REMEMBERING DAD

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. You may not sell or post to another site or copy without the permission of the Author. The following is a work of fiction and any resemblance to real people or events is purely coincidental. The story may contain graphic descriptions of sex between men. Anyone who is forbidden by law to read such material must stop now. This story is being posted to the Nifty Archive solely for the enjoyment of its readers.

A special thanks to my loving partner for helping me edit this story along with his love and support.

REMEMBERING DAD

By Tysho Copyright May 2005

This is not a story of incest, so get your minds out of the gutter. This is a story of a son watching his father fall in love.

My name is Ryan Spencer and I am sixteen years old right now. My mother died when I was about ten years old. She died from cancer. I can remember that my father was always at my mom's side until the day she had died. My parents were very much in love with one another. Sometimes it seemed to be one sided, it would be my father who would do special things for my mom, just to remind her of how much he loved her. For example, if she had a bad day at work, he would fix a soothing bath for her while he fixed us all dinner.

When my mom died, my father really took it very hard. It was the first time that I even saw him cry. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night and walk past my father's bedroom, and there I would hear him crying. My father was always a pillar of strength. He tried very hard not to shed a tear in front of me.

It was now just my dad and I. He was always there for me, even before my mom died. I can remember those days after my mother had passed away when I had really missed my mom, Dad was always there. He would hold me and tell me that we would be just fine. My father was always great, trying to make sure that I was happy, during these rough times. I think that since our loss we had become even closer.

For the next year, it had been a major adjustment for the two of us. We had our good times and our bad times. But this year there had seemed to be more bad times, I think. I really hate to say this, but as I think back now, I am glad that I was in school, that seemed to take away the time in thinking about my loss. It kept me busy.

The other thing about school was that I had Mr. Westin as a teacher, and he was also my baseball coach. He was definitely a major help. He knew of my situation and was always there for me. Mr. Westin would always be there to listen to me on those rough days. He had become a major support in my life, at a time when I really needed someone to just listen to me or the times when I became real emotional and was crying, Mr. Westin would be there to help calm me down with a big hug.

During that whole year, after I had finished with school, I would just hang around with Mr. Westin. I really enjoyed the time we spent together. He always managed to bring light into my life at a very dark point of my life. I know that Dad had tried his best to support me, but he was really having a difficult time with adjusting and being alone without my mom. Dad was really great, every morning he would take me to school and in the afternoons he would pick me up. So, when I was waiting for my father, I would just hang out with Mr. Westin. Mr. Westin never seemed to mind the extra company, in fact I think that he really enjoyed my company. We had similar interests and the two of us were always laughing and carrying on.

I guess that I should probably describe Mr. Westin and my father. Both of them were equally good looking men. The two of them were in their mid-thirties, rugged looking, with brown hair and brown eyes. The only difference between the two of them was that my father was clean shaven and Mr. Westin always had a five o'clock shadow. Of the two, Mr. Westin was slightly taller and built larger than my father. My dad always dressed preppy, occasionally he would wear jeans, but it was rare. Now, Mr. Westin always wore jeans, a button down oxford shirt with a tie. My father worked as an attorney for a major law firm, so his hours were pretty flexible.

Shortly after my mom's death, I began to isolate, I stopped spending time with my friends and really didn't talk too much. The only people I would talk to were Mr. Westin and my father. I really didn't feel comfortable around my peers. Most of my friends had both of their parents alive and I only had my father, so I felt real awkward. Then one day at school, Mr. Westin made an announcement, the announcement was that the school was planning on having their annual fundraiser. The school had decided that for their fundraiser, they were going to have a bake sale. Now, I know now that a bake sale was no big deal, but at that particular time, I didn't have a mom to help me bake cookies. I didn't know what to do. So, as a result of hearing that announcement, I began to really clam up. When my father picked me up from school that day, I didn't say anything to him.

