Chapter 7 Thanksgiving Day
Everyone was up bright and early on Thanksgiving Day. Jim and David were coordinating everything so that Hildy and Kami would not have to. A car was sent to Brooklyn to pick up Kami's friend and her family and also Kami's grandparents.
Edgar, his wife and their girls were already en route from Harlem to the area where their parade seats where.
Terry and Emma were responsible for collecting Abbi at her apartment and driving her to the parade. Everything was covered and Jim and David were very pleased with themselves. They arrived on Fifth Avenue first and positioned themselves at the back of their reserved section as they surveyed the folks who began to fill the seated area.
"How do you think things went last night David? Did you stay around long enough after dropping off Hildy's parents to pick up any reaction when they met Kami?" David pondered for a few moments before responding.
"Not really, her folks seem to by nice people, and they looked genuinely happy to see Hildy". David sat quietly as he went into deep thought. Jim observed that David suddenly became unusually quiet, so he asked him "What is it? Did something happen?"
David sighed and replied "No. It is just that Hildy's Dad gave her and Kami an odd look before heading to the elevators last night". Jim voiced the thought that immediately ran through his mind "I wonder what that meant?"
David rubbed his hand across his chin and he said "Anyone looking at Kami while she looked at Hildy could tell that she loved her. Maybe Mr. Mulligan picked up on the love in Kami's or even Hildy's eyes as the introductions were made. To be honest, I would not want to be in Hildy's shoes when she came out to her parents".
Jim looked at him and frowned "I thought you said her parents were nice people? Do you really think the coming out was that bad? I know Hildy was stressing yesterday over her parents visit but I did wonder if maybe she was over thinking the entire situation".
David leaned back in the seat and stretched out his long legs as he replied
"I do not think she was over thinking the situation. Hildy came from a traditional, conservative home with a strict Dad while she was growing up. Sometimes that kind of combination can be tough on a child even into adulthood. And when your life choice goes at odds against what your parents deem best for you, you could have a lot of emotional stress as your relationship becomes strained".
Both men sat quietly for a few moments before Jim said
"We will know soon enough if things went well last night. Hildy and Kami should be arriving within half hour".
David decided that he could not wait that long and pulled out his cell phone and called Hildy. The phone rang a few times before it was answered by Kami.
David asked her how things worked out last night and she briefly filled him in before letting him know that she was about to join Hildy in the shower before heading down to her parents' room.
Jim looked expectantly at David as he waited to be filled in on what happened. "It did not go well. Hildy's Mom in particular was very disappointed in her daughter and they parted on a low note. Hildy and Kami are going to her parent's room in a few minutes in hope that they will still be willing to come to our family Thanksgiving Day lime".
Jim thought to himself "I hope her parents' still come. All they need is to see the love we all have for Hildy and Kami and their attitude is bound to change."
Just then they saw Edgar and his family approach the covered area where their reserved seats were. Edgar's wife Danielle was a lovely lady inside and out, and his two little daughters were mirror images of their mother. As everyone exchanged hugs, David and Jim who were the girl's honorary uncles took charge of a child each as they made their selves comfortable. They began to engage Edgar's twin daughters, Hope and Faith in conversation as Edgar and Danielle settled in their seats and relaxed.
Terry, Emma and Abbi arrived literally two minutes later and more hugs and kissed were exchanged. The family of friends became more and more excited as the street filled with people.
Everyone chatted at once as the mood was happy while they awaited the start of the parade. After a few minutes Terry turned to Jim and David as they were the transportation organizers and asked when Kami's family and friends would be arriving. The guys told him any minute now as the vehicle that was bringing them crossed the Brooklyn Bridge several minutes ago.
No one on the team had ever met Kami's grandparents nor her friend, so they were all eagerly awaiting their arrival. The vehicle carrying Kami's guests could not drive right up to the reserved seating area because the street was corded off. Instead the guests exited the vehicle a couple blocks away and walked to where the team was waiting for them.
