𝒱𝒶𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 ℐ𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒴𝑜𝓊 - 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵 16/?
Summary: The birthday dinner falls upon us.
Word Count: 6.3k
A/N: Sorry for disappearing again 😞 Our story with these two is coming to an end soon….For now. I’ll try my best to get the rest out quicker than a month between chapters lol. Hope you’re all doing good. - Mich 😊💜
18+ NSFW MDNI
AO3 Previous Part
My Royal Taglist: @morgananyx @6stolenangel9 @ahintofchaos @coffeemelko @wifeofmanymilfs @angelxblink
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The long feared return of my parents finally came.
Even in the moments I was preoccupied by something else, it lingered in the back of my mind. A constant nagging twinge trying to warn me from it.
I tried my best to ignore the feeling in my gut.
Everything was going to be fine.
Agatha provoked pure bliss out of me every time she got me alone. It was as if she possessed magic that forced every one of my troubles away.
I’d just hung up with her firm reassurance, ‘it’ll be okay darling’, as I approached the airport pickup line.
My parents stood in wait next to their luggage, smiling and waving. I told myself I was crazy for thinking my moms eyes darted around my car. As if expecting someone.
After kisses and hugs over the console I started the path to their house.
It was easy for the first few minutes. Typical catch ups and questions about Chloe.
“I’m surprised this…” My mom paused with an unfamiliar clip to her tone. “What’s her name again?”
Now that I think back, taking a moment before responding, the tone wasn’t completely unfamiliar. It held an exact likeness to the strained words she’d spoken around me after I came out to her.
I clenched the steering wheel, cleared my voice and took a deep breath before responding.
“Agatha.” I said calmly. “Her name is Agatha.”
I could see her nod in my peripheral. Watched as my dad shifted his eyes between us in the rearview mirror.
“Ah, yes.” She trailed off. “Agatha. I’m surprised she’s not with you.”
I thought on my response for a second. Tried to dim the persistent thoughts that there was a problem on the rise.
“Oh, she’s at her office right now.” I spoke in an unbothered way again. “She won’t be home until later tonight. Save the big reveal for tomorrow I figured.” I smiled trying inject a bit of jest into the car. My mom just nodded in an almost curt way. A silence fell across us after that.
“Agatha.” She said again after a moment. “Not a name you hear much anymore.”
I looked for dads response in the rearview, which held almost no reaction, before I let out a laugh. “You act like it’s a rare name.” I joked as I changed lanes to let a truck pass.
“No.” She responded with that same tightness. “It just isn’t used as much nowadays is it.” It wasn’t worded as a question. My face fell and something dark creeped into my chest. I couldn’t place it, but I hated it.
“I genuinely.” I paused maneuvering around a slow sedan. “Do not know how to respond to that. It’s a name mom.”
A short hum was all the response I got before another stifling silence fell over the car.
“Is something wrong?” I asked after fifteen minutes passed in utter noiselessness.
“Nothing’s wrong.” My dad for the first time chimes in.
“Seems like that may not be the truest thing you’ve said to me.” I shake my head taking an exit. “You’re supposed to be here for my birthday. You’re grilling me on my girlfriends name for some reason and being quiet. Seems like something is wrong.”
I had clip to my tone now. Cheeks getting hot from the situation and the warmth pouring out of the vents. I killed the heat and cracked my window.
“Nothing is wrong, honey.” My mom spoke sounding less like a stranger now.
I just nodded not trusting my voice or words. I caught them both exchanging a look. My dad’s face held something I couldn’t place. Something stern.
“Everything is fine.” My dad cleared his throat. “We’re excited to meet her. Excited to celebrate our daughter, right?”
The last part was pointed at my mom who followed with a sigh.
“Absolutely.” It sounded genuine coming from her. “Very excited, honey. I’m sorry if I gave you any other impression.”
The rest of the car ride was quieter than usual, but easier.
By the time I dropped them at their house my mom was talking in spinning circles of all the things she had to do. Go to the grocery store. Clean their already clean house. Wrap the gifts she got me. On and on she went and it had me thinking everything really would be okay. Maybe.
Nerves scratched the back of my throat as I bid goodbye until tomorrow night.
——————————————————————————
I drove straight to Agatha’s without asking. I knew she’d be getting home soon or already would be.
The gates motion camera blinked to life as I drove up to the gate. I could practically feel her reaction to the notification lighting up her phone.
