Chapter 14 of 16

Chapter 14 of 16: Ryan calls Hanna and tells her he has tickets for the national championship game for her and Erin. He asks her to spend the night with him after the game. Hanna declines, saying she’ll be staying with Erin. She tells him to spend it with Karina. Hanna convinced Erin to stay with her until the end of the semester. Hanna also wants to deepen their relationship by being a committed couple, living together, and coming out as lovers. This makes Erin uncomfortable.

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Trevon called me after I finished my workout. He received a bank of tickets to the national championship game next Monday night and has tickets for Erin and me. He also said that win or lose, he will be giving us passes for the after-game celebration. “Hanna,” he said. I have a hotel room for later in the evening. Will you spend the night with me? I thought about this for a few seconds, then I said. “Trevon darling, that’s very nice. I’ll be traveling with Erin and we’re staying together. I don’t want to leave her alone. Spent the night with Karina.” “OK,” he said. “I wanted to spend it with you, but I’ll ask Karina.” “That’s fine babe,” I replied. “I will tell you that when you spend the night together, especially after you win, you’ll both will be in love, if you’re not in love already. That’s OK Trevon. You can be in love with two people. I love you very much. I’m also in love with Erin.” “OK Hanna,” he replied. “I really don’t understand this. Maybe one day I will. I love you very much.”

As the week went on, Erin and I settled into a routine. She was pleased to become more focused on her studies, away from the distractions and parties of dorm life. Her timing was perfect. Finals were coming and she needed full attention to test well to achieve good grades. I was becoming “the good lover,” tending to her needs, making sure she’s comfortable, and has what she needs to do well and live well. Ryan was past her now, she was happy, with more smiles, and more love to share with me.

The week and weekend came and went. It was Sunday, and we went to bed early. We needed to catch a flight in the morning to travel to the national championship game. She lay asleep, facing me, and I couldn’t stop looking and admiring her. Her eyes opened and she caught me staring. She smiled and leaned over to kiss me. She said, “Why are you looking at me?” “I couldn’t help myself,” I replied. “To be in love – and be loved – by someone as amazing as you.” “That’s nice,” she said, as she came closer to cuddle with me.

“Erin,” I said, “I would like for you stay with me until the end of the school year. I know it’ll be ending soon.” Erin was silent for a few moments, resting, with her eyes closed. Finally, she said, “Yes, I would love to.” I was overcome with joy – with just her short response. I felt I should have left it there, but I couldn't help myself. My love for Erin was overwhelming me.

“Erin darling, I believe I’ve become a lesbian. I would like for us to be a committed couple,” I said. Erin stared at me for a couple of seconds, not knowing what to say. Then she said, “Aren’t you in a relationship with Trevon?” “Yes, I am my love,” I replied. “I’ve decided I’m going to end it. He’s falling in love with Karina and I believe she’ll take my place as the woman he’ll want to be with.”

Erin still had a confused look on her face. “I know I said a lot honey,” I said. “It’s most likely what you were not expecting. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. I love you so much. I know – unlike you - I’m older and longing to be more settled. I want you to be happy. I want us to be happy. I would like this to happen together.”

Erin remained silent, still trying desperately to process everything I said. Finally, she said, “Well, I’m in love with no one else but you. I don’t want to be with anyone else but you. So, therefore, we’re in a committed relationship.” Her words brought a smile to my face. My eyes welled with tears of joy as I kissed her.

“I’m not sure you’re a lesbian and I’m not sure I’m one too.” she said. “You didn’t fantasize about having romantic relationships with a woman before you met me, and I didn’t until Ryan introduced me to sex with other women. I think were both bisexual, but not lesbians.” Once again, Erin was spot-on. Having wisdom beyond her years was one of the reasons I love her so much.

“You’re right honey, I agree,” I replied. “Let me ask you this. When you come back for your senior year, would you live with me instead of staying in housing on campus? I’ll get you a car, and I’ll take good care of you so you can spend time for your studies and excel at your grades.”

At that moment, I knew I went too far and I felt Erin was becoming uncomfortable. Erin closed her eyes and turned away from me. “I’m sorry darling,” I said. “That was a bit much. I came on a bit strong. It’s because I love you so much. Please forgive me.”

After a few uneasy moments of silence, Erin said, “Living with you means I need to tell my parents I’m in a committed relationship with another woman and we’re living together,” she said. “My parents are very conservative. If I tell them I’m bisexual, they would freak-out.” There was another long moment of silence. To continue talking would only make things worse. I kept quiet.

Erin finally said, “The school year is ending soon, and my parents are expecting me home for the summer. I love you and can’t be without you the whole time. I got a lifeguard job lined up so I can only come to you for a couple of days at a time. I want you to come to see me and stay with me at my parents. The question I’m struggling with is how I introduce you – as my girlfriend or my lover?” I soon realized that my love for Erin was becoming more complicated as my longing for a committed relationship with her was evolving.