"Mother," I say and laugh, "of course I will."

"But not anytime soon, you hear."

"Of course," I say and sigh, "I guess I should go talk to him."

I get up and walk towards my father’s office. I pause for a minute at the door and I take in a deep breath. The worst that could happen is he doesn’t accept me at all. I have my mother, my friends. Do I really need his acceptance? A voice deep down answered, yes. I knocked and walked in. I closed the door and stood there for a minute, then he spoke.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No Daddy."

"Then why are you gay? How did you get this way?"

"I was born this way daddy. I tried to like boys, but I can’t. I’m sorry you’re disappointed. I’d rather live with your disappointment than live unhappy with a man."

"I’m not disappointed baby, it’s just a shock. I just want what’s best for you, I want you to be happy."

"I am dad, for the first time in my life, I am happy."

"Is there anyone special yet?"

"Not yet," I said smiling.

"When there is, I’d like to meet her."

"Of course, but don’t put your over protective daddy act on. Your Marine Corp ranking is intimidating enough," I said and he laughed. He held his arms out and I went to them. He hugged me so tight, tears welled in my eyes.

"I love you daddy."

"I love you too princess," he said and his voice cracked. I’m still his princess.

"Now," he says clearing his throat, "finish your studies and get to bed."

I left his office and sought out my brothers. They were in their room, painting some murals on their walls. I sighed as I went in and sat on their chair.

"Why did you yell for us to get out?"

"I had to tell mom and dad something important."

"Oh, a secret?"

"No not a secret anymore. I just wanted to tell everyone one on one."

"Ohh, so you’re gonna tell us or what," Ben asked.

"Yes. Sit down," I said and they sat in the floor in front of me, "Now this is really important to me. So don’t say anything until you’ve thought it through."

"Ok! Just tell us," David practically shouted at me.

"Ok, I’m gay," I said and they just sat there. No words were even attempted to form in both my little brother’s mouthes.

"So, does that mean you’ve seen a lot of boobs," Ben asked and David giggled.

"Ugh, that’s all you have to say?"

"Boobs are awesome," Ben said and David nodded in agreement.

"No, I’m only gonna date one girl and see her boobs only," I say giving up on trying to convince my fourteen year old brothers that this is serious.

"It’s ok Tina. We understand and we still love you," David says and it warms my heart.

"Yeah totally, my history teacher is a lesbian. Her girlfriend is hot," Ben exclaims.

I laughed at them, and they laughed too. Even though they were immature about it, their hearts were in the right place and they understood and accepted me. I left them to finish their work and went to my room. There was still one more person I had to tell and hopefully he’d be happy for me. He was the one person I counted on and the one person I needed to accept me.