The sound of summer

I am playing with her blond hair between my fingers, looking into those distinctive blue eyes. A smile forms on her face. Bees are buzzing, children are laughing and playing around us, hot BBQ oil is dripping on the open flames, which immediately evaporate, and the wind blows softly through the trees. That is what summer must sound like.

The last weeks Thea and I were inseparable. We did spend every afternoon and almost every evening together and my parents started to wonder. I did not come out as bisexual to them, yet. However, it doesn’t seem wrong currently, I want it to feel completely right at the very moment I look into their eyes as my mouth forms the words. I have been reflecting a lot about what my parents think of Thea, but as long as I’m happy, so are they. I feel a sudden poke against my forehead.

“Ouch!,” I complain, “What was that for?” Thea laughs.

“You just looked so cute, I wanted to know where your head is at. But as usual, your thoughts were louder than my voice as you did not seem to notice I had already asked you,” Thea responds with a cute smirk. I seem to have zoned out again.

“I’m happy with you, Thea,” I reply and put a hand on her cheek. She feels a bit cold despite the sunrays sparkling on her porcelain skin.

I feel pure joy as I can feel her soft hand on my cheek while I dive into the lake of her eyes.

“I’m happy with you, too, Emmy.”

A wind gust rushes through our hair as we keep eye contact. It feels like our souls are intertwined now, have been for a while, and this moment feels like physical proof. It’s about a month now since Thea bought me my favorite drink from Starbucks, took me to the Arcade and afterward asked me if I wanted to be her girlfriend. I smiled, kissed her and whispered a yes to her lips. I take my hand off her cheek.

“Do your parents know that I’m your girlfriend?”

“My mom suspected it and I didn’t lie about it. I don’t know if my dad knows, though. He works overtime a lot and I rarely get to see him at the moment. I think he also needs some time to adjust to the fact that I like girls. Especially one girl in particular.” She leans her head and watches me blushing. “Why are you asking?”

“I still haven’t found the right time to explain to them how I feel. They are kind and understanding, so I know they won’t be upset or anything. It just didn’t feel right though, yet. It’s not like I’m keeping you a secret or that I’m not proud to be your girlfriend, because I am, but…”

“Shhh,” Thea interrupts me and puts a finger on my lips, “Don’t worry. The time will come sooner or later. Don’t push yourself or worry. I love you either way.” That is the first time she has said it out loud instead of just writing it. It feels like a warm hug to my soul and is now added to my favorite sounds of summer.

“I love you, too.”