Once upon a time a man and a woman fell in love. We\u2019ll call them Bob and Judy. Ten years into their marriage they had a nice house, and three daughters. Gradually, Judy began to lose interest in her husband, although she still loved him. She began to have feelings for women. Over the next three years, Judy\u2019s feelings for women became so strong that she could no longer tolerate living with her husband. She wasn\u2019t interested in men anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This led to a divorce which was as amicable as possible, although Bob felt bewildered and angry. The former husband and wife shared custody of the children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy found a girlfriend. They both lived in Becca\u2019s house and shared the mortgage payment. The husband never remarried because he still loved his wife, but that was over now. The three daughters were shuttled between the two parents. The older daughter began to have feelings for girls, just like her mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy felt bad about the divorce because Bob didn\u2019t want it and the family would be disrupted, but she felt great about her relationship with her girlfriend. She thought the children were doing pretty well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bob, on the other hand, began to feel more and more bitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t help how I feel,\u201d Judy told him one day when she came over to their old house to pick up the children. \u201cIt\u2019s better this way. You wouldn\u2019t want to live with someone you don\u2019t love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI still love you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI love you too, but not in the way you want.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conversation went round and round like it usually did. Bob complained that a person doesn\u2019t suddenly switch genders, and Judy asserted that yes, it happens, and that they were a perfect example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFind another woman to love,\u201d Judy said. \u201cThere\u2019s plenty of fish in the sea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI only want one fish,\u201d Bob replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy was getting fed up, which she usually did when talking to Bob. She felt bad about their breakup, but Bob couldn\u2019t seem to let her go. Every time she went over to pick up the kids he took her on an emotional rollercoaster. \u201cI\u2019ve moved on Bob. You should too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy took her daughters back to her house. Her oldest, Mandy, was fascinated by the relationship between the two women. Moira, the middle child, was disgusted by the relationship and wanted mom and dad to get back together. Mary, the youngest, didn\u2019t care whether mom was gay or not. She just wanted to stay in one place and not get shifted around every month to a different place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s stupid,\u201d Mary said after they got home and sat around the kitchen table. \u201cMandy can live here with you and Becca. Why can\u2019t me and Moira stay with dad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBecause the terms of the divorce stipulate that both of us get to have all three of you,\u201d Judy said. \u201cThat\u2019s one thing your father and I both agree on. We love you so much we want all three of you, not just one or two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At that moment Becca walked in the door. \u201cHi kids! How are you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy replied cheerfully. \u201cHi Becca! Did you get that new position?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t know yet; it\u2019s my first interview.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary was bored and began to yawn. Moira folded her arms and looked stubborn and angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca looked at Judy. Moira had been more and more resistant to them lately. \u201cLet\u2019s have this out once and for all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy got out a batch of cookies and passed them around the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to stay here anymore,\u201d Moira, who was 15, said. \u201cI\u2019m not comfortable listening to you two having sex. Our bedroom is right next to yours. It\u2019s disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca looked at Judy, alarmed. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Moira. I didn\u2019t realize we were making so much noise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, you are. I\u2019m not gay and I will never be gay. If you and Becca want to go at it, do it somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This angered Mandy, who was 16. \u201cI think it\u2019s wonderful. Being gay is a part of society. More and more people are doing it. Get used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat do you think Mary?\u201d Judy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary, who was 14, said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t care less whether you two want to fuck men or women, but I think your obsession with gender and sex is ridiculous. You make a big deal out of being gay, as if it made you special people or something. You\u2019re not any more special than anyone else. You\u2019re just two women who like to fuck each other. Get over yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moira cheered this silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy sighed. She recognized the opinions of Bob in this statement. He was getting more and more bitter and she couldn\u2019t understand it. Moreover, Mary was beginning to swear just like her father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep quiet Mary,\u201d Mandy said. \u201cYou\u2019re rude and insulting, just like dad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This fired up Mary, who had quite a temper when roused. \u201cAt least dad kept his marriage vow! He isn\u2019t immature, starting a family and then abandoning everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy snorted. \u201cStart thinking for yourself! That\u2019s right out of dad\u2019s mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary stiffened. \u201cAnd it happens to be my opinion. You\u2019re a hypocrite, accusing me of being like dad. Aren\u2019t you just a mouthpiece for mom and Becca here? When did you suddenly become gay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy rose from the table. \u201cI\u2019ll slap you bitch, if you say that again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d Moira said. \u201cI think we can all see this isn\u2019t working any more. You and dad work something out. This is the last month I stay in this house. I\u2019ll not come over here unless I choose to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd I won\u2019t go back over to dad\u2019s,\u201d Mandy said. \u201cHe\u2019s a whiner and a bigot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s your position Mary?