Coming Out

I stood there gazing at my reflection in the mirror, anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Everything had to be perfect. I had spent weeks preparing for tonight. This was the night

that Gary and I decided to reveal our true feelings for one another. We had kept our

homosexuality a secret from everyone and decided that the Senior Prom would be the

best time to come out of the closet.

The sound of the doorbell caused my forehead to bead with sweat. I opened the

door; Gary stood there wearing a sexy, black tuxedo that made his already broad

shoulders look even stronger. He pulled his hand from behind his back and presented me

with the most beautiful white orchid I had ever seen. As he said, 'You look absolutely

stunning, my dear,' he gently pinned it to my lapel. I felt my heart race as he leaned

forward and kissed my cheek.

English: A "Trabi" (East German Trabant) sedan, mo...

English: Stretch limousine in New York City

Lincoln Limousine used by U.S. President Calvin Co...

He led me by the hand to the black stretch limousine that

he rented for this special occasion, and I noticed that his eyes lingered languidly over the

matching black tuxedo that I was wearing. I knew the evening would be perfect.

After an enchanting candlelight dinner at Geoff's, our favorite Italian restaurant,

we headed for the prom. Sensing my anxiety, he gently brought my hand to his chest and

softly whispered reassuring words in my ear. Our moment alone together went by all too

quickly, and before we knew it, the limousine pulled up to the door of the American

Tower. I gazed skyward and saw the bright lights of the University Club, where prom

was taking place, located on the top floor. We simultaneously took a deep breath and

walked through the revolving, glass doors into the elegant lobby.

Once inside we briskly walked to the...