The first month or two of living together has brought with it a series of challenges wherein compromise, patience, humor and understanding for both Adam and I have been tested at times to the limit. Adam has been used to being on his own for more than five years and I know there have been times when I've frustrated him with my own habits and quirks. He's tried so hard not to distract me with my schoolwork. And I have to admit, I'm happy when he comes over to the school to say hi to my classmates and check on what I'm doing. And my classmates love him!
"Jeez' baby... what's Gordon gotcha' working on now?"
"Hi Adam... I'm just testing out some line weights on these mechanical pens you got me for Christmas. They're really a beautiful set of drafting tools. He wants us to do an axonometric drawing in ink of our student workspaces from last term. I think it's looking not too bad. What do you think?"
"Well baby, I think it looks like it could jump right off the page. I'm thinking the thicker lines on the outside edges make it look like you can reach down and put your hands around it and pick it up."
"That's the idea. They give it dimension. And that's what Gordon taught us in his last drafting class."
"Sooo... what else have they got you working on right now?"
"Well... Alan gave us kind of a fun assignment, actually. I have to team up with Eleanor Morrell to come up with something that Alan says is more like Industrial Design... a team project to stretch our creative limits and make us think outside the box. We are to design a package or protective cage to hold an egg that has to withstand a drop from a second floor window without breaking the egg. Isn't that insane?"
"What the fuck does that have to do with Interior Design Aaron?"
"Nothing really Sasq'. It's just something to make us learn how to work together... to think analytically and come up with a workable solution to a problem. If the egg survives the fall, we pass. If it doesn't, we fail. I think the whole idea is kind of neat!"
"OK, I get it," Adam laughs and then asks, "So whatcha' got in mind for that one?"
"Not sure just yet... Eleanor said she had some ideas. But I haven't talked with her yet about them."
"Are you gonna' be done here soon Aaron? I thought I'd walk with you back home for dinner soon. I made some chili up for us and picked up some French bread at the IGA. Thought we could have some of that and then head out onto the Canal again to skate down to Dow's Lake to see the ice sculptures. The fresh air will be good for you. Whadya' say?"
"Give me five minutes to pack up and we can head out then... "
"Gimme' your hand and let me spin you around Adam!"
"Just don't dump me into a crack in the ice."
"Ohhh! You mean like the last time you did that to me?" I laugh, and then start to skate away.
"Ottawa is beautiful this time of year when it isn't a hundred degrees below zero, isn't it Aaron?"
"Sure is Adam. These ice sculptures are incredible. The only time I ever saw anything even close to this before was in Kingston at Queen's University. But the ones there were nothing compared to these. The colored lights on these ones and the work and skill carving the ice is just amazing. And we can just skate right up to them and around them. That one there with the `Star Wars' theme... there's one thing missing though on that big Wookiee sculpture. They should have used you for a model."
"An eight inch icicle hanging' down from its crotch would freak people out Aaron. Besides, that's reserved just for you baby. Speaking of which, my nuts are startin' to shrivel up with the wind blowing across Dow's Lake here. Whadya' say we head on home and you can blow some hot air on them to see if we can unfreeze them before the spring thaw? Sound like a plan to you there?"
Once back home and while cleaning up the dishes together, Adam says to me, "I meant to tell you earlier Aaron, I got a call this morning from the Ministry of National Health and Welfare from that contact Mrs. Fullerton knows. They want me to come in next week for an interview for a job they have coming up at the end of March. Apparently that's the start of what they call the government fiscal new year when they get their operating budgets. The job they're thinking of for me deals with supervising clerical staff and procurement of prescription drugs for senior citizens. And they want me to learn French to become bilingual if I qualify for the job. I'm kinda' nervous about that baby."
"Gee, you could do me in both official languages. Your French kissing already gets me off."
"Very funny Aaron... but, do ya' think I could actually learn a second language? I haven't been in school in years and I hafta' admit the idea scares me a little."
"Adam, you're already losing some of that Brock Vegas woulda' coulda' shoulda' accent and I'll bet you didn't even notice it. You adapt well and aren't afraid of change. I mean really, just think about this past month. You're smart. You're determined. And you're just too sexy for words. You'll do just fine. I have no doubt of that at all. Just don't get too sophisticated for me because I love you just the way you are now."
"I love you too. Now come closer to finish warming up my furry pube bush `cause it needs your hot lips and tongue down there... like, right now."
After the initial phase of adjustment and getting used to the concept of sharing space and living together, I must admit it really didn't take that long to learn and accept each other's unique habits and foibles. He has his eccentricities, like having to fold towels a certain way and being right-handed, putting dishes away exactly the opposite to how I would. Little things like that can make living in a small apartment very challenging. The fact that we are together and approach life with a sense of humor and patience most of the time make habits like that seem very minor in the overall scheme of things. I think some of my favorite times with Adam now are when I head down to the LE to meet him after my classes, only to find him sitting there in Pick's Place reading the Ottawa Citizen while waiting patiently for me. Early in the evenings, he gets the chance to say hi to John and André, and sometimes his friend Ronnie pops in to catch up with him, before Ronnie's shift starts over at Sac's.
It's the morning of Adam's interview with the Ministry of National Health and Welfare. "You look so good Adam. Do you remember telling me once to relax and just be myself and everything would turn out OK?"
"Yeah, Aaron... I do. And thanks. Hafta' admit, I'm nervous. But I'll do my best and we'll see what happens."
The day of Adam's interview with a Mrs. Andrea Gauthier starts with me heading off to class for 9:00am and him heading down Elgin Street to meet her at her office on the Sparks Street Mall.
His interview is for 10:30am.
"Do come in Mr. Blanchard. So nice to meet you. I've heard so many good things about you already from Mrs. Fullerton. Did you know that I used to work for her husband years ago, before I married and was still living back in Brockville?"
"No ma'am. Mrs. Fullerton never told me that, Mrs. Gauthier."
"He gave me my first job out of high school and I'll always be grateful to both he and Mrs. Fullerton for the start they gave me back then. Now... I want you to relax and my co-worker and I have just a few questions for you which, hopefully shouldn't be too difficult to answer. There is one question in particular however that will comprise most of the grading we are obligated to do for this position, given that it is a supervisory management role with staff reporting to you and you in turn, reporting to senior management. But we'll get down to the questions in a few minutes. Tell me, how are you enjoying Ottawa now that you have moved up here permanently?"
"Well ma'am, to tell ya' the truth, I haven't had much chance yet to get out to really see the city. I've been up here often before when I was back in Brockville. But outside of skating on the Canal and gettin' myself settled into an apartment on Argyle Avenue, it's been busy for me. I'm looking forward to getting to really know the city though. It's beautiful and I'm excited to be given the opportunity to grow and experience all it has to offer."
"Very good. May I call you Adam?"
"Yes, please do."
