The Dreamer - 14. Chapter 14 - The Future

Part 1 - Graduation Day

Graduation day dawned bright and clear, a perfect backdrop for the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Manny and Robby stood side by side, clad in their caps and gowns, the weight of the moment settling over them like a warm, comforting blanket. It was hard to believe that they had finally made it—through the late-night study sessions, the stress of exams, and the personal struggles that had sometimes threatened to overwhelm them. But they had made it, together.

For Manny, this day held a special significance. He couldn't help but think back to his high school graduation, a day that had been tinged with pain and disappointment. Back then, the whispers and slurs had followed him as he walked across the stage, the hate and ignorance of others casting a shadow over what should have been a proud moment. His heart had been heavy with the weight of feeling like an outsider like he didn’t belong.

Robby straightened out Manny's collar and adjusted his tie with a playful grin. “Manny, who taught you how to tie a tie? It’s crooked.”

Manny chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “You did, Robby.”

Robby rolled his eyes, giving a light-hearted sigh. “Well, I guess I should have done a better job of it! OK, hold still… There. All set. You look like a million dollars.”

Manny smiled, his eyes filled with pride and affection. “So do you, Robby. Seriously, you look amazing.”

Manny paused for a moment, his expression softening. “Robby, I’m so proud of you. You did it. We did it.”

Robby’s voice grew tender, a hint of emotion creeping in. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Manny. You were my rock through all of this. Every late night, every tough moment… you were there.”

Manny placed a hand on Robby’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “We were there for each other. That’s what got us here. And now, look at us—graduating together. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Robby nodded, a lump forming in his throat as he took in the moment. “No matter what happens next, where life will take us - we’ve got each other. That’s all I need.”

Manny smiled, leaning in slightly. “And that’s all we’ll ever need. Let’s go out there and make this moment ours.”

Just as they were about to turn and head towards the stage, Manny suddenly paused. “Oh, one more thing,” he said, his voice taking on a playful yet determined tone.

Before Robby could respond, Manny leaned in and, to Robby’s surprise, pressed his lips against his in a tender, lingering kiss. Manny had always been shy about showing affection in public, but today, nothing was going to stop him. He pulled back, a little breathless, his eyes shining with a mix of nerves and pride.

Robby stared at him in shock for a second before a wide grin spread across his face. “Manny… that was…”

“Long overdue,” Manny finished with a small smile. “Today, I don’t care who’s watching. I’m proud of us, and I’m proud of you.”

Robby’s grin softened into something more tender as he took Manny’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “I love you, Manny.”

“I love you too, Robby. Now, let’s go show the world who we are.”

With their hands still clasped, they turned together, ready to step onto the stage and into their future—side by side, without hesitation.

As he stood in line with Robby, and the rest of the graduates - all waiting to receive their diplomas, Manny felt a sense of belonging that he had never known before. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, the air filled with the sound of laughter and cheers. And this time, those cheers were for him. There were no slurs, no hateful whispers—only the sound of his name being called out, clear and strong, as he crossed the stage.

Manny’s parents had flown in for the ceremony, their first trip out of the small town they had called home for so long. For his mom, the entire experience was a thrill—the plane ride, the city, the grandness of it all. She had never imagined she would one day see her son graduate from college, let alone in such a prestigious setting. His dad, ever stoic, had been quieter, but Manny knew that beneath his reserved exterior, he was proud. The way his dad had nodded approvingly at the fancy hotel room Manny and Robby had booked for them said more than words ever could.

They had spent the days leading up to graduation showing his parents around the campus that had been his home for almost five years. Manny had taken them to the fast food places where he and Robby had shared countless meals, and to the fancy restaurants where they had celebrated their small victories. It was a joy to see the wonder in his mom’s eyes as she took it all in, and to watch his dad as he tried to hide his fascination with the bustling city around them.

And now, as Manny stood on that stage, looking out into the crowd, he saw his parents in the front row. His mom was beaming, her smile wide and proud, while his dad, though composed, had a gleam in his eye that Manny hadn’t seen before. It was a look that spoke of pride, of admiration for the man his son had become.

