The Covids - Prologue. Kevin Has a Problem

“I don’t want to go to school Mum, they keep picking on me. It’s just not fair Mum, it’s not my fault. What should I do?”

“Well son, it’s school holidays next week so you’ll have a few weeks away from those bullies and maybe things will be better then.”

“I hope so, I can’t take it anymore.”

“Now why don’t you come and help be prepare dinner, we’ll make your favourite and that will take your mind off it.”

“Great! Can I have mine half ham and pineapple and half salami?”

“Anything you want Kevin.”

Kevin and his mother busied themselves with chopping and kneading; then from a cloud of flour, Kevin asked “Mum, why did you marry Dad?”

“Well, we were young and in love and wanted to be together.”

“But weren’t there any other young men you could have married?”

“There were others. In fact I was quite popular and dated a few boys that were good husband material, but I guess in the end the chemistry was just right between us. But your father has always been good to you and until recently you two got on really well. Why the sudden change? Is this just teenage growing pains?”

“Muuum really, you haven’t worked it out yet?”

“Worked out what Kevin, you’re not gay are you? Because if you are it’s fine with me, I will still love you just the same. Is that why you have distanced yourself from Dad lately? Don’t worry, I’ll support you when you tell him and I’m sure that even if he’s not immediately on board he will come around and love you as he always has.”

“No Mum, I’m not gay.”

“Then why have you been bullied at school, if you are not gay. Do the boys think you are just because you don’t like football and take ballet classes?”

“No Mum, it has nothing to do with that. It’s my name, that’s why they pick on me.”

“What’s wrong with Kevin? It’s a beautiful name and very Aussie. It meanskind, gentle and handsome; that really suits you. I know of a lot of famous men named Kevin, like Kevin Rudd, Kevin Costner and so on.”

“Mum, it’s not Kevin, it’s our family name. They tease me because my name is Kevin Covid.”