Gail moved away from Holly with a facial expression of a deer caught in the headlights… She was not ready for anyone to know about them, especially now when things got even more complicated.

''Officer Epstein… What can this humble doctor do for you?''

''I didn't mean to see you kiss… Sorry…''

Holly smirked at how nervous they both were. She even found it cute how Gail was still blushing.

''You and detective Peck can stop looking like deer in the headlights. It's nothing unusual, two people were kissing, grow up and deal with it… ''

They both looked at the floor not daring to look at each other or Holly.

''Now, what do I need to do for you officer?!''

''Swarek sent some of the findings he wanted you to see if you think they are important for the case…''

''Ok. I'll get on it… ''

She took the folder and put it on her desk. She turned to Gail and took her hand.

''Gail, leave! You have something to do…And I will see you tonight.''

She left the office and Holi was now alone with Dov.

'' And as for you officer, I will call if I find something… Shut the door on your way out and don't mention this to anyone until Gail says something…''

She was checking the findings and seeing nothing relevant. She left the papers on the desk and called Sam. He thanked her and told her that he and Gail are on their way to talk to some people from the list. Gail showed up at her office a bit after eleven. Holly was still working on the autopsy of a man who in the end died of natural causes. He was over sixty and didn't have a strong heart. One day it just betrayed him. When she was done, she returned him to his assigned slot and went to the office to finish paperwork. When she got into her office, Gail was sitting at her desk playing a game on her computer. She found it funny how concentrated Gail looked.

''Detective, I might have to get you off my spot…''

''Spoiling my fun already? Oh, doctor, doctor…''

''I have a report to finish and we can leave.''

''How long?''

''Twenty minutes….''

''Oh…''

When Holly was done they went to their cars and drove to Gail's place. Before Gail went into work, she bought some food and wine Holly loved and now she was getting ready to cook for her. They both had day off tomorrow and Gail had every intention to spend it with Holly. She knew things were still a bit weird between them, but she was willing to work to make them less awkward.

Gail was cooking in the kitchen and Holly was sitting on the sofa watching Gail make her magic with food. Holly found it very sexy how she moved around the kitchen. Around midnight food was ready and Holly helped set the table. Gail made them chicken with vegetables and Holly had to admit that the young Peck finally learned how to cook.

''Wow! This is far cry from all that you used to cook. Actually this is eatable.''

''Ha..Ha… Very funny Stewart.''

''I still have nightmares from that Sheppard pie.''

''I wanted to surprise you with it.''

''Oh, you did. I spent a night at the hospital due to food poisoning.''

Gail threw her napkin at Holly.

''I hate you.''

''No, you don't.''

They spent some time silent eating the food Gail made for them. After they were done, Holly did the dishes and Gail sat on the sofa and watched her do it.

''Look at us… So domesticated.''

''Is that a bad thing Gail?''

''No…. I don't think so…I sort of like it.''

Holly finished the dishes and joined Gail on the sofa. Gail pulled her into kiss and they kissed for few minutes.

''I wanted to do this all day.''

''Me too detective.''

Gail got up and offered her hand to Holly.

''Come with me.''

''Where to?''

''The bedroom.''

''Gail…''

''Don't worry Stewart. I just want to show you something…not have my way with you….''

''Oh, ok…''

They were close to the bedroom door when Gail turned to face her.

''Stewart, are you going to play hard to get again?''

''Oh, my God Gail!''

''I just want to know. I can't wait for months again.''

''I promise you I will not make you wait that much…again.''

''That's good to know.''

Gail opened her bedroom door and turned on the light. Holly was surprised by how the room looked. It was somehow too grown up for Gail, it was more something she would pick for herself than what she believed Gail would pick. Walls were beige and there were few paintings on the wall. Gail's bed was made from dark oak wood and covers were burgundy red. Across from the door there was big commode with three big drawers. On top of it were few pictures and Holly noticed that one of them was picture of them. It was from the summer before her senior year. They were at the lake and some random person took a picture of them. They were sitting on the bench and kissing. Holly took the picture and took a seat on the bed. She had small smile on her face. Gail was leaning on the door frame and watching Holly.

''That was an amazing day.''

''Yes it was… If you forget about the rain.''

''Ok, rain was not the best moment, but making out in the car sort of made it better.''

Gail smirked at Holly's comment and that memory.

''It did…''

Gail took a seat beside Holly and put her head on her shoulder. She looked at the picture and how happy they looked. She especially focused on her own face.

''God, how in love I was with you!''

''I was too Gail.''