As Manny received his diploma, the crowd erupted into applause. But what struck Manny the most was the feeling in his chest—an overwhelming sense of validation and love. He had come so far from the boy who had been taunted and ridiculed at his high school graduation. Today, he was celebrated for who he was, not just for his academic achievements but for the person he had become.

When it was Robby’s turn to take the stage as valedictorian, Manny’s heart swelled with pride. Robby had stunned everyone, himself included, by graduating with distinction. It was hard to believe that this was the same guy who had once struggled to find his footing in college, who had been more interested in partying than studying. But Robby had transformed over the years, his determination and love for Manny driving him to succeed. His speech was heartfelt and sincere, a reflection of the journey they had both taken, filled with gratitude for the people who had supported them along the way.

As Robby spoke, Manny couldn’t help but glance at his parents again. His dad’s face was still impassive, but his eyes were moist, his lips pressed tightly together as if holding back emotion. His mom was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, her pride and joy evident in every tear she shed. Manny knew that they were proud not just of his academic success, but of the strength he had shown in overcoming the challenges that had once seemed insurmountable.

They were proud of both their boys—Robby, the son they had come to think of as their own, and of course, Manny, for the man he had become.

When the ceremony ended, Manny found his parents in the crowd, embracing them with a mix of joy and relief. Manny’s mom hugged him tightly, whispering how proud she was, while his dad shook his hand, a firm grip that conveyed everything his words couldn’t.

Robby couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness as he looked out into the crowd, knowing that his own family wasn’t there to share this moment with him. But as he caught sight of Manny’s parents, who were beaming with pride and joy, he felt a warmth spread through him. They had embraced him as their own, doting on him with as much, if not more, love than they did on Manny. In their eyes, Robby saw the family he had always longed for, and it filled the emptiness left by those who had chosen not to stand by him.

As Robby stood at a distance, quietly watching Manny's parents with a gentle smile on his face, he suddenly noticed Manny's mom making a beeline toward him. Her eyes were filled with warmth and affection, a motherly light that made Robby’s heart swell. Before he could react, she wrapped him in a tight embrace, her arms holding him with all the tenderness she would offer her own son.

"We're so proud of you, Robby," she whispered into his ear, her voice thick with emotion. "You’re not just Manny’s partner—you’re our son, too."

Robby blinked back tears, feeling a deep sense of belonging that went beyond words. He hugged her back, realizing that in this moment, surrounded by the love of the family he had found.

As they walked away from the ceremony, diplomas in hand, Manny couldn’t help but reflect on how far he had come—from the scared, insecure teenager who had once been taunted for being different, to the confident, accomplished man he was today. And standing beside him, as always, was Robby—the man who had been with him through it all, who had seen him at his lowest and lifted him to his highest.

For the first time in his life, Manny felt truly free—free from the past, free from the doubts that had once plagued him, and free to embrace the future with open arms. This graduation was more than just an academic milestone—it was a celebration of resilience, of love, and of the unbreakable bond he and Robby had forged over the years.

As they left the campus that had been their home for so long, Manny knew that whatever came next, they would face it together, side by side, just as they always had. And that knowledge filled him with a sense of peace and joy that he had never known before.

This time, he wasn’t just graduating—he was soaring.

They had secured positions Bill's company, Micro-something-or-another. Robby always thought it was a weird name but here they were and they were on the cusp of a bright future, working on cutting-edge software that promised to change the world. Manny, ever the negotiator, had secured impressive signing bonuses for both himself and Robby, along with generous stock options and a host of perks usually reserved for senior managers. Their hard work had paid off, and they were ready to embark on this new chapter together.

Cindy, Maria, and all their other friends attended the graduation. After years of hearing about her, Manny’s mom finally met Cindy. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, she chose to focus on the present and the future, grateful that they had all found their own paths in life. Cindy was engaged, as was Maria. Gwen, who had moved out of the country, still kept in touch, though their conversations were sporadic. Whenever she visited, they made it a point to reunite. Allison, on the other hand, was going through a rough patch in her relationship. Manny always felt a pang of empathy seeing his friends struggle with personal issues, reminding him of the challenges he and Robby had faced. But Robby’s words from their first meeting echoed in his mind, "We’ll figure it out." Manny knew that Allison, too, would figure it out in time.

