Chelsea The silence was cut off by Brandon's question."Um, what's transgender?" Brandon asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.Chelsea explained patiently, "It's when someone is assigned a gender at birth, but they identify as another gender." He glanced at Arc, wondering what his reaction would be. Arc's expression was neutral, but Chelsea detected a hint of curiosity in his eyes."I don't get it," Brandon admitted, his face scrunched up in puzzlement.Chelsea tried again, feeling all eyes on him, "Eddie was born a girl, but he identifies as a boy." He enunciated slowly, hoping Brandon would understand."How's that possible?" Brandon asked, his eyes wide with wonder.Kai jumped in, "Take our cousin River for example. We went to their coming-out party, remember?"Brandon shook his head, "I don't know, I was stuck with Pa Monty doing crossword puzzles."Kai chuckled, "Well, River has always seemed like a girl to you, but they're actually non-binary."Brandon's eyes widened further, "
Chelsea Chelsea's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.Arc turned to Chelsea, unsureness clouding his eyes. "Do you want to be with Kai?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.Chelsea's brow furrowed. "Why would you ask that?" he asked, his voice cautious.He wondered what could've possibly given Arc that assumption.Arc's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions. "Cause you're attracted to him, and he couldn't take his damn eyes off you," he said, annoyance lacing his voice.Chelsea's voice was soft and gentle as he moved closer to Arc. "No, no, why would I want to be with Kai?" he asked, his eyes filled with sincerity.He took Arc's hands in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I have you," Chelsea whispered, his voice filled with emotion.It was true Kai was exactly his type but that was before...Arc's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, he's attractive, and I'm not."Chelsea's grip on Arc'
ArcArc felt a sense of déjà vu as he basked in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Familiar arms seemed to wrap around him, and gentle fingers caressed his skin, tracing the contours of his scars without hesitation. A smile threatened to break free as he turned to face the owner of those arms.Chelsea's sweet smile greeted him, radiating an otherworldly glow. Arc's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Chelsea's luminous face. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, and he reached out to touch Chelsea's face, his fingers yearning for contact.But reality came crashing down as Arc's eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at his empty ceiling. The familiar arms were gone, and his own arms felt eerily empty. Panic set in as he scrambled to sit up, his gaze frantically scanning the room.The bed beside him was vacant, and a wave of desperation washed over him. Grogginess clouded his mind, but as he sat up and took stock of his surroundings, his
Arc"The wheel of time is really running," Sarah said, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "It hasn't even been two months since Arc fell head over heels in love."Penelope chuckled, and Arc shot her an accusing glance. "You told them?" he asked, his voice laced with indignation.Gertrude, her silver hair styled in a neat bun, smiled knowingly. "No, dear, she did not. It was quite obvious to our aging eyes, however."Arc looked away, his face warming with embarrassment. "It really is obvious?" he muttered.Doris, her eyes twinkling with kindness, patted his hand. "Yes, dear. But don't worry, we've got you covered."Ethel, her voice gruff, complained, "I don't even know why y'all called me here."Doris shot her a stern glance. "Shut it, Ethel. You said you wanted coffee."Ethel scowled. "With a shot of alcohol, but you brought me to a sissy place."Just then, a thin, teenage boy with wild pink hair appeared at their side, a notepad and pen at the ready. "Hi, w
ArcArc raised an eyebrow, skeptical about his supposed transformation, but he couldn't ignore the look of wonder in Penelope's eyes. Her gaze sparkled with excitement, and her smile was infectious.Penelope checked her phone, her eyes scanning the screen before she looked up at Arc. "Sarah's already here. Let's go," she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.They stepped outside into the bright sunlight, and Arc's eyes landed on Sarah's beaten, red car parked by the curb. The vibrant color seemed to match Sarah's lively personality, and Arc couldn't help but smile.As they slid into the car, Penelope claiming the passenger seat, Arc's mind began to wander. Sarah and Penelope chatted back and forth, their conversation flowing easily, but Arc was barely paying attention. His thoughts had already drifted to Chelsea, and he found himself wondering what she would say when he saw him. Would he be surprised? Would he be impressed?As the car glided through the streets, Arc's
ArcAs the group left, Arc moved to sit on the blanket, his eyes scanning the beautifully arranged picnic scene. The attention to detail was impressive, with delicate sandwiches, colorful fruit, and an assortment of sweet treats laid out on a vibrant blanket. The whole setup was a testament to the group's thoughtfulness and effort.As the minutes ticked by, anticipation and nervousness swirled inside Arc like a restless storm. He waited patiently, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Chelsea's arrival. The warm sun beat down on him, casting a golden glow over the deserted beach. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore created a soothing melody that seemed to stretch out the minutes into an eternity.Arc checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, the slow movement of the hands a stark reminder that time was passing, yet Chelsea was nowhere to be seen. He fidgeted with the hem of his pants, his fingers drumming out a staccato beat on the fabric.As the h