Gail kissed her and smiled.

''I think I still am.''

Holly got serious.

''Gail…''

''I know what you will say Holly… You will say you are not James and all the usual…But what you are not hearing is that I fell for you. Yes, as I said many times. I will always be in love with James. He was hard act to follow and part of me will always belong to that boy. But I love you too.''

''Ok… Ok… I just want you to know…''

''I know. You are Holly, not him.''

Holly kissed her and smiled.

''I love you too Gail.''

Gail held Holly and played with her hair…

''Holly…''

''Yes?''

''Make love to me…''

Holly moved away from Gail and looked at her.

''Are you sure?''

''Someone has to be first, and I'd rather it bee you than some drunken hookup…''

Holly kissed her and Gail climber into her lap… They were kissing again and then Holly broke the kiss…

''You know you can't use that line twice Gail?''

''Why not? I got you half naked on top of me… again…''

Gail winked and kissed Holly again not giving her a chance to change her mind… Just like many years ago… Gail's pout could get her lover to do pretty much anything.

''I have no idea what I'm doing. I've never…''

''Just relax babe. It will be ok.''

Making love to Holly was completely new experience, but at the same time it felt like coming home. Holly had divine body and Gail couldn't stop looking at her and touching her. Holly also couldn't keep her hands of Gail. For her it also felt like coming home and finally putting together broken life.

All of the sudden, Holly started crying…sobbing. Gail moved closer to her and just pulled her into her arms.

''Holly, baby, what is going on?''

''I missed you so much Gail… You have no idea how long I've dreamed of this moment. I never imagined holding you in my arms ever again… I was so sure I would never have it again.''

Gail was crying now too. She also never expected to be back in the arms of her old flame.

''I know Holls… I feel the same… I am so happy that we have this chance to make things right. I know that you had reasons to run before, but now I am here with you…real you. You don't have to hide anymore and run to spare me of your truths. I am in this with you… all the way and you are not getting out of this missy.''

''I don't think I would be able to.''

''Good to know… And if you even try to escape me again, I will hunt your skinny ass this time.''

''My ass is not that skinny anymore.''

''I don't care, you get the point.''

They cuddled in bed before Holly fell asleep in Gail's arms. Gail couldn't sleep so she spent big part of the night staring at Holly. She couldn't believe how beautiful that woman was and how well she still knew all of Gail's spots. Gail felt happy and peaceful. She almost forgot how it felt to be like that. She sneaked out of bed in the morning and went out to get something before Holly wakes up. When she got back, Holly was still asleep so Gail had time to arrange it all. She made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cocoa and got a white lily for Holly. She put it on a tray and took it to bedroom.

''Hello sleepy head…''

Holly opened her eyes and smiled…

''Are you recreating our first breakfast together?''

''Yes…''

''Hm… I hope you are better in making sandwiches now than you were then.''

''You must try and see…''

Gail was still very bad at making sandwiches and Holly guessed Gail bought them…

''I will make a wild guess… You didn't make these….?''

''No, I bought them. I didn't want the fiasco of the last time to happen again…''

''Thank you for that…''

''But I did make cocoa…''

''And it's good.''

Holly took another bight and a sip of cocoa…

''So, what do you want to do Gail?''

''This is not an option?''

''It is for few hours, but let's not waste a weekend off….''

''I don't think sex is wasting time…''

''Oh, I didn't say that… I just said there are other things too… Like going out somewhere… Maybe a date?''

''A date? Where would you like to go Holly?''

''I don't know. Maybe botanical garden?''

''You are a nerd Dr. Stewart.''

''What do you suggest detective Peck?''

''How about bike ride?''

''It's too cold.''

''Ok… How about a movie and diner at that small Mexican place you love?''

''I love the idea.''

Holly took a shower and when she got out, Gail was sitting on the bed in her robe and a big box.

''What is that?''

''My box…with our things.''

''Oh…''

Holly took a seat on the bed and looked at Gail.

''Do you wish to open it?''

''No, but I want to show it to you. Some of the memories are yours too. ''

''Ok… When you are ready…''

Gail took the lid of the box and Holly looked at it. On top was old leather jacket. She touched it and got it out of the box.

''I remember working hard for that jacket. Dad didn't want to get it for me and I spent entire summer working just so I could buy it… and take you to the ice cream.''

''I remember. You looked so dashing in it. It gave you some edge.''

''You looked better in it.''

Gail smirked.