\u201d Becca asked, trying to calm emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t mind the arrangements. I like to see both of you. But if I\u2019m going to stay here I want that spare bed in the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy winced. \u201cAll right. I\u2019ll talk to Bob before our next scheduled move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy went over to see Bob the next day after work and explained the situation. Nothing got resolved, except they agreed that Bob should have all three kids over for a day and a night on the first of next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to talk to them without you around,\u201d Bob said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy sighed. \u201cMandy says she doesn\u2019t want to come over here anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bob shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s only for one day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy was resigned. \u201cOK, but she might not be in a good mood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll risk it. Just get her over here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Life went on. At the beginning of the month Judy took Mandy, Moira, and Mary to see Bob. Mandy complained the entire way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh shut up Mandy,\u201d Moira said. \u201cYou only have to stay for one night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll be one night too many.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When they arrived at Bob\u2019s, he was standing outside the door. Moira ran out of the car and threw herself into her father\u2019s arms. Mandy looked disgusted and Mary shook her head. She just wanted this resolved for all time. Or until she was old enough to get a place of her own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That night Bob ordered pizza (Mandy\u2019s favorite food) and the four sat around the kitchen table, eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bob turned to Mandy. \u201cWhat makes women suddenly stop liking men?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou\u2019re asking me?\u201d Mandy said. \u201cI\u2019m only 16.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd you used to read teen mags and like boys,\u201d Moira said to her. \u201cSo it\u2019s a good question. I want to know too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All eyes were on Mandy now. \u201cI don\u2019t know…I like girls better than boys now I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut what caused you to change your mind?\u201d Bob asked. He always spoke to his children as if they were adults. That\u2019s the one thing Mandy liked about dad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a mental thing. You don\u2019t turn it on and off. It\u2019s emotional. I can\u2019t explain it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDad\u2019s still trying to figure out why mom left him for a woman,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, but mainly it\u2019s that when Judy left it broke up our family,\u201d Bob said. \u201cI thought I was marrying a responsible adult. I could understand it if she didn\u2019t love me anymore. But I know she does. How do you decide you can\u2019t stand men after thirteen years of marriage? We had three children together! I always treated her with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy frowned. This was true; dad didn\u2019t cheat even though toward the end they argued constantly. \u201cPeople change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot like that,\u201d Bob said. \u201cWhen you\u2019re 16 you have questions about your sexuality. That\u2019s normal, Mandy. Not when you\u2019re 40.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMom told me once it came on gradually,\u201d Mary said. \u201cShe got more interested in women and less interested in men. Then she just couldn\u2019t have sex with you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about sex for me, Mary. Well, maybe a little,\u201d he admitted. \u201cAfter your mom left I was with other women during the months you kids weren\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was news to Mandy. \u201cI thought you were just whiny, dad. You mean you\u2019ve seen other women?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOccasionally, but it wasn\u2019t satisfying. Sex without love is sterile. I\u2019m a one-woman man, Mandy, to my detriment. That\u2019s why I\u2019m asking you. Is sex so important that it causes love to die, and break up a family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI guess it is,\u201d Moira said. \u201cFor some people.\u201d She looked accusingly at Mandy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t blame me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll ask mom when I see her,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat will we do about you, Mandy?\u201d Bob asked. \u201cIf you don\u2019t want to stay here you don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI thought you said you loved us so much you wanted all three of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI do, but I\u2019m not a damn dictator.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019d prefer to stay with mom and Becca,\u201d Mandy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moira and Mary decided to stay with their father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDad, you have to let go of mom,\u201d Mandy said. \u201cIt\u2019s over, you know it\u2019s over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFuck.\u201d Bob shook his head sadly, a look of resignation on his face. \u201cI suppose you\u2019re right Mandy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can love more than one person,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bob was startled by this peroration. \u201cCan you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure!\u201d Mandy liked it that dad didn\u2019t say, \u2018How could a 16-year-old kid know that?\u2019 \u201cIt happens a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary wanted to say, \u2018in movies and novels,\u2019 but she didn\u2019t. For once she agreed with her older sister on something. \u201cMaybe Mandy\u2019s right dad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both girls saw their father pondering this. Moira and Mary nodded to Mandy with a look that said, \u2018good job.\u2019 Mandy was inordinately pleased with this approval from her normally idiotic sisters. She felt like a successful marriage counselor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary was still troubled by the question of love and sex. Did mom really leave dad just because of sexual attraction? She kept telling them she still loved dad, so it must be that. She went to sleep that night determined to ask mom in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the kids were in bed Bob called Judy. \u201cCome over and get Mandy in the morning,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s going back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Judy came over on Monday morning before work Mary confronted her mom. \u201cIs sex so important that it causes love to die?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy was nonplussed. \u201cHoney, it\u2019s six thirty in the morning. I\u2019m not ready for that question now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary was adamant. \u201cAll right, I\u2019m coming with Mandy. When you come home after work you\u2019d better have an answer for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy looked accusingly at Bob. \u201cThis is your doing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moira stamped her foot. \u201cIt isn\u2019t, mom. I\u2019m with Mary. If you still love dad, then the only reason you\u2019re apart is because of sex.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy smiled wearily. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot more complicated than that dear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOK,\u201d Mary said. \u201cWe\u2019ll all come home today with you. Moira and I will stay home after school. We\u2019ll talk during dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary nodded to Moira. Mandy sighed. \u201cAll right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bob was about to object that it was his turn to have the kids, but he could see the flame in Mary\u2019s eyes. His youngest daughter was a powerful personality. She would be a CEO or a commander in the military. There was no arguing with her. \u201cOK,\u201d he grumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cStop whining dad,\u201d Mandy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy looked at her phone. She had to be at work by 7 so the kids had to ride the bus to school. \u201cI just have time to take you three to the stop if we leave now. I don\u2019t want to be late for work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All three daughters trooped out of the house. Bob felt that a part of him left with his wife and daughters. His eyes began to tear up. Maybe Mandy is right, he thought. Maybe I am a whiner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy worked as an office manager in a local construction firm. During the day she wondered what she would tell Mary tonight. She knew her daughter wouldn\u2019t let her slide. Was sex really that important to her? Was that really why she left Bob? Is sex more important than love? Did she really love Becca? One thing was for sure: Bob liked sex and she didn\u2019t want that with him anymore. It was probably as simple as that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Judy got home from work all three girls were at the kitchen table. Today was leftovers day. Judy and Mandy microwaved their food, Moira and Mary dished up the remnants of a Caesar\u2019s salad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When everyone was seated, Judy decided to jump right in. \u201cI left Bob because your father wanted sex a lot. I didn\u2019t want his hands on me anymore. Did that kill my love for him? Probably.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy nodded her agreement. Moira and Mary pondered this. \u201cI can see that,\u201d Moira said. \u201cBut do you really love Becca?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy thanked God Becca wasn\u2019t here. After several moments she said, \u201cI\u2019m a lot more comfortable living with Becca than your father, even if…there isn\u2019t a strong love. I like Becca a lot and she likes me. We\u2019re happy. That\u2019s all you can ask from life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary seemed satisfied with this answer and Judy breathed a sigh of relief. If Mary got stubborn she could cause a lot of tension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut what if you change your mind again?\u201d Moira asked. \u201cYou seemed happy to marry dad and screw him for ten years. You had three children. You were almost 40 when you made the switch. So what if it happens again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary was amazed that her sister had asked the tough question. Usually it was her who had to do it. Even Mandy seemed interested in the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy was startled; she didn\u2019t have a ready answer. She thought out loud. \u201cI started to change about seven years into the marriage, after you all had been born. It was a feeling, a sexual reorientation I guess. I didn\u2019t ask for it, it just happened.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou never had those feelings before you married dad?\u201d Mandy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so. I just…followed convention. I just skated along. I never looked at myself until I was committed to a marriage that was supposed to last my entire life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy realized that was she said was true. Marrying Bob must have made her feel trapped somehow. She had always thought that marriage was what you were supposed to do. \u201cI wanted to have children,\u201d she said. \u201cPlease don\u2019t think that any of you were \u2018accidental.\u2019 I was overjoyed to give birth and to have daughters. Bob wanted sons, but…I always wanted daughters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again Judy had a realization. \u201cI never asked myself why I didn\u2019t want sons. Perhaps that feeling was something I never looked at. If we had had sons, maybe the marriage wouldn\u2019t have lasted as long as it did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girls were conflicted about this, especially Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo then I wouldn\u2019t have been born.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh sweetheart, don\u2019t feel like that. I think God blessed us with daughters. It was supposed to happen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy was fascinated. She didn\u2019t worry about not being born because she was the first. \u201cSo mom, having daughters made you feel more comfortable. You were surrounded by females and were able to stay in the marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy brightened. The girls could see that their mom wasn\u2019t giving rehearsed answers. She was having realizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen did you start feeling…gay?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy frowned. \u201cWell, it was about two years after you had all been born. Bob wanted to try for a son, but I knew I was done. That was the beginning of my…change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moira was confused. \u201cI don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandy was curious. \u201cYou\u2019ve never had any attraction to the same sex, Moira?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNever. I like boys. I don\u2019t get the whole gender thing and why people are so obsessed with it. I don\u2019t get the trans thing either, it makes no sense to me. Why is this such a big problem in society now? Dad says it was never a big deal when he was growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow about you, Mary?\u201d Judy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think the whole subject is incredibly boring. Who cares if you like girls or boys? Do your thing, but please shut up about it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo Becca and I talk about sex and gender that much?\u201d Judy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMore than I want to hear,\u201d Mary said. \u201cLike I said, it\u2019s boring to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI like it,\u201d Mandy said, giving Mary a pointed look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mary rolled her eyes and Moira laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOK, so what are we going to do?\u201d Judy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to go back to dad\u2019s,\u201d Mandy said. \u201cI\u2019ll stay here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stay with dad,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go back and forth,\u201d Mary said, \u201cas long as I can have the basement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy sighed. \u201cI suspected it would come to this eventually when you three grew up. I\u2019ll talk to Bob tonight. Since it\u2019s his turn, I\u2019ll drive Moira and Mary over there tomorrow before school.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girls were happy with this arrangement and went up to their rooms, but Judy felt uncomfortable with Moira\u2019s question. What would happen if she fell out of the relationship with Becca? Would that spark another gender identity change, or would she just find another woman? Judy felt very nervous about this. She didn\u2019t know why it happened the first time; what if it happened again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just then Becca walked in. \u201cHi sweetie!