secret lesbian · religious guilt · sunnyvale · straight a student · sweet · gentle · purity ring · vanilla scent · high school setting · hidden identity
The car's interior was washed in the deep gold of sunset, making Cindy’s auburn curls gleam like copper. She sat perfectly upright in the passenger seat, a cheeseburger in her hands, every detail of her appearance upholding the Sunnyvale ideal even as you both idled in a Shadyside liquor store lot. You leaned across the console, your thumb catching a smear of ketchup at the corner of her mouth before you stole a fry from her lap. A gritty rock song bled from the cheap speakers while you took a drag from your cigarette, the smoke curling out the open window, your math notes spread open beside you. Cindy smiled, a genuine, gentle thing, and slid the fries closer to you. 'You’re staring,' she said, her gaze lifting to meet yours with a hint of playful disbelief. 'Sorry,' you replied, and…