''You mean only in it…''

''That too…''

Holly took some pictures and started looking at them. She didn't have as many as Gail did and she was grateful to her grandmother for saving some of her things before her parents threw or burned what was left. She looked to Gail's book shelf and froze. She recognized some of her books. She got up and went to the shelf.

''How? How do you have them?''

''I found them by the trash. I managed to save one box. The rest was taken by some kids.''

''Those were my favorite.''

''I know… It's your first edition of the Lord of the Rings… You would be proud to know I did read them in the end. Still don't understand why you love those books, but I finished them.''

''Wow!''

''I know!''

She opened Return of the king and saw her initials at the top of the first page. JS. She traced them with her finger and just looked at the book. Gail got off the bed and put her arms around her.

''Are you ok Holly?''

''Yes, it's just too much. This walk down the memory lane is not easy…but I know we need it to move on and leave the past where it belongs.''

Gail managed to get Holly back to bed and they made love again. This time, Gail was much more relaxed and less reserved. She wanted to be worthy partner to Holly (again) and when it came to sex, she was always a fast learner. Holly could say that Gail passed the test with flying colors. She was natural when it came to sex. They fell asleep tangled up and when Holly tried to get out of bed to go to the bathroom, Gail held on to her with all she had.

''Please don't leave me again JJ.. Just stay…''

''I am just going to the bathroom. I will be back Gail…''

''Ok…''

Holly got out of bed and Gail immediately cuddled up to her pillow inhaling her sent. That made Holly very sad. Holly came back to bed and Gail cuddled up to her. When she woke up she was happy to see Holly by her side. She smiled at her and noticed that Holly was crying.

''What is it Holls?''

''Nothing…. Forget about it.''

''No, please tell me… You are not ok.''

Holly looked at her and spoke.

''You were asleep and you begged me not to leave you again. You held on to me that hard that it took so much effort to get out of the bed…and you called me JJ.''

''Oh…''

''I am not leaving. I promised to you… You have to give me some credit Gail.''

''You are right… I am just too paranoid with this all… Sometimes I feel like I need to pinch myself to make sure it's real.''

''Gail, if this is too much for you, I can understand and I wouldn't be angry if you wanted to leave and be with someone else whose life is less complicated…''

''No! I am here Holly…''

''Gail, don't force you to be with me out of fear I might leave again…''

''I am with you because I want to be with you…''

''And I want to make one thing very clear to you Gail… Better now than later… ''

''Ok, what is it?''

''I am not James…. I know that part of you is still holding on to that boy, but I am not him anymore… I am me. I am Holly and I am not going back to being James and trapped in that limbo again. If you want me, want Holly, not parts of James you see in me… Because, that will always appear when I am with you Gail. We loved each other as kids and that's something we will try to hold on to, but we must try to date who we are now… You are not a cute fifteen year old girl and I am not geeky kid…''

''You are geeky Holly…''

''Ok, I am…but that's not the point… If you want to date me, you are dating Holly… Is that something you can do?''

Gail looked at her and remained silent… Holly was a bit scared now where this could take them. She knew they had to talk about this because of very specific situation they are in.

''I can do it. I can date who you are now… BUT I can't let you take the past away. I want my memories and I want to talk about things we did…''

''As long as you don't expect me to be James, we are fine…''

''Good, and as you said, I am not that girl either…''

Gail got out of the bed and put on her robe. She stood by the window and Holly just watched her waiting for her to say something or leave because she was angry at her.

'' Holly, I am like a cat… I am… not good at dating people who were not him…''

''Him?''

''James…. I was not in a normal relationship since then… When he left, I didn't want to have relationship with anyone. I didn't want to be in position to be left again, so I had some casual things and just move on to next person. And then you came and I started wanting you. And just as I was getting ready to leap into something serious with you… You have your confession…''

''Gail, you know you don't have to talk about me in the third person…''

Gail wiped her eyes… and turned to face Holly that was still on the bed.

''But you see, I don't know it… You said you are not James… and he was the one that left… You are Holly and you are the one sitting here with me trying to build up a relationship…that would not be based on the past…''

Holly wanted to say something, but Gail stopped her.

