Cococococococococococococococo

"Is it time to go swimming now Mommy?" Brandon asked as he launched himself on his Mom.

"Oompf! Honey, it's only 7:30! We're not going there until this afternoon." Stef said as she recovered then rolled over with him underneath her and tickled him.

Sharon could hear the laughter down the hallway as she was fixing breakfast. She turned on the coffee and got it going.

It had been a while since she had seen her daughter this engaged. She knew a certain woman had something to do with this change coming over Stef. For Stef's sake, and for Brandon's, she hoped things worked out.

They got to Lena's parent's house at 2. There were already cars in the drive so they guessed they weren't the first to arrive.

Lena answered the door holding a serving platter with h'orderves. She was wearing a white bikini. She had her hair pulled up in a high ponytail with a cascade of beautiful curls streaming down. Stef felt her mouth go dry. "My God she's beautiful." She thought.

"Hi. Glad you guys could make it. Come on in. Everyone's out back already."

Brandon hugged Lena, "Hi Ms. Adams."

Lena hugged him with one arm. "Hi buddy. Why don't you call me Lena when we're at home? Ms. Adams is for school."

"OK," He smiled up at her. "Where's Callie?"

"She's out back in the pool. Follow me, I'll show you where."

Everyone was either in or around the pool. They were all having a good lazy Sunday enjoying one another's company. Stef began playing with the children. She was dragging them around on floats and splashing back and forth. Lena watched for a few minutes then went back inside to get more appetizers.

Sharon watched her daughter for a while deep in thought. She saw Lena go inside and decided to follow her in.

"Would you like some help?"

Lena looked up," Sure." She handed her a knife and some veggies to chop.

"You know, Stef is really enjoying herself."

"Good! That means I'm doing this right. I hope you're enjoying yourself too."

"Oh, I am. It's just… it's been a long time since Stef has been this way." Lena could tell that Sharon had something on her mind, so she waited before responding. "I wish you could've seen her as a young girl. She never met a stranger. She was really everything I could've dreamed for in a child and more. She was fearless. And when she was younger, Stef was a Daddy's girl tomboy. She would follow him anywhere and do anything to get his approval."

"She sounds adorable. " Lena smiled. "I'm a Daddy's girl too." Lena wasn't sure where this conversation was going. But, she could tell from the look on her face that Sharon was leading up to something big.

"Yes, well you see, Stef's Dad is .. well.. he's basically a religious zealot. He put all of these ideas in Stef's head … Sin this…Sin that… It was crushing. And he really believes that he's absolutely right. It really took a lot out of me and Stef."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

Sharon could see confusion on Lena's face. She searched for the right words. She didn't want to overstep her bounds and she had no idea what Lena's intentions were. She just knew that she hadn't seen her daughter enjoying her life this much since…. She was going to have to jump all in.

"Has Stef ever told you about Tess Brown?"

"No. Is there something I should know?"

"Stef and Tess were close friends in high school. They both spent a lot of time together outside of school too. Frank came home one day and saw the cuddled together watching a movie. He just couldn't handle it. He sent Stef away to some pray away the gay place. That was when I finally left him." She said quietly. Obviously, it was still a painful subject for her. "I wanted Stef to understand that she could live a different life, one that made her happy, if that's what she chose."

Lena was stunned. She felt sorry for Stef but was still confused as to why this conversation was coming about. "Sharon, I'm really sorry to hear that but Stef and I aren't –" Lena started.

Sharon motioned for her to hold on, "When Stefanie got back, she just wasn't Stefanie anymore. It was like a part of her died. I don't know what all they did to my little girl there. But, she was never the same." By this point, Sharon had tears pouring down her eyes. Lena's heart was breaking for her and for Stefanie. Lena clasped her hand. "Then, she met Mike. I was so terrified for her. He and Frank are so much alike. Mike's not religious like Frank is but, that's basically the only difference between those two. They're practically the same people. But, when she decides to do something she does it. She got that stubbornness from me, I guess. She decided she wanted to be with Mike. Her father was all for it. She marched down the aisle at her wedding like she was walking to the hanging noose but at least her head was held high."

"Stef has never had a female friend since then. Until now." Sharon said and looked at her pointedly.

"Sharon, I like Stef. A lot. But, her and I –" Lena tried again.

"I know, I know," Sharon interrupted again. "I just wanted you to know. Stef has been happier this past week than I have seen her since she was that young girl. You're good for her. I just wanted you to know where she's coming from."

"Well, I'm honored that you shared that with me. Thank you." She reached over and hugged Sharon. Lena was still a little stunned by all of this. She liked Stef and if circumstances were different then maybe, who knows? But, she still had tons of unfinished business. So, for now, it just wasn't something she could focus on.

Sharon helped her with the rest of the appetizers and they headed back to the party.

After talking with Sharon, Lena felt drawn to Stef. She knew it wasn't a good idea while she still had Gretchen to deal with. But, there was something there that she couldn't resist.