“We’re analyzing the ending of Macbeth,” I say. Which isn’t a total lie. We did have to analyze and eventually write a paper about the ending of Macbeth. That just isn’t what we were doing when my mom walked in.
“Okay, well, let me know if you guys need anything. Dinner’s at 6.” She closes the door and both Kai and I start laughing uncontrollably.
“We have to stop sneaking around,” I say and grab his hand.
“But it’s so much fun,” he responds, kissing my cheek.
No more than five minutes later, my mom yells at us from downstairs “Kendall, Kai, could you come down here for a minute?”
We hurry downstairs impatiently, knowing we’ve likely been found out. It’s not like we could keep this from them forever. My mom hovers over the island, arms folded and lips pursed in a thin line.
“Sit,” she states and nods toward the stools opposite her. “Is there something you want to tell me, Ken?” She stares at me pointedly while Kai and I both take a seat.
“Like what?” I ask, trying to fumble my way through this.
Is it better to own up to this or dig myself deeper?
“Like why I walked into the room and you and Kai appeared to be doing anything other than studying. How long has this been going on for?” she questions and I know I can’t fake my way out of this conversation.
“Mom, I—” I start to plead. But she cuts me off.
“How long?” she demands.
“On and off since the end of the summer,” I explain quietly, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt.
“I’m actually a little relieved. I thought you were going to say since last year,” she sighs.
“Okay so…you aren’t mad?” I wonder.
“I’m mad you two have been sneaking around behind our backs and clearly lying to us. But I’m not mad you guys are together.Areyou guys together?” she asks curiously, leaning forward on the island.
“Yes,” I reply. “We’re dating.” I glance at Kai and he is beaming despite the amount of shit we have managed to get ourselves in.
“My next question is, and Kai, hunny, I’m sorry you are here for this—are you guys sexually active and if you are, are you being safe?” I don’t have to look at Kai to know his usual porcelain face has now turned beet red.
“We haven’t had sex, but when we do, we will definitely be safe,” I promise.
“Okay,whennotif. So maybe this conversation is more timely than I thought. Kai, of course I can’t tell you what to do here but I would highly suggest you use condoms and other protective methods. Kendall, I think we should make an OBGYN appointment and consider birth control options if that is what you want. But that is more your mother’s realm of expertise, not mine. That is also not a discussion we need to have in front of Kai.”
“You’re really okay with this?” I ask, slightly taken aback. My moms are pretty progressive but I’m still surprised.
“I’m okay with it as long as you both keep up your grades and athletic commitments and stop sneaking around. And most importantly, you both need to be good to each other and be safe. Just so we are perfectly clear, I'm forty-eight but I’m not trying to raise grandchildren anytime soon.”
I don’t think I have ever been more embarrassed and relieved at the same time.
“Okay. I’m really sorry we didn’t tell you guys sooner and that we’ve been sneaking around. But I’m glad you guys know and are okay with it.”
“Why wouldn’t we be okay with it? You two have been friends forever and we love Kai like family. There is no one we would trust to take care of you and be good to you more than him. But you guys were friends first and you’ve been close for a very long time. So please be gentle and kind with each other’s hearts.”
As if that hasn't been the exact dilemma we’ve been dealing with for the past two months.Kai feels my trepidation and gently intertwines his hand with mine underneath the counter.
“I care about Kendall a lot. I promise I will always treat her with kindness and respect, Mrs. James,” he explains and I know he means every word.
“I know you will, Kai. If there is anyone I would have picked for Kendall to date it would be you. No contest. And just so you know, I texted your mom about my little discovery, and she knows we’ve talked about it. I’m not sure it will save you from another similar conversation with your parents, but it might.” My mom smiles and winks at Kai hopefully.
“Did she seem mad?” he asks, worry bleeding into his voice.
“I don’t think she is mad necessarily. Probably disappointed that you kept this from her and your dad. But truthfully, me,your mom, and Mrs. Carlisle had a bet about when you guys would start dating. Your mom won,” my mom confesses.