Roberta's POV Part 2


‘So are you really going to spend the holidays here?’ Karen asked after I’d gotten dressed.
‘That’s all right isn’t it?’ I didn’t mean to sound so sharp.
If it wasn’t all right...where else would I go?
I already informed Mom that I would be a no show at her big Thanksgiving party.
‘Come on Bert, you know you're welcome here. The folks are crazy about you. I just feel sorry for your poor Dad sometimes. How can you not tell that he loves you?’
‘I know he loves me.’ I snapped. ‘He has too because he feels obligated.’
I was a huge mistake. Knowing that made me feel very empty inside.
‘Your mother always has been a bit of a...er...been a bit flaky, but your Dad always has been the better parent. Even when he did leave your mom for Remington, he did try to keep in touch with you. I used to hate how you would return his letters and gifts.’
My heart twisted in my chest. Sometimes I did read some of them. I knew if I did have to deal with him face to face, I would break down.
It finally happened at Helen’s wedding.
‘You’re going to have to forgive him sometime for leaving your Mom. They weren’t happy.
You also should just accept that your old man is gay.’
‘I don’t have a problem with that!’
Actually, I had a very big problem with it.
I was all for people loving who they wanted, but it was very disturbing to learn that my father is gay.
I hear all the time about children coming out to their parents, but believe me, it really upsets the natural balance of order when it happens the other way around. All the mean spirited jokes about my Dad when he first came out really did hurt.
The whole idea of Dad and Remington as a couple still creeped me out.


‘My problem is with It and the Twerp.’
‘I thought you said the kid was kind of cool.’
I had to give Lanie some credit. She was responsible for getting me to write Helen's brother Joey.
Joey's letters were the only things I had to smile about these days.
‘Yeah, I’ll admit she isn’t a simpering goody-goody like Helen always was, but I don’t want to get to know her. I let Dad talk me into bringing her along once to a movie. Though it wasn’t a horrible experience, I’ve had enough with having to share him. I only get one lousy day a week of his time. He spends it talking about her and every sickening cute thing she does. As for It, he knew my father was married when he went after him. Anyone that breaks up a family is rotten to the core.’
‘I’m not trying to make you mad, Bert.’ Karen gave me a quick hug. ‘It’s just your Dad didn’t choose Remington over you. He’s actually been asking you to come live with them. Most girls would kill to have Remington Mansfield as their step-er-what ever he is to you.’
Grudgingly, I also had to admit to myself, that the man was a bit of a genius. His creations and clothing line were to die for.
‘Ha!’ I scoffed at her. ‘Don’t think I don’t know what your really after. You're hoping if I make nice with my Dad’s..um..so called life partner, that you’ll score some of his gowns for yourself.’
‘It’s been years now Bert. Your parents have both moved on to others. Your Dad didn’t just decide it wasn’t convenient to have you around any more. It’s time to stop punishing him. As for getting something for myself out of the deal, I really wasn’t thinking that way...but would that ever be awesome!’


My head really started pounding now. I also felt queasy.
Karen’s stopped grinning and peered at me in guilty concern.
‘Bert..?’
I pushed past her, barely making it.
Before I knew it, I was on my knees worshiping the porcelain goddess.
I’m so never going to drink again!


Up Next: Roberta and Trent's visitation.