Us? Forever.

Chapter Three: Saying It Out Loud

Chapter Three: Saying It Out Loud

Impatience. Curiosity. Panic.

So many emotions ran through me at once.

I finally gave in and picked up my phone to check if she had replied.

There it was.

Notifications from Kiera.

My heart skipped a beat.

I opened the messages.

Kiera: Hey, calm down, sweetie. No need to get so worked up. I totally understand. Honestly… I’ve had my suspicions for a long time.

Kiera: I don’t judge you or see you any differently. You are—and will always be—my best friend. My sister, even. Well… not from the same mum, but you get what I mean 😅

Kiera: I feel so honored to be the first person you told.

I hope I am—if not, you’ll experience my wrath 😡

Kiera: Just kidding 😅😅

Kiera: And I’m honored to be your crush.

You have good taste 🫣😹

Kiera: You’re right, I’m straight. But just because I don’t feel the same way doesn’t mean anything changes between us. I can’t hate you for being you.

Kiera: I love you, sweetie. I always will. So stop saying you’re not normal… it hurts me.

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably as I read her messages.

I felt… everything at once.

Relief.

Happiness.

Acceptance.

It was overwhelming—in the best way possible.

I didn’t even know how to name the feeling.

All I knew was… I felt lighter.

Violet: Thank you so much, bestie. You don’t know what your message just did to me. I feel so much lighter. Thank you… for accepting me.

Kiera: Don’t mention it, it’s normal.

By the way… it’s not every day someone has a lesbian bestie 😂

I burst out laughing, my mood lifting instantly.

Violet: You’re crazy 😹😹😹

Kiera: Back at you 😹

We kept texting after that. I told her about Aliya, about everything I had been holding in.

We spent the rest of the night laughing, teasing each other, and just… being us.