I backed up to the garage leaving her spot clear and let myself in the house.
I beat her by five minutes.
She found me pacing her house drenched under thoughts about tomorrow.
“Kitten.” She greeted in a sympathetic way as she stilled my movements with a hug. “Stop worrying.”
I pressed into her collared neck for a deep breath. We stood there for a minute before she spoke again. “How did the airport go?” She prodded gently.
“I don’t know.” I said stubbornly and pulled her back to the couch to sit. “It was weird.”
She pulled me half into her lap and kissed me. “How so?”
“Mom was just off and dad was super quiet.” I leaned in for another kiss. “She grilled me about your fucking name.”
Agatha’s eyebrow quirked up with a smirk. “My name?”
“Yep.” I popped it and sighed. “She said ‘not a name you hear much anymore.’ I seriously didn’t have a response. What the fuck does that even mean? Then they got quiet and exchanged looks and…I don’t know. It was so off putting.”
Agatha’s face shifted to something unreadable, then right back to an easiness.
“No matter what.” She paused, breathing in near my temple and placing a kiss. “We’ll get through it right?”
“Yes.” I answered with a sureness. “Now.” I trailed off into a kiss, grabbed her collar and straddled her lap. “Make me forget all about it.”
Her blue eyes lit up with a smile as her hands tugged me closer at my hips.
“With pleasure.” She whispered with her lips just shy of mine.
——————————————————————————
Agatha followed me to work in the morning. Lingering and popping in all day from upstairs. An unspoken reassurance that she was there for whatever tonight brought.
She only disappeared right before closing to go back home and get ready.
After her return, she found me on my bed face down full of dread.
A snort sounded out of her as she approached and sat next to me. I turned to her with a face, that I assume could only be described as, pitiful.
“Come on you.” She pulled my belt loop smiling. “I don’t need tardiness added to your parents list.”
I groaned with an eye roll. “Let’s just stay here.”
“Nope.” She stood tugging my arm. “Come on almost birthday girl.”
I let out another groan burying my face in the bed sheets. A gentle tap struck my butt. I turned and sat up laughing.
“Don’t make me punish you.” She teased smiling down at me.
She looked amazing. Perfect. Smelled perfect. Gosh.
“That would be so much more fun.” I leaned back on the heels of my palms smiling up at her innocently. “Let’s stay here and you can punish me.”
A loud roaring laugh erupted as she leaned her head back into it. I stared up at her in the usual awe she left me in.
As she looked back down I tugged her closer to the edge of the bed.
“Behave.” She warned with a glint in her eye.
“I’ll think about it.” My smile gradually faded and I leaned into her stomach. “Nervous?”
“Yes.” Came her instant reply.
Our eyes held each others in a silent conversation.
An understanding. A hesitation we were both holding towards getting in the car and driving over.
I stood and kissed her slow and strong.
“Let’s do this.” I whispered nose to hers.
——————————————————————————
The ride over was mostly quiet.
I guided her through the streets as she drove. My knee was jostling up and down as she backed into the driveway.
“You’re amazing. It’s gonna be fine.” I said it out loud almost trying to reassure both of us.
“We’ll be fine.” Agatha spoke up as she killed the engine.
An unusual nervousness was ticking her voice.
I kissed her softly. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She replied slow, eyes on mine with a smile that didn’t quite reach them. “Come on my sweet girl.”
We both stepped out into the frosted winter night. Our doors closed in sync echoing around the street.
She met me at the hood of the car and squeezed my hand. One final shared look before we started up the driveway.
The door opened as we climbed up the front steps. I eyed my mom scrutinizingly as she greeted us. Her gaze almost too even. I brushed it off and leaned into hug her.
“Hey mom.” I moved back and tucked my arm behind Agatha pulling her closer into the house. “This is Agatha.”
Agatha held her hand out for an easy shake. “Pleasure to meet you.”
I looked over to her and holy shit. She’s not just nervous. She’s nervous, nervous. It was as if up until this moment she was dimming it down for me.
I rubbed her back as my mom took her hand for a short shake.
“Excited to finally meet you.” My mom stepped back letting us in. “Well, I’ve only known of you for a few days but…either way.”
Right into the weirdness. Great.
I pulled Agatha’s coat off and hung it next to mine at the door. I turned and caught my mom’s eyes roaming over her for a second. “Where’s dad?” I asked stepping back next to Agatha who stood silent and small.
“Downstairs getting wine.” She responded quickly and turned.
