“You are damn right it’s not about you! It’s about Spencer. You are the one who’s trying to influence her by imposing your thoughts on her. She is not a kid. She knows what is right and what is wrong.”

“Yes, she got that from you, hasn’t she? The man who talks to drug addicts, felons and prostitutes for a living.” Paula retorted.

Spencer watched with growing unease as her parents began to exchange words and quarrel over stuff that began to have nothing to do with her. She was aware of the tension between her parents for some time. But they had never blatantly fought or even come close to argue in front of her. But now, it seemed as if she had just opened a vent for them to let out their anger.

“Mom! Dad! Stop it!” Spencer’s voice washed over the two adults like cold water. A heavy silence impregnated the kitchen. Arthur Carlin bent over the Formica table, breathing heavily. Paula stood rigid.

“I’m going to my room.” Spencer sighed.

“Wait!” Paula took a step towards her daughter. Her lips were thinned in a pale line. “Spencer, you are not to meet Ashley again.”

“What?!” Spencer backed away, her eyes wide. “That won’t happen.”

“It is not a request anymore, Spencer. Consider it my order. Find yourself some new friends.” Paula turned, signaling the end of discussion.

“Mom! You can’t do that! You don’t know anything about Ashley.” Spencer tried desperately.

“What is there to know?” The woman gave Spencer an exasperated look. “She is everything I don’t want you to be. That girl has no manners. She places no importance to God in her life. Her family is anything but reputable. She gets herself and you into trouble. She is…” Paula stopped, her eyes narrowed in slits.

“She is what? What Mom? She is gay. Is that what you want to say?” Spencer challenged. From the corner of her eye, she saw her father gesture her to go to her room. But she was too angry and upset to care at this moment.

“Yes. That is what I want to say. Are both of you happy now? Yes, I have a problem because she is gay. I have a problem because she is sick like all those homosexual individuals are. Its people like her, those without proper family breeding and good upbringing, who dabble into these ‘gay’ trends. I cannot bear to have my daughter associating with someone of such low character.” Paula crossed her arms in front of her chest.