Not Long Enough

I did not wear these shorts for a boy.

I did not wear them for a girl.

I wore them for me and only me.

The soft blue of the denim contrasts against my tan.

I paired them with an oversize sweatshirt.

We had standardized testing the whole week.

I just wanted to be comfortable.

Is that too much to ask?

I had worn them last week.

Radio silence.

Today?

They are too short.

Inappropriate.

Distracting.

I am an honor student.

Returning member of the National Honor Society.

I am well behaved.

Never in trouble.

But that doesn't matter.

Not even my education does.

All that matters is the length of my shorts.

How long are they, you ask?

"Not long enough," is all I can answer.

Not long 'enough'.

How long is 'enough'?

Nobody answers.

Do I deserve one?

In their eyes, no.

Tomorrow I will wear pants.