''I was so in love with him and you might say I was because we were both damaged in our own way, but it's not that… I loved him because he was the one who saw me… He took care of me… He asked me how my day was and he held me when I was not ok… And I felt like I could thrust him with my life. I wanted to follow him to St. James… I wanted to leave it all behind for that skinny, funny boy…because I finally felt I belonged somewhere. I never cared he was not the hottest boy in the school or by the standards of many. I never cared about it… I even liked how different he was… I loved him so much Holly and I missed him for years. I would spend nights crying in our hiding place. Sometimes I would even leave him a note, because I hoped he would come and at least see it, if he is not seeing me. And then I learned he was dead. I had no idea when or where he died. Did it happen soon after he left, or sometime later? I spent years wondering what I did wrong and why was I not good enough? Not even to him who told me I was the best thing ever… I was awake that night when he told me he loves me and that I am the only good thing in his life… He made me feel the best I ever felt in my life… He made me feel loved, needed and powerful…But he also took it from me… He left me for reasons I found out years later… when I already fell in love with you Holly. I can't be hurt like that again… I need to know that YOU will not leave out of the blue like he did…''

Holly got off the bed and run to the bathroom crying… Gail found her on the floor crying her heart out. She sat by her and took her into her arm.

''I am so sorry Gail. I had no idea…''

''Holly look at me… I loved James so much and I believe part of me will always love him. He broke me in so many ways, but you put me together even before I learned the truth… I promise Holly, I am fine… I will be fine, but just stay with me…''

''I am so sorry… I had no idea… I had no idea…''

''What would have changed if you knew? Would you have told me earlier? Would you have done something to push me away? Pretend that you are dating James so I would leave?''

''I don't know. I just wanted you to be ok and far from my personal drama and hell. My parents abused me, disowned me… Told me I am not their son anymore. They wanted nothing to do with me and I was scared you would do the same if you knew the truth… ''

''No, never Holly. I would have stayed.''

''Gail, be realistic. My own parents didn't want me me, why wouldn't the rest of the world just confirm that I am freak of nature and sick and all of the things my parents said…''

Gail was kissing Holly's face and wiping her tears.

''I really wish to knock at their door and tell them a lot of bad things.''

''It wouldn't change anything…''

''I know… But I would feel better. Now, that I know what happened, I would have many words of choice for both of them. Especially your mother.''

''My mother?''

''Yes, her. Your dad was the abuser, but in my eyes she is worse than him. She enabled him and didn't protect you. You were her child and she did nothing to protect you from the abuse. She protected your father, not you. ''

Gail was crying again.

''I wish I could go back in time and hold that boy. I wish I could tell him it gets better and that he would find his way and place in this world. I wish I could have done something to protect the person I loved so much. I hate this feeling… I hate being so powerless when it came to the pain inflicted to James…and you too. I wish I could make both of you feel loved…''

She looked at Holly with so much pain in her eyes.

''…and in the moments of weakness and pain I wished James loved me enough to stay and tell me everything… I wish…I wish I could take away the pain we both felt…''

'' But you can't take it away. Sad fact is that this pain made us who we are and without it I don't know who we would have been. I love you Gail. I promise I never stopped.''

''I know… We will be ok Holly. We just need some time… I am sure we will find our way back.''

In next few days they really did take it one step at the time and it did them both good slowing things down. They went on dates, they had lunch together every day around two, they would take long walks in the park. Gail was telling her about her day and always asking how was Holli's. Holly even followed Gail to the shooting range. Gail had her mandatory shooting test and she passed with flying colors. Holly knew her girlfriend was handling guns from as soon as she could walk. Sometimes she was not sure if the Peck were normal because she knew from Gail's stories what they made her and Steve do. She knew it was more mama Pecks idea than Bill's. But she was also angry at him for never saying no to his wife. Once Gail took her to the range when they were dating in high school and she did so bad. Gail teased her for days. Now she had another chance to try shooting. Gail was more patient this time. She went over all the rules with Holly for few times and then she showed her how to handle her gun and shoot.

''Wow! Every bullet hit the center of the target. That is impressive detective.''

''Holly, I've been doing this for too long… Mama Peck taught me how to walk and five minutes after that I had a gun in my hand. ''

''I hate what she did to you.''

''Me too… But I hate even more the fact that things she did made me an amazing cop.''

''I know. But I still don't like her.''

''Me too.''

They shared a short kiss and when they broke the kiss, they were faced with Dove and Chloe. Dove was blushing and Chloe was in shock. She never imagined seeing Gail affectionate with someone…Gail being with a woman was a thing that didn't surprise her as much as being affectionate. Chloe was dating men, but she was firm believer that sexuality is fluent and that you should follow your heart and not care about society norms.

Gail was glaring at them and daring them to say a word, so Holly took it upon herself to be civil.

''Officers… It's a pleasure seeing you here.''

Chloe spoke first.

''Nice seeing you too Dr. Stewart. We came to practice. You know, we have shooting drills every few months ….''

