Falling For Summer Chpt 43

By Knightmare Elite

Pam sank her teeth into the flaky turnover, boring her tongue deep inside the pocket, and lapping the gooey filling. “I’m not playing this game with you Abby.” She took another bite, licking an excess of dribble from her chin, “you’ve been absolutely pissy all afternoon. Was that for Summer’s benefit?”

Abby’s nostrils flared as her head steadily followed Pam’s voice. “And what would I supposedly get out of this if it were?”

“A show of force in front of your fire breathing, foggy eyed, bible thumping mother,” Pam said.

“As if,” Abby muttered and bit off a corner of her turnover.

“If there’s one thing I can say about Abby, it’s that she’s been consistent from the day we met,” Summer stated.

“Is that good or bad?” Richard pulled the tab on his beer can to a loud hiss.

“What, do you pull those out of thin air?” Pam eyed the chilled can with utmost disdain.

“Give me a break,” Richard groaned before taking an extended sip, “you make it seem like you’re getting secondhand smoke.”

“Yes Richard, trade corroded lungs for a poisoned liver. I know I’m a stickler about your drinking, but think about Abby. She doesn’t want to outlive either parent,” Pam argued.

“Mom, please, dad’s not going to drop dead from a case of beer,” Abby retorted. She as quickly averted her stare to the dwindling turnovers.

Richard set the half empty can on the table, drawing an agitated sigh. “Don’t you think you’re blowing this out of proportion? I barely go through a six pack in a month. Plus I go to the gym three times a week, no beer gut.”

“This isn’t ma place, but he makes a good point. Twelve beers in thirty days ain’t gonna make a drunk. I know people who drink twelve beers in one sittin’, and that’s before whiskey,” Summer said.

“My mom’s straight edge as you can get. She won’t even drink sparkling apple cider,” Abby shared.

Summer smiled and patted Abby on the knee. “I get it now, you’re momma’s one of people who don’t drink anythin’ alcoholic. Um, what’s it called again?”

“A teetotaler,” Pam answered with great displeasure.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed by something you believe so strongly in. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to drink beer, I keep seeing mom going crazy and slapping the can out of my hand,” Abby admitted.

“Would ya really do somethin’ that drastic, Mrs. Picket?” Summer asked.

“I trust Abby to make responsible decisions.” Pam looked at Summer in an unexpected pause. “Maybe I’ve given her too much leeway, but as a teenager, she’s entitled a little slack.”

Abby shook her head, running her fingers along Summer’s. “You trusted me to be safe, and I almost did something totally stupid.”

“Honey, everyone makes mistakes,” Richard assured while setting down the empty can, “The important thing is, you never slept that with that Jake boy. Pregnancy could have ruined your future, especially law school.”

“I know dad, and I’m sorry. I really am. I can’t take that back, and I know the plan was as stupid as the reasons supporting it. But, is this really an improvement? I still snuck off behind mom’s back, and lost my virginity it wasn’t--”

“You lost your virginity to a girl,” Pam lowly repeated.

“I’m not ashamed of that,” Abby underwhelmingly countered.

“It was your conscious decision to have, whatever it is you consider sex, with Summer,” Pam said in one dissolving breath. She sat upright, fingers clasped beneath her chin, eyeing the teenagers, “you said this would have happened regardless of meeting Summer. Then how does love at first sight supersede every moral fiber in your body?”

Abby finished her second turnover, blowing an agitated breath through puffed cheeks. “Ugh, you always turn it around on me. I can already feel a headache coming on.”

“She didn’t love the boy, just usin’ him to get planted,” Summer reminded.

“Do you practice that, or just naturally phrase things in the worst way possible?” Pam asked.

Summer shook her head, quietly fiddling with the table cloth resting on her stomach.

Richard looked around the tension filled table, listening to the variations in breathing. As the only man in the room, he felt obligated to stay neutral, for the most part. “With all that was discussed this afternoon, I feel like we’ve made progress. What do you think, Summer?” Richard asked.

Summer reached beneath the table, taking Scruffy into her lap. She stroked the cuddly body till Scruffy settled. “Abby and her ma keep buttin’ heads. I can see where Abby’s comin’ from, and I still have conflictions being a gay Christian. It’s downright stressful at times, but this is the life I accepted.”

