“I’m glad you like it,” she says, flipping something on the stove.“My editor thinks it’s amazing too.We’re discussing publishing it globally, but I’m still unsure.”
“Why?You’ve always been a great writer,” I say, reaching for a cookie from the jar on the counter and popping it into my mouth.
She sighs, turns off the stove, and smiles at me.“I just don’t think I’m ready to face the world again after such a long break.”
Her gaze softens.“But enough about me.Let’s talk about you.How have you been?”
“Good,” I reply, a little too absently as I grab another cookie.
“Good?”She raises a brow.“You don’t look good to me.You look great.How’s Cameron?”
The mention of his name makes me smile, but I quickly try to cover it.“He’s great.He left to visit his parents yesterday.”
“Hmm.”Mom stirs something on the stove.“You know, Jane—Cameron’s mom—and I have been spending time together.She’s a wonderful company.I think we’ve become friends.”
I raise an eyebrow.“You and his mom are friends?”
“She’s a lovely person,” Mom says with a smile, drying her hands on a napkin.
I chuckle softly, shaking my head.“Never thought I’d see the day.”
“Now, don’t you think you have something to tell me, Fox?You seem… different.You’re glowing like someone in love,” she teases, sitting across from me.“And let’s be honest, you don’t exactly have the best reputation at school.”
I scoff, laughing.“What?”
“You know what I mean,” she smirks.“So?Who’s the girl who’s stolen your heart?”
I swallow hard, suddenly wishing I had that cookie back in my mouth.“I don’t have a girlfriend.”
She narrows her eyes at me, her smirk growing.“You expect me to believe that?Come on, spill.”
“It’s… complicated,” I mutter, avoiding her gaze.
“Ah, so there is someone.”Her eyes sparkle with mischief.
Before I can respond, the mood shifts sharply.Dad appears in the doorway, his face a thundercloud.“What’s he doing here?”he snaps.
“Sean, don’t start,” Mom says, her smile vanishing as she stands.“He’s your son.”
Dad ignores her, his glare drilling into me.“When were you planning to tell us you’re a fucking faggot?That you’ve been sleeping with your roommate?”
My heart drops.How the hell does he know?My chest tightens as panic sets in.“What are you talking about?”I manage to say, though my voice wavers.
“Fox,” Mom says softly, confusion and concern etched on her face.“What’s he talking about?”
I take a deep breath and stand.“Fine.I’m dating Cameron.What’s the big deal?”
“Cameron?”Mom gasps, covering her mouth with a trembling hand.“Jane’s son?Oh my God… it’s happening again.”
“Happening again?”I echo, frowning.“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It’s bad enough your sister—” Dad cuts himself off, shaking his head.“And now you?What is wrong with my children, Lila?”
“Nothing is wrong with me!”I snap, anger boiling under my skin.“I love Cameron.If that makes me gay, then I don’t give a shit.”
“Do you hear yourself?”Dad snarls, stepping closer.“You’re ruining this family’s name.Do you even understand the situation you’ve put us in?”
“Family?”I scoff bitterly.“What family?You’ve done nothing but judge and condemn everyone who doesn’t fit into your perfect little box.”
