North Meets South, Worlds Collide - 10. Chapter 10

We headed out for North Carolina. It was now late spring and we both enjoyed the warm weather. The windows down and the cool breeze flowed through. Looking over at Tony, he seemed very relaxed and damned sexy. The wind tossing his hair. He had tried to dress down, but even the jeans and polo shirt were designers. Even his sneakers. I wore Levis and a t-shirt. My shoes were Keds.

“It may not be important, but…” I began. “I touched my first dick that wasn’t attached to me up here.”

Tony looked at me. “Oh?”

I nodded, then smiled. “I was eight, he was ten.” I chuckled. “We had erections even before we fully understood what they were for.” Then I looked at Tony. “He’s my cousin Gary.”

Tony shrugged. “You couldn’t have sex, there was nothing to come out.”

I nodded. “No, not at first. But he did have something later to come, which scared me when he was twelve. We had more of mutual hand jobs. We cooled it after that.”

He nodded. “Was it more experimentation, no falling love?”

I shook my head. “Nothing more, but I did like it. We loved the barn for a while making trips often.”

Tony nodded. “Why are you telling me?”

“Gary was growing into an adult, now he’s ashamed and he can be cruel now.”

“He badmouths you?” Tony asked.

I nodded. “He did, but now he doesn’t really talk to me. I’m fine with that, but he will need watching with you.”

Tony nodded. “Just point him out if necessary.”

I smiled. “The problem is, he has two other brothers I like. David and Michael. Twins and identical. I was one of the few cousins that could tell them apart. Their own mother had to look at their faces carefully to tell. And they have one sister, Sueann. There are some good people there with the bad. I have another cousin, Chuck. He’s a little older than me, but his sisters Rhonda and Mary are good people. They’re children of my Aunt Faye. They are much more sophisticated than most. They will have no problem with you.”

“David, Michael, Sueann, Chuck, Rhonda and Mary are good, got it.” He patted his invisible pockets. “Should I write this down?”

“Wiseass is me, remember?”

Tony just grinned. “Stop worrying.” Then he sat closer. “I’m the worrier. It’s a part of being Italian. It’s in our genetics. We’ll be fine.”

We crossed the state line and diverted from the main highway to some lesser roadways. The houses became fewer and farms were scattered about. Lots of peach orchards. If you didn’t know how to get there, you stood little hope. More back roads and I turned on a thin road.

“Here’s where the farm begins.” I pointed at some fields. “My uncles Earl and Thomas use it now.” Then I turned on a dirt drive that snaked through the fields and a large house loomed under some large pine trees. And there were a lot of pine trees. “Here’s the house.”

The house was a large white structure standing two stories.

Tony looked at it, but his face showed it wasn’t what he’d thought. “It’s kind of odd looking.”

I chuckled. “Well, it is odd. As the family grew, granddad would add rooms. He’d add a bedroom to a bedroom. You’d have to go through a bedroom to get to a bedroom.” I pointed to the cemetery. “That’s the family plot.”

Tony looked at the few white stones. “They buried family here!?”

I shrugged. “You saw how far out we are. Burying people here just made sense.” Then I laughed again. “When it would get dark, it was country dark, meaning you could hold your hand in front of your face and not see it. But when the moon was out, those stones just glowed at night. I was sure there were McKenzie ghosts everywhere.”

Tony nodded with a smile. “Who’s to say there aren’t?”

There was no set place to park, you just did wherever you saw a space under the pine trees. No grass grew here. There were only a few vehicles now.

“Buckle up, here’s where it gets bumpy,” I said sighing and opened my door.

Entering the house from the back, there was a long porch that went a large portion of the side. Sounds of women talking as they cooked for the reunion the next day could be heard.

“Mitch!” I heard a man say happily.

Turning I saw two men that were so much alike it was like seeing double, I knew who they were, but not yet which was which. “Which is David, which is Michael?”

“I’m Michael.” The one that spoke to me in the first place raised his hand.

