Confusion (probably not the final title)

Part 5 - Change

I could tell that this time with James was something that would keep me sane this year.

A couple of months have gone by and so much has changed. So much for ignoring the "new year, new me" cliche. I finally found labels to describe my emotions. Genderfluid and bisexual. James had helped me so much with discovering who I am. Turns out he is pansexual which I think means he can be attracted to all genders, not objects like I originally thought. That was an embarrassing day. We talked a lot about being lgbtq+ but I hadn't come out to him as my new identities yet. I was too nervous. What if he tells other teachers? What if my parents find out? I have to lie for my own safety so to his knowledge, I'm still just a shy, lonely lesbian who loves chemistry a little too much. Maybe it was the chemistry between us that I enjoy the most. I couldn't deny it anymore. Like most of the girls at the school, I am in love with James Spencer. But unlike everyone else, we had a closer connection. I wasn't just attracted to his looks; his personality, his humour, his charm, are all so perfect that I just can't resist. Just thinking about him puts a smile on my face. That probably explains why I am grinning like the Cheshire Cat walking to his lab.

I no longer need to knock before I enter but as I open the door and step foot into the classroom, I see something that I have never seen before. James looks at me and his smile seems even bigger than mine. Within seconds he pulls me into the lab and closes the door, standing over me while holding my arms gently. "Dani! I have amazing news!" he says, his voice full of excitement and genuine passion.
"You finally have a partner!" I smirk at my sarcastic response which only makes him roll his eyes.
"No not about me! About you!" He pulls me over to his computer where I see an email from the best scientific college in the country.
"Dear Mr J. Spencer

Thank you for your enquiry about the aspiring scientist competition. Attached is the application form for your student as well as all details about the competition on the 16th November. Please get all information in by 1st November. 

Many Thanks
Dr Adrian Barnes
Science Director
Elford University"
He stares at me as I read and as soon as I finish, I turn to him. "Are you serious?" I ask in disbelief as he just chuckles.
"Of course I am. Dani, you are so intelligent. You can beat everyone hands down." He looks around his messy desk and hands me the application form. "If you fill most of it out now then we only need your parent's consent and you are able to go." I couldn't deny, his enthusiasm was cutely contagious and I couldn't help but feel excited too. I sit at my desk and start reading the form when I see one part that makes me want to cry.

"Please confirm that this student is 18 or over. If under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at all times." I look at James with defeat, saying softly, "It was a really nice thought James but I can't go." His eyes bulge out of his head so I point to the problematic condition. He looks at me and shakes his head.
"Dani for a smart girl, you can be a little stupid sometimes. With your parent's consent, I can take you. I'll talk to principal Howard and I am sure the school can pay for the hotel and the travel costs since you will make the school look fantastic. Just think about it. Me, you, a place where nobody knows us. We don't have to be Mr S. and his talented student. We can be Tyler and her lame guardian James." He chuckles and I smile a little. That did sound like an awesome time. I take back the form and put it in my bag.
"Okay, let's do it."