WHEN YOU LOVE

HOW ABOUT IT?

Lee leaned on his bedroom door frame and watched Sana pack. It rained; the couple didn't do much on Boxing Day. It didn't bother them. The lovebirds were more than happy to spend time together procrastinating. Now it was that time for Sana to leave again.

"Gosh, it was so funny. I didn't think Janet's colleagues were that crazy. I thought Camille was going to pass out when Liam climbed on the table to sing like a virgin."

"He's such an attention seeker." Lee wasn't a fan of the exuberant gay man who he thought made too much noise for nothing.

Sana laughed, "like most people."

"Yeah, Camille and Janet sought attention too with those horrible Christmas sweaters. Good God, there should be fined for wearing that."

Sana shook her head and sighed, "They were cute, Lee."

"Don't tell me you're into let's-be-Siamese-twin-lovers clothes themes."

"Lee, it's just for fun, and it's once a year. Did you see how happy Dylan was?"

"Yes, I saw," the man replied and came to sit on his bed.

Lee knew his son thrived on such occasions. Dylan used the events as a barometer of his family's happiness. The party allowed him to confirm there was no more tension.

"Did you really enjoy the dinner?" Lee asked. The man didn't think he would spend so much time hanging out with his Ex. It sometimes pissed him off; he wondered if it were the same for Sana.

"Yes, Janet's colleagues and friends are friendly. They didn't make me feel out of place. I'm surprised Camille didn't invite anyone."

"She's never been a people person. Camille hates crowds or family gatherings, notably in hers, where everyone has to flaunt excellence and perfection."

Only then did Lee realize his ex-wife's behavior came from the frustration of having to play someone she wasn't. Now Janet spoke in the name of both, and she seemed content.

Camille's former tight lip smile was now authentic. What comforted the woman was her mother, who clamped any person's hissing tongue concerning her daughter's coming out shut.

It took Lee two full years and many therapy sessions for his anger issues, but Dr. Simmons got a final confession from Lee where he stated, "I'm happy for her. It must have been hell holding back, hiding, and conforming to a life she detested. I think I wouldn't have forgiven myself if I had found out years later."

"Why?" asked the doctor.

"Can you imagine believing your making love to someone and giving them pleasure when they're living the whole act as torture? God, she must have hated me at times."

Camille didn't hate him. Lee was like a best friend; she kept by her side for stability. When it came to sex, Lee accepted most of her conditions. Thus the act became as scarce as water in the desert. Also, Camille knew something was wrong with her marriage but she had not nailed the issue down to her sexuality.

Lee's statement concluded his therapy sessions. He now planned his future. A book he saw at the last London book fair and purchased later on Amazon inspired him. Schedule Love by Kenneth Mosely allowed Lee to ask himself essential questions, and now he knew he was ready for his love story.

Sana sighed, "I wish I could stay a little longer."

Lee enjoyed her company. She was so easy going and time didn't change the woman's attitude the slightest. Lee knew Sana didn't scam him on her personality. Her presence made him warm inside. Lee liked the idea of knowing Sana there with him. He loved hearing her respond from another room when he called her name.