The Secrets You Keep

New Beginnings

*4 Months Later*

It's been a crazy few months and a lot of things in my life have changed; some for the best and some for the worst. After the incident with David, Geneva suggested that I move in with her and we've been living together at the mansion Geneva owns here in Metairie. Honestly I was nervous at the idea of moving in because I've never lived in a house so big before but, I love it here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. The one thing that would make me even happier is having a relationship with my parents again. The wounds are still fresh though, so maybe I'm just wishfully thinking.

It's been weeks since I've seen my mother and 8 months since I moved out of the house. Time is going by so fast and I'm having a good time in my life, I want to be able to share my happiness with my family. For now at least, I'll keep my distance and try to let my parents come around on their own.

Geneva got a call early this month from the board members of Greater Life about the claims David brought up. They set up a meeting/hearing to determine if she will be removed from the church or not. I hate the fact that because we are in a relationship that the church she's built and grew is trying to kick her out. Spite is one poisonous disease to have in your body, David has it worse than anybody I've ever met in my life. I can honestly say he beats my mom in the revenge department.

"I'm heading off to my meeting now." Geneva says with a sullen look on her face. She already knows her fate but stands up tall with her head held high.

I walk over to her, we embrace and I plant a small kiss on her forehead.

"Everything's going to be okay." I say trying to remain positive despite the likely outcome.

"Did you want me to come and pick you up afterwards?"

"Sure honey, I was hoping to go out for drinks and a late lunch."

"Okay, what time do you think you'll be wrapping up?"

"Around 2:45."

I walk with Geneva out to the car and we jump onto the expressway headed towards the church. After a 15 minute drive, we pull up in the front of the church, I can tell Geneva is nervous and upset about all of this.

"You know, when David mistreated me and had his affairs, I was blamed for it." "The board never had a meeting with him about it because he's a man sleeping with other women." "They told me it was my fault, that I needed to be more sexually available to him even when I didn't always want to be so that he wouldn't stray away from our marriage anymore."

Geneva says as she turns towards me and grasps my face gently with her palms. "It wasn't until I fell in love with you that I became too much for them." She says before pausing and continuing, "But if I lose it all today, I wouldn't change a thing because through all of this, I've had you here with me."

"I love you G, I'll always be here with you and here for you."

She leans closer to me and kisses me firmly before sliding out of the passenger seat and walking into the church. Once I know she's inside, I get back on the expressway and head back to the house waiting to hear from Geneva. Before I can make me a cup of coffee and turn on the TV, I hear the doorbell ring. I pull back the curtain covering the windows, finding my mother standing at the there. She always seems to find me when I'm trying to stay far away from her and the bullshit attics.

I open the door and simply ask, "Why are you here?"

"I need to speak to you." She says

"No call, no text, you're not even decent enough to send a polite letter and yet you thought it was tasteful to track me down to talk?" I cross my arms across my chest waiting for her response.

"I'm still your mother Cameron, and you will show me some respect." She sneers at me and lifts her chin up slightly.

"Respect? Respect like how you ran to the board like David and put Geneva's position in danger? Or do you mean respect like how you've completely caused me nothing but stress, anger, and sadness by showing up attempting to shame me for allowing myself happiness?" "Stop popping up, following me, and trying to destroy everything I try to do!" "Geneva isn't going anywhere and I'm never going to be "delivered from my lesbian sin."

"I just thought you should know that everybody knows about what's going on between you two, as for Geneva and her position as head pastor of the church, she's finished." My mother laughs and shake her head slowly before stepping off the porch and walking away.

I slam the door on my her and go back to making my cup of coffee. Part of me hates having to give my mother the cold shoulder but, she didn't treat me any better since I came out and her attempted conversion of my sexuality failed. So, in the meantime she can go straight to the same hell she thinks I'm going to.

My phone is ringing and I'm wondering who's trying to bother me now. It's my father. Since my mother couldn't get through to me maybe she figures my father can.

"Hello, Dad what is- He cuts me off before I can even finish.

"I know your mother went over to bother you, I tried stopping her but she didn't listen."

"Tell her to stay away from me!" "She is trying to control every aspect of my life and is now bent on getting Geneva booted from the church."

"I heard that she's having a meeting with the board today." He says. "Cameron I just want you to know that I'm not happy with what your mother is trying to do, just give her time she will come around."

"Whatever dad, I'm tired of all this." "Besides, you never defend me when it comes to mom anyway." "You would let her get away with murder if it meant you didn't have to  get your hands dirty and be involved." "Tell her to fix whatever issues she has or move the hell on already, because I'm already moving on with or without her." I hang up the phone, emotionally exhausted and feeling empty.