The Life We Make

Chapter 32

The tension in the room was a palpable entity, like a dense fog that had rolled in without warning. Alexia, her chestnut eyes blazing with a rare fire, locked eyes with her mother. Her usually calm demeanor had been replaced with a tempest of anger and disappointment. "I can't believe you, Mother! Your ignorance and insensitivity are astounding!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing ominously within the room's confined walls.

Her father, Ronald, a man of few words, gave her an understanding look. His weathered face was lined with a mix of concern and sympathy. His silence was a tacit acknowledgment of the difficult situation they found themselves in.

Jordan, the ever-protective brother, was quick to jump to his sister's defense. His hazel eyes flashed defiantly as he faced his mother. "Mom, you seriously need to rethink your beliefs and prejudices. This is the 21st century, for God's sake!" he retorted, his tone laced with frustration.

Vivian looks at Jordan, her gaze piercing. "Jordan, this isn't about you. This is about your sister living with two men who are married to each other. It's not right. It's not the way we raised her," she asserts, her voice steady.

Jordan rolls his eyes, his frustration evident. "That's where you're wrong, Mom. This is about all of us. You can't dismiss my point of view just because it doesn't fit your narrative," he retorts, standing his ground.

"Well, Jordan, since you've decided to involve yourself, let me ask you this," Vivian turns to him, her gaze challenging. "How can you be okay with this? Your sister is involved with two gay men who are married to each other. Where do you think she stands in this arrangement?"

"Mom, you're the one who's not getting it. Alexia loves Cam and Luke, and they love her. They're a family, in every way that matters. Just because it's not what you expected or wanted doesn't make it wrong," Jordan defends, his tone defiant.

"And as for your comment about my sexuality," Jordan continues, "I am gay, and Dad's been in my life. So your theory about absent fathers making their sons gay is wrong. You need to stop trying to label and categorize everything based on your narrow understanding, Mom."

Vivian, taken aback by his outburst, falters momentarily. However, she quickly composes herself, maintaining her stern demeanor. "I am simply worried about my daughter and her future, Jordan. This... arrangement, it's not sustainable. It's not the life we envisaged for her."

"Maybe not the life you envisaged, Mom, but it's the life Alexia chose for herself. And for the record, they're making it work," Jordan retorts, a hint of finality in his voice.

"Alexia," her mother began, her eyes filled with a stern warning, "Those men are going to hurt you, I can feel it. You can let them be fathers to your children, but you cannot date them."

Alexia, her eyes flashing with anger and defiance, exploded. "Enough, Mother! I've had it with your judgments and assumptions! This is my life, my choices. You don't get to dictate who I love or how I live!"

Alexia, her eyes ablaze with fury and determination, couldn't hold back any longer. "That's it, Mother!" she burst out. "I'm done with your prejudiced views and presumptions! This is my life, my decisions. You have no right to control who I love or how I lead my life!"

And for your information, some of the things you said tonight were truly hurtful. You questioned Cam and Luke's ability to balance their careers and parenthood, and even made unfounded assumptions about Cam's sexuality based on his relationship with his father. You didn't stop there, you even made offensive remarks about our relationship, calling it 'unsustainable'. Do you realize how offensive and hurtful your words were? Each of those statements was a direct attack on our lives and our choices. It shows a lack of respect and understanding on your part, and it's something I cannot tolerate, even though you claim to be a woman of God, I don't think that your behavior tonight reflects belief in His word.

Before their mother could respond, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house. Victoria, her hair tied in a messy bun, walked in, with Miley, Sasha, and Asher trailing behind her. Their faces were flushed from the crisp evening air, their eyes shining with the innocence of childhood. "We're back!" she announced cheerfully, oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

Alexia turned to face her children, her expression softening instantly. Her anger seemed to dissipate at the sight of her kids, replaced by a maternal warmth. "Kids, pack up. We're going home," she instructed, her voice gentle yet firm.

Her mother scoffed, a bitter sound that reverberated through the room. "This is your home, Alexia," she said, her voice dripping with disbelief and a hint of hurt.

Alexia shot her a frosty glare, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I haven't been staying here, Mother. I've been staying at Cam and Luke's," she retorted, her voice carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

The revelation seemed to paralyze her mother, leaving her speechless. Miley and Sasha, too young to understand the tension, cheerfully said their goodbyes to their grandparents. Their innocent voices filled the room, providing a much-needed respite from the heavy atmosphere.

Asher, with his innocent smile and wide, sparkling eyes, waved at his grandma and grandpa. "Bye-bye, Grandma. Bye-bye, Grandpa," he chirped, his voice sweet and filled with childish enthusiasm.

"Ronald, his face softened by the affection he held for his grandchildren, stood up and hugged each of them. His voice, usually gruff, turned gentle as he whispered, 'Grandpa loves you very much and will come to see you soon.' Vivian, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, managed a small smile and added, 'Be good, my little ones. Grandma will see you soon.'"

Once they reached Cam and Luke's house, a Traditional modern structure that oozed charm and warmth, they were greeted by the sight of the two men waiting by the door. Their faces lit up at the sight of the family, and they rushed forward to help with the sleeping children.

After the kids were tucked into bed, their small forms cocooned in colorful blankets, the three adults gathered in the living room. The room was bathed in the soft glow of a lamp, casting long shadows on the walls and highlighting the faint lines of worry on their faces.

Alexia, curled up on the plush couch, recounted the events of the evening. Her voice, usually calm and steady, trembled with residual anger and frustration. Cam and Luke, seated on either side of her, listened silently, their expressions masks of empathy and concern.

As they sat in the living room, the silence hung heavy around them. Alexia took a moment to gather her thoughts before she finally spoke up, "I apologize, guys. I didn't handle the situation well tonight."

Luke gently put his hand on hers, "Hey, it was a tough situation for all of us. You stood up for us, for our family. That's what matters."

Cam chimed in, "Luke's right, Alexia. It was an emotionally charged evening, and you did what you felt was right. We can't ask for more."

"But I should've prepared better," Alexia's voice wavered, "I should've been more ready for the confrontation, I know her better than anyone, I know she would behave weird, but I really wasn't expecting all that."

"Alexia," Cam said, his voice stern yet comforting, "You've handled more than anyone could've expected. You confronted your mother, revealed our relationship, and stood your ground. It wasn't easy, and we're proud of how you managed it all."

Luke nodded, "And remember, we're in this together. It's not only your battle to fight. We're a team, and we'll face everything together."

"Are you guys sure you want to be with me? Especially after witnessing the crazy judgmental woman, I come from." Alexia asked.

"Alexia, do we need to remind you how beautiful and how great we think you are?" Cam teased, his eyes sparkling with affection.

"And do we need to remind you that you are the mother of our children?" Luke echoed, a warm smile adorning his face.

Exasperated, Alexia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the blush that spread across her cheeks. "Yes, I do remember," she said, her voice soft.

Their smiles widened in unison as they responded, "Well, in that case, you already know our answer. Now, come here for a cuddle, my love. It's time we all retreated to the comfort of our bed."