Rachel's POV
"I'm here this morning with Senator Jennifer Abner who is so graciously providing meals and toys to families across the state of California. Senator this is such a great idea. Can you tell us how it came about?"
"Thanks Lin. Every year millions of children go without receiving anything on Christmas day. Families are struggling and living pay check to pay check. We understand that, so myself along with Children's Hope have partnered together to provide families struggling this holiday season with warm meals and gifts. While I am based here in LA, my staff along with volunteers, and some other special guest are all across California doing the same. If you are in the holiday spirit, there are plenty of ways you can help out today. You can donate or bring an unwrapped gift to one of our locations."
"You can visit Senator Abner's and Children's Hope websites listed on the screen for more information. Thank You Senator Abner."
"Thank you Lin and thank you to everyone at ABC. Happy Holiday's everyone", Jenn says waving at the camera.
Avery and I watch as Jenn completes one of her many interviews of the morning. She keeps a smile on her face as she's bounced back in forth between interviews, handing out food, and greeting everyone. I always thought these events were put on just for photo op, but Jenn and everyone else helping today are really invested in this cause.
"It's so cool getting to see Senator Abner do all of this up close. It makes me excited to start classes again. Who knows where our careers could lead one day", Avery says in awe. After all she is one of Jenn's biggest supporters.
Jenn looks over in our direction and smiles , "Yeah it's pretty cool to see so many happy as a result of this."
We return back to our designated work station passing out unwrapped gifts to children.
"Aww he's so cute", Avery says handing a toy to a little boy with big brown eyes and a curly head of hair.
"Ugh I guess it is kind of cute."
He begins to cry as he walks by Santa Claus. His parents come over to pick him up, but he falls to the ground having a tantrum.
"And there it goes", I say cringing at Avery.
She laughs. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"I'll probably just stay in and watch Carol." It will be a quiet Christmas this year as I'm still not on speaking terms with my family. Liv will be with her parents. And it's not like we were going to spend the day together, but Jenn will be out of town visiting her in-laws.
"What about you?"
"My mom invited you know who over. Every holiday he is around now. Before he came along it was just me and my mom with our traditions."
"Well if you want to get away you're welcome to come over and hang."
"Thanks."
I look over when I hear a bunch of commotion. I see Jenn's husband greet her with a kiss. I hear a sea of "awwws" coming from the onlookers.
I roll my eyes at that dreadful sight.
********
Jennifer's POV
"Hey honey thanks for coming",I say to Greg as he wraps me in a hug.
He flashes his signature smile and rolls up his sleeves, "I'm happy to help. Where would you like me?"
"I think we could use some help at the toy station." I walk over to where my staff is stationed. "Hello everyone, how's it going? You all are doing such a great job thank you for being here today. My husband here is going to lend an extra set of hands to help out ."
I meet eyes with Rachel who makes me chuckle when she side eyes Greg.
"Nice to see you all again", he says shaking their hands. He immediately gets to work handing out toys and holding conversations with the families in need.
"Senator Abner can we get a few pictures with you and your husband?"
"Of course." I call Greg over and he assumes his position by my side, wrapping his arm around my waist.
"Great I think I got them. You look perfect together", the photographer says as he looks through the photos he's snapped.
"Let's get a few with my staff."
"Great idea. Everyone huddle in close", the photographer instructs. As fate would have it, Rachel ends up on one side of me and Greg is on the other.
When we're done I notice Rachel walk towards the door.It takes me a second before I realize that her parents just arrived. I recognize them from the photos in her apartment.
She starts talking to them, but from her stance and body language I can tell it's not going well.
I walk over to introduce myself, but before I can interrupt her father notices me. "Wow Senator Abner."
I smile, "You must be Rachel's parents." I look over at Rachel and she rolls her eyes. "We are. It's a pleasure to meet you", they say shaking my hand.
"Oh that's lovely you brought gifts."
"Yes well we're just doing our part", Rachel's mother responds.
"That's great, so Rachel tells me that being a lawyer runs in the family."
"Well she's my last hope. I started my own firm after coming for Harold and Issac's."
"One of the best firms in the state. I have few friends there."
"No kidding. I'm sure you know-"
Rachel walks away leaving us standing there.
"Sorry Senator I don't know what's gotten in to her", her mother says looking frustrated.
"That's quite ok. Please come in and enjoy the event, the gift table is over there. There's food, music, and Santa Claus. If it's ok I'll go speak to Rachel."
I let the event organizer know that I will be stepping away for a moment. I find Rachel outside a few buildings down leaning against the rail.
I tilt my head looking at her, and put my hand over hers. "Are you ok?"
"I'm fine."
"Rachel."
"They didn't come for me. They came to meet you", she says looking disappointed.
"Rachel I don't think that's true. They seem excited to be here and their faces lit up when they saw you."
"Then why didn't they reply when I texted them on Thanksgiving?"
"I don't know. Only they can answer that, but they're here now and that's all that matters. Maybe they're here to make amends.
"Jenn that's like saying your husband is here make to amends. Are you going to keep giving him chances when he hurts you? Because that is exactly what my parents are doing to me."
"I get that and you're allowed to feel how you feel. I just don't want you to regret it moving forward. I wish I could have repaired my relationship with my family much sooner than I have, but I was stubborn."
"Are you calling me stubborn?"
