Paul and Adrian - 9. Chapter 9

“Over the next few days, I was very happy, and Paul shared that happiness. Our expression of our love became a nightly ritual, and I couldn’t have been happier. I found the man who would share my life with me.

Ever wonder why when everything is going along very well, something happens that changes everything. My sister called to tell me my mother was in the hospital and was critically ill.

“Adrain, why haven’t you visited Mom?”

“I didn’t know she was ill. No one called me. This is the first I heard about it.”

“Didn’t Dad call you? I know he called Dave.”

“No, he didn’t. The last I heard from Dad was when he called me to tell he couldn’t afford to give me an allowance anymore.”

“He what?”

“He said he couldn’t afford to give me an allowance. So I’m working at a cafe. You know he never really liked me. If it weren’t for my scholarship, I wouldn’t be in college. I still need to work since my scholarship only covers 50 percent of my fees. Dad said he couldn’t pay the rest, so I’m working to pay for the other half of my tuition as well as my cost of living.”

“What do you mean he doesn’t have the money? He set up a trust fund for each of us to cover our college costs.”

“Well, he probably never set one up for me.”

“Can you come and see Mom?”

“Yes, I’ll have to rent a car since the bus wouldn’t get me there till tomorrow. I need to tell my boss I’ll be gone for a few days. I’ll see you in about 6 hours.”

“What’s the matter, Adrian?”

“That was my sister. My mother is in critical condition in the hospital. She wanted to know why I wasn’t there. I don’t want to go, but I suppose I should.”

“Well, you won’t be going alone. I’m going with you.”

Paul and I told Dave we needed a few days off as my mother was in the hospital. He said he would cover, no problem. Paul rented a car, and we headed to my home.

“Paul, we’ll need to rent a room. I’m sure my dad has converted my bedroom into an office. He’s also anti-gay, and it wouldn’t be nice to expose you to him.”

“You’re not going to go to the hospital alone. When we get to your town, we’ll check into a hotel for a few nights.”

“I love you.”

“I love you also.”

When we arrived at the hospital, “Emily, where’s Mom? And this is my boyfriend, Paul.” I wasn’t going to slight Paul, he was my boyfriend and if they didn’t like it, too bad for them.

Emily looked a little shocked, then she wrapped her arms around Paul and kissed his cheek. “Welcome to the family. I figured you were gay, Adrain, but I felt that was your decision to tell us.”

“Thanks, Emily, for accepting us. I was always afraid to mention it. I think the reason Dad cut off my allowance was that he found some male magazines hidden under my bed when he converted my bedroom to his office.”

“Come, I’ll show you to Mom’s room. She’s in the critical care area.”

“Adrian, you go, and I’ll wait for you in the visitor lounge. If you need me, come and get me.”

I wanted Paul to go with me. Emily said that it might best if he waited. So I left Paul with a kiss and followed Emily to my mother’s room.

When Emily entered the room, Mom smiled until she saw me. Then the smile vanished, “What are you doing here? I didn’t ask you to come and see me.”

I just looked at her. “I asked him to come. What’s the matter with you, he’s your son and my brother? You treat him like a stranger.”

“He is a stranger, I never knew he’d turn out gay, and if I had, I would’ve put him up for adoption.”

“Why didn’t you? I could’ve had a family that would’ve accepted me and loved me. You and Dad have done everything possible to make me feel like an unwanted son. But that doesn’t matter to me anymore. I found someone who does care about me, and his family loves me. I don’t need you in my life anymore." I was furious as I said those words.

I just finished when Emily brought Paul to me. “Adrian, why do you have tears in your eyes?”

“My mother just informed me she didn’t want me since I’m gay, and if she had known, she would have put me up for adoption.”

“You don’t need to dwell on that. You’re part of my family.”

“Who are you?”

“I’m Adrian’s boyfriend. My name is Paul, but you need to remember it as I’ll probably never see you again.”

Just as Paul was saying this, my dad showed up. “What are you doing here? I didn’t call you.”

“No, you didn’t, but Emily did. If I had known how I was going to be treated when I arrived, I never would’ve come.”

“Dad, what this about you stopping Adrian’s allowance, and why haven’t you paid the other half of his tuition?”

“He’s gay, and I want nothing to do with him.”

