I let out a humorless laugh. “Thanks for the heads-up, Principal Ware. And for the record, there are students in this school with two mothers, and there might be others who are realizing at this young age that they’re gay, so I think it’s important to show our support.”
“I agree.”
“I’d also like to point out that our school carries these kinds of books—I didn’t bring them in from my own personal library.”
He chuckles. “You’re not on trial, Ms. King. I simply wanted to inform you before you heard something in the rumor mill.”
I nod, and stuff down my simmering anger. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”
On the ride to pick up Avery and Alyssa from school, I call Dominique.
“What a little tattletale! I can’t believe she went to the principal,” Dominique’s voice blares through my Bluetooth speaker.
“Seriously, like don’t you have something more important to do?” I grip the steering wheel so hard, my knuckles turn white. “She’s killing my vibe. I was in such a good mood today; I was feeling hopeful.”
“Don’t let Miserable Molly kill your vibe. She’s not worth a second thought. She’s just jealous because she’s not getting any dick, and you’ve got two.”
I tip my head back as I laugh. “God forbid that woman finds out.”
“If she has anything to say about it, she can come talk to me. I’ll sort her outrealquick.”
I smile at my best friend’s loyalty.
“You said you feelhopeful. Care to share with the rest of the class?” she asks.
Warmth spreads throughout my chest as I roll to a stop at the red light in front of me. “Chance said he’s ready to come out, and Stephen wants the three of us to be together—for real, like in a relationship.”
“That’s a big deal for Chance. I’m so happy to hear it.”
“Me too. He’s been through so much, and I’m really glad he’s finally embracing who he truly is.”
“And you know the kids love them. Shit, Alyssa looks at Stephen like he hung the moon, and Avery has really opened up with Chance around.”
“I know. They’ve been so great with the kids.” Tears sting the back of my eyes. “I want this so bad, Dom. It was so difficult to leave them, and now that they’re back in my life, I want to run full-speed into them.”
“That’s the best feeling. You deserve this, Pres. You deserve to be happy. You’ve sacrificed so much for those kids, and they deserve to see you happy too.”
“But then someone like Molly comes along.” I roll my eyes. “And all my fears resurface.”
Dominique sighs. “There’s always going to be a Molly. The world is filled with ignorant, stupid people. But you can’t worry about them. Surround yourself with people who love and support you, and enjoy your happiness.”
“I know you’re right.” I chew my bottom lip. “And if it were just me, I wouldn’t bat an eye. Molly can go fuck herself. But Ihave to think about the kids, and I want to make sure I’m doing right by them.”
“You’re showing them what acceptance and equality and human rights looks like.”
“But I’m also putting them into the line of fire when it comes to people’s ugly, hateful comments. I don’t want Avery to start getting bullied all over again, or have kids start giving Alyssa a hard time.”
She barks out a laugh. “You don’t have to worry about our girl. She’ll have no problem punching someone right in his mouth if he has anything to say.”
I smile. “Yes, but I don’t want to put her in that position to begin with.”
“I hear you. But you can’t shield them from everything. This is adversity, and it’ll make them stronger.”
“I hope you’re right.” I groan. “I wish my sister was alive so I could have her blessing with all of this.”
“Maybe your sister is the one who sent these boys back into your life. Ever think of that?”
I sit in silence while I contemplate the possibility.It’s a nice notion.