“Dad, this is all new to me, and you have to expect things are going to be crazy for a while. I’ve accepted that I am gay, and that I am still a Christian. What those two mean together is what confuses me,” Abby explained. She looked at her glowering mother in earnest, “that’s why I need you more than ever, mom. I need you to help me through this part of my life, both of you.”

Summer wrinkled her nose at the attempted bonding. “Eh, things could have gone easier if Abby weren’t so apprehensive--”

“This isn’t fair; everyone’s ganging up on me, even you!” Abby whimpered.

“If you’d stop being so…damn stubborn and defensive at every turn, you wouldn’t have a headache, now would you?” Pam insisted.

Summer reached over for her pocketbook. “It’s hard to disagree.” She took out a bottle of extra strength aspirin. “We don’t always get what we want in life. Check your pride at the door and help your momma deal. It’s just as hard for her, ya know.”

Abby dumped an aspirin in her palm and downed it with juice. She took another gulp of juice relaxed within the chair. “Well, we’re going to have to work through this, mom.”

Pam cracked her neck and tucked the loose hairs behind her ears. “I have a better idea.”

“I’m listening,” Abby said in lighter spirits.

“Would you be willing to see a therapist with me? It could be beneficial for us both,” Pam suggested. She immediately caught Abby’s enlarging eyes, solemnly raising a peaceful hand, “just think about it.”

“Therapy?” The word simmered from Abby’s twisting lips. She clamped her lips shut and focused on the yellowing floor tiles.

“Mother and daughter therapy ain’t a bad thing, Abby,” Summer advised. She turned Abby’s face till their eyes met, “how many times are you gonna slam the door in her face?”

“Going to therapy is admitting there’s something wrong with me. I’m not sick, I’m gay,” Abby softly argued to Summer.

“That’s not true,” Richard said. “Lots of ‘normal’ people see therapists. Think of it as a way of peeling back the layers of yourself, to fully understand who you are, and why you are that way. Don’t you think it would help matters if you were on equal standing with your mother?”

Abby shrugged, lightly smiling in a professional deconstruction of her mother. “I guess if you stripped away religion, we could make some serious progress.”

“I’m willing to give it a try if you are,” Pam offered.

“Okay, but, you have to get off your high horse for the rest of the summer.” Abby watched her mother’s expression soften in the compromise. It was a sensitive moment as Abby finally stood down. “And if we do this, we have to see it through.”

“That can take more than a year, but it’s worth it,” Summer warned.

“Alright, I’ll sweeten the deal,” Richard announced.

Abby scooted to Summer letting Scruffy walk into her lap. “I’m listening.” She smirked as Scruffy licked the grape filling from her fingers.

“You know that phone you’re been going on and on about--”

“OH MY GOD, Dad, do not play with me! I would kill for an iPhone!” Abby stammered. She clutched Summer’s arm in unbridled anticipation.

“We were going to buy you one for your birthday.” Pam cut Richard an annoyed glare. “It does seem like a good idea. How about this, if we make it to six full months of therapy, WITH progress, than that day, we’ll take you to the store to buy the phone. Fair?”

Abby’s lips quivered as the imagined the quality time with her new phone. “I’ll try my hardest, I swear it.”

Summer rolled her eyes while feeding Scruffy a lettuce leaf. “Ya know you’re blatantly bribin’ her. She could just fake it to get the damn phone.”

“SUMMER, stop it!” Abby snapped.

“She has a point, Abby,” Richard noted. “What guarantee do we have that you’re not playing us?”

“For starters, it would be grossly hypocritical of her to do that. Second, if Abby did that, she would completely undermine the impact of homosexuality. Third, to put it bluntly, your father and I not only pay your cell phone bill, but your medical and dental insurance. If you want that to continue throughout college, don’t screw with me,” Pam hissed.

Abby swallowed and shyly nodded, “I understand.”

“Then we understand ourselves,” Pam answered.

“I gotta give ya credit for puttin’ your foot down, Mrs. Picket. Most parents fold once their kids get bitchy. Then again, most parents also consider their kids independent once they’re 18,” Summer said.