“You’re a very sick man. Between you and Mom, I’m ashamed to be part of this family. You either make arrangements to let him have his college fund, or I’m going to get a lawyer to represent him. I never gave much attention to how you treated Adrian when I was growing up, but I’ll start now. He’s your son, and you’re the reason he’s gay. A gene had to come from you or Mom. One of you have a recessive gay gene. I’m going to call Gene and tell him what you’re doing. Gene should be here tonight. I have never felt such hatred before, and I’ve seen some terrible things here at the hospital.”

“This is none of your business?”

“Ok, let me make it clear, you either give him his money, or you’ll never see my family or me. We’ll see how you like to be ostracized. Come on, Adrian, Paul, you don’t need to put up with this so-called family anymore.”

We left. Paul held my hand as tears ran down my cheeks.

“We hadn’t sat in the reception area long before Emily introduced us to her boyfriend. “Adrian, Paul, this is James Blake, he’s my fiancé.”

After shaking hands, introductions all around, “Adrian, we are planning on getting married over Thanksgiving. I’d like you to be part of the wedding party. I’d like you to give me away.”

“Isn’t that Dad’s spot?”

“No, I’m not sure if I want anything to do with him or Mom. I’m having a hard time understanding and accepting this. How about having dinner with Jim and me? Maybe if Gene gets here in time, he can join us.”

“That would be great. Paul and I need to find a hotel for the night. We have to be back at school tomorrow for registration.”

“If you’d like, you can stay at my place. I have a guest room, and it wouldn’t be any imposition. It would give us a chance to get to know each other as we’ll be brothers soon.”

I looked at Paul, and he nodded yes. “Thanks, James, we’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Do you remember that diner over on 7th street?”

“Yes, let’s meet there for dinner. They have the best-fried chicken.”

“Yes, I remember that. Paul, you’ve never tasted fried chicken like this place. Thanks, Emily, I look forward to dinner with you and James.”

“It’s Jim.”

“Sorry, but I usually use the name that is used when I’m introduced to a person. Jim, it is.”

Leaving the hospital, Paul and I went to get something to drink. “Paul, I’m sorry to put you through that.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. Your folks should be sorry and ashamed. I can’t believe your mother said what she did.”

“It only confirmed what I felt growing up. No matter what I did, it was never enough. I didn’t play sports, so my dad couldn’t understand why I didn’t. My mom did what was necessary for raising me. When they had company, I was always told to go to my room and stay there. I felt like I was an unwanted guest, and I guess it was true.”

“Well, not any longer, because I want you and always will. The Grands have adopted you. You are part of my family, and that’s all that counts.”

“If we weren’t sitting here drinking coffee, I’d give you a big kiss.”

Paul looked at me, “Are you planning on ever coming back here?”

“No, except for the wedding, I’ll have no reason.”

Paul got out of his chair, came over to me, leaned over, and kissed me. I was shocked, but I liked his nerve. He didn’t care what anyone thought. That’s my Paul.

When he sat down, he had a big smile on his face. I just got lost in his eyes and smile for a few minutes. I didn’t notice this big guy coming over to our table, but Paul did. I saw the expression on Paul’s face and looked where he was looking. “Gene, when did you get in town. Emily was expecting you tonight.”

“I got here about an hour ago. Emily told me what happened.” Looking at Paul, “I guess you’re Paul.”

Paul nodded his head. “Paul, this is my brother Gene. Yes, he’s a football player for his college, and from what I have read, he’ll probably be picked up by one of the national teams.”

“Adrian, I owe you an apology. I should have looked out for you. I’m sorry.”

“That’s ok, Gene, no one should’ve had to look out for me. That was our parents’ responsibility. But I’m glad to see you. Are you having dinner with us tonight?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t pass up that fried chicken. Paul, you’ve never tasted chicken as this diner prepares.”

“I’m getting excited about chicken. Never thought I’d ever say that.”

“What do you think about Emily’s intended?”

“He seems like a nice guy, and I hope she’ll be as happy with Jim as I am with Paul.”

“I’m sure she will be. Adrian, I want to make up for Dad’s treatment of you. I have a sign-on bonus that I’ll get at the end of this year. You can have that to pay for your college expenses.”

I had tears in my eyes, “Gene I’m moved by your willingness to help. But you don’t need to do that. Paul’s grandparents will pay the other half, and I’ve agreed to repay them at no interest. But your offer means a lot to me.”

“Ok, but if you ever need any help, any kind, you let me know. Give me your phone?”

I handed my phone to him and watched as he put his number in the phone. “Call me.”

I did, “Now I have your number as well.”