More questions

I just talk a bit with Alexis about random little things, like cake or pie and stuff like that. Don't bring up Mark. I'm actually walking home since I convinced Laureen to just let me walk home while the weather is ok. Besides, she had to work. I have time. Don't bring up Mark. Alexis is getting a ride much later, but she has time. Don't bring up Mark.

"Yeah," Alexis says, just so casually, "I would personally recommend the green jello, not the blue." Don't bring up Mark.

"Ohhhh," I say even though this is the most random conversation ever, "that makes total sense." Don't bring up Mark.

"So hey," I say even though I'm about to stab myself for asking this, "what's your relationship with Mark?" God dammit, I had one job.

She turns bright red and I regret asking, but she answers. "We're just friends. I mean, he just broke up with Evelyn and liked her and is now heartbroken and rejected and all that stuff..."

I'm already regretting this, but why not rub salt into the cut? "You like him, don't you?"

She stammers and stumbles, "God, is it that obvious?" She admits it.

"I don't think Laureen and Mark can tell, all I did was think about it. I mean, I did a lot of thinking, but that's not what I always am thinking about. I mean, Evelyn mentioned you couldn't face your emotions and that was a hint, and stuff. Not to mention Mark probably wasn't paying attention, he mostly had his head down. Laureen would probably tease you about it."

"Don't worry, I get what you mean. But yeah, Laureen would tease me. Mark is also terrible at picking up hints. And Mark probably doesn't like me that way. I'm pansexual, and I can tell I want to be with him. Or her. We haven't decided to use pronouns or not. He's nervous about Evelyn telling his parents, but that's not much of a problem now. But I want to be with Mark. For the rest of my life. I know we're only in high school, but Mark is great. I can't get over him."

"I completely understand that. Mark is really nice, I don't blame you for liking Mark. I mean, I'm not interested in Mark, you should have them? I'm using they/them for pronouns."

"Yeah, I like them a lot."

Alexis then asks a question that I would never expect. One I'm not sure how to answer, and I probably can't. But why? Why does this always happen? It's like there's someone writing this and somehow loves putting me in really awkward situations. Nah, that can't be right.

"So..." she asks, "do you like Laureen?"