Lisa heads home

The morning sun hadn’t fully crested the horizon yet as Lisa zipped up her carry-on sized suitcase. She moved quietly, not wanting to wake Natalie who was still tucked in bed. Aiden waited by the door, with his keys in hand, and watching as Lisa hefted her bag, not wanting the wheels to make any noise. She gave the living room one last sweep to make sure she wasn’t missing anything.

“Ready?” he asked.

“As much as I’m gonna be I suppose,” she said, smiling at him. “Thanks for getting up to walk me out.”

They stepped out together, everything quiet at this hour of a Sunday. In the parking lot, Aiden popped the trunk and hoisted Lisa’s suitcase in, shutting it with a soft thud.

Lisa caught his hands before he could step back. “Hey. Before I go, I just want to say something.” She didn’t let him pull away, her thumbs rubbing over his knuckles.

He looked down at her expectantly.

“Listen,” she started, her voice softer than usual, “first, I caught how you found out about us. I should’ve said something to you myself. You and I- well… we’ve always told each other everything after losing your father, and I hate that you had to hear it like that,” she joked, trying to make light of it. “Or that you even had to walk around wondering. That’s on me, and I’m sorry.”

Aiden shrugged, giving her a warm smile. “It’s fine. If we’re being honest, it’s not like it’s the first time I’d heard something like that. I just… didn’t know you were into chicks, that’s all.”

Lisa’s laugh came out small and honest at his admission of hearing her before, as well as regarding her sexuality. “It’s not really a thing, honey. It’s not like I’ve got some secret history. With Natalie, it just sort of happened once, and… well, I guess it’s continued to happen on occasion.” She squeezed his hands. “But that’s it. There’s nothing you need to figure out or stress over. And I really hope it’s not what’s making things weird between you and her. Because just so we’re clear, Natalie and I-” she gave him a look, lifting her eyebrows, “we’re not a couple. So, if she’s dating someone, or seeing anyone else, she’s not cheating on me, and you don’t need to go carrying that around like some kind of obligation. Her and I talk all the time. I don’t want you worrying about your mom, or about her, or thinking you need to play secret keeper for anybody. Okay?” she finished, taking a deep breath.

She searched his face, her whole confession out in the open with no edits.

Aiden held her gaze, then gave a genuine smile. “Okay. I get it, and I’m good. Promise.”

She let go of his hands and pulled him into a tight hug, her head tucked beneath his chin. He hugged her back, giving her a solid squeeze and kissed the top of her head before he let her go.

“Drive safe, Mom. Love you.”

Lisa patted his cheek, eyes a little brighter. “I will. Text me if you need anything, all right?”

“Yeah. I will.”

“Love you, too.” She gave him a wave and slid into the driver’s seat, glancing back once with a smile before she pulled away. Aiden watched her go, a small, lingering smile still on his lips as he turned back toward the apartment and the day ahead.

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