Faith and Truth: Chapter One
"Faith and Truth"
By Nar (2006)
Gay Relationships/Coming Out
~ ~
This story deals with the dynamics of being gay in today's culture. It also contains descriptions of homosexual sex in graphic terms. You MUST be a legal adult to view this work, which could be anywhere from the age of 18 to even 21. I realize that many of the subjects I deal with are embattled by many of my readers, but I ACCEPT ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSIBILITY for anything that might happen to you if you mimic this piece of fiction. So, in other words, if you use my arguments in real life and get beat up or kicked out of your home, I'm not responsible. My job is to provide entertainment and insight, not to teach you how to act.
Now, on with the story...I hope you enjoy it and please, email me some comments about it. I hope it entertains as well as enlightens you.
~Nar
May 8th, 2006
No revision, raw manuscript
~Chapter One~
~ ~
James and Brenda Bythorne smiled wide as they adored their infant son, poking him in the tummy playfully, much to the baby wolf's delight. The canine couple hugged each other, pure love flowing between them as they both watched in wonder as little baby Alex grabbed his toes, rolling slightly on his back as he giggled and cooed at his parents. Brenda was overcome with delight. Alex had been born two months ago. His was a painful and almost traumatic delivery, and although she had been in screaming agony then, she felt nothing but joy now. Her husband had his own form of joy, but mostly was thinking about how proud he was to have such a healthy and thriving son at only two months old. Little baby Alex Robert Bythorne tried to flick his ears, but only ended up fluttering one back and forth as a stimulus reflex. James recognized it immediately. That reaction was no longer instinctual or reflexive, but a natural conscious decision by little Alex to show his affection to his parents. He was simply trying to lower his ears, but his body hadn't developed enough to show that sign yet, so his ears just twitched.
Brenda gasped as she saw the little cub's ears suddenly flatten on his head and held her hand to her chest in shock. James' jaw almost hit the floor at the sudden improvement. Most baby wolves didn't master that move until at least four months, sometimes six. James laughed and hugged his wife all the tighter, kissing her cheek as they both beamed in pride, wishing they had brought the camera with them.
Little Alex was growing up so fast.
~ ~
About nineteen years later
~ ~
Brenda sighed deeply as she heard thumping bass through the ceiling of her study, holding the sides of her heard in frustration. The sounds of Nickelodeon Morning beat through her fine oak door and she swallowed two more Ibuprofen. She knew it wasn't exactly good for her liver, but she didn't care right now. Whoever thought up these rules for living a long time obviously didn't have four children. The inane sounds of the TV were caused by her two little hyperactive twin cubs Mary and Vicky, her youngest. The bass upstairs belonged to her second-born Xavier and the silence that was between that was Alex's, her eldest. James was at work managing his book publishing company and Brenda was trying to brush up on the latest experimental methods for removing-brain-tumors-via-experimental-implants. She groaned in frustration and set down her medical journal and stood up, stretching her tired back. She heard the bass suddenly die and she counted mentally.
'1...2...and...next track.'
Sure enough, more bass began to boom through the wall as another one of Xavier's heavy metal songs began to blare. Brenda groaned and went upstairs, but Xavier was already anticipating her move and as soon as he heard her coming up the Cherry steps, he turned down his music to a whisper. Brenda shook her head and continued upstairs, now trying to get away from the crashes and boings of Nickelodeon. She passed Alex's well kept room, the door free of scratches or markings, but then passed Xavier's, his door covered in posters and pop-art prints. They were polar opposites. One was quiet and reserved, the other quick-tempered and loud. One good with money, the other constantly out of a job and broke. She didn't like to pick sides with her children or pay favorites, but Alex was definitely the easier one to live with. She equally loved all her children, no matter what their flaws, but Alex was the easiest to live with.
