Chapter 32

An hour later they are at the shoppingmall, Michael came too and they´re all having a good time. Tina was off with Michael to buy gifts for Bette and Megan and Megan and Bette was off shopping for Michael and Tina.

“So, sis, what do you think I should get mom and dad?” Michael asks.
“I don´t know. Have you thought about something?” Tina asks.
“No, not really, I mean, they have everything.” Michael says.
“Yeah, they do. I know one thing they would be happy about.” Tina says and looks at him.
“What?” He asks curiously.
“You cutting off your hair.” Tina says carefully.
“No way. I´m not doing that.
“It´s down to below your shoulders. What about cutting it a little, give it more of a guy´s look on it. I´m not saying cutting it all off. I like your hair actually. But I think you would look good in a more rough do. You´re a handsome man.” Tina says and smiles.
“Okay? Well, where do we find a hair salon that has an available time today?” Michael asks.
“Let´s go around and ask. I´ve seen at least 5 salons in here.” Tina says and smiles.
“I bet you have.” Michael says and chuckles a little.
“Come on.” Tina says and takes Michaels hand and together they started on the quest for available hair time.
They struck gold on the second salon they entered.
“So, how do you want your new do?” The stylist asks.
“Well, my sister has a good opinion on that.” Michael says and looks at Tina through the mirror.
The stylist looks at Tina, waiting for a reply.
“Well, I like his long hair. And it´s thick. I think he would look good in a more rough long hair do. It´s hard to explain.” Tina says.
“I think I understand what you mean. Let me get a magazine here. pictures are always good to look at. I´ll be right back.” The stylist says and hurries off to get the magazine.
“I better not get out of here without hair at all.” He says and looks somewhat seriously at Tina, who only smiles back.The stylist comes back with a hairmagazine. She show´s them some pictures.
“Was it something like this you meant?” She asks Tina.
Tina looks at it for a few moments.
“Yeah, something like that. you like it Mikey?” Tina asks.
“Yeah I guess. Never had any vax on it though.” He says as he looks at the pictures.
“Well, we´ll do that now then.” The stylist says and smiles.
“Great.” He says as he sits back in the chair and let the stylist take charge.
Tina takes a seat in the chair next to him. She texts Bette and tells them where they are. 15 minutes later Bette and Megan enters the salon.
“Hey, guys.” Bette says as she softly squeezes Tina´s shoulders.
“Hey babe.” Tina replies back as she smiles through the mirror.
“Wow, Michael, really? You cutting your hair off?” Bette asks surprised.
“No, not off, just a little more manly…” he says and nods towards the magazine in Tina´s hands.
“I talked him into getting a more guyish hairdo. Still long but, but more manly.” Tina says and points to the picture.
“Can I see?” Megan says and walks up besides Tina.
“Yeah, sure, here.” Tina says and gives the magazine to Megan.
“Wow, this is cool. I think you would look great with this Mikey.” Megan says and smiles at him. She walks around and takes a seat in the chair on the other side and she starts watching the stylist every move.
Tina notices and smiles.
“If she stares at you, it just because she wants to learn. She wants to be a hairstylist when she grows up.” Tina says and smiles.
“Oh, cool.” The stylist replies and smiles over at Megan.
“So did you get to buy lots of presents?” Tina asks, looking up at Bette.
“Yeah, we did.” Bette smiles back. “Did you get to buy lots?” Bette asks.
“No, haven´t found anything for mom and dad yet.” Tina says.
“Why don´t we take a quick round, while these two are here?” Bette suggests.
“Will you be okay here?” Tina asks Michael.
“Yeah, sure. And I think Megan will be fine too.” He says and nods over at his sister, who is still almost mesmerized by the stylist.
“Okay, we´ll be back soon. If you´re done before us, call me and I´ll come and pay for the cut.” Tina says.
“Sure.” Michael says and smiles.
Bette and Tina walks out.
“So, any suggestions? You heard them, they have everything.” Tina says as she takes Bette´s hand in hers.
