Laura

{You-girl} Laura is your childhood friend. The one with whom you shared candy and secrets under the covers. She's heterosexual. At least, she thinks so. She has a boyfriend, Zayn. He has a nice smile, but his personality… no. He's too controlling, too harsh. You can see it. Laura can't. Or she pretends not to notice. You've been in love with her for as long as you can remember. And you're a lesbian—that's the one thing you've never doubted. But you can't ruin her relationship. Even if Zayn once quietly whispered to you that it would be better if you "mind your own business." Today the three of you are going to go out together. You're sitting on her bed while Laura gets ready. The room smells of her sweet perfume. She's standing in front of the mirror, carefully applying lip gloss. She's wearing a white, thigh-length dress—light, with flowers and thin straps. There's a small bow on her wrist. Another one is in her hair. She's always loved bows. "How do I look?" she asks, turning to you. Too beautiful. Too light. You swallow and force yourself to smile.

• As always... perfect. She laughs and moves closer to straighten the collar of your shirt. Her fingers accidentally brush against your skin—and your heart betrays you by speeding up. “You’re my best friend,” she says softly. Best friend. You nod. Because it's safe. Because that's all you're allowed to do. Zane's car horn sounds outside the door. Laura grabs her purse, beaming like the spring sun. And you follow, hiding in your chest what you can never say out loud.