Brenda lightly knocked on the door and walked in. Alex had similar posters on his wall to what Xavier had. They shared some of the same media likes and dislikes, but Alex was less flamboyant in his hobbies. Brenda smiled softly as she walked past his rows of DVDs. Zombie/Comedy/Sci-Fi and especially love stories crowded his selection. She found him at his piano keyboard, lightly playing a tune. His headphones were attached, so he didn't hear her until she was right beside him, tapping him on the shoulder. He pulled out his earphones and looked up at his mother, his light red eyes staring into her green ones. Both wolves fur was deep gray, and while Alex had inherited the good looks in his face, he had also inherited his mother's petite figure and an overall feminine form. When he dressed, it wasn't so obvious, but (and as Alex knew intimately), his body was quite curvaceous and fragile in form. Xavier had inherited the muscle and gruffness of voice, while Alex got a higher tone. Brenda smiled warmly and handed her son a twenty dollar bill.
"Didn't you say you were going to go hang out with friends today Alex?" She asked as her son took the twenty.
He already knew what his mother was going to ask. "Yeah, what do you need from your robotic rulers Wal-Mart?"
Brenda just continued. "I need some caramel, whip cream and chocolate mint cookies. I'm going to make Grandma's dessert tomorrow. Could you get those for me on your way back?"
Alex stifled a grumble. He didn't like going to Wal-Mart, but it was on his way home, so he might as well. He did like that dessert an awful lot.
"Uh, sure mom, I'll pick 'em up." Alex stood and pocketed the twenty as he grabbed his keys hanging on his dresser and leather jacket.
His mother smiled and left with a happy "thank you" as she went to the kitchen to start getting dinner ready. Alex took the opportunity to look himself over. He was wearing a tight white T-shirt with the faded logo of his mom's hospital on the back and his too-baggy jean cargo pants with the hole right under the left pocket.
He muttered "terrible" before he went to his closet, grabbing his favorite pair of faded, slightly bottom flared jeans and vintage Levi tee, slipping them both on before he straightened his locks of black hair, loving how the short locks fell over his eyes. He smiled as he looked himself over in the mirror above his dresser, and, slipping on a pair of shoes and grabbing his cell, wallet, keys and jacket, left his room. He walked downstairs and made his way into the overly spacious kitchen. His family was quite well-to-do. His father brought down almost 100 grand a year and his mom brought down more as a neurosurgeon (although he could never figure out how much). He still worked and lived like the average teenager. He got his first job at 16, his second one at 19. He bought all his own clothes, his own rice-burner truck, his own car insurance, his own gas. The only things he didn't pay for was room and board, but with the money he had been saving from working at his job as a waiter, he could afford to find an apartment in another year or so. He nodded at his mom as she began to rummage through the huge fridge, pulling out the different items she would need for whatever she was preparing.
"Hey mom, I'm going now. I'll be back sometime before one."
Brenda nodded as she shifted some items around. "PM or AM?"
"AM." Alex said as he fished out his keys and began to walk towards the door.
"Allright. I love you, be careful." She called out, even as Alex shut the front door.
The wolf opened the driver's door to his Toyota, sighing as he looked over the beaten remains of what was once his brother's car before he lost his license. It was once a brand new Acura. All the features. Power windows, locks, stereo. But since he was so hot-tempered, he had wrecked the poor thing into bits. Now it looked like it had been through a demolition derby. Alex's Toyota was in no better shape, but the damage had solely been his brother's fault. Xav came home one night, completely intoxicated and slammed into his brother's vehicle, putting a huge dent in the passenger side door. Alex sighed softly since it had been eight months and Xav still hadn't paid for the damage. He stepped inside and shut the door, but not before he saw his younger brother running down the front steps to their three story house, calling out his name. Alex shook his head and started up his truck, the four-piston motor beating itself to life. Xavier stopped by his brother's window and tapped on the glass. Alex relented and rolled down the window as Xavier leaned down.
"Hey, can I hitch a ride with you? I wanna go see a movie." He almost demanded. Alex grinned and shook his head.
"Sorry, I have stuff to do." And with that, he pulled out of his driveway and began the drive to his destination, watching in his rear view mirror was Xavier gave him the finger and screamed "well, fuck you!"
Alex sighed and shook his head. Xavier turned 17 years old and had his license only one year before the state revoked it. He had five speeding tickets, six accidents and two moving violations on his record. Insurance companies refused to put him on the policy for less than $600 a month.
Alex laughed. And it was his own damn fault. The wolf laughed again and turned on his cheap stereo, blaring the latest electronica song on his way.
