The King House

Monday July 19th @ 3:30 PM

    Under the watchful gaze of Shelley and TK's grandmother, they have
unloaded all camping gear, clothes, and miscellaneous stuff from the
van. When they were done, but before any farewells were even muttered,
Grams came out with her seemingly never-ending supply of iced tea and
lemonade. She says, "Please sit down, there is something we need to
discuss. ... Zack, you and Bart in particular should be here."

     "The other day, Steve McCory was being harassed by these two human
rejects out in the street in front of my house." They all look at one
another, Bart whispers under his breath, "Max and Nozone" But Grams
continues, "It seems your name was brought up, Zack. I was gardening
behind the bushes, unbeknownst to those two. I eventually made them
realize that I was there and suggested they leave. After asking Steve,
what this was all about, he told me how you stood up alone for him when
practically no one else would." It's now Zack's turn to blush a bright
red. But Grams has more to say, "Zack, you may scoff at it but what you
did shows that heroism can be found in your own little corner of the
world. I'm very proud to say I know you."

      "Thank you, ma'am. But anyone would have done the same thing."
Zack says sheepishly and embarrassed.

     "I don't think so, but be that as it may. I have some other news as
well. ... When I was talking to him I found out the he and another boy
were out looking for apartments, as they decided room together." Again
they all look at one another. Will nudges Bart, "I wonder who that is?"
Grams turns to Will, "I heard that, Will. Since you're going to find out
later anyway, Steve's friend is Mark Owens." A look of disbelief
registers on all the their faces, Shelley says, you mean "Mud Rider" is
ga ... is going to move in with Steve?"

     Grams, waits a moment for the buzz to die down. "That's not the
half of it. ... Shelley, TK a couple years ago, do you remember your mom
and I talked about converting the third floor into an apartment? ...
After Steve had left Saturday afternoon, I discussed it with you're mom,
and we decided to ask Steve and Mark if they would like to live in it.
They realize that they will have to help fix it up, and put in some hard
work but they eventually decided to take it." TK turns to his Grams,
then looks down saying, "Grams, you do know that Steve is gay, don't
you." "TK, of course I do, and I also know that he and Mark aren't just
roommates, but they're boyfriends, I don't live in a bell jar. But if
you're trying to tell me you have a problem with that, then I'll know
your mom and I didn't raise you right."

       TK quickly answers, "No, I have no problem with them at all. I
just want to make sure you knew what you were getting into." "Good.
Shelley, what about you?" Shelley looks to her grandmother, but can't
help but steal a quick glance at TK, "No Grams, I have no problem with
gay people." "That's good. Your mom I want you two to think of them as a
sort of extended family. I expect the both of you to help them get their
apartment ready. There will be painting, scraping and a lot of work."
Zack adds, "Mrs. King, I would like to help too if you'll let me." "I do
too!" Bart jumps in, "Me too!" from Will. "Thank you boys, it's very
nice of you to help out. I guess I'm proud of all you!"

     "Now can I get you a little more tea or lemonade?" Zack says.  "No
thank you, ma'am. We really have to get going. Bart and I have to drop
Will off before we head home ourselves. But thank you anyways." As they
started heading toward the van, they see Steve and Mark walking up the
sidewalk, deep in some discussion. Mark looks up and sees them all
there, and says "Aw shit."

     Grams calls out to them, "Mark and Steve, come here. I want to
introduce, you two. ... Steve, Mark I believe you know my granddaughter
Shelley, and her brother Todd. You know Zack of course, and his brother,
Bart. and this is Will Sommers. When I told them that you were moving
onto the third floor, they all volunteered to help." Steve and Mark
start looked at each other, not fully comprehending what Virg had just
told them. So Steve said, "You are all going to help out?" A chorus of
"Yeah." and "you bet."

       Mark looking a little embarrassed says, "That's really great!" He
and Steve walk up to them with hands extended expecting to shake hands.
Instead, they all get hugs and pats on the back. Steve even thought for
a second Will gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and then Bart did the
same thing. Zack then says, "Well, I don't want to be a pest, but we do
have to get going." Zack, Bart and Will all get in the van, and down the
driveway, Bart and Will turn to each other and in unison say "Holy
Thunderfuck!"

     Just after sunset, when dusk was fading from the western sky, TK
finds his grandmother sitting in the small gazebo. "Grams, can we talk?"
"Sure we can." "Grams there is something I need to tell you." " I know
dear, I already know" "Know  what?" Bill asks. Grams reaches out and
holds his hand in hers, and says, "You want to tell me your like, Steve
and Mark. That you're gay too. ... Don't worry, I love you and am proud
of you no matter what." Tears start trickling down his cheeks, which his
Grams wipes away with her handkerchief. "TK, I think you should go talk
to your mother, she's on the verandah. Now git." "Thanks Grams." He
gives her a quick hug, and heads off to find his mother.

      "Mom, beautiful night isn't it?" The sky is a deep shade of
purple, and the evening stars are shining bright in the sky. TK sits
down next to her. "Mom, I've always wanted you to be proud of me." "I am
son." "I don't know. You don't even know who I am. I'm tired of lying to
you. I'm not the person, you think I am. ..." "Your my son, that's all
I'll ever need to know, TK." "Mom, you always taught us to be honest
with each other, I have to tell you that ... I'm ... gay."

     She reaches over and holds on to her boy, "TK, nothing has changed.
I still love you. ... Nothing can stop me loving you, you're my boy,
excuse me, you're my young man. ... You have never disappointed me, it
just isn't possible. ... You're warm, loving and considerate, ... what
else can any mother ask of her child." She starts running her fingers
through the curls at the back of his head. "TK, is there someone I
should know about?", ever so softly he answers, "I think so. ... I met
this guy, Bill ... and I think that I might be ... in... love with him."

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