Jennifer

We were quiet for a moment, the only sound coming from the fire as it snapped and cracked in front of us. It looked like I had finally gotten through to her and she was much calmer now. Sometimes it was more difficult then others, if she had alcohol in her system, to talk her down from these sort of things. I always seemed to get through in the end though.
I broke the silence and cleared my throat. "You deserve someone, who is going to love you with everything they have, just like you love them. Someone who wants you for you, not just the money that you have in your wallet."
Jennifer smiled at me and wiped a few tears away. "Thank you Michael."
I smiled and nodded my head. A few moments passed and then Jennifer perked her head up, her smile twisting into a look of confusion and worry. "Wait a minute," she said, anxiously.
"You...you know? About me?"
I cringed, remembering that neither her or my father, were aware of the fact that I knew about her being a transsexual. I had never told either one of them, about that night when I walked in on them having sex. I found the whole thing to be, a bit too awkward and I just hadn't wanted to talk about it.
"How long have you known?" She asked, slurring her words.
"A few years," I replied, honestly. "Maybe about three years."
"How though," she asked. "How did you find out?"
"Honestly? I sort of...walked in on you and dad, one night."
The atmosphere suddenly seemed to brighten up, as Jennifer started laughing hysterically. It may not have been so funny to her, had she been sober at that moment. I didn't care though; I was just happy to see her smiling and laughing, regardless the reason.
"And you never said anything about it?"
"No, I didn't really know how to bring it up..."
"Wow," Jennifer giggled. "I'm sorry, you had to find out that way. I'm surprised that it didn't change your opinion on me, though."
"Why would it have?"
"I don't know," Jennifer shrugged.
"You thought I'd only be in it for the money; like my father?"
"I didn't say that," she answered, sharply.