"You know you are", I say smiling. "No one is saying you have to forgive them. All I'm saying is closure feels good. If you want to distance yourself from them it could be helpful. If you don't then this could be that step to rebuild."
"Damn I hate it when you're right."
I smile and caress her check, "Now put a smile on your pretty face and let's get back in there. Don't let them win."
As I continue to careers her cheek she rubs my hand.
"Senator Abner", I hear someone call out from behind me. I drop my hand and stand there frozen.
"It's just the event organizer. He didn't see anything", Rachel assures me.
I turn around, "Yes?"
"You're needed for another interview."
"I'll be right there."
"Rachel runs her fingers through her hair, "Go. I can take care of myself."
"I know that, but you don't have to. You have friends to lean on, and you know you can talk to me whenever you need to."
"I know. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Now cheer up it's your favorite holiday. If you need to, you can leave early to be with your parents."
"Thanks Jenn....I haven't got the chance to tell you, but this event was really amazing. You have such a big heart."
Hearing that makes me smile.
"Also you look really adorable in that Christmas sweater."
"Adorable? Like a puppy or kitten?"
"It's a children's event. I'm trying to be PG", Rachel says smiling.
"Well thank you for being thoughtful of the uncorrupted minds out there." I laugh, "come on let's go."
**********
Rachel's POV
"Senator Abner is giving me the go ahead to leave. Did you guys want to get out of here and maybe grab lunch somewhere so we can talk?"
"That would be nice honey", my father smiles while my mother pretends I'm not there. "We'll meet you there", he says knowing that he has to convince my mother to join.
We sit down, barely speaking over eating our meal. "That was a nice event Senator Abner put on", my father breaks the ice.
"Yeah."
"How could you embarrass us like that walking away?", my mother says looking furious.
"Embarrass you?"
My father grabs her hand, "Regina we promised we weren't going to argue today. It's Christmas Eve." "That was nice of Senator Abner to let you leave early. She seems lovely honey."
"She's grown on me", I say nonchalantly.
"That's great you could learn a lot from her."
"Yes, but she could learn from me too", my mother interjects.
"Are you ever going to get over the fact that I don't want to work for your firm? All my life you've tried to make me who you want me to be. I'm tired of it. Living up to your expectations and judgement. Do you know how hurt I've been? Dad does she even know what happened?"
"No honey. I thought it was best to keep it between us."
"James what is she talking about?"
"Months ago she had an incident where she was admitted to the hospital. Similar to her past incidents", he says looking down.
She turns her head looking at him, "You knew about this and you didn't tell me?"
"You were busy at work and Rachel was a topic you didn't want to discuss."
"Something like that I need to know. She's my child."
"Am I your child mom? You can't just claim me when it's convenient for you."
"Rachel you have to understand that I came from a different time. My parents paved a way out for me and I want to do the same for you. You being-"
"You can say it mom, a lesbian."
She looks down in shame,"It's just unnatural. Women belong with men. Who is going to be the protector of the household with two women around?"
"Look at you and dad. Mom you're the bread winner. So how could you expect me to conform to some bullshit gender roles that are outdated and quite frankly should have never existed. And what's so unnatural about loving another person? Their genitalia should not matter only their heart."
"She makes a good point Regina."
"Mom what if grandma told you that you couldn't love dad because he was white. What would you say?"
She pauses and looks down, "That's it none of her business."
"Exactly so why can't you just let me be happy being myself?"
"I want you to be happy. But it's just going to take some time for me to understand you, understand this."
"Well I'm an open book. If you have questions and want to understand me I'm here."
She looks down playing with the hem of her dress,"Have you?"
"Have I what?"
"Have you dated another girl?"
"I have. Do you remember Natalie?"
"Yes."
"We were pretty much together all of college. I also dated Avery, but we broke up."
They both look shocked, "Avery?"
"You guys love Avery. Does this make you think of her different now?"
She looks down, "Rachel we do care for you .Just give us time to wrap our heads around this. You never having a wedding, children.
"I could still have that if I choose to. It will just be with a woman."
My father puts his hand over mine, "I'm sorry if you felt that we haven't loved you. We do and we'll always be there for you. We all should have had this conversation much sooner."
"I'll try to get there Rachel. Just give me time", my mother says looking in my eyes.
**********
Christmas Day has finally arrived. It's arguably the best day of every year. It's something about the lights, the joy, the possibilities of a miracle coming true that makes me happier than ever. Yesterday I had a long, hard conversation with my parents that was long overdue. While we're still not 100% there, it was a step in the right direction.
I hear a knock on door and I wasn't expecting anyone this early so I'm not sure who it could be.
"Hey Frank what are you doing here?"
He hands me a gift, "From our friend. As you know she's out of town, but she wanted you to have this."
I smile thinking of Jenn and how thoughtful she always is."Frank, how do you know each other if you don't mind me asking."
"She'll tell you that when she's ready."
I smile, "Thanks Frank. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Rachel."
I bring the gift back to my room where I lay on the bed unwrapping it. It's a panting of the my getaway spot that overlooks the city and Hollywood sign. The panting is beautiful and it has so much attention to detail.
I know she can't talk, so I send her a text thanking her for the gift and letting her know that I got her something too. But in order for her to get it she'll have to come back to my place. A little blackmail never hurt anyone.