After dinner, dessert, and a couple rounds of cards with Clementine, her sisters, and brothers-in-law, it was time for Ava to leave.
As she and Clementine waited for a taxi, they got to talking.
"Thank you so much for tonight," Ava said. "The food was delicious, the twins are so funny, and everyone is so…so," Ava started getting choked up. "Everyone is so nice and accepting."
Clementine gave Ava a hug.
"I know I can't change your parents - if I could I would in a heartbeat," Clementine said. "But I just want you to know that you will always be welcome here."
"Thank you," Ava said.
"So…what are you doing tomorrow?" Clementine asked.
"I have swim practice and then I'm going to see a movie with Morgan Ames," Ava said. "What about you?"
"A basketball game and then helping my parents babysit Jesse and Maya so Olive and David can have a date night," Clementine replied.
"I still can't believe Maya is your sister!" Ava said.
"I know - she's picked me up from school before I'm surprised you didn't see her then," Clementine replied.
"I think that's my taxi," Ava said. "Thanks again."
"You're welcome," Clementine said.
Ava turned to look at Clementine. The moonlight illuminated her face perfectly and her smile looked especially gorgeous.
Ava leaned in and Clementine followed suit. Both would agree the kiss didn't last as long as they would've liked, but it was long enough to leave both girls floating on cloud nine as Ava waved goodbye once more and headed for her taxi.
Clementine watched Ava's taxi drive away and stood there for a few minutes even after she couldn't see it anymore.
It was a cool fall evening, but Clementine found herself having to take off her jacket.