I peeked out the curtain of one of the front windows, having heard a knock on the door. It was a Saturday night, and my mom was out with Callie.

I was always scared of someone knocking when I was home alone.

But, it was April- my moms high school best friend, who she was still crazy close with.

I unlocked the door, opening it.

She quickly walked inside. "Livs, hi honey!"

I watched her, closing the door behind her. "Hey. My mom's out with -" Did April know about Callie? Did she know my mom was gay? Ugh, I wasn't sure. I mean, I assumed Mom would tell her- they were best friends. But, what if she hadn't? I didn't want to out my mom that would be horri-

"Callie. I know." April smiled.

"Oh." I nodded, locking the house door- still technically home alone- mom wasn't home- I wasn't taking my chances. I then realized something, "Did Mom send you over here because she thought I was lonely or something? I told her I'd be fine. I'm sure you have things to do."

"No. Well... she did ask if I could come hang out with you. But, I wasn't forced against my will," She laughed. "I don't have things to do, actually."

I followed her as she started walking further into the apartment.

"I'm glad you're happy to see me." She added on teasingly.

"It's not that! I promise!" I said defensively.

"I know honey," April reassured. "Did you have dinner?"

"Yes."

"What did you have?" She immediately asked a follow up.

"Why are you going Mom mode on me?"

We both laughed.

"Ok, but your mom does want to know what you had for dinner."

I rolled my eyes, plopping back on the couch. "God. I told her to just enjoy herself. She worries too much."

"That's her job." April remarked, sitting down and grabbing the remote off the table.

"I know, I know."

"What were you sitting here in silence? No TV, nothing?" She turned on the TV.

I held up my phone. "YouTube."

"Ah." She started looking through channels. "So... what do you think of Callie?" She glanced at me.

I sighed, "She's nice."

April rose an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"

"No, really... she's nice. Mom likes her a lot..."

"I asked what you think. Not what your Mom thinks."

April always had that way of getting me to spill. I didn't know why. But, she always found everything out. Everything.

"I think she's cool." I tried my hardest to shrug it off. April would report back to Mom, and then Mom would feel horrible that I felt how I did and would never go on a date again. I didn't want my mom to become a single crazy cat lady- especially before she was even 30 years old.

"You're not giving me much to work off of." April stated.

"She's a surgeon. She saves people's lives and is all nice and... what do you want me to say?" I asked, a little bit of frustration coming out.

"How you actually feel." April said matter-of-factly.

I bit my lip. "She's sweet."

"Nice, sweet, cool. That's all you've got?" It was clear April could see right through me.

"Ok..." I sighed. "It's not like I don't like her. She actually seems super cool, and she makes Mom so happy. And... I love that."

"But?"

"It sounds stupid and selfish to even say" I mumbled.

"I bet it doesn't, Livs." April's face softened.

"Mom seems so consumed by it. They're always talking and always hanging out and... It just gets annoying I guess."

April nodded in understanding.

I bit my cheek. "I just wish it was a little different I guess. I didn't think Mom dating would mean this. I just miss her I guess." I tried not to make eye contact. I felt stupid saying that.

I felt April's arms wrap around me.

"Sweetheart..."

"Please don't tell my mom. It's dumb, she's happy. I need to like... suck it up." I said with a laugh.

She shook her head, "Not at all. I'm sure if you told her she would understand-"

"I don't want to make her feel bad for being happy."

"But, I bet she doesn't realize that she's making you feel this way. I know your mom, she wouldn't want that. I think you know that too."

"It's really not a big deal."

"I can tell you're upset."

"I'm fine, really."

"Olivia."

I scooted away a little. "What am I gonna say to her?"

"Just tell her how you're feeling."

"That's dumb." I rolled my eyes.

"No it's not. Honey, your mom would be heartbroken if you were feeling like this and didn't tell her."

"Exactly. I don't wanna rain on her parade."

"You wouldn't be raining on her parade."

"Yeah I would. Have you seen how happy she is? She was never this happy with my dad. And she always says thank you to me... for like... accepting her I guess I don't know. I'd be a horrible daughter for ruining that for her."

"You wouldn't ruin it, Livs. Everything has to come with balance, and I'm sure she's trying to find that balance, you telling her how you feel will only help her."

"And make her feel like crap." I added on.

"You should talk to your mom. She would want to know how you're feeling."

"You won't tell her?" If she's gonna find out, I want to be the one to tell her. If I can muster up the courage to tell her. I probably can't. But, April didn't have to know that.

"As long as you promise me you will."

Ugh. A promise. She got me.

"You promise?" She tilted her head.

I let out a breath. "Yeah, I guess."

"Not very convincing Livs."

"I promise. I'll talk to her." I finally said. "At some point," I added on.

"Tomorrow."

"What?! No that's-"

April tilted her head.

"I'll try." I mumbled. There was no fighting it. And, she wasn't wrong. It was bothering me. I should talk to my mom. I just really hope she doesn't take it the wrong way.