The Professor's Daughter [Part 2 of 2]

17 | The Little Things

Leah's POV

Jennifer grabs my hand as we walk back into the kitchen where her mom is standing and I swallow hard and avoid eye contact at all costs.

"Mom, before you say anything just listen to what Jennifer has to say. I know Leah and- just... don't be so quick to shut it down." Dani says, opening the floodgates.

"I'll start by saying I am sorry I didn't tell you I got arrested. I didn't think it was necessary because it was handled. Dani came to the rescue and made it all go away, so go ahead and praise your angel child some more." Jennifer sasses. "Secondly, being with Leah is not something I regret or feel sorry for. I refuse to apologize for it because I love her and I want to be with her. I am going to be with her regardless, so I would really appreciate if you were a little more open minded about this." Jennifer says, grabbing me and pulling me closer. She keeps her hands on me at all times, reminding me that she is there and is not going to leave me alone.

Jennifer's mom sighs and shifts her eyes to me. "You're seventeen?" "No ma'm, I just turned eighteen." I say, shyly. "Jennifer, I truly can't believe you did something so stupid! You know how these things could look for me!" "For you? Oh, right... the world revolves around you and your career." Jen says, rolling her eyes. Jennifer's mom cuts her eyes at her daughter and I immediately see the resemblance. This is where Jennifer gets most of her features from... and the attitude.

"You've been sleeping together for six months and the truth just came to light? Why is that?" "I- we do not need to discuss all of the details! Leah's father wasn't happy about the fact that his daughter is bisexual, so he took matters into his own hands and had me locked up. He did it to hurt Leah, not me." Jennifer explains. I remain quiet and looking anywhere but at Jen's mom.

"Where is your father now, Leah? Where are you living?" "Um- I don't know exactly where-" "Her father is currently in a 6x8 cell with domestic violence charges being filed agaisnt him." Danielle chimes in, arms folded over her chest. I look up at her quickly and she licks her lips, "I was going to tell you-" before she can finish her sentence I am standing in front of her with my arms wrapped around her body, squeezing her tightly.

Jennifer's mom doesn't make a sound.

I release Dani and mouth the words "thank you" to her and she nods her head.

"So yeah, there is that. I am young, a little crazy, my father is abusive and I am in love with your daughter. I am so sorry that you have hard feelings towards me, but it's fine. Do what you have to. I will say that I do not think you should have any hard feelings towards Jennifer though. She has been nothing but good to me from the day we met, and she has taken me in and loved me in ways I did not know were possible. You should be proud of her and praising her, not coming down on her for a mistake that wasn't even hers." I say. Jennifer brushes my arm and I step back to her and lay my head on her shoulder.

"I need a moment. I'll be in the office." Her mom says, leaving the room. Was that defeat?

I glance at Jennifer and she smiles and hugs me tightly, "you did good. You stood your ground." She says. I force a smile and she kisses me and spins me around. "I love you." She whispers. "I love you more." I tell her.

-

Tensions calm down after a few minutes. Jennifer's mom still hasn't come back out, so I've been getting to know Danielle's husband a bit. I like Jennifer's family for the most part I think... I mean, no family is perfect and without it's problems, but I love the relationship she has with her sister. It is a special bond.

At one point, I am left alone with Dani and she sighs and raises her eyebrows, "so, how are things with you two?" She asks, talking about Jennifer and I. I know she isn't stupid. She knows things between us have been rough. "Things are okay. We are getting better... working through things." I admit. I am happy with how today has gone (with Jennifer, that is). We haven't bickered at all and I just really hope things continue to progress this way.

"Jennifer seems happier today than she has been in a while, any particular reason?" Danielle asks. "I don't think so..." I say, shrugging. "No? No incredible sex or anything like that before you came over?" Dani asks. I widen my eyes and laugh, "oh, okay. Getting really personal aren't we?" I laugh. "It is sort of obvious, Leah. She is glowing more than usual." She teases. I roll my eyes and shake my head, "who knows?" I grin as I walk away from her.

I find Jennifer and she smiles and continues her conversation with her brother-in-law, but opens her arm and allows me to stand beside her. I put my arms around her and kiss her cheek softly and she slides her hand into my back pocket.

Dani soon joins the conversation and she keeps looking at me and giggling and making eyes at me. I try my best not to laugh, but it's hard.

"What the hell are you two idiots laughing at?" Jennifer asks, catching us. "Nothing!" I say. "Your sex life." Dani says, grinning. Jennifer widens her eyes and looks down at me and I shake my head, "I didn't say anything!" I giggle and she laughs a little. "On a more serious note, Antonio and I are planning a little mini-get away. We thought it would good if you two, and Jeremiah and Brittany came. Like a couples thing..." Dani says, now getting close with her husband. "What kind of get-away?" Jennifer asks, obviously hesitant. "Nothing too crazy. Just some beach time and some fine wine and nice dinners... that sort of thing!" Dani says. "You've already asked Jeremiah? You know how he is." Jennifer says.

I am a little lost, but if I had to guess I would say Jeremiah is their brother. I've never met him, nor has Jennifer said a whole lot about him. This whole thing is going to be a little weird for me anyway. On the bright side, Dani's husband seems like a nice guy.

"When are you thinking?" Jen asks. "Next weekend." "That's... soon. I could swing it though." She says, looking at me for approval. I nod my head and she smiles softly, "good. We'll go, just send me what you need." Jen says. Her sister nods and we are interrupted by Jen's mom.

"Planning family trips, are we?" Her mom asks. We all turn and look at her and I cling to my girlfriend tightly and bite my cheek nervously. "Nothing major." Danielle says, standing in front of Antonio with his arms around her shoulders. "Jennifer, a word?" Her mom asks. Jen nods and I slowly let her go and she nods, "it's fine. I'll just be a minute." She says. I sigh and she kisses my lips quickly before following her mom to the other room.

I don't know why I am so nervous about all of this. I know Jen's mom can't force us apart, and I know Jennifer wouldn't just up and leave me for that reason. I just- I guess I would like the approval since my family isn't very accepting about all of this. It would be nice to have a family to run to for things. Like if Jennifer and I ever did want to have kids, they'll need a babysitter sometimes. Or even get a dog... who is going to watch the dog when we go on vacation? It's the little things that get to me. Most people don't think so much about them and they don't mean that much to most people, but they do to me.