ChelseaChelsea's resentment towards his parents began when he was just six years old. Their presence in his life was always a source of discomfort. Despite their wealth, they barely had time for him, yet they would splurge thousands of dollars on extravagant parties and events.One particular memory stood out in Chelsea's mind. His mother had organized a fundraiser for an orphanage, but only after being dared by a friend. The event had been more of a lavish spectacle, where the wealthy elite could flaunt their assets in a bidding war. Nevertheless, the fundraiser had raised nearly half a million dollars, and the children had left with beaming smiles after their singing performance, likely dreaming of new clothes, shoes, and warm meals. Chelsea had yearned to join them, captivated by the joy radiating from their faces. It was probably the only genuinely good thing his mother had ever done, however unintentionally.At 12 years old, Chelsea's anger and resentment had boile
Arc The words echoed in his mind like a haunting mantra: "We don't match at all, in any way. He was never important." The phrases cut deep, stirring up emotions he thought he'd long buried. Arc was never important, he reminded himself, the pain of that realization stinging like an open wound. Just as the turmoil within him reached a boiling point, the sky unleashed its fury. A gust of wind swept in, followed by a scattering of raindrops that quickly intensified into a relentless downpour. The rain lashed down, merciless and unforgiving, mirroring the anguish that ravaged Arc's heart. In no time, he was soaked to the bone, the deluge a fitting accompaniment to his turmoil. Memories came flooding back, transporting Arc to the night Chelsea had appeared on his doorstep, drenched and distraught. The rain had pounded against the roof, a cacophony of sound that had mirrored the turmoil within Arc. They had surrendered to their desires, their bodies merging as the storm raged on
ChelseaChelsea hadn't even had a full day to settle into his expansive mansion before the chaos began. An interview with Horbes, the notorious critic, had been scheduled for that very afternoon, and Chelsea's assigned team had been buzzing around him, prepping him for the grueling questioning that was sure to come.His phone had been blowing up with notifications from old acquaintances, all of whom seemed to have miraculously remembered his existence now that he was back in the spotlight. They were all clamoring for his attention, asking about endorsement deals and collaborations, and Chelsea hadn't had the time or energy to respond to any of them. It was ironic, really - these were the same people who had ignored him when his fans had turned on him, and now they were crawling out of the woodwork to ride his coattails.Despite the whirlwind of activity surrounding him, Chelsea couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had been growing inside him. He missed Tho
ArcA sharp knock at the door jolted Arc awake. His instincts kicked in, and he felt a twinge in his neck as he rose from the couch. Grogginess clouded his senses, a lingering reminder of the restless night he'd spent. The knock sounded again, louder and more insistent than before. Arc rubbed his forehead, trying to shake off the haze. His heart skipped a beat as he approached the door, a spark of expectation flickering to life. Could it be...? He slowly turned the handle and opened the door, but his hopes were quickly dashed. Instead of the familiar blonde hair and brown eyes he'd been longing to see, he was faced with a completely unexpected visitor.She stood short, her dark skin a striking contrast to her crisp, white blouse. Her expression was stern, her eyes narrowed slightly behind a pair of sleek, black glasses.Arc's eyes widened as he struggled to recall her name, but her face was unmistakable - she was the woman who had witnessed him and Chelsea sign
Arc The words echoed in his mind like a haunting mantra: "We don't match at all, in any way. He was never important." The phrases cut deep, stirring up emotions he thought he'd long buried. Arc was never important, he reminded himself, the pain of that realization stinging like an open wound. Just as the turmoil within him reached a boiling point, the sky unleashed its fury. A gust of wind swept in, followed by a scattering of raindrops that quickly intensified into a relentless downpour. The rain lashed down, merciless and unforgiving, mirroring the anguish that ravaged Arc's heart. In no time, he was soaked to the bone, the deluge a fitting accompaniment to his turmoil. Memories came flooding back, transporting Arc to the night Chelsea had appeared on his doorstep, drenched and distraught. The rain had pounded against the roof, a cacophony of sound that had mirrored the turmoil within Arc. They had surrendered to their desires, their bodies merging as the storm raged on