''Disney, why would she know that? She is not a cop.''

''Yes, but she is with you? Or whatever version of seeing someone you do Gail.''

Gail continued to glare at Chloe and behind her back Holly was trying not to laugh. This situation was awkward on so many levels but she was aware that at some point she would have to officially meet Gail's little band of misfits.

Gail got her gun back to the holster and took Holly's hand.

''We are leaving before I shoot you by accident Disney.''

''See you around officers. It was my pleasure.''

Gail dragged Holly with her before two other could say anything.

''Are you ok Gail?''

''Those two will now tell everyone.''

''And that's bad?''

''YES!''

Holly looked a bit hurt.

''No, that's not… I am not ashamed of you or us…or even the past we shared…It's just… Those people like to get involved in every aspect of your life. If we go and have drink with them, Disney there will ask many inappropriate questions.''

''About our sex life?''

''No! About your life. She would want to know how much did you weigh at birth…and stuff like that.''

'' I was a skinny baby… ''

''Not helping Holly.''

''Do you want them to know….you know?''

''About you and James?''

''Yes, that.''

''That's not just up to me. If and when we talk about it, it has to be on the terms we both agree on.''

''Ok.''

''And they know I don't talk about him. If I do, I have to be drunk out of my mind and it's mostly crying…not talking.''

Holly gave her a sad smile.

''What is it Stewart?''

''Sometimes it's hard to process that someone loved me that much.''

''Well, someone did.''

They got to Holly's and ordered food. They had next day off too and they had every intention of being lazy. Holly was setting the table and Gail was on the phone. It looked like she was a bit embarrassed of the conversation she was having. Only thing Holly could hear was ''fine, I'll ask her…'' and she pretended she didn't. There was huge sense of pride that Gail managed to address her as a woman. She knew Gail was trying and she was so proud of it.

''It's Chris… Apparently, Dove and Disney told them about us kissing. And now they want us to join them at the Penny tonight.''

''I don't know… Do you want us to go out with your friends?''

''They are not my friends.''

Holly knew Gail was being pain in the ass and she also knew they were her friends but she would never admit that.

''Fine, do you want us to have a few drinks with your fellow officers?''

Gail rolled her eyes at Holly because she knew what the other woman was doing.

''And what about your friends? Why don't we go out with them?''

''Hm… That's a bit complicated…''

''Why?''

''I really don't have much friends Gail. I have some people I sometimes go for a bright and they are doctors and some people I hung out with. Ones I see as friends, they don't live in Toronto. Most of them are in Montreal.''

''We can always call my friends and go to the Penny?''

''Sure... A night out with them would be amazing…''

To Gail's misfortune, they all wanted to go out and Sam gave brilliant idea everyone loved but Gail. He suggested that instead of going to Penny they go dancing. Gail was not big on clubs and things like that, but she agreed to go out and Holly really loved the idea, so she caved. She went home to change and after that she got back to Holly's. Holly was in sexy tight red dress and knee high boots. Her hair was down and she wore lenses. Gail got all hot and bothered seeing her girlfriend.

''You look hot…''

''So do you detective…''

''Holly, prepare a bag. You can crush at mine. Club Sam wants us to go to is close to my place. We might get a bit drunk…''

''A bit?''

''A lot….and I don't want you to drive.''

They left Holly's car and a bag at Gail's and went to the club. All of them were very Happy that Gail and Holly were together and their friend was finally dating someone interesting and fun. They loved how the couple interacted and how Gail changed. She was still making snarky comments and being evil to them, but she was also smiling a lot more and she had someone who enjoyed making her happy. Each time Dove saw them, he was blushing and didn't feel very pleasant.. Sam's friend got them nice place with a view to the dancefloor. They all took their seats and the boys went to get drinks. Few rounds later, girls went to dance. Holly had so much fun dancing and chatting with Gail's friend and colleagues. After few more drinks Gail joined them too. They had a lot of fun and even Gail had to admit she was having a good time. She even got the chance to slow dance with Holly and it was something she really enjoyed. They danced, kissed and just enjoyed the moment. Holly saw Gail smile.

''What?''

''I am just happy…''

''I am too…''

''Want to get away?''

''Oh, I'd love to...''

They picked up their things and got out. On the way to Gail's place, they were exchanging looks and smiles and they knew this will soon end in bed. Gail was so proud of herself for cleaning up the apartment and changing the sheets… As soon as they got in, Gail started stripping Holly…

''I waited too long to do this…''

Kiss…

''I need a shower…''

Kiss…

''I could join you… You know… to save the water…''

Kiss…

''You were always so big on saving water….''

