YA/Adult Contemporary Romance, Every Glance, by Sylvie Nathan, Set Against Today's World...

“I’m sorry , babe. I just got really scared, and I really don’t think fighting in public with people that stare at us and make comments towards us is the best way to handle it— but I know that your hands were kind of tied, and it was your reflex to go after that guy. So I understand, and I’m sorry,” Britney said timidly. 

Dez situated herself under the sheets and pulled the cord to shut off the lamp on her bedside table. With the room lit only by the lamp on Britney’s side, she leaned over and faced her girlfriend. “It’s okay Brit. I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have gotten physical and that was really bad form. I just couldn’t hold my tongue anymore. But to be honest I don’t know if I would take it back or ever be able to handle it differently . I’m not cut out for this, having people stare at me or laugh at me— I just can’t sit by and let it happen, it’s too painful.”

 Britney knew that they hadn’t settled the issue, and that it may never be settled because Dez was stubborn when it came to most things. She flipped over to face the wall and turned off her own lamp. “I know Dez, I know,” she whispered. 

They both laid there for minutes before even attempting to go to sleep, both still shaken from the night’s events. Britney’s throat swelled and ached from the tears that she was so desperately fighting back, and she made sure not to make a sound when the tears did start free falling from her eyes.

Every Glance

By Sylvie Nation

It may be accepted nation-wide for homosexual marriage, but we all know that there will always be those who will not accept it. At the same time, those who are homosexual are the ones who are judged, harassed...and watched...

Sylvie Nation tells of a young girl, Dez, who had fallen in love with Britney and had become a couple. But Dez was having a hard time with accepting the attention that was made every time they went out together. All they had done was go out to dinner... But a group of men had watched them all through the meal and then followed them when they left...

Dez hailed a cab and held Britney closely in the light breeze while they waited for a cab with its lights on to pull in front of them. Neither of them noticed as the men came outside and lit cigarettes behind them, resuming the stares that they had become quite practiced at in the restaurant. Hearing voices, both girls glanced behind them and seeing the men they quickly turned around and held onto each other tighter. Not because of the weather, but because of a desperate desire to be left alone and be safe at home. 

The men started whispering and chuckling loudly obviously trying to get a rise out of either of the girls . Dez had to physically bite her lip in order to keep from saying anything. But because they weren’t getting the reaction that they were looking for, it didn’t take long for the guys to make their snickers verbal. They yelled from where they stood, “Hey dyke!” and “I’ve never seen a lesbian that looked so normal!” to Britney. They laughed back and forth until Dez could no longer contain herself. She broke loose from Britney and charged at the group...

~~~

Most of us have known people who were in same-sex relationships...Most of mine have been in a business environment or in a group situation where you don't think about their personal choices...

This story, therefore, for me, was an eye opener. We've all heard of cruel harassment or even worse, but normally that is told to us second-hand. I applaud Sylvie Nathan for writing this short that will surely be of help to young teens who are already or will begin to face this sad and hurtful type of discrimination...

Britney was able to have those hurtful feelings slide off her back, without making a scene. Not so Dez... And when it caused trouble between them, Dez chose to not go out as a couple again...

Obviously, that was not the answer...

So Britney decided to give her an ultimatum!

This is a heartwarming, sad, and, finally, victorious story that is well worth your time. It's a short story with a big message for both straights and homosexuals as well. It's time to accept the world's people as they are... Love is a beautiful story in itself...



GABixlerReviews

Sylvie Nathan was born in Toronto, Canada. Sylvie lives in Seaforth, Ontario with her wife, their child and two cats (George and Darya). Sylvie is an author of lesbian romance and thrillers. In her free time, she likes to meditate, read, draw, clean the house and go on trips with her family.