”Know what? Oh, that I like girls.” My Mom nodded. ”No.”

”Will you tell her? I only ask in case your interest-”

”Mom! If she asks I won’t lie and she can make of it what she will. But just because I like girls, it doesn’t mean I’m attracted to everything with boobs! Teddy is just a girl who said hi and then let me each lunch with her.” I exclaimed, I knew I had to cut her off before she could go any further, which was rude and I could tell by her stern expression that she wasn’t pleased, but it had to be said.

”I’m only looking out for you baby. I’ll take your word for it, I just don’t want to see you make friends and then lose them because they don’t understand this is who you are.” Her soft expression made me feel guilty, of course she was only looking out for me and I had snapped at her. In terms of accepting my sexuality, my very military family were as cool as parents come. They were protective and supportive and everything a lesbian could ask for, I knew there were others who weren’t as lucky, but sometime my Mom could be pushy.

”I know Mom. Thanks.”
The next few days passed in the same fashion and when Friday came around I was quite thankful it was the weekend. I got on the bus to find Teddy Altman listening to her Ipod and reading what I assume to be homework she hadn’t finished last night. I took a seat beside her and she smiled, taking out her earphones and greeting me rather sleepily.

”Hey Arizona.”

”Hey. I didn’t know you got this bus.” I said curiously.

”Oh yeah, I live over on 126th Avenue, I didn’t realize you lived this close to me!” she exclaimed. I was taken aback by how excited she was, as she rambled about how we could catch the bus into the city or go see a movie or go to Marina Park, but I went with it. Who was I to pick and choose friends?

School was meek, the only highlight was a free period before lunch when I went to check out the gym, it was fairly modern with school banners littering the walls but it was empty for some reason. I thought there may have been a gym class at this time of the day but I reveled in the quiet gym, there is nothing like the comfortable silence and the echo of your footsteps knowing your completely alone with your thoughts – especially on a basketball court. I made a mental note to ask Teddy when the basketball team try-outs would be held. If you can’t tell, I’m a big basketball fan, but more on that late.