These Dreams

What's The Difference?

"You both are so young. Very, and you don't even know what love is." Dana Adams said as both Stef and Lena sat on the couch half listening. Frank was as well and could tell by his daughter's face she was zoning out and he was hoping she wouldn't be fresh. That was all he could really hope for especially since the girl was known for speaking her mind to anyone she felt was wrong. That was something she got from his sister.

"We know we are young mom but we do love each other. Stef and I know it."

"Oh baby you don't. You only think you do and you both have your whole lives ahead of you. And you already know how difficult it is being..well..." Dana stopped as she glanced to the blonde's father unsure if she should finish. She really wasn't sure what Frank thought of this but in her mind he didn't really seem to be bothered by it. 

"You can say it mom. Being gay is not a disease and you won't catch it." Lena said rolling her eyes as Stef gently grabbed her hand.

"I never said that. I just..well...you both will face a difficult life and I don't want that for you Lena. Life is hard enough."

"With all do respect Mrs. Adams I love Lena and whatever we face and have faced we will do it together. I'm prepared to stand up for her and us. We already dealt with bullshit at school."

"Stef watch your mouth please." Frank said.

"Sorry dad but we wanna be together Mrs. Adams and I don't want anyone else. No one and we do love each other and know what love is. Not to be rude and not for nothing but you can't really tell us if we know we are in love or not.  No one can but we know what we feel in our hearts and when I graduate high school and need to go to the academy I'll go in Ohio if I need to to be near your daughter. I'll do anything for Lena."

"The academy? What do you mean Stef?" Frank asked confused and Lena turned to her smiling. 

"Well yeah, Dad, I'm gonna be a cop. I decided."

"Really?" He said smiling and Lena did as well.

"Yeah. It's in me dad. It's in my blood and who I am. And with Lena's encouragement that's what I decided to do. I mean if that's cool with you."

"Stef, that's really great kid. It really is. I know your mother will be worried but man am I excited."

"Thanks daddy." Stef could only smile rather bashfully as she glanced to Lena who continued to smile at her girlfriend.

"That's so great Stef. You are going to be so amazing at it. Just wait. I know it!"

"Yeah and I'll be able to take care of you baby." Holding Lena's hand even tighter the slim teen blushed for neither of them had shown affection in front of their parents. Ever. However, Stef didn't really care and was no where near shy. "Look we just want to be together Mrs. Adams. That's all and we aren't hurting anyone. Unless we are in your eyes."

"I don't think it's about hurt Stef." Frank interrupted. "I think Lena's mom just wants you both to be safe and for Lena to be safe. Even your aunt had a hard time and we tried to protect her. Well I did."

"We aren't going to hide dad. We won't. We are tired of hiding and what's it to anyone what we do or if we are in love. I don't get it and it's stupid."

"I get it Stef. I know it's frustrating."

"Don't you see I care about Lena Mrs. Adams?"

"Yes I can see that very clearly Stef. You have to understand Lena had alot of issues here and it was very difficult. The death threats, us having to move because it got so bad. I can't have that happen to her again. And that is the reason I moved her to California."

"But I can't hide mom. I can't. I can't stand not being who I am.  Why do Stef and I have to hide because we are two girls who like each other."

"Honey, I know you think I don't understand but I do. Your father and I faced many, many issues being an interracial couple. We also dealt with our fair share of hate to the point someone tried to burn our home down."

"Shit. That's fucking crazy." Stef blurted out as Frank shook his head at his daughters mouth.

"Yes it was crazy Stef." Dana said letting the girls mouth slide. "And that's what I worry about with you two."

"Ok but despite that you and daddy stayed together. Because you love each other. What's the difference with me and Stef? Because we are younger?" With that question Dana wasn't sure how to answers for this was one of the moments she wished Stuart was still alive. Dealing with this alone was difficult. Very and she was at a loss if she was honest which the older man picked up on.

"Stef why don't you take the car and head to get some pizza with Lena. I mean if that's ok with you Dana?"

"Um I'm not sure."

"Oh mom please! Please! I haven't been out in ages! Please mom please! We will just pick the pizza up and come right back. Please!"

"Well, ok. But just in and out. And come right back. Stef please."

"Of course! I got it Mrs. Adams."

"Stef to the pizza place and back. That's it. And you order take out. Do not eat it there. You hear me? Frank said sternly. "No joy riding especially if you want us to trust you."

"Got it dad. I freakin swear."

"Alright don't me regret it kid. And be careful. No holding hands alright? This is the way it has to be right now."

"Ok. I promise. Come Len lets get you pizza." She smiled widely as Lena hugged her mom once again and the two teens ran to the car.