Confusion (probably not the final title)

Part 6 - Coming Out

"Okay. Let's do it."

This competition was going to be so much fun. Not only am I going to be meeting other people like me, but I'm also going to spend a whole weekend with James. Ever since I got the news, it's all I could think about. The long drive where we will talk non-stop, the competition where we will spend hours talking about our passion for science, the hotel... That was the focus of my mind for the past few days. I am ashamed to say it but I'm a teenage girl. I can't help myself thinking about... those thoughts. James is the only person who values my opinions, laughs at my jokes, cares about my wellbeing. This crush has definitely developed into something a little bit more. I am just drifting off into my competition daydreams once again as I sit in the lab when I hear "Dani, can you speak with me after class?"

Mr Spencer's voice was loud and stern which caused people to mumble. I'd never gotten in trouble before, especially not with Mr S. I could feel my anxiety building for the rest of the class, the knot in my stomach getting tighter and tighter. What did I do wrong? Did I not get into the competition? The questions always got louder with anxiety. After what feels like hours, the class finally disperses. I stay in my seat with my head hung in shame as the last stragglers exited. I then look up at James who pulls up a seat next to me, a comforting smile on his face. "Dani, I think we need to talk. I saw something on your form that got me thinking," he says softly before grabbing the sheet from his desk. I try to remember what I wrote down, thinking about any errors I may have made. He places the sheet in front of me and points to one of the first boxes.

"Pronouns: They/Them" 
I look at the box with wide eyes. Why would I put that?! I nervously look up at him and try to justify "L..Look I'm sorry s..sir..." He cuts me off by grabbing my hands gently.
"Dani relax, okay? Have I... have I been misgendering you?" he says sadly, his voice laced with guilt. Oh my... I've made him feel awful.
"Uhm, kinda b...but it's not like I've ever told anyone so please don't feel bad," I respond when suddenly I feel his strong arms around me, pulling me close into his chest. I can't help but gently hug him back.
"Oh, Dani. Why didn't you talk to me? Do you not feel safe around me? You know that I think you are an amazing person and I will still accept you for you no matter what," his voice trembles as he speaks. 
"I was just scared that you'd tell someone. I don't want anyone finding out," I mumble into his chest before he pulls away.
"Your secret is safe with me okay? I will only tell people who you want to know." He smiles at me and I return it weakly. "So what do you identify as? I will no longer get it wrong," he says sweetly.
"Genderfluid and bisexual," I confess with a little confidence. He smiles,
"Oh so you found a boy you like huh?" he chuckles at his joke. "I understand now. I will try my best to treat you how you want to be treated. Now go on, don't you have gym class?" he says, looking at my bag full of my clothes. I nod and stand up, walking to the door. As I open the door, I turn back to him smiling at me. 
"Thank you, sir. See you on Friday."