On their walk back to the hotel, Marina told Jenny about her conversation with her father and the meeting with Francesca, Thats why I want to go home. Theres nothing more to be done here.

She had told enough of her and Francescas history, for Jenny to understand why Adn had thought Francesca might be able to come between them. But, they could only speculate why he would want that to happen, Did he think I would leave you, then, you wouldnt stay with Francesca and therefore stay here with them? Marina, are you sure you father intended this?

I dont know, I think hes desperate to try something. Although, Ive never known my father to be manipulative like this. But, he did get me here with the intentions of changing my mind about who I am. So I dont know. I just dont know.

You should at least talk to him before we up and leave, dont you think? Are there any organizations here in Spain, like in the states, Pflag or GLBT, something?

Please I cant see them ever going to a place like that.

Maybe not your dad, but what about your mother… Then, maybe, just maybe, Ana will know how to talk to him and eventually get him to come around. Its worth a try.

I guess, but I doubt itll do any good.

***********************************

Adn, I want to know what was said between you and Marina last night. Ana waits but Adn doesnt reply, Adn, Im serious, I want to know.

We talked and nothings changed. She wont give up this lifestyle and I cant accept that. Adn moved about their bedroom aimlessly, feigning to be busy, hoping Ana will stop the questioning.

Adn, please sit down. We must talk about this.

Not sure what theres to talk about.

Ana loves and respects her husband, she doesnt want to hurt him or question his beliefs. She knows she must for him to see the loss, the loss she cannot bear. Adn, Im not willing to live out my life without my daughter. We have to find a way to accept her for who she is not who we want her to be.

Adn will not look at his wife. He cant agree to set aside his own beliefs. Yet, the battle inside him rages, the battle that began before she ever arrived. For he knew, this could put a terrible distance between him and Ana, if he didnt find a compromise.

Have you tried to get know Jennifer at all. Maybe it would make a difference if you see what lovely girl she is. If you take the time to see, maybe then you can understand how Marina feels about her. If you can accept her, I think you can accept them. You must not judge them based on your knowledge of Francesca, its not the same.

No, its not. Shes pregnant and holding Marina with it. This is beyond me how that can work.

Adn, if you knew her youd know what you say is not true. If you know shes pregnant, do you also know they exchanged vows? They did so, before she got pregnant.

If I find a way to help you with this, will you accept it? Anas face is worn with worry and concern.

Ill listen to what you have to say But, I cant promise anything.

***********************************

7 a.m. and Jennys on the computer with Marina sitting beside her, Heres one in Barcelona, no, its Jewish, I dont think theyre ready for that.

No, write it down, youre Jewish, they need to understand about you too. She thinks for a moment, hmmm maybe I should go Jenny rolls her eyes.

This ones in Spanish, youll have to look at it. Several hours they spend looking for local organizations, acting upon hope, wishing to make a difference.

If were going back today, we should get our tickets switched.

Marina knows that their efforts may be futile, but shes pleased theyve spent the time and made the effort, Jenny, Im glad you came up with this idea. Its actually relaxed me, given me hope I guess. Why dont we stay till Monday as we planned? Were here. We should enjoy ourselves.

She gets up and stretches, Besides, before long, I fear youll be big as a house and then how will we dance.

Oh ohh Jenny gets up from the desk, I dont believe you said that. She playfully shoves Marina back onto the bed. Now you pay

***********************************

Ana had gone to Cadiz early Saturday morning, upon returning she tells Adn of her discovery, The Pflag pamphlet Our Daughters and Sons says, Its very similar to the grieving process with all the accompanying shock, denial, anger, guilt and sense of loss. If these are the feelings youre having, theyre understandable given our societys attitudes.

That makes a lot of sense, as she continues.

And it says, Dont condemn yourself for the emotions you feel. But, since you love your child, you owe it to them and to yourself, to move towards acceptance, understanding and support. Adn, I think these are the people we need to meet.

I wont ask you not to go, but, please dont ask me to. I will listen to you, Ana. You can share what I need to know. Adn feels he drawn an acceptable line of compromise.

One more thing I want to read to you. While it may feel you have lost your child, you havent. You child is the same person they were yesterday. The only thing you have lost is your own image of that child and the understanding you thought you had. That loss can be very difficult, but that image can, happily, be replaced with a new and clearer understanding of your child.

Ana says no more, she has said what needed to be said, for now.

