High School Sweethearts Reunited
By Joy
My ex-girlfriend and I were reunited six months ago, after not seeing each other for 10 years. In high school, we were best friends and by our early 20s, we fell in love. But due to family pressure, she has lived her life since then in the closet.
Her parents are born-again Christians and scared her away from thoughts of ever living what they called the "lifestyle." She broke my heart and hers by forcing herself to live what her parents thought was a "normal life." After the breakup, we stopped talking, and she got married three years ago. When we met again, it was obvious that she was unhappy. She had gained weight and lost the sparkle in her eyes.
She wasn't in love with her husband, and he wasn't in love with her. They rarely saw each other and had little in common. They were going through the motions, and still they were in the process of becoming legal guardians of a 4-year-old girl who is the biological daughter of a troubled, distant relative.
Although so much time had passed, when we were reunited it was clear from the moment we set eyes on each other that we were still in love. We started talking every day. Although the long distance telephone bills got pretty outrageous, it was definitely worth it.
For a few months now, her husband has been out of the house. I have visited several times and seen how, alone, she has become legal guardian of the little girl. When I was younger, I never thought I would have children, but now I want nothing more than to begin a family with the woman I love.
Everything is falling into place, except the fact that her parents are very religious and opposed to our relationship. Sometimes I feel like I'm fighting a battle. Every other day, I have to assure her that as a couple we'll be all right and that there are more and more gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families out there.
I wouldn't dare tell her but sometimes even I get scared. I hope everything works out, not just for us, but for everyone experiencing similar situations.
June 26, 2002