Terry was the first to recognize Kami's grandparents based on photos she shared with him. He stood on the elevated platform and called out to them, and beckoned them to the group of waiting friends. When they arrived at their designated seats, Kami's grandfather, Mr. James Robinson was the first to introduce himself to the team. He then introduced his wife Kathrine, and Kami's friends Ellen and her husband Andrew and their children.
Then another round of introductions took place as Terry introduced his wife, friends and their families. After everyone knew everyone else they all made themselves comfortable. Ellen's children gravitated to Edgar's children and friendships were struck up immediately. Andrew began talking football with Mr. Robinson and the guys as Abbi engaged Mrs. Robinson and the other ladies in light hearted conversation.
Anyone passing by would never believe that the two groups sitting together had just met for the first time. As the minutes ticked by Mrs. Robinson asked Ellen, "El darling, can you call that granddaughter of mine and ask her what is taking her so long to get here? I would call but my cell phone is probably at the bottom of my purse".
Ellen had known Kami's grandparents for so long that they were like her grandparents too especially as her grandparents died before she was born. Through the years they had welcomed her into their home and lives and she loved them both dearly, so much so that she called them Pappy and Nana, the same way Kami did.
Ellen placed the call as Nana requested but Kami's phone went into voice mail so she left a message. Terry's wife Emma did not know what transpired last night between Hildy and her parents but as Emma was her friend and confidant, she was well aware of the concern Hildy had about her parent's potential reaction to her coming out declaration.
"Let me call Hildy and see how soon they will be here", she offered and then placed a call to Hildy's cell phone. It too went to voice mail, so she also left a message. Even though Ellen and Emma did not know each other they both were aware that the meeting last night may not have gone well and they exchanged a look between them that clearly said "I hope Hildy's fears were not realized".
Mrs. Robinson was in her late eighties, looked fifteen years younger, and had the memory and cognitive skills of a woman in her thirties. Over the years she crafted the skill of looking unconcerned because she grew to realize that folks let their guard down more often if felt you would not notice what they are going. This skill allowed her to get glimpses into various aspects of peoples' personalities that they would not usually share.
In a nutshell, nothing escaped her notice. She observed the look that passed between Ellen and Emma and correctly concluded that something was wrong and that something involved her Baby Girl as she lovingly referred to her granddaughter. Not one to waste time or words she immediately asked questions to get to the bottom of what was going on. It just so happened that there was a lull at that moment in the sports conversation the men were engaged in and they heard Mrs. Robinson pose her question.
"Ellen". At the sound of her name spoken in a tone that commanded her attention.
Ellen turned to look at Nana. Along with Ellen's attention being drawn, the attention of Mr. Robinson and everyone else's was also caught. He sensed immediately that something disturbed his wife. Ellen knew Nana well enough to know what that tone meant.
"I know something is going on with Kami, and it involves Hildy. My granddaughter is a stickler for time and would not normally arrive after us especially on a celebratory day like today. So Ellen tell me what is wrong. And do not I repeat, do not try to dance around the answer". Ellen looked at Nana, took a deep breath and knew it was pointless to attempt to cover up anything so she answered honestly.
"Kami was worried about Hildy because Hildy was stressing out over her parents visit. Hildy never told her parents that she was attracted to women, and as they are a bit conservative she was not sure how they would respond to her declaration. I have not spoken to Kami since yesterday when she invited me to come to the parade so I have no idea how things worked out last night".
Mrs. Robinson listened intently her granddaughter's friend whom she loved as one of her own grandchildren, she sat perfectly still as she thought about the implications of Ellen's words.
Before she could respond, David interjected "I spoke to Kami a little while before you all arrived and things did not work out too well last night. Both she and Hildy were going to Hildy's parents' room in hope that they would still be interested in coming to the parade today. Whether or not her parents come, Hildy and Kami should be here shortly".
