During the next following days, Redy would never stop calling me. I eventually got tired of her and decided to block her. However, this didn't benefit me either way, because she still has my Instagram. I can't unfollow her there, since people will notice and start rumors. I just put her on silent and did my best to ignore it. Every time Bada and I would hang out, she would notice my frustration every time I opened my phone. She didn't ask though. She knew it was Redy. But in this situation, she can't do anything about it either. We would have to wait till the show is over.
Other than that, my days were all pretty much the same. I got up, went to the classes I needed to attend to, got home to change, went to our studio, danced, teached blah blah blah..
I sometimes felt more like a machine than a real person. It get's tiring, but dancing is still my passion, so I push through.
Today is Thursday, which means I'll give lessons in the afternoon. I wondered if that mysterious girl from a few days ago will show up.
As I got into the studio, there was a big crowd of people. Ever since we started SWF2, more people started coming, which is quite understandable. I made my way towards the middle and greeted everyone. I scanned through the crowd and actually did find that girl. Her tattoo gave it away. She stood in the back with her hood over her head, making it hard for me to see her face. I sighed lightly.
"Alright class! Should we start? Why don't you guys show me what you've learned." I asked and some people made their way to the front to dance. I tried encouraging the people in the back to try, especially because I wanted to see those dance who I haven't seen before, but they were all too shy. I decided to just continue and turned on music for the others to dance to.
When class is done, we all usually let those who have questions stay for another 30 minutes. Some are about their dance, some are fan related. I'm fine with any of them, as long as they're being respectful.
"When was the last time you saw the girls?"
"Why did you start dancing?"
"How can I get better?"
The questions were all asked at the same time, but one stuck in my head the most.
"Are you on good terms with Redy? You two aren't together as much and you don't interact with her on Instagram anymore." I freezed as I didn't know what to say.
"Oh you know, it's just been a busy few days and I didn't have much time to properly talk to her!" I smiled at the person who asked and they seemed satisfied. I quickly answered all the other questions so I could go home.
After everyone left, I made my way towards my car. Before I could start driving, I had to wait until the ice on my windshield melted. It was seriously a cold February this year.
-
"Love, would you mind me coming over for a little? My cousin is here and you know how he is.." Bada asked quietly.
"Please, just come over anytime. I hope you won't mind my mom being here?" I replied. I didn't think she would think of it as a problem, but I still wanted to tell her.
"Not at all. Your mom is becoming like a second mom to me. Anyway, I'll head there right now. See you then!" She hung up and with that I got up to tell my mom we would get company.
"Bada is coming? How wonderful! Should I get you guys some snacks? I have to go to the grocery shop anyway." I told her to just bring some ice cream and she agreed smiling.
After some time, we could tell Bada arrived by the sound of her bike. I opened the door for her and let her in. She greeted my mom as well before sitting down on the couch.
"Alright, tell me. Your cousin is back. Why?" I looked at her with raised eyebrows. She threw her hands up and groaned. "I don't know! He just suddenly showed up."
My mom looked over, listening to our conversation. "Oh Bada. I don't know what's wrong but if something is bothering you at home, why don't you stay with us for a while?" I smiled at my moms idea, fully supporting it.
"I really don't want to bother you.. I would just burden you." Bada declined but we wouldn't let her. We lectured her on how she wouldn't be a burden in any way and that she could stay over whenever she wanted.
Eventually, she agreed and thanked us. "I hope he'll be gone soon. I don't want to be near him. He irritates me so much."
"Sorry to interrupt, but I'll be going to the grocery shop. Is there anything in particular you want to eat tonight" Mom asked us and I remembered how Bada told me how she was craving pasta some days ago. So, that's what I told my mom. She grabbed a bag and left.
"By the way, any updates on Redy? Did she try calling you again?" Bada questioned.
"Not exactly. But some people asked why I don't interact with her as much anymore. I think I'm gonna have to do something about that." I sighed. She nodded and told me what I should do.
"Let's change the topic now. I don't want you thinking about all of this. Should we put on a movie?" I pointed towards the TV.
"Sure. Just put on anything." She said and I played a random movie that was in my recommendations. She softly patted on the spot right next to her and told me to come sit. I scooted closer to her and she put her arm around me, playing with my hair. I replied by laying my head on her chest, giving her more access. She twirled strands of my hair around her finger before gently letting them slide off before repeating it. I could feel her soothing heartbeat and felt at peace. I turned around after some time and looked at her. She smiled at me sweetly, scrunching up her nose. I touched it, then traveled down to her lips. I brushed my finger over them lightly and moved my head up to face her. Then, I leaned in, but waited a bit. She had her eyes closed, expecting me to kiss her. Because of the long wait, she furrowed her brows and opened her eyes.
"What?" She asked me. I chuckled at her and she grabbed my head, leading it closer to hers. Our lips finally met. I melted into the kiss. I felt her smile slightly as she pulled away for a moment, putting her forehead onto mine. She kissed me again, and I could taste the hint of strawberry from her lipstick.
"Oh my God!"
I pulled away immediately. I hadn't noticed the door unlocking. I closed my eyes in fear, hoping this was just some kind of nightmare.
"Uh.. Sorry. I'll just.. leave you alone."
I figured it was in fact not a nightmare nor my imagination.
"No mom, wait." I breathed out heavily, looking over to Bada. She seemed as anxious as me, if not even more. Her face was completely red, and her hands were shaking. She looked back at me while nodding barely, making it almost impossible for me to see it.
"Mom. Don't freak out. You most definitely weren't supposed to.. find out about it this way." I never talked to my mom about her opinion on being queer. I naturally thought she didn't think highly of it as it's quite usual.
"Mom, Bada and I.. we're dating." I choked out with the last bit of confidence. Tears started forming in my eyes.
I felt my heart beating abnormally fast. It felt like it would explode any moment now.
"What?! Why didn't you tell me earlier? My dear daughter, I'm so happy for you! I'm glad you found someone like Bada to have by your side." She put her bags down excitedly and ran towards us.
"..What? Are you joking?" Tears were rolling down my face at this point. She wiped them and gave me a kiss on my forehead.
"Why would I be joking? You didn't really think I wouldn't approve of your relationship right?" She asked me.
I didn't say anything. I couldn't comprehend what was going on. My mom hugged me and Bada. She smiled widely at us. Bada was, again, as startled as me. Her eyes were wide open and her hand covered a part of them, as she tried to keep herself from crying.
"So, you really accept us? You're not mad?"
"I have no reason to be. If my daughter is happy with her partner, so am I. Besides, Bada is genuinely the person I trust taking care of you."
We spent the evening talking about Bada and me; How we realized we liked women, how we started dating, and so on. My mom comforted both of us the whole time. She told me that she's sorry for giving the impression that she wouldn't support us. The whole time, we all stayed close to each other, and after a bit, I felt Bada warming up and feeling more confident to talk. We had dinner together, watched a movie together and talked for hours.
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sorry if there are any mistakes, i'm way too tired to think right now. anyway, thank you for all the attention this book has been getting. I didn't expect it at all. thank you so much!!🙏