Faces in Mirrors

“You promise not to judge?” I asked, afraid of the voice that would respond.

“No” She responds. I look at her confused. Usually, if someone asks that question they are met with a more positive response.

“But I-“

“Why do you care what I think?” She continues calmly.

“I’m not sure,” I respond.

“Where you always this aware of everyone else’s opinions?”

“I guess, are you aware of everyone else’s opinions?” I repeat back to her.

“Not in the slightest.”

“How?”

“You’ll get there. Just keep going.” She encourages. There is a pause.

“So you will judge?” I ask making sure.

“I have opinions, just like you do. Though they are similar, they are still mine. I am entitled to my opinions.”

“So is that a yes?” I look at her. I am sure my facial expressions can easily be read as agitated, and that is probably because she is agitating.

“Was I always this stupid?” She asks.

“Yea, that’s my other question.” I pause. “When do I get brains and money and move out and get a boyfriend and-.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” She stops me, her hands extended in front of her. “First off, I’m not telling you that.”

“Why?”

There’s another pause.

“You don’t know huh?” I chuckle. “You tried to sound all mature and deep at first, but not so much now. How old are you?”

“Twenty, almost twenty-one,” She responds a frown on her face. “Laugh at me all you want, you’re only laughing at yourself.”

“Nope, I’m laughing at you.” My head tilts back and my stomach begins to ache.

“I knew I shouldn’t have gone all the way back to high school.” She says to herself.

“Wait, wait, wait.” I stop laughing, “How did you know I was in high school?”

“You said, boyfriend.” She answered.

“And?”

“We’re gay sweetheart. Really, really gay.” My eyes bulge with surprise.

“Oooh, that explains everything.”