"OK Adam. We have four questions for you and have already gone over your resume and the letter of recommendation Mrs. Fullerton wrote on your behalf. Just relax and take your time to answer these questions to the best of your ability. The first question is really more of a formality and needed for the official record. Are you willing to undergo Federal Government training at the government's expense in order to become officially bilingual in order to meet the requirements of the position we would be offering to you?"
"Yes ma'am I am."
Mrs. Gauthier's co-worker poses the next question. "This is an important question Mr. Blanchard. It involves a scenario wherein you are about the enter a boardroom to discuss important finance issues with another government department. Your hand is on the door knob leading into a boardroom where you are to meet with them and where they are sitting waiting for you, along with one of your staff who reports to you. This employee was responsible to provide you with critical information for this meeting and as you are about to step into the room, they confess to you that they haven't done the required work, and as such you are now in the position of having to explain this to those waiting inside the room. What do you do?"
Adam shifts a bit in his seat and starts to think about how he is going to answer this question.
"That's a really great question. I think this comes down to responsibility and accountability. First off, I'd be completely honest with the people I'm to meet. I'd apologise and tell them that unfortunately, I don't have all the information necessary to conduct the meeting. I'd then suggest a follow-up time and place to meet again as soon as possible at their office, with the assurance I'd have all required facts and information for them at that time. I'd take full responsibility myself as a supervisor for not bein' prepared and ask for their patience and understanding and hopefully then adjourn the meeting."
Is there more you would like to add to that...?"
Adam hesitates for a moment and then adds, "Uhm, yeah,...err, yes there is. If I were a supervisor in this position, I'd hafta' ask myself how I let this happen. Did I not meet enough with this employee beforehand to understand and know the progress they were making with their work? I'd sit down with this employee and ask them if I coulda' helped `em more. Did they feel my request was too difficult? Did they need my help or more time to do what I asked them to do? Were they afraid to come to me to ask for help or tell me they didn't understand what I was asking them to do? Like, in other words, what could I have done to prevent this from happening? I'd want to hear anything they have to say to me so I could help them in their job... and with mine too for that matter, to avoid anything like this from happening again."
Anything more...?"
"Yeah, I'd make sure I have everything down in writing on the chance my boss might get a call about this and let `em know right away what happened. I wouldn't want them to be blindsided if someone from the other government department complained about the waste of time and effort."
"That's fine Mr. Blanchard. Would you like to add any more to that ,or are you satisfied with that answer?"
"Well... uhm, maybe just one more thing. After I'd done all the above, maybe I'd go and meet informally with anther supervisor over coffee to ask how they woulda' dealt with a situation like this and were there any suggestions they could make to me that would help me make sure somethin' like this didn't happen again."
"Thank you Mr. Blanchard."
There are two more questions dealing with the Mission Statement for the Ministry and knowledge specific to the Section that Adam would be expected to work in. Luckily for him, he was able to find some research material and managed to ace each one of the last two rated questions.
Then the focus shifts back to Mrs. Gauthier, who is openly smiling at Adam as she asks, "Adam, are you willing to undergo a security screening process at Federal Government expense in order to meet the requirements of this position?"
"Yes ma'am."
And then the final question, which really wasn't much of a question at all, "The position will be available on a permanent full-time basis starting after March 31st which is the new Federal Government fiscal year. Would you be ready to start as of that date should you be the successful candidate for the position?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Excellent! Well, that concludes the interview Mr. Blanchard. We have a number of applicants still to interview. However, we will get back to you within the next month as to our decision. Thank you so much for your time. Do you have any questions for us regarding the position?"
"Maybe a couple... uhm, yes. Like, how many people would I be responsible for as a supervisor with this job?"
"At the moment, there are three employees reporting to this supervisory position. Although the number may increase to five or six, if our budget is approved in the new fiscal year."
"Uh, how big a budget would I be responsible for? And would I be workin' with the public or only with inside government staff?"
"A supervisor in this role would only be responsible for the staffing budget for their employees and any extra people like special consultants on an as-need basis. And yes... there may be times when this supervisor may have to meet with the public, along with senior management. Although that would depend upon the circumstances. So, do you have any more questions Adam?"
"No ma'am. Thank you for this opportunity. It's been a real pleasure to meet you both."
"We won't take long to get back to you Adam," says Mrs. Gauthier, as she gets up to walk with Adam to the elevator.
Once Adam has left the office, Mrs. Gauthier and her co-worker sit down to discuss and review the interview questions. Then Hilary says, "Well, I have to admit, that was the best answer we've received by far to-date regarding that scenario challenge. He seemed to think of it from all aspects and checked off every box on what we were looking for with his answer. And he was good with the other questions too."
"Oh come on Hilary! He's perfect for the job. You know it and so do I. And wouldn't it be nice to have that `Ottawa Rough Riders tight end', that smiling face, those gorgeous hazel eyes and that tall body hovering around us in the office every day?"
"Don't think I didn't notice Andrea. But that stays just between you and me and these four walls, OK?"
Both woman chuckle to each other as they leave the boardroom to head off for mid-morning coffee together.
Later that afternoon, I cut one of my classes short to meet Adam at the LE for a beer and then out for a quick dinner at the Ponderosa behind the hotel.
"Hey Aaron, you're here kinda' early. Did you skip a class for me babe?"
"Uh, yeah... I did, sorta'. I kept thinking about you all day and my class this afternoon was with Camilla and it was only for a crit' so I left early. She didn't mind."
"OK, but dontcha' be making a habit of that. My interview went just fine. They asked me one question I really had to think about. The rest of them were not even questions... more like, would I take language training, and would I be ready to start work at the end of March, and stuff like that. That one question really made me think though. And I kinda' owe you a thanks for helping me with it too. Do you remember when you had to do that assignment for `Lynda Birdbrain' and you did the assignment for Architecture based on following the hands of a clock?"
"Uhm, yeah... I do Adam."
"Well that sorta' helped me answer the question. I remembered that damn clock when they asked me what I would do. And I worked it out step by step and think I covered a full circle of what I would do and who I would speak to. I started with one and ended up at twelve... with me in the middle of the clock and I think I did pretty well with my answer. They're gonna' let me know in a few weeks' time. Until then, I guess we wait."
I'm smirking and with sudden inspiration, I come out with, "Well, I hope your arms and hands didn't get stuck when they reached six thirty!" Then I lean into him and quietly whisper, "I wished you good luck this morning Sasq' man. Can't hurt to say it again."
"Thanks honey. I appreciate that. Now let's finish our beer and then we can head out have something to eat and go on home after that. Are you OK with that babe?"
"Home... you really feel at home with me Adam?"
"Sure do Aaron," Adam replies with a grin, as he reaches under the table to squeeze my thigh.
"Hi Dad. I'm glad you called. How are Mom and Blackjack doing?"
"Hello Aaron. We're all fine here. We know you've been busy and didn't want to interfere with your studies. But, it's been several weeks. I wanted to touch base with you to find out how you and Adam are managing and how you are making out with your assignments. Are you keeping up-to-date with everything... and how is Adam making out with the job search?"
