"Does Theo make you happy?"
"Yes." The tears are flowing even more. Of all the things he could have gone with, I didn't expect this. "He drives me crazy, too. I've been pretending the feelings weren't there. I know I promised you. But I can't help it."
My dad nods his head, digesting my news.
"This has been very hard on me, Amelia. I'm terrified it won't work and he'll break your heart. Theo could be anyone, but he's my stepson, and I would never forgive him if he hurt you. And what that could do to my relationship with his mother is frightening."
"I understand. And I'm sorry for that." I echo the similar phrase my dad offered me. "But I never felt this with Beckett. I have no idea what will happen, but I don't want what little chance we had at trying to end because of fear."
"This won't be easy for me."
"I know. I'm sure it'll take some time for us all to adjust to this."
"But wewilladjust."
He squeezes my hands, a simple gesture that makes me believe we will get through this. It won't be without struggle and acceptance, but the possibility is there.
"If you'll excuse me," my dad rises from his chair. "I need to find Theo and talk to him."
"Um… Will it be… Uh, what will you say?"
"I'll be nice, I promise."
Mymomhasn'treturnedhome yet, so I sit on the couch until Amelia and her dad are done talking. I haven't heard any yelling, so maybe it's going well. I'll give them this moment they need to repair the damage the truth has done.
Bruce returns from outside, his face a shade of red that isn't because of the sun. He's flushed and visibly upset.
He approaches me with caution as I stand up to meet him.
"Theo, I'm—" Bruce brings a closed fist to his mouth as his eyes become glossy. He clears his throat to find the courage to continue. "I'm truly sorry for everything that happened with your dad. I'm sorry you've been sitting with this for years. And I'm sorry we never gave each other a proper chance. If you're capable of making my daughter happy, I will support this. It won't be easy for me, but I'll stay out of your way."
"Thank you, Bruce."
I didn't realize how much I needed that apology from him. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I'm also on the verge of crying. It's been an emotionally charged week, and I didn't think I had any tears left in me.
But one manages to sneak through, and I catch it with my finger before it's obvious we are two grown men crying. Nothing to be ashamed of, but I'd like to give off the impression I'm composed at the moment.
"Your mom stepped out for some food, she should be home any—"
Before he can finish, my mom enters the room with a bag from In-N-Out. She sees the two most important men in her life, both with tears in their eyes, and she drops the food to the floor.
Her hands are in a prayer position as she covers her face, all of us incapable of dry eyes in this house.
"Sweetie." Her arms open for a hug, and she receives me with unease.
"We need to talk," I whisper in her ear.
"Okay, okay."
The trek upstairs feels like I'm walking to the electric chair. I'm panicked and scared, even if this day was bound to happen.
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?" she asks once my door is shut. "Jesus Christ, Theo. How could you keep that inside you for so long?"
"I'm seeing a therapist to figure that out."
"A therapist?"
"Yeah, I've only had a few sessions with him. I wish I had the answer. I figured maybe if I didn't confront you about it, you wouldn't confirm it. Even if dad said it was true in his letter."