ChelseaChelsea's resentment towards his parents began when he was just six years old. Their presence in his life was always a source of discomfort. Despite their wealth, they barely had time for him, yet they would splurge thousands of dollars on extravagant parties and events.One particular memory stood out in Chelsea's mind. His mother had organized a fundraiser for an orphanage, but only after being dared by a friend. The event had been more of a lavish spectacle, where the wealthy elite could flaunt their assets in a bidding war. Nevertheless, the fundraiser had raised nearly half a million dollars, and the children had left with beaming smiles after their singing performance, likely dreaming of new clothes, shoes, and warm meals. Chelsea had yearned to join them, captivated by the joy radiating from their faces. It was probably the only genuinely good thing his mother had ever done, however unintentionally.At 12 years old, Chelsea's anger and resentment had boile
ArcAs the group left, Arc moved to sit on the blanket, his eyes scanning the beautifully arranged picnic scene. The attention to detail was impressive, with delicate sandwiches, colorful fruit, and an assortment of sweet treats laid out on a vibrant blanket. The whole setup was a testament to the group's thoughtfulness and effort.As the minutes ticked by, anticipation and nervousness swirled inside Arc like a restless storm. He waited patiently, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Chelsea's arrival. The warm sun beat down on him, casting a golden glow over the deserted beach. The sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore created a soothing melody that seemed to stretch out the minutes into an eternity.Arc checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, the slow movement of the hands a stark reminder that time was passing, yet Chelsea was nowhere to be seen. He fidgeted with the hem of his pants, his fingers drumming out a staccato beat on the fabric.As the h
ArcArc raised an eyebrow, skeptical about his supposed transformation, but he couldn't ignore the look of wonder in Penelope's eyes. Her gaze sparkled with excitement, and her smile was infectious.Penelope checked her phone, her eyes scanning the screen before she looked up at Arc. "Sarah's already here. Let's go," she said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.They stepped outside into the bright sunlight, and Arc's eyes landed on Sarah's beaten, red car parked by the curb. The vibrant color seemed to match Sarah's lively personality, and Arc couldn't help but smile.As they slid into the car, Penelope claiming the passenger seat, Arc's mind began to wander. Sarah and Penelope chatted back and forth, their conversation flowing easily, but Arc was barely paying attention. His thoughts had already drifted to Chelsea, and he found himself wondering what she would say when he saw him. Would he be surprised? Would he be impressed?As the car glided through the streets, Arc's
Arc"The wheel of time is really running," Sarah said, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "It hasn't even been two months since Arc fell head over heels in love."Penelope chuckled, and Arc shot her an accusing glance. "You told them?" he asked, his voice laced with indignation.Gertrude, her silver hair styled in a neat bun, smiled knowingly. "No, dear, she did not. It was quite obvious to our aging eyes, however."Arc looked away, his face warming with embarrassment. "It really is obvious?" he muttered.Doris, her eyes twinkling with kindness, patted his hand. "Yes, dear. But don't worry, we've got you covered."Ethel, her voice gruff, complained, "I don't even know why y'all called me here."Doris shot her a stern glance. "Shut it, Ethel. You said you wanted coffee."Ethel scowled. "With a shot of alcohol, but you brought me to a sissy place."Just then, a thin, teenage boy with wild pink hair appeared at their side, a notepad and pen at the ready. "Hi, w
ArcArc felt a sense of déjà vu as he basked in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. Familiar arms seemed to wrap around him, and gentle fingers caressed his skin, tracing the contours of his scars without hesitation. A smile threatened to break free as he turned to face the owner of those arms.Chelsea's sweet smile greeted him, radiating an otherworldly glow. Arc's heart skipped a beat as he gazed at Chelsea's luminous face. His heart pounded furiously in his chest, and he reached out to touch Chelsea's face, his fingers yearning for contact.But reality came crashing down as Arc's eyes snapped open, and he found himself staring at his empty ceiling. The familiar arms were gone, and his own arms felt eerily empty. Panic set in as he scrambled to sit up, his gaze frantically scanning the room.The bed beside him was vacant, and a wave of desperation washed over him. Grogginess clouded his mind, but as he sat up and took stock of his surroundings, his
Chelsea Chelsea's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.Arc turned to Chelsea, unsureness clouding his eyes. "Do you want to be with Kai?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.Chelsea's brow furrowed. "Why would you ask that?" he asked, his voice cautious.He wondered what could've possibly given Arc that assumption.Arc's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions. "Cause you're attracted to him, and he couldn't take his damn eyes off you," he said, annoyance lacing his voice.Chelsea's voice was soft and gentle as he moved closer to Arc. "No, no, why would I want to be with Kai?" he asked, his eyes filled with sincerity.He took Arc's hands in his, his touch warm and comforting. "I have you," Chelsea whispered, his voice filled with emotion.It was true Kai was exactly his type but that was before...Arc's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, he's attractive, and I'm not."Chelsea's grip on Arc'