Robby’s parents, however, did not attend the graduation. When he had told them about Manny and their relationship, they had cut him off. The occasional phone calls were strained, and he hadn’t gone back home since the fallout. The absence of his family weighed heavily on Robby, a constant reminder of the cost of living his truth.

In their final year, during a visit to Manny's parents, Robby finally broke down, unable to hold in his emotions any longer. Manny’s mom, who had long considered Robby as much a son as Manny, did everything she could to console him. But how do you console someone who has lost not only their parents but their siblings as well? She held him as he cried, her heart breaking for him. It was in moments like these that she and her husband were grateful for the journey they had taken to accept Manny for who he was. They didn’t understand everything, and it had taken time, but in the end, they still had their son. And now, they had Robby too.

Valedictorian Speech by Robby - "Finding Our Place in the World"

Good evening, faculty, family, friends, and fellow graduates. t’s an honor to stand before you today, representing a class that has weathered storms, both personal and academic, and has emerged stronger, wiser, and ready to face the world.

As we stand at the cusp of a new chapter in our lives, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that brought us here. Each of us has walked a path that is uniquely our own, filled with triumphs and challenges, moments of doubt, and moments of clarity. Today, we celebrate not just the culmination of our academic achievements, but the personal growth that has accompanied it.

For many of us, the journey to this day wasn’t always smooth. We faced the pressure to belong, the desire to fit in, and the fear of being different. The walls of this institution often felt like a maze, each corridor leading to questions about who we are and where we’re going. And for some of us, those questions ran even deeper.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge those who came before us—those who paved the way so that we could stand here today, free to learn, to grow, and to be ourselves. We owe so much to the trailblazers, the advocates, and the allies who fought for the rights we enjoy now, who fought for a world where we can live openly and honestly. But our journey isn’t over, and neither is theirs. The work they started is the work we must continue, not just for ourselves, but for those who will come after us.

To my LGBTQ peers, I want you to know that I see you. I know how hard it is to navigate a world that sometimes feels like it wasn’t built for us. The struggles we face are often invisible to those around us—the inner turmoil, the fear of rejection, the pressure to conform. It’s a journey that requires not just academic resilience, but emotional strength. And yet, here we are. We have overcome. We have persisted. And we have triumphed.

But the truth is, we shouldn’t have had to fight so hard just to be who we are. Our journey through school should be about discovery and learning, not survival. And while we celebrate today, we must also remember that there is still work to be done to ensure that every student, no matter who they are or who they love, can feel safe, supported, and valued.

As we step out into the world, we carry with us the lessons we’ve learned here—lessons not just from textbooks, but from life. We’ve learned that strength comes from vulnerability, that growth often comes from pain, and that our differences are what make us powerful. We’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for help, and that it’s okay to take a different path from the one others expect of us.

We’ve also learned that the world can be a harsh place, but it’s a place we can change. As we leave this institution and step into our futures, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to shape the world we want to live in. A world where everyone, regardless of their background, their identity, or their struggles, has the opportunity to thrive.

To my fellow graduates, I want to say this: You are enough. You are strong enough, smart enough, and brave enough to take on whatever challenges come your way. Remember that your worth is not defined by anyone else’s expectations, but by your own heart and mind. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your passion.

And to those who are struggling, who feel lost or unsure of their place in the world, know that you are not alone. We are all finding our way, and it’s okay to be unsure. It’s okay to take your time. The path to self-discovery is long and winding, but it’s a journey worth taking. And along the way, you will find your people, your community, and your place in this world.

As we leave here today, let us carry forward the lessons we’ve learned—not just the academic ones, but the lessons of empathy, resilience, and love. Let us be the generation that fights for a future where everyone can live authentically and with dignity. Let us be the generation that builds a world where no one has to hide, where no one has to fear being who they are.

In closing, I want to thank all of you—our families, our friends, our teachers, and our mentors—for supporting us, believing in us, and guiding us to this moment. We didn’t get here alone, and we won’t walk our paths alone. We carry with us the love and wisdom of those who stood by us, and we pay it forward by standing up for those who need us.

