by Lydia Rose
Alison and Annabelle sat on the front porch watching Allie and the boys toss a ball back and forth.
“Looks like as in twins, the gene skipped a generation and showed up in this generation.” Annabelle pointed with her head.
“She could outgrow being a tomboy, Belle.”
“I don’t think so.”
Annabelle walked up on the porch and kissed each of her parents. “Cool night tonight,” she said taking a rocking chair. Annabelle watched her daughter with the boys and laughed. “Maybe I should have had another girl or Billy should have had one so Allie would know how to act her gender.”
“Leave her alone. She’s fine,” Annabelle said to her daughter.
“Your dad is right. There’s nothing wrong with Allie.”
“Yes, mom I know. Wouldn’t it bother either one of you if she turns out to be a lesbian?” Annabelle whispered the word.
“No,” both parents said.
“It wouldn’t?”
“Honey, I know there is all this talk about it being a choice, but we don’t believe that. I think it chooses you.”
“Boy, you’re very progressive, mom.” Annabelle commented.
“We love our children and our grandchildren no matter what,” Annabelle said softly.
“Well, if she turns out to be a lesbian.” Annabelle laughed. “I know exactly who she’ll tell first.”
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Six Years Later
“I hope this drought ends soon, dad,” Billy said to Annabelle.
“We’ve seen worse over the years, son. We never had this fancy irrigation system that you put in years ago.” Annabelle turned in her chair. “Your mother and I are very proud of the way you are running the farm. Henry has taken to the farm like you did. You both have kept this farm getting more profitable each year. Your grandfather would be so proud.”
“Thanks, dad. I love the farm as much as you do.
“Your mother and I put the farm into a trust. Someday when we’re gone, you and your sister will be the trustees. If you and Henry don’t want to run a farm, you can sell the property. This land has become very valuable over the years,” Annabelle said staring off into space.
“Dad, I love this farm. Henry loves this place as much as I do. This land has been in mom’s family for generations and it’s going to stay in this family.” Billy got up and stood in front of this father. “Do you hear me, dad?”
Annabelle looked up and met Billy’s eyes and just nodded. She wasn’t sure she could speak because her tears were too close to the surface. When Annabelle could finally speak, she said. “You know you could have gone with your wife and mother to visit June’s parents?”
“I know dad, but I wanted to give June time with her parents and not be worrying about the farm.”
Annabelle laughed. “You’re so like me. You can’t stop thinking about the land.”
“You seem lost without mom,” Billy said softly.
“I’m am son. This is the longest I’ve been apart from your mother.”
“I hope when June and I are married as long as you and mom, we will feel the same way.”
“Your mother is so easy to love, Billy. Alison has my heart and soul always.” Annabelle held back the tears.
“Don’t worry, dad. They’ll be back on Friday.” Billy stood. “Come on, dad. Let’s go to town and get us some dinner.”
Annabelle stood and clasped her hand on her son’s shoulders. “I love you, Billy.”
“I love you too, dad.”
Annabelle heard the car pull into the driveway, Friday afternoon. She went out to the porch and watched as June and Alison got out of car. Her smile grew as their eyes met across the yard.
Alison walked hurriedly over to Annabelle. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said before capturing Annabelle’s lips.
“I missed you too.” Annabelle whispered in her ear. “Don’t ever leave for that long again. I don’t think I could stand it.”
Alison laughed. “I couldn’t either,” she said touching Annabelle’s face.
“Annie said she’d make dinner for all of us tonight,” Annabelle said looking at June.
“Okay, we’ll see you there later,” June said turning her car around to go to her own house.
Annabelle held Alison’s hand. “How about a nap?” She asked.
“Best offer I’ve had all week,” Alison said with a chuckle.
They held hands and walked into the house and up the stairs.
Annabelle met June in the driveway when she pulled in. “Hi, June. Welcome home.
“Hey, Annie. It’s good to be home.” June answered as she got her suitcase out of the trunk. “I heard you’re making us a feast tonight.”
“That’s the plan. I think I’ll go say hello to mom.” Annabelle walked down her front steps.
“I think you should give your parents some time alone first,” June said with a giggle.
“Oh,” Annabelle said raising an eyebrow and then laughed. “I think it’s wonderful that they still feel that way, but where do they get all that energy?”
June laughed. “I know what you mean. I wish my husband was that attentive to my needs?”
Annabelle and Alison walked over to little Annabelle’s house at six o’clock. They walked hand and hand having spent the afternoon rekindling their love for each other.
Stan was outside when they walked onto the porch. “Hi, you two,” he said looking at their intertwined hands. “Dinner is just about ready.”
“How’s your dad,” Alison asked.
“He’s good, Alison. I’m glad he has Bill. His friendship has meant so much to dad all these years.” Stan smiled.
Annabelle and Alison shared a glance. “It’s meant a lot to Bill too,” Annabelle added.
“Come on inside and we’ll have dinner.” Stan opened the door for them.
As they sat at the dining room table, Annabelle sat back and watched her family. June and Alison were telling the family about their trip to Florida and the sights they took in while they were there.