During our ride home, my dad asked me how my day was, and I just mumbled that it was ok. When we got home, I ran into my room and began to cry. The tears seemed to never end. I was angry and yet I felt totally alone. I didn't have a mom any more. I was angry at her for leaving me alone and not being there for me, to help me bake cookies. The bottom line was that I really missed her. Now that may sound selfish to you, but for a ten year old boy, it was definitely a big deal. I am sure that my father had sensed that I was very unhappy. When he had come up to my room to call me for dinner, I just told him that I wasn't hungry.

That was probably a very awkward situation for my dad. He had no clue as to what exactly was bothering me. Being the supportive father that he was, all he said was that when I was ready to talk he would be there to listen, and just left it at that. I know that baking cookies for a bake sale was no big deal, but just the idea of baking cookies made me miss my mom, even more.

So, after my father left my room, I just snuggled up in bed and cried myself to sleep. It was about three o'clock in the morning when I woke up. I got dressed and grabbed my book bag and snuck out of the house and proceeded to walk to school. Yes, I know that it was too early to be going to school. However, I needed a long walk. When I reach the school premises, I sat on the school stairs, just thinking. I still must have been tired, because I dozed off.

It was about seven o'clock when someone began shaking me awake. I was still in a fog from my slumber. After a few minutes of focusing, I realized that it was my school teacher, Mr. Westin.

"What are you doing here, Ryan? It's seven o'clock in the morning. Does your father know that you are here?" a concerned Mr. Westin asked.

"I just needed some time to think."

"What are you talking about, Ryan?"

I just kind of sat there looking off into space for a few moments, when the tears began running down the side of my face. Mr. Westin could now tell that something was really bothering me.

"Ryan, come inside with me. It's cold out here. We'll get you some hot chocolate to warm you up, and then we can talk."

So, I got up and followed Mr. Westin up the stairs into the school. We went to his classroom. He sat his briefcase on his desk and told me that he'd be back in a few minutes. I just sat in one of the empty desks and continued staring off into space, as the tears continued running down my face. About five minutes later, Mr. Westin came back with a mug full of hot chocolate and set it in front of me.

"Here, drink this, Ryan. Now, would you mind telling me what is going on? And does your father know that you are here?"

"I don't want to discuss it right now. I still need more time to think."

"Think about what, Ryan? You had mentioned that, when I found you sleeping on the school stairs. It's early in the morning, school doesn't start until nine, and just how long have you been on the school steps, anyways?"

"I don't remember when I got here. It must have been about five, I think."

After that, Mr. Westin sat down in the desk next to me. He could see the pain in my face. I am sure he probably knew that it had something to do with my mom. After I took another sip of the hot chocolate, Mr. Westin put his arm around my shoulders. That is when I totally lost it. I began crying non-stop. He then wrapped his other arm around me as I placed my head on his shoulder and continued crying.

"It's going to be ok, Ryan. You just need some time. Losing your mom is a very difficult thing. I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling. But I want to tell you something. In spite of your loss, you still have a wonderful father, who loves you very much and you also have me as a good friend you can count on. Now are you ready to tell me what happened?"

As I managed to control my crying, I began to speak, "The school's bake sale."

"What about the school bake sale, Ryan?"

"My mom usually bakes cookies for the bake sale. Now that she is gone, who's going to help me make cookies for the bake sale?"

"That shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure the school won't mind if you are not able to make cookies for the bake sale. Or, if you want you can come to my house and we can make cookies together. All we need is to get your father's permission to let you come over to my house to make cookies."

"You would do that for me?"

"Yes, that isn't a problem, Ryan. Is there anything else that's bothering you?"

"I just miss my mom, that's all. First I was mad at her because she wasn't here for me, and then later I realized that I miss her a lot."

"Ryan, that is very normal when a person loses someone they love very much. You might want to talk to your father about this. I'm sure that he feels the same way you do. Now let me call your father and let him know that you are all right."

Mr. Westin called my dad from his cell phone to let him know that I was all right. I still was emotional, but I seemed to be a little bit better than I was. Mr. Westin had been a really big help. What really started bugging me was I how to explain this to my father and the reason why I left the house so early in the morning.

"Hello, Mr. Spencer? This is Daniel Westin, Ryan's teacher. Yes, he is right here with me. It seems that he must have left your house early in the morning. I found him here when I arrived at school this morning, sitting on the school steps."

