1999

"James? Will you be able to make it back for Ryan's graduation?" Leah had her brother on the phone.

"When is it?"

"A week from Sunday. I've told you this before. You don't listen." Augh, he could really be frustrating.

"Yeah. I'll be there." James had already booked his flight, but he loved to drive Leah crazy by pretending he had forgotten.

"Eric's graduation is the following Sunday, but I know it would be really tough to get two weekends off in a row."

"Actually I might be able to manage that. Maybe I'll stay for a week or two. Would that be okay?"

"A week or two? How could you get that much time off from the bar?"

"Um, because I quit the bar."

"What? When?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Last week."

"Why?"

"Because I want to concentrate on my writing. I'm selling enough short stories to make me feel that maybe I can do this Leah. Jane agrees. She's making enough to get us by, plus what I make off of my short stories. We have decided I should try to write full time."

"Really? Wow. And Jane is okay with this? With supporting you?" It sounded too good to be true.

"Yeah, she's okay. And she won't be supporting me completely. I am selling quite a few short stories. I really am pretty good Leah."

"I know you are good James. The fact that you're selling your stories doesn't surprise me. I think it's great. So will Jane come with you for Ryan's graduation?"

"No, since I'm staying almost two weeks she'll have to stay here and work."

"You already have the flight booked don't you? You were just dicking with me. James you are a shit." Leah was laughing.

"I wouldn't miss Ryan's big day. Besides, I want to meet this Eric guy. See what all the big fuss is about." James had only been back once in the last year, over Christmas. Eric had been visiting his parents while James was in town, thus they had yet to meet.

"You'll love him James. He is smart and funny and good-looking. He just landed a great job and he is crazy about your nephew."

James laughed, "He's definitely won you over."

"Yeah, well Ryan could do worse. So email me your flight information and I'll plan on picking you up."

"Will do."

"Mom? Do you have a minute?" Ryan found Leah folding laundry.

"Sure sweetie. What's up?" Leah was so proud of the man Ryan was becoming.

"Um, well I wanted to run something by you."

"What's that?"

Ryan took a seat and looked her in the eye. "Eric has asked me to move in with him after I graduate."

"Really? Wow. What did you tell him?"

"I told him I needed to think about it." He was trying to read his mother's reaction. For once she was hard to gauge.

"You would still go to college though, right?"

"Yes, I wouldn't give that up. Just wouldn't live in the dorm. Actually I was thinking I might not take on a full course load and work part time."

"Oh. Okay," Leah said this very tentatively.

"I was thinking I would take maybe nine hours next semester. I could find a job this summer that would work with me next fall with my courses. That way I would be contributing to the household. I don't want Eric to support me completely. So if I did move in with him would you still pay for school? It would be cheaper for you because I wouldn't live in the dorm. All you would need to pay for is for the actual classes and my books."

"Sounds like you've been thinking about this for awhile."

"I promised Eric I would give him an answer before I graduated."

"So are you asking my advice?" Leah wasn't sure what Ryan wanted to hear.

"No, I think I've decided what I want to do. I guess I just want to know if I live with him if you would still pay for my classes."

"That's easy. Yes. I will still pay for your college even if you are living with Eric," she smiled.

Ryan nodded, then asked the next question that had been plaguing him. "Do you think I am too young to do this?"

"Hmm, that's a harder question. I hope you aren't too young, because I would really like to see you succeed with Eric. I think he's really good for you. But you know, I think relationships are kind of a crapshoot. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. But for every example you give of a couple that fell in love when they were young and then grew apart, there is an example of a couple that fell in love young and stayed together. All I can say for sure is that a relationship is work. It isn't easy, but if it's good then it's worth the effort."

"So you won't try to talk me out of moving in with him?"

"Heavens no. You two have been dating for almost a year now. I think you both have a pretty good idea what you'll be in for. If you think this is what you want, then I say go for it."

"Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome, Dear."

"What do you think Dad will say?"

"That you are too young, that you need to experience living in the dorm and college life. But he's not the one living your life. You are. You have to do what seems right for you. Besides it's not like you can't change your mind later."

"Sometimes I think I can't possibly be old enough to know who I want to spend the rest of my life with, but honestly Mother, I can't see myself with anyone but Eric."

"Then you're lucky dear. Some people live their whole lives and never find that."

"Ryan? What would you say to you and Eric picking up James at the airport?"

