The Covids - 28. Oops

After her Corona test, Christine received the following text “Hi Christine, please remember to go straight home and self-isolate. We will contact you with your result. (Do not reply by SMS)

Daniel cooked dinner for the three of them as Jenny was working evening shift. He served Christine in her room then sat down with Kevin.

“How are things going with you Kev?”

“Fine Dad, why do you ask?”

“I just wondered if anything was bothering you or if you wanted to talk about anything.”

“Not really Dad, but I know what you are getting at. For a psychologist you’re not very subtle.”

“You’re not my client you’re my son and I was becoming a bit worried about you; especially as you haven’t talked to your mum or I about it. But I’m so pleased that you have talked to Jason.”

“Did he say that?”

“Not in so many words...but I assumed that you two talked the other night when he and Colleen were here for dinner.”

“Oh yes, that’s right, we did.”

“That’s good.” Daniel answered, but was unconvinced by Kevin’s assertion.

“The dinner’s really good Dad.” Kevin said by way of changing the subject.

“Thanks Kev; you know you should cook for us sometimes. That Fathers’ Day breakfast was impressive Maybe we could cook together one night.”

“Some father and son time?”

“Exactly.”

“I’d love to; what should we cook?”

“You choose, but let me know in case I need to pick up any supplies on the way home.”

“How about we do barbecue? That’s easier than concocting something in the kitchen.”

“You’re on… Oh, I forgot to mention that I ran into Steve’s father while walking through the park on Sunday.”

“Was he out for a Fathers’ Day walk too?”

“He was walking their dog.”

“Scruffy?”

“Yes, I think that’s what he called it. Anyway, we had a little chat because he seemed to be worried about Steve. He was concerned that Steve was spending so much time away from home, and I’ve noticed that Steve spends a lot of time over here.”

“Did you tell his dad that?”

“Yes, why?”

“No reason, just wondering. Did you tell him Steve and I have been spending a lot of extra time studying for the HSC?”

“Of course I did and he seemed to accept that as the reason for his son’s absence from home so much. But he was also concerned about him taking secret phone calls and that he does not seem to have a girlfriend.”

“Nobody likes their parents listening to their phone calls.”

“I told him that also, and I think he understood, but he thinks it’s curious that Steve never talks about girls at home. Does he talk to you about that? Do you think he has a secret girlfriend?”

“Not really, and I don’t think he has a girlfriend.”

“OK”

“Dad, are you fishing for information about Steve?”

“No, not at all. Just letting you know that Steve’s dad is concerned about him.”

“Are you concerned about me Dad?”

“I’m always concerned about you Kevin. You’re my son, I love you and I care about your welfare.”

“But, what I really mean is, are you concerned that I don’t have a girlfriend?”

“Why would I be concerned about that? I know you are extremely busy with study and maybe don’t want that sort of distraction. And, of course, you are still dealing with the revelation of your parentage. No, it doesn’t bother me at all.”

“That’s good Dad, because I might not ever be interested in girls.”

“Oh, what does that mean Son?”

“I think you know Dad.”

“Are you telling me that you’re more interested in boys than girls?”

“You got it Dad. Are you surprised?”

“No, not really Kev. Your mum and I have thought for some time that may be so.”

“Good father and son chat, Dad.”

“Yes, Kevin it was, but I have one more question. We started this chat by talking about Mike being worried about Steve spending so much time with you.”

“And your question is?”

“Are you and Steve...you know...are you?”

“Yes Dad, we are close, we’ve always been best friends but now it’s something more. Is that enough information for you?”

“Thanks Kevin, if Steve makes you happy, that’s fine with me and I think your mother will agree. Can I tell her or do you want to do that?”

“No big deal, whoever mentions it first.”

“What about Jason and Chris?”

“Well Jason already knows, in fact he said everybody already knows, so it isn’t earth shattering news around here.”

“Thanks for telling me Kevin, it can’t be easy coming out, but equally it can’t be easy living with a secret.”

“No...it can’t be for some...I suppose.”

“Sorry Kevin, I should not have said it in that way.”

“It’s Ok Dad, I know what you meant.”

“Now what I need to know is how do we treat Steve when he is here.”

“Just the same as usual, you and Mum have always treated him well.”

