Reminiscing past of Seth

Seth felt uneasy with Lillian finding him outside with his partner. He was expecting loads of critical hits, specifically after giving her an outwardly chance. However, he didn't expect this reaction from her.

"So, that was the first thing you wanted to ask." Seth inquired.

"Of course, I, myself know-"

Lillian counted her fingers, "Five girls, who have a crush on you."

"It's not like I'm rooting for them, I simply wanted to know if you and that person are married or not!"

"No, we're not married, but we're in a relationship together. That is all I can comment on that stupid question of yours."

'Huh, stupid? Do you even have an idea of what kind of secret that I've unlocked? Those girls can't have any hopes anymore!' – Lillian thought to herself.

"So, is he your boyfriend?" Lillian pointed out straight.

"I believe that goes without saying when I already mentioned that it is a relationship."

Seth's smug comment pissed off Lillian Grey. It is the fact that goes without saying, but Lillian wanted to double-check confirm what she had seen.

"Well, it is none of my business, to be frank. Oh yeah, I do have a question for you, Mr. Seth," Lillian grew focused and curious.

"Go ahead." Seth allowed.

"How is it like being in a same-sex relationship?" Lillian asked.

Her innocent naïve question weighted a lot more than she could've imagined. It made him silent.

Seth's mind flashbacked to his past, where things were more rough and judgmental for him to be free and independent about his true self.

"It's normal for me, a reality that I have to face forever," Seth replied.

His words reminded Lillian of Giselle. Honestly, she asked him that question because of Giselle. She wanted to know about Giselle's world and understand her more.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Seth if that hurt you," Lillian apologized.

"It's alright. I've come a long way."

"I've seen all the bullying that Ms. Giselle faced recently. Probably mine was harsher than hers I had guys beating me up, teasing me in front of all, and bashing me every single day for their satisfaction. I didn't have any friends like you to support people like myself. It was hard."

"However, I pushed through all those difficult times, and now, I'm in a happy place. Do you know why I chose this school as my workplace?"

When Seth asked her, she shook her head and replied, 'no.'

"It's because of people like Mr. Clarence, who treats everyone equal. When I came for an interview, he didn't judge me on my sexual preference, but only on how well I can teach, and help the kids grow. I was shocked to see a school's principal being that powerful and accepting."

"Anyways, to answer your question, it is difficult to be in a same-sex relationship out in the society because no matter how much we advance, there will always be a set of people who will reject you and judge you for your decisions."

"If you're asking it for Giselle, then I guess she has good friends like you to protect her now, but for how long?"

"She will move on from here and go somewhere else, and the cycle might repeat."

Seth expressed his concern.

"You cannot stay forever in her life, protecting her from the rejections."

Seth became emotional.

"Honestly, I want to punish all the kids who bully others for their amusement."

"I hate it."

"If one thing I request you other than studying my subject, it will be to take care of Giselle. Be there for her, mentally. She needs to be strong to fight for herself."

"I will," Lillian vowed immediately.

"That's good to know, Ms. Grey."

"Is that all your questions?" Seth requested.

"Yeah, I guess-" Lillian responded from the complete picture of what Mr. Seth has shown her.

"Then, you can leave. It's starting to get dark out there, be safe walking back home," Seth reminded and continued his work. Lillian slowly paced her way towards the door and unlocked it to leave. However, she stopped and turned to face Seth, who looked focused.

"Mr. Seth, thank you for sharing it with me. And-"

She paused, her face became bright, and a smile shined across.

"I sincerely wish for your happiness. Good Luck."

"Yeah, I won't open my mouth about this, even to Giselle. I don't want her to panic."

Lillian said and walked out. Seth looked stunned by her words.

He chuckled from the girl's bold attitude and sincere words.

Seth had never been caught by any of his students thus far, but the first time he did, it ended up with Lillian Grey.

His mind worried over nothing. Truthfully, he felt as if some weight lifted off his chest. He was able to feel relaxed more.

Seth continued to work silently.

While leaving, Lillian's mind got occupied by a lot of thoughts. Thoughts about Giselle and the unknown struggle she must have endured all along quietly.

The words Mr. Seth uttered are repeating inside her mind. Somehow thinking about Giselle, Lillian felt her protective side take over.

Ever since the broadcast incident, Lillian entered into Giselle's life and had become a part of her journey. The past week she spent trying to ease Giselle from remembering the sick memories. The time they spent together without much interaction. The moment Lillian's nerves get ticked off when she hears somebody disrespecting Giselle.

Maybe it started as a common courtesy of Lillian Grey to help a friend in need. However, within this week, the roles have reversed. Lillian developed a strong sense of protection over Giselle and kept her close, without allowing anyone to interrupt the two. Lillian's course of action has ended Giselle's bullying.

It gave birth to their newly constructed bond, assumed as 'being close friends.' The two girls sensed the comfortable from each other's company.

Giselle too as if she felt secured being with Lillian Grey. Her emotions would sometimes go wild from being closer to her first love, but soon, those feelings fade away from the guilt of mistreating Lillian's friendship.

Giselle had tough moments repressing her emotions and keep a composed face while spending time with Lillian Grey.

***

Lillian's mind occupied of Giselle upgraded to the next level.

'I will protect her myself.'

'I won't allow anyone, bully her anymore.'

'Not when she's with me,' Lillian Grey pledged.

With that, the rest of the days passed by students preparing for their trip. Almost all are waiting patiently for the date to arrive.

The trip will hold exciting escapades for Lillian and Giselle.

The feelings involved will be exposed and heard.