“Yes, well, that’s not how I was raised.” Pam glared at Abby, “don’t even!”

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” grumbled Abby.

“I’d still like to clarify that, Summer, you’re welcome to see Abby whenever you like, within reason.” Pam cut her eyes to Abby. “The exception to that rule is that Summer doesn’t spend the night.”

“That won’t be a problem, Mrs. Picket,” Summer sincerely agreed. She hugged Abby, giving her a soft kiss on the lips, and smiling in the progress.

“Thank you,” Abby quickly acknowledged.

“Look, I was a teenager once, and I know what’s it’s like to be in love. Even if I have my qualms with you being gay, and having…relations, I won’t intrude,” Pam hesitantly admitted.

Abby bit her lip, seeing the anguish in her mother’s eyes, and still posed a significant question. “Is it because she can’t get me pregnant?”

“Oh ma Lord, forgive me for callin’ your name, but why the hell can’t this girl ever be satisfied?” Summer said in a complete loss of composure.

“I am, I’m just…I don’t want this to be some pity push toward acceptance,” Abby agued.

Pam leaned back in her chair, blowing stands of hair from her face. “I don’t know what to say to you, Abby. I honestly don’t.”

“You’re being awfully bullheaded about this issue. Really, what’s the problem? She’s not stopping you from seeing Summer, nor is she stopping you from having sex, which is something even I’m not all that comfortable with. What, do you want your mother to fall to her knees and kiss your ass?” Richard asked, showing anger for the first time.

“Richard,” Pam whispered with a passive hand on his arm.

Sensing the rising animosity, Summer eased out her chair. “Mr. and Mrs. Picket, I want to thank you for havin’ me in your home this afternoon. I really appreciate you takin’ the time to let me explain myself, and ma relationship with your daughter.”

“The pleasure was ours, Summer,” Pam said with utmost respect.

Richard stood up and walked around the table with a hand extended. “You’re fine by me to date my daughter.” He looked down at Abby pouting in her seat. “She’s very high maintenance when she wants to be, she’s still a good girl.”

Abby remorsefully looked up at her father. “I’m sorry; I’m really stressy right now.”

“Come on cutie, I’ll draw you a warm bath and you can relax till ya feel better.” Summer kissed Abby on the nose, seeing her cheeks darken.

Abby softly stroked Scruffy in her lap and traded shy glances with Summer. “That would be nice, it’s just I don’t think I can take any more baths.”

“Ma’s got a Jacuzzi in her bathroom. I relax in there sometimes after workin’ the fields with Pa. She won’t mind, as long as they’re not usin’ it,” Summer offered.

“And you wait till now to tell me you have a Jacuzzi?” Abby quickly stood up, tucking Scruffy beneath her arm while bringing her plate to the sink.

“We’re gettin’ an in-ground pool in a few weeks. Pa’s been workin’ with some contractors, and everythin’ been finalized. I just want one of those rubber rafts with the drink holders, they’re spiffy,” Summer excitedly announced.

“You HAVE to have a pool party, with Sheryl and Tiffany too!” Abby urged.

“Would we be invited?” Richard sheepishly asked.

“Don’t see why not, it’ll be big enough for about thirty people. What took so long was findin’ a company that can install the water temperature thingy,” Summer explained.

Pam sighed at her affluent neighbor, “see Abby, this is exactly why I support your decision to go to law school. You’ll be a financially independent woman, capable of fulfilling your every desire, even lesbianism.”

“I completely agree, and thanks for being open minded about that,” Abby said while setting Scruffy down. “I’m going to brush my teeth, then go to Summer’s, might even watch a high-def movie, after the Jacuzzi of course.”

“A movie sounds harmless enough.” Pam stepped back as Scruffy ran around her legs. She looked back, watching Scruffy chew on her pock chop, curly tail wagging excitedly. “No one will ever believe me…”

“Eyewitness,” Abby chirped with a hand raised.

Pam gave a nod and poured soap into a sponge. “I remember as a kid, washing dishes by hand every other night. Dishwashers spoil you.”

“Ma never let me use the dishwasher till I learned to cook. It was worth it, ma wife’s gonna eat well,” Summer bragged.

