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“Thanks,” I said, readjusting my socks and hair.
“No problem.”
I followed him to the folding chairs meant for us. “Is Birdie excited to drive the float?”
He laughed. “That’s an understatement.”
“I can’t wait to see her outfit.”
She danced up to us, singing, “Did someone say outfit?”
My jaw dropped open. She was dressed in a rainbow suit and spinning a rainbow umbrella over her head. A rainbow top hat held down her curly blond hair.
“What do you think?” she asked, doing a spin.
“Epic,” I replied. “Ihaveto get a picture.”
She posed with the umbrella, kicking her back heel up, and I snapped a picture. “Okay if I post it on social?”
“Of course.”
I immediately uploaded it with the caption,Best guidance counselor EVER.
“Are you two ready?” she asked.
“All set,” Ollie said.
“Same here.”
“Good.” She reached into the truck and pulled out a couple buckets of candy. “To throw for the kids. I thought it would be a nice touch.”
“Only if I don’t eat it all,” I teased, making her and Ollie laugh.
My mom’s voice came over the bullhorn and said, “WE’RE STARTING THE PARADE! FIRST FLOAT LEAVING... NOW!”
Cheering began around us, along with music from the community band. I couldn’t help but smile, because all I felt in this moment was purejoy.
Twelve
Kiyana
Stefon and Dillonsat across from me, holding hands and sitting so close their shoulders touched. We were getting some looks, but not too many more than usual. And no one had said anything.
Not when Dillon told me about his work with the LGBTQ+ community at Elmbrooke University. Not when he said he’d been out since the age of twelve. Not even when he hugged Stefon tight and said how happy he was to be out in public with him or how proud he was of Stefon for coming out.
It was like living on a different planet, one where Stefon didn’t have to work so hard tohide. And one where I was starting to wonder... why did I?
“Come with us to the parade,” Stefon said, still holding hands with Dillon.
I blinked, coming out of my thoughts. “The parade?”
Dillon nodded. “The one on Main Street?”
“Right, right,” I said. Of course I knew about it. I just hadn’t planned to be anywhere near it. Guilt by association, right?
At my hesitation, Stefon said, “Just because you go to a parade doesn’t automatically mean everyone will think you’re gay.” He knew me too well.
“Right,” Dillon said. “I’m sure plenty of allies will be there too.”
