Harmonious Hearts - Stories from the 2019 LGBTQ+ YA Challenge

By Ryan Almroth, M. Caldeira, M.k. Elford and 10 more

For six years, Harmony Ink has been privileged to showcase the very best up-and-coming writers of LGBTQ+ fiction. We are once again awed and inspired by the talent, creativity, and heart displayed by these authors, all fourteen to twenty-one years old. Selected from dozens of entrants, these young people are the winners of the Harmony Ink Young Author Challenge, and they represent the entire spectrum as well as a variety of fictional genres. They are the future voices of our community, and they invite you to take a journey into their rich and imaginative worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781644058305

Book preview

Table of Contents

Blurb

Happy New Year

Of Pseudonyms and Earbuds

Blond Dahlia

His Laugh Was Like a Melody

Wisper

Honeysuckle

Starlight Sundress

Metamorphosis

On the Clock and In Love

Dotting the Eyes

At the Party

Make a Note of It

The Secret History of the Fighting Gallaghers

Visit Harmony Ink Press

Copyright

Harmonious Hearts 2019

Edited by Dawn Johnson

For six years, Harmony Ink has been privileged to showcase the very best up-and-coming writers of LGBTQ+ fiction. We are once again awed and inspired by the talent, creativity, and heart displayed by these authors—all fourteen to twenty-one years old. Selected from dozens of entrants, these young people are the winners of the Harmony Ink Young Author Challenge, and they represent the entire spectrum as well as a variety of fictional genres. They are the future voices of our community, and they invite you to take a journey into their rich and imaginative worlds.

Happy New Year

By Chloe Smith

Jas thinks Katrina is a stuck-up, spoiled little rich girl, and she isn’t happy when a New Year’s Eve game of Truth or Dare finds them locked in a basement together. Her assumptions that they have nothing in common gradually melt away, and she finds she isn’t the only one who is lonely.

JAS THOUGHT back to the early hours of that night, to when she was excited to celebrate New Year’s with her friends. She was so innocent then, so naive, to think that it would just be a chill, fun night. That they would whittle down the hours watching Vine compilations or bingeing a series or two on Netflix while someone ordered pizza—that last part they’d planned—and then they could all do the countdown together when the time came.

She could have easily lied to her parents when they came home that no one brought alcohol, because she wouldn’t drink too much, or that she didn’t eat too much junk food—even though she most probably would. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt them—especially when they’d be too busy dancing the night away at their work party to care all that much, anyway.

Not spending the night alone or with a babysitter, for the first time ever—and saying goodbye to the year with a relaxed, nice night full of people who cared about her—that was her idea of a good time, and she thought that her friends agreed….

But no one mentioned until she arrived at Ben’s house that apparently New Year’s Eve, as far as they were all concerned, was a big deal.

We need to do something more fun than that!

Yeah, we hang out like that all the time! We need to do something more memorable!

She wasn’t even too worried when someone said they should all play Truth or Dare. In fact, she was kind of surprised; the way everyone was talking about wanting to have a memorable night made the suggestion seem kind of tame. When she chose dare over truth, she thought she’d dodged a bullet, especially considering the embarrassing things she could end up admitting, like just how lonely she really was.

JAS SIGHED as she watched her breath float up to the ceiling like a small, wispy cloud.

It’s freezing in here!

That was the last time she’d ever underestimate her friends, she thought.

ONE THING was for sure. When she was getting ready to spend New Year’s at Ben’s, Jas had certainly never considered whether she could manage to walk down the stairs to his family’s basement.

She stared at him, incredulous, when he uttered the dare that she was stuck with.

I guess I can? she said after a moment or two. She should have said no, that she couldn’t. That’s what she should have done, but instead she told them all the truth—that she could manage one flight of stairs, just about, but not without pain, and that someone would need to help guide her down them, in case she lost her balance or tripped. They would never have known that tidbit of information about her and how her cerebral palsy worked if she had just lied.