"Sure. Why? Where will you be?" It wasn't like his mom to not want to pick up James.

"I'll be right here. Just thought it might be nice. Give him a chance to meet Eric with just the three of you. Might be easier on Eric too."

"Okay. I'm not really worried about either of them. But sure, I'll plan on us picking him up. When is he getting in?"

"Saturday afternoon. Did Eric get that apartment he applied for?"

"Yep. We will be moving into it next month."

"Damn. That was quick. Do you like the apartment? Are you excited?"

"Yes. I love the apartment. It has this really cool balcony and our bedroom is awesome. I can't wait." She noticed a slight hesitation when he mentioned the awesome bedroom, but then she was his mother.

Leah just smiled. She and Eric had gone shopping the week before for a new bedroom suite. She and Will were buying it for Ryan as a graduation present. Then she had taken Ryan shopping to the same store a few days later and picked out a set of dishes for Eric's kitchen. Ryan complained of having to eat off of old mismatched plates and silverware whenever they cooked at Eric's place. She and Will had bought Eric the works, plates, bowls, silverware, and glasses. Then she had found the mini bar. She knew the kids would love it. It even came with the glassware. She had gone back and bought it without Ryan knowing. It was killing her to keep all of this a secret. She couldn't wait to give them their gifts. She had decided the mini bar would be a housewarming gift for when they moved into their apartment.

"What are you smiling about?" Ryan's voice brought her back from her thoughts.

"Nothing. Just happy for you."

"James. Over here." Ryan was waving to him from across the crowded airport.

"Hey Ryan. Where's your mother?"

"She's at home. Sent me instead. James this is Eric. Eric this is my uncle James."

Eric stepped forward and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, James."

James shook Eric's hand. "The infamous Eric. At last. Nice to meet you too." He couldn't help but tease Eric; after all he had heard from Leah he half expected this guy to walk on water.

They gathered up James' bags and headed out to Eric's car.

"Did Mom tell you that we are moving in together?"

"You and Eric? No, she didn't. When? This summer?"

"Yep, the apartment is ours on the first of next month. I'm surprised she didn't tell you. She tells you everything."

"She's not upset over it is she? She seems to really like Eric."

"No, she's excited about it. I think she wishes we could get married so she could have a ceremony to plan." James and Ryan shared a laugh over that.

Once they were in the car and driving across town to Leah's house, James said,  "So Eric, I understand you're a graphic designer."

"Yes, and I understand you're a writer."

James smiled, "Yep."

Ryan piped up. "And an ex-bartender? What's up with that? Mom said you quit."

"Yes, I'm going to live off the ol' lady and write full time."

Ryan shook his head. "I can't believe she's still putting up with you. How on earth did you convince her to support you?"

"Hey, I'm not that bad. Besides, I'm a great lay. She could do worse."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Do you believe this guy Eric? He has to be the most self centered egotistical asshole on the planet." The tone of Ryan's voice made it evident how much he adored his uncle. Even if he didn't agree with the way James treated Jane.

"What does your mom have planned for this week?" James wanted to change the subject.

"I don't know. My graduation is tomorrow and I know she is planning on us all going out to eat after the ceremony and then I have no idea until next Sunday when Eric graduates."

"What are the plans for then?"

"Eric's folks will be here that weekend so it will be the first time our parents meet. That should be interesting."

James nodded, "Have you met the in-laws yet?" He teased Ryan.

Ryan and Eric exchanged a look. Eric answered the question. "They have met once but I don't think my parents were very comfortable with the situation. Next weekend should be very interesting."

James was curious, "They know you're gay?"

"Yes, they know, just don't want to admit it."

James nodded, "That sucks. Give them time."

"Yeah, I could tell Mom really liked Ryan, she was just uncomfortable with thinking of him as my lover. "That's too bad." James couldn't imagine what that must be like for Eric.

"Yeah, well, then we have Leah, who has all but adopted me. As Ryan says, she is a little too okay with everything."

James had to laugh at that. He had to admit that Eric was every thing Leah had said. Ryan had found a great guy to share his life with. He was a little jealous, truth be known.

"James!" Leah cried when they walked in the door. "Oh my God. Look at you."

"What?" James laughed at her. She could be such a drama queen.

"You look so good. All tan and muscular."

"Thanks. You look good too Leah. I like the way you're wearing your hair."

She blushed, "Thanks. How was your flight?"

