Ariel

Last night, I was dreading having to return to my apartment and sleep there alone. But thankfully, Kayla took me back to her house where I spent the night with her. I cried a lot when we got into bed. Kayla held me and comforted me while I imagined the worse, like I always do, in the dead of night.  This morning however the fear has faded slightly and been replaced with an overwhelming sadness. The twins's dad messaged to say I'm welcome to visit Tilly and Tobias whenever I want and for me to call him to discuss my options, whatever that means.

Rubbing my sore eyes, I continue moving forward. After a night of crying and not enough sleep, I'm walking to school because strangely the educational hellhole I hate seems preferable than the place which is meant to be my home. I'd rather a day of being told off and failing than a day of walking around the empty apartment of my broken family.

"El, you can stay at mine for as long as you need," Kayla says as her fingers interlock with mine. The road we're walking along is quiet; I know as soon as a person appears she'll let go.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm not sure your parents would appreciate me moving in."

"I'm going to tell my parents," Kayla says quietly.

"Tell them what?" I ask even though I'm pretty sure I know what she wants to tell. However, I don't want to get my hopes up. I've had enough disappointments to last me a lifetime.

"About us," Kayla says quietly.

"Do you want me there?"

"I think I need to do this by myself." Kayla exhales roughly. "I'm really nervous."

I squeeze her hand. "Worst-case scenario they kick you out and you move in with me, best case scenario your parents don't care."

"Thank you. First step my parents, next step will be the world," Kayla smiles and turns her head to kiss me. Abruptly, she stops when a car drives down the street. Her hand slides out of mine and she pretends to get something out of her bag. 

I force myself not to say anything and look ahead. She was brilliant yesterday; patient, kind and understanding. Now, it's my turn to be patient and understanding. I need to give her time. However, I can't stop myself from thinking it's going to take Kayla a long time to take the next step and let the world know about us.

***

It's sad to say, but knowing I'm not the only one hating fucking life right now makes me feel a little less depressed and not so lonely. Our circumstances may be completely different but from the strained look on Taylor's face I'm aware I'm not the only one putting on an 'everything will be fine' front.

Crossing my arms, I frown while Taylor unsuccessfully tries to look unfazed as Ryder rips off all the phones numbers and porn footage requests covering her locker door. Apparently, having a threesome means you're up for fucking anything with a pulse. And also up for making porn with a dog according to one of the notes.

"Just say the word and I'll cut a bitch!" I scowl.

Taylor arches an eyebrow while Kayla crosses her arms and frowns. "Excuse me?"

"I've always wanted to say that and now seemed like the perfect time." I shrug. "We know Teresa is behind this, I say we get payback."

"No," Taylor says firmly. "It will only make it worse. Ignore it and it'll go away."

Me, Kayla and Ryder look at each other. We're all thinking the same; it won't go away. Taylor's threesome is the most exciting gossip to have happened since Leah, a girl from seven years ago, was impregnated by a History teacher. People still talk about Leah and none of us even know her.

Personally, I can't imagine fucking a teacher. They're so old and hairy, the women and the men. It's scary to think I'm going to get hairier. Why do we get hairier as we age? Surely, if all the hair is important you should have it from birth. Why do we only get most of our hair once you go through puberty?

"Do you think we'll evolve to no longer have pubes?" I ask.

Kayla, Ryder and Taylor look at me with surprise then shrug.

"What would you prefer, no pubes or full-on thick bush that spreads to your knees?"

"A normal amount," Kayla says.

"Not an option."

Kayla thinks for a second. "None, I suppose. Having to wax or shave all the time would be annoying." 

"Taylor?"

"I don't know. No pubes is kind of kid-like but too many would equal a mouthful of hair for whoever goes down there. Then again, it would be warm in winter." Taylor smiles.

Ryder laughs and slings his arm over her shoulder. "How thick are you imagining this bush of yours?"

"So thick I'd plait it. It'd be beautiful down there." Taylor grins.

Ryder whispers something into her ear and she chuckles before giving him a kiss. If I find out he just said 'It already is beautiful down there' I'm going to throw up. Ryder all loved up or whatever he is, is not something I'm used too.

"I'm going to drop Taylor off at class," Ryder says, turning the two of them round. "I'll see you later."

"See you later." Taylor waves, allowing Ryder to guide her away. They are one cute hot as fuck couple.

"I better go too. See you at break?" Kayla asks.

"Yep, see you later." I lean forward and kiss her on the lips. 

Kayla freezes and I realise what I've done; I just made the next step for her and announced us to the world. And by the look on her face, she's not happy about it at all.