Mr. Robinson and his wife exchanged a look that everyone noticed. Mr. Robinson cleared his throat as he shared some personal information with this new extended family.
"When Kami told us that she liked women we were shocked. She had just broken up with the man she was engaged to be married to and it seemed to us that she was confused because of all the emotional stress she was going through. We tried to convince her that she was mistaken about her sexual attraction to women. But she was adamant that she was right and we were wrong. After a lot of honest heartfelt talks we came to the realization that our Baby Girl knew exactly who she was, and we had no right to try and mold her into the image we had of who we felt she should be. Kathrine and I love Kami more than words can say, and if Hildy's parents love their daughter half as much as we love our Kami then they will eventually put aside their preconceived ideas of who she should be and accept her for who she is".
Kathrine looked at her husband and smiled and gently gave him a kiss on his cheek as she said, "Well said my love".
Abbi took in the scene before her and felt warm to her core as she looked in admiration at the seniors who still obviously loved each other even after being together for over sixty-five years.
They all sat back in their seats as the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade began. They collectively hoped that their missing friends and the visiting parents would soon arrive.
That morning Hildy and Kami took a slow shower together as Kami loved her lady's body. She comforted her and reaffirmed her with every kiss, with every caress of her lips and hands. Kami knew Hildy was wrung up as tight as a coil and she wanted her to be as relaxed as possible before they went to her parents' room. By the time they left the shower Hildy was in a calmer more relaxed state of mind. Soon they were out of the bathroom and toweling each other off as they planned how to approach Hildy's parents that morning.
They had a light breakfast and decided to go to her parents' room together. Hildy insisted that her parents needed to accept that Kami was in her life to stay. Even if they did not accept her lifestyle, it was important to Hildy that her parents be made to understand that she was in a committed relationship. The more Hildy and Kami tried to come up with a way to get the conversation flowing with her parents was the more they felt stuck, So they decided to play it by air.
They went to Mr. and Mrs. Mulligan's room and softly knocked. Holly and Dalaigh were expecting Hildy and her partner to come by so the knock did not surprise them. When they got up that morning they discussed the situation over and over until they came to a consensus. Holly did not want to go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, she felt that she would be a hypocrite to attend and act like everything was alright when they were not.
Even though she loved her daughter more that her words could express, she could not wrap her mind around the fact that her daughter claimed to be a lesbian. As far as Holly was concerned the Bible was clear on what was acceptable sexual behaviour and a woman romantically involved with another woman was not.
Dalaigh on the other hand was deeply affected by Hildy's parting words the night before. Her reference to loving as Jesus loved disturbed his mind and his soul. This disturbance was the catalyst that motivated him to want to make a positive change in his relationship with his daughter. He told his wife this and impressed upon her that he did not want them to be on separate pages over the matter. He told Holly he was going to the parade and he was going to look at things from Hildy's perspective in an attempt to understand how she was feeling and thinking. He gently put his foot down with Holly when he took this stand.
He understood how his wife felt but he wanted her to remember that ultimately Hildy's choice was between her and God and not between them. They owed it to their daughter to love her regardless of if they agreed with her choices or not. He reminded his wife that Hildy had never given them any heartache throughout her life the way some folks experienced with their daughters and that the least they could do was give her a chance.
After a while Holly's love for her daughter took the upper hand over the logic her mind was bombarding her with. She eventually agreed to accompany her husband to the parade but she was adamant that she was not going to be fawning all over Kami and Hildy and condoning their public displays of affection. Dalaigh smiled because he knew in his heart that Holly had made gains between last night when she turned her back on their daughter and now.
As these thoughts were going through his mind, he heard the soft knock on the door. As he opened the door he saw Hildy and Kami standing there. Dalaigh immediately read Hildy's body language. He noted that even though she stood erect with a determined look in her eyes, there was still a shade of uncertainty behind them. Kami on the other hand looked like she would spring like a Bobcat on him if he said or did anything to upset Hildy.
