I woke up early the next morning by the sound of knocking on the door. What the hell? It was literally like seven in the morning. Jess was still sound asleep judging by her even breathing against the back of my neck. We’d somehow changed positions last night as I was now laid with my back pressed against her front. Her arm was wrapped securely around my waist and her legs tangled with mine.
“Who is it?” I asked groggily, trying my best not to wake Jess up.
“It’s me, Elena. Can I talk to you in the kitchen?” my mother’s voice sounded through the door. Talking to my mom was the last thing I wanted to do first thing in the morning but I suppose I had no choice.
“Yeah, I’ll be down in a minute,” I answered. I heard her walk away and sighed slightly in annoyance. That annoyance melted away immediately though when I felt lips being pressed onto the back of my neck over and over.
“Good morning, baby,” Jess’s sleepy voice whispered in my ear.
“Morning,” I said as I turned around to kiss her. Have I ever mentioned how cute Jess is when she just wakes up? I probably have several times but I’ll say it again because it’s true. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Of course,” she answered. “Who was at the door?”
“My mom wanted to speak to me or whatever so I guess I’d better head down there before she comes back,” I muttered.
“Okay. I’m gonna shower while you talk to her,” she said before kissing me one more time. “And please try to be nice,” she pouted.
“Tell that to her,” I scoffed. “But okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I untangled myself from Jess and made my way downstairs. The entire house was silent so I assume everyone was either still asleep or already out working. Knowing my dad, though he was probably already out and about.
I walked into the kitchen to see my mom standing at the counter drinking what was probably her third or fourth cup of coffee if I knew her well enough. She turned around as soon as she heard me walk in and leaned against the island. I stood opposite her waiting for whatever it was she wanted to talk to me about.
“Elena, do you two really need to sleep in the same room?” I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t expecting something like that.
“Yes. Is that all you wanted?” I said, tapping my foot impatiently.
“No, just… I’m sorry I just can’t wrap my head around all this,” she explained.
“I don’t know what’s so hard about it. You’ve known I liked girls since I was 16. You had eight years to wrap your head around it. I don’t understand what you don’t get about it. I love her. She loves me. That’s it.”
“Fair enough,” she said slowly. “I suppose I just never wanted to believe it. It’s not an easy thing for me to grasp, Elena. You have to understand.”
“You don’t have to understand it. I’m not asking you to agree with me but I am asking you to be civil. If you would just get to know Jess you might see why I love her. She’s the sweetest person, mom. And she’s the only reason I’m even here. She talked me into seeing you guys,” I said calmly. I didn’t expect her to accept me and although I was a bit bitchy with her, I really did want to be civil with my mom.
She looked down at her cup for a moment, thinking about what I said. I could see some grey hairs coming through her brown hair and it made me think of all the time we’ve wasted. Fighting, bickering. It just wasn’t worth it. The lines on her face were becoming more pronounced and it made me wonder how many I’ve put there. Or yet, how many have shown since Grace’s accident. That reminded me actually.
