章節 68: Emma

"What?" Mark is shocked, trying to process what Alexis just told them. "You want to give me something?"

"Yes," Alexis confirms, "we all do."

"But why now?" They ask a reasonable question, one that has a reasonable answer.

"We were going to give it to you yesterday," Laureen answers for Alexis, "but we couldn't for obvious reasons."

"Oh..." Mark's still processing it when Alexis takes out the dress, shoes, and necklace. She must've gotten them from Laureen's car after it was towed away. The blue dress is in perfect condition, which is a good sign.

"We know your parents don't accept you," I say, "but we do. You should be yourself and follow your heart. If you want, we can call you by a girl's name and change pronouns, if that'd make you more comfortable."

"I," Mark stumbles and stutters, "I can't believe this, thank you. I can't thank you guys enough, this means a lot to me." They start to tear up, giving Alexis a hug first. "I love you guys, I really do." They give Laureen and me a hug, but Alexis's hug was noticeably longer. Not too much longer, but still noticeable.

"Well," Alexis asks, "do you want a pronoun change? We can change your name if you want something more feminine."

"I don't know what to say," They cover their mouth, covering their smile. "I would like that. So from now on, my pronouns are her/she. For a name though," She stops and thinks for a bit, "I like Emma. Something simple. I personally think it's a nice name."

"I think it suits you, it's perfect." Alexis smiles and hugs her from behind.

"So," Laureen pops in, "wanna try it on? Maybe not right now, but definitely sometime when Grace and I can see you in it. It ought to be soon, so don't worry. Also, you should ask the office for a skirt to wear with the uniform. Talk to Nellie, he understands."

"Yeah," Alexis agrees with Laureen, "I just think it's great that there's a gay teacher in our school, you don't see that every day."

"Wait," I pause, receiving new information, "we have a gay teacher?"

"Hell yeah!" Alexis basically yells, "It's fucking awesome! If only every school had one, it'd help kids apart of the community feel much better about themselves."

"Definitely," Laureen agrees, "I'm lucky enough to have parents who support me. You don't see that every day either. Well, my mom's a little iffy about me possibly being into girls, but she's ok with it. She's adjusted to it."

"That's good," I say, remembering Mom and how she refuses to see me. It's visiting hours, she could've come. Dad could've too, but I at least saw him yesterday. He also has more work than Mom, so he gets fewer breaks. Unlike Mom, who could've seen me yesterday and can still see me today. Even if it's only for a few minutes. She doesn't even know I'm lesbian, that'd be a shitshow.

"I haven't come out to my parents yet," Alexis admits, "but if I mention I'm into people's personalities, they'd trust me with who I date."

"I mean," I reply, "you can't go wrong there."

"I really can't," She agrees, then there's an awkward silence. That damned silence has gotten my friends too, it's just annoying at this point.

"Well," Emma breaks the silence, "I know we weren't here long, but we gotta go. I wish we could stay longer but my parents are making me read a bunch of scriptures since it's Saturday and I have to prepare for Sunday in their eyes."

"Man, that sucks," Alexis doesn't seem sad for her, but angry. She acts as she'll defend her with all her might. She will, and that's what love does to you. "you should really move out soon. As long as you have a steady income, you can actually divorce your parents."

"I wish," She groans as they open the door to leave, "but I can't support myself with McDonald's money."

"True," She admits as they close the door, leaving Laureen and me alone once again. I don't know why, but my heartaches. Must be because I need to leave the hospital first.