“Have they ever been abroad?” Bette asks.
“No, I don´t think so. Why?” Tina asks.
“Well, why don´t we treat them to a trip to Paris?” Bette suggests.
“To Paris?” Tina asks surprised.
“Yeah, or something like that. get them out of Chapell Hill for a long weekend. It´s just a suggestion.” Bette says.
“I know. Even if I wanted to, I can´t afford a trip to Europe for two persons.” Tina says.
“I do.” Bette says softly.
“Bette, please not again. I don´t feel comfortable using your money.” Tina says.
“It´s our money Tina. I can´t use it all on my own. And the way they have dealt with us and your accident. Don´t they deserve at least something? And for 26 years they´ve been parents and I bet, haven´t had a lot of time alone to be a couple. We can take Megan for a weekend. Michael too, if he wants too.” Bette says.
“You have a way with words missy. I still feel like I´m stepping into a land I´m not supposed to be in when it comes to your money.” Tina says and turns to look at Bette.
“I know. I would probably feel the same way I guess. But really Tee we should get used to share things.” Bette says and softly squeezes Tina´s hand.
“I know. Why don´t we go over there to that travel agency and just look. Check it out.” Tina says.
Bette smiles as she leans in for a quick kiss.
“Sure. Come on.” Bette says as she carefully pushes Tina in the direction of the agency.
“I´m not sure about an abroad trip though. So much time goes away on the plane and traveltime.” Tina says.
“Okay, we´ll look at trips within the US or Canada.” Bette says.
“I love you.” Tina says and kisses Bette as they enter the agency.
“Ditto.” Bette says and smiles.
“What can I help you ladies with?” A travel agent asks them.
“Well, do you have any nice trips within the US or Canada?” Bette asks.
“We sure do. Come and take a seat, tell me what you´re after.” She says and takes a seat behind her desk. Bette and Tina takes a seat on the visitorschairs. “So, what do you have in mind?” The agent asks.
“Well, it´s a gift for my parents for Christmas.” Tina says.
“Are you thinking Cabin, hotel, a small nice country inn? Or something else?” The agent asks.
“I haven´t thought about anything really.” Tina says.
“Well, do they have any hobbies, likes, dislikes, that sort of things?” The agent asks.
“Well, they both likes to walk, not far since my mom can´t walk far and on bumpy terrain. And both likes fireplace.” Tina says.
“Well, this sounds to me like they would be happy in a nice cabin somewhere.” The agent says with a smile.
“Yeah, they will be. That will give them privacy too, just to be themselves.” Tina smiles. She looks at Bette who smiles back at her.
“What do you say?” She asks Bette.
“Anything you like. You know them better than me.” Bette replies.
“Yeah, but still, I would like your opinion though.” Tina says.
“I think a cabintrip would be perfect.” Bette says with a smile.
“Okay, I guess we´ll go for the cabin. So you have many cabins to choose from?” Tina asks.
“We have a few that I think will be perfect. Let me get the brochures for those.” The agent says and walks into the back for a few moments.
“If you look at this one, it´s located in the Smokey mountains. It´s really idyllic there, it´s a two bedroom cabin with a large livingroom with a large fireplace. The kitchen is open and in one corner. There are a bathroom with shower, full electricity is there also. Should´nt lack anything on that stuff. It looks out onto a small lake. Which of course in the winter are all ice. It´s beautiful there in the summers. A small town is located only five minutes away with car, so food and shopping are close by. And here´s some pictures from there.” The agent says and gives them the brochure.
“Wow, it´s really nice there. I think mom and dad would love this place.” Tina says and smiles. “And it´s not that far away from home. So a whole day won´t get lost by traveltime.” She adds.
“How much is it for a week?” Bette asks.
“It depends on when they plan on staying there. It´s cheaper in the wintertime. but it´s more beautiful there in the summertime.” The agent says.
“I think they would enjoy it more in the summertime. That´s when dad also has the best chance of getting some time off from work.” Tina says.
