One of the reason Rose hated school was that everyone teased her for being hetero. She had tried to keep it a secret but apparently she "acted" het, according to her classmates. How anyone could act a certain sexuality, Rose didn't know. It all seemed silly to her.
Matters weren't helped by the fact that her school was a Christian school, and therefore the majority were against heterosexuality. Of course, a few people didn't mind and accepted Rose quite happily but they were outnumbered heavily. Rose's main circle of friends was mostly against heterosexuality but, in a way that reminded Rose of Michelle, still befriended Rose herself. Rose wasn't sure whether to be offended by their views or just pleased that they atleast liked her.
Two of the few that accepted Rose were very close friends. Frank, a blatantly camp and although you wouldn't know it, bisexual (but, as Rose noted, he was so camp that most assumed him to be gay. She supposed his camp act was a shield so nobody would guess he was truly bisexual), and Emilia, known as the school's shyest girl. A lesbian, of course, and Christian, but not against heterosexuality.
It was on a late Tuesday when Rose, Frank and Emilia conversed quite grimly about Julia.
"She's wrong," Frank said decidedly
"She's only doing what she thinks is right though," Emilia mused. "And who are we to judge what's wrong? Honestly, Frank, you're as bad as the heterophobes sometimes. I thought we agreed that judgement was unfair?"
Frank simply sighed and answered, "Sorry…" he paused, then added, "It's just, those heterophobes annoy me so much. How dare they treat poor Rose like they do? She doesn't deserve a scrap of it. She's far better than they'll ever be."
"Not Julia," Rose put in meekly. "She's my mother. She gave me life. She raised me. She just wants what's best. I don't think she understands what it's like to be hetero."
"Could you make her understand?" Emilia asked.
Rose shrugged. "I don't know. She's really firm on her beliefs. Not even Michelle can budge her sometimes. She can be so stubborn."
Emilia elbowed Frank. "Like you, Drags, eh?" she smiled, as did Frank. Rose didn't smile with them. Upon seeing this, Emilia put an arm around Rose and held her close. "It's okay, Rosie Posie. Even if everybody else does, Frank and I don't care that you're hetero. It doesn't change anything."
"Thanks …" Rose answered, wearily.
Frank patted Rose on the head. "You have a lot to learn, grasshopper," he grinned.
Nobody understands, except you, Lord. Michelle thinks I am being too harsh, I can see that. Rose probably hates me, but all I am doing is trying to show her the light. I wish she realized that. I love her so much, but she thinks I hate her and who she is. I don't, God, I don't.
I even harm her physically sometimes. I don't understand why I do this. I feel this anger surging in me and I bring a limb forward to bowl it into her. Why do I do this, Lord? I love Rose, I would kill myself if I hurt her in any way, yet I attack her. I have to stop, or I may seriously hurt her. And then what would I do? My life would have no meaning anymore.
I must keep praying to you, and hope that you will help. Please answer my prayers, Lord.
~Julia.