\u201d she said to Judy, and gave her a kiss. Judy felt good about this, but was still troubled. \u201cBecca,\u201d she said, \u201cdo people change gender identities after they\u2019ve already made the switch?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca saw Judy\u2019s troubled face and smiled. \u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so. I mean, it could happen. In my experience, once you settle in to a gender identity you almost always stay there. Especially as you grow older. It feels more and more comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy was happy to hear this. Becca was a psychologist and saw a lot of patients. After she and Becca made love that night though, Judy lay there thinking after Becca went to sleep. What if she was an outlier? She wouldn\u2019t want to break up their family again. And she didn\u2019t want to hurt Becca. She asked herself whether their relationship was fully satisfying. Was she settling with Becca, just as she had settled with Bob? Judy spent a troubled night trying to sort out her feelings. She didn\u2019t get to sleep until past four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning a tired Judy drove Moira and Mary to Bob\u2019s. He would take them to school this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca had been cheerful and didn\u2019t seem to have a care in the world. She was looking forward to making love again that night. Judy knew other women who were in love with each other. Or at least they said they were. She also knew a few couples who pretended to be happy, but were questioning their relationship. But that happened to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As she went through the motions at work, answering phones and dealing with walk-ins, she wondered why she was having these feelings. She wondered what good it did to be introspective. Some people (like Becca) said it was a sign of high self-awareness. She wasn\u2019t so sure. For her it meant struggling with feelings she\u2019d rather not have. She was not only questioning herself, but Becca too! Maybe she needed to go into therapy. She\u2019d talk to Becca about that tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Becca got home she wanted to go out to dinner. \u201cLet\u2019s go to Seva. I don\u2019t feel like eating in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOK.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca was cheerful throughout the meal but she saw that Judy wasn\u2019t into it. \u201cDid I say something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, not at all. I just wonder should I go into therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca was stunned. \u201cAren\u2019t you happy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, but I\u2019m worried it won\u2019t last. I don\u2019t want to fall out of love with you and go back to being the old Judy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Becca\u2019s expression turned serious. \u201cI see. I can give you the name of a good therapist I know. She\u2019s dealt with these issues before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy could see that Becca was hurt. \u201cI\u2019m sorry Becca. It\u2019s not you, it\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to lose you Judy. I\u2019m really happy for the first time in years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This made Judy feel that she hadto be as cheerful and committed as Becca. But she didn\u2019t feel that way. They finished eating and drove home. Both women felt that there was now a barrier between them. Judy felt guilty because she caused it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Bob drove Mary to Judy\u2019s home at the end of the month, Judy saw that Mary was very cheerful. This made her feel inadequate somehow, for she and Becca and Mandy had been feeling down. \u201cHow\u2019s it going Mary?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGreat, mom. Dad took us both to the carnival two weekends ago. Last week we saw this really cool movie about fungus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy had heard about this film but had never seen it. Maybe she and Becca and Mandy could go; it might help them both get over their rough patch. \u201cHow are you and Moira getting along?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFab mom. Dad hasn\u2019t been whining much about you this month. I think our little talk a few weeks ago helped him let go of you a little more. He seems happier.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some reason Judy felt a pang of jealousy, and some irritation. Bob had always been good with the kids even though he swore a lot. Was he a better father than she was a mother? Oh my God, she thought. I\u2019m going to call Becca\u2019s therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you OK mom?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually she would just say, \u201cOh yes I\u2019m fine,\u201d but today she didn\u2019t want to. \u201cI\u2019m having a bit of a rough time, Mary.\u201d She smiled wanly. \u201cHopefully I won\u2019t whine too much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This made Mary laugh, and Judy\u2019s depression lifted. You see, she told herself, I can still make people happy. \u201cI need to get over myself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her youngest smiled. \u201cThat\u2019s a good idea mom. I think dad is finally starting to lighten up a little. It\u2019s more fun over there now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Judy wondered how much fun it would be for Mary this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day at work a customer came in, inquiring about a kitchen remodel. \u201cHi, I\u2019m Judy Moreno. We\u2019ve got several brochures we can look at.\u201d Judy showed the brochures to the woman, who looked to be around 40, and wrote down the details of the job. \u201cWe can send an estimator to your house anytime you\u2019d like,\u201d Judy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat would be great. I\u2019m anxious to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything was arranged and the office was empty. The two women began to talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAre you related to Bob Moreno, the school principal at Midland East?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy yes! We used to be married.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The woman smiled. \u201cIt didn\u2019t work out for me either. But I did get some money from the bastard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both women laughed. Judy was curious. \u201cI don\u2019t want to pry, but have you been out with Bob?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot so you\u2019d notice… Oh I get it. You\u2019re that<\/em> Judy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Judy had to be polite but she was angry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I guess I\u2019m the one who\u2019s prying. It\u2019s just that Bob talks about you a lot. I think he still loves you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy didn\u2019t think this degree of intimacy was appropriate in a construction office. \u201cSo you know my story.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman nodded. “I’m Stephanie Burrows, by the way.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you have children, Stephanie?\u201d Judy asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTwo boys, 16 and 14.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have three girls, 16, 15, and 14. Bob and I share them.