“Yes, but now that we know he is your...can I say boyfriend? I mean will you tell him we know and do you think he will tell his parents?”

“Dad, just leave it for now, and don’t tell his parents.”

“Of course not, I know that’s his privilege.”

Now can you mask up and take Christine her dessert.”

While they were clearing the table Kevin’s phone rang. He noted it was Steve calling and asked his father “Dad can I be excused from doing the dishes so I can take this call?”

“Sure go ahead, I’ll manage.”

“Hi Steve, what’s doing?”

“I just wanted to call and congratulate you on your latest YouTube video. I think it’s really great and so brave of you.”

“Well thanks mate, but I didn’t know you were into ballet.”

“Generally not, but yours is just great.”

“Thanks, but why did you say I was brave? I was just demonstrating a few ballet steps and showing off my sets.”

“Oh, you were showing off alright, but not your sets. More like showing off your assets.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Steve, are you sure you’re looking at my latest video; the one that you uploaded for me.”

“Yes, but there were two videos I uploaded for you. That was the problem, somehow you had the two files coupled together and that’s why you couldn’t upload. I separated them and did the upload for you, remember?”

“Can you tell me what this video is about?”

“It’s you dancing naked and telling the world about your confusion about not knowing who your father is. That’s so brave, I couldn’t do it; especially not naked.”

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What have you done?”

“Me? I just did what you asked me to do, fix your uploading problem.”

“But that video wasn’t meant for publication, it was just my way of working through my problem. Do you think anyone else has seen it?”

“Wait, I’ll check for you.......” silence.

“Are you still there Steve?”

“Yeah, looks like you’ve got a hit on your hands. You’ve got a lot of positive comments, some requests for more and a few offers.”

“Fuck, I’ll have to take it down immediately.”

“Why, I think it’s great and certainly has improved your on-line profile. You’re a star.”

“What if my parents see it, they’ll totally freak out.”

“Do they know about your channel?”

“Probably not.”

“Then what’s to worry about. By the way, didn’t you tell me that your brother is a stripper now?”

“Yes, what’s that got to do with it?”

“A family talent maybe.”

“But he doesn’t tell the world that his father is not his father.”

“That’s what’s so brave of you, facing up to your problem and letting it all out. That seems like great therapy to me. Did your dad recommend that?”

“Certainly not, but I like what you’re saying.”

“By the way, you didn’t tell me about this revelation. If I hadn’t seen the video, I’d still not know that my best mate has a problem. When were you going to tell me? I thought we shared everything.”

“I would have sometime, but now I don’t have to.”

“So do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really...oh maybe some time...I don’t know.”

“So are you going to leave it up?”

“Are you sure they are all positive comments?”

“You certainly have a lot of fans out there.”

“Mmm, maybe I will leave it there for now, while I think about it.”

“Good man, Kevin Covid; proud to be your friend.”

“Steve...” Kevin paused.

“Yes, mate.”

“If I had another computer problem, would you come over and fix it for me?”

“Sure, but you wouldn’t have to make up an excuse.”

“Steve...” another pause, “Would you like to come over and hang out with me?”

“Thought you’d never ask, I’m already pulling on my jocks.”

“You mean we have been having this conversation while you’re naked?”

“Yeah, after watching your vid, I just wanted to see what it felt like sitting naked in front of my computer.”

“Have you been recording it?”

“Well....yes.”

“So will you be uploading it?”

“No! But I could show it to you privately.”

“I’d prefer a live performance.”

“I can do that.”

“See you soon then.”

Kevin hung up and went to his YouTube account to review some of the comments.

‘OMG you are so brave.’

‘Hot man’ 😈

‘Come dance with me’ 💃

‘You’ve danced your way into my heart’ 🩰

‘Don’t know how I would feel if my mum told me that.’ ⁉️

‘So personal, so meaningful, so honest.’  

‘I just want to put my arms around you.’ 

‘When that happened to me, I certainly didn’t have the guts to tell the world.’

‘Bravo!’ 🤩

‘I showed this to my mum, she cried.’ 😢

‘So cool’

‘I thought I was going to watch porn but instead the confession of a very brave man.’ 👀

‘My mum just went all quiet. Do you think there’s something she’s not telling me?’ 👩