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CHAPTER 1: Confrontation

John sat and watched as Stephen walked away from him. His mind was spinning. The love of his life was leaving. He had to do something.

“Steven!” he called.

Steven stopped, and turned to look at John.

“Wait. Come back. There is something you need to know.”

Steven hesitated, and then started to walk back toward the bench. John rose to meet him. When Steven got close, John reached out and took Stephens hand, and began to walk back toward the school pulling Steven along with him.

“What are you doing? Where are you going?” Steven asked, slightly resisting John’s forward movement.

It was futile to resist. John was on a mission, and he wouldn’t let go.

“I need to do this!” John declared.

“Do what?”

“You’ll see!” John answered.

John was at full steam pulling Steven along toward the quad where some of the parents and students were still lingering. He rounded a corner of the building onto the quad, and saw his parents standing, searching for him. John made straight for them, pulling Steven along behind him.

“John! What are you doing?” Steven pleaded. “Wait. People are watching.”

“I hope they are.” John replied as he came before his startled parents. “Mum, dad, as you know, this is Steven Carter. I’m sorry, I lied to you this afternoon.”

“Lied?” John’s father asked.

“Yes. I lied.”

“About what?” John’s mother asked, looking at Steven with disdain.

The people that were left on the quad were watching the two boys as they had come up to John’s parents, noticing John’s urgency in his steps. They could tell that something was ‘up.’

John still held tightly to Stevens’s hand. “About Steven and I.” He paused. “You see, we’re more than mates” he started. “He announced to the world today that he was gay. Well, the truth of the matter is, so am I. He did spend the weekend at the house. I love him very much and I’m very proud of him.”

“John!” His mother exclaimed.

His father just stood there and looked at his son, with a scowl on his face.

“I am gay. And further more, I probably always have been.” He said softly, looking straight at his father.

With that, John’s father reached across and slapped John squarely across the face as hard as he could, knocking John back, and to the ground. He dropped Steven’s hand in the process. Steven started backing up away from Johns father who now was looking squarely at Steven. Steven backed into someone behind him, and stopped.

“Maybe he would like to take on all three of us!” a familiar voice said.

Steven looked; it was Mark. John’s father turned, and took Veronica by the arm and they both hurried off toward their car. The three boys watched as John’s parents retreated. All talking on the quad had stopped, and everyone was looking at what was going on. Both Steven and Mark reached down, and helped John up off the ground. The side of his face where his father had hit him was a glowing red.

“John, maybe you shouldn’t have done that.” Steven said.

“I had to.” John replied.

“What did you do?” Mark asked.

“I told them I was gay, and Steven and I were lovers, or something to that effect.”

“Fuck me!” Mark exclaimed. “You’re gay too?”

“Yeah. I’m gay too.”

“I don’t know if you going home right now is wise. You can come to my house until we see what’s going on at your place.” Steven said.

“Yeah. Well, I’m sure your parents aren’t that happy with you right now, or with me either.” John said.

“Well, mum figured it out before I gave my speech. It was news to dad, but mum said not to worry, so I won’t, but I probably will.” Steven said.

“Well, talk about surprises!” Mark said. “I was really surprised about you Steve. How come all this time we’ve been mates, you’ve never told me?”

“I guess I was afraid that I would lose your friendship. I didn’t want that to happen.”

“Well, I was stunned for about 5 minutes. Now, you John! That is a surprise! You’re the last person at school I would figure as being gay!”

“Yeah, tell me about it.” Steven said.

“Well, I am, and I’m scared shitless now. Can we get out of here? Too many people are looking.”

“Yeah. Come on. We can walk to my house. It isn’t very far.” Steven said.

“Yeah, I know.” John said.

“Steven. Call me later and let me know if I can do anything. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll call you.” Mark said as they were departing.

“Ok Mark. See ya!” Steven called back as both he and John started walking rapidly off the campus.

It was only a five-minute walk to Stevens. Steven noticed that John kept looking behind him as they walked.

“Who are you looking for?” Steven asked.

“I don’t know. Dad? Mom? Kevin? Dave? I’m sure the news is spreading like wildfire.”

