“You were in late last night,” Dad remarked as I sat down for breakfast.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be,” I replied cautiously.
Having recently been grounded, I didn’t want to get into trouble again. I was prepared to argue if I had to, but I decided to wait to see what Dad said.
“Did anything happen to make you late?” he asked neutrally.
I hesitated for a moment and then simply told the truth.
“I ran out of money for the taxi, so I had to walk the last thirty minutes. The driver checked to make sure I was okay to walk before I got out, which I though was pretty good of him.”
Dad nodded. “Fair enough. I think it’s time we got you and Randy prepaid mobile phones for emergencies. I’d prefer to come out and pick you up, or know why you’re late, than to be left wondering.”
He returned his attention to his plate of food, effectively ending the conversation. I was surprised and pleased. Pleased that I wasn’t getting into trouble for coming in after curfew, and surprised about the mobiles. Dad has always been ultra-conservative on that subject. I’ve never managed to work out why, but it looked like he was softening.
Adam and Randy showed up soon afterwards. While Adam starting cooking some eggs, Randy reversed one of the chairs, sat down, crossed his arms over the back, and stared at me.
“Okay, spill!” he demanded. “How did it go?”
I gave him a goofy grin. I tried not to, but I couldn’t stop it.
“Really good,” I replied in an understatement. “No, absolutely fantastic! It was the best night ever!”
“Well? What happened?” Randy insisted.
I gave them a short summary of the night, on the assumption they really didn’t need a thirty-minute, blow-by-blow description of what actually occurred. I skipped over the reason why we didn’t see a movie and just told them that we decided to let Trevor see one by himself.
Mum was watching me as I talked. She had a faint smile on her face. When I looked over at her, she turned away and busied herself in one of the cupboards.
“What time do you think you’ll be home from Mary’s house?” Mum asked, after I’d finished.
Randy, Adam and I looked at one another. Randy shrugged and Adam looked helplessly at me. None of us had any idea.
“Not sure,” I said. “Scott will be there, so maybe we can get a ride back with Chris.”
“We’d already guessed that,” Dad replied dryly. “We were more wondering if you’d be home for dinner.”
“Probably,” Randy said, “but you’d better make it a late one.”
“In that case, you can reheat something from the freezer,” Mum replied. “Your dad and I are going out for an early dinner. We won’t be late, but we may not be here when you get back.”
“If you need a lift home, make sure you ring us before three,” Dad added. He pulled out his wallet and handed me a ten-dollar note. “Just in case you catch the bus,” he explained.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said appreciatively.
My parents were being a lot less strict than they had been in the past. I wondered if they were finally accepting that I was able to make my own decisions. I looked over at Adam. I suspected that it was something to do with him, but I wasn’t sure. Certainly, the change in attitude had happened since his arrival.
I mentally shrugged. It didn’t really matter. They were treating me more as an adult, and I wasn’t going to argue.
We finished our breakfast and got ready for church. I took the easy option of wearing clothes that were at the low end of what Mum would find acceptable for church, and at the upper end of what I’d want to wear out. That way I wouldn’t have to get changed before we went to Mary’s place. When I left my room, I saw that Adam and Randy had done the same.
The way things went at church was almost a repeat of the previous week. The sermon was, predictably, on the resurrection, but the minister was clearly staring at Adam when he emphasised that the Easter message is for all of us. He didn’t say anything specific, but it was apparent to me that he was including homosexuals in that statement.
We didn’t stay long after the service, but a number of people came up to speak to Adam and to ask him how he was. A couple of them seemed cautious and avoided a lot of eye contact, but most treated him as just another teenager. Even the two that appeared uncomfortable still made the effort to say hello.
We were all in a good mood when Dad dropped us off at Mary’s house. Randy, being his usual boisterous self, led the way up the path. Adam followed and I brought up the rear, carrying the cake.
Gary answered the door. “G’day, guys. You’re the first ones here,” he said as he ushered us in. “We’re going to be out the back.”
“Is Mary’s mum here?” I asked, looking around.
The house was neat and clean. Our house is normally clean, but neatness is a state that it only sees on special occasions that usually involve visits from friends of Mum and Dad.
“She’s in the kitchen,” Gary replied, pointing to a door off the living room.
“Come on,” Randy said, heading in that direction. Adam, Gary and I followed.
Mary’s mum was checking something in the oven when we entered.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Bryant,” Randy said. “Thanks for having us around.”
“You’re welcome...” she replied, her voice fading away.
“Randy,” my brother said. Turning, he indicated Adam and me. “And this is Adam and David.”
Mrs. Bryant smiled. “Hi, boys.”
“Hi,” Adam said hesitantly.
“Hello, Mrs. Bryant,” I said, stepping forward. “We’ve brought you a cake.”
I put the cake box on a bench nearby.
“Thanks, David,” she said. She didn’t move to check it, though. Instead, she smiled at Adam. “Mary’s told me some of what you’ve been going through, Adam. I just want to say you’re welcome here at any time.”
“Hey, that’s not fair,” Gary protested. “I’ve got restrictions on when I can be here, but he gets to come over at any time?”
