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"Yeah you see... I was... I was born a girl," I whispered nervously then waited hesitantly to hear his reaction. Unsure if I even wanted to know what he thought of me now. "What?" He asked; a confused tone in his voice. Like he honestly didn't hear me or misheard me. It wasn't the mocking tone I was use to. "I said I was a girl and now I'm a boy," I said scared as people in the cafe turned to listen. "That's not possible," he said and I was crushed. I thought he was different... I thought someone finally understood. I turned to run! "I'M SO STUPID!" I mentally screamed.

Suddenly I was halted...

Marco lunged reaching over counter and latched onto the back of my shirt. I turned my head to him, tears welling in my eyes. Yet I was shocked to see him smiling at me. A sweet comforting smile. A smile I wished my dad would give me. "Leo you were always a guy," he smiled and I couldn't tell you what happened next. I was crying to hard. I could barely breath.

Marco jumped over the counter and hugged me. My head on his chest and his chin on the top of my head. I've never had a hug like this. I read about what love felt like. A love between family, parent and child. Unconditional love. He didn't let go, not when I relaxed, not when I stopped crying, and not when I weakly pushed him away. He gently whispered, "never forget this feeling, and never settle for anything less." I looked up at him and he chuckled as he slowly let go. "I accept you Leo", he smiled. I was so overwhelmed. I was shaking. This time I hugged him and he ruffled my hair. "Thanks Dad," I said before covering my mouth. "I'm sorry I didn't-."

I was interrupted by him laughing. "Wow I haven't been called that in a long time. Especially not out of the bedroom," he joked and my face turned bright red. "Hey if that's what you need then I can be your dad," he said happily. I felt myself cry again, but this time I didn't try to hide it. I smiled. For the first time in a long time I was actually happy. "So since you're living situation isn't ideal I want you to move in with me," he said smiling. I was to stunned to speak so I quickly nodded my head. "Good, but you gotta promise me you'll go back to school," he said half smiling. Stern but still gentle. I sighed, but I agreed. He hugged me again.

"Now Son, how about you grab an apron and help your Pops clean up," he joked ruffling my hair, letting me go,  and I nodded happily as I ran to the back to find an apron.

"Alright. Everyone to celebrate my son loving who he is, and going forward in his life, how's about a round of my famous (favorite/flavor) latte or a cold brews on the house," Marco called out excitedly and people cheered. "Leo!,"he called. "I'm coming!" I replied happily running back out with an apron around my waist and a smile on my face. A smile I didn't think I could have for a vary long time.

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So you may be thinking what happened next...

Well Marco and I have been living together for about 2 years now. My parents cut me off completely when I told them I was moving in with another man. I knew they would never accept me and I had to make peace with it. Maybe one day they'll come around. My brother and I became closer after opening up about everything, he was very understanding and we promised to see each other at least once a week. I also went back to school. I'm getting my degree next year and debating on going for my masters. After a while Marco and I started dating. Though we're taking it super slow. I have a part time job at the cafe and it's been incredible! I can't believe all of these things happened. All because I went into this small coffee shop when I was at my lowest point. Where I took the chance and talked to a barista. A safe place for anyone. A place of no judgement, where the outcasts come to feel loved. A place where the cups of compassion are just right, the understanding is top notch and where the most popular menu item is acceptance.

The End

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