A Touch of Sunshine (gxg)

Part 24

 I woke up the next morning startled by the sound of a door opening.

I looked around, and realized I was in an unfamiliar surrounding.

Valerie and I fell asleep on the couch.

Everything that happened the night prior came flooding back to me as I heard Valerie mumble, "Fuck. That's definitely my parents. Lucy, go upstairs, I'll deal with them."

As I started to stand up to go upstairs, the footsteps came closer and a light turned on in the room. I could see from the windows that it was still dark outside.

Chuck and Corinne Maddow faced us.

"Good morning." Chuck said in an even tone.

"What time is it?" Valerie said, "It's still dark out."

"It's 5:30 AM." Chuck said.

"You couldn't have waited a few hours?" Valerie said.

"Hello, Chuck. Hello, Corrine." I said, politely.

"How about we sit down and talk?" Chuck said, taking a seat on the couch. Corrine sat next to him, and I sat down next to Valerie- with some distance between us.

"So, obviously last night was a disaster." Chuck started, "For many different reasons. However, we want to discuss next steps."

"We aren't breaking up. If that's what you want." Valerie said, firmly.

"No, dear." Corinne said, "That's not what we want. Of course, we are very surprised that you and Lucy are together. Considering the family history and whatnot. But we aren't going to tell you who you can or can't be with."

"When it comes to parents, it's not us that you're going to have an issue with." Chuck said.

"It's my parents, I know." I said.

"Yes, and 'having an issue' is putting it lightly." Chuck said, "Lucy, your parents know that you're here at the lake house. Your father phoned me a few hours ago, very concerned about your whereabouts. He was relieved that you are safe, but it seems as though for now, you are not welcome home."

"That's not a shock." I said.

"I'm sorry, Lucy." Corrine said to me, "I can't imagine kicking my child out just for who they love. I would never be angry or ashamed at them for that."

"For that." Chuck said, "Valerie Celia Maddow, I know that Headley made a damn fool of herself last night but so did you for punching her. Again."

"I will not apologize. She deserved it." Valerie said.

"Valerie...you cannot resort to violence." Corrine said, "You are going to be 21 years old, that's not appropriate. What can we do to stop this?"

"You've seemed calmer the past couple of months." Chuck said, "I hoped last night you would control yourself better."

Valerie sighed, "I've been in therapy. Every Tuesday. I am calmer. I am doing better. Lucy also helps immensely."

"You're in therapy?" Corrine asked, with an edge to her tone.

"Yes, mother. Whether you want to believe it or not, I have depression."

Corrine didn't say anything.

Chuck said, "Well, your therapy isn't working. You punched someone last night!"

"It was...special circumstances." Valerie said, "Yes, I could have controlled myself better. But Headley ruined Lucy's life as she knew it for no reason."