DEAR L

Inside A Tiny Home

LISA

Jennie and I moved to a smaller place and we're living here for a week now. Sad to say, not really a grand one. I know she's new to this but Jennie never complained. It pains my heart seeing her adjusting to this kind of life.

The restaurant is not already hers. Her car was taken away. If we combine our savings, it wouldn't feed us for a year. So, we came up with a solution.

It breaks my heart seeing her so hungry to do this one special thing that she's passionate about— cooking. Well, she cooks for us everyday. I would always come home from work at BK with her simple yet delicious food on our table and wake up in the morning having a beautiful breakfast with this sweet lady. To tell you honestly, my workmates would envy me because my girlfriend prepares my lunch everyday.

We came up of an idea to do an online business. I'll help her prepare cooked meals; all kinds of meals. From diet course to party meals.

We're so excited about it. We even went to stores where we can get cheap materials for packaging and I brought her to the market near our place where she can buy affordable ingredients. Jennie really can adjust in any situation. This princess is not very picky now.

One afternoon, Jennie and I are so busy preparing an order from my boss at BK. It's going to be a party for their whole family. I have mentioned to him that Jennie and I are starting a small online business and he knows that she is the best Chef we have in town. He actually knows what we're going through right now. Imagine, our first project is big. Well, we already call it as a big blessing for us. We have bills and rent to pay living together, right? Especially now that I only have one job. We really need to work hand in hand.

I'm about to call a cab so Jennie and I can deliver the food we prepared the whole day when my Dad suddenly came at our doorstep.

He examined the house and he looked so disappointed.

"What are you two doing here? Is this why you never answered me whenever I ask you where you live now, Lisa and Jennie? I am taking you out of this place. I will also arrange your wedding to occur really soon." Dad is a bit mad. I know he is just concerned about us. Well, talking about the area where we live, it looks really far from where we came from.

"Dad, we're fine here. Thanks, Dad! I am so excited to marry Lisa the soonest possible time." Jennie was the one who spoke to him.

"Dad, Jennie and I are starting a small business which she can at least apply her profession. Hopefully, we'll be able to make it big. No need to worry about us. I will do my best and get ourselves out of here soon. I promise." I said while putting some food on the plate for Dad. He ate it commended Jennie's recipe. He said he'll let his assistant contact us if they need a food supplier for their future events in the campaign and politics related.

He offered to drive us going to the delivery address of my boss.

When he brought us back home, he did not leave right away. He told us to listen to him first and we all settled in our small living area.

"Looks like you really haven't heard the news. No television here nor radio. Both of you don't even check the social media. Am I right?" Dad said as he was looking around our small and hot place again.

Jennie and I are clueless of what he is talking about.

Dad showed us some articles and news videos about me.

My face is all over the internet! What the fuck?! Who gave K Media the right to expose myself, huh?

They are attacking me. Jennie's father even released a statement that I brainwashed his daughter and I took her away. People's comments are divided. Some LGBTQIA+ groups defended me. And there are some who bash me like a trash. I was revealed as an intersex. I am so angry. Why do they have to do this? That's my truth and I have all the right to expose myself or not. I am still a private individual. I got a lot of hate on the internet. They based their perception about me on the news that came out without knowing my real story.

"Maybe this is why none from other Networks yet is responding to my application letter." I said while sobbing. Jennie rubs my back to comfort me.

It is really painful knowing that people outside are too judgmental. They just heard my voice. They only saw my face just recently. Why are they attacking me with words that I never did? I did not kidnap Jennie. I did not force her to love me. We're deeply in love with each other and this is our choice. Being together is our destiny.

I am so down. Dad tries his best to encourage me to accept his offer. He wants to give us a house, a car and money so we can make our business big. But I told him that Jennie and I can still eat three times a day. This is not about my pride and my ego. I am just being fair. I want to work hard for us. I don't want my Dad to worry.

"I am thinking, if you are just okay with it. Lisa..." Dad looked at me straight in the eyes.

"I am going to tell the world that you are my child. It hurts me seeing you are attacked by these people." I am surprised to hear this from him. But it made me worry too.

"Dad, I— I am really happy that you are acknowledging me now. This is more than enough that you call me your child. No need to announce to the world. I am just also concerned about you. Election is really near. You know there are still people who are blind to see the goodness. There are still people who will shift their mind because of their religious beliefs. If they find out I am your child and Jennie and I are having this relationship, they would judge us. They will judge you. Dad, you are one of those politicians who bring hope and sincerity to this country. We can't afford to lose you. Maybe we have the best time for that. I am just thinking of your reputation too. Not now, Dad. Not now. " I said while wiping my tears.

"But Lisa, you deserve our truth. I have taken this away from you for so many years. I want to make it up to you." He tried again.

"Dad, telling the public about us won't make a huge difference. Well, to me it is huge. But not all of them really care. Dad, what's important is we know the truth within us. This is not just only about me. I love you, Dad. And I can't take if people will say something bad about you too." I told him softly. He nodded.

"You both see how people live in this world? When you are poor, every thing you do has ninety percent chance of being neglected and ignored even how hard you try to be a good person. People won't believe you. If you are rich, your evilness is praised. When you are poor, you can't always have the right justice. The rich can buy justice for themselves. Poor has no voice at all; the rich has it all." He said and Jennie and I realized a lot of things. Dad is right.

"That's why God put you where you are right now, Dad. You always save the poor. You are always fair to your countrymen." I said and smiled at him.

He stood up and pulled me in his arms. He hugged me so tight. My tears are running down. I feel so complete.

"But there's one thing I haven't done yet. Lisa, I am so sorry. Please let me be a father to you from now on." His voice is cracking.

When Dad left, Jennie and I took a bath together. When we settled on bed, I gave her the foot massage she deserves. I know how tired she is the whole day. She's insisting to give me a massage too but I said just looking at her, it makes my whole body relax already. And there I saw her beautiful smile. She's also a bit emotional about Dad and I's reconciliation.

"I am sorry. This is all I can give to you right now. Someday, we'll really be comfortable in life, Jen." I told her while giving her muscles a smooth push.

"What are you talking about? I am comfortable, Lisa. We can do this together. So what if we live in this tiny house? I feel home with you. So what if our bed is too small for the two of us? We make love here as if no one can ever give us the pleasure we bring to each other. I love you, Lisa. I love you. I am fine and I am happy where we are right now. Please stop overthinking. I know we will be able to surpass all the hardships coming our way. Just believe in us.

Can you just kiss me how our first kiss was like? I love you." Oh my Jennie. You are my Jennie.

"Just a kiss? Really? I don't think so." I smirked and she giggled.