Congratulations! This is just the beginning of our journey, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things we will do. Thank you.

Part 2 - Rise to the Occasion

Over the years, Manny and Robby worked for many of the top-tier technology companies in Silicon Valley. Robby had an uncanny knack for predicting the next big technology trend, always staying just ahead of the curve. This foresight proved to be incredibly beneficial—not just for the companies they worked for, but for their own financial well-being. Their early stock options at Bills company had already set them up for life, so they ventured out, moving from one company to another, always climbing the ranks and solidifying their reputations as visionaries in the tech world.

But despite their professional success, something felt missing. They vacationed several times a year, visiting exotic locations and experiencing the best life had to offer. Their lives were fulfilling in many ways, but there was a growing emptiness—a sense that all their achievements and adventures lacked a deeper meaning. They had each other, a bond stronger than ever, but they didn’t have anyone to share their lives with beyond their close-knit circle of friends.

They began talking seriously about what that missing piece might be. Adoption had always been a topic they discussed, but more recently, the idea of surrogacy had entered their conversations. Both Manny and Robby longed for biological children, not because they believed adoption was lesser, but because they felt a deep, innate desire to see their own traits, their own histories, reflected in their children. It was a yearning they couldn’t ignore—a dream of starting a family that would make their lives feel truly complete.

These discussions often came up when they were with their friends. Over the years, the group had evolved, their bonds growing stronger despite the different paths their lives had taken. But whenever the topic of children arose, it never seemed to go beyond idle talk. Manny and Robby were busy with their careers, and while the idea of children was important to them, the timing had never felt quite right.

That changed one evening when Cindy, Maria, and Allison came over for dinner at Manny and Robby’s home. The group had always made time to stay connected, despite their hectic lives. As they gathered around the dining table, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and memories. Then, as they settled into the living room after dinner, Cindy made a joyful announcement—she was expecting! The room erupted with excitement and congratulations. Maria, who had just gotten married, smiled warmly, though she mentioned that children were still a few years away for her. Allison, who had recently broken up with her boyfriend, surprised everyone by revealing that she was in a new relationship—this time with a woman named Alicia.

Allison’s revelation brought back memories for Manny. He saw in her the same journey of self-discovery that he and Robby had gone through. When they first met Alicia, it was clear how smitten Allison was. She couldn’t stop talking about her, blushing every time Alicia’s name was mentioned. It was endearing, and Manny felt a deep sense of connection and understanding, seeing in Allison and Alicia the same love and excitement that had marked the early days of his relationship with Robby.

As the evening wore on, and the laughter and conversation ebbed into a comfortable silence, Manny found himself thinking about the conversations he and Robby had been having lately. As they all relaxed in the living room, Manny decided to share something personal.

“We’ve started reaching out to agencies,” Manny said, his voice measured but filled with emotion. “We’re looking into surrogacy.”

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. For a moment, no one spoke, each of them processing the significance of what Manny had just shared. Then, suddenly, Allison broke the silence with a burst of enthusiasm.

“I’ll do it!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with certainty. “I’ll be your surrogate!”

Manny and Robby froze, their eyes wide with surprise. Robby blinked, his mouth slightly open as he tried to process what he had just heard. After a long pause, he found his voice, but it was laced with concern.

“Are you sure, Allison?” Robby asked, his voice low and careful, filled with both disbelief and caution. “It’s a long process; we’ll still need to speak to lawyers and get everything in writing. And you’ll be giving up more than a year of your life to see this through to the end. It’s a lot to ask, Allison. What about you, Alicia? Are you both ready for this?”

Alicia, who had been listening quietly, glanced at Robby with a soft smile. “I’ve only known you for a short time, Robby,” she said, her voice steady and warm. “But Allison has told me so much about you. I can see how much this means to her. If Allison is ready, so am I.”

Robby looked between Allison and Alicia, his heart heavy with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. He let out a slow breath, trying to take in everything they were offering. It was one thing to hear it, but quite another to understand the magnitude of what it meant.

“You both understand how serious this is?” Robby asked, his voice softer now but still filled with an underlying tension. “This isn’t just about us asking for a favor—it’s a commitment. A huge one. And it will change everything.”