~ ~
Alex finally pulled up into the simple gravel driveway of his friend Tom and turned off his engine. The driveway was empty except for Tom's twenty-something Honda. Alex smiled and opened the door to his truck, pocketing his keys and locking up as he walked up to his best friend's house, ringing the doorbell. After a few seconds, the door opened and there he was.
Tom was a sinewy leopard, his muscles well defined under his loose black shirt and even looser jeans. He had a terrible sense of style, but Alex didn't mind. His fur was faded orange with light black stripes across his arms and back with green eyes to compliment his look. He smiled and Tom grinned, stepping to the side to let the wolf in.
Tom's house was quite simple compared to Alex's. Their single TV was only 18 inches wide, but they both had fun playing video games on it together nonetheless. Tom's family could only afford one computer, but they had fun probing the many useless features of the net anyways. Alex sat down on the very old couch and leaned back, tossing his keys on the floor as Tom shut the door. Alex looked around, wondering where the other three members of his friend's family were when suddenly the leopard was in his lap, his paws holding onto the wolf's cheeks as he smothered Alex in a deep kiss.
Alex was a little caught off guard, but passionately returned the kiss, holding onto his best friend (and lover's) waist. The leopard broke the kiss and sat down beside his boyfriend, lightly tapping Alex's shoulder. The wolf took his cue and laid down, his head resting in Tom's lap and looking straight up. He murred softly as his facefur was softly groomed by his feline lover's gentle fingers.
"I was just about to ask where everyone was, love." Alex said softly as he began to think about Tom.
He had known Tom for almost six years, and had been his boyfriend for almost three. However, neither of their families looked with any kindness on homosexuality, so they had been lovers in secret all this time. Only a select few knew of their sexual orientation and even fewer knew of their relationship. It drove them both crazy sometimes, wanting so badly to come out, but being unable to. Holidays were particularly hard for the couple, since they had to spend most of it apart and even less time alone together. Alex shook the depressing thought from his mind. He had come here to enjoy Tom, not to feel depressed.
"Hm?" Tom asked. He was obviously enraptured by staring down at his canine love. The wolf giggled softly and poked his boyfriend in the chest.
"I said that I was just about to ask where everyone was when you got all lusty kitty on me." Alex laughed.
Tom tried his best to look shocked, but the smile on his face easily giving him away. "I can't believe you! Oh well, guess I won't be mounting that tight hole of yours anymore."
Alex giggled girlishly. It was only around Tom that he allowed his truly submissive side come out. "Oh, no? Since when can you resist?"
Tom chuckled and kissed his mate softly on the nose as he whispered his reply. "Never."
"Thought so." Alex said as he rose from his love's lap and leaned heavily into his chest, stroking his paws over the feline's broad and tight chest through his shirt. "So do it then. I've been over two weeks without sex and I need you, now."
Tom stopped laughing and purred lustily, making the little wolf's back arch and his ears lower in submission. "Well then wolfy, lead the way."
Alex licked his lips seductively and grinned. "Glad to."
Tom stood and began to follow his mate when he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks and tugged back on his paw of his lover. Alex looked back over his shoulder.
"What's the matter sweetheart?" The wolf asked, worriedly.
Tom tried hard to conceal his grin. "My family went to Wal-Mart. They should be back any second now."
Alex's jaw dropped in horror. "What?"
Tom laughed at the dejected and disappointed face of his lover. "Yep." The sound of gravel crunching and a horn beeping came from outside. "In fact, I think that's them now."
Alex growled playfully and pounced on his love, nipping at his strong chest as he pinned him to the floor. "I'll get you for this."
Tom laughed as he stroked his mate's headfur. "Put it on my tab wolfy. Now let me up before my parents come inside and find us like this."
~ ~
Brenda wiped her mouth as she set down her fork. The twins hurriedly finished and dashed off upstairs to go play together, leaving Xavier, James and Brenda at the table. James leaned back and took a sip of his wine as he softly sniffed the wonderful aroma. Xavier's gaze was downward. He had easily cleaned his plate, but he knew his parents had something they wanted to talk to him about. Brenda set down her napkin and looked at her son.