They were out of college now and were nice looking men. “Got it.” I nodded. “Tony, this is Michael McKenzie and his brother David.” Then I smiled at my cousins. “This is Tony Delveccio. My fiancé.”

Both David and Michael’s faces only changed in that they were now smiling, but it was a smile that said…. “Well, this is going to be an interesting reunion,” David said happily.

“We don’t care,” Michael explained quickly. “If you’re happy, we’re good. The others…”

“…let’s just say this will be a reunion they will remember.” David nodded. Then stuck his hand out to Tony. “Italian?”

“And from New York City.” Tony nodded, shaking their hands. “But I am Italian.”

Then another man came in. Uncle Earl. “Mitch.” He nodded. But he was looking at Tony.

“This is my Uncle Earl. The youngest of the McKenzie children. Uncle Earl, this is my fiancé, Tony Delveccio.”

Earl’s face got a little harder. “I see.” But he didn’t offer his hand to Tony.

David leaned closer. “And so it begins.” He whispered smiling at us.

Most of the family lived near here, the farthest was Mom and Dad from Asheville, Faye and her husband Charles who lived in Raleigh. David and Michael lived in Charlotte. After meeting those at the house, two other aunts were there getting things ready. Their children were older and coming the next day. I found out Mom and Dad were in that group opting to come on Sunday, the day of the reunion.

I was literally shaking when we got back in the truck.

“Are you alright?” Tony asked. “It wasn’t bad.”

I let out a breath. “That’s because most aren’t here yet. Tomorrow will be another story.”

Tony slid over next to me. “I can tell this is hard for you.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “Damn, you are tight!” He kneaded the muscle there. “We don’t have to do this.”

I nodded. “Yes, we do.” I looked at Tony, pleading with my eyes for him to understand. “I was a coward with these people for decades. If I let them do it again, they win! I can’t let them do that.”

Tony nodded, pulling me into a tight hug. “Are we doing anything wrong?”

I shook my head. “No, Tony.”

“I mean us being together.” Tony clarified.

“How is a human being loving another human being so wrong?” I asked. “Maybe it is the conditioning I got talking that makes it so hard. I don’t care if anyone we meet at home knows. Why is it so hard with these people? This has to end.”

Tony just held me. “It probably has to do with that treatment you got at sixteen. And these people kept it going psychologically.” He looked me in the face. “I’ll have a hard time seeing your parents, knowing what they did to you. It was evil. You are a kind, sweet man that I love deeply. I’m marrying you. You’re helping me recover from the attack on the towers. Now, I’ll help you.” He kissed me gently. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll be at your side the whole time.” Then he smiled. “David and Michael were okay with it. And their mother…Judy, right? She was one of your Aunts cooking?”

I nodded. “She’s Uncle Bernie’s wife. But she’s from Charlotte. And educated.”

“There you go.” Tony smiled. “This is going to be hard, but I think more for you than them. But we’ll get through it together. It’s not just you anymore, we’re an us. Remember that.”

I nodded, kissing him again. “We need to check into the Bed and Breakfast.”

“Bed and Breakfast?”

I chuckled. “You think Derby or even Ellerbe has that many hotels? Any you could even stand?”

Tony grinned with a sigh. “So, we’re not staying here. Good. My idea of roughing it is when room service stops at ten.”

I laughed. “There will be no room service at Ellerbe Springs Bed and Breakfast. But we have a nice room. The Eleanor Roosevelt Suite.”

“Eleanor Roosevelt?”

I shrugged. “She was the only thing at least presidential to ever stay here. Once.” Then I smiled at him. “I saw online it has its own bathroom and even a bidet!”

Tony smiled. “Ooo, fancy.”

I sighed again. “I need a drink.”

Tony didn’t even try to stop me. Then.

I drove toward the Bed and Breakfast. I knew the area well and I knew where a liquor store was. I got some vodka and we drove to a large Victorian house painted light blue.

Tony smiled. “Light blue! My favorite color.”