Kiss…

''What can I say?''

''Don't speak…''

They ended up naked in the shower very fast and after making love in the shower they went to bed and spent the rest of the night there making up for all these years they were missing. In the morning, they were woken by the sound of the doorbell. Gail got out of bed and put on her robe. Holly sneaked to the bedroom door to see who that was.

''Mother…Why are you here?''

Holly was surprised how that woman didn't age a day. She was still stunning and with very firm posture.

''Abigail… what greeting is that?''

''Appropriate… What do you want?"

''Get ready, you are coming with me…''

''Where?''

Before Elaine could say anything else, door squeaked and they turned to face them. They found Holly in her robe with hair up in a bun and glasses looking frightened…

''I am Abigail's mother, and you are?''

''Holly…''

''Nice to meet you…''

''Would you like some coffee Mrs. Peck? Tea?''

''No, my mom is leaving…''

''It would be nice of you to get me a tea…''

''Of course…''

Holly started making tea for herself and Elaine and coffee for Gail. Elaine came closer to Gail and whispered.

''Who is that girl Gail?''

''Mom, stop it… I'm not saying anything. You are not going to hares people around me… We are done with that…''

''No manners at all Gail…''

Holly was getting Gail's and Elaine's cup when Gail spoke.

''What did you want from me mother?"

''We have to go to the barbecue. ''

''Where?''

''To the Stewarts. Peter got award for outstanding teacher and he is making a party. It will be big party. Even their cousin George is coming. ''

There was crash and they saw Holly with terrified face standing over the broken glass.

''Dear child, don't look so scared… These are just cups…Are you ok?''

Gail knew it was not about the tea and the cups, it was about the Stewarts…''

''I am not going…''

Holly excused herself and went to the bedroom. Gail had to figure out how to get rid of her mother and see how Holly was doing.

''But you must! George is coming just for you… He always had a thing for you… You know Adeline speaks highly of him. He is an outstanding man and even has his own company. Imagine that… After that poor boy of theirs, this young man is their pride and joy…''

''Mom, I am not going there… Not after…''

''Snap out of it… It's been twelve years… Get over it…''

''No!''

''We are not arguing over this. It's time to start dating and being a normal person. I am sick and tired of your hookups and things you do to harm me and your father… And even Steven. Who would want to date a man whose sister is whoring around or mopping around for a boy who died decade ago...''

''Mom, don't! Don't go there! Don't you dare!''

''I know you cared about that weird boy, but… Let me tell you something… He is no angel… His mother told me he embarrassed them big deal. He was gay! All the time…''

''Mom…''

''Ha! And you mop for a gay boy who probably died of AIDS or something like that…''

''Where did you get that?''

''Peter told me… He got it from all the boys…''

''Oh, God! Mother, please leave…''

''Not, until you promise to come to the party…''

''Ok. I'll come…''

''Good, see you at three…''

''FINE MOTHER!''

As soon as she left, Gail run to her room. She found Holly sitting on the bed with her knees pressed against the chest.

''I am sorry. I had no idea…''

''He is telling people I died of AIDS… I am still faggot to him…''

''Babe, I'm sorry…''

''No, it's not something related to you. You shouldn't apologize…''

''I know, but…''

''He got award as a teacher… He sucked at being a father… he still does…''

''What do you want me to do?''

''Go to the party…''

''I don't want to…''

''You must or mama Peck will never get off your back…''

''I wish your dad to suffer…I wish all of them to know what scum he is…''

''I do to sometimes… But today, he will get his award. Journalists would be there, people will take pictures with him…All will be peachy…''

''And you could come as my date…''

''Gail…''

''Oh, come on… It would screw him up…''

''It's not my way of doing things…''

''Babe, he made you suffer, he almost ruined you and you are so… I don't know… Above it all… I would shit on his career and all…''

''Gail, me being there as your date wouldn't change a thing…''

''Maybe, but you being there as his daughter who got as far as you did alone, without parents or connections… It's time for you to show your father who you really are. It's time for everyone to see who they gave award too… It's hypocritical for him to get anything with good and children involved.''

''Gail, I know I will have to face him at some point. But I am not ready yet… Give me some time and let me find my own terms of doing this… OK?''

''Fine… Take all the fun out of public takedown…''

''Gail, stop…''

Holly smiled for the first time…

''Well, your mom got one thing right…''

''What?''

''I was gay all the time…''

''Oh, Holly…''