“Okay, summertime it is.” Bette says.
20 minutes later they were done. They had booked the cabin for a week in the summer. In July to be exact. that´s when the weather supposedly was at its best.. They walk back to the hair salon where the stylist is finishing up on Michael.
“Wow, look at you. You look great.” Tina says entering the salon.
“You think?” Michael asks.
“Yeah, I do.” Tina replies.
“You look great Mike.” Bette agrees.
“Hey, Megan, come here.” Tina says. Megan runs over to Tina.
“What?” She asks.
“Did you learn anything?” Tina asks.
“Yeah, Im gonna try it when we get home.” She replies with a beaming smile.
“Just remember that you can´t use the scissors with us. Just styling.” Tina says and gives her a light shoulder squeeze.
“So, Michael, you like it?” The stylist asks.
“Yeah I do. Thank you.” Michael replies.
“Good. And you can still have it in a ponytail at the gym. It might be more stylish to have a bandana on or something.” The stylist says.
“I´ll keep that in mind.” Michael replies with a smile.
They walk over to the register, where the stylist punch in the price.
“It´s 62 dollars. I´ll say 60 dollars, since its christmas.” The stylist says.
“Thank you.” Michael and Tina says. Tina pays and they are out of there moments later.
“So, are we done? Or do we still need to do some shopping?” Bette asks.
“I´m done.” Tina says.
“I´m done too.” Michael says.
“Me three.” Megan says.
“Well then, time to go home then.” Bette says with a smile.
“Yeah, let´s get home. Playtime awaits.” Tina says with a grin as she looks over at Bette.
“Goody.” Bette murmurs quietly.
Half an hour later they parked in front of Tina´s parents home.
“Come on, come on.” Megan hurries everyone inside.
Once Michael walks into the kitchen and Joanne sees the hair, she smiles.
“Wow, Michael, you look handsome. That hairdo suits you much more.” Joanne says and gives him a hug.
“Thanks. I like it too. You think dad will like it?” Michael asks.
“I don´t know, but it´s more manly than the one you had this morning.” Joanne says with a smile. “So, he´ll see it as a step in the right direction.” She adds, while patting his shoulder.
“Great…” He sighs as he walks into the livingroom.
“Bette, Christina, come on.” Megan shouts from the livingroom.
“You regret it now, don´t you?” Bette asks Tina as she takes her hand in her own.
“Maybe just a little.” Tina agrees.
“Yeah… We´ll be in Megan´s hairsalon if you need us Joanne.” Bette says and smiles.
“Good luck.” Joanne chuckles.
Bette and Tina walks into the livingroom and sees that Megan only has one chair ready.
“Only one?” Tina asks.
“Yeah, one at the time. You first.” Megan says and smiles.
“Ah, great.” Tina replies and takes a seat.
Bette leans down for a kiss before she takes a seat in front of her.
“So, Meg, what are your plan for my hair?” Tina asks.
“I don´t know yet. Any wishes?” Megan asks.
“No, just don´t cut or color it.” Tina replies.
“Okay.” Megan says.
“I was actually close to getting a cut myself earlier.” Tina says, looking at Bette.
“You were? how much were you planning on taking off?” Bette asks curiously.
“About right above my shoulders?” Tina says.
“No, please don´t do that. I love your hair. I love how angelic it looks. Please don´t cut any of it off.” Bette pleads.
“You like it that much?” Tina asks.
“Yeah. I do. I love running my hands through it also. Promise me you won´t cut it?” Bette pleads again.
“Okay, I promise, only split ends then.” Tina says and smiles.
“Thank you.” Bette says with a big smile.
Megan starts with combing her hair.
“Oh, that´s good Megan.” Tina says as she closes her eyes and enjoys the feeling.
Bette looks on with a smile. ´can it get any better than this?´ She asks herself.
Tina opens her eyes after a little while and sees that Bette is looking at her with a smile she hasn´t seen before.
