Our New Normal

  Tori had gotten used to feeling nauseous as soon as Aaron started getting physical with her, but Chloe’s touch had a vastly different effect; as soon as she felt Chloe’s body pressed against hers, she felt the urge to rip her own shirt off. Tori gently pulled away, kissing her on the forehead. “I’ll be right back,” she whispered, padding over to her radio. She turned the volume up and faced the speakers towards the door so that the music would muffle other sounds in the room. Checking the door one more time to make sure it was locked, Tori hurried back to the bed and motioned for Chloe to join her. She obliged, and their arms were quickly wrapped around each other as they started kissing.

  For the first time in Tori’s life, she wasn’t afraid or panicked as Chloe began exploring under Tori’s clothes; her body reacted hungrily, surprising both of them as Tori made the next move.

  * * *

  The sun had already set as Tori and Chloe scanned the floor for their clothes. They giggled as they realized how far across the room some clothing had been hastily tossed, and it took several attempts to keep the clothing on as they lingered next to one another in bed.

  After finally getting out of bed, they packed up their book bags. They kissed once last time before leaving the safety of Tori’s locked room, both eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to spend alone time together.

  Tori escorted Chloe to her car, struggling not to kiss her or wrap her arms around her. Her mother was in the living room and hadn’t looked in their direction as they left, much to Tori’s relief. She didn’t want to worry about hiding the smile on her face; she didn’t think that she’d be able to if she tried, anyway.

  As Chloe reached to buckle her seatbelt, she peered back at the house. Noticing that no one watching, she took the belt back off and looked at Tori. “Come here,” she instructed, motioning for Tori to kneel. She twisted in her seat to wrap her arms around Tori, nuzzling her neck. They remained in a tight embrace for several minutes, enjoying the sensation while they could.

  They snuck in another gentle kiss as Tori stood. “I’ll see you in the morning,” she said.

  “That you will,” Chloe agreed. She smirked. “I’m not going to be able to stop smiling, you know.”

  Tori giggled. “Me neither.” She kissed Chloe again. “Thank you for today. I can’t believe how amazing that was.”

  “And just think, it’ll get better.” Chloe blew Tori a kiss as she closed her car door.

  They waved to each other as Chloe pulled out of the driveway. Tori didn’t go back into her house until the taillights of Chloe’s were no longer visible.

  Chapter 22

  Midterm week always made the school seem like a hospital ward. The halls were eerily silent as students passed through them, their minds bursting at the seams with facts and figures. Stray conversations were mostly comprised of how their midterms were going so far, what they were doing during winter break—working, traveling for the holidays, or just hanging out at home—or how many exams were left. Many students sat by themselves in the cafeteria or library, textbooks, and notebooks splayed in front of them as they crammed for their next exam.

  The excitement of the weekend was nearly forgotten as Chloe and Tori nervously practiced for their debate in homeroom. They’d collected counterarguments that the other side might make, and they took turns making those points and taking notes where they could. Despite their intent focus, they’d occasionally touch the other’s shoulder or leg; this not only helped to ease the tension but also broke the monotony of studying.

  To an innocent bystander, their flirtation might have gone unnoticed, but Kristen saw the look plastered all over Chloe and Tori’s faces. She also noticed the discreet physical contact that they shared. By the way that they leaned into each other, Kristen knew that Chloe and Tori were subtly entwining their pinky fingers under the table—after all, Chloe and Kristen had frequently done the same thing when they’d been together. There was a difference in the way Chloe acted with Tori than with Kristen, though: she wasn’t trying to hide how she felt, not really, and neither was Tori. Though they didn’t declare outright that they were together, an attentive person would be able to tell.

  Unfortunately, Sabrina was attentive.

  She noticed how closely Tori and Chloe were sitting next to each other as well as the occasional coy smile or gentle touch. Instinct told Sabrina that they were more than just friends, especially since Sabrina had acted the same way with new significant others in the past. After seeing the way that they looked at one another during the winter dance, she’d been almost certain that they were interested in one another; now she was sure of it.

  I guess it makes sense, Sabrina thought. It explains why Tori never wanted to be with Aaron and why she’d never slept with a guy in all the years I’ve known her. It’s just so weird, though; I would’ve never thought that Tori would like girls. There’s never been anything weird about her at all! She’s always followed everything mainstream.

  But to think, I had a lesbian for a friend all this time! God only knows what she was thinking of me when we changed in front of one another! A wave of nausea swept over Sabrina as she thought about Tori pretending to like guys so that she could stay under the radar. She wondered how long Tori had known she was gay and if she’d thought of seducing Sabrina in their several years of friendship. Sabrina shuddered as she pictured Tori watching her undress or shower after practice like a hawk ready to devour its prey.

  Sabrina filled with rage as she thought of Aaron and how Tori had lied to him for nearly a year. She must’ve gotten a good laugh at making the star quarterback wait for an opportunity she never intended on giving him. It’s a good thing I started hooking up with him before the truth about Tori came out. Tori would’ve humiliated him if she dumped him for some woman; he would’ve never lived that down! She peered at Aaron, wondering if he’d ever had any suspicions about Tori’s sexuality.