But of course, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and she wasn’t any kind of faker—not like Katrina, a new addition to the group of friends, but only because Ben liked her, or so joked everyone in the group chat.

He never denied it, and he always stared at her like she was some work of art and not the spoiled little rich girl that Jas knew her to be. They hadn’t spoken, but she could sense it from the lack of any kind of joyous light in her eyes, and the way she hardly ever smiled, let alone laughed. Jas could read her like a book, and Katrina certainly wasn’t a classic novel you could analyze line-by-line. Even if she was beautiful.

Jas was shocked, then, when it was Katrina that Ben chose for her to get locked in his basement with. It was so clear on her face—it must have been—because Ben leaned over to whisper in her ear, as if to try and convince her, or assure her.

You’d be doing me a solid. It’s my New Year’s Resolution.

What? she whispered back, so no one heard her objections.

To get a girlfriend—

"And how can I help with that?"

Ben looked around, drawn, as always, to Katrina, who was waiting impatiently for the dare to start and completely ignoring them. There was no way she heard them, anyway, not with how quiet they were being, but still, he looked at her.

I’ll explain, let’s just—

Well, why me, then?

Because you’re a good friend?

Jas sighed—she couldn’t come back from that. She’d never had friends before, not like this, and she’d do anything for them. Even if the plan was ridiculous and something she would never want to do in a million years.

Fine, but can you at least tell me what you want me to do?

Ben nodded, grinned, and pulled her into a brief hug. You’re the best.

Jas sighed again silently. It was still weird hearing that kind of thing from someone else, as if they really meant it. She used to think that only happened to people in the movies, when their words were thought up by someone else. But then she also used to think she’d be alone and feel lonely forever. Thankfully she had a group she was a part of now, but an ache still rang in her chest, as if it was calling out, telling her that something was missing.

True to his word, Ben did pull her aside for a brief moment while Katrina made her way down into the dark, pretending he was asking how best to guide Jas down the same steps, but as soon as Katrina had disappeared into the shadows, he asked Jas to put a good word in for me, yeah? I feel like Katrina will trust your judgment.

She scoffed, despite herself. You really think so? The poor guy, she thought. So infatuated that he really thinks Katrina even cares what I think, let alone that she’ll listen to any of the opinions I have, on anyone, or anything.

When he nodded back at her, he had such hope in his eyes. Of course! You’re the sensible one. And anyway, she said once to one of the guys that she always kisses someone when it gets to midnight and the countdown gets to zero and all that. So I was thinking, if you tell her how great I am….

That she’ll kiss you?

Exactly. Like something out of a proper love story, right?

Whatever you say, Jas said as they turned and she readied herself on the first step for the slow descent into the darkness below. As long as you get us out of here before midnight.

Sure thing. You can count on me, he said, flashing a grin that seemed to float, almost unattached from anything else, in the dark.

IT HAD been almost forty minutes of painful silence as neither Jas nor Katrina really knew what to say after they both quickly realized and cursed the fact they couldn’t get phone service in the basement. This was quickly followed by a few minutes of Katrina rebuffing any compliment that Jas tried to pay Ben—because hey, at least she could say she tried—before another five minutes of desperate knocking as Katrina decided, at 11:50 p.m., that they’d been forgotten about. Jas agreed, cursing Ben and everyone out there, who were most likely eating the pizza she’d chipped in for. They probably wouldn’t even have saved her the slice that was rightfully hers.

Katrina yelled that they weren’t going to die in here, and to let them out, right now, or else. She’d said that a few times already, so they could probably tell it was an empty threat. Or they just couldn’t hear her.

I should have just stayed at home, Jas said, out loud to no one in particular. Because maybe there were monsters that lurked in the shadows, and maybe they were listening. If they were, she thought, then maybe they felt like coming out, and dragging her out of there. She would’ve been grateful as long as they got her out in one piece. Because surely staying at home, alone, with that ache in her chest was better than being stuck in here, with her….

