Okay. No need to freak out. I was only facing all my regrets and determining the course of my entire future while simultaneously dealing with the betrayal of my uber hot crush-hookup.

No biggie.

"-And here you go again, making bad connections! It's like you enjoy being around people who hurt you!" Mom scolded me as we sat in the dean's waiting room.

"And another thing!" Dad added, "Look at where we are! If you'd chosen the right crowd to begin with, we wouldn't be in this situation!"

I was tired. So, so tired. I couldn't take it anymore. I seethed.

I exploded.

"Would you two just be quiet for five minutes!" I shouted, unable to stop the outpour of words from my mouth, "If, if, if! That's all you ever care about! 'If you get straight A's, you'll have a good life. If you notice your weaknesses early, it'll cost us less to fix them. If you put your studies above everything, you'll have true success.' None of that even matters! Did you two consider for one moment that maybe we wouldn't be here if you both hadn't lied to get me in this school?! Or better yet, if you hadn't put so much pressure on all of us to 'succeed' then maybe Marsha would be pursuing the career path she wanted instead of the one you chose for her, and maybe Anthony wouldn't be two years deep into his 'gap year', and maybe I wouldn't have been so fucking desperate to keep up with your impossible demands as to-"

"Shut your ungrateful mouth."

I fell silent upon Mom's command. It occurred to me that my passionate words fell on deaf ears.

That's just the way it goes.

Dad continued, "If you ever consider speaking to your mother or me like that again, why don't you consider everything we do for you? Do you know how many children out there have parents who never get them tutoring? Who've never taught them finances? Who've never given them a schedule and a timetable to complete their goals?"

My voice was shaky, but I went on, "It's not my goals, Dad. It's your goals for me."

Dad glared at me, but before he could retaliate, the dean opened their door.

"Good morning. Please come in."

"Alright, Kelita. Explain. Take me back to the beginning," Dean Wilhelm insisted.

The shame clenched like a vice around my heart.

"Do I have to?" I sighed.

"Who are you to deny the commands of an adult? Your superior!" Mom snapped.

"No need for that, Mrs. Thompson," the dean assured, "This is important because I need to understand the depth of the situation. Just as there are rules, there are exceptions. So tell me your story - from you - and we can find out which one applies to you. Okay?"

I nodded, "Okay..."

My parents looked at me, the intensity of their disappointment radiating off of them in waves.

I launched into my story.

"It all started when I was 15. I met a guy, and after so many people toyed with me, someone kind and genuine was just a breath of fresh air. He wasn't like anyone I'd ever met before. He was charming and rebellious, and he taught me the value of standing up for myself-"

"You mean the disrespectful behavior of disobeying your parents!" Dad insisted.

I only continued, "Anyways. For a year we dated. It felt so serious. He promised me things. The perfect little domestic life my family always pressured me into wanting for. Happiness, freedom. I believed him, you know? But...as much as he helped me, he hurt me. He would be the most doting boyfriend one day, then would shout me into corners the next..."

Mom's stern expression morphed into shock, "What? What are you talking about? You never told us that!"

I narrowed my eyes at her, "You never asked."

"And then, Kelita?" Dean Wilhelm urged.

"And then my boyfriend noticed the ways I'd been struggling in school. It's probably important to mention that he had...attachments. Attachments to a not so stellar group of people."

The dean's eyes widened, "His...gang?"

I tensed, and then lowered my head with shame, "Yeah. His gang. See, they had connections in the academic world. Upon my boyfriend's request, they got state test answers for me. I didn't ask him to, but he did. And when he saw how upset I was about it, he yelled at me some more. He said I was ungrateful, because he'd gotten indebted with his gang for me. He basically told me if I didn't use the test answers he would go and be with someone else..."

Dean Wilhelm passed me a box of tissues.

Surprised, I grabbed it. I hadn't expected a kind gesture. Hadn't I been so malleable and stupid?

I went on, "So, I used them. I tried to get a few wrong for good measure, but I ended up acing it. The school called me in to tell me that it was the highest anyone had ever gotten. And when I left campus, I cried to my boyfriend. I just felt so guilty."

"You're saving the worst for last, hmm?" Mom commented.

"What's the worst?" the dean asked, exasperated.

"Well..." I began, "...alright. I know it's stupid and so was I. It's just, how could I possibly have fought him on that, and-"

"Cut to the chase, Kelita," Dad urged.

"Okay. My boyfriend told me he had something that would make me feel better. An apology, he called it. Turns out he had forged my parents' and my signatures to get us a legal marriage certificate."

The room went silent. You could hear a pen drop.

"He hadn't actually legally married us. The certificate was a fake. It was all a massive scheme to trick me into running away with him and his gang before I could find out that he'd gotten another girl pregnant," I cleared my throat of the sorrowful lump that formed in it, "So, the restraining order fees came in, because of course my parents thought it was a situation past the point of salvaging. They told me I was morally obligated to drop out before the school could catch up to things. It was mid-school year, and I spent the rest of it groveling, cleaning, and taking on a temporary job to 'bring value to my family'. And we moved across the country. And now I'm telling you this all over again."

