Classroom Hallways: Domino & Ms. Maddox & Clara, Ms. James, Mr. James, and Mr. Reed
Clara felt that her family had the worst timing, when they walked through the hallway just in time to overhear that particular conversation. Her biological parents, Helen and Robert James were at least more sensitive to her daughter's easily embarrassed nature. Her other father, and Robert's partner, Mike had been out of the closet longer and took every opportunity to support pride.
"And why not?" Mike asked Domino as if it were perfectly normal to join in another family's conversation.
Clara smacked her hand against her forehead, then slid her hand down to cover her face. She had an idea of what was coming next.
"It's perfectly normal for teenagers to be distracted. This is 2018, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Clara comes with us to pride parades and she knows she can date guys and gals." Mike continued. "Things have come a long way since my day when youngsters couldn't - "
"Honey, he doesn't need to know how it was when dinosaurs roamed the earth. No history lessons, please." Robert interjected. "There hasn't been as much progress as you like to think and this is none of our business." He looked over at Mrs. Maddox "We're sorry to have interrupted."
"Yes." Helen spoke up with a chuckle. "We're just so happy to see our daughter and be able to parent her. I guess it spilled over into parenting other people's children. It won't happen again." She shot Mike an annoyed look to emphasize her point and then looked back to Domino and his parents with a smile. "I'm Helen, by the way. This is Robert and his partner, Mike. And our daughter, Clara."
Clara peeked out from between her fingers, checking to make sure that none of her parents had started handing out rainbow pins or stickers, then lowered her hand. "Hi." She mouthed a silent 'sorry' to Domino when her parents weren't looking.