"Oh my God, I was so worried when I didn't find Ryan in his room this morning. I am so glad that you found him. Is he all right?"

"He seems to be fine for now. But I think that he is really having a hard time adjusting to the loss of your wife."

"I don't know how to thank you. Ryan has told me so much about you. You have been such a help to him. I am so glad that he has a teacher like you."

"Well, thank you for the compliment. Mr. Spencer, I know that you pick up Ryan after school, I was wondering if the three of us might talk today after school?"

"Sure, anything you want. I would do anything for Ryan."

"How about three o'clock this afternoon?"

"Three o'clock would be fine. Uh, may I talk to Ryan?"

"Sure, he is sitting right beside me, hold on."

"Ryan, it's your father on the phone. I want you to talk to him, then this afternoon after school is over, the three of us can talk some more."

So, Mr. Westin handed me his cell phone. I was still kind of shaky, but I did what Mr. Westin had asked me to do.

"Hi, dad, yes, I'm ok."

"Son, you had me so worried. What's going on?"

"Dad, can we talk about this later?"

"Sure, son, I will be there to pick you up at three, but your teacher suggested that the two of us meet with him to have a talk before we leave."

"Ok, Dad, I'll see you later this afternoon."

"Have a good day, son. Bye."

"Bye, Dad."

After I was done talking to my father, I handed Mr. Westin back his cell phone. I just kind of sat there with my hands folded in my lap and looking downwards. My mind seemed to be real fuzzy, which was a result of all of these thoughts racing through my brain, not to mention the emotions on top of them. Even though I still had my father and Mr. Westin for love and support, I still felt alone, abandoned, angry and sad towards my mom for leaving me. Intellectually, I knew that it wasn't her fault for dying, but it just didn't seem fair. As I continued to sit there, all I could do was think of how much I really missed her. The tears once again began pouring out of my eyes. Mr. Westin took notice of the pain I was feeling again and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. My body began to feel like jello as I leaned over towards him as he held me in a hug.

"Would you like to talk about it, Ryan?"

As I tried to regain my composure, "I just really miss my mom. I know that my dad is doing the best that he can, but it just isn't the same. I've got all of these feelings inside, hitting me all at once."

"I know that this is a difficult time in your life. I can remember when I lost my mom, I was about sixteen and even though I was a little bit older than you, it just doesn't make the pain lessen any. At least you have one thing going for you. . ."

"What's that?"

"You still have your father, a father who loves and cares for you very much. Me, on the other hand -- I wasn't as lucky as you are. My dad was an alcoholic and was never around. So, Ryan, you are very lucky."

When nine o'clock rolled around, school began. I tried to stay focused on school, but it was no use, so I continued my day.

It was a little after three and I was waiting in Mr. Westin's classroom when my father entered. The whole day was a complete blur to me I was still emotional, so I was totally oblivious to the day's activities.

My father and Mr. Westin shook hands "Hello, I am Ryan's teacher, Daniel Westin."

"Hello, Mr. Westin, I am Michael Spencer, but you can call me Mike."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mike. You can just call me Daniel."

"I just want to thank you so much for looking after my son. I really appreciate your help and support."

"Well, Mr. uh Spe. . . I mean Mike, you have a terrific young boy here. It is always a pleasure to spend time with Ryan."

"Thank you, Daniel," After the two of them made their introductions, my father turned to me.

"So, how was your day, son?"

"It was ok, Dad."

"So, Ryan, do you want to tell me what is going on?"

"It's nothing, Dad."

"Ryan, it isn't nothing, something must be bothering you for you to leave the house at the crack of dawn and to go to school of all places."

So, Mr. Westin pulled my father aside and explained the situation of the school bake sale and how it reminded me of just how much I missed my mom. As Mr. Westin was explaining the situation to my father, my father would just glance over at me with concerned eyes. By the look in my father's eyes, I could see that he could begin to understand just how I was feeling.