Dean Wilhelm took this in. They seemed to deliberate for several silent moments.

"Alright, Kelita. You're excused. I'll give you an answer before the end of the day."

The car ride home was silent and somber. My parents hadn't so much as told me to move my head so they could see the road behind us.

And then, my phone pinged several times. I had texts.

Guess who it was from. No, really, guess!

...it was from Belle. Did I forget to mention that she'd typed her number into my phone and taken mine before leaving the night before? Meh, not like that was relevant...

(Texts from Belle: "Kelita. Look, I know you probably don't want to hear from me right now. I understand why. I'll never bother you again after this but...I panicked. It was so, so wrong of me, I know. It's just...I'm not out yet. And you are. And you seem so, so in tune with you are, and I'm not...I had an amazing time last night. I'm so, so, so sorry. If I can do anything to fix it, I will.")

I stared at the texts. I didn't know what to say.

Like, I wanted to forgive her, but I could already hear the snickers from my old friends, telling me that I was so gullible. That I gave too many chances. That I was my own worst enemy.

So instead, I left the messages on opened.

When we got home, my parents stormed up to their bedroom, and I stayed on the front lawn, quietly watching the colorful blurs that would whirl past the bird bath. I hoped that it would distract me from the urge to send a forgiving text.

After some time, Belle texted again.

(Texts from Belle: "Okay, I know I said I'd leave you alone, but...please come meet me at the cafe. I'll be here all day. Only if you want to! I'm really, really sorry. I know you see this. Idk what else to say...")

I sighed.

I craved her presence. I craved the light-heartedness of everything being fundamentally calm.

So...

...yeah. You betcha! I went.

I had to sneak out, of course. Well, not technically. I mean, my parents knew I was outside! Just...maybe not exactly where outside.

I bursted through the doors of the café with purpose. In the corner, I saw Belle, who perked up upon my entrance, but then lowered her head with shame.

I sat across from her. I waited.

"So?" I urged.

"So..." Belle frowned deeply, "I'm really, really fucking sorry-"

"Why?"

"Huh?"

"I just wanna know why. I want it to make sense. Why did you do it? What did you gain from it, Belle?"

She mulled this over, and she glanced to the side, covering her eyes with her golden hair...

...but I saw them beginning to glisten.

"I..." she steadied her shaky voice, "...I loved last night. A lot. Like, more than I've ever loved any other night..."

"...more than you love mocha frappuccinos?"

She huffed out a laugh before continuing, "Yeah, Kelita. More than that. And then I woke up, and you were still asleep in my arms, and everything came rushing back to me. It was so intense. Almost too intense. I'm not gonna sit here and waste our time with excuses. So, really? I didn't know if you'd tell anyone. Believe me, I know how ironic that sounds. I didn't expect to like you. I didn't even expect to tolerate you...and now that I think about it, saying that probably didn't help my case..."

"No, but you're still in the running, please continue!"

Belle tilted her head to the side curiously, "You're so...bright. So soft. So colorful. And also very, very open. And when you shouted in the mall that I had a thing for you, I got so scared that someone would hear. That my grandparents would find out. They take care of me, they raised me in the church. I...I did it because I didn't want to risk you thinking about me enough to tell anyone what happened between us. And I'm not ashamed of you, I just have a hard time coming to terms wi-"

"Why didn't you just ask me not to tell anyone until you were ready?"

Belle blinked at me confusedly. It was like it was just occurring to her that that was an option.

She facepalmed.

"I'm a bitchy fucking idiot..." she hissed at herself.

I grabbed her hand from her face.

"I don't like it. But that's okay. You can do better next time. Can't you?" I asked sternly.

"Next time?!" Belle beamed, squeezing my hand in hers.

"Yeah! I forgive you, Belle. But I won't forget. And I'm not gonna be able to forgive you if you betray me again."

"Of course, Kelita! Understood!"

"...sorry, what was that?"

Belle deadpanned at me. I waggled my eyebrows.

"You're really gonna make me say it, aren't you?"

"Huh? I couldn't hear you over the sound of me leaving you to order my vanilla-"

"Yes, Mistress."

I giggled like a toddler.

Belle rolled her eyes, "Ridiculous."

I stood, walking around to sit beside her. Taking advantage of her shock, I kissed her cheek.

"I'm gonna teach you how to have fun if it's the last thing I ever do!"

"Your idea of fun is very weird, Kelita."

"You know what sounds fun?! What if we mix our signature drinks together and it can be called our ship name! Would it be Kelle? Belita? Kebelle? B-"

My phone chimed. And I noticed a bag underneath the table.