"So Xavier, have you found a job yet?" She asked as she began to clear the table. James just sat back in his chair, watching his son. Xavier's brow was already furrowed in anger.
"No mom, for the fifth damn time." Xavier stated sarcastically. James set down his glass of merlot and glared at the rebellious teen.
"Don't you swear at your mother son. She may be your mom, but she's my wife." The elder wolf almost growled. Xavier sunk back in his chair and snarled softly.
Brenda sighed deeply. She already knew where this was going. Discussions with Xavier, no matter how innocent they began, always ended in bouts of screaming.
"I was just asking Xav cause the dent you put into Alex's truck with your old car is still there and it's been eight months since-"
Xavier suddenly threw his fork down on the tiled floor. "I KNOW! I can't find a good job you know that pays me as well as you can and I don't have hardly any money to-"
James suddenly stood, his enormous muscled frame towering over his son, even from across the table. "Now don't you mouth off to us! Lower your voice young man!"
Instead of pacifying Xavier, the young wolf became further enraged, kicking his chair out from him and punching a large hole in the wall. Brenda backed up a couple of steps, agog at the sudden outburst of violence. James didn't take it so well. His eyes flared in fury and he slammed his own fist on the table, loudly growling at his son and pointing warningly at him.
"BACK OFF! Now sit down this instant!" James screamed. The twins upstairs suddenly became quiet when they heard the roar. When Xavier refused to sit, James slammed his fist again. The teenage wolf reluctantly sat down. Brenda began to cry.
James' heart broke at the sound of his wife sobbing, but he had to continue. "First of all Xavier, you will NEVER...I repeat, NEVER do something like that again or I'll kick your butt out on the street so fast your head will spin. Second, you will NEVER mouth off to your mother like that. Third, don't feed us this bull about not having any money. That stupid cell phone of yours is sucking all your savings. Go get your latest cell bill."
Xavier didn't move and just stared at the floor. "I don't need to, I know how much it was."
James ground his teeth together. "How much was it then?"
Xavier looked away and his lips fluttered, trying to not scream at his father. "$542."
James sighed deeply and rubbed his temples. "Five hundred dollars? For one month's service? You only have a sixty dollar bill for 1000 minutes. How much did you go over?"
Xavier ground his incisors. "I didn't go over on my minutes by much, only two hundred minutes this time. Most of that was from my text messaging."
James blinked as he thought about what his son had just said. "You ran up almost $400 in TEXT messages?"
Xavier suddenly turned back to face his father. "What do you care dad? It's not your money!"
James took a breath before answering, lest he lose his mind and begin screaming again. "I care, Xav, cause even though you are paying for the bill, the contract is still under my name, so if you continually go over your minutes, that reflects on my credit score you know."
Xav turned away again. Brenda was clutching her used napkin tightly as she watched in horror. Xavier was scaring her with how angry he was acting.
James swallowed the last mouthful of wine before continuing. "If you followed your contract, you could pay to have your brother's truck fixed."
Xavier suddenly stood up in defiance. "Don't FUCKING DO THAT TO ME! DON'T TREAT ME LIKE I'M FUCKING IRRESPONSIBLE OR SOMETHING!" He screamed at his father at the top of his lungs.
James backed up slightly before he circled the table, standing in front of his son in defense. "LOWER YOUR VOICE XAV! THIS INSTANT!"
Xavier whimpered softly at the extreme boom of his father's voice and backed down. James leaned down as his son took his chair again.
"Don't you dare use language like that in this house. Your sisters will hear you and they're only six. They don't need to be hearing such obscenity. Do...you...understand?" The wolf asked, pointing at his son and growling deeply. Xav nodded. He knew he was out of line.
"Now, I want you to finally repair the damage you did to your brother's truck. There is $400 worth of repairs that need to go into it and-"
Xav looked up at his father suddenly. "So why can't you guys pay for it? You have alot more money than I do."
Brenda suddenly got ahold of her tears and stepped forward. "Because Xavier, *you* did the damage, *you* pay for it. We didn't back into Alex's truck, *you* did!" She stated as her voice began to crack from emotion. Xavier looked away again.
