"Hi, Dottie."
Dottie sat at her table, working on homework once again. She looked up as she was greeted by her classmate, who she was now thinking as an acquaintance to be honest. They weren't friends, but who knew what happened after school was over. She greeted Claire as she pulled out a seat to sit down.
"Hi, Claire. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are you?"
"I am fine."
"You're not good today?"
"I am mostly good, but I'd rather focus on something else like school right now."
"Okay, but I am willing to be an ear if you need it."
"Claire, I don't know what to say. Thank you, but you don't have to."
"Nonsense. I like sitting with you, and most of what you're going through I went through in one form or another with my marriage to my own husband. It's more interesting to listen to than to how silly some of the girls your age can be."
"True, I get along better with those at least five years my senior than anyone my own age."
Dottie's disparaging tone caught Claire's attention.
"It's a matter of growing up. You've had to grow up in ways that they haven't had to yet, while you struggle with things that they don't. Having to look in from the outside has shown you some things about yourself and the world around you that most don't see until they're in their thirties. They'll catch up eventually, so don't worry about it."
"Thanks."
They sat and looked at their books. They were engrossed in their work for some time before they started talking about anything relations related.
"How's your husband, Claire?"
"He's doing fine. He's trucking to Ethelville today. That's north and east, up in the park."
"Okay. Does he see lots of bears along there?"
"It depends on the day or the season. Last time he saw a couple herds of elk, unless it was the same one twice, and a moose. There were the muskrats that live in the pond close to the park's south entrance, and those he sees every once in a while since he's watching for them. How's Reuben?"
Dottie's face tightened.
"Sensitive topic today?"
"Yes. We're divided on whether or not we should introduce the fact that we're a couple to his parents. They don't like what he is, and think he's a monster."
"What's your side?"
"I think we should, just to honor that they are his parents and letting them know who may be joining the family."
"Let me guess, he doesn't think that the argument with his parents is worth it."
"Yes."
"You want to do it in person?"
"Yes."
"Child, Dottie, that is a little extreme. It is still considered 'letting the family know' if you do it by mail."
"It's still considered proper?"
"Not honoring his parents with the knowledge would be letting them find out reading the paper or not telling them at all or writing them a derogatory letter with the information. Of course, it has to be done with the right card format and card decorations, but it is still possible. They already wouldn't approve, because of what their son is. There is no need for you two to ask their approval or give them an opportunity to disgrace you."
"I'm not going to say yes to that, but could you tell me what the card would be like so I at least know better his side of the argument?"
"Sure."
"Dottie, is there another reason that you want to meet his parents like that?"
"So if one of them decides to accost me in the grocery store I know who they are and to have faces to the two people blocking Reuben from going and visiting at family gatherings."
"That bad?"
"My friend that I'd been looking for somewhat half heartedly died, but at least his parents accepted him. With Reuben, it seems that his brother doesn't mind to much, but his parents do."
"Oh, Dottie," sighed Claire. "Come, give me a hug. I'll pat your shoulder, that okay?"
"That's fine."
Dottie stood and walked over to Claire. There she half knelt, half leaned to hug Claire as she sniffled.
"Oh, Dottie. Everything will be okay. It may be tough at first, but you two can figure it out."
"You sure?"
"I don't know Reuben, but I can tell you that getting two different people into a relationship is bound to have troubles until they figure it out. It was the same for me and my Rick."
"Okay."
Claire hummed as she would for her children and they climbed into her lap. She patted Dottie's shoulder as she cried lightly and subsided. She rubbed Dottie's shoulder as she started taking deep breaths.
"Are you okay now?"
"Yes, thank you. You didn't have to do that."
"Nonsense. It's not like I could not offer comfort when I do the same for my three."