“You know,” Aunt Jocelyn was picking at her food before glancing up at me and had a thoughtful expression after discussing my afternoon outing. “I used to work at so many shops around this town before settling at the office that I’m working at now and I remember that kid… There was a thrift store where I worked part-time for a year and I used to see them come every Saturday afternoon looking at the clothes and spending hours trying everything on.”

I listened closely, trying to follow along with her story, and turned to her curiously. “Are you talking about Millie?”

“Oh, is that their name? He didn’t want to answer me whenever I asked.” She said, then shook her head and set her fork down. “It took a while for him to trust me until I decided to share one of my secrets and he let me know a bit about himself.”

I raised an eyebrow and tried to think of any gossip that my mom ever told me about Aunt Jocelyn. “Millie likes to be referred to as they/them. And what was the secret?”

Aunt Jocelyn pressed her lips together and leaned back so that you could hear the chair squeak when she moved. “Your mother didn’t know this,” She answered quietly and it made me realize that we’re reaching a sensitive topic. “It’s a shame that I never felt open enough to share with her… I moved here not to escape the city or to live that quiet life of a city girl. Well, I mean, there’s a part of that, but I moved to live with someone I thought would be the person I would spend the rest of my life with.”

My mouth almost hung up and I didn’t know Aunt Jocelyn had ever been in any sort of relaitonship. “Are you… still together with him?” I asked.

She gave me another small crocked smile and shook her head. “No,” She mumbled. “She didn’t like it here and suddenly they felt like we rushed into things… When I thought we were ready to live together forever, she went back home.”

“I’m sorry,” I frowned and wished I had more to say.

“It’s okay… that was a few years back. Anyway, I told that story to Millie and I think they felt comforted by it. I think they felt like they weren’t too alone here in this town,” She said and picked up her fork again. “But one day, Millie stopped coming to the shop and I got another job. I’m glad I still see them whenever I’m driving around town. I love the outfits they wear. Makes me wish I was young again.”

“I thought Millie was a girl for a second and it’s a bit embarrassing to admit that,” I blushed as my words trailed off and turned my head away shyly. “So those conventions?”

“Pride parades,” She answered and smiled widely. “Those were the best days of my life. Sort of why I don’t get many visitors here. Our family made me the black sheep of the family.”

“Why didn’t you tell mom?” I asked.

“I was too scared to tell her, but I’m sure she knew. When I started coming out, there were a few people in the family that found out and they flooded me with messages.” She said and let out a heavy sigh like she was recalling the memory. Maybe those weren’t good memories.

“What if she knew and she was waiting for you to tell her?” I asked.

Aunt Jocelyn stayed quiet and it seemed like she didn’t want to answer so she let out a small laugh. “Your mom was smart. Maybe she did.”
I didn’t respond as I thought about my mom and wondered more about their relationship before remembering the reason for our conversation. “So, what was Millie’s secret?”

Aunt Jocelyn smirked after hearing my question and shook her head. “Maybe you should wait until they tell you.”

I was almost disappointed by her response and sat back in my seat. “I’m sure the secret is about them being gay. If they can come out as being non-binary then that has to mean they’re gay, right?” I asked curiously.

“No,” She shook her head and frowned, in disapproval of my response. “That doesn’t mean anything. That doesn’t mean they are gay. Unless they say otherwise, or at least ask them with respect. You shouldn’t make assumptions like that.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled. I was surprised by her explanation and left more confused.

Aunt Jocelyn continued eating and warned me. “Just remember to be careful with that kid. Be nice to them.”

“I am a nice person,” I said and felt a little offended. “I invited them to hang out and we shopped-well, they did. You know how picky Millie is about clothes? I had to hear different shades of make-up and how to mix clothes. Don’t get me started on how many clothes they tried on.”

“I’m sure your girlfriend makes you do the same thing,” She laughed.

“Not really. I never bothered going with her to the mall or whenever she tried to drag me with her to the stores. You know how long she takes to pick out eyelashes or eyeshadow,” I said and rolled my eyes. “I can’t even tell the difference when Stephanie explains it.”

Aunt Jocelyn looked at me with a wide smile then stood up and began to shake her head. “I feel like this house is more alive with you living here,” She said as she opened her fridge and grabbed a can of beer.

“What does that mean?” I asked confused.

She laughed as she walked back to the table and cracked open the can. “I should give your parents a small prayer tonight before I go to bed,” She mumbled while looking at her can and taking a sip.

I was still confused as I watched her and tried to understand her. “Are you drunk already by one sip? Is that even possible?”

Aunt Jocelyn laughed louder and almost chugged her drink. “I think it’s time for me to go to bed.”

“Aunt Jocey, you’re not even answering me,” I protested.

“Hey, you should bring that kid over,” Aunt Jocelyn said as she grabbed her plate and put it in the sink. “Trust me… I’m sure they haven’t had a friend like you in a long time.”

I felt like I’d heard her say this before and watched her leave the room. “I’m not a good person though,” I mumbled quietly.

I sat alone in the empty room. 

Should I invite him over?