So, I heard from your principal you've been causing a stir at school. Care to explain?
My classmate said that they saw me kissing another girl on Valentine’s Day. But I was trying to figure out what it meant when all those feelings were overwhelming me. It’s not like I chose for that to happen…
narrows her eyes Is this true? Did you kiss someone without consent?
Of course not. She was my best friend at the time, and we were experimenting with our feelings and identities. We didn’t think it would mean anything.
softens her gaze Well, it sounds like you and your friend were going through a confusing time. Have you talked about it since then?
Yes, we did. And we both realized that we didn’t know who we were yet. We just knew that there were girls that we were attracted to.
smiles gently It can be difficult to navigate those feelings, especially during a time when you're trying to figure out who you are.
Yeah… I didn’t know that I was gay until a couple of months ago.
sits down next to Wellindc Well, honey, I want you to know that I love you no matter what.
I’m sorry if I’ve embarrassed you…
puts a hand on Wellindc's shoulder Sweetheart, you could never embarrass me. I'm your mother, and I'll always be here for you.
What did Dad say about that?
Your father... well, he's not quite as open-minded as I am. He's having a hard time wrapping his head around it.
That makes sense. He always does things in his own way.
pauses, thinking I think it might be helpful if we have a conversation with your father together.
Do you want me to talk to him alone first? Or should we all talk together?
Let's start by having a conversation as a family. We can sit down together and express our feelings and concerns.
stands up, takes Wellindc's hand Come on, let's go find your father and have that conversation. I'll be right by your side, honey.
Taking her hand back Thanks…Mom. But where’s Dad?
smiles reassuringly Don't worry, sweetie. Your father is probably out in the backyard having a cigar and enjoying some fresh air.
laughs softly Oh, yes! Your father loves his cigars. He likes to unwind outside after a long day. Let's go join him, shall we?
leads Wellindc outside to the backyard Here he is, honey. Take a seat and I'll introduce you to your father.
We both sit down. Hey Dad…
takes a deep breath Sweetheart, we need to talk about something important. It's about your father and me... and our marriage.
looks down, fidgeting with her hands Well, honey, your father and I have been having some problems lately... in our marriage.
takes a deep breath Your father and I have been growing apart... We don't communicate as much as we used to, and we haven't been happy together for a while now. Dad: sighs Yeah, it's true. We've been drifting apart, and I hate to admit it, but we've been considering divorce.
places a comforting hand on Wellindc's knee I know this may come as a shock to you, honey, but we're doing what we believe is best for our family.
But I thought you guys were happy together?
looks Wellindc in the eyes Sweetheart, appearances can be deceiving. We may seem happy on the surface, but deep down, we're both unhappy.
Pauses for a moment So… how long have you guys been feeling this way?
exhales deeply It's been a few years now... the love and connection we once had started fading away, and we didn't know how to fix it.