Page 11 of Truth Or Dare
“What about me?” he replies.
“Any girls?” I ask him, a little unsure why I’m bringing this up. Chris has never really talked about that part of his life, and I can’t shake the curiosity about whether he’s ever been with someone or if he even likes anyone.
“No, Gabi,” Chris says, his eyes locked on mine. “There are no girls.”
“None?” I furrow my brows, surprised. “Any boys then?”
He holds my eyes, and I suck in a breath. I recently came out to him, and told him I think I’m bisexual. I’m still figuring it out. I know I find girls attractive, but I’ve never been with one. I haven’t really been with anyone except for Andrew. It’s all so confusing, and I kept it a secret for so long. When I finally toldChris, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. He was so supportive, just like I knew he would be.
But maybe he’s been holding out on me too. I find my answer when he shakes his head.
“Girls,” he reaffirms with a smirk. “And there’s no one.”
“Not even Taylor?” I tease, wagging my eyebrows at him. “You know, I think she’s into you.” I’ve noticed her looking at him all the time, smiling in his direction. Sometimes, it hurts a little in my chest when I see them together. I don’t even know why. I mean, I know he’ll always be my best friend no matter who he dates, but… I don’t really like seeing him with anyone but me.
“Yeah, well,” he sighs, “I’m not into her.”
My shoulders drop in relief. I don’t know why I like hearing him say that. My stomach settles, and I drop my head onto his chest again, wrapping my arms around him.
“You know you can tell me, though, right?” I mumble against his chest. “If you like anyone. I won’t judge you.”
His chest moves as he blows air from his nose. “I know, Gabi.”
A smile spreads across my face, and I let myself close my eyes, appreciating that Chris is here now, even if he hasn’t been in a while. I always sleep better when he’s here.
He feels safe, warm, kind. Everything I need.
But that sense of safety vanishes at the sound of a plate shattering, a gasp catching in my throat. I tense, clutching onto Chris as his grip tightens around me.
The door swings open, and my stomach twists. I hold onto Chris desperately, but when I see my sister’s face peering through the doorway, I relax my hold on him.
She narrows her eyes at us. “He needs to leave.”
“No.”
“He shouldn’t even be in your room. Or in your bed.” Her eyes narrow further. “If dad found out—”
“Don’t be weird. He’s my best friend,” I interrupt. “Nothing like that will ever happen between us,” I tell my sister. “Girls can be friends with guys, you know.”
I haven’t told my sister about my sexuality, but I know she’d have my back. She trusted me enough to tell me she’s gay a few years ago, and she made me swear not to tell anyone else, especially Dad. I’ve never seen her that scared, which makes me freak out about how Dad would react if he knew about me.
She rolls her eyes, but her shoulders tense when another cry comes from downstairs. “Gabi. He needs to leave,” she repeats.
“No,” I say, firmly, clinging to Chris like a lifeline. “He’s heard them before. I don’t keep anything from him.” Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, but I hold my sister’s gaze. “I need him here with me. He’s not going anywhere.”
She lets out a sigh. “Then stay in your room,” she instructs. “And don’t let dad find him.”
When she closes the door, I sit up in bed, wiping my eyes with my sleeve. “I hate him,” I mutter through clenched teeth as the sound of my mom crying echoes through the house. “I wish she would just leave him.”
“I know,” Chris murmurs, reaching out for me. He cups my face with both of his hands. “Trust me. I know.”
Another loud noise pierces the air, followed by more crying, and I rip off the covers, jumping out of bed. “I can’t just sit here and let him—”
“Gabi, stop,” Chris whisper-yells before I reach the door. “Your sister told you to stay here. You know it’ll just make him worse.”
I shake my head, my eyes fixed on the door. “I can’t keep letting him get away with this.”
“And I can’t let him hurt you,” he says, his voice closer now. I feel him standing right behind me, his hand grabbing mine and twisting me around. My tear-filled eyes meet his. “Either you stay here, or I’ll go out there. Your choice.”
