Chapter 3

Born into privilege, I could pursue anything I wanted in college. So why Sociology? Why not Economics, Biochemistry, or Business Analytics? I've been asked by my parents the same question, and my answer had always been a repeat; I understood myself in every way a person should know herself. It was to my grief that people and society in general didn't share the same reality. Because Sociology played an integral part in helping people understand mankind, pursing such a course could be my way of helping others realize themselves and their potentials.

"Basically, you're telling me that you're going to spend three to four months doing a study about lesbians," Lulu said. That was what she meant anyway. Most people would hear something like, "Vesicahhly, yu av telling meee dat yu av goweeeng tu sphend tree tu fo month dooing ah stuhdy about les-bee-ans. . ."

Her family had been in constant move since she was born before settling to their present home. Because of that she adopted a weird accent that threw people off guard when speaking to her for the first time. I was used to it. Found it endearing even. We've been thick as thieves since high school after all.

"We, Lulu," I corrected. "We, not only me, are going to spend the rest of summer vacation researching and interviewing subjects." A flight attendant passed by, dragging with her a cart. "Excuse me," I said. The attendant stopped, affixing a polite smile on her face. It was tempting to ask her for the most expensive wine they could offer. But I wasn't in the Roth's private plane or first class. Some things were best left for later. "Can I have some water please?"

After gulping down a glass and the attendant had rolled her cart away, Lulu said, "You used to hate flying economy. I remember the time when we went to France and you blamed Casper for getting the wrong tickets intentionally. You didn't speak to him for a week."

I leaned closer to her. "This is all part of our new life, Lu. The next few years are going to be hard for us if we don't start adapting to the environment. This is my simple way of submerging myself in normal life. I figured if I'm going all out with the study I'm making, I might as well change my own lifestyle. We're going to be anonymous from now on."

"No using your surname for once?" she asked dubiously. I shrugged. "Get out of here. I don't believe you." She pushed my face and all of its sincere expression away. "You're really serious about this book?"

"Yes," I said. She had no reason to doubt me. I was in this 101% "And it won't stop with just that. I'm also dishing out a weekly summary about my findings on a blog, like a journal. There will be pictures. There will be supporting evidence. It's all part of Sociology."

"You're crazy when you have an idea," she said resignedly. "Tell me something before I sleep the next hour away. Why are you doing this? Why choose that subject matter? You could have used anything, but you still went with lesbians."

I tapped my chin. "Aside from its relevance and how it will help us understand sexuality in general? Nothing in particular. It's Casper who's passionate about them. Consider this project a chance to indulge my older brother and leave my mark on the world." Lulu's eyes sparkled with interest. She'd been crushing on Casper since the 8th grade when she saw him skinny dipping in the pool. She'd always say that it was his personality she was attracted to, not his six pack and face. Yeah right. "Go to sleep, Lu. We'll talk about this when we get settled in the house."

Everything about Lulu at this point would be sketchy to you, reader. I had introduced you to her voice, but you needed more than that to go on. Each of us had a Lulu, a best friend. Yours could be a tall, black haired girl who loved to sing in the shower for an imaginary audience. It could also be a brunette who had smaller eyes and was better at everything than you, especially math. My Lulu was a dark skinned beauty with a defined jaw, brown eyes, and a shy smile. She was my Watson. The moon to my sun. The no to my yes. The hoe don't to my do it. You got the picture.

She was there when I rallied a campaign about the injustice that the cafeteria lady was getting from the higher ups and the dishwashers. She was there, rubbing my back sympathetically next to the toilet bowl, as I regurgitated more than five hotdogs and their corresponding buns after winning the contest. She was there when I stood before the crowd on graduation day, delivering my valedictorian speech.

For each blunder I made, Lulu had been there saying, "I told you so." Of course she was also there warning me beforehand. If only I wasn't too hardheaded to listen.

She was suppose to take a year off after high school, until I convinced her to settle with me to my new home, near my new college, and my new life. It was always easier to face things when Lulu was with me, not to mention I needed a Watson to my Sherlock, especially now that I have decided to start a project.