I nodded and rubbed Agatha’s back again pushing her gently into the living room.
An awkward silence rest on the room as Agatha and I sat on the couch side by side.
“Well.” My mom broke the silence. “I’ll be right back.”
I looked up to nod but she was already gone. Agatha was rubbing her palms on her thighs. I pushed closer and snuck a chaste kiss to her cheek. “How ya holding up, baby?” I asked quietly.
Seeing her like this was making my own fears slip away. Almost that same feeling like when you’ll go back in if your friends food order is wrong, not your own.
“I’m okay.” She replied just as quiet leaning into me.
I squeezed her side and scrunched my nose up with a smile trying to ease the tension.
“There she is.” My dad’s happy voice broke through.
Agatha stood instantly and turned to him. I bit my cheek holding in a laugh and followed suit. “Hey dad.” I waved pressing my arm against Agatha’s.
“You must be Agatha.” He walked all smiles up to her holding his arms out bringing her into a hug.
I snorted at her frigid reaction and patted his arm.
“Sorry about him.” I laughed as she awkwardly returned it. “He’s always been a hugger.” “Sorry, sorry just happy to meet you.” He stepped back holding his hands up before turning and grabbing me. “Hi kiddo.”
I eyed Agatha over his shoulder with an amused eye roll as I hugged him back. She laughed quietly and I pulled back stepping close to her again.
“Dinner’s ready.” My mom’s voice broke through from the dining room.
“What about appetizers and wine?” My dad walked over to her. “Let’s get to know each other first. We’ll leave the food warming.”
I tried to ignore the huffy reaction it earned as dad guided her back into the kitchen.
“Sit baby.” I pushed Agatha back gently to the corner of the couch. “I’ll be right back.”
Her eyes held a vulnerability I’d never seen as she nodded. Our dynamic had completely shifted since we got here.
I brushed the bridge of her nose and finally got a real smile.
“I’ll be here.” She said fixing her sweater leaning back.
I backed away and only turned after a wink over a signature Agatha smirk that settled my chest.
I walked into the kitchen and knew I’d interrupted something. Both of them looked frustrated and the room was silent as soon as I toed in.
“Everything good?” I asked cautiously stepping further in. “Need me to grab anything?”
My mom shook her head and started busying herself with something on the counter.
“Here honey.” Dad spoke up handing me two glasses of wine. “We’ll be right in.”
I grabbed the stems and eyed them both for a few seconds. With a sigh a turned back for the living room.
I sat down next to Agatha and smiled trying to hide that anything was wrong.
“Here ya go my lady.” I smiled handing her a glass.
We both sunk into the couch. Agatha’s leg crossed over both of mine like she always did. Her arm rest behind the couch as I tucked close to her.
I felt like I was shielding her from the room. Guarding her alongside the arm of the couch from any singeing stares that may come.
Soft music suddenly filled the room erasing a bit of the awkwardness. Dad walked in just after holding a tray filled with some appetizers to pick at. He placed it on the coffee table and sat on the other end of the couch.
“There’s a smoked cheddar from Vermont on their you’re gonna love, kiddo.” He nodded towards the cheese smiling.
I laughed lightly and leaned forward placing some on a cracker as mom entered. She quickly sat in the chair to the left of us all. I handed Agatha the cracker and got my own biting into it and leaning back.
“Mmhm.” I nodded washing it down with a sip. “Good stuff.”
I watched my mom who was sitting and staring at the coffee table swirling her wine. Not even a hint of a smile. It didn’t place worry in me like it had been. It was a tick of anger now.
I cleared my throat and pressed further into Agatha casually.
“So, Agatha.” Dad started as he grabbed some cheese. “What do you do for a living?”
About twenty minutes passed with dad enamored with Agatha’s company. Every time I relaxed into the conversation, it went away as soon as I looked at my mom.
She hadn’t chimed in once. Hadn’t smiled once. Hadn’t shown any interest at all.
Another notch of anger flared every time I looked at her.
We moved to the table for dinner and again, silence from her.
Both my dad and Agatha were trying to ignore it. Trying to avoid the elephant stomping in the room.
Then, the elephant spoke.
“Where are your parents Agatha?” My mom spoke up cutting my dad’s sentence off.
Agatha blinked for a moment. “Well, I never really knew my father and my mother has passed.”
My mom nodded looking down at her plate. Another suctioned silence stole the room.
