Paula was quiet, a far away look on her face. She was squeezing Spencer’s hand unconsciously, nervously. It was a long few minutes before she got her emotions under control enough to turn to her daughter.

“I…I guess I can do that, but it won’t be easy for me Spencer. I remember how she hurt you and I can’t easily forgive someone for hurting you.”

Spencer could understand that, even appreciate it on some level.

“Well, I think maybe Ashley feels the same about you.”

Noticing her mother’s confused look she continued.

“When you found out about me, about my sexuality, your reaction hurt me. Ashley saw that and whether you can believe it or not, she cares about me. A lot. So I don’t think it’s easy for her to let go and forgive you for hurting me that night, for hurting her even.”

Paula felt shame wash over her, just for a second. She had done what she had done for the good of her daughter, at least at the time that is what she had felt was best for her. She looked into Spencer’s face and maybe for the first time realized she was not a child anymore. She was a smart, beautiful young woman who lived her life unashamedly. She felt a measure of pride in that, she had helped shape the strong individual before her, even if it was only in a small way. Even if she had probably hurt her along the way, Spencer was stronger for it. Maybe it was time she stepped aside and let her daughter lead her life.

“I’m sorry for everything I did back then. I can only say I was trying to do what I thought was best for you. I guess I even feel a little bad about what I did to Ashley, I could have handled it differently, but my first priority was you, Spencer. So I’ll try, because you asked me to, I’ll really try to get to know Ashley, but will she be willing?”

Spencer thought about it, about the animosity Ashley had always felt towards her mother, but she also remembered the longing in Ashley’s eyes. The longing to be loved like Paula loved Spencer. The way a mother should love her child.