"Fine. Where's Will?"

"Out back cooking on the grill. Are you hungry?"

"Famished."

When Leah awoke the next morning, she couldn't help but cry for a moment. Today her only son was graduating from high school. In a matter of weeks, he would be moving out of her house. She was so proud of him and how he was living his life, but she couldn't help but miss the little boy he had once been.

She was sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee with Will when James came down the stairs. "Any coffee left?"

"Sure. Help yourself."

"What are the plans for today?" James asked as he sat down at the table and picked up the paper Will had discarded.

"The ceremony is at two. After that, we'll all go out to eat. This evening the kids are having a party over at Eric's. I'm allowed to go over to it for a few minutes early in the evening. But I am not allowed to stay." She was smiling as she said this.

"Oh? Why is that?"

"I guess Ryan doesn't want his mother to see him shitfaced," Will said, giving Leah a wink.

"Hmmm. I wonder if I am allowed to stay for the whole thing." James said with a smirk. "I could sneak over a camera or video camera."

"Don't let Ryan hear you say that."

"Don't let me hear you say what?" Ryan came padding into the kitchen.

"Nothing," James and Leah said at the same time, then broke out in a fit of giggles.

Ryan rolled his eyes. "God. Mother. Will you two ever grow up?"

Leah regained her composure. "Ryan, what do Eric's parents have planned for next weekend?"

"I don't know really. I think just going to the ceremony."

"Surely they are taking him out or something?"

"I really don't know. Why?"

"I was thinking maybe we could have them over Saturday evening for awhile. And I would love for us to take everyone out to eat after the graduation if that wouldn't interfere with what they have planned."

"Sounds fine to me. You can ask Eric about it this afternoon."

Leah had invited Eric to go to the graduation ceremony with her and Will. He arrived at their house just shortly before Ryan was to leave, having to be at the auditorium early.

James and Ryan were in the den finishing up a Nintendo game when Eric walked in. James looked up, "Hey Eric. How are you?"

"Great. Who kicked whose ass?" Eric said, sitting down on the sofa next to Ryan.

James smiled, "I beat him like a red headed step child."

"James. What a shitty thing to say." Leah had just walked in the room.

James only shrugged and grinned sheepishly.

Leah rolled her eyes then turned to her son. "Ryan, you better get going. You're supposed to be there in about twenty minutes."

"Okay. I'm gone. Bye Eric." He kissed his lover and ran out the door.

"Eric? What do your parents have planned for you while they're here next weekend?" Leah took a seat on the other end of the sofa.

"Um, I think just going to the graduation. I'm not sure. Why?" Eric was finding himself dreading the upcoming visit from his family.

"I was wondering if they would want to come over Saturday evening for dinner. You said they were coming up on Saturday right?"

"You don't have to do that Leah." Eric was touched at how thoughtful Leah was.

"I want to do it. I would love to get to know your parents. Would they come over?"

"Yeah, I can bring them over. Are you sure?" He wanted to give her one more chance to back out. She had no idea what she was getting herself into.

"Yes I am sure. And then maybe Sunday we could all go to your graduation together."

"I'm sure they would like that. Dad doesn't know his way around the city very well. I know he's worried about finding his way around from the hotel to the college. I usually drive them when they come down." Eric smiled, relieved to hear Leah's offer.

"Okay then. That's settled. Dinner at our house Saturday evening and we'll pick them up to go to the ceremony. What about after? Do you have plans?"

"No, not that I know of. They'll probably want to get back on the road before it gets very late."

"Can we all go out to eat after you graduate? Like we're doing today?"

"Oh Leah, you don't need to do so much. It's nothing, really." Eric was starting to get embarrassed at all of Leah's attention.

"Nothing? Eric, you are graduating from college. That is far from nothing. I want to help you and Ryan celebrate."

Eric smiled, this was so different then the reaction he received from his parents. "Okay then, dinner after the graduation."

"But you tell me if your parent make other plans. I don't want to interfere with anything they have arranged for you."

"Okay, but I'm pretty sure that going to watch the graduation was the extent of their plans."

Leah smiled at Eric while thinking to herself how sad it was that this boy's family didn't see what they had in their son. He was such a wonderful person, and his parents seemed to want to over look that just because he happened to be gay. Maybe she could help open their eyes.

