Taming Sagittarius

Chapter 16 "Star-Crossed"

(Francesca's POV)

I can't believe this is happening. I've never been this nervous since high school when I have to tell my dad I was gay. My mom left us for another man when me and my brother Miguel were only kids. So... she's out of the picture and I don't think we'll see her again. Anyway, when I told my dad I was gay, he just stared at me and a little bit teary eyed. I asked him if he's mad but he didn't respond. I thought to myself, maybe he doesn't want to see me anymore and he'll disown me. So I broke down in tears and told him I was sorry for being this way. It's not like I can just pretend to be straight and love men, it doesn't work that way. I can't tell myself to act on things differently even though my heart tells me the other way around. Growing up gay in a Latino family was hard. Because some of us are very religious and they think being gay was a sin. One of my aunt said that homosexuals will go straight to hell. Pfft! She's funny! Even though I caught her cheating on her husband with a woman... well I guess, we'll see each other in hell.

So anyway, my dad eventually accepted me and he specifically told me that he still wants grandchildren. I remembered laughing awkwardly as I slowly turned away. He even shouted, "Mi hija, what's your taste in women?" I just shook my head and pretended I didn't hear anything.

And now, they are going to meet my beloved secret. Que horror! I hope my family doesn't embarrass me. Por pavor!

Sage arranged a car that we will be using while we're on California. So after our 5 hour flight from Florida to California and an hour drive, we finally got to my abuela's home. I made a sign of the cross and tried to breathe normally. I can't let Sage see me getting nervous or else she will get nervous as well.

We stepped out of the car and walked towards the front door as I try to compose myself. I turned my gaze up on Sage and she was emotionless but when she saw me looking at her, she smiled and kissed me on my forehead.

I released a small breath before I knocked, "Well... here it goes." I said shrugging my shoulders.

****

We were greeted by my uncles, aunts, cousins and unknown visitors. The house was jam packed. Loud thumping Mexican rap songs were playing. I wondered to myself, "Abuela likes rap music?" I giggled as I held Sage's hands because she was beginning to look uncomfortable.

Out of nowhere, my dad showed up, "Francesca!!! Mi hija! I missed you! You look so beautiful!" he hugged me tight making lose grip on Sage's hands. "How are you, my darling? You look so happy."

"I am, dad." I hugged him back then kissed him on his cheek.

"I'm glad you made it. By the way, I want you to meet someone. I just found out she's been crushing on you since you were kids. Come..."

"Dad... Dad..." I said tugging his hands.

He looked back, "Yes?"

"I want you to meet someone too." I looked back and signaled Sage to step forward. "Daddy, I want you to meet Sage Montgomery. Sage, this is my dad, Juan Jimenez Rodriguez."

I saw Sage blink her eyes twice like she was distracted by a memory, she gave a sudden friendly smile and reached out for a hand shake, "Hello, sir. I'm dating your daughter."

I was dumbfounded when she said she those words. I bit my lip to stop myself from smiling because I know it will reach from ear to ear.

"Oh I see... I thought you were a man. A handsome one too. But... you look familiar. Have we met before?"

"No, I don't believe so, sir." Said Sage pursing her lips.

"Alright... umm, Francesca, make your guest feel comfortable in our family, okay? You have good taste, eh?" my father nudged me, winking his right eye.