\u201d She looked carefully at the woman. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Bob and I are over with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman brightened. \u201cThank you Judy! I don\u2019t want to cause problems between you and your family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you like Bob?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes I do. He\u2019s steady, good looking, and he\u2019s great at his job. I work at the high school too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This bothered Judy a little. She had never followed Bob\u2019s work that closely. With three kids of her own and a job that could be hectic, she didn\u2019t have time to worry about the children of other people or Bob\u2019s work with them. She wondered how Bob had felt after coming home each day to a house full of girls after dealing with high school students all day. She knew Bob was a hands-on guy at the high school. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m daydreaming. We\u2019re all set for the estimate? The date and time is OK? The name of our estimator is Raheem Hassan. He\u2019s the best in the business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPerfect.\u201d The woman walked out, Judy noticed, with an energetic bounce to her step. She could tell the woman was excited about her husband…no, her ex-husband. Why should that concern her? She was happy with Becca. As the company phone rang she wondered how much interest Bob had in Stephanie Burrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira was excited when dad brought Stephanie home. Mary was curious. Would she stay the night?<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the introductions, Bob smiled. Bob had lived with females for fifteen years; he knew his girls were wondering about the sleeping arrangement. \u201cDon\u2019t worry girls, we\u2019re not fooling around here tonight. I wanted you to meet Stephanie, maybe talk a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira inspected dad\u2019s new girlfriend carefully. She felt somewhat protective of him. Stephanie was dressed casually but neatly in a nice blouse and slacks. She wore earrings but no other jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo I pass inspection?\u201d Stephanie asked, smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo far,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut the jury is still out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour father and I are going to see a movie and have something to eat,\u201d Stephanie said. \u201cI\u2019ll make sure to bring him home before midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary giggled but Moira nodded seriously. \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie smiled again. \u201cYou\u2019ll be waiting up for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira relaxed enough for a little smile. She liked that Stephanie wasn\u2019t nervous or serious around her and her sister. \u201cI will!\u201d she said cheerfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie turned to Bob. \u201cYou\u2019ve got great kids. My boys don\u2019t care what I do as long as I let them stay out half the night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have boys?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJim and Brad. Sixteen and 15. Both of them are sports crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira and Mary were interested. \u201cAre they jocks?\u201d Moira asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie laughed. \u201cWell, Jim plays football and Brad is a hockey player. Both of them like physical contact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPhysical contact!\u201d Mary said, wondering whether they were goofy looking or handsome. Dad glanced at her with a knowing look. Slightly embarrassed, Mary said, \u201cThey\u2019re not nerds anyway, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh definitely not that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBring them over sometime,\u201d Moira suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob wasn\u2019t comfortable with the direction of the conversation. \u201cMaybe when you two are a little older.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira and Mary looked at each other, rolling their eyes. \u201cDad is protective,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie\u2019s eyes began to water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSorry if I said anything bad,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh no my dear. It\u2019s just…my ex-husband wasn\u2019t close to my boys. It was part of the reason we divorced. I\u2019m just a little envious that you three are so tight-knit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira laughed. \u201cWait until you see Mandy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary joined in the laughter. \u201cMom and Mandy are gay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was the reason mom divorced dad,\u201d Moira added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie looked a bit startled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYeah, so our family isn\u2019t the Waltons or anything,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat movie are you seeing and where are you going to dinner?\u201d Moira asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie smiled again, looking at Bob. \u201cWe\u2019re going to the State to see a documentary about education in Europe. We haven\u2019t decided where we\u2019re eating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSomewhere intimate,\u201d Moira suggested. \u201cWhite tablecloths, subdued lighting, candles on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob looked nonplussed. \u201cUh, well, maybe on a later date.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira recognized that dad was thinking about mom again. She kicked herself for wrecking the mood when everything was going well. She saw how Stephanie didn\u2019t pursue the topic and changed the subject. She liked that. The woman was sensitive to dad\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary looked at her sister and they both nodded. \u201cOK, you can go now,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob laughed, breaking the tension. \u201cThanks girls! We\u2019ll see you before midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three weeks later Stephanie brought her two sons over to meet Bob. Both boys didn\u2019t want to be there until they saw Moira walk into the living room. Mary heard talking and came down the stairs from her upstairs bedroom and into the living room. She could feel the tension as she walked into the room. \u201cWho are these two guys?\u201d she asked Stephanie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob started to laugh. It was just like Mary to plow through social awkwardness by saying something blunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie did the introductions. \u201cMary, Moira, this is Jim, my oldest, and Brad. Brad, Jim, that\u2019s Moira standing in front of Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary could see that both boys were gaga over her sister. \u201cYou should have told me your boyfriend had a daughter,\u201d Brad said. He was staring at Moira with frank admiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jim looked bored. \u201cOK, we\u2019ve met them mom. Can we leave now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary laughed. \u201cIt\u2019s just what I was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This was said with such an air of sarcasm and humor that Jim turned his head toward Mary. He studied her. In Jim\u2019s experience, this usually resulted in the girl flinching or being embarrassed. Mary stood there calmly, returning his gaze. Jim was impressed. \u201cHow old are you Mary?