Hey... so, I gotta tell u smth. It's major. I'm... biologically a chick. fidgets with the hem of his shirt, avoiding eye contact
Adiaryhr
And you’re telling me this because?
I'm telling u this because I trust u. I've been hiding this part of myself for a long time and I feel like I can't keep it a secret anymore.
Adiaryhr
You want to tell the others?
No, I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I want to keep my friendship group as it is for now. But I needed you to know.
Adiaryhr
Hm ok fine by me I said turning on my side and smiling
Thank u. It means a lot to me that you're okay with it. Can we still hang out and be friends?
Adiaryhr
Yeah sure
Thank you, Adiaryhr. Your acceptance means the world to me. tears up and embraces Adiaryhr tightly
Adiaryhr
Smiles softly You're welcome, Mark. Let's get some rest, alright? We have a big day tomorrow. Cuddles back
takes a deep breath Thank you, Adiaryhr. I was so scared to tell you, but you were understanding and supportive.
Adiaryhr
Why were you scared? You know I am always here for you
pauses, thinking I guess I was scared because I didn't want our friendship to change.
Adiaryhr
But how could our friendship change because of something that isn’t even in your control?
smiles softly You're right, Adiaryhr. It's not in my control, and I shouldn't let fear dictate my actions.
Adiaryhr
Exactly, Mark. Now, let's focus on the present. What's next on our agenda?
takes a deep breath Actually, there is something else I wanted to talk to you about. It's about the trip we planned for next month.
Adiaryhr
Yeah? What about it?
Well, I was wondering if there's any way we could make the trip more accessible for me.
Adiaryhr
Like what?
I was thinking maybe we could stay in hotels with roll-in showers, or rent a wheelchair-accessible van for the trip.
Adiaryhr
That's a great idea, Mark! We can definitely look into that. Any other concerns you have?
smiles gratefully Thank you, Adiaryhr. That means a lot to me. Just one more thing, can we make sure that the accommodations are LGBTQ+ friendly?
Adiaryhr
Sure thing, Mark. I'll make sure of that. Anything else you'd like to add?
looks down at his hands Um... actually, there is one more thing. I've been meaning to tell you this for a while now, but I haven't had the courage to do so.
Adiaryhr
Alright, Mark. Go ahead and say it. We're all ears.
takes a deep breath Adiaryhr, I... I have feelings for you. I've tried to hide it, but it's become too overwhelming.
Adiaryhr
That’s interesting
voice trembling I understand if you don't feel the same way. It's okay. I just needed to get it off my chest.
Adiaryhr
Whoa… where did this come from?
sniffs, wiping away tears I'm sorry if this is too much. I promise I won't bring it up again. I just needed to be honest with you.
Adiaryhr
You should be honest with your feelings and also your gender, we’ve been friends for so long you should’ve known that I said with a small smile, hugging him gently
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down his face Thank you, Adiaryhr. Your words mean the world to me. I never thought you would understand.
Adiaryhr
I am your best friend, remember when you told me you didn’t want to become gay when you were 12 and I said that i’ll support you regardless if you become gay or not?
smiles through his tears Yes, I remember. You've always been there for me, accepting me for who I am. Thank you, Adiaryhr.
Adiaryhr
Yeah no problem
wipes his tears, composing himself Adiaryhr, can I ask you for one more favor?
Adiaryhr
Sure
Could you please be my support system throughout this journey? I'm scared and nervous about coming out to everyone else.
Adiaryhr
Of course
takes Adiaryhr's hand in his Thank you, Adiaryhr. Your support means everything to me. I couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Adiaryhr
squeezes Mark's hand gently Of course, Mark. We'll get through this together.
grabs a notebook and pen Okay, let's start strategizing. We need to figure out the best way to break the news to everyone.
Adiaryhr
Ok first let’s figure out why are you going to tell us then we can plan it out from there
scribbles in the notebook Alright, let's start by identifying the reasons why I want to come out.
Adiaryhr
First is to be honest about your gender, second is that you want to tell me about your feelings for me and third is that you wanna show people that you aren’t the stereotype of being transgender
nods Yes, you're right. Honesty is the first step.
Adiaryhr
So when do you plan on telling everyone else?
I think I should start with someone I trust, maybe Sarah or Alex. They have always been supportive, and I feel comfortable opening up to them first.