Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94155 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 471(@200wpm)___ 377(@250wpm)___ 314(@300wpm)
“You guys go! I need to stay with the MMF table. Make me something fun!”
Mari hugs Jessica. “You know I will. See you in a bit.”
We find the table quickly. I’m glad it’s also on the outskirts of the rally.
“Hi, guys!” a young woman greets us. “Welcome to the rally. Are you here to make signs?”
“Yes! But I don’t know what to put on them. Any recommendations?”
“Simple is usually best. Like ‘MMF is Love’ or ‘Support MMF’.”
“I like the first one! Can I steal it?”
The young woman smiles. “Yes! Of course. Here, have a poster and some markers. Get to work! The rally is in full swing.”
Mari sets out to do her poster. I’m not sure what I want to write on mine. I choose “Support MMF” because I agree that simple works. John doesn’t let us see what he puts on his. Even when we’re finished, he rolls it up and tucks it under his arm.
“Why so secretive?”
“It’s a surprise!”
“You know I hate surprises,” I complain. “Just show us!”
“Nope. You’ll see it later, I promise.”
Mari starts on a poster for Jessica. I don’t want to waste resources, so I’m not going to make another. Instead, I walk over and sit next to two guys and a girl.
“Hi! Thanks for coming to the rally.”
“No problem,” one of the guys says. “We’re all for support of relationships like ours.”
I look at the three of them. “You’re all together?”
They nod. “For about a year,” the girl says.
“Wow! Congratulations. I’m in an MMF relationship, too. I didn’t know there were so many of us on campus.”
“Me, neither. We keep to ourselves, mostly. There are groups outside of the university, but they don’t like younger people like us.”
“I’ve noticed that. My boyfriend and I were part of those groups before we met our girlfriend.”
“It’s important to find an accepting community. That’s why I’m glad this rally is happening. When I saw the flyer, I knew I had to come. I’ve never felt so welcome before.”
I smile. “I feel the same way! It’s amazing. I’m glad to be at the university when this is happening.”
I decide not to say that I’m part of why the rally is happening. These people seem nice, but I don’t know if I can trust them. We’re trying to keep it all on the down low until the last possible minute.
“I’m all set,” Mari says, approaching me. “Where’s Mark?”
We glance around and find him standing with a group of people. I wonder if they’re in a relationship, too.
“It was nice meeting you,” I say to my new friends. “Enjoy the rally!”
Mari and I walk over to John.
“Hey, are you ready to join the fun?” Mari asks.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
He says his goodbyes to his group, and we start walking.
“Those three were in a relationship, too.”
“I met a group as well! There are a ton of people like us around here.”
“I know! I’m so happy,” Mari says. “Aren’t you glad you came?”
I really am. This was a great idea. I’m excited to join the people in front of the admin building.
We make a quick stop at Jessica’s table before heading over to the front of the admin building, carrying our new signs. There are people standing up on the stairs chanting into megaphones. It’s like the rallies you see on TV.
Mari and I hold up our signs, but John keeps his hidden.
“When are you going to hold it up?”
“When it’s time,” John says.
Whatever. He can do what he wants. I hold mine up and shout with the crowd.
“Justice for MMF! Stop discrimination!”
My voice is lost in the shouts of others, but it’s nice to feel like I’m part of something.
I look around and spot Rachel Dryer. She does not look happy.
This is her fault. If she hadn’t discriminated against John, Mari, and I, we wouldn’t be here right now. None of this would be happening.
The rally is getting a bit more hectic. People are pushing and yelling louder. Things are getting out of hand. It’s still not dangerous, but Rachel looks nervous.
She pulls out her phone and dials a short number. Shit. I know what she’s doing. She’s calling the cops.
Jessica got permission to hold the rally, but if Rachel says we’re getting too rowdy, the cops are going to show up. They’ll break up the rally, and all hell will break loose.
I try to get Mari’s attention, but she’s focused on the people up on the stairs. People have forced themselves between us, so I have to push to reach her. We need to get out of here before things get bad.
I turn to ask John for help, but he’s nowhere to be seen. This is starting to seem like a terrible idea. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. The rally is supposed to help people, and I think it’s doing a lot of good. Rachel calling the cops is going to ruin everything.