Little Annabelle looked at her father and then to her mother. “I don’t think dad slept too much while you were gone.” She chuckled. “I’d get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and saw the lights on in the house,” she said looking at her father.
Annabelle just shrugged. “The house is so quiet when your mother isn’t there.”
“Are you saying I talk a lot?” Alison asked with a laugh.
“No, honey.” Annabelle answered with a laugh.
“Did you have trouble sleeping, Billy?” June asked taking her husband’s hand.
Annabelle answered before Billy could respond. “Heck no. I saw the lights go out by nine o’clock.”
“Hey, it’s doesn’t mean I was sleeping soundly,” Billy said glaring at his sister.
The table laughed at his answer.
“We know you missed your wife, Billy.” Alison touched her son’s hand.
“Thanks, mom.” Billy stuck his tongue out at his sister.
After dinner, the women cleaned up the kitchen and the men went to sit on the front porch. The kids went off to their friend’s house or their rooms.
“So, Annie has Allie applied to any schools yet?” Alison asked.
“She wants to go North Carolina State.” Annabelle answered.
“I thought she’d want to leave the state?” Alison asked.
“I think Allie is in love and wants to stay close to home.” Annabelle answered without turning around from the sink.
“In love with who?” June asked.
“Mary,” she said softly.
“Mary who?” Alison asked.
“Frank and Judy Dawson’s daughter,” Annabelle said softly.
“What does Mary’s parents think about all this?” June asked.
“I don’t think they have any idea that their daughter is a lesbian.” Annabelle sat down at the kitchen table.
“Does Allie know you know?” Aliso
n asked.
Annabelle shook her head. “She hasn’t said anything to me, but I see the way they look at each other.” She leaned forward. “That’s why I don’t allow sleepovers.” Annabelle looked at her mother. “Allie never said anything to you, mom?”
“No, honey. I didn’t even know she was seeing anyone. Is Mary going to North Carolina State?”
“Her family can’t afford to send her to college and they don’t think it’s necessary for a woman anyway.” Annabelle smirked. “In this day and age some people still believe that college is only for boys.”
“Well at least you’ll have Allie close to home. Some kids go off to college and never return,” June said wiping her eyes. “I’m worried my boys will do that.”
Alison took June’s hand. “I don’t think you have to worry about that with Henry. He loves this farm as much as his father. He’ll go to school, but will come home like Billy did.” Alison assured her daughter-in-law.
Allie walked into the kitchen and looked at the three women. “Mom, I’m going over to Mary’s house.”
Annabelle looked at her daughter. “You have school tomorrow. Don’t stay there too late.”
Allie rolled her eyes. “Yes, mother.” She went around the table and kissed everyone. “I’m glad you’re home, grandma.”
“I am too, honey.” Alison smiled. “Have a good time,” she said with a wink.
When Allie left, Annabelle looked at her mother. “Don’t encourage her, mom.”
“Sweetheart, don’t you remember what it was like when you fell in love?”
“Yeah, that’s what worries me. They have no reason to abstain since neither one can get pregnant.” Annabelle held her head with her hand.
June and Alison laughed so hard that Annabelle finally joined in on the fun.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Alison was sitting on the front porch when Allie and Mary walked toward her house. “Hello, girls. Come sit with me,” Alison said waiving her hand.
“Hi, grandma. This is my friend Mary.”
“Hello, Mary. I’m happy to meet you,” Alison said with a knowing smile. “Have a seat girls.”
“I’m happy to meet you too, Mrs. Adams.” Mary and Allie took a seat on the loveseat.
“So are you getting excited about starting college?” Alison asked.
“I guess,” Allie said looking down.
“At least you’ll be close enough to visit home often.” Alison smiled at her granddaughter.
“I know, grandma. I wish Mary was coming with me,” Allie looked over at Mary who blushed deep red.
“Mary, are you going to work after school ends?” Alison asked.
She nodded. “I don’t know what I’m going to do around here except maybe get a waitress job.”
“You should have more opportunities in Raleigh?” Alison asked looking at the two women.
“My parents would never let me go,” Mary said sadly.
“Maybe you should find a job and then ask them.” Alison knew if Mary’s parents could hear her, they would have a fit. “If you find a good job, they should be happy for you. Do you have any family in Raleigh?”
“I have an aunt and uncle.” Mary smiled.
“Would they let you stay with them?” Allie asked now liking her grandmother’s thinking.
“I could ask.”
“Do me a favor, girls. Don’t tell your parents that this was my idea,” Alison said with a laugh.
Allie got up and kissed Alison on the cheek. “You’re the best, grandma. I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. I just want you to be happy.”
The two girls walked toward the steps. “Thank you, Mrs. Adams.”
“I hope everything works out.” Alison waved and watched as they two girls walked close together. “I’m going to hell,” Alison said out loud.
“Save a seat for me,” Annabelle said as she came out the front door.
Alison jumped. “You scared me.”
“So why are you going to hell?” Annabelle asked. “Just trying to help young lovers.” She nodded with her chin toward Allie and Mary.