At the graduation Will, Leah, and James sat together while Eric sat in the row behind them with a few of his and Ryan's friends. James and Leah could not help but overhear the conversation Eric was having with one of his college classmates.

"I can't believe you dragged me to a high school graduation," the kid sitting next to Eric complained.

"I didn't drag you anywhere. You said you wanted to come see Ryan walk across the stage," Eric replied.

"I know, I know. I just can't believe he's so young."

There was a smirk in Eric's voice. "You're just jealous."

"And you are really letting him move in with you?"

"No, I'm not letting him move in with me. You make it sound like it was all his idea, like he was begging me. Jeez, Sam. You have it so wrong. I asked him to move in with me. I'm lucky he agreed."

"So you will be all married now. That sucks Eric."

"Again, you're just jealous. You should be so lucky Sam."

"Yeah, I know. Too bad his uncle is straight."

After the last speech and after the grads had thrown their caps in the air, Ryan came over to where the family was sitting.

"Congratulations, Dear." Leah hugged him tightly, while Ryan turned red with embarrassment. Lucky for him, his friends had already left, going over to decorate Eric's apartment for the party tonight.

"Um. Thanks Mom." He knew she meant well.

Eric had brought his camera and began snapping pictures of Ryan with his parents and then Ryan with his uncle. Then he handed the camera to Leah so she could take some of him and Ryan together. Finally James had had enough. "Are we going to go eat or just take pictures all afternoon?"

Leah rolled her eyes. "James, get over yourself, would you?"

Eric smiled, "He's right. Let's go eat."

Ryan had chosen his favorite Chinese restaurant for the dinner his mother had insisted on. They had finished their meal and now Ryan was opening his gifts. The first card he picked up was from James. It was a cute card with a funny saying about taking over the world. Even better, it had a rather large bill inside. "Thanks James," Ryan smiled while waving the money around in the air."

"You're welcome. I hope it's the right size."

"I'm sure it will fit in my wallet perfectly."

Next was a card from Leah and Will. It was sentimental and sappy, much like his mother. Inside of it was a cut out of a bedroom suite from a catalog.

"Mom?" Ryan was afraid to hope this was what she had bought him.

"Do you like it? I thought it would be pointless to have it delivered right before you move so it's to be delivered after the first of the month to your new apartment."

"I love it!" He turned to Eric, "Did you help her pick this out?" Ryan knew better than to think his mother could have done this well on her own.

Eric smiled, "I might have helped a little."

Ryan turned back to his parents, "Thanks Mom and Dad. It is perfect."

"You're welcome, Son." Will smiled at Ryan.

"And last but not least," Eric announced while picking up the remaining card attached to a small box and handing it to Ryan. Ryan opened the card and read it silently, then as his eyes clouded with tears he put the card back into the envelope and turned to Eric. "I love you too," he said before kissing him.

Leah piped up "You guys can do that later, I want to see what he got you. Open the box."

Eric smiled. It warmed his heart that he and Ryan could be so open with Ryan's family. It wasn't something he could ever picture happening with his own parents.

Ryan reached for the box. "Alright, alright." He opened the box and pulled out a necklace. It was silver with the most unusual stones at the center. "Oh Eric! It's beautiful." Eric helped him slide it around his neck. It was a little loser fit than a choker. The stones lay perfectly between his collarbone at the base of his neck.

After Eric had it fastened around Ryan's neck he turned Ryan back to face him "Do you like it? Really?"

"Yes. I love it. Thank you."

"I had it made especially for you."

"It's beautiful," Ryan whispered and then kissed Eric again.

This time James spoke up. "Okay you two, let's try to keep this G rated."

"I think we've already passed the PG section," Will rang in. "Come on Leah, let these kids get home to their party."

As they stood up and began to gather their belonging to head home, Eric turned to Leah and Will. "Thanks for dinner. This was really nice."

"Yeah Mom, Dad, thanks for everything." Ryan came around and hugged them both. "You guys are great."

"You two have fun tonight. And be careful!" Leah warned.

"Aren't you coming over?" Ryan looked at her inquisitively.

"Oh you don't need your mother hanging around tonight. Maybe James will come over for awhile."

"Mom, I told you that you were welcome to come."

"I know, but really. You boys have a good time."

The next week flew by for Leah. She and James spent time together, even taking in a few movies. She also was busy helping Ryan decide what he would take with him when he moved out and what he would be leaving behind.

