Chapter 15

15

Q uinn sat on the couch, her thoughts consumed by the memory of Rebecca's lips against hers. The softness, the passion, the way her entire body had come alive at the contact—it was seared into her mind, replaying on a constant loop. She'd imagined what it would be like to kiss Rebecca, but the reality had eclipsed those fantasies.

She glanced around the living room, taking in the familiar sight of her parents and Reagan engrossed in the football game. The normalcy of the scene felt surreal, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. Quinn had come here tonight with a purpose, a determination to finally share her truth with her mother. But as the evening wore on, the opportunity had never quite presented itself.

Now, as she sat there, the weight of her secret pressed heavily upon her chest. She couldn't keep this to herself any longer. It wasn't just about Rebecca, though the kiss had certainly been a catalyst. It was about embracing who she truly was, about living authentically and openly.

Quinn took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to do. Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage as if it might burst free at any moment. She licked her lips, her mouth suddenly dry.

"Mom, Dad, Reagan," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "There's something I need to tell you."

Three pairs of eyes turned to her, curiosity and concern etched on their faces. Quinn swallowed hard, her hands clenching into fists as she summoned every ounce of courage she possessed.

"I'm gay," she blurted out. "Until very recently I had no idea that I liked women." Her gaze darted between the three stunned faces. "It was doing my last movie. When I took on that role, I never could have imagined how much I actually had in common with that character. I just wanted you to know." She swallowed, her throat tight. "I haven't been pretending all this time. I just didn't know. I had no idea."

Quinn's heart raced as she watched her father mute the TV, the silence in the room deafening. She held her breath, waiting for someone, anyone, to react. Suddenly, Reagan practically leaped out of her armchair to sit down beside Quinn, pulling her into a tight hug.

"I'm proud of you," Reagan whispered against Quinn's ear.

Quinn's eyes stung with unshed tears as she clung to her younger sister, grateful for the unwavering support. She took a shaky breath and looked to her parents, her stomach twisting with nerves.

Her mother spoke first, her brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're not bi?"

Quinn shook her head, a lump forming in her throat. "I'm not."

Once again silence filled the living room.

"Whatever you are, it's fine with me," her father said after a moment, his voice gruff but sincere. He unmuted the game, the sound of the announcers filling the room once more.

Quinn stared at her mother, her heart pounding as she waited for her reaction. Sarah's eyes softened, and she stood up, opening her arms wide. Quinn rose to meet her, allowing her mother to wrap her arms around her.

"You know I love you no matter what," Sarah murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm shocked. I'm not going to lie." She pulled back, her hands resting on Quinn's shoulders as she looked her in the eye. "Thank you for telling us."

Quinn nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. She'd done it. She'd finally shared her truth with the people who mattered most to her.

The next thought that popped into her head was that she had to tell Rebecca.