“She can fuck?”

“Al!”

“Right right. In that case, I am going for an interview with Connie Coven now, meet you later at the Planet?”

“Wait! Connie Coven? The wrestler? Why are you interviewing her?”

“For Christ’s sake, Shane! How many times must I tell you that I am a reporter and that I…”

“Jeez Al, all I meant was, what’s your magazine got to do with wrestling?”

“Oh… erm… tell you about it later.”

They agreed to meet at the planet later on for lunch and Shane decided that she was going to do some housework for a change. She would also leave the house earlier to pick up something before meeting Alice.

—————————————

“I’m not… into men, momma.” Carmen was staring down at her fingers, unable to bring herself to look her mother. Afraid of what she might see in those eyes.

“I’m gay… I like girls. Shane is my girlfriend for two years now, and I love her. I love her very much.”

Mercedes came around the counter to draw Carmen into a hug. And relief washed over her as she didn’t feel any rejection or resentment from her mother.

“There is no chance you will like guys, yes?” Mercedes said while keeping her precious daughter in her arms.

“No momma, I’m sorry.” She pulled her mother closer, afraid that if she let go, her mother would slip away.

“Ah well. My sweet sweet child. There is nothing to be sorry about. As long as you are happy, I’m happy.”

 “Thank you Momma, I appreciate this very much.”

Carmen didn’t expect it to be this easy. She knew Mercedes knew. But how could she have known that it wasn’t denial that prevented Mercedes from confronting her? It was never-ending and everlasting love for a daughter that allowed Carmen to be who she wants to be. Carmen knew that a lot of heartache would have been spared if she had told her mother earlier. But how was she to know that her mother would accept her so easily.

 “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, momma.”

“It’s okay, you are telling me now, no?” Mercedes comforted, knowing how difficult it was for Carmen, she could feel her daughter shake with relief in her arms.