Why didn’t you, then? Katrina retorted angrily as she slapped her hand against the basement door again. Jas looked around, feigning hope, but no monsters started to claw their way toward her. Great, she thought. That’s the last time I believe any horror films are based on a true story.

It’s not like you care, said Jas, her face flushing a little, despite the lack of heat in the small space.

Humor me, Katrina said as she slapped her hand against the door again to no avail, though it did make it shake a little. All they could hear beyond the thump of loud music was the occasional peal of laughter—too far away now to even be at their expense. Had they all really gone and forgotten about them? Even Ben?

Jas resisted the urge to cover her ears as she replied, Fine, as long as you stop hitting the damn door!

Well, sorry for trying to get us out of here! Katrina said, turning, and slumping against the door in a huff.

It’s obviously not working, though, is it? Jas asked. You’ll hurt yourself at this rate, and anyway… I thought you’d be too worried about breaking a nail.

Katrina laughed. Jas had never heard her laugh before. It was a proper belly laugh, fierce and full, and not just the usual exhaling of air that she did when one of the others tried to make a joke. She covered her mouth quickly, embarrassed, but Jas smiled.

What? Jas asked.

You’re funny. It’s just… you thinking I’d care about breaking a nail. It’s not like they’re precious or anything. I can get them redone.

I—no, I meant, why are you embarrassed about the way you laugh?

I’m not! I just… oh, it’s just something an ex said…. That my laugh sounded like a horse.

What? Jas said, shaking her head. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

That’s what they said.

No, I mean—you don’t sound like a horse. It’s a nice laugh.

Really? Jas heard her ask before the stairs quietly creaked, and Katrina moved to perch next to her, on one of the two garden chairs that Ben had probably set out for them, come to think of it. Had he planned this? Jas could just make out Katrina’s eyes, shining slightly in the dark as she smiled at her. They were a light green, and glittered like a kind of gem, Jas realized, but the name of it escaped her in the moment, as her brain only wanted to focus on how pretty her eyes were—maybe peridot?

Thanks, Katrina said softly.

I mean it. He sounds terrible.

Yeah… I think they were only with me for the money.

Oh, said Jas. That must’ve been hard.

Yeah, and it’s not even mine. It’s my family’s—and I can’t get my trust fund for another few months anyway. I need to be eighteen. She sounded genuinely sad, and Jas had to remind herself that she would probably never see the amount of money that Katrina’s family had saved up for their daughter in her entire life, let alone when she turned eighteen next year.

Oh, said Jas again, because she didn’t know what else to say.

It’s okay. I know what you all think, Katrina said quickly. That I’m just some spoiled little rich girl…. Jas shook her head, but it didn’t deter her. No, you do—

No, we don’t. Ben has a crush on you, and would he feel that way if he thought badly of you?

Katrina just stared at her, and blinked like she was replying in Morse code. He does?

Yeah. Is that bad? Jas asked.

"No, I just thought you liked him. I mean, the way you hugged after you agreed to come down here, and how you kept complimenting him—"

Oh, no! I’m a lesbian, Jas said quickly.

So am I, Katrina said after a moment of silence.

You are?

Yes. I thought you knew.

No, I thought I was the only gay person in the group.

Well, I guess you were, until I joined.

And I just assumed your ex was a guy, I’m sorry.

Oh no, he was, Katrina said quickly. Compulsory heterosexuality did a real number on me, so I dated a guy before I realized I liked girls.

Oh, Jas said. Well, I’m glad you know who you are now.

Yeah, thanks, said Katrina, smiling. Spoiled little rich girl and all….

No, I— Jas said hurriedly.

I mean, you’re probably right. I have all this money and privilege that I don’t…. Katrina added, with a hint of sadness.

"Wait, you’re not a Trump supporter, are you?’

God, no!

Good, said Jas, because I can’t in my right mind let you keep your gay card if you are.

Oh, and you have the power to revoke those, do you?

Jas winked—and Katrina laughed her full laugh again, only this time she didn’t cover her mouth or even try to apologize for it, which made Jas’s heart lurch in a way it hadn’t before.