Allison nodded, her eyes unwavering. “I know, Robby. I wouldn’t be offering if I wasn’t certain. This is for you and Manny. I want to help make your dream come true.”

Robby met her gaze, his chest tightening with emotion. “Thank you,” he said, his voice thick. “You have no idea what this means to us.”

The room filled with emotion as the reality of the conversation began to sink in. Manny felt a lump in his throat, overwhelmed by the enormity of what Allison was offering. This wasn’t just a favor; it was a gift—one that would change all their lives forever.

Robby reached out, taking Allison’s hand in his, his voice thick with emotion. “We don’t know what to say, Allison. This…this means the world to us.”

Tears welled up in Allison’s eyes as she smiled at her friends. “You don’t have to say anything. We’re family, right? This is what family does.”

As the night went on, they talked about what this would mean, about the process and the future they all hoped to build together. Manny and Robby couldn’t believe their luck—that after all these years, after all their successes and challenges, they were finally on the brink of realizing a dream they had almost given up on.

That night, as they lay in bed, Manny turned to Robby, his heart full. “We’re going to be parents,” he whispered, still in awe of the idea.

Robby smiled, pulling Manny close. “Yes, we are. And it’s going to be incredible.”

Part 3 - Baby Steps

The next few months were a whirlwind of appointments, paperwork, and preparations. Doctors and lawyers became regular fixtures in their lives, guiding them through the intricate steps of surrogacy. Manny and Robby set up special accounts for Allison and Alicia, ensuring that every detail was taken care of—from medical expenses to making sure they were comfortable throughout the process. The decision that both women could be surrogates for their children was a blessing, and it was agreed that Allison would carry Manny’s child and Alicia would carry Robby’s.

The day Manny called his parents to share the news was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. His mother, who had always been supportive yet struggled to understand the complexities of his world, was initially confused. She didn’t quite grasp what surrogacy entailed and voiced her concerns, worrying if this might strain Manny and Robby’s relationship. Manny patiently explained how surrogacy worked, how modern medicine had advanced to allow them to start a family in this way. When his mother realized there was no physical intimacy involved outside their relationship, just medical procedures, she breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a bit silly for her earlier concerns. She was amazed by how far technology had come and, more importantly, was thrilled at the idea of becoming a grandmother.

Months passed, each one bringing them closer to their dream. Finally, the day arrived for all four to head to the hospital. The air was thick with a mix of anxiety and hope as doctors prepared Allison and Alicia for the procedures. The extraction of eggs and sperm was straightforward, but the significance of what was happening wasn’t lost on any of them. They were on the brink of something life-changing, and the weight of it settled in their hearts.

The next step—implanting the embryos—was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The doctors explained that to maximize their chances of success, five embryos would be implanted in each woman. Manny and Robby exchanged nervous glances, the thought of possibly having ten children overwhelming them. But the doctors reassured them, explaining that not all embryos would be viable, and they would have the option to decide how many they wished to keep.

Several weeks later, they gathered for the next crucial appointment. The tension in the room was thick as the doctor conducted the scans. Relief and joy washed over them as the results came in—Allison was carrying twins, while Alicia had one viable embryo. Though some embryos hadn’t made it, the news was still incredible. Three lives were growing, a testament to their journey and the love they all shared.

Manny and Robby had discussed this possibility at length with Allison and Alicia, considering all the challenges that could come with multiple births. But when the time came, their decision was clear. They would keep all three. It wouldn’t be easy—three children meant three times the responsibility, the sleepless nights, and the worries—but it also meant three times the love, the laughter, and the fulfillment of a dream they had once thought impossible.

As they left the hospital that day, the weight of what lay ahead was balanced by the overwhelming sense of purpose and joy. They weren’t just two men in love anymore. They were soon to be a family, connected by the love and selflessness of their closest friends.

The journey was far from over, but as they looked at Allison and Alicia, they knew they weren’t walking it alone. They were surrounded by love, by the bonds of friendship that had grown into something more profound. And with that, they stepped into the next chapter of their lives, ready to embrace whatever came next.