"Well, Dad actually, he had his interview with the Ministry of National Health and Welfare just today as a matter of fact. He told me he thinks he did pretty well too. He'll know in a few weeks and I'll let you know once he hears back from them."
"And you're not getting behind with any of your classwork, I hope."
"No Dad. Adam is making sure I stay up-to-date. It's all good."
"Good. Glad to hear that son. I did have another reason to call you, other than to say hello and ask about Adam though. I promised you I would let you know about that Aleyn Kinzinger you were in school with last year. His Father and Mother finally brought him into Elmgrove last week for rehab. I made it my business to meet with them personally when they came to the Hospital to have him admitted. His Mother is very worried about him. Apparently, he somehow managed to involve her in some illegal drug-related smuggling business overseas and she was beside herself when she discovered what he was doing. He is one spoiled, thoughtless and self-centred young man Aaron. His Father is extremely angry with him for damaging his reputation within Foreign Affairs and for using his Mother and their diplomatic channels to have drugs brought into the country. It's one big mess for them all to sort out and I understand that the RCMP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are doing a full internal investigative review of it all now. I'm so relieved you didn't get yourself mixed up in any of that son."
"I never really felt comfortable around him Dad. There was just something not quite right about the way he behaved and tried to make other people feel like they were beneath him. I guess now that I think about it, he was trying to cover up his own insecurities and fears. Uhm, you do know he's gay, don't you Dad?"
"Yes Aaron, I do. As well, his Mother mentioned to me that they are trying to sub-let his apartment up there. Aleyn told her I was your Father and she told me to say thank you for being a friend to him in school and letting me know they were putting him into Elmgrove. She is shaken up badly over this whole unfortunate episode. And I fear she may need some counselling herself in order to get through this with her son. She asked me if you and Adam would consider taking over Aleyn's apartment."
"Wow Dad! I don't know what to say to you about that. I have to stay here until at least the end of the semester to finish the lease on this place. And I'd have to talk to Adam about it too."
"I explained to her about the lease on your apartment there and she said that she would cover the cost of the outstanding rent on it until your lease expires, if you would take over and pay the rent on the place they rented for Aleyn."
"How much is the rent Dad?"
"She said it was $385.00 a month and that they wouldn't be wanting back any of the light fixtures and carpets and such they put in there to fix the place up for him. Also, if you wanted any of the artwork or dishes or anything like that, you could have them. They only want to keep the antique furniture and will probably auction all of it off up there."
"I'd really have to talk to Adam about this. When does she need to hear back about it?"
"No later than the beginning of March Aaron."
"OK Dad. Oh, and by the way... Adam and I are coming down to celebrate your birthday in a couple of weeks. Can we take you and Mom out to celebrate your birthday?"
"Oh, I think King Yee at the Peacock Inn can save us a table for four. You did say `you' were paying. I did hear that correctly... did I Aaron?"
"Yes Dad... "
"Hi Mom."
"Adam! I was just going to give you a call. How did your interview go today darling?"
"I think it went pretty good Mom."
"Adam, I don't correct your grammar very often. But it's well and not good... "
"Uhm, yeah Mom... sorry. There were two women who interviewed me and one of them used to work for Mr. and Mrs. Fullerton in Brockville before she got married and moved to Ottawa. I didn't get her last name before she got married though. She seemed really nice and the other one... well, she was OK too. They really didn't grill me too badly with questions. There was one I had to really think about though. They seemed pretty satisfied with the resume you helped me with and that letter from Mrs. Fullerton. I should hear back from them in a couple of weeks or so. They asked me if I'd be able to start right after the end of March. So I think that's a good sign. How're things with you and Bast down there?"
"We're heading down to Quebec City next week for `Winter Carnivale'. Bast hasn't been down to see his cousins in a couple of years. And he wants me to meet them and experience the city with him. I'm actually excited he suggested we do this. It's going to be fun!"
"That's great Mom."
"So, I take it you and Aaron haven't killed each other yet in that little apartment. Really now... how are things Adam? Is everything going well with the two of you there?"
"Yeah, it's all good Mom. It was kinda' touchy for the first week or so `til I was able to get all my clothes and stuff put away and get used to sharin' a place with someone else. But we managed and I think it's all gonna' work out just fine."
"I think it will too Adam. I'm very proud of you, you know. It took a lot of courage to do what you've done. Remember that I'm always here for you if you need anything or even just to talk. I miss you not coming over to the house now. But I love you and want what's best for you."
"I know that Mom. And I love you too."
"Ronnie! Heya' man. Glad you called. What's up?"
"Hey Adam. I forgot to mention to you last time we were at the LE about Valentine's Day comin' up next week. I was thinkin' maybe we could take our two boys out for dinner together down on The Market. They've got a place there called `Daphne and Victor's' that Jason here has been bugging me to take him to and we were thinking it would be a perfect time to meet everyone. We could pick you two up and drive down there for dinner that night. Whadya' think?"
"Shit Ronnie! Jeezus man... I forgot all about Valentine's Day! Sure as hell glad you called. I've been so busy getting settled myself and then with the job interview and tryin' to keep things calm around here with Aaron and his school schedule and all. You know, that sounds like a really great idea. I'd like to get a look at this Jason Spence guy you're seein' and I know Aaron really likes you and wants to get to know ya' better too."
"OK Adam... great. I'll call them today and make reservations. I'll swing around and pick you guys up with Jason and we can head out from your place then. I know it's on Argyle. What number on Argyle and can I park in front there?"
"Yep. You sure can. Parking is no problem here and its unit #2 on the first floor at 37 Argyle. If you see Aaron beforehand though Ronnie, don't say anything to him. It'll be a surprise for him that way. OK?"
"You're sure about the surprise part there Adam?"
"Yeah Ronnie. He's been too focused on some of his assignments at College this past week. I think I might wanna' shake things up just a bit for him. It's all good."
"Uhm, OK. If you say so Adam. We'll pick you guys up at 7:00pm . And I'll make reservations for 7:30pm then."
"Actually Ronnie, I have to be downtown and close to the LE that afternoon to get my driver's license changed with the new address up here now. I need to get a new health insurance card too. I'll meet you guys in front of the LE, and we can head on over to pick up Aaron after that. OK with you?"
"Sure thing Adam. We'll pull in and pick you up at the main entrance just off Elgin there."
I'm sitting with Eleanor in Alan's class and she leans over and starts to whisper to me, "Now that we've got that axonometric drafting assignment done finally for Gordon and before we have to start coming up with ideas and a concept for that retail store design assignment from Camilla for our mid-term grade, we'd better start with this chicken and egg thing we have to do for Alan's class Aaron. I know you've been preoccupied with Adam moving up, so I went ahead and did some research and think I might have an idea here."
