A Mother's Wrath

You drive slowly, taking a circuitous route back home. Neither of you were in a hurry for what was to come. You swing into a drive-in near your house for breakfast. The car ahead in line has a load of Elsie's classmates still in their prom outfits who were obviously still out from the night before. After a bit they notice the two of you and tongues start to wagging. You see them point and giggle and gossip, a few even made rude bj gestures toward El. You reach over and squeeze her hand, she gives you a look to let you know she is okay and that it didn't bother her. How the hell was she going to be able to show her face in school after the scandalous scene at the prom dance? She was only a few short weeks from graduating so it wouldn't be too long, but still.

You take some time and finish your breakfast before finally heading home. As you turn down your street you see that your Aunt Peg's car was parked out front. No big surprise there, Peg and your mother always leaned on each other during tough times. They were each other's best friend. You pull in and take a deep breath. Here it goes, no more lies, it was time to face the music. El leans in and kisses your cheek and you are reminded why you are doing this. You each get out of the car then quietly make your way into the house hand in hand.

As you enter through the front you could hear your mother raging in the kitchen. Fiona was sitting in the living room in panties and a tank top listening in on her elders. She says nothing but gives you two a concerned expression.

Your mother raves. "Those stupid stupid kids. I just can't believe this. What did they think they were doing!? How could this happen!? I never should have let Jesse in on the family secret, their Dad was right. It's different between a boy and girl." You could tell your mother was pacing as she ranted.

You then hear Aunt Peg's calm voice. "Maybe you're over reacting Helen. It might just be a little fling. Puppy love..."

"Peg, you didn't see them. You didn't see them on that dance floor. They've fallen for each other." She lets out an exasperated sigh. "Oh god, they just...in front of the whole school! Peggy, they've ruined their lives! And where are they? Are they safe? Jesus what a mess."

You choose this moment to step into the kitchen. Everything goes absolutely quiet. Your mother was on her feet, still wearing the clothes she wore last night. Her eyes were red and her makeup streaked from crying. Peg sat at the table, both hands gripping a cup of coffee. The tension was thick as London fog. Peg clears her throat and goes to get up.

"No. Please stay Peggy." Your mother asks, needing the moral support. Peg settles back down into her seat.

Your mother has a hurt, furious, betrayed expression on her face. She is looking at both of you, but mostly at you. It was clear who she thought was most at fault for this situation.

"Sit down." She orders and points to the table.

"No, I think we'll stand." You respond firmly, your mother's days of giving orders had come to an end. You did this not out of spite or anger, but just to let her know that she was dealing with a different Jesse now.

Her eyes flash with barely contained fury. "You little..." Her voice trails off. Elsie presses to your side and you put your arm round her shoulder. Your mother's eyes narrow further.

"I won't allow this!" She hisses. "Let go of her!"

You and El hang on to each other tightly. "You have nothing to do with this Mom." Elsie says. "You have **** in this."

She storms forward and reaches for the flower in Elsie's tousled hair. You grab her wrist before she can touch it, her eyes widen in surprise at your grip on her wrist.

"Let go of me young man! You'd do this to your mother!?"

You let go and she recoils her hand and rubs her wrist. You knew it was more the shock of it than the **** as you hadn't grabbed her that hard.

She looks at both of you like a wounded animal. "How dare you! How dare both of you! How could you do this to me? How could you do this to yourselves!? You know this can never happen right? You know it is doomed from the start!"

"We'll take that chance." You respond. "I love El and she loves me. Nothing else matters."

"Nothing else matters? What a load of crap! Lots of stuff matters. You are so young and stupid, you don't even know." She steels herself and stands tall. "Jesse, I want you out of this house!"

You just nod.

"I'm going too then." Elsie promises.

"No, you stay. You guys just need some time apart, to get your heads back on right." Your mother tells her.

"No, where Jesse goes, I go."

Your mother flinches as yet another of her orders are flaunted. She looks to Peg who only gives her a calm sympathetic look.

"You two..." She is beginning to break down. She trembles as tears come to her eyes. "You can't do this, you just can't. It's wrong."

It killed you to see your mother in this much pain but you knew this had to be settled right now.

You say in a calm soothing voice. "Mom. This isn't a matter of choice. I'm in love and..."

"Shut up with that romantic bullshit! This ends now! Let go of each other!" She commands impotently.

"That's not happening Mom." Elsie says. "You have to accept this."

"No! I will not accept this! I don't accept this!"