“I know.” I smiled at Tony. Then pointed to his light blue shirt. “There’s a lot more of that color than any other in your closet.” I got out as Tony took his suitcase from behind the seat. I pulled mine from the back of the truck. “And you can think they did it just for you if you like.”

He nodded. “I will.”

The girl that checked us in looked concerned. “It only has a queen sized bed.”

Tony nodded smiling. “That’s okay, we’re both queens.”

“Don’t scare the locals,” I said lightly as I got the key. It was a hard key, meaning where you inserted it in the lock and turned. Not the keycards hotels used nowadays.

We went upstairs to the suite and it was a nice suite. It even had a fireplace. But it was also the largest room in the Bed and Breakfast. I had read it was the master bedroom once.

Tony didn’t say anything until I opened the bottle of vodka and poured some in a water glass. Then his eyes grew. “But you don’t drink.”

I nodded. “I don’t. It all tastes nasty to me. My nerves are shot.” I brought the cup up to my mouth.

“I get it,” Tony said softly but pulled the glass down gently. “And I understand, but drinking that much so quickly may make you sick. Just sip it.” He kissed me. “Please, honey.”

I put the glass down. “This is stupid, isn’t it?”

He chuckled. “You might need one tomorrow. I may need one. It’s not stupid. But a little will calm your nerves, a lot will just make you drunk.” He smiled placing his face against mine, his cheek touching mine. “You’re not used to drinking. I love you.”

I wrapped my arms around Tony. “I need you.”

Tony nodded. “I’m here. Whatever you need.” Then broke from me as he pulled his shirt off.

“Make love to me?” I asked.

“As often as you want.” Then he chuckled. “But I don’t get erections from just smelling you, so…cut me a little slack.”

“I love you, Tony.”

He smiled. “I know.” He said kissing me in a hungry, consuming kiss as he pulled my shirt off.

We did it slowly this time. Then fast, and then a very long one, leaving us both gasping and sucking air as we needed.

“Damn.” Tony panted. “If this is what happens here, we’re coming here again next weekend.”

I chuckled I ran my fingers in his chest hair. “You’re young. No problem.”

He sneered. “Not that young.”

The next morning someone rang a bell.

Tony opened his eyes, then heard it again. “What the hell is that?”

I chuckled. “The breakfast bell.”

Tony’s eyes grew, then he looked at me. “You’re kidding.”

I shook my head laughing. “I’m not. Guess we need to get ready.”

We got down to the dining room and sat at the table. There were only a couple of other guests, otherwise, we were alone. I looked at the table. It was loaded with food from bacon, eggs, grits, pancakes, toast, and biscuits.

“Sorry, it does have a buffet.” I grinned, knowing how he didn’t like them. “No sneeze guards.”

Tony grimaced. “There are only two others eating, so I’m good for now. Just tell me they have coffee.”

I pointed to the polished urns. “They do. And a choice of apple or orange juice.” Then I chuckled. “And milk.”

Tony nodded. “I’ll start with the coffee.” He got up and went to get his needed fluid.

It was later at breakfast did Tony understand a little better how big my family was here. A pretty young blonde woman was helping clean the tables. She kept looking at us. Then came over.

“Have I seen you here before?”

I smiled. “I don’t think so. We’re here for a reunion.”

She smiled. “The McKenzie reunion?”

I nodded.

“I’ll be there.” She smiled holding her hand out. “I’m Sherry Abernathy, Clint’s daughter. Aunt Marjorie’s son?”

I smiled. “I’m Richard McKenzie’s son. Mitch.” I said shaking her hand.

Her eyes grew. “Oh! You’re the….” She stopped. “The families already talking about it.” Then she looked at Tony. “That makes you his fiancé!”

“Tony Delveccio.” Tony nodded shaking her hand but looking surprised. “They talk? Using what? We just got here.”