"Ok, Ryan, Mr. Westin has explained everything. I just want you to know that I miss your mom too. Mr. Westin also informed me that he would help you make cookies for the bake sale. So I've decided to take off work tomorrow and the three of us can make cookies for your bake sale after you get out of school. Then after we are done, I've invited Mr. Westin over for dinner."

I looked up at my father with a smile. I went to him as he opened up his arms and picked me up. He then wrapped me in an open embrace. I began to cry again, as the tears were running down my face and onto my father's shoulder. My father was the greatest. I guess that I was just afraid to let him know how I've been feeling. Not to mention that he was willing to take time off work to help me with the bake sale. That meant a lot to me. That was my father, always willing to sacrifice himself for his family. As I was stuck in all of the emotions and drama, I had forgotten just how lucky I really was. Mr. Westin was right, my father still loves and cares for me. I was definitely very lucky to still have him.

After the tears subsided, my dad gave me a kiss on the forehead, reassuring me that things would be all right. I felt warm and safe in his arms.

"It's going to be all right son. We will get through this together. I love you so much and don't you ever forget that. You never have to be afraid to come and talk to me. I am never too busy for you."

After I regained my composure, my father put me down as I stood next to him. He put his arm around my shoulders and I put my arm around his waist. I just didn't want to let go of him. My father and I then said our goodbyes to Mr. Westin and left for home. When we reached the house we both placed our bags in the hallway.

"Ryan, why don't we get changed out of these clothes, then you and I can make hamburgers for dinner, so the two of us went up to our rooms and changed. After we were done we met downstairs in the kitchen. Dad was there before I arrived. He was in the middle of chopping the onions for the hamburgers. While he was chopping the onions, I looked up at him and saw tears rolling down his cheeks. I didn't understand whether or not something was wrong.

"Dad, are you all right?"

In the middle of the tears and sniffling my father responded, "Yes, son, I'm all right. It's these darn onions. I don't know how your mom used to do it, cutting onions without crying."

I began to laugh.

"What's so funny, Ryan?"

"What Mom used to do was to run the onions under cold water first," as I giggled out loud.

"Ah, you think that's funny, hey." With that he grabbed me and began tickling me. He then lifted me up and sat me down on top of the kitchen counter.

When he finished chopping the onions, he put them into a large bowl, next he added the ground beef and then he had me crack the eggs as he added the breadcrumbs into the hamburger mixture. Next, he handed me a wooden spoon and I began mixing it all together. After I had finished, the two of us began making the hamburger patties and placing them onto a dish.

When everything was ready to be cooked, he lifted me off the counter and told me to get the step stool so I could help fry up the hamburgers. The time together was totally awesome. I began to feel wanted and needed. I think it was the idea that I felt special, in my father's eyes. We ate our meal after it was cooked and then the two of us did the dishes. My dad washed the dishes as I dried them. As he was washing the dishes, he splattered me with the dish water. I had a big heaping mound of suds on the top of my head. He looked at me and I looked at him. As he was looking at me, he began to laugh at me in hysterics.

I then wiped the soap suds off the top of my head with the towel, and then I reached over into the sink of dish water and splashed the water at him, getting the front of his t-shirt wet. Next, he splashed some more water at me he said getting me wet.

"Oh, wise guy, hey," as I once again reached over to the sink and turned off the hot water and the cold water began running through the faucet. Next I grabbed the hose and squirted him in the face with the cold water. This went on back and forth as we began having our water fight. After about five minutes of our antics, the two of us were laughing so hard that we were in tears. We stopped our water fight as we were trying to catch our breath. My father picked me up and wrapped me in his arms again and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"That was fun, Ryan. I guess that the two of us were long due for some fun."

"Dad."

"Yes, son."

"I just want to say that I love you."

"I love you so very much, Ryan. Now come on and help me get the kitchen cleaned up and then you should probably do your homework and then we can get ready for bed. I think that the two of us have already had our shower for the evening."

So, we cleaned up the mess we had made. After that I worked on my homework. My father sat at the dining room table with me, reading the newspaper. It was really special to have him near me. When I finished my homework, the two of us went upstairs to get ready for bed. I put on my pajamas and brushed my teeth. After that I felt that I didn't want to be alone. I had such a great time with my father that I didn't want this to end, so I went to his bedroom and knocked on his door, which was halfway open.