“What?” She asks softly.
“Nothing, just that… You are so beautiful and I love you much.” Bette says as she leans forward towards Tina and takes her hands. “I´m just so happy.” Bette whispers with a big smile on her face.
Tina dries a single teardrop that found its way down her cheek.
“I love you too babe.” Tina replies. “More than anything.” She adds as she squeezes Bette´s hands softly. Bette leans in for a kiss.
Just inside the kitchen Joanne hears the sweet dialog between her daughter and Bette and she smiles. She knows that her daughter is truly happy.
“I´ve learned how to braid now, properly.” Megan says.
“That´s good, so you´re gonna braid my hair?” Tina asks.
“Yes, I think so. Really many braids.” Megan says and smiles.
Bette looks at Tina and grins.
“Great choice Meg, she looks really cute with braids.” Bette says.
“Hey, you are supposed to be on my side here…” Tina says and chuckles.
“I´m on your side, and I´m on my side. And my side says that you look cute with braids. So there, GO MEGAN.” Bette shouts out.
This makes Joanne laugh out loud as she enters the livingroom with some sodas and cookies.
“Mom.” Tina says with a pout.
“Hey, she´s funny, and I agree, you look cute with braids. You used to want them when you were little.” Joanne says with a smile.
“I did? I can´t remember that.” Tina says.
“Well, it was when you were about three to six years old.” Joanne says.
Tina sighs as Bette moves a little closer to her.
“Guys, you have to have your hair like this for the whole day, okay?” Megan says as she starts deviding Tina´s hair into lots of section.
“Okay, you´re the boss today.” Tina replies. “Hey, mom, where´s dad?” She asks curiously.
“I don´t know. He said he was going out for a little while. He left right after you did.” Joanne says.
“He didn´t say where he was going?” Tina asks.
“No. Maybe he´s out christmasshopping.” Joanne says with a smile.
“Yeah, must be.” Tina agrees.
After about an hour later, Megan is done with only a quarter of the head.
“I feel this is going to be a long day.” Tina says with a chuckle. “Mom, is there going to be some food at some point today? Hopefully soon?” Tina asks softly.
“Off course. I´ll go and start on a late lunch.” Joanne says.
“Why don´t I help you out.” Bette says and stands up. “I´ll be back soon.” She whispers to Tina and leans down for a quick kiss. “Love you.” She adds quickly before following Joanne into the kitchen.
“So Bette, how do you like it here in Chapel Hill?” Joanne asks.
“I like it. It´s peacefull here.” Bette replies.
“It is. It´s a wonderfull place to grow up, and also to raise kids. Have you talked about that yet?” Joanne asks curiously.
“It´s kind of early for us to talk about that, but we have mentioned it a few times. Both of us want kids. So there will probably be two or three little Kennard-Porters running around a few years down the line. But we don´t want to rush it. It happens when it happens.” Bette says.
“That´s good. … It´s still a little surreal to be in my own kitchen, talking to my daughters girlfriend, about kids. It´s not a bad thing, don´t get me wrong… I just pictured it differently in my mind before.” Joanne says as she chops up some veggies.
“I know, and I understand.” Bette says with a smile.
“I don´t wish for anyone else for Christina, you have to believe me on that. I´m starting to really care for you. I´ve seen you now these last few days, how you treat her, talk to her, look at her. I only see love. Love from both of you. And I feel warm inside me then. Because I know that my little girl is in good, loving hands.” Joanne says as she wipes a few tears as she smiles bravely.
“Thank you Joanne, for that. I´m starting to care for you too. I know it can´t be easy to learn that your daughter is a lesbian, but I think you have taken it head on, all though a little rocky start, but, you saw beyond the label, you see Tina, for who she is. And for that I thank you. I will love Tina for the rest of my life. I will never intentionally hurt her or disrespect her. I will do my best to love her unconditionally. You have my word on that. I love her deeply.” Bette says as she also becomes a little teary eyed.