  * * *

  It was time for public speaking, and the students had taken their seats before the bell. Nearly every student wore the same pale, weary face as they shuffled papers in preparation for their debates. Each team was huddled together, silently working out last-minute details before Mr. Thompson brought them forward.

  “Okay class,” Mr. Thompson said as he stood at one of the podiums. “As you can see, I’ve borrowed another podium so that we can have a proper debate. I would like those opposing their topic to stand on my right, and those supporting the topic to stand at the podium in front of me. Each subject will have approximately fifteen minutes, so teams will want to ensure that their side of the debate is concise enough that both teams have an opportunity to speak. We will start with the ‘con’ side of the debate, and they will give their opening argument. The ‘for’ side will then deliver their opening statement. I also want to remind you that there is no right or wrong side today; each side is someone’s view, and we’re not here to decide who is correct. I want every student to listen intently while the debates are taking place, and I want you all to think about what side you’d be on and what you think of the topics.

  “With that said, today we’re going to see the debates for global warming, alternatives to fossil fuel, and same-sex marriage. Of those topics, which teams want to start first?”

  Tori and Chloe looked at each other, nodding, and they looked over to their opponents, Kelly and Stephen. They nodded as well, and all four of them raised their hands. They found their way to the podiums, arranging their papers as they prepared to debate.

  “Well, we chose to be against gay marriage for this debate,” Kelly explained, shuffling his feet nervously. “Same-sex marriage should not be permitted in the United States. Marriage is a holy union between a man and a woman, and changing the meaning to adjust to a current fad will only demolish the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is primarily meant for procreation, and since a gay couple cannot reproduce, marriage is virtually pointless. Allowing gay marriage will also increase the divorce rate, since gay men
are generally promiscuous, leading to even more broken homes in the country. It also opens the door to other arenas for marriage, like polygamous or incestuous marriages. One day people might be able to marry their dogs! Gay marriage just perpetuates the downward cycle in our society that is eliminating the purity that marriage and family once stood for.”

  Mr. Thompson looked to Tori and Chloe, anticipating their response. “Anything you’d like to interject at this point?”

  Chloe nodded. “Our stance is that same-sex marriage should be legalized due to the fact that denying this right is unconstitutional; putting aside religious beliefs, there is no logical reason that an entire group of people should be denied the same rights as others. Unlike the opening statement our opponents gave, gay marriage is not just a ‘current fad’ as the existence of homosexual couples is documented throughout history. Now that legal rights are finally being granted by some states, the LGBTQ community is under even tougher scrutiny.”

  Stephen glanced at his opponents. “Gay people only want to get married because they can,” he stated. “Until Massachusetts made same-sex marriages legal, there was rarely anything in the news about homosexuals wanting to get married.”

  “That’s because these couples, even those who have been in committed relationships for decades, didn’t have a voice until now,” Tori retorted. “There’s a reason Massachusetts began the legal process of allowing gay marriage; if there weren’t those who desired the change in law, there’d be no point in following through with it. These couples have been going through life not being able to enjoy simple benefits that heterosexual, married couples take for granted: sharing health benefits, being named the next of kin on life insurance, and filing joint income taxes. They should have just as much of a legal right as a heterosexual couple.”

  Kelly shook his head. “That’s what civil unions are for,” he said. “Heterosexuals as well as homosexuals can form civil unions and share all legal responsibilities in most states.”

  “It’s not just about legal rights, though,” Chloe began. “This is also about recognizing what their relationship stands for on an emotional level. Marriage represents a union of two people’s minds, bodies, and souls; these couples shouldn’t be denied the ability to profess their undying love for one another just because they’re the same gender. Love is love, no matter how you look at it.”

  “Two gay men getting married won’t be recognized by any church,” Stephen retorted. “Most religions look down upon gay marriage and wouldn’t agree to hold the service.”

  “Not all religions feel this way, including some sects within Christianity,” Tori interjected. “There are various marriage ceremonies—Celtic sundial ceremonies, pagan handfasting, unity candles, wrapping a blanket around the newlyweds, jumping the broom, and countless other non-Christian and secular traditions—that don’t involve any churches. One religion’s renunciation of marriage ceremonies for gay couples doesn’t mean that same-sex marriage should be ignored by the state. The United States was formed for, among other things, freedom of religion; the Church should have no say over United States laws. There are myriad religions in this country with varying belief structures. If you even compare two Christian-based religions—Catholics and Protestants, for example—one’s beliefs will differ slightly from the other’s, causing infighting within the same core religion. Those differences are why we have separation of church and state in the first place! If Christianity can’t agree upon traditions within its own sects, how can we expect the religion to dictate what actions an entire country can and cannot take?”

  “Most of the laws in the United States are based on the Ten Commandments,” Kelly argued. “So the Church has had influence over our laws from the beginning.

  Tori pointed at Stephen’s shirt. “That shirt you have on, is that 100% cotton?”

  Stephen’s brow furrowed. “Um…I don’t know,” he replied skeptically.