James sighed and leaned against the wall. "Xavier, if you stick to your cell plan, you can have his truck repaired next month. If you go over by just half the amount you did this last month, you can have it paid off in two months, but I expect you to pay him for the repairs soon."
Xavier huffed softly, clenching his fists together. His right knuckles were bleeding softly from punching the hole in the plaster, but he was more angry at his parents right then. He nodded anyways though.
"Good. Now this..." James said as he walked over to the hole in the wall, looking it over. "You're going to repair this too. Plaster, mold and paint, until it was just like it was. Do you understand? There will be no negotiation in these two matters. They're set in stone. Repair Alex's truck and the wall. Got me?"
Xavier almost said "Yeah, and fuck you too." but restrained himself. He muttered a simple "Yes, sir."
James sighed again and nodded in the direction of the stairs. "Good, now go upstairs. Leave your stereo off."
Xav pushed his chair away and stomped upstairs like a toddler throwing a tantrum. James sighed and turned around to hug his wife as she cried softly into her husband's strong chest.
"What did we do wrong James? I don't understand his behavior at all." She whimpered. James simply held her.
~ ~
Alex locked his truck as he looked at his cell display, his mother's groceries hanging off his left arm. 12:37 am. He clicked on the tiny LED light that was attached to his keys and made his way through the darkness and up the front steps of his parent's house. After a few seconds of fumbling with his keys, he unlocked the door and stepped inside. He locked the door behind him, pacified the alarm system, reset it and quickly dropped off everything his mother needed in the kitchen and freezer. He made his way upstairs to his room.
He had work in the morning, but was glad that he had taken the time to visit his boyfriend. They had had a pleasant evening with his family, played some video games then headed back to Tom's room when everyone wanted to watch the latest reality show, saying that they wanted to go listen to some music. Tom turned on his stereo and for the next hour they cuddled and licked each other, enjoying each other's company before a knock at their door nearly gave them both a heart attack. They straightened up and each grabbed a magazine. Fortunately it was only Tom's younger sister, a little adopted white panther named Selena. She bounced into the room like any normal nine year old did; solely to annoy her brother. The two lovers suspended their play and went hesitantly back into the living room where they spent the rest of their evening.
Alex arrived at his door while daydreaming of his mate and stepped inside, dropping his belongings onto his bed and beginning to pull his shirt off when he heard a knock at his door. He pulled his tee back down and opened the door. Xavier stood on the other side and immediately began to bitch to his older brother about their parent's and their "unfair" parenting styles. And, as always, Alex listened as he went about his business of getting ready for bed. He turned on his tiny stereo (paid for by his own money) and began putting his stuff away. Xavier bitched and bitched and bitched, and soon, Alex grew tired of listening. He began to shuffle Xav towards the door.
"Listen, I have work tomorrow, so we'll continue this tomorrow evening ok?" Alex stated, punctuating his words with a tired yawn.
Xav growled and sighed. "All right, sure."
Alex resisted the urge to slam the door in his face and, dropping all his clothes on the floor, slipped into bed and went to sleep.
~ ~
Xav locked the door to his room and immediately went to his dresser, pulling out stacks of clothes to find his tiny Altoid breath mint tin. He smiled and walked to his window, opening it to ventilate his room as he opened the tiny box. Inside was rolling paper, a dime of dope and several doses of acid. He immediately rolled himself a joint and lit up, breathing the smoke out the window as the wind whisked it away. He grumbled to himself as the marijuana began to take hold.
"Irresponsible? I'm not irresponsible. That wimpy motherfucker next door to me is the irresponsible one. I can pay my cell bill." Xav thought to himself. "I've had my phone for over two years and always, ALWAYS managed to pay it. Alex has only had his for like, eight months. And I'm getting straight A's in college anyways! Alex struggles to hold a B! Asshole!"
He growled in anger at his parents, thinking up his plan for moving out. Sure he only had six hundred in the bank and no job, but he just had to get out of this house. His parents had no right telling him to pay for something he did. He was drunk for Christsakes! You don't force anyone to pay for anything when they're drunk or angry!
Or, at least, that's what he truly believed when he was stoned.
