** A/N : I had a suggestion of writing both a happy ending and my dark story as two separate sequels. How does that sound? Those who want their happy ending can have it. And I can have mine also. Comment and review what you would.

Stef and Brandon got home and Brandon ran over to Sharon and gave her a hug and a kiss. Stef watched for a few minutes as Brandon told her the exciting bits about his first sleepover. Then, Brandon remembered the invitations. He had forgotten about Callie's party! He ran into the room to grab his backpack and look for it. He found it and brought it back out to his Mom and Grandma.

It was the first party that he had been to that wasn't a family party. It made him feel really special to get an invitation with his name on it. Brandon couldn't read yet, but he could recognize his own name. He put it underneath his Mom's nose.

"I got invited. I have to get ready for the party. I don't know what to wear." He said excitedly.

"Hmm," said Stef taking it out of his hand and reading it. "Well, the party's not until next week love. Callie's going to finally be 4 like you were months ago. We can figure out what you're going to wear and get her a present later."

"But, Mommy, I have to do it now." It was Callie and she was his best friend so it was important to him that he made the right impression.

Stef could see that he wasn't going to let this go for a while and she really needed to talk to her Mom. She figured that Sharon already knew that she and Lena were more than just friends, but she felt she owed it to her to hear the words from her. She also wanted to tell her about the divorce. The papers should be ready to file by next week.

She knew she'd regret this later but, for now, "Fine. Go pick something and I will be there to look at it later. I need to talk to Grandma right now anyway."

Brandon bounced off happily and Stef turned to her Mom.

"Mom, we need to talk."

Sharon already pretty much knew what she wanted to say. She also knew she neededto say it. She had known it since Stef was a small child. She just had no idea how to help her before. It seemed that Stef finding Lena was the key that she had needed to remember her happy self before that camp her father sent her to. Sharon didn't know if she'd ever be able to forgive herself for that one.

"Mom, Lena and I-," What was wrong with her? It was just a few words but, she had never admitted them aloud before. "I mean, I'm …. You see Lena's not just my friend. I mean she is but she's." Stef took a breath and started over. "Mom, Lena's my forever."

"Forever?"

"She's my always and forever. I love Lena. I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I'm a lesbian and I'm in love with Lena?" She hadn't meant for it to come out like a question. She wanted to just say the words but she never had before. Not even to herself. Saying them aloud to her Mom just seemed… weird.

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"I'm telling you. I'm a lesbian. I love Lena." She stopped and took another breath. "I'm a lesbian and I'm in love with Lena and … Mom she's my forever. She makes me so happy. Happier than I've ever been before. I just.. I love her." By this time, Stef had tears in her eyes but a huge smile on her face and she looked so proud of herself.

But, she wasn't as proud as Sharon was of her. She had tears running down her face too. But,they were happy tears. "Oh honey!" She said pulling Stef close. "I already knew that!" They laughed and cried together for a minute then Stef pulled away.

"You already knew that? Why didn't you say anything?"

How could Sharon explain being ashamed for not standing up for her daughter? Now, Sharon's tears turned to tears of regret. "I'm so sorry for what I let your Father do. I'm sorry for the camp. And I'm sorry for your friend, Tess. I'm so sorry for the whole thing. Can you please forgive me?"

"Mom, I'd forgive you anything. But, you don't have to-" Stef started.

"No Stefanie. I do. I should've stood up for you. I was too weak back then. And I'm sorry. I watched you change into an entirely different person. I've been praying for my baby to be returned to me. And I swear, this time, I won't let you down. I love you so much."

"I love you too Mom." Stef relaxed into an embrace from her mother for the first time in years. She guessed she had been holding back resentment. But, this wasn't a time for looking back. She just wanted to get to her future. She wanted Lena and the family they were creating. There was still two more people she had to talk to.

She pulled out of her Moms arms. "I get the feeling Dad's not going to cry happy tears over this."

"No." Her Mom said. "Probably not. But, you let that be his loss. He'll either come around or live to regret it like I have. Either way, it's not on you. That's his problem. You can't carry that for him. Or for Mike." Sharon knew that there was unfinished business there also.

"Would you mind watching Brandon while I talk to them?"

"Sure baby. And just remember, if they don't like what they hear. They have to live with themselves. And you have us and Lena to come home to. I love you Stefanie."

"I love you too, Mom." She hugged her Mom one last time and went to tell Brandon that she'd be back later.

"Tell him we can go to the park for a while. I think he needs some fresh air." Sharon called after her.

Stef went to Brandon and found half his closet all over the place. "B, you've got to put this stuff away. Grandma says she'll take you out somewhere. And Mommy has to go somewhere to take care of some business. But, I'll be back soon. OK?" She gave him a hug and a kiss. "I love you, B. Be good for Grandma."

Stef knew it was going to be hard to remember what her Mother had said but, it was something she had to do. She stiffened her backbone and decided she'd tackle her Father first.