A fork clattered from my mom’s hand to the plate. Agatha and I both jumped at the sudden harsh noise. Dad closed his eyes letting out a sigh and she just shook her head.
Another match flicked to stoke my anger.
I moved my hand to Agatha’s thigh pressing my fingers gently. Her hand slid over mine in an instant.
“I’m just supposed to sit here and pretend this is fine?” Her eyes were on me now. “I’m supposed to be alright with my only daughter dating a woman…” She trailed off shaking her head. “Well, I don’t know most likely close to double her age.”
My dad sighed yet again. Just a simple sigh.
I felt ready to bend my mother’s perfect silverware.
“What does that have to do with a damn thing?” I asked trying to keep my voice level.
My mom scoffed. “What could you possibly have in common? What is this really about? Her money? She says she owns a company right? That car that pulled up suggests she’s not hurting financially.” I don’t know what was worse. Her words or my dad’s silence.
“So let me get this right.” I paused for a sharp laugh. “You think that I, your daughter, am with someone for money?”
“It’s just a question.” She replied sharply then turned to Agatha. “You, what’s in it for you? What could my younger daughter possibly have that you would want? A woman your age and you haven’t found someone yet? Someone your own age. Odd to me.”
I turned to Agatha’s stunned silence and stood abruptly. The look on her face surged a protectiveness I’ve never known into me.
“Enough.” I seethed out on a dark low voice. “You don’t get to do this. You do not get to dim what I have with this wonderful woman. You don’t get to make it seem like this isn’t okay.” I stepped towards Agatha eyes strong and unflinching on my mother. “This woman has showed my the kindest most fulfilling love I’ve ever known. She’s everything a parent would want their kid to have. You should feel ashamed doing this to her. To me.” I turned to Agatha who was stoically looking down as I tugged her arm gently. “Come on. Let’s go.”
“Don’t go, kiddo.” My dad decided to finally add in.
I scoffed grabbing Agatha’s hand as she stood. “Don’t go?” I darted my eyes between them before landing squarely on my mom. “This whole accepting thing years back? Were there limitations to it? Rules to my sexuality?” Her face dropped and it almost pulled hard enough to make me feel bad. Then I looked at Agatha again and firmed up. I squeezed her hand tighter and backed up.
“I’m so happy.” I said calmly directing it to them both now. “So unbelievably happy. I love you both dearly, but I will not sacrifice my happiness for you.”
They both sat silent. No fight or denial towards anything I said.
“Enjoy your trip.” I turned from them and Agatha instantly followed.
We made it to the door, still no sound behind us. I held up Agatha’s coat and she shrugged into it. Her silence was warranted but nerve racking.
“Hold on a minute.” My dad jogged up to us. “Don’t go let’s talk this out.”
I fisted my coat and opened the door.
“I’ve done my talking. You had plenty of time to do so.” I shook my head looking down. “We’re leaving.”
“We’ve got your presents still.” He tried as a last ditch.
I almost laughed.
“Return them.” Was the last thing I spoke as I closed the door behind us.
The car was quiet aside from Agatha starting the engine. She pulled off, hands gripping the wheel white.
“I’m so sorry.” My leg was bobbing nervously as I spoke. “I should’ve known.”
She remained looking ahead but her hand fell to my knee softly. I instantly wrapped my own around hers. “I can’t believe she’d do this.” I looked out my window. “To do it all right in front of you. Not even have the decency to bring it up later with just me.”
Agatha kept on with her quiet but squeezed my hand.
I wanted to urge her to speak, but I didn’t want to push her.
A little relief washed over me when she skipped my neighborhood.
We’d almost got to her house when my phone started blowing up. Calls from them both. Texts from them both. I shut it off and dropped it in the center console cup holder.
I stared out the window swirling in my thoughts.
I hated how angry it was making me. How out of clutch my emotions were. Hated how it was effecting Agatha.
When we pulled into the driveway and Agatha parked it felt like home.
On any other night it would’ve been perfect. Now, I was just scared. Scared this would ruin everything. Worried it shouldn’t be feeling like home. That I shouldn’t be getting so comfortable.
We got out and Agatha wrapped her arm around me as we walked up to the door. She let me in first and again, as soon as I stepped in, it felt like home.
“Agatha.” I turned to her as she stood in front of the door. “I know it was a lot, but please say something.”
She stepped to me, eyes roaming mine. The blue of hers held a dark stormy sadness to them.