She waved that off. “The internet has nothing on the McKenzie gossip train. The phone works very well for McKenzies.” Then she sat at the table. “My grandmother got a call last night, then she called telling Dad. Which he let us all know.” She smiled, but she seemed fascinated, not offended at all. “Are you really from New York City?”

“Doesn’t the accent clue you about that?” I asked, but saw she wasn’t upset or bothered knowing Tony and I were involved. “It doesn’t bother you?”

“Are you kidding?” She laughed. “It’s great! Nothing like a little controversy to stir the pot.” She patted Tony’s hand. “Believe me, the pot here needs a little stirring. These people live in the Dark Ages. They need to wake up.”

Tony smiled at her. “I’m Catholic, too.”

She beamed hearing that. “That’s even better! My cousin’s marrying a man, who's also a Yankee, Catholic and….” She smiled. “And damned good looking. Bravo!” She even applauded lightly.

I smiled. “I’m relieved to hear you say that. I’ve been stressing about it for days!”

She nodded. “I went out of state for college. And there are more of us in the family now that will support you. If they give you shit…which they will…we’ll be behind you.” Then she got up and hugged me. “You’re a McKenzie. More than I am. Welcome back.” Then she hugged Tony. “Welcome to the family, cousin!” She said to Tony, then she waved and walked off.

Tony grinned at me. “See? It’s not all bad at all!”

For the first time in a while, I was feeling better about being back here. “No, but it will be. But she’s right. I am a McKenzie. Now to act like one.” I even felt a little more courage.

We got back in the truck and I drove back to Derby and the reunion. I deliberately waited until I knew it was in full swing before we arrived. There were still vacant places to park, but the yard was full of vehicles now. Tony pulled me over, kissing me gently.

“You’ll always have me. We’re in this together.” Tony said.

I nodded. “I love you, Tony.”

“I love you.”

We got out as we heard the many conversations coming from the house which was now full of people. Children were playing in the yard as we walked up. I took Tony’s hand which he squeezed as we walked to the side door. We’re all seen movies, like when someone comes in a bar in a western where there were conversations going on and in walks a man through the swinging doors and all conversations stop and they all look. That’s what happened. Many faces turned as their eyes rested on me and Tony. On the porch, from other rooms, the hall…there were over a hundred people there.

“Hello, everybody.” I greeted. I felt a sense of purpose now.

Then I saw my father come toward me. He was fuming. Mother was right behind him looking distraught. Dad’s hair was black, but had gray in the temple and mixed in the black all through it. His eyes were blue. Mom was a tiny woman, only five feet and half an inch tall. But a modern Southern Belle. She was blonde, green-eyed and still had a figure in her late fifties. No one said anything about the dye she used. “Why did you bring him here?” My father asked through gritted teeth pointing at Tony. “You’re embarrassing yourself.”

“I brought someone important to me. And am I embarrassing myself?” I chuckled. “Or embarrassing you?” Then I looked at his many brothers, sisters, their children, and spouses. I saw Sherry standing smiling at me with Michael, David, my cousin Chuck and Mary. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? You all know me. I’m Mitch. Richard’s son. I’m a McKenzie. My blood is McKenzie. I’m gay! A faggot. This is my boyfriend, Tony Delveccio. He is from New York, so above the Mason-Dixie line. He’s Italian and Catholic. We’re in love and going to marry.”

“You can’t!” Dad said angrily. “It’s illegal!”

“We’re having a commitment ceremony and committing our lives together. Legal or not. We will be married. If that gets us thrown out here and me thrown out of this family, fine. But I’m not going to change.” Then I looked at my father and mother. “No matter what you do to me. The Aversion Therapy, those shock treatments didn’t work. I am a McKenzie damn it and I’m gay.”

There were murmurs and others speaking to each other as I heard a single clap. Then another. I looked as Michael was clapping, then his brother David. Then Sherry, Chuck, Rhonda, Mary, and others were also clapping. Sherry rushed over hugging me, and soon Tony and I were surrounded by cousins and others who were greeting us warmly.

