The Truth.
In a parallel universe, there is a boy named Alexander.
He is intelligent and funny, creative and kind, and handsome as can be.
We met just before my birthday. He made me a handmade card with crayons. It was the cutest thing. We began dating a month later, and have been together for almost two years.
I hesitantly introduced him to my parents, and then to the rest of my family. My grandfather was cautious with him because I am his only granddaughter, and he had to make sure that Alex was good enough for me. Everyone else loved him instantly. My aunts and grandma all told me how cute he was, and how much they liked him, and how happy they were for me that I had found someone who makes me so happy.
I brought him to my new job to introduce him to my coworkers, who now ask about him all the time, saying things like, “What are you and Alex doing for memorial day weekend?” or, “What did Alex get you for your birthday?” or, “You’re welcome to bring Alex along to the holiday party.” We often discuss our significant others. My coworkers are married with children, so I ask them questions about what Alex and I can expect in the future.
Alexander and I like to go on adventures. We frequent museums and zoos and art galleries, holding hands as we go, and stealing a kiss from time to time. I love going on adventures with him.
When I get sick, he takes care of me. A year ago, I was rushed to the emergency room, and he sped over to be by my bedside. He stayed right there with me all night.
I love Alex with my entire being. No single person has ever made me happier.
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In reality, there is a girl named Alexandria.
She is intelligent and funny, creative and kind, and beautiful as can be.
We met just before my birthday. She made me a handmade card with crayons. It was the cutest thing. We began dating a month later, and have been together for almost two years.
I hesitantly introduced her to my parents, but have been afraid to introduce her to the rest of my family, because they wouldn’t like it. My grandfather is old-fashioned and extremely prejudiced, and my aunt and grandma are very religious and do not approve of homosexuality.
I brought her to my new job to introduce her to my coworkers as my “friend,” which was necessary, because I work in a very conservative area under a very conservative boss, and I fear being fired for my sexual orientation. It is excruciating that my coworkers never say things like, “What are you and Alex doing for Memorial Day weekend?” or, “What did Alex get you for your birthday?” or, “You’re welcome to bring Alex along to the holiday party.” They often discuss their significant others. My coworkers are married with children, so I wish I could ask them questions about what Alex and I can expect in the future.
Alexandria and I like to go on adventures. We frequent museums and zoos and art galleries, but never hold hands in public, because we don’t want to be gawked at. We certainly never kiss, for fear of being victims of abuse from others. I love going on adventures with her, but it kills me that I can’t express my affection toward her when we are outside the house.
When I get sick, she takes care of me. A year ago, I was rushed to the emergency room, and she sped over to be by my bedside, but was rebuffed at the front desk because she wasn’t family. Even though she had to wait an hour until my father arrived to let her in, she still stayed right there with me all night.
I love Alex with my entire being. No single person has ever made me happier.