"What's that bag for?" I asked as I opened my phone to an email from Dean Wilhelm.

Before consuming the subject matter, I watched as Belle pulled a bodycon dress out of the bag. It was the same style I'd ripped at the mall in a bigger size.

"A little birdy told me you were really upset about not fitting this sort of dress in the mall, so-"

I kissed her.

Passionately.

I was gay as hell.

I then remembered the email I'd opened. I pulled away frantically. I turned to read it, and Dean Wilhelm messaged to tell me they were done deliberating. I was being called to campus again.

"As much as I would love to steal some more of your super pretty lipstick, I have to meet the dean! Buh-bye!" I told Belle in a frenzy, and then I rushed towards the door.

Before leaving, I stopped myself. I went up to the counter and ordered a mocha frappuccino for "Jello".

She'd know what it meant.

Wow. Okay. So, I rushed out for absolutely nothing.

I skimmed the email. Upon further inspection, I read that the dean would email me details of their decision the following day.

So guess what I did until the following day?

Waiting mode activated.

But I'm not gonna bore you with those details and put you in the same seemingly endless loop of Waiting for the Next Thing. The next day came. In the early morning, I opened an email:

"Kelita Thompson,

After much thought, I've concluded that you will be able to stay at New Leaf. Life is about second chances. However, your attendance is conditional upon your agreeing to and completing 20 hours of volunteering per semester for your first school year. You may choose which organization to do these hours at, but it must be a non-profit.

I hope this is agreeable. Meet me at your earliest convenience any day after today to discuss this. Your hours must be pre-approved, and you must receive a signature from whichever supervisor or coordinator is available at each event. We'll go in depth later.

This email will also be forwarded to your parents.

Best,

Dean Wilhelm"

I did the worm.

Minutes later, my parents knocked on my door and then entered anyways.

They wore matching calm expressions.

"So. You've managed to work yourself out of another one of your situations, hm?" Dad said, but there was a playful edge to his words.

"Those hours will look so good on your college applications!" Mom smiled.

They stared at me for a few moments before Dad handed me a bag of food and Mom picked a speck from my hair. They both left without another word.

I happily munched on my goodies, starting to unpack again.

Could this be our forever home?

And hours later, my sister Marsha came in and sat on my bed.

"Hey, kiddo," she greeted.

"Hiiiiii!"

Marsha smiled, "Someone's cheerful today!"

"Yes! I'm not making us move again!"

"Uh-uh," Marsha scolded, "I want to talk to you about Mom and Dad. They mean well, but they can be...inconsiderate...at times. I just want you to know for certain that this isn't all your fault. You're young. You'll make mistakes. But they don't define you, understand?"

I nodded, "Okay, Marsha."

"Now," she grinned mischievously, "Tell me about the 'we only just got here, but-' person!"

My cheeks warmed. I wasn't blushing though. I'm not white.

"Well..."

Just then, Anthony popped in. He plopped across the free space on my bed. In followed Shanice, then Diamond. They all looked and listened intently.

I beamed, "Okay, so it all started when she spilled her coffee on me..."

Later in the day, I joined my new group at Orchidland Park. I sat with Anais, Candace, DeMario, and Belle on a patch of grass, swapping stories and banter. Belle smiled upon realizing that I wore the bodycon dress. Candace smirked when she noticed the flame she'd assisted growing between us.

"So, if you didn't hear the secrets before Belle posted it, why the hell were you avoiding me?" I asked DeMario, who sighed heavily.

"I'm sorry, Kelita. I thought you were into me for real. I'm starting to see that I don't really like anyone. Like, I still wanna fuck people, but I don't want people, you feel?"

"So, aro but hold the ace?" Anais reiterated.

DeMario nodded, "Aro but hold the ace."

Belle sighed, "Oh. That makes a lot of sense now, doesn't it?"

He frowned at her, "You weren't s'posed to be a stepping stone. I didn't mean for none of it to go down like that, Belle."

"It's okay. You were a stepping stone, too," Belle told him, but she didn't elaborate.

She looked at me as we stood, a gaze that could set fire to ice. She wasn't ready yet, but I would wait for her. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to.

I wanted to.

Candace doled out balloons filled with a yellow dyed water.

On second thought, maybe this wasn't the best day to wear this dress.

"Water piss paintball fight!" Candace called out, giggling, and she launched the first balloon into the air, landing on a defenseless statue with a splash.

We each ducked for cover. We threw balloons, laughed, climbed trees, and damn near pissed ourselves over the endless hours.

What was the opposite of hell? Because this was it.

New Leaf? Bitches, I turned that all the way over!

Aww! And I guess this is goodbye, huh?

I triple dog dare you to always be profane for me, okay? If you miss me, just take it from the top!

Not my top, though. I really like Belle.

'Kay, buh-bye!

*** A/N: I hope you enjoyed this short chapter book! Mwah! Please vote! ***