***********************************

Wow, this is a lot like The Planet, whats it called again?

Suite, old French, it means a group of things forming a unit. I guess we are the things in the unit, Marina smiles and chuckles.

Well fellow thing would you like to dance? Jenny slips her hand into Marinas and leads her to the dance floor.

I should call The Planet, see how things are going. I wonder if Thomas thought to take care of that order.

Ahem I said it reminded me of The Planet.

Oh no, I never cancelled the book signings. I should call them too.

Marina, its okay. Well take care of them, just not now. Jenny slips her under the edge of Marinas shirt and caresses her side.

Her eyes dart to Jennys, a quiet smile forms on her face, I think the outfits we bought today are going to look cute on you.

My designer maternity clothes, I cant believe you insisted on buying them.

Well, just because youre as big as house, Jenny pokes her in the side. Marina continues in a low sultry voice, doesnt mean you arent still *****. Jenny stretched up on her toes and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

***********************************

Come, come, we have dinner waiting. I hope you enjoyed yourselves, but I must admit Ive missed you both. Ana gives them a warm hug, while Adn and Marina merely stare and nod.

Over dinner, the conversation is light with a strong sense of anticipation in the air. At times, Ana almost seems to hurry everyone to complete, lets have our coffee in the sitting lounge, maybe Adn and Marina will pleasure us with a game of pool.

Marina knows the distance between them is great, the closeness of a game would be too infringing, Im not sure Im up to it.

It is Adn who speaks next, Oh, surely we can play just one, for your mother and for Jennifer. Marina is surprised by his acceptance of her mothers invitation.

He glances and smiles to Jenny, I suppose you know she is quite good, but then, I am the one who taught her.

It only took a second for them both to freeze in their steps. There on the far wall hung Marinas mural.

Adn breaks the silence, We thought it should be hung in a room intended for relaxed family gatherings.

Her voice soft, near impossible to hear, I dont understand.

Your mother and I, we talked about some things. Adn was only slightly hesitant in his proud proclamation, We decided itd been so long since we last saw our daughter, his voice grows soft, we needed to spend some time getting to know her understanding her…

He watches Marina closely hopeful she will accept his offer to try, We thought this may be a good way to show you were sincere.

Jenny steps up to Marina, reassuringly placing her hand across the small of her back, So whos going to explain to me how this game is played?

Marina and Adn, both ardent players, appeared to take turns winning, So Jenny, Ana tells me youre a writer and youre working on an illustrated book of poems.

Oh yes, actually its poems and stories, but whats really cool is the illustrator. Shes four, no five now, she had a birthday recently. Her name is Amura, we met her when we were on Moorea.

Ah yes, Moorea, never been but Ive been told its quite beautiful. Ana told me the two of you went there. Tell me more about your writing, how did you get started, how did you know you liked to write, how

Adn, you must let her answer a question before you ask more, Ana smiles to him, understanding how anxious and nervous he is, pleased at how hard hes trying.

***********************************

Lying in bed, quietly reliving the evening, Jenny, does your mother know, about us, about you?

Im not sure That day I called her, before I came back from Tahoe I may have said something Im not sure… Jenny rubs her forehead as she often does when shes uncertain and uncomfortable.

Marina turns to her side leaning on an elbow, tenderly she takes Jennys hand in hers, resting them both lightly upon Jennys chest, No one can hurt you here, no one can take away our happiness, your happiness.

Jenny understands her meaning, her reassurance, her lack of knowing, I really dont talk to my mother much. Im not even sure why I called her that day. I think I just needed the sense that someone cared.

Jenny turns on her side towards her, leaving her hand clasped inside Marinas, We dont have a relationship like you and your mother. Ive always been a drain in my mothers life. She always thought I was crazy and looking for trouble. We never really connected, you know, like you and Ana.

How often are you in contact?

Oh, not very much, maybe a couple times a year. Usually, I call her on her birthday and Mothers Day. Well talk a few minutes, then its over.

What happened Jenny? What caused her to leave her daughter alone?

Jenny briefly glances down before once again looking into Marinas eyes, Marina, if you dont mind, Im really happy here, being with you. I dont want to talk about my mother, if thats okay?

Marina leans and kisses her on the forehead, of course come here, I want to hold you. She cradles her securely in her arms, Tomorrow, would you like to go to Malaga and visit my fathers gallery?

Jenny kisses her shoulder, her neck, Yes