“I didn’t know you felt so strongly.”

“Truth is, she reminds me of me. When I came out, my father refused to believe it, even went to church to pray it away. So I know what she’s feeling. She’s family and I think we should help her,” Bette explained and looked into Tina’s eyes, “she came looking for you; her favorite aunt. The one person she knew she could count on.”

“Babe, truth be told, ever since I saw her on the porch last night, I wanted her to stay. Now knowing you are more than ok with it confirms that this is the right thing to do. I really hope that my brother will hear me out.”

They sat at the table on their patio. Bette had placed the phone in front of Tina, and waited. She just stared at it, not making a move. It had been a little less than ten years since she talked to her brother. Ever since she came out, her brother had disowned her. Bette sat with an encouraging smile as Tina picked the phone up. As Tina dialed the numbers, both their hearts started beating wildly.

“Hello,” Tina said her voice shaking.

“Yes?”

“John?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“It’s Christina, your sister.”

“Christina? What in God’s name do you want?”

“I want to talk about Cassandra.”

“What about her? Why are you calling me? I told you I never wanted to speak to you.”

“John, shut up and listen to me. Cassandra is here, with me.”

“With you? Where in the blue hell are you?”

“In Los Angeles John, where I’ve lived for the past ten years.”

“What in the hell is she doing there? How did she even get there?”

“She flew here. Look, she told me what happened and,” she started to say and got cut off.

“What happened is you corrupted her. Your sinful ways have seeped their way into my home and now she’s godless heathen.”

“Screw you John,” she said getting up, “I live a very happy and very fulfilling life. I don’t need your approval and I certainly don’t need you spouting your ignorant drivel at me. I’m calling about Cassandra and I’m concerned for her wellbeing.”

“How dare you accuse me of jeopardizing her wellbeing? You have no idea who I am and what I’ve done for my children. Who are you to accuse me of such things? I am helping her to find her way and to steer clear of the sins of the world.”