As Christina sat in the softly lit corner of the dining hall, she could feel the warmth of the family gathering filling the air, a stark contrast to the cold turmoil swirling inside her. The pastel pink dress hugged her curves in ways that felt too foreign, too exaggerated. While she admired the delicate fabric and the way it shimmered under the crystal chandeliers, her heart pounded with an unfamiliar mix of anxiety and reluctance.
The large wooden table in front of her was laden with a feast: layers of lasagna, platters of roasted chicken, and an arrangement of colorful salads. Yet, the food held no appeal. Instead, she focused intently on her hands, painted in a soft lavender, as she fidgeted with the delicate chain of her sparkling bracelet, a gift from Grandma on one of her past birthdays. It was a bearable distraction, but reminders of who she used to be clawed at her consciousness.
“Christina! Look how gorgeous you are!” her grandmother called from across the room, her eyes sparkling with pride. The elderly woman was surrounded by family—uncles, aunts, cousins, all there to celebrate her milestone birthday. Each time someone commented on her appearance, Christina felt a swell of confusion in her chest. Did they really see her? Or was she just a reflection of the image they expected?
Just as she was about to drown in her spiraling thoughts, her cousin Lauren slipped into the seat beside her. Lauren's bright smile radiated warmth and familiarity, something Christina desperately craved at that moment.
“Hey, cousin! You look absolutely stunning!” Lauren exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Christina's heart fluttered slightly at the genuine admiration.
“Thanks,” Christina replied, her voice sounding foreign even to herself. She forced a smile, capturing the remnants of her confidence amid her turmoil. “It's a little… strange to wear the dress and all you know?”
Lauren raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “Just a little? It’s not every day you see each other in these dresses, but you a stunning girl! But believe me I feel the same.”
Chrisitan whispered, “Honestly? It's a lot to take in. I feel like I’m… wearing a mask.”
Lauren’s smile faded slightly, and she leaned in closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “Look, I will tell you a secret now: I only pretend to be into boys, nobody knows that I am dating another girl secretly. And my parents should never get to know what I told you and please don’t share it with anybody especially grandma!”
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