Chapter 30

A couple of days have passed and Sean is finally home from the hospital. Hes walking on crutches because of the broken leg.
Bette and Tina are still in Chapel Hill. Tina has not talked to her parents since last time. Tina and Sean have reconnected a lot. Even though Tina may never forget it, she has put it behind her, trying not to think about it.
Hey, Tina, come here. Sean says and walks out into the kitchen. She follows him, curious of what he wants.
What is it? Tina asks and takes a seat at the table.
Im going over to mom and dad now, and I was wondering if you would drive me? He asks looking and pleading.
I know what youre doing. Tina says and gives him a vague smile.
Im sorry. But I thought that they might listen more, if we were there as a family, not strangers also present. They might open up more if its just us there. Sean says, and he does make sense, Tina thinks.
Okay. Tina replies. She walks out to the living room and takes a seat next to Bette who is playing with Scott.
Hey, babe, me and Sean are going over to mom and dad, you dont mind waiting here? Tina asks.
No, I dont mind, Im having the time of my life here. She says smiling down at Scott who is laughing hard at something Bette did, just before Tina came.
Hes in a good mood. Tina says smiling.
Yeah, I tickled him a bit, he seems to love it. Bette replies and laughs with little Scott.
I dont know how long we will be. Tina says.
Baby, take your time, you cant rush this. You remember the other day. Be patience, and remember I love you very much. Bette says.
I love you too. Tina says and leans in for a quick kiss.
Tina and Sean leaves.
10 minutes later they are standing outside their parents house. Tina does not want to go in, but shes persuaded by Sean.
Its Joanna who opens the door, and she is surprised to see Tina again. She let them in. Jeffrey walks up to the door, hes also surprised to see Tina.
Mom and dad, we need to talk. Sean says.
Sean takes charge and jumps on his crutches in to the living room. Tina follows closely, and takes a seat right next to him. Joanna and Jeffrey take a seat at the opposite side. They only look at Sean.
Tina doesnt want to be here, shes done talking to you two, and I cant blame her. But I asked her to join me, so we could talk like a family. Sean starts.
My biggest mistake in life was to shut her out. Im embarrassed of my behavior towards her. For 8 years I have missed my little sister, and I know that you have missed her too. Youre just too stubborn to admit it. Sean says. Both Joanna and Jeffrey bow their heads down, staring at the floor. Tina places her hand on Seans leg and makes a signal with her head that she will continue to talk.
Why do you have a problem with me being in love with another woman? Tina asks straight out, demanding an answer. Both Joanna and Jeffrey looks up and sit silence for a moment, thinking.
I feel disgusted and I get sick of the thought. Joanna suddenly says.
Tina is shocked by the answer and her eyes waters up.
Why? Love is beautiful mom. And Im in love. I have been in love with the same person for 8 years and now were starting a family. Do you know how much I have missed you, how much I wanted to have you by my side at my wedding day 6 years ago. You have missed out on so much. Just because Im in love with a woman. Do you know how ridiculous that sounds? I feel sorry for you two. I fell in love with the person, not just because it was a woman. I fell in love with the person Bette. Shes a wonderful person, and I wish you would get to know her, because then you would see that too. Tina says taking a breath and wiping away tears. She stands up and walks into the bathroom. Sean feels bad for her.
Have you listened to her? Sean asks his parents after Tina left.
Yes, we have. Jeffrey says
Well, do you feel anything? Sean asks looking at his parents with a very sad face.
I cant help the way I feel. Joanna says after a few moments.
Its okay, not to like the lifestyle, but to shut her out? Shes still Christina, your daughter, she hasnt changed. Sean says.
When did you suddenly approve of her? Joanna asks looking at him.
7 Years ago. Emilys best friend is married to a woman. And I saw their wonderful love for each other. My regret is that I didnt make contact with Tina back them. Sean replies.
Tina comes back out from the bathroom, wiping away the last tears.
She takes a seat.
The bottom line is that you two need to get out of your shells, and get into the reality of the situation. Do you want a relationship with Tina or not. Sean says. He stands up and so does Tina, they walk towards the door. When the reach for the doorknob, Jeffrey speaks up.
Stop, please. Tina turns and looks at her father who is struggling with his words. She slowly walks towards him, staring at him, his head is bowed down.
I cant say I like it, because I dont, but I dont want to miss out on you for another 8 years. He says with tears in his eyes. Tina doesnt move, she stands there in front o him, looking at him, tears are falling.
Maybe if we get to know Bette, and see you two together. Itll get easier? Well see that you didnt throw your life away, like we said 8 years ago. He says. Looking into Tinas eyes.
I truly am sorry Christina. He says and reaches out his arms for Tina to fall into. She does with a sigh of happiness.
Joanna stands behind them, and silently crying.