Chapter 24
~.~
Becky is now two months pregnant with our twins. We decided early on we'd wait to find out if we were having both boys, both girls or one of each.
We have yet to tell our fourteen-year old.
So, we sit her down after she's finished with homework one night in late May.
"Ruby, your mother and I have to tell you something."
"Okay. What's going on? Is everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, Ruby. It's just that…I'm pregnant, and it's twins."
"Really?"
"Really. What are you feeling right now?"
"Excited to become a big sister, but also nervous. How about you guys?"
"Same as you, my little love. Excited and nervous. We wanted to tell you when you were older…"
"Tell me what?"
"Honey, why don't you leave the room?"
Becky nods and leaves, Penny following her.
"Your mother, when she and I had just got engaged…my ex-boss…he came and…are you going to be okay with me talking about this, Ruby, since you had a similar experience?"
"I think so."
"Alright. Tell me if you get scared, okay?"
Ruby nods.
"My ex-boss, he came and kidnapped your mother. He violated her and she became pregnant. Your older brother, Reuben, was stillborn. But he was still so beautiful. Do you know what stillborn means?"
"It means he was dead on arrival, or shortly before."
"You are so smart, Ruby. You must get that from me."
"Or from Mom."
I smirk at my eldest daughter and continue.
"Anyway, not even a year later we found out we were expecting. But your older sister…your mother miscarried her at three months. She was so small, but she was still beautiful. Later, we found out we were pregnant again. And we were so scared we were going to lose you. But thankfully, just 11 days before Christmas, you came into the world, practically screaming."
"Wow. I actually have something to tell you and Mom…it's nothing bad. I just feel like now is a good time."
"Alright. Love, it's safe to come out now."
Ruby stifles a laugh, but I don't question it. Becky comes out of the room, Penny following her, and sits on the couch.
"So, what's going on, Ruby? What do you have to tell your mother and I?"
"Mama, Daddy…I don't know how to say this, so I just will. I'm gay."
"How long have you known?" Becky asks.
"A few years. Are you mad?"
"Mad? Sweetie, of course we're not mad. It's okay!" Becky says, wrapping her arms around our firstborn.
"I agree with your mother. Whoever you bring home, if they treat you right, they're alright with us."
"Thank you."
"For what, sweetie?" I ask.
"For being okay with me being gay. Mom, I heard you used to be homophobic."
"I was. But I've changed for the better. And I, like your father, will accept anyone you bring home, as long as they treat you right."
"Thank you so much for accepting me."
"You're welcome."