She

Homophobia

"How did things go with your parents?" Dan asked in the studio the next day.
"Oh it was bad," I sighed, "turns out my mom's still a bitch."
"Never mind. They're not your real family. Your real family are the people who love you, like Erin."
"Yeah," I smiled.
"Are things good between you two?"
"Things are great. She's... amazing. I really love her," I blushed.
A really huge guy suddenly appeared at the door, and walked in- that walk people do when they think they're better than everyone else.
Dan looked up at him, "what can I do for you sir?"
"I made an appointment for a tattoo."
I knew I would get stuck with this guy. He seemed like a dick, so I wasn't looking forward to it. He had a design of an eye that he wanted on the back of his neck- if creepy was his aim then he was doing really well. I took him into the back and started the tattoo. He didn't even flinch when the needle touched him.
After a short while I tried to make conversation, "you know, my girlfriend has a tattoo of an eye as part of her sleeve. It's not realistic like this one but-"
Suddenly he grabbed my wrist in his beefy hand, pulling the needle away from his skin. He stood up, probably about a foot taller than me, and leaned in close to me, twisting my wrist, "you're a dyke?"
I didn't know what to do. My heart pounded with terror. He was holding my hand, along with the needle, dangerously close to my face, "Uh... Dan!" I called, "Dan you gotta come here now!"
"Two secs, I'm with a customer!"
"No! You really gotta come now!"
The guy glared at me, "don't you think you should tell people about your disease before you come near them with a needle, dyke?"
Dan appeared at the door. When the guy saw him he instantly dropped my arm. I rubbed it to try and soothe the ache.
"I'm not getting a tattoo done by a dyke," he growled, shrugging.
"Fine, you can go somewhere else," Dan folded his arms.
"With half an eye on my neck?"
Dan nodded stubbornly, "you assaulted my employee. You need to leave before I get the police involved."
"Pffft. The police? I barely touched her. I wouldn't wanna touch her."
I rolled my eyes.
"Sir, you're discriminating against my employee. I'll have to ask you to leave."
The guy grunted, and strutted out of the studio. I noticed the tears on my cheeks.
"You okay?" Dan asked.
I nodded, composing myself. I followed Dan back through to the front, where the other customer was standing, looking baffled, "I can't believe that just happened," she shook her head, "are you okay honey?"
"Yeah," I nodded, "Yeah I'm fine."
"There will always be people like that, sweetie, and sometimes you're gonna feel like the whole world is against you. I promise, not everyone has the same attitude as that guy. You're strong, okay?"
"Thank you," I sniffed, smiling through my tears.