Joanne walks over and pulls Bette into a big, warm hug.
“Thank you, for saying that. Thank you for loving Christina.” Joanne says, leaving the hug.
“It´s my pleasure.” Bette says and winks.
“I bet.” Joanne replies with a chuckle.
“So, what can I do to help?” Bette asks.
“Well, you could set the table maybe?” Joanne asks. 
“Sure, just point me to the right cabinets.” Bette replies.
After a little while, Bette is done with the table, she looks in on Tina and Megan and sees that half the head is now braided. She smiles at them as she enters the kitchen again.
“There, I´m done, what next?” Bette asks.
“I have everything under control now, so why don´t you join them in the living room. After all it is your vacation. Thanks for setting the table dear.” Joanne says with a smile.
“Okay, you´re welcome. Just shout if you need any help then.” Bette says and exits the kitchen and into the livingroom. Tina looks up with a soft face.
“Hey.” She says as she reaches out for Bette to come close.
“Hey yourself there cutie.” Bette says and takes a seat.
“Ha ha, funnygirl.” Tina laughs. “How do I look?” Tina asks.
“You look beautifull as usual. What kind of hairdo you have, doesn´t change that.” Bette says as she leans in for a kiss.
“Sweet talker… So did it go okay in there with mom?” Tina asks.
“Yeah, she wants grandkids I think.” Bette smiles.
“What? you talked about that?” Tina asks seriously.
“She asked if we´ve talked about it. I said yes, but that it´s down the road, still a few years before we start to make that kind of plans. Don´t worry Tee.” Bette says in a calm voice.
“Okay, I just don´t want to feel preassure about it. It happens when it happens. Right?” Tina asks.
“Absolutely.” Bette agrees with a nod.
“Good. But I do want kids with you, just so you know.” Tina says with a wink.
“Good.” Bette replies.
Just then Paul enters the house. Joanne comes into the livingroom to wait for him.
“Hey guys.” He says as he dissapears into the bathroom before anyone could reply him.
Joanne looks at Tina with a shoulder shrug. A few minutes later he comes back. He takes a seat on the sofa.
“So, where have you been all day?” Joanne asks.
“Trying to get my brother here for dinner tomorrow.” Paul says.
”What did he say?” Joanne asks.
”His wife said no.” Paul says.
”Doesn´t he have a say in it?” Joanne asks.
”Apparently no.” Paul says.
”What did she say?” Joanne asks. Bette and Tina following closely and holding hands. Megan is still working on the braiding.
”Things I should not repeat in the presence of children. I swear to God that I want to strangle that woman… I know I wasn´t very nice right after you told us Christina, but I see it now. I see you and your relationship to Bette. It´s great to know that your daughter is happy. It´s a good feeling.” He says and smiles at Tina and then at Joanne.
”Thank you dad, it means a lot to know I have your support.” Tina says as she smiles back at him.
”I was an idiot. I´m sorry.” He replies. ”I tried to talk to them, and he agrees with me, but he doesn´t dare to cross his wife. I´m sure she´s the devil in disguize.” Paul says, this earns a chuckle from Tina.
”I actually never liked her. Too stuck up for my taste.” Tina says.
”Christina, she´s your aunt. She has always been nothing but nice to you.” Joanne says.
”Mom, she´s an ignorent ass. And she´s false. Her whole being is false, you can tell from miles away.” Tina says and it earns an agreement from her father and Michael who has reentered the livingroom.
”Okay, I give…” Joanne says.
”Maybe he´ll come, maybe not. We´ll see tomorrow. They were fighting when I left. So I´ll keep my fingers crossed untill tomorrow. I told him to never bother coming here again if he chose not to come.” Paul says.
”You did?” Tina asks surprised.
”Yeah. So I hope he comes. After all he´s my brother.” Paul replies.
Joanne walks over to Paul and takes a seat next to him.
”I´m proud of you, for sticking up for our daughter. I´m sure it wasn´t easy going there and giving him that ultimatum.” Joanne says as she takes his hand in hers.
