Mariana was about to head home from school for the day when she spotted Emma sitting at one of the picnic tables outside.
Mariana sat down next to her and began chatting. "Ok so… there are lots of gay bars in California. Problem is they're all at least 18+, but I found this – "
"Stop."
Mariana looked around and looked back at Emma confused. "What? There's no one around." Emma sighed. "Anyway, I was just going to tell you that there's this gay coffee shop that my moms told me about."
"Did you tell them?" Emma asked, eyes bulging with concern.
"No. Chill. I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to." Mariana put her hand over Emma's. Emma visibly relaxed. Mariana felt a little guilty about telling Callie, but at least she knew the secret was safe.
"Okay. Thanks. You're a good friend," Emma said.
"So do you want to come over?" Mariana asks, in attempt to break the now weird silence.
"Sure," Emma said. "Let me just text my mom."
Mariana and Emma enter the kitchen to find Lena getting some pasta ready for dinner.
"Hi Mariana," Lena said, "How was school?"
"Good," she replied, "Why are you making dinner so early?"
"Brandon has band practice and he wanted something to eat before. You girls want a bowl?"
"Nope, we're good." Mariana said and grabbed Emma's arm and led her upstairs.
"So..." Mariana prods, "Have you given any more thought to the coffee shop? They're having an open mic night. We can find you a cute singer song writer..."
"Stop." Emma replies a little too forcefully. "I don't want to be set up."
"Whoa what's your problem? I'm just trying to be supportive."
Emma sighed. "I know. It's just…"
"What?"
"I kind of already like someone."
"Eek!" Mariana squeals excitedly. "Tell me everything."
"Ugh. You know how I feel about girl talk."
"Well will you at least ask her out? You can take HER to the coffee shop!
"What is it with you and this coffee shop?" Emma asked.
"What? They have really good muffins!" Mariana exclaimed. Emma chuckled. "There you go," Mariana continued. "This doesn't have to be so serious you know..." She smiled. "So... who is she?" Mariana was not letting this one go. She couldn't stand being out of the loop.
"It doesn't matter because she's straight." Emma said, stubbornly avoiding the question.
"How do you know?" Mariana challenges. "Did she tell you or are you just assuming based on stereotypes?"
"She's the most boy-crazy person I've ever met."
"Bisexuality is a thing you know," Mariana points out.
Emma continues, "and yes based on all of the stereotypes there's no way she is..." She was starting to grow exasperated.
"I'm just saying... It's worth asking. You never know..."
"Yes. I do." Emma said definitively, as she closed her book and started packing up her backpack.
"How could you possibly –"
"Because it's you!" She spit out the words before running out the door leaving Mariana stunned.