I proceeded to tell her about my finals. I went into detail about my exams and how nervous yet confident I was. I told her about all my friends and their finals and how we were going to the beach tomorrow to celebrate our adulthood and triumphs. We all got into the same college, which was crazy and amazing. UCLA had no idea the trouble they had on their hands.

I was incredibly nervous to let my mother know I had a date tonight. I wasn’t sure how they’d react, they knew I was gay and they were ok with it. But I wasn’t too sure how ok they were. I mean Bette was a bit older, and more sophisticated, I’m sure she’d make a wonderful impression. I was mainly worried about the age thing and the fact she is a woman.

"Mom, I have something to tell you. You need to tell dad, I’m too nervous to."

"What is it hun?"

"I, uh, I have a date tonight."

"Oh, who with?"

"Her name is Bette Porter, and she’ll be here at six-thirty to talk to you and dad."

I held my breath as I did not know what was going to happen. She stood there for a second and then her face softened. She smiled and held her arms out. I went to her and she hugged me. I felt so relieved.

"You don’t have to be scared to tell him Tina."

"I know but I still am."

"So, she wants to meet the Captain huh?"

"Yeah," I said and smiled.

The doorbell rang and my heart dropped, then I realized that it was Carmen and Shane. They said hi to my mom and we went up to my room where they started grooming me. Shane did my hair while Carmen did my make up. I was super nervous but the girls were doing their best to keep me calm. Finally it was time to pick a dress, I had forty-five minutes until Bette would get here.

The girls left and I was left by myself, staring at myself in the mirror. I was so nervous, what if I am not up to her standards? What if she’s toying with me? All these negative thoughts crept around in my head. I heard the doorbell ring and all the negative thoughts shattered. I left my room and I could hear her talking to my parents. Introductions were made and I heard my father quizzing her.