Tied

Chapter 34

There were a ton of cars already at the house, but Thad told Grant to park behind his car in the driveway. When they got out of their car, Mia's group of friends walked up and went inside with them. Mia drew comfort from her friends and family as they entered the house. Mia was surprised the house had not changed much in the time she was gone, the furniture was new, but it was basically what they had before but in a dark blue rather than dark brown. Thad led them through the living room and dining room to the kitchen, which had not changed much, the only additions were several tables loaded with food. Everyone fixed a plate, and then found some folding chairs that had been set up all around and ate. Mia had not gotten much food because she was just not hungry, but Grace and Angie kept putting food onto her plate. 

After a bit, Mia leaned over and asked Grant to take her plate away because the two moms were not going to stop adding to it until it was gone. He nodded and started gathering other's plates as well, and Matt helped him. While they were gone, Thad got up and said he was going to show Noah his old room. Jade set next to Mia and asked, "Do you want to see your old room?" Mia shook her head and said, "I am betting it was made into a craft room, or office or something else. I am sure there is none of my things are left there." Jade nodded and left to go to the restroom. 

With people taking their trash to the kitchen, visiting their old room, and making pit stops there were several empty chairs around Mia, but she did not even notice until Piper sat down next to her. Mia smiled at her, and Piper asked, "Can I ask you a question?" Mia nodded. Piper continued, "Is it true you encouraged Thad to introduce his boyfriend to the family." Not sure where the conversation was going, Mia decided just to answer straightforwardly and said, "Yes, he had been holding off because Beverly was homophobic, and he did not want Noah to get hurt." Piper nodded and said, "So why did you encourage him?" 

Mia turned so she was facing Piper and said, "He was going to have a hard couple of days, and I wanted him to have comfort and support." Piper smiled and said, "Well I have to say thank you. I have tried to get Tinsley to introduce me for the last year and a half, but she refused."  Mia smiled and said, "As hard as it might seem, she was trying to protect you." Piper nodded and said, "I believe that, but Thad bringing Noah gave her the courage to let me come and support her." Several of her group had returned and Piper stood up and simply smiled at Mia and walked away. 

A short time later people started to leave, so Mia's friends hugged her and told them they would see her later. Jade made Mia promise to call her on her way home, and others just hugged her and left. Soon it was only family left, everyone was sitting in the living room, but no one was talking. Tabitha walked over to Mia and said, "I saw Gabe at the funeral, but I did not get to talk to him, could you tell him I am sorry." Grant nodded and said, "I think he would like you to know that he is sorry too. It just was not meant to be." Tabitha nodded and walked away.

There was a knock on the door and the housekeeper returned with an older man carrying a briefcase. He greeted Mia's father first and then Trevor. He turned the group and asked, "Is everyone here?" Mia's father nodded and said, "You know Trevor and Madison, this is Thad and his boyfriend Noah, Tinsley and her girlfriend Piper, Tabitha, Mia and her boyfriend Grant."  Pointing to each person as he said their name.  The lawyer nodded and said, "Are we doing it here?" her father nodded and said, "Yes, this is the largest room so we would be most comfortable here."

The lawyer, who was introduced as Peter Somerville, moved so he was seated in one of the chairs and opened his briefcase and pulled out some paperwork. He started reading, getting through all the legal necessities, then he said, "Here is the real meat of the will. I Beverly Taylor, wish disperse assets as follows...My bank accounts, are to be divided between my four children Trevor, Thad, Tinsley and Tabitha." Peter stopped at that point and pulled another piece of paper forward then said, "The amount each of you will receive will be approximately $200,000." He went back to the will and said "Next is division of my personal jewelry, my wedding and engagement rings are to go to Tinsley and my pearls are to go to Tabitha, after that, they can be divided between my four children as they see fit. If they cannot do so in an orderly and polite manner, then donate the jewelry to the local woman's shelter."  The lawyer stopped and looked at Mia's father and said, "It will be up to you to decide if they are complying with her request." her father nodded, and the lawyer continued, "The rest of my personal property, things like clothes, etc. can be divided as my children see fit. The house and things associated with it belong to my husband, and he can do as he wishes with it."