~ ~
Two months later...
~ ~
Alex threw down his tie on the floor of his room, growling to himself. He had made enough money, $123 for a Friday night, but he had been there for almost nine hours. Did no one else know how to do their job tonight? He had to take half the tables in the restaurant, and all at the same time because everyone else was freaking out. He sighed and breathed deeply, trying to calm himself down as he turned on his stereo, the sounds of some piano concerto soothing his tired muscles. He sat down on his bed and rested a little as he picked up the bills that were lying on his nightstand. Car insurance, cell, state car registration bill, republican party flier, internet bill and VISA bill ad among the other junk mail. He sighed and immediately began filling out checks and putting them in the proper envelopes. Almost $400 dollars evaporated right there when he was done. He looked around his desk, but couldn't find his book of stamps, so he made his way downstairs. His parents were busy watching late night TV. He cocked his ears. They never watch late night TV. He rounded the corner and cursed to himself quietly. He forgot (again) to put away the bag of chips he had been snacking on that afternoon. He was checking the chips for staleness when he heard his mother's voice behind him.
"How many times have I asked you to put away the chips when you're done with them?" Brenda demanded harshly.
Alex groaned. "I'm sorry mom, really. I just ran out of the house today cause they were short of people at work and I wanted to help-"
"I ASKED! HOW MANY TIMES?!!!" She screamed. Alex whimpered and lowered his head, but still growled inside at the undeserved treatment.
"Like three times." He whined. His mother growled softly in her throat.
"The next time I see chips out, I'm going to charge you a dollar for each chip in the bag and I'll make you count them when you get home, do you get me?" She demanded. Alex looked up with confusion.
"What?" He asked, dazed at her demands. They were only chips, not that big a deal after all.
"You heard me." Brenda stated, matter-of-factly. "For every chip I find, it'll cost you a dollar."
"But mom, it's not that big a deal..." Alex tried to explain, in his kindest, gentlest tone, but his mother cut him off.
"It is a big deal! I've asked you three times! Three times is too many!"
"But mom-"
"No buts! The decision is final. The next time-"
Alex growled and looked up. His submissive, quiet personality faded. He had been taking shit like this for almost a year now. If he didn't put away his shoes in the right spot, he was yelled at. If he forgot to pick up something at the store for his parents, he was screamed at. If he didn't turn off the AC when told to, he was shrieked at. He had finally had it.
"No." He simply stated. Brenda was shocked.
"What?"
"I said no. Like I said, it's no big deal." He stated flatly. His mother suddenly stepped closer to him, throwing the bag of chips on the floor.
"And what if your sisters do that huh? Then I have to clean it up and after a hard day at work, I don't want to come home to a house and find..."
"Oh shut up!" Alex yelled back. His mother's eyes filled with rage, but Alex was undeterred. "You whine and bitch about every tiny thing that I do wrong. The chips were out, the dishes weren't done, the toilet lid was up. But how many times have you yelled at Xavier for these same things?!? When he came home piss-headed drunk and wrecked into my truck, you didn't yell at him. When he was hanging out with his friends and was blowing up propane tanks and set himself on fire because of his stupidity, you didn't yell at him then. But when I come home from my own hard day's work and forgot to put some 99 cent potato chips away, you scream at me!!!"
Brenda was taken back. She had never heard Alex yell. Never. Neither had she been so embarrassed, because she knew he was right. Her muzzle gaped slightly in shock at what she had done and she noticed that Alex was crying. His heart was broken and hers did too. She began to cry too.
"Oh god, I'm sorry Alex..." She said softly and reached out to touch her son's hand. "I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to...I mean...it's just that...I mean..."
Alex blinked through his tears. His mother apologizing? She had never done that. Never. He was slightly ashamed at making his mother cry, but he was damn proud of himself for finally standing up for himself. He wiped his eyes.
"It's ok. It's just you have to understand. With all the responsibilities I have...I pay for everything except room and board. And what does Xavier pay for? His cell. He didn't even pay for his insurance when he had his car running. Or his gas, or his own car for that matter. You just gave him the old family car. I paid for mine by working my ass off. I fixed it when it broke and you guys yell at me about chips and dishes. Like I said, it's not a big deal."