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFourteen. Going on 15,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s how it usually works, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not a kid!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob saw that Jim had gotten to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re only 16,\u201d Mary said deprecatingly to Jim. She thought of a Sherlock Holmes episode she had seen with dad. \u201cHardly an age to inspire confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob watched as Jim\u2019s face first registered bewilderment, then shock. Then he broke out in laughter. \u201cTouche Mary!\u201d he said with real admiration. \u201cWell said!\u201d Jim was now looking her over as boys will do to a girl they are checking out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary\u2019s face reddened just a bit. Bob could tell she was nervous. Had his youngest finally met her match? But she was way too young for Jim. Or anyone else. \u201cEnough of this.\u201d He tried to tone down his feelings. \u201cMaybe when you\u2019re both a little older.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira was amazed at her little sister, and a little jealous that the older boy had singled Mary out instead of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brad saw this and said, \u201cDon\u2019t mind these children, Moira. Are you at Midland East Junior?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira smiled shyly. \u201cI am. How come I\u2019ve never seen you before? We\u2019re the same age.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brad ignored this. \u201cYou want to come to my game tomorrow night? I\u2019m on the hockey team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMidland East Junior doesn\u2019t have a hockey team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI play on the high school team,\u201d Brad said. \u201cCenter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cYou must be good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brad puffed himself up. \u201cI\u2019m real good. Got a special exemption to play on the high school team. Coach says I have elite speed.\u201d Brad was in full brag mode now, and Moira giggled. He was trying to impress her. \u201cYou can impress me more by scoring a goal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brad stood up straighter. \u201cI\u2019ll do it! For you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie thought this little tableau had gone far enough. She made a chopping motion with her arm, a signal for her son to stifle it. She looked at Bob. \u201cI\u2019m driving him to the game tomorrow night. Do you want me to pick up Moira?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira was thrilled. Stephanie was stepping up for her! Moira thought that dad could do a lot worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUh…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPlease dad!\u201d Moira said. \u201cStephanie will be there to look after me.\u201d She turned her head and looked at her father pleadingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh all right.\u201d He was a softie when it came to his kids. He didn\u2019t want to deny them anything. But Moira was only 15…<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stephanie saw his hesitation. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Bob. I\u2019ll bring them home before midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This caused general laughter. Even Mary joined in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you play sports?\u201d Jim asked Mary. \u201cI\u2019ll come to one of your games.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary was stupefied by this offer, and immensely flattered by the attention from the older boy. She didn\u2019t know what to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s OK kid,\u201d Jim said. \u201cYour dad is right. You\u2019re too young.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the second time Mary reacted angrily. \u201cI am not!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jim gave a knowing glance to Bob. \u201cSorry. She\u2019s just a kid but there\u2019s something about her I like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob smiled. Stephanie had raised her boys the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary was very pleased by Jim\u2019s remark. \u201cI don\u2019t play sports but I\u2019d like to come to one of your games. You play football?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQuarterback.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary didn\u2019t really like football but she was fascinated by Jim. She vowed to herself to study up on the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOK, we\u2019re done here,\u201d Stephanie said, standing up from the sofa. \u201cTime to go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Stephanie, Jim, and Brad walked out the door Jim turned around. \u201cSpring practice is here at the high school, next Tuesday.\u201d The door shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob looked at his two daughters. \u201cDid something just happen here? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira giggled. \u201cI think Brad likes me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary looked slightly awed. \u201cWow, an older boy thinks I\u2019m cool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira snorted. \u201cHe called you a kid three times. You are a kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re just jealous he likes me and not you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira smiled smugly. \u201cBrad is my age. You\u2019re too young for Jim. He\u2019s in high school and probably has girls falling all over him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary was much struck by this, in a bad way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cImagine!\u201d Moira said, looking pointedly at Mary. \u201cQuarterback of the high school team! Going out with the prettiest girls in school, and sleeping with some of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob exploded. \u201cEnough of that Moira!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira ignored his anger. \u201cWe\u2019re young women now dad. We\u2019re interested in boys. Better get used to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGoddammit, if one of those assholes put their hands on you I\u2019ll…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both girls began laughing. \u201cTypical father,\u201d Moira said to Mary. \u201cThinks we shouldn\u2019t have sex until we\u2019re 20.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that?\u201d Bob asked innocently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moira knew dad was trying to protect them. She threw herself into her father\u2019s arms. \u201cYou\u2019re a good dad,\u201d she said. \u201cI love you a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob\u2019s eyes teared up. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much I love you, Moira and Mary. I just don\u2019t want anything bad to happen to either of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary spoke airily. \u201cDon\u2019t worry dad,\u201d she said suggestively. \u201cStephanie can take care of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now what did that mean, Bob wondered after the girls had gone to their rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just before bed Mary studied herself in the mirror, thinking of Jim. Moira was a bitch; she wasn\u2019t a kid anymore. She turned one way and the other, admiring herself. She was filling out quite nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy came home from work a week later, tired. It had been a long day answering phones. She\u2019d had to deal with an angry customer who thought his estimate was too high, and blamed it on her. Men were beasts, every one of them. She went into the liquor cabinet and poured some bourbon into a glass. At that moment she heard the school bus grind to a halt in front of the stop at the corner. She drank the liquor and put the glass into the sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A couple minutes later Mandy walked into the kitchen. She could smell alcohol. \u201cHi mom. Is something wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, just a long day. A screaming jerk thought that I was personally responsible for a quote he didn\u2019t like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow come it\u2019s always the men who are assholes?\u201d Mandy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy pounded the countertop with her fist in agreement. \u201cIt\u2019s true, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandy was thinking of her father. \u201cI think it is. Women are sensitive and are more loving. When a woman goes bad it\u2019s usually because of a man.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy stared at her daughter. That was exactly right! She wondered what a society run by women would be like. Probably a much better one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tomorrow was the first of the month and Bob would drive Mary over for her monthly stay. Just then Judy\u2019s phone rang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMom?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHi Mary, what\u2019s up?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cUh…I don\u2019t think I\u2019m coming over tomorrow. Jim is coming over for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho\u2019s Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s Stephanie\u2019s son. He likes me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy groaned. \u201cHow old is he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSixteen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy hit the roof. \u201cThat\u2019s Bob all over! That boy, whoever he is, is too old for you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCalm down mom. Dad will be here the whole time, and Stephanie too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s Stephanie now is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary got angry. \u201cWhat do you care? You like women. You had your chance with dad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t want my 14-year-old daughter going out with a guy in high school.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not going out with him, mom. He\u2019s coming over for dinner. We\u2019re going to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy realized she was getting mad at Mary, but it was Bob\u2019s fault. \u201cI\u2019m sorry honey. I\u2019ll talk with your father. And that Stephanie bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe\u2019s not a bitch. You have Becca and Mandy, dad has me and Moira. That\u2019s how it worked out. Three and three.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy realized her daughter was right. \u201cWhat\u2019s Moira doing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe went to one of Brad\u2019s hockey games last week. Said he skated like the wind. I think she likes him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy sighed. \u201cI suppose Brad is Stephanie\u2019s other son?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. He\u2019s 15, she\u2019s 15. Ask Mandy about it. We tell her everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy felt alarmed. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBecause you\u2019re too busy with work and Becca.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And her therapist, Becca thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLove you mom!\u201d The phone went dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At dinner Judy asked Mandy about her sisters. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on over there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy could see that Becca was interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, it\u2019s just really boring boy-girl stuff. Moira likes Brad, Mary likes Jim. Both of them are jocks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca looked at Judy and they both laughed. \u201cSame sex relationships are less complicated aren\u2019t they?\u201d Becca remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cThey are! I\u2019ve been worrying about us, Becca. But compared to Bob and me it\u2019s nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca was delighted to hear this. She quoted one of the Sherlock Holmes episodes with Jeremy Brett that she and Judy liked to watch. \u201cI am relieved to hear it, Ms. Williams.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy smiled. She had changed her credit cards and her driver\u2019s license and passport to her old name after the divorce. She looked over at Mandy. \u201cHow\u2019s your love life?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandy flushed. Sometimes mom (and Becca) could be too intrusive. \u201cI don\u2019t know…I kind of like this girl in my algebra class, but I don\u2019t know how to approach her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVery carefully,\u201d Becca said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandy perked up. Becca was a psychologist and knew about these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGirls your age are still making up their minds,\u201d Becca said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy got up to go to the bathroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut what do I say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust engage in casual conversation. Bring up the subject of boys and see what she says.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do I do after?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca smiled knowingly. \u201cDon\u2019t do anything more than that at first. See how the land lies. Then back off, talk about normal stuff.\u201d Becca winked at her, and Mandy understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re telling me how you did it with Judy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re smart Mandy. I can give you a bit of free counseling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019d like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy came back into the kitchen. She saw that her daughter and Becca had reached some kind of understanding. \u201cWhat have you two been talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca winked. \u201cGirl stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy was a little irritated and felt that lately she\u2019d been left out of her daughters\u2019 lives. First Moira and Mary with those two dolts of Stephanie\u2019s, and now Mandy with Becca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca smiled. \u201cNo worries, dear. Mandy and I love you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This made Judy feel better, but she still worried that she was putting up barriers to others. Work had been a bit rough lately, and her family was, even if unintentionally, shutting her out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGet over yourself mom,\u201d Mandy said lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This made Judy laugh and her inner tension went away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two weeks later Bob had Becca, Mandy, and Judy over for dinner. He cooked it himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy, my, what\u2019s this?