"God! Thanks Eleanor. I was thinking of something maybe using elastic panty hose and cotton batting inside a really big box that could be dropped out the window. But I just don't know. Seems to me there must be better ways to think about this. What have you got?"
"Well Aaron... Alan told us there were absolutely no limitations to what we could do here. Only that we have to make sure the egg doesn't break or we fail the assignment. And since neither you nor I are going to jump out of a second floor window holding the egg and wearing a parachute, I think I might have something that could work."
"Go on Eleanor. I'm listening... "
"The yolk and the shell are the most fragile parts of an egg. Are you with me on that one Aaron?"
"Uhm, yeah. Go on... "
"Well, what if we were to inject something into the yolk of the egg to make it's consistency more like jelly and then coat the outside of the shell with something like an industrial enamel paint to make it super rigid and hard? Everyone is concentrating on doing something to protect the egg without thinking about somehow actually physically changing the egg itself."
"Hmm, you're right. Alan said there were no restrictions or limitations here. But do you really think he'd let us do this to the egg? We could still do up some kind of enclosure to hold the egg and either use a little parachute or wings and a tail rudder so it could glide and sail like a paper airplane down to the ground... "
"He said himself to come up with something out of the box and to be as creative as possible. If we market the idea and present it well, he really can't say we didn't comply with the requirements of the assignment. I say we do this! What do you say?"
"Well, it sure beats me having to go into a lingerie store to buy panty hose, I'll say that much for it."
Just then Alan stops his lecture on building construction materials and stares back at the two of us. "Just what are you two giggling about back there?"
"Oh nothing Alan... nothing at all... "
After Alan's class, it's my crit' time with Camilla for Interior Design Two and I'm next on the list to discuss my store design project with her.
"Vel' Aaron... vhat have you decided to do for a design for a retail store in Fifth Avenue Court? Vhat' are you going to amuse and amaze me vith today?"
"Well, Camilla... I had this idea about maybe an exclusive small boutique that sells high-end, designer bathroom accessories and towels. I've already started to develop a programming study for it and I have a name for it too."
"Vel... vhat is this vonderful name you vant to use?"
"I was thinking about when people take long bubble baths and use loofas, natural sea sponges, expensive Egyptian and Turkish cotton bath towels and designer soaps and such... and thought maybe the idea of bubbles'. Actually, I want to name the place Bubbles Bath Boutique'."
Camilla stares at me for several seconds and then starts to break out into hysterical laughter.
"Bubbles is a name for a stripper vith balloons in a Burlesque theatre Aaron! Or a clown vith a big red bowtie, silly glasses and a curly red `vig in a circus!"
The second she mentions the clown bit, I look up at her synthetic blonde wig and then down at her trademark red velvet `Camilla lips' bow tie and have to bite my tongue. Tense moments follow until I pull out the signage logo I've already developed for the store and hand it over to her.
"Here Camilla, I know it can be hard to get past stereotypes and preconceived ideas and notions. But take a look at this. I've come up with a unique slim typeface font for all the letters in the word bubbles' based on a round circular bubble shape. You'll notice the blue water drops that are on the letter S' at the end. Maybe instead of adding the words bath boutique, I should just call it `bubbles'...
Also Camilla... I was thinking of maybe including things like exclusive designer towel bars and soap dishes and maybe even having the store offer a design service for anyone who was looking to have their bathroom renovated professionally. The store wouldn't just sell stuff. It could offer professional design consultation services too."
"Vel maybe... better... yes... hmm... izzzn't it'."
"This is taking a big risk vith who you vant to come to shop in the store. The name could vork though. It has suggestive and intriguing double entendres that vould amuse sophisticated customers. Either that or they vould be scandalized and afraid to come in to shop. Vords have connotations and different meanings Aaron. Remember that. I vant to see how you develop this and how you vil present it. And I don't vant to see strippers climbing out of a clown car vith balloons popping out of its sunroof in the front vindow of your store vhen you do. Promise me that Aaron!"
As she is walking away I can hear her muttering to herself, "Hmm... clowns... strippers... bubbles... balloons... `izzzn't it'...!" And then she starts to laugh hysterically again.
"Happy Valentine's Day Aaron."
Adam yawns and stretches out beside me in bed. Then he rolls over onto his side to pull me into a playful head lock while rubbing my messed up hair and thrusting his probing, teasing tongue deep into my mouth. "I gotta' surprise for you later and not the big, hairy one that's pokin' atcha' right now under the sheets."
"Mmm, Happy Valentine's Day Adam. I'd be perfectly happy with that one. Uhm... I have a surprise for you later too."
"I'll be out when you get home from classes this afternoon baby. I hafta' renew my health insurance card and driver's license downtown with the new address here. I'll be back here around 7:00pm or so though. And then we can do something romantic for a late Valentine's Day dinner after that. Are ya' OK with that cookie boy?"
"That works out perfectly for me. I'll be finishing up that egg assignment with Eleanor today and we have to present it this afternoon. I'm curious to see who passes and who fails this one. Everyone's been really secretive about what they're doing so there's some suspense and drama and mystery happening at the school for once. Even Colin is being quiet and not trying to check out everyone else's work, which is really shocking for him."
"OK baby."
It's the end of the day and the final make or break test literally, for Alan's assigned project. The entire class is in the fire escape stairs on the second floor where the only window that opens wide enough to enable us to throw our egg projects out the window is located. Alan is there with a clipboard and checking each assignment off as each pair of students throw their project out the window.
"OK. Eleanor and Aaron... you're next."
"Here goes," Eleanor says, as she tosses the delta-winged glider with the chemically-altered egg out the window...
It was beautiful the way the air picked it up and how it started to glide gently down to the ground. That is, until one of the wings snapped off in mid-flight and it started to nose-dive into a death spiral and eventually crash onto the paved parking lot, where the rest of it broke into several pieces.
Alan shouts down to the spotter standing below, "Did the egg break or not?"
"The egg survived... "
Just then Colin comes bounding up the stairs with a live chicken that's wearing a collar and on a leash. "Here you go Alan. Nature's perfect protection for an egg. Meet `Leona Leg Horn'. We got her from a farmer down on the Market!"
The poor hen is traumatized at the sight of all of us staring and laughing at he, and promptly craps all over the stair landing. Alan is killing himself laughing and then Colin asks, "So... do I throw her out the window to see if the egg inside her survives the fall?"
Everyone is laughing at this point until Melora Payne shouts out, "No! Chickens can't fly! You'll kill her if you throw her out the window!"
Alan is bent over laughing at this point and he says, "OK Inga and Colin, I'll give you credit for imagination. Let's consider this one a pass. Now, what are you going to do with the chicken?"
"Inga then says, "It's OK Alan. I have to drive by a chicken farm on my way home to Manotick. I'll just dump her into the pen where he keeps all his other hens. It'll be days before he figures out he has one more than he thought he did. That poor farmer will never figure out how he suddenly wound up with an extra full-grown chicken. It'll likely be a question he carries to his grave."