Brenda wanted to run upstairs and hide. She had never been so ashamed at something she had done.
"I'm sorry Alex. Forget what I said. If you leave chips out, I'll just buy new ones. You're right, it's no big deal." She whispered and leaned heavily against the counter.
Alex sighed and turned, smiling through his tears as he wondered if things would get a little better between him and his parents now. Hs stopped when he heard his mother calling his name.
"Alex...I have something to ask you." She said softly. The wolf turned, wiping the last of his tears away. His mother couldn't look him in the eyes. "Am I...a horrible mother?"
Brenda winced. She waited for her son to tell her "Yes, you're a horrific mother, I wish I had no mother, I wish I had no parents, you're thickheaded and dumb, you can't even control Xavier. I want someone else to be my mom."
But he didn't.
Alex shook his head. "No mom."
Brenda's eyes lit up and she smiled. "That's the truth?"
Alex nodded and looked his mom straight in the eyes from across the kitchen. "I don't lie. You know that mom."
Brenda nodded. "I know."
Alex turned around and walked back upstairs. Suddenly his mom was at his heels and she hurriedly ran ahead of him and grabbed a note she had put on his nightstand. Alex looked curiously at the folded paper. He hadn't noticed it when he got home.
"Mom, what's that?" He asked innocently. His mother ripped the paper in half.
"Nothing...j-j-just..." She stuttered. She hadn't stuttered since middle school. The emotions of just what was in that note was tearing her to pieces. "C-can I sit d-d-d-d-d-down?
Alex nodded and sat down at his desk while his mother sat on his bed. She finally got a hold of herself and stopped stuttering.
"Alex, I got a phone call today. Tom's parents called me and said...they said that Tom... He admitted to being a sodomite and-"
"Gay mom. He's gay. Don't use that word." Alex said, steeling his will for what surely was to come. He was wondering why Tom had been trying to call him all night long. Brenda looked curiously at her son before continuing.
"And they said that they supported him. They wanted to know what side I was on. Whether I was going to support him too or not, mainly because you are his best friend." She said and tore the paper in half again. "And I need to know, did you know he was....gay?"
Alex swallowed hard. He had been waiting for this moment his entire life. Ever since he was in middle school and began to enter puberty, his eye had always been on other males, never on a female. He never had a steady girlfriend. Whenever she tried to turn the relationship sexual, or even tried to cuddle with him, he shied away in disgust. He thought it was his strong religious upbringing doing that, all the "run from sexual immorality stuff", but he realized later that it wasn't. Once he met Tom, that was it for him. He knew he was gay and wanted to be with Tom for the rest of his life. But he never told his parents, because he knew they would overreact like his mother did tonight to the bag of chips.
But it was all going to change, starting right now. Tom's parents accepted him, so that meant he could move to Tom's if he was kicked out of the house or disowned. He needed to tell the truth as he so strongly believed in.
"Yes mom. I knew." He started, waiting for that comment to sink in. His mother was about to speak when he interrupted her. "I've been his boyfriend for three years."
Brenda's jaw dropped and Alex suddenly felt dizzy. "Oh shit, I'm fucked now..." He thought to himself. What would he need to grab if his father threw him out? "I'll need my cell, my box of important documents, wallet, keys, my overnight bag of clothes and-
"Ok." Was all his mother said before she stood up and walked out of Alex's room.
The wolf blinked hard as he watched his door shut in slow motion. With a soft click his door locked and he was alone again. Alex closed his eyes as his tears began to flow. She was ashamed of him! She hated him! She was going to disown him! He wouldn't have a family tomorrow! What the fuck was he thinking?! What the fuck was wrong with them?!?!
Alex threw himself down into his pillow and wailed softly to himself. His hand shook as he reached for his phone, dialing up Thomas and bringing the phone to his ear.
"Alex? Are you ok sweetheart?" His boyfriend's voice asked quickly, anticipating the worst.
For once, he was right.
"I told them." The wolf whispered softly. The leopard waited in tense silence before answering.
"And?"
Alex started to whimper. "I don't know Tom...I just don't know..."
~ ~