“In many ways, I see you as what Abby could have been, had we raised her here,” Richard pointed out.

“It’s such a shame; modern conveniences have crippled many of the fundamentals of raising children. TV has practically raised this generation. I wish I could have spent more time with you growing up, Abby,” Pam sighed.

“Mom, it’s okay. You and dad busted your butts so we could live well. I mean nothing near Summer, but I do appreciate what we have, even if I have a pretty crappy way of showing it,” Abby consoled.

“That’s sweet, but not enough for the guilt to go away. I was a workaholic, and since I got my promotion last year, I’ve been able to spend more time with my family. It hurts that you’re leaving for college next year. Baby, I want us to spend as much time as we can together, okay,” Pam pledged.

“I know, and we’ll spend lots of time together before law school, I promised,” Abby said with a hand raised.

“Well, the day is still early, so I won’t keep you,” Pam said while hand washing the dishes.

Abby ran up to Pam and kissed her on the cheek, “I love you mommy, and I’ll see you later!” She scooped up Scruffy as Summer gathered her belongings.

“Thanks again for havin’ me,” Summer said in exit.

“I can’t wait to get in that Jacuzzi,” Abby cheered in the daunting heat. As they crossed yards, Abby gasped at a sapphire blue luxury car in the driveway. “That is one sweet car, is that your dad’s?”

Summer glance at the car and kept walking. “Nah, that’s Ma’s Maserati. She mostly keeps it in the garage, if it’s still out then she’s going somewhere soon. Call me old fashion but I couldn’t drive anythin’ costing more than ma house.”

Abby enviously shook her head, truly understanding what her mother meant. “Damn, you guys must have money out the ass.”

“Pa drives one of those heavy duty pick-ups. He finally traded in that old piece of shit a few months ago, didn’t want to let it go cuz of sentimental reasons. Pa says our insurance is crazy high cuz of Ma’s car, but we’re good for it,” Summer said.

Abby opened the screen door and grasped the icy knob. She gleefully turned and bathed in the energizing gust. “Are you sure your mom won’t mind?”

Summer rolled her eyes and shut the door. “MA! ABBY WANTS TO USE THE JACUZZI!”

“Summer! You didn’t have to yell,” Abby whispered.

Stacy elegantly walked into the living room, pocketbook firmly on her shoulder. “Hello, girls.”

“Hey, Mrs. Abby….I mean Stacy,” Abby corrected.

“Hey Ma,” Summer greeted.

“I’m headin’ into town for a bit. Food’s in the oven, put whatever ya’ll don’t eat in the fridge,” Stacy hurriedly explained. She took out her keys and pressed the remote, in the distance her car purred to life.

Abby stepped forward, blushing under the lull of Stacy’s perfume. “Um, would it be okay if I used your Jacuzzi, for a little while. I mean, well if you’re not--”

Stacy smiled and pinched Abby’s cheek. “Aw, you’re so cute, sure thing sugar. Just let Bill know you’re in there, so he don’t walk in expectin’.”

“Does he normally walk in on you?” Abby fretted.

“Not often enough,” Stacy sighed. She kissed Summer on the cheek and opened the door. “Oh, and Julie’s here with a friend, bye!” Stacy dashed out the house leaving both girls on high alert.

“Can I just relax in the Jacuzzi and stress about Julie later?” Abby asked. She set Scruffy down, who immediately ran off to the kitchen. “Ugh, please don’t make me go in there. I don’t care anymore; I just want to lie in the swirly water.”

“Right, if I gotta suffer through this, then so do you,” Summer grumbled. She held Abby’s hand and walked into the kitchen. “Oh hell.”

“Really, Barbie, you overreact way too much.” Maja took a slow bite of her slice of pie. “I have to say, I’ve never eaten pie as good as your mom’s.”

A wave of tension ripped through Summer, loosening her fingers from Abby’s. “Look Maja, I’m not in the damn mood right now, so just leave me alone.”

“Summer,” Julie called.

Summer’s legs locked in place, forcing her to meet Julie’s amber eyes. Her fists balled seeing Scruffy rubbing against Maja’s ankles. “What?”