"Come in, Ryan."

As my father was lying in his bed reading a book, I walked over to him, "Dad, can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, Ryan, what is it?"

"Can I sleep with you tonight? I had such a great time this evening that I don't want this to end."

"Sure, Ryan, hop in," he said as I went over to the other side of his bed and he opened up the covers to let me in. Once I crawled into his bed, I scooted over close to him as he put his arm around me. Dad then continued reading his book as I laid my head against his chest, and then I fell fast asleep.

The next day I was feeling better. My father dropped me off at school and told me that he would pick me up after school and that he would meet me in Mr. Westin's room to finalize the plans. My whole day had turned out to be a better one. When school was over, my dad picked me up at Mr. Westin's room. The two then planned on meeting at my house. Mr. Westin said that he would had to finish up some things at school first. He told my father that it would just take him about fifteen minutes. So my dad took me home, where the two of us began getting things in order for baking. My father and I had decided the night before that we would make chocolate chip cookies. Since my father had taken off work, he had picked up the necessary items to make the cookies along with the necessary food for dinner. My dad had decided to make spaghetti for dinner. So on the top of the stove was the sauce, which was already simmering.

After we had gotten everything ready, my father suggested that I get changed into my play clothes. So I went to change, which only took me a few minutes. After I had just about finished getting changed, the doorbell rang. It was Mr. Westin. I came running down the stairs to answer the door. As soon as I opened up the door, I grabbed Mr. Westin's hand and practically dragged him into the house.

"Dad, Mr. Westin is here!" I yelled.

So, Dad and Mr. Westin said their hellos to one another and then the three of us were off to the bake off. We made about 12 dozen cookies. Dad let me put aside 2 dozen of the cookies for me. That was definitely a real treat. After we had finished with the cookies, Dad made the pasta for dinner, and then we ate and ate and ate. It was a great time. I felt like I was part of a family again. It was almost as good as when mom was alive. Man, how I missed those times of being a family.

So, that was the beginning of everything. The three of us had begun to get closer. Mr. Westin and my father soon became close friends. For the next few months my dad, Mr. Westin and I would spend a lot of time with each other. Either my father and I would go to Mr. Westin's home for dinner or he would come to our home. On weekends, the three of us would always be doing something together. There was really no hint of romance yet, I think at the time the two of them just enjoyed each other's company. Things were getting a lot better, until six months later.

It was almost the anniversary of when my mom had begun to get sick with cancer. My father began to get kind of withdrawn. He still managed to put up a good front for me, but there had been times when he just didn't want to get out of bed, especially during the weekends. He would make up the excuse that he wasn't feeling well or that he was very exhausted from work. I wouldn't let that happen. I kept pushing him out of bed so that the three of could do something together. Especially after a week of school, I was always looking forward to the weekends to do something fun. My father, being the type of man that he was, would force himself to keep up with our plans.

Then, one particular Saturday morning, I went up to his bedroom to see what had been taking him so long to get ready. The three of us were supposed to go to the zoo and have a picnic, but it seemed to take my father forever to take a shower and get dressed.

When I arrived in his room, my father was lying on the bed crying. It had been quite some time since I had seen him cry. I think the last time he cried, that I could remember, was shortly after my mom had passed away. In addition to the crying, my father was moaning and groaning. Well, I got real scared. I thought that he was sick and that he was going to die. I totally freaked out. So I ran downstairs to call Mr. Westin. Mr. Westin and I were on a first name basis by now, but it was only on the weekends or after school.

When I reached downstairs, I picked up the phone and dialed Mr. Westin's number. As I was dialing his number, the fear kind of overtook me. Tears began rolling down my face as I became frantic, in fear of losing my father.

"Hello, Daniel. This is Ryan. I need you to get over to my house real quick. I think Dad is sick. He might be dying."

"Ryan, calm down. What do you mean that you think that he is sick?"