Probably nothing, she thought as they smiled at each other for a moment. She was actually glad that no monsters had gotten her, she realized, because then she would have missed all this. And what at first was annoying turned out to be… actually not all that bad.

Good to know.

Is it?

Yeah, it is.

TEN!

They both suddenly heard the voices call out excitedly—the countdown unmistakable, even though it was muffled slightly by the music and the door.

Oh no, Katrina whispered.

"Nine!"

Guess we’re stuck down here, Jas said. You know Ben wanted to kiss you when it was midnight, right?

"Eight!"

It’s probably for the best, then. Being stuck down here, she replied, making Jas laugh. You know, you’re cooler than I first thought.

"Seven!’

Really?

Yeah, that’ll teach me to make quick judgments.

Yeah… me too… so, is it really your tradition? The New Year’s Kiss?

"Six!"

It’s more of an expected one. My family usually has this big party on a yacht, and they want to show off and be loved by everyone, so….

"Five!"

I hated having to kiss people who didn’t care about me, even if it was only on the cheek, so this year I begged them to let me spend the night with all of you instead.

"Four!"

Maybe it’s time to break the tradition, then? Do some good, like you want to—use what you’ve got and help people.

"Three!"

Yeah, you’re right.

"Two!"

And you could kiss the people you want to kiss, when you want to.

"One!"

Can I kiss you?

IT FELT like longer than a second as Katrina spoke, then stared at Jas, her eyes bright and genuine and lacking a single hint of mischief. She wasn’t joking, Jas realized—and before another single thought could flit through her head, her heart jumped, as if to urge her forward—and just like that, her body leaned forward, following its trajectory, and they were kissing.

It was only for a few seconds. It probably would have lasted longer if it wasn’t for the basement door springing open at that moment. They were apart in an instant, and it was too dark for him to see, anyway, but there, at the top, stood a red-faced Ben, panting as if he’d run the whole length of the house.

I… got distracted… forgot about… sorry…, he said, breathing heavy. Are you… both okay?

Fine, Katrina said, her breath hitching slightly due to the surprise. Happy New Year.

I bet you’ll want to spend next year somewhere else, right? Ben asked as he made his way down the stairs to help Jas back up.

Well… the family yacht is certainly more appealing than your basement. Katrina smiled as she looked at Jas, waiting for her to nod an affirmative to a silent question, then took her hand before Ben could. He just stared as they both walked over and readied themselves to start to climb the stairs together. Katrina guided Jas confidently as Ben followed them from behind, watching curiously, with mingled confusion and disappointment obvious on his face. They were about halfway up before Katrina finished her earlier thought, having spent some time on the wording, it seemed. But all of it was certainly… illuminating. And fun.

Yeah, said Jas. It was.

They smiled at each other, a secret passing between them in a wordless code as harsh artificial lights eventually hit their faces, and they were met with cheers and cold pizza.

SO… YOU never said… why didn’t you just spend tonight at home? Katrina asked as she carefully picked the shriveled olives off her slice.

They had escaped from the crowd as soon as possible; even after being stuck in each other’s company for so long, all they wanted to do while they were out was eat the leftover pizza in the kitchen, alone, while everyone else continued to party into the early hours of January the first.

Jas swallowed a mouthful of hard bread and stringy cheese before she answered, just loud enough so that Katrina could hear her over the continued thump of the music in the other room. My parents have this work thing every year. I usually get stuck with a babysitter, but then I got too old, and then Ben decided we should do a group thing… make our own New Year’s tradition… and, honestly? I just didn’t want to be on my own.

And so you spent the night in the dark with me. Katrina grinned.

I know, right? No, but, seriously… I’m glad I did.

Me too, said Katrina. You know what? Even though I came here determined to not kiss anyone at midnight—

Oops—

They shared a quiet giggle before she continued. It’s probably the best one I’ve had.

Really?

Katrina nodded. "And maybe… I was thinking… we could make it a tradition. Just for us. As well