As an anecdote here, the next day Inga came back and told everyone including Alan, that the hen she left with the farmer was the only black chicken there. Apparently, all the farmer's other hens were white.
When I told Adam this the next day, I thought he was never going to stop laughing...
Adam is waiting in front of the LE as Ronnie and Jason swing in to pick him up. "Thanks for pickin' me up Ronnie. It's just down a few blocks on Elgin Street and then you turn left onto Argyle." Then Adam leans forward to grab Jason's hand from the back seat. "Nice to finally meet ya' Jason. Aaron's gonna' be surprised we're all going out to dinner. I didn't say anything to him `cause I wanted it to be a surprise."
"C'mon in for a minute to meet Aaron and see the little place we've got here for now guys."
"OK Adam. I'll just park in front and you can lead the way in," says Ronnie.
Heya cookie boy! I'm home baby. Happy Valentine's Day honey! And look at the surprise I brought ya'!"
"Adam! Sasq'! Happy Valen... tiii... ohhh! Shit!"
I suddenly find myself standing in front of Adam, Ronnie and an open-mouthed, gaping Jason. I'm stark naked except for an obscenely short white apron with big, goofy-looking red hearts plastered all over it while presenting a full-frontal nothing left to the imagination view' for whom I was hoping would be Adam... alone! To top that off, I'm holding the Kiss the Cook... ie' sign that Adam brought up with him up from his apartment back in Brockville.
Jason doesn't miss a beat, and with a deadpan expression, perfect delivery and devastating timing says, "Oy vey... I wonder what Passover and Rosh Hashanah are like around here..."
"Aww c'mon! Jeezus Aaron... if only you coulda' just seen the look on your face when we came through the door, you woulda' laughed too! Just thank the fuckin' lord you were holdin' onto that sign in front of you. Ronnie and Jason thought it was fuckin' hilarious. Forget about it baby. " Adam keeps looking at me with a stupid, lop-sided dumb grin on his face while trying to stifle yet another laugh.
"You just wait Adam! Next time you bend over in front of me, your hairy ass is going to get captured on Kodak film and make it into the next-day edition of The Ottawa Citizen' under Death Notices'... "
"Now honey, they didn't get to see as much of ya' as I did. And we all went out and had a nice dinner afterwards. What can I do to make it up to ya' Aaron?"
"I'll have to give that one some thought. I will admit though I was sure your eyes were going to pop out of their sockets and you blocked their view and covered me up with your ski jacket as fast as you could. I suppose I should be grateful for that gallant gesture at least."
"Aww... c `mere Aaron. I promise I won't bring any more surprise guests over... until the next time!"
Adam starts to laugh all over again.
"You bastard!"
"Happy Birthday Dad!"
"Thanks very much Aaron." He sits back, sighs and then says, "I am not afraid to admit I have really been feeling my age lately. I guess this is as good a time as any to let you know that I have put in my letter of resignation for formal retirement in late spring."
"I don't think of you as old at all. You're my Dad. I don't think you'll ever be old to me."
"Nevertheless son, time marches on and catches up with all of us sooner or later. Your Mother and I are thinking of putting the house up on the market and considering one of those seniors' retirement apartments they're building beside St. Francis Xavier on Church Street where the old Notre Dame Convent is standing. We'll have our choice of which apartment if we get our names on the list right away. The building is supposed to be done in early 1980. You know, I think I'd like to be able to look over at the stained glass windows of the church from a balcony and I could go to morning Mass every day."
Hmm, what does Mom think about this?"
"She's tired and bored herself Aaron and wants to travel a bit. We were thinking about going out to Calgary to visit Ariana and Warren and the grandkids this year, and then maybe on to Banff and Lake Louise to see the Rockies. The house here is getting to be a lot for her to manage. And it's just too big now for the two of us... time for someone else to love it and take care of it and raise a family here now."
"I understand Dad. But what about Blackjack? "
"Well son... we have plenty of time now to plan and nothing is certainly going to happen overnight. We're all going through important life events and changes right now. Best to think them through and not act too quickly."
"Yeah... I guess so."
We're all together at The Peacock Inn for Dad's birthday. Mom is helping herself to a third glass of pinot noir, and after topping up Dad's and Adam's glasses, she hoists hers up and says, "Cheers Richard! Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks Viv honey... but slow down with that wine until King Yee serves us some food. I'm not carrying you back home after dessert."
"Ohhh! Richard... I was thinking we could go out dancing at the Flying Dutchman after this! Adam... you promised to show me how to do `The Hustle'. You didn't forget now did you?"
"Uhm, no ma'am, I didn't." Just then Adam leans over to me and whispers, "But I sure as hell was hopin' she would!"
At last I have my opportunity!
"Mom! That's a great idea! I haven't been out there in ages! That big stone fireplace in the lounge there would be perfect on a cold, snowy night like tonight. Let's do that. It'll be fun!" Then I smile and whisper into Adams' ear, "And that's for `not' telling me about Ronnie and Jason on Valentine's Day!"
"My baby moves at midnight Goes right on till the dawn, yeah My woman takes me higher My woman keeps me warm
What you doin' on your back, aah What you doin' on your back, aah? You should be dancing, yeah Dancing, yea ..."
The Bee Gees are blaring out from the speakers on the dance floor. And Adam looks mortified while Mom tries to follow his rhythm and dance moves.
"All he needs is a white polyester suit to match your Mother and they could go on American Bandstand together" says Dad, as he laughs and sits back watching the two of them trying to dance together.
"Mom really makes you laugh at times, doesn't she Dad?"
"That's one of the secrets to a happy marriage Aaron. You just have to laugh at life sometimes son. We're all going to wind up dead and buried someday. Might as well enjoy the ride until we get there. Remember that."
"Uh, Dad, just so you know, I talked to Adam about Mrs. Kinzinger and the apartment sub-let. You haven't seen that place so you wouldn't know anything about it. It's pretty grand and formal. I don't think it's really Adam's or my style. We'd feel uncomfortable, like we'd have to live up to its elegance all the time and well... it just isn't what Adam and I were thinking of when we eventually move. Besides, it's only a one bedroom. And we were thinking of two for when you and Mom, and Mrs. Blanchard and Bast come up to visit and maybe stay on weekends. Adam is hoping to get another car after he starts work too. And outside parking in the back of that building is not something he wants to have to deal with in the winter months. Indoor-heated garage parking, two bedrooms and maybe something more modern in a high-rise building close to the College is more along the lines of what we were thinking of."
"Funny you should think of that just now son. I meant to tell you, they took Aleyn out of Elmgrove a couple of weeks ago. I haven't seen or heard from them. And I have a sneaking suspicion they're not bring him back either. Last time I spoke with Mr. Kinzinger, he said he thought Aleyn was all better... that he and his wife were leaving for Europe for an extended period and that Aleyn would be just fine on his own in Maitland with their maid and the grounds keeper. I don't think he wants to have to deal with him, to be completely honest. That whole episode isn't over yet son. And I don't see a happy ending to it either."