“Don’t worry. Look, here we are at the house. Come on, let’s go in.”

“Do you think this is wise? I mean, what will your parents say?”

“Well, we’ll find out.” This time Steven took John’s hand and led him up the walk to the door.

Sarah had seen the boys approach up the street, and saw as John hesitated at the walk. She also saw Steven take John’s hand and lead him up to the door where she met them.

“Hi boys.” She greeted them, and let them enter the house.

“Is dad home?” Steven asked.

“No, he’s gone back to the shop to close it up. He should be back in about an hour.”

“Oh. Well, you remember John.” Steven started.

“Yes, of course. Congratulations on winning the trophy.”

The trophy! He had left it on the sports field.

“Thanks.” John said quietly.

“Something wrong boys?” Sarah could sense that there was.

“Well,” Steve started.

“I told my parents I’m gay.” John interrupted. “I also told them that Steven did spend the weekend at our house, and that we were more than mates.”

“I see.” Sarah said softly.

“Then John’s dad knocked him to the ground.” Steven added.

“No! Are you alright?” Sarah enquired. “I see that one side of your face is a little redder than the other.”

“Yeah, I think so. Pride hurt more than anything.”

“Well, John didn’t want to go home, as his parents took off just leaving him there on the ground.” Steven added.

“John, I’m so sorry. How awful. Well, I’m sure you can stay here until you get things sorted out at home.” Sarah said. “I’ll have to talk it over with Graham of course, but I think it will be ok.”

“I hope so. How has dad been taking the news?” Steven asked.

“Well, needless to say, he was a little taken aback by it all. He still loves you Steven, I know that. I’m sure he’ll be ok. It will take some time.” Sarah replied.

“I suppose it won’t help to tell him that John and I are lovers, will it?” Steven said.

“Well, I think that might be a little too much information right now, though I think he suspects that there is something going on between you two. I did.”

“You did?” John asked. “When?”

“When Steven spent the weekend at your house. I was pretty sure he was gay then, and when he came back in such a great mood, I was really sure.”

“Oh.” John said softly. “I wish my parents had some inkling. I don’t know what good it would have done though.”

“Can I get you some tea or something, boys?” Sarah asked.

“Yeah, that would be great mum.”

Sarah went into the kitchen to prepare the brew. John went over to the couch and fell back into it.

“Fuck me. What have I done?” he muttered to himself. “No, I had to do it.”

“Why?” Steven asked.

“Because of you. I love you very much Steven. I couldn’t bear to lose you, even after what I did to you. Some day I hope you can forgive me for that.”

“That can definitely be arranged.” Steven smiled at John.

John looked at Steven who now was sitting on the couch next to him. Tears started flowing down his cheeks. “I’m sorry. Oh, Steven, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what got into me.” John started crying harder.

“Shhh. John, that’s ok. Don’t worry about it. Come on.” Steven wrapped his arms around John, and gently kissed his cheeks. “Its alright, John. Calm down.”

“Oh Steven. I love you more than anything, and I’m so scared right now.”

“Things will be ok. We can work this out, I know we can. It may be a little rough as people get used to the idea, but I know everything will work out.”

“God, I hope so.”

Sarah came into the room with a tray with cups of tea and some biscuits. She noticed that John had been crying, and Steven had is arm around him comforting him.
“Here we are, some nice tea. Come on, have a cup.”

“Ta mum.”

“Yes, thanks Mrs. Carter.”

Sarah went into the hall and picked up the phone and dialed the photo shop.

“Graham?” She said when he answered. “There is a problem here.” She retold the story of John and his parents, and that John was sitting on the couch in the living room.

“I thought he could stay here until he gets it sorted out with his parents.” She said.

“Yes, that would be the best thing to do. Do you suppose we should contact them and let them know that John is here?” He asked.

“Probably. But maybe this evening, or tomorrow morning. They probably need time to think on what has happened.” Sarah said.

“Don’t we all!” Graham responded. “Where will we put John this evening?”

“Well, he could sleep on the couch . . . or up in Steven’s room. . . with Steven.”

“Sarah, I don’t . . .”

“Well, it seems they have done that before. . . several times.”

