Page 143 of Sparks Fly

My voice was shaky but not because I was scared of my parents reaction, because I was afraid maybe I had waited to long to do this.

My mother blinked. “What?” she asked.

“You don’t have to find me a date… Not for the wedding. Not for anything. I’ve already met someone.”

My hands were shaking so badly I pressed them against my ribs.

“I’m in love with her,” I said as tears spilled down my face. “I’m so in love with her.”

The words hung in the room.

I laughed once, but it came out broken. “God, they’re amazing. So funny and stubborn and kind. They makes me feel safe, so safe, and treats me better than I deserve and all I can think about right now is that I almost lost her because I was so afraid of this.”

My father took another step toward me. “Addie…”

“No,” I said as I shook my head hard. “Please don’t. Don’t slow this down because if I stop talking, I don’t know if I’ll be able to start again.”

My mother’s expression softened. “Honey,” she said carefully, “that’s wonderful. Why would we—”

“—Because her name is Sawyer,” I interrupted.

The silence was immediate. My mother’s face changed. “You don’t like women, Addison,” she said quietly.

“But I do.” My voice shook. “I always have.”

Neither of them spoke.

“I’ve just spent years pretending I didn’t because it was easier. Easier than disappointing everyone. Easier than being different. Easier than having this fucking conversation.”

I wiped my face with the back of my hand.

“When Benji came out, everything changed,” I said. “I watched you both struggle, and mom grieve, and treat him like he didn’t exist. I convinced myself I couldn’t do that to you again.”

My father’s shoulders stiffened.

“I didn’t want to be another thing that shattered whatever picture you had of your family,” I admitted. “So, I stayed quiet.”

My chest tightened painfully.

“I dated men. I smiled. I played along. I became whatever version of myself felt easiest to explain.” Tears blurred my vision again. “And I’m so tired.” The words came out as a whisper. “I’m so tired of pretending.”

My mother looked devastated. “Addison…”

“She was hit by a car,” I said suddenly. My voice broke into sobs now. “She’s in surgery right now.”

The room went silent again. “I got a call from Benji less than an hour ago, and I don’t even know if she’s okay.” My breath hitched. “I should already be at the hospital. I should already be with her.”

My hands trembled at my sides. “But I couldn’t walk into that hospital knowing I hadn’t told you the truth.” A tear slid down my cheek. “I love her.”

I looked directly at my mother. “I love her, and if she wakes up, I’m never pretending she’s anything less than the most important person in my life again.”

My mother opened her mouth, but I shook my head.

“Accept it or don’t,” I said as I grabbed my bag. “Be angry. Be disappointed. Take whatever time you need. Disown me. I can’t do this right now.”

My father’s face softened. “Addison,” he said gently.

I paused with my hand on the door. “I’m done pretending,” I told him. “I have to go.” Then I walked out.