The brunette spoke quickly “There is no need to Mrs Kennard”

“Oh there is dear…My own bigotry and embarrassment of my daughters sexuality denied you and I the opportunity to get to know one another…I prejudged you…I saw you as the reason for Tina becoming lesbian…When really deep down I always knew Christina had a mind of her own…She would never be persuaded to do something she didn’t want to do..I’m sorry and I hope we can get to know each other a little better?”

“I look forward to that Mrs Kennard” Bette said with sincerity

“Call me Chrissy? Please? You are part of our family after all” Mrs Kennard smiled

“Bette choked up at the reference to being part of the Kennard clan, she softly said

“Okay thanks very much Mrs Ken..sorry Chrissy..I’m so glad it went well with Tina..she never says much.. but I know she missed you both”

Tina heard Bette’s reply to her mother as she walked in the living room, she lightened the mood by saying “Oh first name terms already Porter?…You are a fast worker!” The blonde then winked at her lover as she put the brunette’s coffee down on the table beside her

Everyone laughed then Mrs Kennard spoke again “Both of you…Don’t be like me, take this old woman’s advice…Be good to one another!, and don’t let ignorance or stubbornness drive you away from anyone you love dearly..Respect, and be true to each other”

Bette and Tina listened,..The blonde sat down next to the brunette and automatically reached for her lovers hand, she entwined their fingers then lay their hands softly on her left thigh.

Both of Tina’s parents smiled at the absent minded show of affection their daughter had just displayed for her woman..They knew she wasn’t putting on a show, it was obvious they always acted this way-even to the Kennard’s who did not know “Bette and Tina the Couple” very well.

They all chatted for a while whilst drinking their beverages, then Mrs Kennard winked discreetly at Bette, and said to her daughter in a serious tone

“Christina. It’s getting late, I’m going to bed in a moment so..Em…Bette can sleep in the spare room with Angelica..and you honey..You can sleep in your old bedroom”

“Mom!!!- After everything you said about accepting us!..I really don’t want to argue with you again-BUT there is NO way that we are not shar…”

Tina was cut off by a fit of giggles coming from Bette and both her Parents

The blonde’s father spoke then “Tina you are still so easy to wind up!”

Mrs Kennard then chipped in “Its okay don’t panic!- We assumed you would be sharing a room…but just remember the walls are paper thin in this house!”

Tina blushed furiously…she was major embarrassed at her mother’s comment

Bette laughed jovially then said “Why Chrissy I do believe you have suitably embarrassed your daughter!”

Mrs Kennard got up and hugged her daughter “I’m sorry darling I couldn’t resist a little joke”

Tina hugged her mother close..but not too tightly..as she was aware of the wire that alluded to the needle in her mothers arm, Tina held her mother gingerly as she whispered softly “Thank you Mom”

Mrs Kennard answered offhandedly “Don’t thank me! – I’m only doing what I should have done years ago…being hospitable to my daughter and her partner”

Chrissy Kennard then hugged her daughter tighter..Clinging to her…Holding on to the blonde in a vice grip…as if she never wanted to let her go….