“Great, food will be ready in a few minutes, it’s almost done. Have a seat in the living room.” That’s when I decided to talk to my dad about why he wanted Ashley to stay so badly. Usually he wasn’t that assertive.

“Dad, what’s up? Why did you want Ashley to stay so badly?” I began.

“I just thought it might be nice for you to have some of your friends over for dinner.” He said with a devilish grin. The way he said it was far from mean, it was almost smug. With that I gave up protest and waited for dinner to be ready.

Dinner was incredibly awkward for Ashley and I. She was to my left with my dad at my right near the end of the table. No one else knew what all the tension was about, but it could’ve been felt across the street. Ashley and I exchanged several glances showing that we both knew something was up. First there was the prayer. As we held wands, I grabbed Ashley’s. They were warm and soft so I enjoyed every second of the time I had to hold them.

“Dear lord Jesus, thank you for this food…” Paula began the prayer. After several sentences about thankfulness and eternal servitude, the prayer was over and we began to eat. Conversations raged across the table, however Ashley and I remained silent for most of dinner. Sometimes my dad would drop hints about something I couldn’t put my finger on. He said things like “Spencer, your changing so fast.” or “I’m glad you and Ashley could come out to dinner.” When he spoke the last one, it hit me like a slap in the face: he knew about Ashley and I.

After dinner, when Ashley had gone, I pulled my dad aside. “Dad, how did you find out?”

As a smile broke across his face he said “It was obvious, there’s a connection between you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. So, when are you going to tell the rest of the family.”

“Glen and Clay already know.”

“Damn, I didn’t know I was so slow. When are you going to tell her?”

“I have to?”

“Yes, sweetie.” My dad said with a smile, “And it needs to be now.” Before I could respond he dragged me to the living room and called a family meeting.

“What’s up,” each of my brother’s and my mom said as they came in.

“Spencer has an announcement to make.” My dad said.

I knew by the look on my brother’s faces that they knew what was coming. So I began, “I…ugh… like girls.” That was easy, I thought. However, before anyone could react my mom stood up with a concerned and even scared look on her face.

“I need to say something,” she said shyly, “and this time is as good as any. Besides, everyone here has a right to know. I cheated on your father…. with a girl. I like girls too.” And she broke down crying saying “I’m so sorry!”