Another Chance

I rolled over, reaching for her only to find an empty bed. I don’t know why I thought this time would be different. Sitting up quickly, I saw her quietly getting dressed.

​“Sneaking out for your walk of shame again?” I snapped.

​“Don’t be like that,” she pleaded.

​“What are you going to tell them this time? That your bible study ran late?”

She couldn’t even look at me as she slid her boots on and replied, “It’s not that simple and you know it. They won’t understand. Not all of us have supportive families. You think I should just give up my entire life for you, when you have never had to do anything even close to that. Your family adores you. Hell, your mom marches in the pride parade every year. I’m not even out of school. How will I support myself?”

​“You’re twenty two. They don’t own you. You can take a loan to finish school and get a part time job. People do it everyday. It’s not impossible. I won’t hide my entire life in the closet. I’ve been out for fifteen years, Jen. Fifteen years. You won’t even go out to eat with me! I’m not saying you need to run nude down Ocean Drive painted in rainbows, but I deserve to be able to hold your hand. Shit, even my friends think I’m making you up. You act like one day your parents will be supportive, and that day is not coming.”

​“Why can’t...