“I know ya got ma text, so can we just clear the air once and for all. I’m being sincere as I can about this. Our relationship needs closure.” Julie’s eyes darted to Abby. “Then we can all get on with our lives.”

Maja finished her slice of pie and eased out the chair. “Well, ladies, I should get going. You have a beautiful house, Summer, and a really sweet mother. I wish I could say the same.” She picked up Scruffy and received a flurry of licks about her mouth. “Strange, an iguana or tarantula I’d believe, but a cute baby pig. You never cease to amaze me, Summer.”

“Actually, Scruffy’s not a baby. She’s just really tiny for some reason, right, Summer?” Abby stated.

“Yeah, she’s a runt. When I took her to the vet, the doc said she has some kind of glandular problem, so she’s never gonna get any bigger than that. Thankfully, it’s harmless,” Summer explained.

“That’s pretty cool. I wish my dog had that problem, he’s huge now. But he was such an adorable puppy, with that squeaking bark.” Maja’s smile picked up Scruffy one handed, kissing her snout. “Now my dog’s big enough to tackle me. Anyhow, I’ll play nice and go. I need a nap.”

“Wait,” Summer grumbled. She took a step forward, looking at the two women who held the one thing she didn’t. “I need to talk to ya about somethin’.”

“Oh, sounds interesting. And what about Ms. Abby?” Maja teased while returning to her seat.

“I promised her she could relax for a bit, it’ll do the girl some good to be alone,” Summer said. She held Abby’s hands, giving her a slow kiss. “I’ll be down here if ya need anythin’, okay?”

“Yeah,” Abby, after catching her breath from the melting kiss, said.

“Oh yeah, gotta show you were it is!” Summer grabbed Abby’s hand and dashed up the stairs. They stopped at the door and knocked. “Pa, you in there?”

“Seconds later the door opened. “What’s up?” Bill asked.

Abby’s stared at the floor, completely flustered in Stacy’s semi-warning. “Stacy said I could use your Jacuzzi, is that okay?”

Bill looked back and opened the door. “Oh, sure. I’ll give you your privacy.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt anything,” Abby said, while inching into the room.

“Nah, I was just doin’ a little studying and lettin’ dinner settle.” Bill took the laptop off the bed and tucked it under his arm.

“Studying?” Abby asked, completely in the room.

Bill gave a bashful laugh and stepped into the hall. “Yeah, Summer had talked me into gettin’ a business degree. I talked to some people and she’s right, with a degree I’d have more control over ma business, and know how to handle the big wigs. So I’m enrolled in an online college, six months now.”

“Wow, that’s amazing Mr. Abby. I hope it goes well for you,” Abby said.

Bill nodded and headed downstairs.

“I’m tryin’ to get mom to do somethin’ with her cooking’, but, she’s so fixed on havin’ another baby. I suppose she’ll look into that when she’s ready,” Summer explained. She walked Abby through the master bedroom to the posh bathroom.

“Awesome,” Abby gasped. She looked at her dress in a sudden realization. “I forgot to bring my bikni!”

“No biggie, ya still got an extra pair of bra and panties in that overnight bag. Just go in your underwear. You can use one of Ma’s robes. She always keeps on near by just in case. Anyway, I gotta deal with these bitches. Love ya,” Summer said and left Abby to ogle.

“Summer, wait!” Abby ran after Summer, turning her around to see the stress on her face. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret, okay?”

“There’s something I need to discuss with Maja. As for Julie, I don’t wanna do this, I gotta let her go, ya know?” Summer uneasily related.

Abby nodded. “I trust you, Summer. I know that you still have feelings for Julie, and it’s not easy to put them away. It takes a lot to stay friends with an ex, especially when she makes an unexpected return. It’ll be okay, Julie’s moving on so be happy for her.”

“Wow, that almost sounded rehearsed.” Summer cracked a smile and pushed open the door. “As hard as this is gonna be, I gotta do it alone. No offense.”

“You were with Julie way longer than me. It’s Maja I don’t trust. What do you have to talk to her about?” Abby asked.

“…go relax for a bit, nothin’ to worry about,” Summer, after a lengthy paused, answered.

“Well, okay, be careful,” Abby whispered as they went their separate ways.

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