"Not much laughter there is there Dad?"
"No Aaron... I'm afraid not."
It's the beginning of March, and a couple of weeks before spring break. Ronnie's boyfriend Jason and I are having lunch together in the student cafeteria at Carleton University. "Thanks Jason for showing me the library here at Carleton and offering to pick up books from the Architecture Program for me. I have an assignment for Lynda Naagy-Birdsong coming up soon and I can't find the research material I need at Algonquin on Victor Horta' and Belgian Art Nouveau'. How are you doing with your courses?"
"God! That name... `bird seed'!'
"Knock it off Jason! Adam calls her `bird brain'. Jeez'... I've almost called her that a few times myself."
Jason chuckles and then says, "Well Aaron, I figured it was time we got to know each other... uhm, with your clothes on this time, that is since we're both dating guys who went to school together back in Brockville. We're almost the same age and it's great to be able to talk with someone else who's gay and not in one of my classes, if you know what I mean."
"Yeah... I do Jason. So, how are you doing with your courses here? And uh, don't remind me about Valentine's Day again... "
Jason laughs and then responds with, "Well, second year in Urban Planning is turning out to be a formidable challenge. I'll be glad to have a break in a couple of weeks. "
"Me too Jason. I don't know if I'm going to have to work on assignments over the March Break. I hope not though, because I want to spend some time with Adam. He's been so good with me and with trying to get himself set up at home. And he just got official word from National Health and Welfare he got the job they were interviewing him for. He's nervous though, because they want him to start French language training in early July. And I know that's really been on his mind since he got the call from them."
"Well hell Aaron... I'm fluent in French, and so is Ronnie! Tell him if he ever needs someone to help him, I'd be happy to do whatever I can."
"Thanks Jason. I know he'd appreciate that. So, what do you and Ronnie have planned for Winter Break?"
"His Dad isn't doing so well right now Aaron. They're thinking about selling the farm outside of Merrickville and maybe moving into Brockville where he can be close to his doctor and get some decent health care. That place has been in his family for four or five generations though and his older brother still lives right beside it with his family. Ronnie wants to go down with me to spend a few days with his Mom and Dad. They're nice people. I really like them very much."
"We're both pretty lucky with the guys we wound up with, aren't we Jason?"
"I'd say they were lucky to wind up with us Aaron."
Just then a bell starts to ring in the cafeteria and Jason has to rush off to make it to his next class.
"Gotta' go. I'll give you a call and we'll get together later on in the week. OK Aaron?"
"Later Jason. Bye."
"Good afternoon. Is this Mrs. Thomas Blane Richard Blanchard?"
"I haven't been a Mrs. Thomas anything for many years. Who is this calling?
"Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Blanchard. I should have introduced myself first. I'm Miss Angelina McCarthy from the Law Firm, Crawley, Crawley, Carruthers and Feltmate in Edmonton, Alberta. I understand you and Mr. Blanchard were once married and have an adult son Adam. Am I correct in assuming this?"
"What's this all about?" asks Delphine, while starting to get irritated and impatient with the woman on the other end of the phone.
"I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell you this Mrs. Blanchard. But Adam's father, Mr. Blanchard has had terminal Cancer for the past year and well... sadly, he passed away the day before yesterday."
"Oh my God! I had no idea. Tom deserted Adam and me years ago and I haven't had any contact with him since our divorce years ago. We didn't know he was sick! In fact we didn't even know for sure where he was... although we suspected it was in Edmonton or at least somewhere out in Alberta there."
"Well, I'm calling you to obtain a phone number in order to contact your son, Mrs. Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard made up a will and filed it with us years ago assigning Adam as executor and sole beneficiary to his estate."
"Oh really! Well I'll tell you right now... neither Adam nor I are going to be held responsible for any of that sorry bastard's debts! He almost destroyed me when he walked out on us and I damned near lost the house back then. I want nothing to do with him and his miserable pathetic excuse for a life. And I won't have my son involved in any of his messes either!"
"You misunderstand Mrs. Blanchard. He left a life insurance policy in Adam's name and there is some money and possessions like his furniture and a car that he left for his son."
Delphine is shaking with emotion at this point and is completely shocked about what this woman is saying to her on the telephone.
"I don't understand! He wanted nothing to do with us when he abandoned us. Why would he do this now? Why? Why?"
"I can't answer that Mrs. Blanchard."
"I'm having trouble taking this all in at the moment."
"Quite understandable under the circumstances Mrs. Blanchard. This must be a big shock for you."
"That's putting it mildly Miss... what was your name again?"
"McCarthy... Angelina McCarthy."
"Well... I want to be the one to break this to Adam, Miss McCarthy. Give me your phone number and I'll have Adam give you a call once I've had a chance to talk to him about all of this."
"Don't wait too long please Mrs. Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard made his funeral arrangements over a year ago and he will be cremated within the next couple of days. He didn't specify what he wanted done with his remains and outside of the man he has been living with... that is... at least I think they are living together, there is no one out here to take his ashes or make any binding legal decisions or handle the details of his estate. Please have him contact us as soon as possible."
Delphine hangs up and then just stares at the phone for the longest time. How in the hell am I going to break this to Adam? After all these years and now I have to relive all of this. His Father... bisexual! I suspected it all along and should have said something to Adam long before now. His father... bisexual and living with another man. This is just too much! Adam will be devastated. A bisexual Father and him gay. Oh God! I thought I'd never have to have this conversation with Adam! Oh God! What now?
"Heya' Mom. So how was Quebec City? Did you and Bast get to see his family and didya' have a good time down there?"
"Never mind that for now Adam. I got a phone call today from Edmonton and there are a few things I have to tell you."
Adam looks over at me at my drafting board and says, "It's my Mom calling baby. Something's up. She sounds kinda' upset."
"Edmonton Mom? Who do you know in Edmonton?"
"Just listen to me Adam. This isn't something I can talk to you about over the phone. I'm driving up there tomorrow first thing and we can talk face to face. When are Aaron's classes? And will you be there alone in the morning? This is important darling."
"Uhm, yes Mom. Aaron will be over at the school tomorrow and we can talk then. Can't you even give me a clue about what you want to talk about?"
"Not now Adam! I'll be up there right after 9:00am. Just be there!"
Adam hangs up the phone and frowns while I ask, "So what was all that about Adam?"
"Dunno' honey. She's coming up here tomorrow to talk to me. She said something about getting a call from Edmonton. She sounded pretty serious on the phone and wouldn't tell me any more than that."
"You think she's OK?"
"Guess I'll find out tomorrow... "
"Good God Adam! This place is tiny. No sofa and just a bed and nowhere to sit?"
"Oh Mom... It's OK for now. Now go and sit at Aaron's drafting board and I'll getcha' a coffee and you can tell me what this is all about."