James tried to get as much writing done as he could but Leah kept fussing that he could write when he went home. He had to admit, it had been too long since they had spent any time together.

Saturday Leah was in the kitchen making a cake to serve while Eric's parents were there. Will came in to get himself a beer. "Whatcha doing Babe?"

"Baking a cake. What are you doing?" He came up behind her, kissing her check while reaching around her to dip his finger into the batter.

"Getting a beer. What time are they supposed to be here?"

"Eric said he would bring them over around seven. Don't drink too many of those, you don't want their first impression of you to be that you are a drunk."

Will grinned, "When is the last time you saw me drunk?"

"Good point. Speaking of alcohol, do we have some wine we can chill?"

"Yeah, I'll go bring some up." Will turned and disappeared through the basement door. He returned a few minutes later with a bottle. "Leah, are you nervous about this?"

"I'm trying not to be, but yeah, I kind of am."

"What's making you nervous?"

She turned and looked at Will. "I just don't know how I can relate to them. They are ashamed of him, ashamed to have a gay son. How do I deal with that?"

"Leah, don't. I know you, and don't. Don't try to fix them. Don't go all save the world on me here."

"I know, I know. I don't want to offend them, or make things uncomfortable for Eric, but I'm afraid. You know some times my mouth just takes off on its own."

Will chuckled, "Just some times? Listen Leah, I doubt much will be made of the boys being gay. It sounds to me like Eric's parents try to pretend they don't see it. All you can do, all you should do, is just set an example. Don't shove it in their face, if they aren't ready to deal then there isn't much you can do except let them see that you have dealt and are okay with it."

Leah nodded, "Okay. Thanks." She walked over and pulled her husband into an embrace. "I love you."

"I love you too, Leah. It will be fine tonight. Here have a beer."

Eric and Ryan were lounging on the sofa watching an old movie at Eric's apartment. Ryan had been helping Eric pack up his belongings all morning. Now they were taking a break. Ryan knew that Eric was nervous over his parent's visit. That relationship had been steadily becoming more strained over the last year. Eric had grown tired of pussyfooting around the issue with his parents. He felt that he had given them plenty of time to adjust to the news that he was gay. It was time for them to face the music.

Eric's phone rang. Both boys knew that this was probably Eric's parents calling from their motel room. "Looks like the freak show is about to begin," Eric said as he picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Eric. It's your father. We're here."

"Great. Did you have trouble finding the hotel?"

"No. No, your directions were right on. Drove straight to it."

"Good. Um, Ryan's folks have invited us all over for dinner tonight. They want to meet you. I thought we would come pick you up around six-thirty."

"Ryan's folks? Why is that?"

"Why do they want to meet you? Because you're my parents." He rolled his eyes, while Ryan giggled.

"I guess I didn't realize you were close with them."

"Yeah, I am. So I'll be by around six-thirty then."

"Oh Eric, I'm not sure we are up to this. I mean we just drove into town."

"Dad, you drove from St. Cloud. We're talking less than a two-hour drive. It's five now, you have an hour and a half to recover from your drive. Jeez. It's not a big deal." His frustration was clearly conveyed in his voice.

"Okay. Okay. No need to get upset. I didn't realize it was that important to you. Okay then we'll see you at six-thirty."

"Are you sure you shouldn't drop me off at home first and then go get your parents? I don't know if showing up with me is a good idea." Ryan was trying to change Eric's mind on the drive over to the hotel.

"I told you, I am not going to tip-toe around them anymore. You are my lover. We'll soon be living together; hell, we practically are now. It's time they accept it, accept me."

"You can't force them Eric."

"I can force them to choose."

"Is that what you really want? You may not like their choice."

"It can't be worse then this. This is just too stressful. I can't deal with it any longer."

Ryan was silent the rest of the drive. He decided long ago that all he could do was be there for Eric, however it played out with his parents.

They pulled up in front of the hotel. Eric jumped out to get his parents. Ryan waited in the car. The three came out of the hotel moments later. Eric opened the back door of the sedan for his mother. Ryan turned in his seat as Eric's parents got into the back.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Davis."

"Oh, Hello." Eric's mother looked at Ryan with surprise.

"Mom, Dad, you remember Ryan."

"Oh yes, the young man you brought with you last time you came home. How are you Ryan?" Eric's mother was in full WASP mode.

"I'm fine. Thank you. How was your drive down?" Eric's parents had a way of making Ryan feel like he was ten years old.

