Ingenious (Sequel to Innocence)

Magnanimous

Marin

The silence was so loud in this kitchen space. Okāsan and Papa's eyes widened once I informed them of my sexuality. My eyes wandered towards Mauve, and her whole face was facing away from the table and my parent's reactions.

After what felt like hours, when it was just a few seconds, Okāsan got up from the dining table, walked upstairs, and the sound of the master bedroom door slamming shut shook me, Papa, and Mauve. After a brief moment of silence again, Papa was the first one to break the silence.

"Honey, are you sure?" he asked, "Because I understand that you are in college, and those are usually times when kids experiment with their sexuality."

"Yes, I am sure," I replied as I reached out for Mauve's hand for support. One thing I love about my father is his open-mindedness. Unfortunately, my mother was quite the opposite. She did not understand anything considered abnormal or non-traditional, especially if it involved someone close to her - which sounded counterintuitive since she chose to leave Japan to learn English and end up marrying someone outside her race. How was that any different than me coming out to them about something I've been in conflict with secretly for a while?

"Well, I am truly happy for you, honey," Papa stated as he got up from the dining table before gathering the plates and silverware. "If you can excuse me, I will try to consult with your mother about this,"

Papa turned toward Mauve with a slight look of embarrassment on his face. "Mauve, I sincerely apologize for Asami's behavior, and I hope this does not negatively reflect how you think of us. I do hope you continue to make my daughter happy."

"Oh, I plan to," Mauve responded happily before giving my father a small smile as he headed towards the kitchen to load the dishes in the dishwasher and went upstairs to talk with mom.

Once Papa was out of sight, and I heard the master bedroom door reopen and close softly, I let out a heavy exhale. I didn't even realize that I was holding in so much. The familiar silence was brief until I heard my mother's shouting and wailing echoing throughout the house. Those sounds caused a little heartbreak through me, and I felt tears starting to form. Mauve must have been intensively watching me the entire time because she instantly got up and pulled me out of the house from the continuing sounds of my mother's disappointment.

When we got outside, Mauve put her hands on both sides of my jawline to force me to look right into her hazel eyes. "Marin, are you okay?" she asked. My eyes instantly went down to face our two feet facing each other. One thing I haven't noticed was how nicely her toenails were done. She was wearing flip-flops that fit the Floridian weather, and she had a simple silver toe ring that suited well with her French ombre nails. The other thing I didn't notice was the soothing feeling of her thumb wiping away the stray tear that fell down my cheek. 

"Oh, Marin," Mauve spoke after my silent refusal to answer her question. "I'm sorry you had to experience that kind of reaction from your mom." 

She had returned her hands to the curvature of my jawline and rubbed the bottom of my cheeks soothingly. If I were not feeling as low, I would fall into putty in her hands or even fall asleep standing up. However, I should have expected this kind of reaction from Okāsan. But I was more upset and embarrassed that Mauve was here to see that reaction. What was I thinking? My mother's peskiness about Mauve's and my love life irritated me so much that I forced myself to come out.

"Marin, babe?" Mauve questioned, shaking me out of my reverie. Her eyes were filled with concern and never left contact with mine.

"Yes?" I spoke for what felt like forever. 

"Are you okay?" she asked again. I nodded slightly in response. 

I was not lying to her. I was feeling a bit better because she was attempting to comfort me. 

"Babe, I understand if you are not okay. Please do not think it was an embarrassment because of your mother's behavior. Some parents react differently. I mean...wait until you meet my parents and little sister. Now that will be embarrassing,"

I chuckled lightly, which caused her to laugh softly in return. "I mean it! I swear they are the biggest allies. They'll probably buy you one of those Pride candles and mini flags from Target." she continued, doing her best to cheer me up, and it worked.

"Oh, there's that smile. Let's go somewhere. What is there to do around here in sunny-side Florida?" she asked after giving me a quick yet toe-curling kiss on the lips. I was so in love with this beautiful human being that it was overwhelming. 

"How about we go to a boba tea shop near the beach?" I offered, placing my hands on the side of her hips. I was not going to lie, besides having a rough morning; beforehand, I was becoming more comfortable showing my affection to Mauve. She bit the corner of her bottom lip before nodding quickly with raised eyebrows and widening eyes, releasing herself from my grasp and running towards the passenger side of her car to open it for me. 

Once we got settled in her car, she drove with the GPS on her phone to the boba tea shop I selected. It was only a few minutes away from home and a few miles west of the Atlantic ocean. Throughout the short drive, she kept her left hand on the steering wheel while her right was planted comfortably on my left thigh. I was not too shy to place both hands around her hand after giving it a quick peck on the back. She never had to do too much to get me to smile or to cheer up. Is this what it feels like to be with your soulmate?

We were not in the shop for too long since I told her what kind of tea the store had as she drove to the place. I got my usual tiger brown sugar boba tea, and she ordered a taro milk tea with boba. I decided to drive her car to the nearby beach so we could take off our shoes and walk on the shore. It felt so nice to get away from the house and spend time with her in my hometown. 

I just knew once the day was over, going back home was going to be unsettling.

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Here you go! A sequel to Innocence has officially begun! I got a few juicy ideas coming up for this story. However, it will roughly be the same volume as the first. Possibly a little longer.

 Once completed, I will merge the two stories. Please bear with me for the next upload!

- A