There was a minute of silence.

“Yes, I know. This is all so new to me. Are there handbooks for parents of gay kids?” Graham asked a little sarcastically.

“There probably is.” Sarah responded. “Well, anyway, I wanted to let you know the situation before you came home. John is very upset at the turn of events. I really feel sorry for him.”

“Ok. We’ll talk more when you get home.” Sarah said. “Luv ya.”

“Luv ya too.” Graham responded.

Sarah put down the receiver and went back into the living room where Steven and John were sitting on the couch. Steven was cradling John’s head on his chest.

“Were you on the phone?” Steven asked his mother.

“Uh, yes. I just wanted to warn Graham about the situation.”

John raised his head from Steven’s chest. “I’m really a bother. I’m sorry. I could probably go and stay with a relative or something. I have a cousin. . .”

“No. You’re not a bother at all. We want to help. You’ll stay right here until we get this settled.” Sarah said firmly.

“Yeah. You’ll stay right here.” Steven repeated looking at John in the eye.

“I don’t deserve this from you, you know.” John said softly to Steven.

“Yes you do. Don’t talk about it now.” Steven replied.

“Talk about what?” Sarah asked.

“Nothing mum. John and I just had a little disagreement before the awards assembly.” Steven said.

“Little?” John said.

“It’s a matter of perspective. It will be little in time.” Steven said.

“Steven. That’s one of the reasons I love you. You’re so forgiving, and optimistic. So out there. God, I don’t know if I could ever do that.” John said.

“You have.” Steven replied.

There was a minute of silence. “I have.” John said softly.

“And you can continue.” Steven said.

“God, I’m scared!” John replied.

“Hey, I’m here. I’ll be here.”

“Oh Steven.” John started crying again.

“Alright. Calm down. Like I said, we’ll get through this.” Steven reassured him as he put his arm around Johns shoulder, and pulled him toward him.

Sarah went into the kitchen to start the evening tea. They had originally planned to go out to eat to celebrate Steven’s award. Now however, that might not be the best idea. She was sure that John wouldn’t want to go out seeing the condition he was in.

The doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” Sarah called out as she headed for the door.

Opening the door, she greeted Linda. She showed Linda in and told her that Steven and John were in the living room.

“John?” She asked as she went into the living room.

“Hi Linds.” Steven said looking up from the couch. John raised his head off Stevens shoulder and looked at Linda.

She could see that John was not in a normal state. “Ok, what did I miss? Something’s happened. John you look like shit!”

“Linds!” Steven started. He related the happenings at the school and why John was here.

“Sorry John. What are you going to do?” She asked.

“Well, he’s going to spend the night here tonight anyway.” Steven said as Linda raised her eyebrows at Steven. “Mum said that we’d probably try and contact John’s parents sometime, either tonight, or at least tomorrow morning.”

“I’d vote for tomorrow morning.” Linda said. “Here I came over to see if you wanted to take a ride.”

“You got your license?” Steven asked.

“Yep. I’m a full fledged driver!”

“Wow. Congratulations. When did this happen?” Steven went on.

“Yeah, congratulations.” John interjected.

“Yesterday afternoon. I’d thought I’d keep it as a surprise for you after your award, but with all the commotion after your ‘announcement’ I didn’t get the chance.

“Well, we’ll have to go for a drive soon, but I don’t think right now would be such a good idea.” Steven said.

“Yeah, well, you’re probably right. But we’ll have to do it soon.”

“Hi Steven, John, Linda.” Graham said coming up behind Linda.

“Hi dad.” Steven replied.

“Hi Mr. Carter.” Both Linda and John said almost in unison.

Steven and John rose up off the couch, with John looking rather uncomfortable.

“Stay seated.” Graham said. “Where’s Sarah? In the kitchen?” He started walking toward the kitchen area.

“Hi dear.” Sarah greeted Graham as he entered the room.

“Hi. Boy John sure looks like he’s gone through the wringer.”

“He has, I’m afraid. I know you get short with Steven, but I could never imagine you hitting Steven like that.”

“I wouldn’t, even though there are times. . .”

