“Is she here” I heard the venom in Melvin’s voice but I didn’t waiver. I wasn’t going to let him destroy me and Bette

“Yes she is” Bette’s voice never faltered “And her name is Tina” I loved the way my name just rolled off Bette’s tongue, it made me feel confident about facing Melvin Porter. I then heard the door close and a man in his early fifties walked into the room. I could tell by the way he looked at me, he didn’t like me. Bette re-entered the room and walked over to me. I could tell she was nervous.

“Hello Mr Porter, I’m Tina Kennard” I didn’t expect Melvin to acknowledge my introduction and I wasn’t disappointed but I knew I had to make any effort for Bette’s sake

“Ms Kennard I take you’re my daughter’s ‘special’ friend” I disliked Melvin Porter the moment he walked into the room. The way he looked at Bette had started to drive me mad with anger and irritation

“Yes daddy she’s my girlfriend” Bette took my hand in hers and squeezed it gently. Knowing that Bette was stood next to me gave me the strength and confidence to stand up to Melvin.

“I should imagine your parents disagree with your lifestyle as much as I do” That was the last straw, how dare he assume my parents disagree with my lifestyle

“No they don’t actually because my father is gay and my mother knew when I was fourteen” I saw Bette’s shocked reaction out of the corner of my eye. I was actually going to tell her that night about my parents so she knew she was going to be accepted by them “I realise that you’re an ignorant, narrow-minded man who thinks everyone around him follows his beliefs about homosexuality and our lifestyle” I emphasised the word ‘our’ referring to Bette and I “But guess what they don’t” Bette was taken back by my new found confidence and, to be truthful, so was I “I love Bette with everything that I am and I know you consider that to be unnatural but to me and Bette it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world and you’re not going to ruin what we have with your ignorance and narrow-mindness” Bette stood in complete shock as I finished my rant at Melvin. Melvin seemed unaffected by my outburst but suddenly turned and walked out. We stood stunned as he slammed the door behind him