Page 69 of When Ellie Falls in Love

Or, well. Didn’tseemmad at her.

“We’re going to start dinner soon. Sadie,” Vera smiled at her, “do you want to help me?”

Sadie seemed to know it was less of an option and more of a demand, so she nodded and stood. Vera put her arm around her shoulder as they walked back up the nearby path to the house. When her mom didn’t follow them, Ellie knew what was about to happen.

The Talk.

They’d all gotten the safe sex talk years ago. Vera had brought home posters of STDs and made them watch a video of a woman giving birth. To Ellie’s relief, it had at least been edited so she wasn’t too traumatized. They’d also set rules that significant others could be in their rooms with them, but the doors had to remain open at all times.

Of course, that rule was in place before Ellie came out.

Well. Not that she had tocome out.

Her parents knew before Ellie did that she was gay. But they’d yet to talk about how or if that would change the rules. Ellie had a feeling that was what was about to be discussed though.

Isla sat down beside her in the chair but didn’t lean all the way back like Ellie was.

“So,” she took a deep breath in and let it out, “Mama and I have talked and we’re going to let Sadie stay in your room even thoughclearlythere’s more going on there than just friends.”

Ellie couldn’t stop herself from blushing as she nodded her head.

“All we ask is that you and Sadie talk—and I meanreallytalk—before anything more than kissing happens okay? And always know you can come to me or Mama about anything okay?”

“I know.” Leaning over the armrest, Ellie wrapped her arms around Isla’s neck. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re a good kid, and I know Sadie is, too. I don’t want to say you’re lucky to come after Mason, but you are. Mason taught us a lot, and Mama and I have learned to be better parents thanks to her. We know telling you two tonotdo something isn’t the way to parent. But what we can do is give you all the resources and help and safe space you need to process everything that’s happening with Sadie.”

Ellie held tighter onto Isla and soaked in the way her mom gently rubbed her back as she talked.

“You and Mama are the best parents ever.”

“And you’re the best kid ever.” Isla kissed her cheek as she leaned back in the chair. Ellie did the same, smirking at Isla. “I tell all my kids that though.”

“But I’m your favorite.”

“If you say so,” Isla teased as she crossed her legs. She was wearing shorts, a tank top, and no shoes, a typical summer look for Isla Mackenzie. There was a gleam in her eyes as she smiled at Ellie. “So, tell me about Sadie.”

“Mom,” Ellie dramatically groaned as she covered her face with her hands. It was less from embarrassment and more from the fact she didn’t want her mom to see her smile at the mention of Sadie’s name.

“Oh, come on now.” Isla tickled her side; a surefire way to get Ellie to giggle. “I need to know if I’m going to keep running into you all kissing everywhere.”

Ellie lowered her hands, smiling at Isla. “I thinkyoujust have a weird sixth sense and know when to interrupt us.”

“Um, dude,” Isla chuckled. “I’m your mom. I created you. I’m biologically pre-programmed to know what my kiddos are up to at all times.”

“That sounds like a superpower.”

“Oh, it is.” She firmly nodded, the faintest smirk on her lips. “It’s taken me years of practice to hone in the skill. Now, it’s one of my and Mama’s best assets.”

Ellie rolled her eyes.

“So, come on, Care Bear. Tell me about you and Sadie. When did things start between you two? Obviously, before the play, right?”

“That freakin’ play,” Ellie laughed under her breath. Had she known then how obvious things were by simply hugging Sadie, she would have chosen a more private place to do so. “As a matter of fact, it started after prom.”

As Ellie recounted the story of the last few months, her mom listened as if it were the most interesting story she’d ever been told. They giggled together when Ellie told her about their first kiss and Isla laughed out loud when she told her how Mason and Blake had caught them kissing at the party.

Ellie knew how lucky she was to have a mom that not only cared about her, but truly loved her and wanted to be a part of her life. Neither of her sets of grandparents wanted to be in their kids’ lives, so Ellie was thankful her parents had broken the generational curse for their kids. Isla and Vera were the envy of all Ellie’s friends, and even her parents’ friends. Everyone either wanted to be Isla and Vera or have parents like them.

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