”Yeah, well, let´s just forget this for a while, is there dinner soon?” He asks, changing the subject.
”Actually yes, I´m on it now. It´s soon done.” Joanne says as she stands and walks back to the kitchen.
Paul then sees Michael.
”Hey man, new do?” He asks.
”Yeah, what do you think?” Michael asks.
”It´s better. You´re on to something… a little shorter now and you got it.” He says and winks.
Megan has only a little section left now, until all the hair are braided.
”And dad, how do I look?” Tina asks with a chuckle.
”Well, what can I say?” He says with a grin.
Few minutes later Joanne calls from the kitchen that the dinner is ready.
”Oh mom, I have only a few braids left, can I finish? Please?” Megan asks.
”Sure honey.” Joanne calls back.
Tina and Megan walks in minutes later. Tina takes a seat next to Bette who softly strokes Tina´s hair.
”Cute?” Tina asks.
”Beautiful.” Bette replies with a smile.
They start their dinner and the conversation flows nicely.
”So guys, when do you plan on going home?” Joanne asks.
”We haven´t decided yet.” Tina replies. ”All we´ve talked about, is that we want to celebrate New Years with each other somewhere.” Tina says and smiles softly towards Bette.
”Okay, so you won´t leave right after Christmas then?” Joanne asks.
”No, we´ll stay a few days extra.” Tina assures her mother.
”Good. That´s good.” She replies.
A few hours later and they were all seated in the livingroom.
”Now it´s your turn Bette.” Megan says in a excited voice.
”Great.” Bette says and stands up to take a seat in the ´salon-chair´.
”Do you have any thoughts about your hair?” Megan asks.
”No, nothing more than Tina. No color and no cutting.” Bette replies.
”Okay. Great.” Megan says and starts combing.
After a few moments Bette closes her eyes.
”Wow, that is good.” She says.
All eyes are on her. But she doesn´t care. This was lovely. Tina smiles as she moves closer to her and takes her hand in hers.
”Hey, are you up for a boardgame?” Michael asks.
”Yeah, I am.” Tina replies right away.
”Yeah, why not.” Joanne agrees. Paul nods.
”Trivial Persuit?” He asks.
Everyone nods. He runs upstairs to get it. Megan has stopped combing and is now thinking of how she wants it. Tina watches her curiously.
”I´ll braid you too. Then you´ll match with Christina. But since you have so thick hair, you only get one braid. Is that okay?” Megan asks.
”You don´t have to ask Megan, do what you want. I´ll like it no matter what.” Bette says, reassuring Megan to go on. This gives her a little boost and she´s back to deviding the hair. She decided to make a french braid on Bette.
”Which TP do you have?” Bette asks.
”We have the 90´s edition. That way it might be a little easier to answer them, also for younger people.” Joanne says.
”Okay, maybe I can answer some too then.” Bette replies with a chuckle.
”Do we play in teams or individual?” Tina asks as Michael comes back to the table with the game. He opens it and sets it up.
”Teams? Me and Tina, Bette and Megan and mom and dad.” Michael suggests.
”Sounds good to me.” Tina replies. Everyone agrees.
After a little while Megan finished with Bette´s hair.
”There I´m done. What do you think?” She asks.
”Let me run to the bathroom and see.” Bette says and hurries into the bathroom to check. Better light there. She walks back moments later.
”It looks great Megan. You are really good.” She says as she gives Megan a hug.
”Thanks. You like it Christina?” She asks.
”I do Meg.” Tina replies.
They continues to play the game. After about an hour, Bette and Megan is in the lead by one cookie over Joanne and Paul, with Tina and Michael last.
”Come on sis. We have to take some cookies soon or else we´ll loose.” Michael says as he tries to build the teamspirit. Tina chuckles at his peptalk.
Just then the doorbell rings.
”Wonder who that could be.” Paul says as he stands and walks into the hallway to open the door. 
He´s surprised to see who´s there.