Chapter 11

“Hey sis, can I watch some of your projects?” Michael asks.

“Sure, look in the folder that says finished projects.” Tina says.

Megan is onto putting her hair up. Tina has moved down to the floor, withe Megan is sitting on the chair, better working position that way. Bette has also gotten down on the floor, facing Tina. They’re smiling at each other softly.

“I think you’ll look great when she’s done.” Bette says and squeezes her hand.

“You do huh! Yeah, I usually do look great.” Tina says and chuckles and smiles shyly at Bette. “Hey Mikey, can I do yours again too?” Tina asks, looking from Bette to her brother.

“Oh come on sis. Wasn’t that one time enough?” Michael asks as he sighs.

Tina let out a little laugh.

“What do you say Megs, should he do it?” Tina asks Megan.

“Yeah. Come on Mikey, you looked so cool last time.” Megan says in a pleading tone.

Bette looks on at the three siblings with amusement.

“You’re not worried about your friends seeing you now are you? Like your reputation will be shattered?” Tina asks, chuckling again. She turns to Bette. “He’s a cool dude… Dad flipped out last time we did this. Just us playing.  And I finally got to do Michaels hair, I put it up and then dad got home and got angry fast, about no son of his was gonna look like a girl, and so on.” Tina says as she explains it to Bette.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Bette replies.

“Yeah, and then he started telling us that no child of his were gay either. It all turned out to be a good family day in the end, but the start we could’ve made without.” Tina says and looks a little sadly at Bette.

“Again, sorry. I can see now why you’re not looking forward to telling your parents.” Bette says as she continues to lightly squeeze Tina’s hands.

“Yeah.” Tina replies.

There’s a few moments of silence.

“Sis, if dad isn’t okay with it and cuts you off, like stop talking to you. He loses me too. I won’t let him treat you like that.” Michael says and looks seriously at his big sister.