  Tori nodded. “I was just asking because, according to Leviticus, you would be going against God by wearing a garment made with more than one kind of material.”

  “I also hope that you’ve never eaten bacon, crab, or shrimp,” Chloe began, “because all of those are unclean according to Leviticus.”

  “Playing football would also go against God’s wishes since pigskin is unclean,” Tori added.

  Stephen sighed. “Regardless of what the bible says, marriage in the U.S. is defined as a union between a man and a woman. That’s the way it was written, and that shouldn’t be changed.”

  Chloe chortled. “Marriage used to be defined in such a way that a woman was considered a man’s physical property. Women aren’t considered property anymore, thank goodness, especially after the feminist movement. Interracial marriages were also illegal fifty years ago, and we’re not even going to get into slavery. That has changed, too, and none of those changes have destroyed our society.”

  Stephen shook his head. “And then the divorce rate skyrockets, and soon anyone can marry anything they want.”

  “That’s ridiculous!” Tori exclaimed. “Your earlier comment about a man marrying his dog is completely invalid. A marriage is between two consenting adults. It’s ridiculous to compare a man who loves and wants to dedicate his life to another man to a man loving his dog! Loving someone of the same gender doesn’t hurt our society one bit; it just changes it a little. This country has thrived on diversity and adapting to change since its inception.”

  “As for the divorce rate,” Chloe added, “there will be more marriages, so who is to say that the divorce rate won’t stay proportionate to the number of marriages? And even if gay marriage becomes legal at the federal level, not everyone is meant to be married. That can be said for straight couples as well. Just because you can get married doesn’t mean you should; that’s not what we’re saying here.”

  Tori nodded. “We’re also not going to deny that there will be divorce,” she said. “People cheat on their spouses. People become unhappy or bored. People leave abusive situations. That already happens with straight marriages, though. People already get married for the wrong reasons—people get pregnant, just want to get out of their parents’ house, marry for money, or marry because their religion tells them that that is what they need to do before they have sex or live with someone. We are bombarded by culture telling us that we have to get married to live a successful life, and many people get married for just that reason.”

  “Exactly!” Kelly exclaimed. “That’s why gays want to get married. It’s just them wanting something because they can’t have it.”

  “Not only that, but many of them are just getting married for the health insurance,” Stephen interrupted. “They’re just trying to beat the system so they can share benefits. Who’s to say that two heterosexual men who live together will just lie and say they’re married to get on the other’s health insurance?”

  “So you’re saying that gay marriage is just a scam?” Tori asked.

  Kelly sighed. “Some of them, yes,” he responded.

  Chloe shook her head. “If you think that, do you also believe that all straight marriages are legitimate? That a foreign person has never gotten married to an American just to get citizenship? That a male and a female have never gotten married just to share health insurance or to get a child on the other’s benefits?”

  Kelly shrugged. “I’m not saying that all marriages are done for the right reasons, but—”

  “I’m not saying that there won’t be some marriages performed for the wrong reasons, just as there always have been,” Chloe agreed. “But even if that is the case, shouldn’t a same-sex couple have that right? I mean, gays are allowed in the military, but that doesn’t mean that every homosexual is going to join. Some people just aren’t mentally or physically equipped for it. The same can be said for marriage. Still, if a couple feels they are ready, shouldn’t they have the right to plan a wedding, to have a lavish reception, to be placed on their spouse’s insurance, and to have spo
usal rights in the event of illness or death? What damage is that going to do? If nothing else, it’ll boost the economy. The individual marriage may be for the wrong reasons, or it may be for the right reasons, but that is up to the couple to decide. This country is based on its citizens having the freedom to live their life—to the pursuit of happiness—and the United States should uphold it. Gay marriage should not be an exception.”

  “But what about children?” Stephen demanded. “One of the main purposes of marriage is procreation. These couples can’t have children.”

  “Not every straight marriage results in procreation,” Chloe reminded him. “That doesn’t mean their union is any less relevant than a marriage with children. They still made a vow to each other, offspring or not.”

  “And there is the option to adopt,” Tori added. “Once these couples are recognized as legal unions, they’ll be able to adopt and have the two-and-a-half children with the dog and white picket fence that is the ideal outcome in our society.”

  “But it’ll never be ideal,” Stephen argued. “If these couples have the right to adopt, what will their children turn out like without a male and a female role model? We could be jeopardizing our future by potentially corrupting these innocent children.”

  Tori shook her head and inhaled deeply to steady her pulse. “Having two parents of the same gender does not mean that a child will be corrupted. As it stands, not all heterosexual couples are healthy, and not all families have a mother and father. Children who are raised with single parents, foster or adopted parents, or extended family members grow up to be valuable members of society, despite their less-than-idyllic living conditions.

  “Do you think that heterosexual parents of LGBTQ individuals trained their children to be gay? Of course not; they are who they are on their own, not because their parents forced them to like the same gender. If a homosexual couple is willing to go through the cost and paperwork of adoption, they’ve most likely established a certain level of responsibility before they got involved with the process. I sincerely doubt any couple is going to adopt a child for the sole purpose of raising a gay task force.” A couple of the students chuckled.