Page 101 of August
“With someone or with a woman?”
“With anyone. You’re supposed to be with Dad. He still loves you.”
“Oh, honey,” she said, patting the bed beside her, but Archie didn’t sit. “Your father doesn’t love me how you think he does.”
“Yes, he does. Why do you think he wants you back at the guest house?”
“Because your father is upset.”
“Upset?”
She didn’t know what to say because she didn’t want to make Archie think anything bad about his father, but he wasan adult now, and she had to at least start treating him like one.
“Honey, your dad wants me there because he’s upset that I left, but not because he loves me how a husband loves a wife. He liked having me there to take care of the two of you and to cook and clean the house. He liked that I was always at home even when he wasn’t. He likes control. Your father loves you; I don’t want you to think otherwise. But he doesn’t love me. Maybe he did in the beginning, but not for a very long time.”
“Is this because of the women he brings home?”
“No, baby. He’s a single man. He’s allowed to date.” Elisa sighed. “And so am I.”
“But does it have to be a woman?” he asked, zipping his bag.
“Yes,” she said.
“So, you’re really just gay now? I thought you’d go back to Dad or that you’d just said that to make it final or something; that you just told him you couldn’t be with him because of that, but eventually, you’d find some other guy.”
“Archie, I’m gay, and I’ve always been gay. I didn’t have the courage to admit it to myself before you and your sister got here, and then I wanted what was best for you both, and I thought that meant staying with your father and giving you a family and a father.”
“This is why Adele is what she is, isn’t it?” he asked.
“What?”
“It’s why she’s suddenly gay, too, now. She really hurt Tucker.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh, just that your daughter, mysister, is dating the girl I like.”
“That’swhy you’re back,” she said, realizing it in that moment why he was more upset than usual.
“I came back to talk to you because Adele and Wendy went out, and I saw them kissing at the movies. They were just standing in the parking lot, making out like no one couldsee, but I was there with Tucker, and he was, like, really upset, Mom. I thought he might cry or something, and I took him home, but she was kissing Wendy.”
“Archie, your sister will talk to you about that.”
“She already did. She told me that she likes her and that they’re dating now.”
“Okay. Well, I’m glad she told you.”
“Of course, you knew,” he replied. “Fuck. I mean, of course.”
“Hey,” Elisa said loudly. “You and your sister can both talk to me about anything at any time, but watch your mouth, Son.” She gave him her best Mom glare. “And I know you’re upset, but I’m going to tell you something important, and I want you to remember this if you remember nothing else: a woman’s feelings about someone else have nothing to do with you or another boy and his feelings forher. Adele is allowed to feel however she wants about anyone and not have to stop herself from being who she is or going after whatever she wants because some boy has feelings for her. You will not take your sister’s feelings and make them about you or about Tucker. They are hers to own and experience, just like yours are yours to own and experience. If she and Wendy like each other and want to date, they can do that. If Tucker is hurt, I’m sorry. Heartbreak is hard for everyone. ButAdelegets to decide who she dates.” She got off her soapbox and softened. “And, honey, I’m sorry you like Wendy and that Wendy likes Adele. I wish there was something I could say or do to take away the pain you’re feeling, but it’s important to feel it and experience it. It’s part of growing up. It’s part of learning how to deal with emotions like that.”
“But we’re twins, Mom.”
“I know, baby,” she said.
“And Adele knew how I felt.”
“She can tell you the whole story, but it sounded to me like she didn’t know until after Wendy and she found out that they liked each other.”
