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“I knew it!” Noah’s eyes sparkled as he grinned.
“Noah?”
Olivia hadn’t realised her son had entered the room. She wasn’t displeased, but it did throw her off for minute, knowing she’d been overheard.
She whispered into the phone, “I’ve got to go. Noah’s here.”
“Alright, honey, I hear you. Good luck.”
“Talk later.”
Click
“Something you want to say, Noah?”
Olivia’s voice wasn’t judgmental, but her eyebrow was raised, her lips in a crooked half smile. She knew what was coming.
“You’re like me!” He stated. “You have a girlfriend.”
Noah paused, offering tentatively, “Is it Amanda?”
“Mmmhmm.” Olivia looked Noah in the eye, grinning. “You got me on both counts. It’s Amanda.”
“Are you in love with her? When did you start being girlfriends? How did you know?” His questions shot out at her simultaneously with excitement.
“Okay, whoa there, Noah.” Olivia took a breath. “How about we sit down and talk about this for a moment.”
She motioned to the couch, and they sat close to each other.
Olivia took his hands in hers.
“First of all, seeing as you’re so observant and excited, thank you for your support.
“Secondly, this is still…new. We’re still working some things out. I’m still working things out.
“We haven’t even talked about it with our friends yet.” She blushed slightly. “It’s…complicated.”
“Because Aunt Amanda’s still married?” Noah remembered suddenly. “But she broke up with Uncle Sonny, didn’t she—oh—is that why? Because she was in love with you? When did you know?”
“Well, hang on a minute, kiddo—yes and no. That’s not the reason they split up. Again, it’s complicated, Noah.” She squeezed his hands before releasing them.
“Aunt Amanda and Uncle Sonny had other stuff going on that they couldn’t work out together. Things that aren’t any of our business.”
Noah looked down, abashed, “I’m sorry Mom. I didn’t mean to be rude.”
“No, it’s okay, honey. You know that we can talk about anything, right?” Olivia continued, “But we also have the right to say if we feel uncomfortable with answering?”
He nodded with understanding and some relief. He wasn’t in trouble. They’d always had this agreement. She could ask him anything too, but if it was too personal, he didn’t have to answer. It was part of being respectful of each other’s feelings.
“It’s too personal?” Noah ventured.
“A little. But since you’re so grown up now, I can tell you that I’ve never really felt like this about…someone…before.” Olivia left out the word rather than articulate the same-sex part of it and looked a little wistful. “Aunt Amanda and I have been friends a long time. Since before you were born, even.
“But we didn’t fall in love back then. Our friendship kind of grew stronger over time.” Olivia smiled, “And then, one day, we just realised something had changed. That we had feelings for each other that were more than friendship. It kinda took us both by surprise.”
“You’ve been happier recently,” Noah smiled back. “More relaxed. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. I appreciate your understanding.” Olivia’s heart swelled with pride. “You’re really growing up now. I’m proud of you, my young man.”
Noah beamed. “I’m proud of you too, Mom. For sharing this with me.”
He paused. “If these feelings are new for you—about being bisexual—you can always talk to me too, you know. I’ve always had those feelings, so…I mean, it’s not new for me…” Noah let it hang there, softly. He wanted his mom to know that maybe he could be the supportive one now and reciprocate the love and understanding she had always shown him.
Olivia looked then, really looked, at her son. Her sweet boy who was becoming such a strong and sensitive man. Nothing unspoken had slipped under his gaydar.
“Thank you, Noah. Maybe I will have some questions about feelings sometime. It’s kind of you to let me know that it’s okay for me to ask you.”
Olivia blinked back a tear. The child becomes the parent…
“Okay, kiddo,” she pulled herself back into parent mode. “Did you finish that math homework?”
Noah rolled his eyes. “Almost—what’s for dinner? Pizza?”
“Maybe—if you finish quickly.” She tousled his hair.
As he headed off toward his room, Noah stopped and turned back.
“If we had pizza, you could invite Aunt Amanda. I could keep the girls and Nicky occupied after dinner…” he said with a cheeky grin.
”Noah!” Olivia was simultaneously shocked and amused. She rolled her eyes and smirked, knowing she was being manipulated, but appreciating the unexpected opportunity Noah was offering. This kid was smooth.
“I’ll see if she’s available.”