Here's my number.

I don't know how your parents are going to take it,

but if you ever need someone to talk to,

you can always call me, okay?

I took in a deep breath.

Thank you.

Taking the slip of paper from Lucas,

I climbed out of his car

before quietly entering my house.

I barely closed the door when my mom's voice

cut through the air.

Sarah!

She emerged from the kitchen

and was soon standing right in front of me.

Do you have any idea what time it is?

You had us worried sick!

Dad walked out from behind mom;

disappointment painted his face.

Kitchen.

Ahora. 

He spoke darkly.

Lowering my head

I followed after them.

Their penetrating stares cut through my skin

as I sat down.

What's gotten into you, Sarah?

First you're sulking around,

depressed about a boy you didn't even know

and now you're out way past curfew

doing God knows what!

You didn't even give us a single call or text

telling us where you were.

Rubbing my hand up and down my arm,

I whispered,

I'm sorry.

Sorry?

My mom scoffed.

You come home at two in the morning smelling like weed,

and you're saying sorry?

I folded my arms across my chest while sinking further

into my seat.

I didn't do anything, mom.

There were a few people smoking it at the party,

but I swear I didn't touch it.

¿Una fiesta?

My dad cut in.

With pot?

Are you kidding me, Sarah?

I didn't even do any-

Oh don't you dare lie to us.

Dad's voice was deep and echoed through the room.

He was absolutely furious.

I clenched my hands together.

The skin on the palm of my hands broke

and a drop of blood filled my nail.

I'm not lying to you.

I wasn't doing any drugs.

The sharp sound of my mom's hand connecting with

the table rattled my eardrums.

Then what were you doing, Sarah?

My throat tightened

and burned with fire.

I was just hanging out, mom.

That's all.

She scoffed.

Hanging out?

Were you hanging out, Sarah?

Or were you having sex?

I shook my head.

I didn't do anything, mom.

I looked up to see her shaking her head.

We called and left you so many text messages,

but you didn't even answer.

I left my phone here.

I said softly.

Mom ran her hand through her hair.

I didn't say anything.

I just...

her words caught in her throat.

I just don't know where it all went wrong.

I mean you're out partying all night

doing God knows what with God knows who-

I didn't do anything, mom.

She ignored me.

You don't even tell us where you're going

and then you decide to get high and have sex

with some guy that could have a sexually transmitted disease!

I didn't have sex.

I cut her off.

She scoffed.

So, what.

You were at a party full of sex crazed guys-

Mom!

I said, exasperated.

I don't even care about those boys.

She let out a humorless laugh.

Sweetie, I was a high schooler once, too.

I'm not stupid.

I'm gay, mom.

The sound of my words stunned the whole room into silence.

Qué?

My dad asked

and I took in a deep breath.

I'm gay.

I repeated,

regret slowly sinking into my veins as nervousness

tightened inside my chest.

My dad folded his hands in front of him

as he let out a humorless chuckle.

Juro por Dios, Sarah. 

This isn't a joke.

I froze.

How could he say that?

No es, papá. 

I whispered.

It's not a joke.

At my words, mom shook her head.

I can't believe I'm hearing this right now.

Yo tampoco.

My dad replied in disbelief.

Tears stung in my eyes as I stared at my parents

in disbelief.

I'm gay, okay?

I wouldn't lie about this.

They didn't say anything.

I like girls,

and I can't help it.

My voice softened.

It's not a joke.

I shook my head.

I can't change who I am.

An unbearable silence enveloped the room

as tears formed in my mom's eyes.

She was the first one to speak.

Just go to bed, Sarah.

You're tired.

We all are.

Let's just sleep this off and discuss this later, okay?

My heart crashed in my chest.

But for now,

I've got work early tomorrow.

She paused.

Goodnight, sweetie.

Still quiet,

my dad followed my mom out of the kitchen.

~Sarah