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Helena had told her mom's what she had said, and they only looked at each other and sighed, then advised her that she needs to be prepared to be let down and get hurt. Her father could easily anger and didn't respond well to anyone queer and that is what they were protecting her from. They also said that while it was her decision to try and meet him, she was still under 18 and the custody agreement said that an adult had to be there so Ross/her father could be supervised. Helena agreed to that if ever it was to happen.
-1 week later-
Helena had been wondering for a while how her father had reacted to the Youtube video. Judging from her Youtube analytics to the private unlisted video, 30 people had seen it. Though she didn't know if that was separate people or one person watching it 30 times.
The doorbell rang while she was upstairs in her room. A few moments later there was a knock on the door and in walked her Aunt Monica. Jack and Erica were not with her and so it must be important.
"Hey sweetie. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"Monica!! I wasn't expecting to see you for another month. I have so much to tell you! I umm...well I contacted dad." Helena bit her lips in anticipation.
Monica gave a smile and pulled out a sealed letter from her handbag. "I know. I saw the video myself as he sent me the link. Your dad then said he couldn't respond via video but had written a letter. This letter."
Helena looked on in surprise and her anxiety levels went up. She took the letter from her aunt. "He replied...how did he look or react?"
Monica didn't want to give false hope to the girl but she needed the truth. "Honestly, he looked guilty. Though he did say he doesn't like your chosen name as it was one of the names he and your mom argued about before you were born. I feel like he and Rachel have had words and made him get a grip and look past his own nose or something like that."
"Thank you."
"I am going to let you read that, I'll be downstairs. Though whatever he says. I will still be here for you along with Carole and Susan. I think Rachel is on your side as well."
Helena waited a minute for Monica to go back downstairs and then took the letter that her father had written. She made herself comfortable on her bed and braced herself for what he could say.
Hi there
I've spent about three days trying to write this letter (and even had it reviewed by Rachel), so that I write this in a way that gets across what I want to say without possibly hurting your feelings or appear selfish.
Thank you for getting in touch with me Helena. I know how even when I was still seeing you, I was not the best father. I pushed my own agendas on you and everyone else rather than working on my own issues. Without going into many details - I'm now seeing a therapist regularly and the person I'm seeing has saved my marriage and my career.
Sadly, despite all the work i'm doing now, my previous actions have ruined my relationship with you. I can't imagine the journey you've been on. I may not agree with everything about the transgender movement, but you clearly have become a lovely young woman. The poem you wrote based on that movie made my heart break. Know that I don't hate you, but I understand the issues I caused may have led to you resenting me.
Tell Carol and Susan thanks for raising our princess better than I ever could. I'm also sorry for being homophobic in the past when it came to their relationship.
I am so happy that you have stuck with your Jewish roots and once we have figured out our relationship again, I would like to celebrate your Bat Mitzvah. In the envelope I have bought you a necklace in the shape of the Star of David. I don’t know if you have one already, but you can add it to your collection. A gift like this from father to daughter is meaningful.
I'll gladly give you a hug like I give Emma and Rachel will take you to wherever you want to go and shop until you drop.
Shalom,
Your father