"Are these some of the things Aaron does at school here?"
"Uhm, yeah Mom. That model is a student workspace he made last semester. And those pen and ink renderings are gonna' be part of a store design he's workin' on right now. I helped him with that Architecture booklet there on the desk... "
She reaches over and starts to leaf through the Brockville Historical Architecture presentation Adam and I did for Lynda Naagy-Birdsong. She stares at our work in silence and then turns to face Adam and says quietly, "I had no idea he was so talented."
"I told ya' Mom, He's something and someone really special... to me. Now, what brought you all the way up here from Brockville? What's goin' on?"
"I'm not sure where to start darling... "
"I'm listening Mom. Just take your time."
"Well, yesterday I got a call from a Lawyer's Firm in Edmonton about your Dad."
"What?"
"Yes. Exactly... my reaction too. Uh, Adam... he died two days ago!"
Adam's mouth is wide open and he is just staring at Delphine, not knowing what to say.
"I might as well start at the beginning and tell you what I know. First off, and I don't want you to get angry at me for not telling you about this before now. I always suspected, but I never knew for sure. There were reasons he left you and me years ago that I hoped I would never have to really face. And now it's all coming back to force me to relive the time I was married to him, and what others told me after he deserted us. He just wasn't around for us Adam."
"I know Mom. I don't really remember him being in the house when I was really little, except for the times you and he argued."
"I know that Adam. How do I tell you this? Uhm, he wasn't there much after I got pregnant and had you. And well, he kept saying to me he felt trapped in a relationship he just wasn't cut out to be in. I never knew for sure. But I always suspected there were others he was with. After all, he lost complete interest in me and was never around. That's why you don't have memories of him when you were just a little boy. "
"Go on Mom."
"Well darling... this woman called me yesterday from Edmonton. She is with a Law Firm out there and called to get your phone number, because she needed to contact you about your Father. I'm probably going to blurt this out here and it may be very confusing for you. But I'm upset and her call gave me a real shock. I'll tell you everything I know and then you can decide if you want to contact them or not."
"OK Mom. Keep talking."
"Seems like your Father had a will and named you as executor to his estate."
"What exactly does that mean?"
"It means that you are responsible to settle his affairs and are the sole beneficiary of anything he has left after everything is settled and paid off."
"I haven't got any money to pay off his debts Mom. He screwed you over but good back then. I remember and he's not gonna' do the same to me now that he's dead."
"I know Adam... and I told that to the woman on the phone. She said he didn't many outstanding debts and that he left you a life insurance policy and that whatever money was there, in addition to that would more than cover whatever he owed. Also, that he had a car and some furniture and personal effects that all belong to you now."
Adam stares at his Mom and is waiting for her to continue.
"What's the catch here Mom? What aren't you telling me?"
"Well darling... I never knew for sure until years later. But to be honest with you, sex between your Father and me was non-existent those last three or four years before he disappeared on us. God! How do I tell you this?"
"I'm a grown man Mom. You can talk to me. Go on."
"Well Adam... your Father was bisexual."
"What?"
"Bisexual. I didn't know that when we got married. And thinking back now, I think he married me to hide it from everyone in Brockville, including probably himself too."
"Oh Mom!"
"I didn't want you to ever have to know that. After all, that was a secret and it was something private and intimate really between him and me in our marriage. When he left you were still just a young teenager. I knew you were gay even back then and didn't want you to think you were the way you were because of him. Oh! This is all just so complicated!"
"Mom! It's OK."
"You were so angry with him for deserting us back then and were having your own identity problems with yourself and at school. And I was just trying the best I could to keep the house and not lose it and keep us going.... "
Silence from Adam.
Then, "I don't know what to say Mom. I just don't."
"Apparently, he's been supposedly living with another man for the last few years in Edmonton. That much I got out of the woman who called. I have no other information other than that to give you regarding his... uhm, living arrangements out there. God knows what kind of situation you'll be dealing with should you decide to call the Lawyers back."
"Have ya' got that phone number on ya' Mom?"
Delphine is crying at this point and wiping tears away as she hands the scrap of paper with the phone number scribbled down on it to Adam.
"He's to be cremated in the next day or so. You won't make it out there before then if you decide to go. He made his funeral arrangements when he was diagnosed with Cancer last year. I'll get you a plane ticket to fly out if you do decide to go. God... what a sad end to a sad story. I'm so sorry Adam!"
"I don't blame you for not telling me about him Mom. I just wish I coulda' got to know him a bit though. I think he and I could have helped each other... what a waste. Fuck!"
"He would have been proud of the man you've turned out to be Adam. And I know, whatever the problems there were between him and me... well, he did love you. I guess what he left to you should prove that after all this time."
"Money and stuff Mom. Money and stuff. What's it all about anyway?"
"Is your Mom still up here Sasq'? I tried calling you when I had some free time over lunch break and there was no answer. Did you go out with her for lunch?"
"Uhm, no baby. She needed to get back to Brockville. And I just had to get outta' here myself for a bit. I laced on my skates and was out on the Canal. The season's almost done now. Think this might be the last of it `til next year. The ice was fuckin' lousy. When are ya' comin' home Aaron?"
"I was going to head over to Wallack's to pick up some stuff for my presentation boards for my store project. You sound really strange Adam. Is everything OK? What did your Mom want to talk to you about?"
"C'mon home Aaron. I need you like, right now baby. Fuck Wallack's. Come home. The walls in this place are closing in on me without you here. Pack your shit up there and get your butt back here with me. I need you here. Like right now!"
"I'm on the way... "
"Toss that jacket on the floor and then get your tight, fuckin' little ass over here! I'm gonna' have every piece of clothing offa' you in thirty seconds and my cock's gonna' be in ya' even faster than that. I need to feel you like, right now honey! I need to feel something real... anything..."
His hands are all over me, wildly tugging and yanking at my sweater and shirt and then jerking the zipper on my jeans, as he grinds himself into me. I can feel his heart beating and with one violent motion, he pulls me into his hairy chest, yanks down my pants and aggressively forces me up against the wall.
"Lube my dick up babe! The KY just fell off the top of the dresser there. I hafta' be inside you. This day's been unreal. The only thing keepin' me from losing my mind is the thought of you Aaron! Your ass is mine! Now... rub my dick with that shit. I'm gonna' ram your ass `til I bust a load and you're gonna' need to be extra wet and juicy down there to take what I'm gonna' shove into ya!"
I can feel his passion and urgent need radiating like heat lighting from him and reach down to grab onto his throbbing cock. The crotch of his pants is moist and pungent and feels like 110 degrees. I'm biting and sucking his dick right through them, and I can hear his soft moans every time I rub his strong inner thighs with my hands that seem have taken on a life of their own, as they work themselves all over his hairy pleasure trail and scrotum. The tight seam of his pants that rides up his ass crack tells me he's free-balling. And all I can think of is his hairy butt cheeks and furry pube bush... and my mind is obsessed with having his scent all over me. I pull his zipper down and start to work his pre-cum leaking, hairy cock with my tongue. Wave after wave of his heady, intoxicating and overpowering male essence fills my nostrils up with his fresh sweat and spicy `Adam Blanchard' aura. Then he groans and grabs onto my neck and shoulders, and forcefully thrusts his cock deep inside my mouth.
