my mystery girl. Since I won’t be able to leave it on my locker until Monday and it normally takes a day or two for her to leave a note back, I know the response won’t be quick. But I also know just writing the words to her is going to make me feel better.
Hey there! It’s Friday night right now, but by the time you read this it will be Monday, so I hope you had a good weekend.
You asked me in a previous note whether I’ve gotten much hate for being gay. Honestly, I’ve been really lucky in that I haven’t really gotten any hate. I’ve had a few people “nicely” tell me they would pray for me, but that was the worst of it.
I’ll tell you one thing that does kind of suck about being one of the only out lesbians at school. I feel like I’m kind of a spectacle in a way. I used to think I was lucky because I was popular in spite of being gay. Now I wonder if I’m popular because I’m gay. I guess in a way it’s a good problem to have. I’m thankful people didn’t push me away after I came out. I just want to know that they like me for me and not because of who I fall for.
This is probably dumb to complain about. I just had a weird night. Thanks for letting me vent to you though. I really appreciate it. I can’t wait to hear back from you <3
As expected, just writing the note makes me feel better. I rip it out of my notebook and put it right into my backpack so I don’t forget to take it on Monday. I’m not in the mood to do anything else so I close my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep.
***
When I arrive at work on Sunday, I’m surprised to find Thalia waiting outside of the shop. “Craving ice cream for breakfast?” I ask. “You do know we don’t open for another hour, right?”
Thalia holds up the Starbucks cup in her hand. “I knew you were working today, so I brought you a pick-me-up.” She cringes as she hands it to me. “It’s also an apology drink. I was so drunk on Friday night. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
I know she means it. I can see the sincerity written all over her face. I figure there’s no need to make her feel any worse. “I wasn’t uncomfortable,” I lie.
Thalia laughs and shakes her head. “Has anyone ever told you you’re an awful liar?”
“A lot of people, actually.” I grab the drink from her hand and take a long sip. “This is wonderful. Thank you.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Thalia sighs. “I don’t know why I was acting that way. Apparently, too many Redbull vodkas turn me into a total dude. A creepy dude at that.”
“It’s okay. Seriously.” I think for a moment because there is something I want to know. “Can I ask you something though?”
“Of course.”
“Have you really always wondered what it’s like to kiss a girl?”
She throws her hand over her eyes. “Is that really what I said?” She parts her fingers slightly and stares at me through them. “I want to just because I hear girls are much better kissers, and I want to know if it’s true. Not because I’m actually interested.” As if realizing how that might come across, she moves her hand from her eyes to her mouth. “Shit. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m sorry. I’m really sticking my foot in my mouth.”
I put my arms in the air and laugh. “No harm here. I’m not interested either.”
It takes her a moment, but then she smirks at my jab. “Ouch. Thanks.”
“You kind of deserved it.”
“Touché.” She leans on her car and stares down at it as if she feels awkward now. “I really am sorry, though. I can’t say that enough.”
I shrug. “I think it just bothered me because it felt like my sexuality was a joke to you. Almost like I’m a joke.” I’m normally not this honest when things bother me. I let them roll off my chest to avoid drama. Something about writing that note to my mystery girl helped me gain the confidence to be real right now. And it feels good.
Thalia pushes herself off of her car and stands up straight. “Oh my God, Marjorie, it wasn’t like that at all. You’re amazing. I have so much respect for you and the fact that you came out so early. I’m such a jerk, but I’m really sorry. Forgive me?”
She sticks her arms out and I accept her hug. I feel so much lighter than I have the past twenty-four hours. “Of course I forgive you. I mean, come on, how will you win beer pong without me?”
This finally makes Thalia laugh. “True. Well, have a good day.”
I lift up the drink she gave me. “I will now that I have this to get me through.”
When I walk into the ice cream shop, Payton is there, but Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield are nowhere to be found. “Where are the bosses?” I ask as I look around for them. It’s not like them to not be there on the weekends.
“Mrs. Fairfield was here a few minutes ago, but they’re going to something for one of their grandkids today, so it looks like it’s just the two of us for most of the day. She said we should stagger our lunch breaks and keep the outside window closed for the day. It’s the coldest day of the season so far, so she doesn’t think we’ll be too busy.”
