Clara looks at the kitchen from the dinner table directly into Theresa that's talking on the phone. Claire gives her a strange look and takes her hand which got her attention.
"You're staring at her," Claire says.
"I know," Clara nods and looks down. "I'm just trying to think why a mother would abandon her kid for being with the person she loves. On top of that, he leaves her even after that happened."
"He?" Claire asks and laughs softly. Clara looks at her mother with an odd look. "Right, so her parents couldn't handle her being who she wants to be. Then she introduces them to her lover and they chase her away. Those things happen, Clara."
"I want to take her with me," Clara says and gives her mother a serious look. "I can help her get further in life."
"First let me ask you something," Claire says and sits forward. "How do you feel about homosexuals?"
"Why? Is she a homosexual supporter?" Clara asks and rolls her eyes. "That's her choice, mom. If she supports homosexuality then it's fine. As long as that doesn't influence my kids."
"You're a homophobe," Claire says to her with a serious look. Clara just stares at her. "I'm a homophobe as well, you know, but you can't choose their lives for them. Until then, I'm sorry, Theresa isn't going anywhere."
"You're not a homophobe, you're an ungrateful person who can't appreciate the generation we live in today," Clara says and stand up. "I'm okay with it, mom. But I won't be okay if it's one of my kids."
"Clara, you're a homophobe," Claire says grabbing her hand. She sighs and also stands up. "Should I talk to her or do you want to."
"You can," Clara says and shrug her shoulders.
"Clara, I'm warning you. Don't get too emotionally attached to Theresa. She's not your sister or daughter," Claire says. Clara nods and walks away. Claire takes a deep breath in and walks to the kitchen. Theresa puts her phone down and looks at her. "Theresa, we need to talk."
"Is it about the cake?" Theresa asks scared. "I didn't force Clara to eat it. I promise. I just wanted to convince her that it's okay."
"Wait, you got her to eat cake?" Claire asks in horror.
"She was very convincing," Clara says and enters the kitchen glaring at Theresa. Claire put her hand on her chest to indicate the peace she has in her heart.
"Oh sweetheart," Claire sighs and nods at Clara. She looks at Theresa and takes her hand. "Clara is going back tomorrow. She wants you to go live with her."
"Free access to the internet, meals included, no rent and a job," Clara adds and shrugs her shoulders. "How old are you by the way?"
"Twenty-eight," she replies. Clara nods and folds her arms.
"I think it'll be a good idea," Claire smiles. Clara nods and looks at Theresa that looks at her. "So, what do you want, Theresa?"
"I think it'll be a good idea," she nods in excitement. "But won't you get tired of me?"
"Darling, I've lived with the laziest and most absent man for fifteen years while raising two kids, if that's not enough, then what is?" Clara shrugs her shoulders. "No, go pack. We're leaving tomorrow at four. Our flight is at six."
"You already got a flight booked for her?" Claire asks.
"Cindy isn't coming with me," Clara replies and looks at Marvin that enters the kitchen. "She's only coming at the end of the month."
"I should probably go up," Theresa giggles awkwardly and rub up. Claire approaches her daughter and touches her cheek.
"Honey, I'm only going to say this once. Don't get attached to that girl," Claire says with a serious look. "She's not what you think she is. She'll probably tell you on her own timing, but still. I beg you."
"I know mom," Clara nods and smiles softly. "We'll keep this professional. No emotional contact or opening up to each other. Got it."
It's dark outside. Theresa stands by her window watching Clara wave her children goodbye. She folds her arms sits down on the little swing. Theresa leaves her room and goes outside to Clara.
"Hi," Theresa greets her.
"Hi," Clara greets back and lookup.
"I just want to say thank you," Theresa says and touches the swing to give her a little push. "For taking me with you."
"It's only a pleasure," Clara smiles and kicks her legs out letting Theresa push the swing. "Not too fast, okay?"
"Can I call you Clara?" Theresa asks.
"Please," she nods with a smile.
"Your children are amazing," Theresa says and lookup. "You look very young to be a mom though."
"No," she laughs and looks down. "I became a mother at a very young age. I had to marry him."
"Did you ever love him?" she asks and looks at her back.
"I did," Clara mutters and rolls her eyes. "I forgave him every time, you know. When he gave me the divorce papers and moved out, I finally got the picture. He never wanted me. It was all just to settle down, not to be alone, and to have sex whenever it fits him."
"And did it ever satisfy you?" Theresa asks. Clara stops the swing and turns around looking at her. "Were you happy with it?"
"Well, I think it was okay," Clara says and looks in front of her again.
"In other words, you don't know," Theresa says and walk around to the front of her getting on the other swing. "It's okay not to know. I mean, I'm still a virgin, but I had several orgasms."
"Are we talking about my marriage or our sex-lived?" Clara asks awkwardly. Theresa looks at her and smiles softly. "But how are you still a virgin if you had an orgasm?"
"Sex is something a man and women has when they share body fluids and other shit only Shakespeare can describe," Theresa says with a roll in her eyes. "But being selfless in the bedroom and pleasing your partner, doesn't come from where most men think. Some women can feel it when it's done with intercourse, but your real pleasure spot lays on the outside. For a good reason though."
"Why are we talking about this?" Clara asks and giggle.
"I'm just giving you a heads up," Theresa says and smiles at her. "Are you a homophobe?"
"No," Clara replies. Theresa glares at her which made her uncomfortable. "Okay so maybe I am."
"So you never looked at a woman's butt or thought about other women while masturbation or sex even?" Theresa asks. Clara shakes her head in denial. "Okay. I just embarrassed myself."
Theresa stands up and turns around to walk in.
"Wait," Clara jumps up. "You're right. I never enjoyed sex, never had an orgasm and I don't masturbate. I know absolutely nothing about sex, but I know for a fact that I could never think of a woman in a sexual way."
"Yeah, I figured," Theresa nods. "Good night Clara."
Before Clara could react, Theresa already went up to her room. For a moment she felt more embarrassed than before.