Butterflies Flutter

Nova’s POV

“Hey, pequeña mariposa! How are you holding up?” My Uncle Mateo has been calling me almost every day to check in on me these past few weeks. He knows not to bring up Aldo the first few calls after my birthday party he tried and I started to cry and hung up. He gave up trying to tell me that he thinks that I got the wrong impression. I might have, but I am not even ready to fully admit that to myself, let alone to him.

“I’m still here and I’m still queer!” I try to sound cheery, but the hint of sadness still slips into my tone. “Honestly, Uncle, it has been weeks and I still feel like shit most days. I put on a good face on stage and I dance my ass off while rehearsing both for ‘Rent’ and for my drag performances. I try to look as okay as I can all the time, but when I am alone and things settle down I just want to cry or scream or something. I don’t know what to do with all this heartache.”

“I still can’t believe they are letting you do Rent! Angel and I a