Free And Then There Were Three by Renee Lindemann

he felt the exact same
way.
    Nicole was released from the hospital the
next day with orders to take it easy for the next few days. Mark
and I were vigilant in our care of her taking turns to sit with
her. Sabrina volunteered to stay with Nicole to make sure that she
was well enough. It also gave her extra practice time for her
solo.
    “Can I ask you something Nicole?” Sabrina
asked while they sat eating dinner.
    “Sure Sabrina, ask away,” Nicole, responded.
It took Sabrina a few minutes to muster the courage to ask her
questions.
    “Have you always liked women? And do you
really love my dad or are you just pretending so that you can be
with my mom?”
    Nicole took a few minutes to process this set
of questions. When she spoke she made sure that her voice was
strong to convey exactly how she felt. “I have always known that I
like both men and women. I find men and women attractive. I love
your dad very much. He is a very handsome and sensitive guy. I love
the way he loves your mother. They are beautiful people and I am
not just talking about looks, although they have that in abundance
as well.” Nicole took a spoonful of her soup in anticipation of the
next onslaught of questions. Sabrina took more time to ponder her
response and formulate her next set of questions. Nicole could see
the curiosity was in full force.
    “Have you had many relationships with other
couples?”
    “No I have never been in a relationship with
a couple before. Your parents are very special to me Sabrina and I
will not come between them. I love them both equally and I know
this doesn’t seem normal but I can’t help how I feel.”
    Sabrina seemed satisfied with this answer and
went back to eating her soup. Nicole gave a silent prayer to the
question gods and resumed eating her dinner. The rest of the
evening went on with out another round of twenty-one questions.
Later in the car Sabrina brought up her discussion with Nicole.
    “Did you know that Nicole has always known
she was bisexual?” Sabrina said nonchalantly. I gave a slight cough
as this caught me off guard.
    “Yes she did tell me that she has always
known that. You know that I have never been with a woman before?”
Sabrina gave a nod of her head, “I know mom. I was just curious if
Nicole only dated couples but she has never done that before. She
really loves you guys.”
    “We love her too. This isn’t just about sex
or trying to keep our marriage together Sabrina. We really have
taken the time to get to know her. She is an amazing person.” I
wasn’t trying to sell my daughter on this situation. I just wanted
her to know that this wasn’t some fad or passing fancy.
    “Mom, you and dad have been married for a
billion years. I know that you have a good relationship. It’s just
I never pictured dad with another woman or you for that matter. The
good thing is I see that you all love each other.”
    I reached my hand out to my daughter grateful
for her understanding.
    “You can ask all the questions you want
regarding this Sabrina. I am really grateful that you are being so
mature about this situation. If dad and I could have found a way
around this we would have.”
    “Nicole is great. It would be hard to just
ignore her,” Sabrina assured me. The recital took place the
following day and a slightly recovered Nicole was there to guide
the student performances. Mark and I sat in the audience beaming
with pride as our daughter and the other dancers wowed the
audience. We had to contain our jealousy as father after father
flirted with Nicole. Several fathers brought her flowers and plied
her with accolades, much to the chagrin of the mothers. Mark and I
happily stole Nicole away to the small dressing room for much
needed kisses. She was still weak but the kisses improved her
countenance.
    *****
    Once Nicole was fully recovered we resumed
our dating. Several times a week my husband or I would go out with
Nicole. Mark Jr. and Celeste were still in the dark about our
dealings