Her hands grasped both of mine tightly as she looked down.
Tears glistened at a near fall when she looked back up. The glassiness reflecting the dim light above the stairs.
“I should’ve said something.” Her voice cracked around her words.
“Agatha.” I breathed out moving a hand to cup her cheek. “They’re my parents. It’s my job.”
“I have never shut down like that.” She looked past my shoulder shaking her head, a tear finally falling. “Never. I’m in meetings with brash old men every week. I never back down. I never let a room control me.”
“Hey.” I spoke softly wiping her cheeks with my thumbs. “You did nothing wrong. I’ve got you, okay?” Her eyes shot to mine again, hands moving around my lower back tugging me close.
A moment passed nose to nose.
“All those things you said.” She trailed off chin shaking with more tears.
I pulled her close and took a deep breath at the side of her head. She started honest to god sobbing.
It made the rage smolder all the more.
“Agatha.” My own voice started breaking at the sound of her cries. “I’ve got you. You’re beautiful. I don’t give a fuck about your age. Your age doesn’t lessen your worth or your love. Please don’t let anything said tonight make you think otherwise.”
Her nails dug into the fabric of my clothes. I held the back of her head gently. It felt like she was trying to press into my skin. I wanted to floor it back to their house and scream. Half of my mind felt captive to the anger. The other half could only focus on protecting Agatha.
“I meant every word.” I kissed her forehead. “If they can’t accept this that’s on them.”
She looked so small and vulnerable. It was making my chest ache.
“I love you so much.” Her voice was shaky as she spoke. “I’m sorry I can’t find my words right now, but just know that.”
My shoulders relaxed and I kissed her head again. “You don’t have to say anything. I love you too.”
“My sweet girl.” She looked up through her wet eyelashes. “Come.” I obeyed easily and followed her up the stairs like a shadow.
Agatha beelined for the bathroom when we made it to her room. I watched silently near her bed as she started running water into the tub.
She moved around the bathroom, cabinets opening and shutting in her wake.
A fresh scent started to fill the rooms after she dumped something bubbly in the water.
I watched silently in the moonlit bedroom as she started to undress. The bathroom was only a tad brighter from the dimmed vanity lights.
“Coming?” She asked softly standing near the door in just her pants. I nodded, the side of my mouth turning up as I walked towards her.
I’d still not gotten used to the sight of her.
Of course she’s pretty when she cries. Even though the sight of it felt like a stab to the chest.
I started to undress as she stepped into the water. She sunk down, a quiet sigh breaking from her lungs.
I watched her every breath as I tossed my clothes. Our eyes locked when I stepped in. I stared for a second before settling in front of her.
Her arms instantly pulled me to her chest. The water waked around us, bubbles smacking the floor.
“I need to feel you.” She whispered in a desperate way.
I nodded and slowly moved my hands up and down her legs around me.
Her arms were like plush claws around me. I leaned my head back against her shoulder to look up at her. She met my gaze and a slow soapy hand moved to my jaw. Her eyebrows tugged in together as she leaned into me. Her lips were parted with short breaths in and out.
Suds slid between my cheek and her thumb, her lips found mine in an unhurried way.
I reached a hand to the back of her head pushing her closer to deepen it.
“Nobody gets to tell us this is a bad love.” I whispered against her mouth.
She nodded as a tension built in her chin again.
We pushed back into each other at the same time with a knowing rhythm.
I pulled back and nudged her nose with a smile. “If they wanna assume I’m a gold digger and that you’re a creepy cougar, let em.” I kissed her again to seal the sentence and she laughed right into my mouth.
Fits of laughter shook us and the water surrounding.
I was so thankful as a calm settled on us. Any worry that this would rock us unsteady subsiding by the second.
We soaked for a bit. Lazy hands and kisses all that was needed for the time being.
The water was cooling and our fingers started to wrinkle.
“I actually had a surprise for you tonight.” Agatha spoke rubbing my stomach gently.
“Oh yeah?” I looked up from her shoulder smiling. “I expected this night to be…” She trailed off looking around. “Interesting. I did not expect this I must admit, but I wanted to have a little something for you to come home to.”
I smiled wide trying to ignore the word home and how it pumped my blood a little harder.
“To my shock here I am the emotional mess.” She went on. “Either way, would you like to see?”
I nodded and kissed her cheek. “Yes, please.”
She sat up pushing me with her. “Come on then. Let’s dry off my darling girl.”
