Irenea stopped a few feet away from the group and mustered up the courage to speak. "I can do this," she thought to herself, taking another deep breath

She took another step towards the group, and her gaze met her's. She could see the shyness in the younger girl's eyes and felt a pang in her heart. "Did she really think I was straight?" Irenea's mind raced with thoughts.

She gathered her courage and spoke up in a gentle yet confident tone "Hey, can I talk to you? Just for a bit."