Dalaigh, being a former police officer was always on the alert, always in a protection mode in case an unexpected danger threatened his loved ones. He duly noted the way Kami's body language spoke and he immediately appreciated the protective vibe that Kami was sending off as she looked at him square in his eyes.
"Come in Hildy, Kami. Your mother and I were just discussing the parade". The ladies entered the room and stood looking from Hildy's Mom to her Dad.
"Hello Hildy". Mrs. Mulligan said. Then she turned to Kami and said "Kami", by way of greeting.
"Good morning Mom, Dad", Hildy responded and Kami also greeted them. Then they all stood quietly for a few moments. Then Mr. Mulligan cleared his throat and began to speak in a soft tone of voice.
"Hildy, this situation caught your mother and I unawares and it will take some getting used to. Last night we said some things that we should not have and we regret them. We would like to start over on a new page if you and Kami are willing".
Hildy was not expecting such a declaration form her father and for a moment she was at a loss for words. She came to their room expecting a continuation from last night. Instead she got an olive branch. As she kept standing there not responding, Kami gave her a little nudge with her elbow, an action that did not go unnoticed by either parent.
"I was not expecting you to say anything like that Dad". She took a deep breath and then continued. "I know what I shared with you both last night shocked you. I never meant to hurt you or disappoint you but I could no longer hide the truth from you. I too would like to start over if you are willing to. I did not like how we ended last night".
Hildy then turned her eyes to her mother and said "Mom, I do not want to fight with you. If you and Dad are on the same page, I am thankful. But if you are going to say things or do things to pull me down or to insult Kami, I won't bother to subject you to being around me. I would leave right now and not bother you again".
Holly saw the quiet determination and uncertainty in her daughter's eyes as she spoke those words. She knew that her next words would either make or break their relationship. She had already lost one child; she did not want to lose her last remaining one so she responded with, "Your father is speaking for me as well. I would not lie to you Hildy; I do not understand what's going on, why you are interested in women. I really do not understand this Hildy but I am willing to try and see things from your point of view".
Hildy felt her eyes mist over at her Mom's honesty. She wanted so badly to step into her Mom's space and be held by her mother but she hung back. Holly wanted to hug her daughter tightly in her arms but she hung back. Both felt the need to connect but did not know how to make the first step.
Kami was so in tuned with Hildy's every emotion that she felt her need. She knew if the opportunity was allowed to pass by without Hildy having her need met she would always regret not taking the first step. So just as how she gave her lady a nudge a few moments before, she did so again but this time she gave her a gently push towards her Mom.
Mrs. Mulligan stepped forward and awkwardly pulled Hildy towards her into a hug that looked strained at first but slowly grew into a relaxed tight hug. This physical connection was like a breach in a well fortified dam because both women felt tears roll down their cheeks before they finally pulled apart.
Dalaigh was happy to see his wife and daughter connect on an emotional level. In an effort to lighten the mood he asked "So Kami, where exactly are we going to see the parade?"
Kami turned to him and smiled and in that moment he saw the beauty in her soul and he was taken aback. He got a glimpse of what his daughter saw when she looked at Kami and it made him more determined to improve his relationship with Hildy because he began to realize that she may just be in a relationship that was much deeper than he first thought.
"We are just going up the block. Jim and the rest of our family are holding seats for us. We should be leaving because I am sure the parade has already begun". On that note she led the way out of the hotel room with Hildy and her parents following.
The walk from the hotel to the covered seats only took a few minutes. As they approached the area where their friends and family were waiting for them, Abbi saw them first and stood and waved to them to catch their attention. Slowly everyone stood as Kami, Hildy, and her parents arrived at the seats.
Hildy turned to her work family and introduced her parents. There followed a series of introductions as everyone sat back down to enjoy the parade.
Author's Note: I wish all parents of LGBT persons would be willing to try to see things from their child's perspective. Unfortunately this does not always happen.