I stepped out and dripped onto the bath mat as I stretched for a towel. Water cascaded off of Agatha as she stood after flipping the drain open. I wrapped the towel around her and started drying her slowly.
We took turns and then she shot me an Agatha smirk, backing away as she held a finger up.
When she came back she had her robe on and something behind her back.
“First thing’s first.” She held up what was behind her with a smile.
A silk robe waved held up between her fingers. It was a different pattern than the one I’d gotten her, but had similar colors.
I moved closer biting my cheek with a smile. “Turn that butt around.” She grinned down at me sly.
Laughing, I followed orders and spun around. She slipped it on me fixing the front together and tying it gently around my waist.
“Perfect.” She whispered in my ear as her hands ran along the silk.
“I love it.” I moved back around and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. “Thank you, baby.”
With a chaste kiss she walked past tugging me along.
“Now what?” I asked as she moved us further into the bathroom.
What proceeded, was her showing me the bathroom stocked with all of my chosen toiletries.
The soap I use, lotion, perfume a new toothbrush. You name it and it was there locked and loaded in the left side of the double vanity.
“Agatha.” I fixed her a look, heart racing.
“Listen, kitten.” She moved closer rubbing my back with a playful smirk. “We don’t need to pretend you’re not going to be here a lot. I just thought it would be nice to not have to worry about forgetting something across town.”
I kissed a smile into her.
“This is very, very sweet.” I whispered closely.
“There might also be an array of new clothes in the closet I thought might look dashing on you.” She hummed against my lips.
I groaned head falling back. “Agatha.” I teased. “This wouldn’t do well in convincing anyone I’m not here for your wallet ya know?”
She did her lean back laugh.
“Well.” She looked back to me a playfulness in her eyes. “How else am I supposed to get you to stick around with an old crone like myself?”
We burst into laughter leaning on one another.
I wanted to bottle up all of this and show it to my parents.
Show them how fucking right this was.
We moved to the bed and Agatha’s dark eyes held mine as she tugged my recently fastened robe.
“My turn to find out where this looks better.” She said low and slow.
I groaned biting my lip as she moved it off and to the ground. I returned the favor in an instant.
We fell into the sheets in a mess of limbs and lips.
I took over and she let me.
I held close to her ear as I whispered every reassurance I could think up. I pressed sweet words against her lips as I pressed into her.
Every push in accented with words of kind affection.
Each time it sucked the air straight from her lungs. It was the most lost in me she’s ever looked. Desperate and clinging to every touch, every little thing I uttered.
A roaring shake lead up to an explosive shocking release. She almost looked stunned by it. How quick it hit and how strong.
She begged for more right after. Begged like her actual life depended on anything I could give her.
So I did.
It was late now as we lay beneath the skylight tangled and drained. I felt like my soul had been branded with her love tonight. I felt no fear that I’d lose her. No fear in anything splitting us apart.
“I was so worried about this night.” She softly said up to the stars. “I wanted to keep a brave face for you, but my gut told me it was going to end in an undesirable way.”
“I had no idea you were that worked up until we got there.” I looked over to her. “You could have told me.”
“I know.” She nodded as her fingers lazily brushed up and down my forearm. “She knew that day. That day in the cafe? She knew.”
“Yeah.” I sighed turning into her further. “Yeah, I know.”
I reached up and kissed her lazily before returning to my rightful spot on her shoulder.
——————————————————————————
The sun was trying to break through the thick curtains of Agatha’s room when I woke. She must’ve shut the skylight at some point to prevent our blinding.
Her hand was stretched across the bed resting on my stomach as she slept peacefully. I crept closer to her and she almost instantly moved in a sync towards me.
A low grumble emitted from her the closer we got. I smiled and kissed her forehead.
We rose slow and gentle into my day off.
Agatha had to disappear into her office before breakfast to send something off via email. I used the time to slip into the chilly morning and grab my phone from her cars cup holder.
I hadn’t turned it on yet. I placed it on the counter face down while I toasted some bagels I found.
Agatha’s eyes instantly dropped to my phone when she found me.
“Still blowing up?” She asked pulling me into her side at the counter.
I huffed over a shrug. “Haven’t turned the wretched thing on yet.”
After a pause she kissed my head and grabbed the bagel I pushed towards her.
We sat at the table eating in a comfortable silence. My eyes kept shifting to my phone periodically.
“Turn it on, darling.” Agatha urged rubbing the back of my hand with her thumb.