"It was fine, thank you," Mr. Davis answered.

Eric's mother continued. "It's very nice of your parents to invite us over. I do hope they didn't go to a lot of trouble for this."

"Mom is very proud of Eric, she insisted she wanted to do this for him, and for you."

"I see. I didn't know Eric and your mother were close." Ryan noted the ice in her voice.

"Yes. We are Mother." Eric had heard enough. "Here we are." He pulled the car into the drive.

Ryan opened the door and held it for Eric and his parents. Leah heard the door and came out of the kitchen. "Hello. You much be Eric's parents." She shook hands with each of the Davis'

"Mom, Dad, this is Ryan's mom, Leah. Leah this is my dad, John and my mother Sarah."

"So nice to meet you both," Leah smiled warmly.

"Likewise. Sorry we came empty handed. Eric didn't inform us of this dinner until an hour ago," Sarah snapped.

"Oh no, that's fine. I didn't expect you to bring anything. This is just a little informal dinner. Come on into the den. Can I get you something to drink?"

She led them into the den. James clicked the television off when they walked in. He stood up to greet them. "Sarah, John, this is my brother, James. James these are Eric's parents." Will came in from the back yard where he was grilling the steaks. The introduction continued. Finally everyone introduced and served a glass of wine, they all took a seat in the den for some chit-chat while the steaks were cooking.

"You much be so proud of Eric," Leah tried.

"Oh. Yes we are," Sarah answered with little conviction. So far, Eric's father had said very little.

"Dad, Leah and Will have offered to pick you up and drive you to the graduation tomorrow." Leah felt sorry for Eric, he was so clearly uncomfortable with the whole situation.

"That won't be necessary, we couldn't ask that of you."

"Oh, but we want to. That way we can all sit together." Leah was trying so hard to get these people to warm up.

Will came back into the room. "Leah, the steaks are almost done."

"Oh, excuse me while I go get the table ready." Leah stood.

Sarah looked up at her, "Can I help?"

"Sure. Come on to the kitchen."

The two women left the men in the den. Leah looked over her shoulder and thought she had never seen a group of people more uncomfortable. Then she heard James' voice "So Eric? Are you all packed up and ready to move?" She smiled, that was James, he would liven things up.

Once in the kitchen, Sarah seemed to relax a little bit. "Um Leah, can I ask you a question?"

'Oh brother' thought Leah. "Of course."

"How old is your son?"

"He's eighteen."

"And he will be moving in with my son next month?"

"Yes."

"And you are okay with this?"

Leah stopped her preparations. She turned to face Sarah. "Are you asking me if I'm okay with my son being gay, or if I'm okay with my son being with your son? The answer to both is yes. Eric is a wonderful person and he is good to Ryan. As for Ryan being gay, I can say that having a gay son is the best thing that has happened to me. But, yes, I worry for him. It's not an easy life. There is so much hatred and prejudice in the world."

Sarah seemed to be thinking over what she had heard. "Leah? Are you a religious person?"

Leah paused, not sure how to answer. "Um. I don't like the word religion. I like to think I am spiritual. I have issues with organized religion. I believe in God and Jesus. If you are asking if I think being gay is a sin? No I don't. The whole thing is based on one verse in the Old Testament. So many of the laws in Leviticus we no longer put any weight to, but this one we seem to think is important. I don't understand why that should be the way it is nowadays. It says not to eat shellfish, or meat from animals with cloven hoofs, yet we find no problem with people who eat shrimp or pork. I also can't believe God would make ten percent of his creation flawed. He says we are all perfect in His eyes. So then gays are perfect the way they are."

"So you don't think it's a choice?"

"No. Why would some one choose that? To say it's a choice makes no sense. Who we are attracted to sexually; we don't have control over that."

"And your husband? He shares your beliefs?"

"Yes."

She nodded, "I want to be okay with Eric's orientation. I do. But I was raised to believe it was wrong and unnatural."

Leah smiled, "So was I."

"So there is hope for me?"

"Of course there is. Educate yourself. Fear of the unknown is what causes the problem. The more you know and understand the less unnatural it will seem to you. He's still your son, you're still his mother."

Sarah smiled, "Eric is a good boy."

"He's a wonderful person."

"And he loves your son?"

"I think they love each other very much."

"What can be so bad about that?"

"Exactly."

© Melina Catts 2004

Return to Tangled