Annabelle laughed. “Knowing how your brain works. I’m sure you solved all their problems.”
“Hey, if it wasn’t for this brain, where would you be?” Alison asked grinning.
“Probably dead by now from a broken heart.”
“You’re damn right,” Alison said taking Annabelle’s arm. “Let me fix you some lunch.”
Bill walked in the back door and took a seat at the kitchen table with Annabelle and Alison.
“Everything okay, Bill?” Alison asked.
Bill nodded, but they knew something was wrong.
“Why don’t we take a walk?” Annabelle asked lifting Bill out of the chair.
Again he nodded and followed Annabelle out the door.
They walked toward the river and took a seat on the river bank.
“So what’s wrong, Bill?” Annabelle asked.
Bill looked at Annabelle and tears filled his eyes. “Stan wants me to move in with him,” he said softly.
“And this got you upset?” Annabelle asked with a chuckle.
“Belle, how would that look in this little bigoted town?” Bill asked through his tears.
“Who’s going to know?” Annabelle asked.
“Everyone will find out. Stan lives in town. There’s no secrets in this place. We’re lucky no one is talking now with the time I spend at this house.”
Annabelle laughed. “No one says anything because you and Bill are old men.”
Stan looked at Annabelle. “I’m not old.”
“Old enough that people don’t think anything of it.”
“It’s too risky, Belle. I love Stan. I always will love him, but he can’t ask this of me.” Bill insisted firmly.
“He loves you too, Bill and he wants to spend as much time with you that he can.” Annabelle took Bill’s hand.
“We do spend a lot of time together. Why can’t he be happy with that?”
Annabelle didn’t know what to say to Bill to ease his fears. “I understand your fears, Bill. Hell, I’m dressed like this because of my fears. I don’t even know what my children would think if they ever found out.” Now Annabelle was feeling depressed. “We both have to live a certain way because of who we love. Maybe if you explain this to Stan, he’ll understand.”
Bill stood up. “I’ll try, Belle.”
“Tell him you love him and that’s why you can’t move into his house,” Annabelle said as she felt her own heart breaking. Breaking for Bill and breaking for herself.
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Allie’s high school graduation would be taking place on Friday. Mary did visit her aunt and uncle in Raleigh and her uncle got her a job in the courthouse. Mary’s uncle was a sheriff and Mary’s family knew he would be there to keep an eye on their daughter.
Mary and Allie sat outside school under a tree. “I’m so happy that you’ll be coming with me to Raleigh,” Allie said wanting desperately to hold Mary’s hand.
“We still won’t have anywhere to be together,” Mary said sadly.
“I will have a dorm room.” Allie smiled.
“Yes, with a roommate,” Mary said with a smirk.
“Maybe we can work out an arrangement. The girl will have to study. It’s possible I can get her to go to the library and I’ll do the same for her.”
Mary smiled. “Do you think she’d do that for you?” She asked anxiously.
“I guess I’ll find out when I get there.” Allie picked at the grass. “It’s going to be hard not seeing you for two months.”
“The more money I earn, the faster we can get our own place,” Mary said briefly touching Allie.
“I know, but,” Allie whispered.
“Are you afraid I’m going to find someone else?” Mary asked softly.
Allie shrugged.
“Honey, I love you. I don’t want anyone else.” Mary lifted Allie’s chin. “Do you hear me?”
Allie smiled and nodded. “I’m still going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you too.”
“Is your mother still getting on you about dating?”
Mary laughed and nodded. “She still brings up the fact that I didn’t go to prom.”
“At least you’ll be away from your mother’s questions and accusations.” Allie offered.
“I just hope her sister is different. They never had kids so maybe my not dating won’t be a big deal.” Mary smiled.
“You’re so beautiful, Mary. That’s why no one can understand why you’re not already engaged.”
“You’re lucky to have the parents that you do.” Mary chuckled. “And your grandmother is so cool.” Her face lost the smile. “I don’t know what my parents would do if they found out.”
“Mary, it’s 1982. They can’t just lock you away in a mental institution.” Allie laughed. “Not anymore.”
“Let’s go to my house. Maybe we’ll find it empty.”
The two girls walked away from the school.
Friday, both families gathered in the high school gym waiting for the ceremony to begin. Mary’s family sat in the row in front of the Adams family clan.
Alison leaned forward and rested her hand on Judy’s shoulder. “You and Frank are coming over to the party tonight, aren’t you?”
Judy smiled. “We’ll be there.”
Alison sat back and took Annabelle’s hand waiting for the two girls to receive their diplomas.
The party was in full swing by seven o’clock. The food was laid out on tables in the yard and the crowd consisted of family and half the school’s graduating class. Annabelle was happy to have their friends here instead of the two girls running off to someone else’s party.
Alison went up to her daughter and put her arm through hers. “You did a wonderful job with Allie,” she said squeezing Annabelle’s hand.
“Some days it wasn’t easy, Mom. Allie is very determined and she has a mind of her own.”
“That’s good, honey. You raised a strong woman. The world needs more women like her.”