I scrunched my nose as I stood and grabbed my phone walking back to sit next to her. I held the side button and waited for the reveal. With a moment of pause I flipped and unlocked it.
I cleared all of the calls first. They seemed to stop a couple hours after we left. The texts on the other hand? Pretty much hadn’t gave way until midnight.
I was puzzled to find several from Chloe. I opened hers first.
‘Dude your mom is blowing my phone up what the hell is going on?’
‘I take it the meet and greet did not go well.’
‘She’s now asking me why you aren’t home. Like…is she good?’
‘I’m going to assume you turned your phone off but if you need me I’m here bub.’
“Jesus.” I whispered shaking my head. “She called Chloe about it and apparently was at my house.”
Agatha didn’t say anything but her eyebrows were turned in.
I quickly typed a reply back to her. A sum up of everything said and an apology that she got dragged into it.
I moved to Dad’s messages next. Nothing much besides begging to come back or call.
Then I fell onto Mom’s texts.
It was too much to read one by one. I scrolled picking up on a few here and there.
‘I’m just worried about you.’
‘Come back to the house and we will discuss this.’
‘I’m sorry for the way I worded certain things.’
‘Why aren’t you home?’
I stopped reading and hit call. Just get it over with.
I stood into a steady pace one hand holding my phone the other on my hip.
“You’ve had me and your father worried all night.” Pushed through the phone instantly.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, eyes closed. “I believe I was fully warranted some space.”
“Well.” She trailed off. “You weren’t home.”
I scoffed and took a breath trying to calm myself before I spoke.
“No I was not home. I am at my girlfriend’s house.” I looked to her as I said it.
Worry was all over her again. I walked over to her sat at the table and gently ran my fingers through her hair.
A long pause lingered from my mom’s end.
“I think we should meet somewhere to discuss this.” She said it with a firmness.
“There’s nothing to discuss unless you’ve changed your point of view overnight.” My nerves were shooting out of my fingers against Agatha’s scalp. “I’m sorry mom, but I won’t easily forgive how you treated us last night.”
“As I’ve said in a message.” Her voice was tight. “I do apologize for the way I worded things.”
I clenched my jaw hot angry tears forming.
“Yes, but that’s not an apology is it?” I wiped my eyes and let out a long breath. “We need space. Go on your trip. Think about all of this. We’ll get together when you come back.”
“We’re staying now.” She replied instantly. “We won’t be going anywhere until this is solved. I was also thinking maybe you could join us somewhere else. You, your father and I can have a weekend away and talk this out.”
I laughed sharply. “Why so you can try to convince me away from this? Invite a priest over for dinner one night?”
“Now you know that is not what this is about.” Her voice got higher. “This has nothing to do with you liking girls.”
“Women.” I replied fingers working in Agatha’s hair again. “I like women mom. One woman to be exact. Nothing you say is going to sway that.”
“Honey.” She tried to soften her words. “Don’t let this push us apart.”
I shook my head tears falling. All the pent up emotion from the past twenty four hours finally spilling over. Agatha rubbed my back like a soothing presence on the sidelines.
“I’m not.” I sniffled hand smoothing over the back of Agatha’s neck. “You are. If you don’t accept this it is you choosing to drive a wedge.” I was fully crying now. “I love you and dad so much, but I won’t choose you if you make that the only option. How do you not see how awful this is? Deciding upon a glance that I’ve found a wrong love over something as trivial as age.” She tried to cut in but I continued over her steeling myself. “It’s shameful how you treated her last night. I’ve never seen you treat anybody like that. Let alone someone I’m bringing to you to show my love. I cannot easily forgive it. If you refuse to accept this. If you refuse to apologize. I’m not sure where we go from here.”
I could’ve heard a pin drop on her end for a long time. I almost thought she’d hung up.
“Go on the trip mom.” I spoke again. “Let me know when you’re back.”
I could hear her crying on the other line. Picked up my dad whispering something.
“I do love you mom.” I said quietly. “But I can’t be treated like this.”
Another agonizing silence stretched on. “I’ll call when we’re back.” She settled on with a cracking voice. “I love you.”
With that she hung up.
I dropped my phone on the table shattering into a sob. Agatha’s sweetness was around me without a seconds hesitation.
“Why does it have to be this way?” I choked out into her chest. “I don’t know, pumpkin.” Her own shaky words eased out. “I really don’t know.”
