Holding up black thigh-high, heeled boots, he held them out like an offering
to a queen. “You can walk in heels, right?”
I nodded before I really took in his question. By the time I did, I was unable
to find the right words. “Can I walk in heels like these?”
Once again, I had no time to argue before Thomas was helping me slip into
my new shoes. While I zipped up the boots, he slid the tie off my neck and wrapped it around my waist like a belt. I jumped back in surprise.
“Woah, Princess, you’re safe with me. You’re not my type.” He held up his
hands in mock surrender.
My face must have shown my confusion.
“You’re missing the right equipment.”
I raised my eyebrows, still not getting his point.
“I’m gay,” he explained.
“Oh,” I fidgeted, unsure what the appropriate response to his declaration was.
“It’s not a secret, Caity Cat, but I don’t run around waving my pride flag.”
He laughed and hugged me.
Leading me to a chair, he pulled out beauty products and wildly began to brush my hair. I caught a glimpse of the high ponytail he was creating before he
began to apply powder to my face. With the skill of a makeup artist, he brushed,
lined, and blushed.
The warning bell sounded, and Thomas stopped me from leaving. “No
worries. We’ll have time. My masterpiece is not finished yet.” Holding out a burgundy lipstick, he said, “Kiss me.”
“Um,” I wriggled in my chair.
Sticking out his lips in an exaggerated pucker, he waved the lipstick.
Understanding, I laughed and obeyed. When he finished lining my lips, he
dragged me to the mirror.
“Welcome to the new you, honey. Gone are the sad days. I just know we’ll
be the best of friends.” He grinned and hugged me again.
Five
Thomas was right. From that day forward, we became inseparable. I
found a best friend and a new group of friends. It made me sad my old
classmates were out of the picture, but I didn’t have much time to
dwell on it.
The first time I brought Thomas home to meet my mother, he charmed her.
She doted on him like he was my boyfriend. I was nervous to tell her why Thomas would only be ‘just a friend.’
One day, after he left, I decided to address the situation.
“Mom, I have something to tell you.” I cleared my throat, and then blurted it
out, “Thomas is gay.”
My mother raised her eyebrows at me and laughed. “The best ones usually are, dear. Did you really think I wouldn’t know? One would have to be blind and
deaf not to know this.”
“You’re okay with it?”