“What are we going to do? Are we going to let them sleep in the same bed tonight?” Sarah asks.

“Well, what do you think?” Graham asked. “John really looks miserable. I know they have done it before. I don’t know. It’s like locking the barn door after the horse is out, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. Goodness knows, John could use some comforting right now. From us as well.” Sarah said softly.

“Well, let’s play it by ear. Not make a big issue of it. I’m sure they both are a little raw from the day.”

“Good idea. Teas ready. Why don’t you call the boys?"

Graham returned to the living room just in time to bid Linda goodbye. They all went into the kitchen and sat down to tea. Most of the meal was spent silently. Steven and John both wondering what the parents were going to do, and Graham and Sarah hoping that the boys would open up a little about themselves, yet neither of the couples wants to say anything.

As they are finishing up their tea, the phone rings and Sarah goes into the hall to answer it. Several minutes later, she appears at the door.

“John. It’s for you. It’s your mother.” Sarah says.

John freezes.

“John?” Sarah repeats.

“Sorry.” John rises and slowly goes thru the door into the hallway.

“Hello?” he speaks into the receiver softly.

“John? Are you ok?” his mother questions.

“Not really.”

“John. I’m sure you father is devastated at what happened.”

“You don’t seem to know? What has he said?”

“Nothing, actually. He’s gone into his study, and closed the door.”

“How did you find me here?”

“Well, I guessed that’s where you would be.”

“And what do you think?”

“I don’t know John. This has been such a shock. I guess I never even realized that you were. . were. . “

“Gay, mum.”

“Yes.”

“The Carters have invited me to stay here tonight after what happened at school with dad. It sounds like dad is not taking this well at all.”

“No, I don’t think so. What about clothes?”

“I don’t need to worry about that until tomorrow. See how dad is tomorrow, and let me know.”

“Yes, ok.”

“Mum?”

“Yes?”

“I love you mum.” John starts to break down a little. “I’m sorry. I was just so tired of living a lie.”

“I love you too. Somehow we’ll get over this. I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok. Bye.” John puts down the receiver, and stands there staring at the phone on the table.

“You ok?” Steven asks looking around the door to the hall.

“I guess so. God, I’m so tired. I just feel drained.” John replies.

“Go on up to my room and lay down. I’m going to help mum with the dishes, and I’ll be up in about 10 minutes or so.”

“Ok.” John turns and walked slowly up the stairs towards Stevens’s room.

Steven watched him go up the stairs looking like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Steven turned and went back into the kitchen.

“What did his mother say?” Sarah asks.

“Don’t know. John has gone up to my room to lie down. He says he’s really tired.”

“I imagine he is.” Graham said. “He’s been through a lot.”

“Yeah. Uh, mum?”

“You go up and see how he’s doing. I can take care of these. Don’t worry.” Sarah replies.

“Uh, ok. Thanks.” Steven turns and goes out the door and races up the stairs.

Graham turns to Sarah. “I hope we’re doing the correct thing here.”


Steven slowly entered his room. John is lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“That was a quick 10 minutes.” John said as Steven entered.

“Yeah. Mum said to come up and see how you were doing. I think they are both worried about you. So am I.”

“Thanks. Its not every day one gets decked by his father.” John says.

“What did your mum say?”

John related the conversation to Steven.

“It sounds like you mum is on your side anyway.”

“Sounds like it. At least for now. She’s so caught up in her social life, I don’t think she realizes what it will be like to have a gay son.”

“Shouldn’t be any different than having a hetro son.”

“Shouldn’t. But she’ll start wondering what all her upper crust friends will be thinking, and all that.”

“Well, you’ve got at least one on your side at home. That’s 50%.”

“Yeah. Steven? Come here. Lie down with me. I need someone to hang on to.”

“With pleasure.” Steven kicked off his shoes, and lay down next to John. They both put their arms around each other, and lay there quietly.

About an hour and a half later, Sarah went by Stevens’s room, and noticed that the door was ajar. Hearing no noise, she quietly opened the door and looked in. Both Steven and John were lying on top of the bed sound asleep. Steve had his arm draped across John’s chest like he’s holding him. Sarah slowly backed out and closed the door.