This is a work of fiction. It is straight out of my imagination, except for most of the pagan practices mentioned. This is written for adults and if you are not supposed to read this where you live, then please don't.
Part 6
I was uncomfortable the next morning, but I soon got over it. Ryan went to work and I returned to my studio. I checked my email and sent a couple of notes. I worked on a few drawings for the rest of the morning. I was about to break for lunch when the phone rang.
"Hey Mom," I said into the receiver.
"Oh, you have one of those caller ID things," she asked brightly. I thought for a moment and realized what I had done.
"Um, yeah, sort of," I stumbled. "So, how are you and Dad?"
"Oh, I'm okay, and he is himself. He is out playing golf with some of his buddies. How are you doing, Honey?"
"I am fine. I am going through a good art phase," I stated looking at the unfinished drawing on my table.
"Well, I called to find out when you would be getting here." I froze and had to think for a moment. Thanksgiving was on its way in a few weeks. I flinched and tried to think of something that would get me out of going. I couldn't think of a good solid reason. Suddenly, I thought of Ryan.
"Oh, gee, Mom. I don't think I can come this year. I have an obligation and I don't know if I can work around it."
"Oh, are you dating someone," she asked sounding very surprised and a bit excited.
"No, I have a student."
"Really; you have never had a student before. That is wonderful. Bring her along if she would like to come." She was unflappable and very determined.
"She is a he, and I will have to ask him. I will think about it and call you back." We chatted for a few more minutes and I told her a joke I had heard. She told me about some of the gossip in the condos and about the restaurant she and Dad had visited. After about a half an hour she asked me again.
"So, you will think about coming?"
"I will think about it," I answered.
"You know we would love to see you. And I would enjoy meeting your student."
"Yeah, I bet Dad is really looking forward to my visit." I looked down at the floor and wished my voice had not sounded so bitter.
"Your father loves you, Caison. You know that. He is just... difficult, sometimes." We were quiet for a moment.
"I will call you soon. I will talk it over with Ryan. If he is interested, I guess we will come," I almost mumbled into the phone.
"Well, hurry. I want to start making the plans. Now go eat some lunch, and I will expect your call soon." She told me she loved me and I reciprocated. I hung up the phone and headed off to the kitchen.
When Ryan got home, I was cooking dinner. I was trying to think of how I was going to ask him about Thanksgiving. I knew his parents lived far away, and I figured he wouldn't want to go all the way there for a meal. I kept thinking when he came into the kitchen.
"What's for dinner," he asked as he fixed himself a glass of tea. I turned and smiled over my shoulder.
"Veal Parmesan," I answered and returned to my tomato sauce. He walked up close behind me and looked over my shoulder. He was so close I could feel his chest brush against my back.
"It smells wonderful. Is there anything I can do?" He walked over to the island and started shifting dirty dishes.
"I suppose you can make the salad."
"Great, I am good at tossing salad." When he said this I nearly popped a gasket. I held in my laughter, hoping he wouldn't notice my amusement. I didn't want him to think, or know, I have such a dirty mind. I stirred my sauce and composed as well as I could. He finished the salad and asked how long until dinner. I told him that it would be on the table in about fifteen minutes. He ran upstairs to shower and change.
I plated the food and set the table. I pulled a light red wine and opened it. I had everything ready when Ryan returned. We sat down and started to eat in an odd silence. I knew why I was quiet, but I wondered about him.
"This is wonderful," he said finally.
"Thank you; it is one of my favorite recipes." I pushed at my food, stalling the inevitable. I was still a bit embarrassed from the night before and I certainly wasn't looking forward to asking him about the approaching holiday.
"Do you have plans for thanksgiving," I asked suddenly.
"No; not really. I hadn't thought about it."
"Well, my mom asked me down to her house and she said for me to bring you." He looked at me thoughtfully and then took another bite of his veal.
"That is fine with me if it is fine with you. Would you want me to go," he asked and sipped his wine.
"I would be more than happy. I just need to warn you about my parents." He smiled at this and shifted in his seat. "I don't get along with my dad. He doesn't like some things about me, and he is bitter about it." He looked at me thoughtfully and then returned to his dinner.
We cleared the table and filled the dishwasher. We headed out to the parlor for some study. I started him on studying the pantheons. He knew a little, but didn't realize there were so many pantheons. I sat reading a book by Scott Cunningham as Ryan read about the Isian system. After about a half an hour Ryan looked up at me. I felt him looking and met his gaze.
"Your dad doesn't like you being a witch?" I nodded, and then looked over at the cold fireplace.
"That is not all," I said and then regretted my words.
"What else could there be? You are such a great guy." He looked at my expectantly. I slowly grinned and then looked back down at my book. I closed it and tossed it on the coffee table.
"I hope you are ok with this. I don't think of it too much anymore. I am gay." Ryan looked a little surprised. I got worried for a minute, but then he grinned.
"That is not a problem for me. I am secure with myself and I like being your friend. You are a great teacher and that is what matters. I will go with you for Thanksgiving, and I will be there to support you." He stood up and walked over to me. He sat on the edge of the sofa and hugged me. I was turned on a little, but above all I was touched.
"Wow, gay and a witch, I bet your dad does have a problem with you," he said and started laughing. I just smiled and pushed him away from me. He cuffed me on the shoulder and grabbed his book and continued reading.
(To be continued) The next chapter will be submitted soon. I welcome comments, twinkchaser@excite.com