"I just gotta' know you're all mine and what we have is real. Nothing between us... nothing to hide... just you and me Aaron. Lick my cock head and suck up that juicy man spunk baby `cause it's all for you and no one else!"
His pants are lying in a wrinkled heap on the floor beside him.
There's no time to make it to the bed, so he squats down with me still on my knees and pushes me onto the hard floor on my back. I can feel every inch of him on top of me as his hands move over every part of me... eventually clawing and grabbing onto my butt and hoisting it up off the floor. His lips and tongue work my nipples into hard, sensitive points of hot, burning pleasure. And, all I can think about is having his big cock thrusting inside me.
"Baby, you're gonna' wrap your legs around my shoulders `cause I wanna' see your face when I'm inside ya'. I hafta' see your eyes when I'm doin' ya' honey. Something real... something honest.... something special... just you and me."
The KY that fell off the top of the dresser when he threw me into the wall lies right beside him on the floor. He grabs it and twists the cap of it off with his mouth and spits it out, only to see it roll under the dresser.
"Fuck it! I'll get it later."
The lube is warm on his fingers as he plays with my butt. With three of his fingers inside me attacking my sphincter muscles he keeps working me and then urgently exclaims, "No time for foreplay baby. I just gotta' be in you like, right now!"
Then he rams his massive, throbbing, hard cock deep into me with one continuous, thrusting motion. It feels like it's going deeper and deeper into me and never going to stop.
"You'd better start moving that big thing back and forth because you're rubbing my prostate, and I'm going to cum really fast if your cock keeps banging it that way Adam..."
"Aww fuck... I can't hold back any longer honey! Fuck! Fuck! Fuckin' Jeezus fuck!"
I can feel his big shaft erupting and shooting his thick, copious cum load deep inside me. I can feel every muscle contraction of his pulsating cock, as he groans and cries out my name.
"Fuck Adam! I'm cumming too!"
My back is arched up off the floor. I'm shaking and vibrating with jerky, involuntary movements against Adam as he keeps thrusting his big cock into me. He's panting... his chest continues to heave against me, while his strong heart beats an irregular pounding rhythm of need and passion into my brain.
Collapsed and breathless on the floor together, fully spent and satiated, with arms and legs entwined and carelessly ripped and tossed clothing all around us, Adam sighs and says to me. "Aaron... honey... cookie... I love you."
"I love you too Aaron."
"I needed you and you dropped everything and came right away when I asked ya' to. I'll always be here for you too Aaron. Always baby... I'd never leave you... "
Just then I look into his eyes and can see that he is on the verge of crying. Tears are starting to well up and he is blinking to hold them back. He pulls me in tight and close to him and buries his head into my shoulder and exhales deeply so I can feel his hot breath on my neck. Then I feel a single tear drop down onto my shoulder.
"What went on earlier today with your Mom Adam? You were a crazy man with me just now. It was perfect... but I know you Sasq'. Something happened here today. Is your Mom OK? Are you OK? Talk to me... I'd never leave you either. Never Adam. What's going on?"
"Oh honey! I don't know how or where to begin." Suddenly he starts to cry, and his sobs touch something deep inside of me.
"Adam... you once said to me you'd always be there for me and you've never let me down. Let me be here for you now. I love you. Just start talking. Doesn't matter how long it takes to get it out. I'm here now and listening. Take your time."
"My Dad died Aaron."
"What? I thought you didn't know where he was."
"Mom and I didn't know for sure. That's why she came up here today... to tell me that."
"I'm not going to interrupt. Just keep talking."
"Baby... she told me he was bisexual. And that's why he left her and me years ago."
It's taking everything I have not to ask him questions. But I know he's hurting and has to get this out in his own way, and in his own time. All I can do is put my arms around him and hold him as he continues to tell me what happened here earlier today.
"He died of Cancer and was sick for a long time. He was living with some guy out in Edmonton. And some Lawyer called Mom yesterday asking her for my phone number `cause they needed to get in touch with me."
"Go on.... "
"Well Aaron, seems he died and made me executor of his estate. They want me to fly out there to settle his affairs. He's getting cremated and I'm not gonna' be able to make it out there beforehand. He made all his funeral arrangements a while back and didn't want a service... "
The tears keep flowing and his shoulders are shaking. And all I can do is to keep holding him.
"Mom says he left a life insurance policy and some money and stuff for me in his will. I don't give a fuck about any of that shit! So many years wasted. He shoulda' been there for me. I coulda' been there for him. Fuck Aaron! What a lost opportunity for us to get to know each other."
"Hoist yourself up onto the bed there Adam. I'm going to make us some coffee. It's cold in here. Take that quilt your Mom made for you and wrap it around yourself. I'll put the water on and be right back."
"The hot cup feels good in my hands Aaron. Thanks baby."
"No problem... now slide your hot, sexy man butt over and let me sit here too... and keep telling me what else happened today and how you're feeling."
Well, at least the mention of his butt got a little smile out of him. Mission accomplished...
"Well honey, Mom said it was up to me whether I wanted to go out there and that I didn't have to if I didn't want to. This man he's been living' with... I'm freakin' out with havin' to go meet and deal with him. And then there's havin' to go through all his stuff... some man who is my Dad that I don't even hardly know... fuck! I just don't know if I wanna' do that Aaron. Mom left me a piece of paper with the name and phone number of some woman from the Law Firm that has his will. They want me to fly out there and take a week or two to settle his affairs. I'm kinda' fucked up over this Aaron. Do I go or do I just say fuck it all and forget about him?"
"How is your Mom handling this Adam? She must have been totally shocked when they called her."
"She was pretty upset and told them she wouldn't pay for any outstanding debts, and neither would I. Then they told her about the insurance and money and stuff, and said she didn't need to worry about that. She was really upset and had a hard time telling me about Dad and their marriage and why he walked out on her. She never knew for sure about him and other men. At least that's what she said to me. It was hard for her to talk to me about her life with him. She told me she'd pay for a plane ticket though if I wanted to go. And, I have some money your Mom and Dad gave to me for my birthday saved up too."
"Well Adam... you've got a few weeks before you have to start your new job with Health and Welfare."
"A bit more than that baby. They want me to start there April the 10th... the week after Easter Monday. That gives me about six weeks or so to get everything cleared up there and back home here before I have to start.
"That's good then Adam. If you go, you can start the new job with a clear head. And if you decide to go, don't worry about me here. I'm not going to tell you what to do. You need to figure it out for yourself. I'll support you in whatever you decide. I love you. And as you say to me all the