This is Kyle, his sister Jess is 18, and their parents are Darren and Rosie. I think Jess should be here later with her new partner. Anna and Luke have Gary and Harry, 11 and 9. Elliot and Yasmin have Ami 12, Kayleigh 8 and Daniel whos 6. Finally theres Lou and Jases: Rebecca 10, Thomas 7 and Bernadette shes 5.

Wow, big family.

Yeah.

Auntie Beth?

Yes Tom?

Whos that? (Pointing to Dana)

Well you guys, this is Dana Fairbanks, my girlfriend, and we live together in LA.

Youre *****? Harry asked.

Yes.

What does that mean? Bernadette asked.

Well, first of all darling, Louise started to explain, Despite what you might hear its not a bad thing, it just means that Auntie Beth prefers women.

So she doesnt love me as much anymore? Daniel asked near tears.

Well done Lou, Elliot interrupted No mate, but you know how mummy and daddy love each other and live together, like grandma and grandpa, and your other aunties and uncles?

Yeah

Well, Auntie Beth loves Dana and Dana loves her.

Elliot had his back to her but everyone else saw Beths smile, and knew how much this meant to her, shed always been closer to her brothers.

Well they live together, like mummy and daddy. Elliot continued.

Ok, but why would people say its bad?

Because Dan, some people are very narrow minded and dont realise that who a person loves, man or woman, it doesnt make them any different.

Like a persons skin colour? Bernadette asked, obviously beginning to understand.

Yeah.

Beth walked over to her young niece and nephew and gave them hugs, then all of her other nieces and nephews piled on and Beth disappeared under a mass of children, the others laughed as Dana looked on, thinking that this must be a fairly regular occurrence; then as screams came from the mass of children Darren grabbed Yasmin and began to tickle her, the others took the lead and Dana found herself dragged into the middle of this by Jason. They all eventually collapsed laughing and, the adults, at least, a lot more relaxed.

*********************************************************************

Later that afternoon.

Ding Dong

Bethany get the door please. Tasha called from the kitchen.

Fine Beth untangled herself from the game of twister she was playing with Harry, Kayleigh, Daniel and Thomas.

Home again, Beth? Darren asked.

Yeah, yeah.

What? Dana asked, confused by this – what seemed – entirely random comment.

It was always Bethany get the door, no one else just Bethany. Elliot explained.

Right. Dana smiled; still confused by this insane family, but at least she felt at ease with them now.

*********************************************************************

Beth walked out to the hallway, muttering under her breath about being the family Cinderella. She opened the door and stood there in shock. Her little niece Jess in a clinch that was extreme enough to be in most 18 rated films.

Excuse me, do you think you could put my niece down so I could give her hug please?

He niece hurriedly broke the kiss and turned to Beth a deep shade of red.

So, give me hug sweetheart. Beth wrapped her arms around her young niece and then told her to bring in her bags, to which she complied after being given the look.
Beth then stopped the couple, from entering the living room and took her nieces new love aside.

Shane, shes my eldest niece, please dont break her heart. Beth told her friend.

Beth, Im love. Trust me, Im gonna try my best not to ***** this up. Shane told Beth glancing at a stunned Jess.

So you two know each other? Jess asked.

Yeah were friends. Shane explained.

Living room? Beth asked knowing she needed to sit down.

Yeah. Jess took Shanes hand and let her aunt lead the way.

*********************************************************************

Shane? Dana looked shocked.

Yeah, what are the odds Dane?

So youre dating her? Jess asked Beth.

Yeah. Beth explained, she then turned to Dana. My niece is Shanes mystery woman.

More bloody women. Darren joked. Ecstatic to see his baby girl. The ***** thing was something he and Rosie would have to do some rapid adjusting too, but they could cope with it, after all if Beth knew this Shane she couldnt be all bad. Beth had a good judge of character.

*********************************************************************

LA. Christmas Day.

Bette and Tinas house.

Bette can I speak to you for a second? Tina asked.

Sure. Bette answered and for once in what seemed to be a long time she couldnt read her wifes expression.

What is it baby? Bette asked as she sat down on the bed next to her.

IumIm pregnant Bette. Tina said with a smile that reached from ear to ear.

Really? Bette was thrilled this was looking to be the best Christmas in a while.