“How can you do this?” My father shouted. “This is wrong! You’re going to burn in Hell!”

“Honey.” Mother said to me. “How can you choose this?”

I frowned. “How can you choose this?” I waved at the crowd. “Right or wrong, I read your journal about fifteen or sixteen years ago. It wasn’t locked. You told Dad no, twice. You wrote that you knew it was a mistake to marry him at the reception of your own wedding!”

Her face held shock. “Those were my private thoughts!”

I nodded. “I know, but they were your thoughts. I was a child still trying to become a man. But you made a choice. You chose to stay married to him.” I pointed at my father who was looking at mother in surprise, apparently never having heard this before. “I love both of you.” Then I looked at the others. “I love most of you. Others I don’t know, but I might like to. If my being gay is the reason for me not getting to know you. I’m fine with that. I don’t care. I have a nice life in Charleston. I’m marrying a wonderful human being. He’s kind, generous and the most loving person I’ve never known before. Getting to know him is a good thing. If you choose not to, that’s up to you. I don’t see how my loving him is wrong.”

“It’s a sin!” My father shouted.

“Says who?” I yelled back. “Some prophet two thousand years ago? He was human speaking to humans. He wasn’t God. God never said not to. There’d be eleven commandments instead of ten if He did. It was man’s bias back then that’s still here today.” Then I pointed to the others. “There are sinners all around you, gossipers, liars, thieves and gluttons! And there are others here I know are gay! But they’d never admit it to you. There are sinners and know it’s a sin, but keep doing it. Look!!” I shook my head. “If I’m going to Hell because I love someone, where the fuck do you think they’re going?”

My mother gasped. Dad’s eyes were furious. “How dare you?” He growled.

I grinned. “Is the fact that I cussed going to get me in deeper trouble with your God in your opinion? They are words, Dad. There’s no magic in them. I’ve heard as bad from your own brothers! Many out of my cousins, too. This family is sick! You’re like this cult where anything joyous or happy is a sin! I tell you it isn’t! Love is great! It’s a good thing. This family needs to see the world as it is. There’s good as well as bad. All you do is get together and tell whose dying and sick. Well, I’m telling you a lot of you are sick. You didn’t even know what Clan you are a part of. Our Scottish heritage almost went away from us because you couldn’t remember! It wasn’t important enough? Go out as see the world. Learn a new language. Grow! Or this family will die.” I turned to the cousins near me who were supporting me. “Thank you.”

Chuck smiled at me. “You are a McKenzie, Mitch. It’s great to have you back, cousin.” He hugged me.

“I am a McKenzie, and will always be a McKenzie and will die a McKenzie.”

My father just walked off, but my mother remained.

“You read my journal.” My mother nodded. “Understand, I did love your father. I do. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have stayed in the marriage to him all these years.”

I nodded. “But you had dreams. I read about them. You could have been so much more. I know that Dad wouldn’t have made it through school without you. So, in truth, you have the master’s degree.” Then I laughed. “I saw his report cards from high school.”

She smiled. “Yes, he isn’t that smart.”

“He picked you. And didn’t give up after being rejected twice.” I pointed out. “That was pretty smart.”

Mother looked at Tony. “Do you love my son?”

Tony smiled, putting his arm around my waist. “Very much.”

I smiled at him. Then turned to my mother. “And I love him. It’s working between us. He’s a good man. Give him a chance. Get to know him.”

She looked back to where my father had gone. Then looked at me. “Maybe.” Then she walked off.

Then the cousins that had supported me were all clamoring to talk to Tony and myself.

Then I pointed to a man two years older than me who was scowling at us. “That’s Gary.”

Tony looked and nodded. Then he walked over to Gary. He leaned in and whispered something to Gary, whose eyes grew and he looked in shock at Tony and walked off. Then Tony came back.

“What did you say to him?” I asked.

Tony shrugged. “I just said, there would not be any more trips to the barn with you, even if he still carried an erection for you.”