Author's note: So sorry this is so late! I've been extremely busy and I had writer's block. However, I'm going on break soon and I'll have more time to write! Thank you for all of the feedback! I really appreciate it!

Chapter 12: Changes

With Tina's help, Gene was able to finally come out to his parents and openly discuss his relationship with Todd. Linda, being the overdramatic mother she is, was thrilled, for a lack of a better word. Bob was undoubtedly supportive, but let Gene know that he would come in contact with people that won't be as accepting, even if he explains to them that he likes both boys and girls. Louise, like Tina, said she's always had a feeling. He definitely got harassed more at school, but Tina and Todd looked out for him and helped him get through it.

They all sat around the table at breakfast as Bob and Linda debated on whether or not to go to on a short trip to see Bob's dad, who was starting to slow down. "Lin, are you sure we can leave this long because, I mean, it is the long weekend and-"

"This isn't up for debate, Bobby," Linda said as she placed plates on the table, "your father's not going to be around forever and you two need to spend time together while you can."

"Yeah, dad," Louise said as she pulled a plate towards her, "you should visit pop-pop. Besides, I think we're old enough to take care of ourselves for the weekend."

"Yeah," Gene chimed in, "we're all strong, independent women!"

"Stop," Bob said dryly to both Gene and Louise, "I mean, I guess we can get away. Plus, Tina and Zeke can run the restaurant. Plus Gene and Louise can-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Louise interrupted, "let's not say anything crazy. Besides, Tina and Zeke are-"

"You're working this weekend, Louise. You're not getting out of it." Linda said sternly. "And you're not sneaking over to Rudy's while you're supposed to be working, miss missy. I'll happily call his parents to see if you're there." She added. Louise groaned and sunk in her chair.

Since it was a four-day weekend, the kids didn't have school. Bob and Linda were leaving that Friday and wouldn't be back until Monday morning. While they were visiting Big Bob, they figured they'd have an extended couple's weekend, considering they hardly ever get time to themselves. And since they're older, and Tina was nearing the end of her high school career, a little independence wouldn't hurt.

The kids opened the restaurant and assumed their positions. Zeke was in the kitchen, Tina ran the food and was in charge of the cash register, Gene bussed tables and Louise was a hostess. There was quite the dinner rush, but it died down by 8:30pm that night, so they unanimously decided to close early.

"Well," Louise said with a sigh as she put down the cleaned menus, "I was gonna go to Rudy's but since it's the crack of nine and he's on lockdown I think I'm going to Jessica's tonight."

"Why wouldn't he be able to hang out?" Tina asked.

"His mom's, like, crazy protective. Think mom's level of protective time a million."

"Well, I'm going to Todd's tonight," Gene said as he put the dish tub down, "his parents are out of town and he's invited the cheer squad over."

"Tina," Louise started, "can we count on you to not blab to mom and dad? I mean, we wouldn't want to intrude on date night."

"My lips are sealed," Tina said as she cleaned the counter, "besides, we have our new rule."

"Yup," Gene started, "the ol' 'I won't tell if you won't tell'."

"Always foolproof." Louise said.

Once they were done cleaning up Louise and Gene left as soon as they could, which left Tina and Zeke. The two decided to have a small gathering, especially since they knew Louise and Gene wouldn't be back until the next day. Zeke invited two of his friends, Mike and Ramon, and Tina invited Katie and Jocelyn. Since there were already two couples at the "gathering", Tina and Zeke were going to try to set up Jocelyn with Ramon.

"Do you think this is going to work?" Tina asked Zeke while they waited in Tina's room.

"Don't know" Zeke shrugged, "it might. I heard around that they both have a thing for each other, but no one's made a move."

Tina lay down on her bed and looked over at him. "So, basically I'll talk to Jocelyn and you talk to Ramon?" She asked.

"That's the plan." He said as he lay down next to her. The two of them stared up at the ceiling. "What time do people come over again?" Zeke asked.

Tina looked at the clock. It was 9:15. "Not for another hour and a half."

Zeke rolled over onto his side, facing her. "Do you wanna, I don't know, try what we wanted to do the last time?" He asked awkwardly. Tina groaned. "Same rules apply," he said as he stroked her hair, "we'll take it slow and if you want to stop; we'll stop. Sound good?" Tina nodded as he leaned in and kissed her. "I love you, Tina." He said as he pulled the covers over them.

That was the first time they made love.