Biscotti - 5. Chapter 5

“I understand what you said. But we cannot let anyone in school know that we like boys. You can’t move to a new school and neither can I. We can still see each other outside of class, like on weekends or when I’m not working. But we must keep it secret at school. Let’s agree on kissing and hugs only. If we go to the same university, maybe we can redefine the rules.”

“Ok. Can we start now?”

I just laughed as I pulled his head down and kissed him. “That’ll have to hold you until I bring you home again. I need to get home. I like you a lot, and I have a feeling we’ll be together in the future, so stay pure and no girls.”

I ran as he chased me downstairs. “Mom, Dad, I need to be going. It was nice meeting you, and if you’ll have me. I’ll be back.”

Dad shook my hand. Mom gave me a hug and a kiss. Brad walked me to my car. I saw his mom and dad watching from the living room window. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

“I work till 3, so if my dad lets me have the car, yes, I’ll call you and let you know. We can have hot phone sex.” I began to laugh.

He pulled me in for a kiss. “Is that a goodnight kiss?”

“No - this is a goodnight kiss.”

After that kiss, I didn’t want to leave. “I’m beginning to miss you already. Love you.” I turned and waved goodbye to his parents. He turned and saw them and hung his head. “Don’t hang your head! Smile and wave.”

He did, and I beeped the horn as I left.

Brad

“Brad, we heard what you two talked about. Would you tell us something about Scott? You seem quite taken by him.”

“Scott has a nickname – ‘Teach.’ My football friend, Ronnie, told me that if I have any problems with my classes, he was the one to ask for help. I thought that was someone I’d like to have as a friend. The football team thinks a lot of him. So, I kept watching him, and the more I watched, the more I wanted him as my friend. He works a lot, said that he needed the money for college. Because he works, he doesn’t have the chance to see many games. But at the games where I’ve seen him, the whole football squad plays better - it’s like they want to show him their best. I don’t understand it, but I wanted to meet him, and Dad, you gave me the opportunity.”

“You like him a lot if that kiss is any indication.”

“He knew you were watching. I didn’t. Then, when I saw you, I hung my head in embarrassment. He told me to hold my head up or no more kisses. I can’t figure him out. He’s a mystery to me.”

“We didn’t mean to overhear your conversation, but from what we heard, he’s a keeper. He has his and your priorities straight. Listen to him, and I think you’ll be together for a long time. Call it a mother’s intuition.”

Scott

“Is Dad asleep?”

“Yes, it’s late.”

“I better get to bed. I have to work tomorrow starting at 7.”

“Sit down and tell me why you’re so late.”

I guess I wasn’t going to get to sleep for a while. I grabbed a bottle of water. “I was ready to come home when one of the football players asked if I’d give him a ride home. He normally has his dad pick him up, but for some reason, he couldn’t. I said ‘yes’ but didn’t realize he lived off of 19. You talked to his mom tonight. He’s a star player and probably will get a football scholarship. I like him. You’ll get to meet him and his family. I know Dad, and his dad will hit it off. They both have farm blood in their veins. So, can I go to bed?”

I got a swat on the head and a hug.

I fell asleep very quickly with a smile. I dreamt of what life would be like with Brad.

My mom woke me. “You better get a move on, or you’ll be late!” I took a quick shower, dressed, and Mom handed me a sandwich for breakfast. “You had a big smile on your face this morning. Must have been a good dream.”

I smiled - if only she knew. “Mom, what do they call boys who like boys and girls who like girls in Italy?”

She thought for a minute, “The church says they are condemned. I knew one girl who never dated, but she always had one girl as a good friend. She called the girl her special friend.’

“How did you feel about their relationship?”

“I didn’t feel anything. I was friends with both.”

“How would you feel if I wanted to marry a boy instead of a girl?”

“Are you trying to tell me something?”

“Maybe, but I got to get to work.” I kissed my mom on the cheek.

I was laughing as I entered the supermarket.

“What are you taking? I want some!”

“Be careful what you ask for, Boss.”

I headed to the cooler and began to load the carts with vegetables. I knew after inventory; we would need to restock the vegetable fridge. After 3 hours, the refrigerator section was done. Next was the fruit tables. That would take longer as the existing stock had to be removed, tables cleaned and then restocked with the fresh stuff in the back and the old fruit in the front.

I worked till noon and then took off for my lunch. The boss asked me to come back early so he could give the cashiers a break. This wasn’t a problem since it was close to the end of my shift. I stayed at the registers and packed.

I was anxious to get home. There was a phone call I needed to make and a talk I had to have with Mom and Dad. I got home a little before Dad. I had about 15 minutes before Dad would be home.

“Good afternoon, Mom. Is Loki there?”

“Yes, Brad. Why do you call him ‘Loki the Viking’?”

“You should ask him, but I want to be there when you do.” I heard her chuckle as she called Loki to tell him he had a phone call.

“I knew it was you. I’m going to have to come up with a name for you.”

“I have one -Teach.”

“Are you coming over? Dad wants to plant some root vegetables, and since we’re gay, he figures we’d know how to plant roots.”

I started to laugh. The double entendre just broke me up. “I’d like to come over, but that’ll depend on the car.”

“Wait a sec.”

Mom came on the phone. “Brad, is your mother there?”

“Yes”

“May I speak to her?”

“Mom, Mom wants to speak to you.” I got a crazy look for that.

By the time they finished talking, Dad was home, showered, and ready for dinner.

“John, we have been invited out for dinner to meet Scott’s new friend.”

“Scott, who is this new friend?”

“He’s a student at the high school who is probably going to get a football scholarship. I took him home the other night and met his family. I think you and his dad are going to become friends. Think farms, Dad. Before we go, I need to tell you something. I have known for a long time now that I like boys better than girls. I don’t know how to explain why I feel the way I do. You know I don’t date, and I never missed not dating. I had my books and studies and was happy with that and probably would for a long time, except now I met someone. His parents know, and I’m sure, Mom and Dad, you have a lot of questions.”

“You are still planning on going to school?”

“Yes, nothing will change that, and before you ask, I’ll still buy you that small farm.”

My dad hugged me. “As long as you’re happy.”