Hey peeps! I know it's been forever since my last update. If you also read 'This is what love feels like' you know of the surgery and writer's block that have kept me away. My most sincere apologies, since I know how difficult it is to get into a story after that long a break. Still, I hope that those of you who are still reading enjoy. There's a few more chapters to this story. Let me know what you think!=)


"Mom, when are Ma and you going to sit down and talk about the idea I brought up?"

Maura looked up at her 14 year old son. Time had flown way too quickly. His voice had begun to change, he had grown past her height and puberty was evident with each passing day; her little boy was a teenager.

"Leo, I told you we would sit and discuss it together, as a family. We've just been so busy with work, especially Jane. It's difficult because she just gets home too late sweetheart. But I promise you, it will be soon. I know how important this is to you; it is important to us as well. We still have time, don't worry. I've been doing research and I'm sure that we will have plenty to choose from when the time comes for us to have a chat."

"Mom, I would really rather it be sooner than later; I don't want to miss out this year."

"I know sweetheart. I'll speak with Jane tonight and we'll make time for our chat tomorrow night, alright?"

"Ok mom. Thank you!" Leo bent down to kiss his mother on the cheek. "I'm going upstairs to study. Come on Spot!" The little terrier ran up the stairs right behind his owner, happy to get his usual afternoon time with him.


"He brought it up again today Jane. I told him we would sit down as a family tomorrow night and talk about it. We've been putting this off long enough. He's 14 years old; I think he's ready."

"How did time fly so fast? It seems like yesterday we were getting him a tutor and buying him a dog and now he's a teenager!"

"I know love, that's how life goes. I've been thinking about this for a long time. Leo's academic level is beyond a boy his age; beyond even that of a high school senior. I know that we've tried to protect him up until now but he's not a child anymore. He wants to go to a regular school and be around people. I can't blame him for that. I think he's definitely ready, I'm just afraid."

"What are you afraid of Maur?"

"I'm afraid that the teasing and bullying at this stage is even worse than when he was a child. He couldn't understand the 'why' behind the bullying before, but he does now. And believe it or not, I don't think him having two mothers is going to be the worst of things this time around. How is a 14 year old going to be treated when he's taking college level courses along with a room filled with 17 and 18 year olds? You would think that they'd be more mature at that age, but believe me, they're not."

"I know…"

"We can't hold him back any longer Jane. I've run out of excuses for him to continue with a tutor. I think it'd only be fair to our son to have him try out school, and see if he likes it… see if he can get along. He's come a long way from that little boy we raised. He's been active not only with his studies but you also managed to get him to love sports. Thanks to all those summers playing he is an excellent striker and can catch a football better than anyone I've ever seen. Perhaps being involved in sports will help him along."

"I really think that will make a huge difference Maur. I mean, if he's able to make the teams, he'll belong. Sure, he'll probably be teased for a little while about his age, but he'll be a part of a group, a part of a team… and teammates look out for one another. He's going to excel academically, of that I have no question. His talent with sports will take people's attention away from his academics and focus on something they consider 'positive'. I think we're in agreement here."

"So we'll sit down with him tomorrow and have that talk?"

"Sure, I'll make it a point to be home early, even if Frost has to cover for me. He owes me anyway. I want out Leo to be happy, and I know you want that too."

"Of course I do."

"Come on, let's go to bed. We have a huge step to take tomorrow."


The next day came quickly and Maura found herself with her son in the kitchen.

"Leo, Jane is supposed to be coming in early today. We'll have that talk after we have dinner, alright? Would you like to help your old mom cook tonight?" Maura asked with a smile.

"Mom, you're not old. What can I help with?" Leo replied with a chuckle of his own.

"You can start peeling the carrots."

"Alright."

The rest of dinner preparation and dinner itself was spent with light chatter from Leo and both his mothers. Once the time came to bring up the subject, it was Jane who first spoke.

"So Leo, your mom tells me there's something you'd like to talk to us about."

"Yes ma, I'm sure you two have already talked about it. I've been thinking a lot about this, and I think I'm ready to go to school."

"Have you thought out all the pros and cons about this son?" Jane asked.

"Yes, I think so. I mean, I know it isn't going to be easy, but I think I'm ready. I want to go ma, so badly. Can you and mom please let me join this year?"

"You're right Leo, your mom and I have talked about this," replied Jane. "Though we are a little more hesitant and cautious than yourself, we both think it's a good idea to have you go to school this year."

"Really?! YES!" Leo jumped up from the table and did a fist pump.

"Now Leo, there's something else we need to talk to you about."

Leo's face instantly dropped.

"It's nothing bad son, we just need to discuss this with you," Maura said.

"Since you've been active with soccer and football for a few years now, we were wondering if you were going to be trying out for the school teams. Have you thought about that?"

"Yes, I have, and I would like to try out for both!"

"That's great kiddo!"

"Leo, Jane and I also want you to know that if this at any point doesn't work, or if you feel like you need a change, we don't want you to be afraid to come and tell us, alright? We're more than willing to have you lead a life as normal as possible and we're aware that includes school, but we also don't want you to be every bully's target because of who you are. Promise us that you will take care of yourself and you'll let us know if things need to change."

"I promise mom, ma. I'll be careful." Leo rose from his chair and enveloped both his mothers in a bone crushing hug. "I can't believe it! I'm going to high school!" He exclaimed, with a huge smile on his face.