Bloom; an LGBT+ short story.

Chapter One

Aria shifted uncomfortably in the plastic folding chair. She didn't want to eat stale cookies and make small talk with Jax's distant relatives. Yet her mother had insisted she attend. "It might do you some good to see her, help you accept she's gone and all." Aria sighed and looked around. She was the only one here who wasn't dressed head to toe in black. Instead, she had chosen to wear a rather flowy, pale blue dress. She couldn't explain why, but mourning for Jax just felt wrong. Jax had been a colorful girl, full of life and optimism. Aria was sure Jax was laughing at her from her grave. God, this is so typical of you she would have said. Always the black sheep, or should I say, the rainbow sheep. Aria smirked, quickly lowering her head so not to appear sociopathic. Her mother nudged her

"If you want, you can...see her now." Aria shook her head. She remembered a comment Jax had made once, about how strange it would be to "rot in the earth". She had specifically stated that when she died, she would much rather be cremated. Aria had told this to Jax's parents, but they were insistent that a burial was the best choice. A way to "keep her close to them."

Aria was frustrated by this. She had tried to explain that sooner or later Jax would rot and become a few square feet of dirt in a field, but they had refused to listen. "She looks like she's sleeping." Her mother remarked. Aria wanted to gag. The funeral home had taken great care to cover the large gash on her forehead under layers of makeup. Why not just let her be thought Aria Why not open her eyes and force them out of the delusion that their daughter is coming back.

"Ari, hey, Aria" Her mother whispered, bringing her back to reality. "Her Grandma wants to talk to you" Damnit what was she going to tell them. Oh yeah, Jax and I were really good friends. I mean, sure we kissed a few times and snuck out to go on romantic walks in the moonlight, but we were totally platonic. Real gal pals. Absolute friendship goals. And sure enough, Jax's grandma was making her way through the crowd with a bouquet of flowers. Aria wanted to scream. She was so tired of people pitying her. Fidgeting awkwardly as they told her how sorry they were for her loss.

"Tell them I'm preoccupied," Aria said dryly.

"But-" Aria stood.

"Whatever, this is stupid. I'm leaving." Her mother gave her a bewildered look.

"But she was-"

"Leaving"

She stormed off. Breaking into a sprint when she reached the church doors.