Page 128 of January

“So, I don’t know what to say,” Jolie began after a long moment of silence. “I wanted to say goodbye, but it’s really more of a hello, huh?”

“Yeah, kind of,” Kyle replied.

They didn’t say anything else for another minute, so Melinda thought they might need some help.

“Um… Hi. I’m Kyle’s girlfriend, Melinda.”

Kyle turned to her, looking surprised.

“Did you not want to be out with her? Maybe I should have said friend,” Melinda added.

Kyle laughed and replied, “I’m holding your hand, so I think she knows.”

“They,” Jolie corrected. “Grandpa’s in there, too.” She pointed.

“Well, hello. It’s nice to meet you,” Melinda said.

Jolie laughed and said, “It’s weird. We’re talking to a headstone.”

“We’re just telling them that we’re here and that we’re good,” Kyle said. “So that they know.”

“But it’s either you believe that they’re watching over us, so they know already, or you don’t, in which case, we’re just talking to stone,” Jolie replied.

“Youwanted to come here,” Kyle said.

“I thought Mom would come.”

“Oh, Jolie,” Kyle said, patting her sister on the shoulder. “We made some progress, but you can’t expect her to want to move three steps right away. We were lucky to get her to agree to take steps, period.”

“I know.” Jolie looked around. “Can I have a minute? I just want to walk around for a bit. Then, we can go.”

“Yeah, of course,” Kyle replied.

Jolie began walking in the direction of the office, but she walked slowly, taking in the other mausoleums as she went.

“Think she’s okay?”

“Talking to Mom like that took a lot out of her, I think. She really laid in. It was pretty epic.”

“I’m glad. Is that wrong?”

“No,” Kyle said.

“I just didn’t want her to lay everything on you.” Melinda leaned into Kyle’s side.

“I know. She didn’t. I thought I’d have to lead the whole thing, but she took it and ran with it. My mom might actually consider seeing a therapist. It’s not likely, but she said she’d think about it, and she bought us pancakes.”

“That’s good, babe,” Melinda replied.

Kyle turned back to the mausoleum and said, “Grandma and Grandpa, this is Melinda. She is my girlfriend. We haven’t known each other all that long, but it’s real, and I’m crazy about her. I never got the chance to come out to you when you were alive, so… Surprise, I guess? I’m gay. I’m also going to move here and into the house. I thought you should know that, too. Melinda and I might end up making it a home one day. I wish I would’ve gotten a chance to meet you both. Maybe I should’ve defied Mom years ago. I don’t know. Idoknow that things haven’t ever been easy where she’s concerned, and I hope you two aren’t up there thinking any of that is your fault. I think it’s just her. I hope she tries, but after years and years, I’ve finally decided to try myself; try to have a new life here, in the place you loved and called home. So, I guess I just wanted you to know that. Thank you for… everything.”

Melinda rested her head on Kyle’s shoulder, wanting to be there for her the best way that she knew how. Jolie stood by the car and waited for them, and when Kyle was done, they drove, mostly in silence, to the airport. Melindawaited in the car while Kyle said goodbye to her sister. Then, Kyle climbed back inside, and Melinda drove them out of the airport and onto the highway.

“So, what are your plans for the evening?” she asked.

“Whatever you’re doing,” Kyle replied.

“Dropping the car off at Bridgette’s and taking you back to my place.”

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