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I felt absolutely out of place. Everyone here was so open and completely confident with who they were. But me? I felt like I was intruding, like I didn’t completely belong. I still had not told my mom that I was dating Casey. And to be fair, I had dated Nick back then… So could I even truly consider myself a lesbian?
Connecticut pride. Honestly, I wasn’t going to go originally, but Casey had been so excited she was practically bouncing up and down in the excited puppy-like way that she does. I could hardly say no to that. But being here now? I was out at school and everyone here of course seemed open. Still. that nagging fear had never truly gone away entirely. I loved Casey more than anything, but the idea of being judged or even hated by people because of a core and vulnerable piece of my being was scary.
“Come onnnnn!” Casey tugged on my arm, “There is music and dancing and snow cones and we’re just standing here!” I shook myself out of my thoughts and grinned.
“Race ya?” I smirked. Casey lit up even more (if that was possible).
“321 go!” she yelled in a quick blur of numbers, racing off before I could start. Casey was always unfair. Big cheater.
I chased after her laughing, trying not to run into the other attendants. Casey finally jerked to a stop when she reached the dancing area, but she stopped so suddenly that I almost barrelled into her.
“Whoa there,” she grinned, having caught me before I completely slammed into her. We were flushed, with our breathing slightly more rapid than before.
How I ever thought I could settle with Nick is ridiculous. Not with Casey here and looking so…Casey. Her light freckles were the absolute cutest and I loved the way she would quirk a side grin. She radiated energy and fun and she was everything and anything I could have asked for.
Suddenly, I didn’t feel so out of place here. At the end of the day, wasn’t pride just a celebration of love? And god, was Casey worth celebrating for.
“What?” she asked, noticing me taking her all in.
“Nothing.” I leaned in to kiss her, fighting against the smile that pulled at my lips.