\u201d Judy said as she walked in and saw the table leaf had been put in, a fancy tablecloth on, and places settings for seven. \u201cDid you ever cook for us once when we were married?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy was waiting for Bob to blow up as he usually did when she criticized him, but Bob just smiled. \u201cNever. But I\u2019m turning over a new leaf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy and Mandy exchanged glances. This was certainly new behavior from Bob! Judy looked to see Stephanie\u2019s reaction, but the woman\u2019s face revealed nothing. \u201cI\u2019ll check on the roast,\u201d Stephanie said, walking into the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy couldn\u2019t resist. \u201cI get it \u2013 Stephanie cooked and is giving you the credit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She could tell she\u2019d hit home with that one, but her ex stifled his irritation. \u201cNope. I did most of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They sat down to dinner. Judy saw how Moira and Mary joked with Bob, and how he smiled at Stephanie. There was an easiness in their bantering and their interaction with each other. Judy, to her surprise, was pleased. Maybe those sessions with Becca\u2019s therapist were helping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere are Brad and Jim?\u201d Judy asked Stephanie. She almost said, \u2018those two dolts of yours,\u2019 but caught herself just in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBrad\u2019s at hockey practice. Jim is studying for a math test.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy looked at Moira and Mary during this exchange. Moira smiled like a girl who had found someone suitable. Mary didn\u2019t display any emotion when Jim\u2019s name was mentioned. Thank God for that! She didn\u2019t want that kid messing with her daughter…but she didn\u2019t have much control over Mary\u2019s life anymore. Mary was living full-time with her father now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow are you and Becca doing?\u201d Bob asked her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy was startled. When had he ever cared about her and Becca? \u201cWe\u2019re doing fine. So is Mandy,\u201d she said suggestively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob turned to his daughter. Mandy didn\u2019t know whether to tell him about her developing relationship with Sandy, but the vibes around the table were good. Thank God the two dolts…sons…weren\u2019t here! Hesitantly at first, then with more confidence, Mandy explained how Becca had coached her how to approach Sandy, who had been very receptive. Judy saw Bob frowning when Mandy described her feelings for Sandy and how they were reciprocated. But he didn\u2019t curse or say anything stupid. Judy looked at Stephanie. The woman seemed mildly amused, as if for her being gay was something for crazy people, but Stephanie said nothing. Judy was immensely proud as Mandy finished her story. The girl had confronted her family of straights and handled herself well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you happy Mandy?\u201d Bob asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, very.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob shook his head in amazement. \u201cOK then, I\u2019m happy for you. I don\u2019t get it, but I want the best for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you happy Judy?\u201d Bob asked his ex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy realized that she was. \u201cI am!\u201d Becca smiled brilliantly at Judy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen I\u2019m happy for you too. And you, Becca.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy saw Becca\u2019s eyes tear up. \u201cThank you Bob,\u201d Becca said. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much that means to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve been…insensitive at times, I\u2019m sorry. Stephanie straightened me out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy was confused. \u201cWhat would she know about it? She\u2019s straight like you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019d be surprised, Judy. Tell them Steph.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n It turned out that Stephanie was a counselor at the high school. Not a trained psychologist like Becca, but she frequently had to deal with gender issues in her work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becca and Judy were surprised. They exchanged glances. \u201cYou learn something new every day,\u201d Judy said. She felt a little guilty that she had never talked with Stephanie about her career, but she was learning in her therapy sessions how useless it was to beat herself up. As she looked around the table and saw how well Bob, Moira, and Mary were getting along, she felt much better about her husband and her two daughters. She was learning to let go of her irritation at Bob. It seemed that Bob was learning to let go of her as well. Maybe the two things were connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob looked at Moira and Mary. \u201cHappiness is most important I think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you happy Bob?\u201d Judy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am.\u201d He looked lovingly at Moira and Mary, and exchanged smiles with Stephanie. \u201cI\u2019ve learned that happiness and love are quiet, not boisterous. It\u2019s a feeling of serenity; a feeling that everything is right.\u201d Bob looked at his ex. \u201cYou were right. I was a whiner about you!\u201d This was said so cheerfully that it made everyone smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandy, Judy, and Becca exchanged smiles. Stephanie looked over at Bob and they both smiled. Moira reached across the table and grabbed her sister Mandy\u2019s hand. Mary took the other hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood going, Mandy,\u201d Moira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBest of luck always,\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mandy was never so happy in all her life than at this moment. She tried a joke. \u201cAnd I hope you two will be happy with those two dolts of yours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judy and Becca were shocked at Mandy\u2019s bluntness. But after a moment, Moira and Mary began to laugh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey are dolts,\u201d Mary said. \u201cThey\u2019re boys.\u201d This brought on laughter from the entire table. Even Stephanie joined in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI learned how to do that from you Mary,\u201d Mandy said, squeezing both her sisters\u2019 hands. \u201cIt\u2019s OK to express yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob smiled as he saw his women engaged with each other, and happy. It hadn\u2019t worked out with Judy, but maybe he\u2019d have better luck on the second try. They were off to a pretty good start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n THE END<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Short Story Once upon a time a man and a woman fell in love. We\u2019ll call them Bob and Judy. Ten years into their marriage they had a nice house, and three daughters. Gradually, Judy began to lose interest … Continue reading