“You’re not allowed here while Mary’s got homework to do, as she wouldn’t get it done. I don’t think Adam will distract her as much as you do,” Mrs. Bryant pointed out with a smile.
“That’s not my fault,” Gary retorted with a grin.
“No, but you still have to live with the consequences,” she said. “Now, how about you take everyone outside, so I can finish fixing you boys something to eat?”
“Okay,” Gary said. He turned and waved us on. “We’re having lunch in the pergola out the back.”
Outside, we found ourselves in a very small back yard. At least that’s the way it felt to me, but I’m used to wide-open spaces. I have the same reaction when I visit any of our friends who live on standard housing blocks.
There was a decent sized pergola in one corner of the yard, with some sort of vine growing up each of the eight main posts. An octagonal wooden table occupied the middle. Mary was busy putting things on the table as we approached.
“You’re early!” she said, as we joined her.
I shrugged. “Dad dropped us off after church. We can help set up, if you like.”
“No, I think we’re just about done,” she replied, frowning down at the table. Lifting her gaze, she gave us all a warm smile.
“I’m glad you could all make it,” she said. “Have a seat and Gary’ll get you something to drink.”
“We’ve got soft drinks, fruit juice and water,” Gary announced, before lowering his voice. “I tried to sneak in some beers, but I got stopped.”
“And a good thing I did, too,” Mary stated. “I want to have people around again, but I won’t be able to if Gary abuses my mum’s hospitality.”
Gary reddened as he grinned nervously at his girlfriend. He quickly took our drink orders and headed back into the house.
We chatted with Mary about what she’d been doing over the long weekend. The conversation shifted to football when Gary returned, only to stop when we heard the doorbell ring.
“I’ll get it,” Gary shouted, getting to his feet.
“I’ll come with you,” I said. “I need another drink.”
I went to the kitchen while Gary headed to the front door. I’d just asked Mrs. Bryant for a jug that I could fill with water and take back out with me, when I heard Gary greet the new visitor.
“G’day, Scott. Are you okay? You look shocking!”
There was a muttered reply that I couldn’t make out. I headed over to the doorway.
“Well, come on out the back and join the others. Maybe all you need is some fresh air,” Gary suggested to Scott.
“Hi, Scott, Chris,” I said.
Scott looked exhausted. There seemed to be a tension present that drained his energy. He had a bunch of flowers for Mary’s mum, but they were held low, almost forgotten. As he trudged past, barely acknowledging me, I noticed that Chris seemed concerned.
“What’s wrong with him?” I whispered to Chris once Scott and Gary were out of earshot.
“He had a big fight with our parents last night and another one this morning. I don’t think he got a lot of sleep,” Chris whispered, eyes fixed on his brother’s back. “If it wasn’t a chance to get out of the house, I doubt he would’ve come today.”
He glanced over at me. “Keep on eye on him, Stick. He’s running on empty and he might snap if he gets a bit more stressed.”
I nodded. Scott had been through a lot in the previous few days. I hoped that getting out amongst friends, especially Adam, might give him some balance and a chance to relax.
“I’ll be back to pick him up at about four,” Chris said as he turned to go.
“Is there any chance you could give the rest of us a lift home?”
He looked back at me and then glanced in the direction where Scott had disappeared.
“Yeah, sure. I think going to your place might be a good idea, anyway.”
Chris waved and headed out to his car. I returned to the kitchen, filled the jug with water, and then headed back outside. I mentally crossed my fingers that Scott would be able to get through the afternoon.
He seemed a bit better when I rejoined everyone. He was sitting next to Adam. I sensed he wanted to collapse against his boyfriend, but had to restrain himself. He still didn’t look great, but he had a half-smile on his lips and was participating in the conversation, if only sparingly.
Liz showed up about ten minutes later. I stood up and give her a quick kiss before seating her on my right. She slipped her hand into mine beneath the table, but otherwise just joined in the chat.
Mary’s mum had prepared several trays of finger food, so we spent the next hour eating, talking and generally having a good time. Once he’d finished eating, Randy began rocking his chair onto its back legs, a bad habit of his when he’s trying to stretch out.
We all thanked Mrs. Bryant on her last trip out to see us, as she helped Gary and Mary collect the empty plates and take them inside.
When Gary and Mary came back, Mary sat down, but Gary just stood there nervously.
“Uhm… Adam?” he started, dragging everyone’s attention to himself. “I know I’ve said some of this to you over the last couple of weeks, but I want to apologise for the way my mum and I treated you that night you stayed with us. I should’ve known better and I just want to say we’re sorry. Mum says you’re welcome in our home at any time, though she’s still not sure about you staying the night.”
“What about you?” Randy challenged. “Would you be comfortable having Ads stay the night?”
Gary grinned and sat down. “Yeah, I would. Stick and I talked about it a couple of weeks ago and I’m cool with the whole idea. Ads is a good friend and I’m ashamed that I didn’t treat him right when he needed me.”
“Thanks, Gazza,” Adam said. “That means a lot to me.”
That upset me, but I was careful not to let it show. I’d been apologising for ages, and he hadn’t said anything like that to me. Scott had told me that it was because I’d really hurt Adam with what I’d said, and to just give him time, but it was beginning to annoy me that he didn’t seem to accept that I was sorry for what I did.