"He is on his bed lying down, crying and moaning. I think that he is in a lot of pain. You have to hurry and get here. I don't want to lose my father."

"Ok, Ryan. I will be there in five minutes."

After I finished talking to Mr. Westin, I hung up the phone and my legs began to give out. I sat against the wall with my knees up to my chest as I continued crying. I sat there and waited for Mr. Westin's arrival. Finally, the doorbell rang. I ran to the door and opened it. Once again, I grabbed Mr. Westin and pulled him in.

"Ryan, I want you to stay down here. I will come back to let you know what is going on. In the mean time I want you to try and relax. Maybe watch some cartoons. Try to get your mind off your father. I am here to help the two of you."

I followed Mr. Westin's instructions. He ran up the stairs to my father's bedroom. When he got there, he gently tapped on my father's bedroom door.

"Mike, are you all right? It's me, Daniel," there was no response. So Daniel went into Mike's bedroom and closed the door behind him.

Daniel went up to Mike's bed and sat down next to him. He began rubbing Mike's back, trying to comfort him. Mike then turned onto his back and looked up at Daniel. Tears were rolling down his face. Daniel tried to analyze the situation. He tried to remain cool, even though it was kind of difficult. You see, from the first time that Daniel had met Mike he began to feel an attraction towards him. He knew that Mike was straight, but the two of them had formed a close relationship with one another as a result of the three of us having spent quite a bit of time together. They had begun to form a bond with each other. You might say that a family had begun to form among the three of us.

"What's the matter, Mike? Are you sick?"

"No, Daniel, I just miss Jill. Today is the anniversary of when Jill started getting sick. All I can think about is the pain that she was going through, and there was nothing that I could do but watch her get sicker and sicker, and then eventually watching her die."

As Mike sat up in the bed, Daniel wrapped Mike in his arms, holding him tight as he continued crying.

"It will be ok. I know that it is real difficult right now, but you have to try and be strong, at least for Ryan's sake. Ryan is under the impression that you are real sick and dying."

Mike lifted his head from Daniel's shoulder. "Where did he get an idea like that?"

"He had come into your room. I guess he saw that you were crying and moaning. He thought that you were moaning from pain."

"I just need some time to regroup. It's just so hard. I am trying to be strong for Ryan. All I can think of is the pain Jill was going through and I couldn't even do anything to comfort her. On top of all this is the fact that I was so lonely, but it is a lot better since you started coming around. You have been a miracle in my life. You've made my life a little more bearable. "

Once again, Mike started crying, as he placed his head on Daniel's shoulder for comfort. Daniel squeezed Mike tighter into his arms, as he rubbed his back for more comfort. After a few minutes of Mike letting it all out, Daniel made the mistake of kissing the top of Mike's head. Mike lifted up his head as he felt the kiss. When his head was raised up, their faces were about two inches apart from one another. The two men looked into each others eyes, when all of a sudden Daniel freaked out.

"I can't do this. I've got to go home," said Daniel, jumping off of the bed and standing up abruptly.

With a stunned look on his face, Mike replied, "Daniel, what's the matter?"

"I really have got to be getting home. I'm sorry, Mike. On my way out, I will let Ryan know that you are all right."

Mike then all of a sudden grabbed Daniel's hand and pulled him back down onto the bed. When Daniel was finally seated on the bed, his head was facing downwards, so that Mike could not see the look on his face.

"Daniel, what's the matter?" Mike reached for his chin and moved it upwards, so the two of them could look at each other square in the eye.

"Mike, there is something I need to tell you. I hope that you won't be mad, and if you don't ever want to see me again, I will understand." Daniel's own tears began rolling downwards.

"It's ok, Daniel, whatever it is I won't be mad at you."

"Mike, I'm gay, and to make things worse, I have fallen in love with you."

Mike just sat there and looked at Daniel. True, this was something totally new for him. But as he sat there thinking of how things had been these last six months, all he could think about was how much enjoyment he had begun to experience since the death of Jill. Something inside of him told him this was right. Yes, he had never had sex with another man, but being with Daniel raised his curiosity. Deep down in the pit of his stomach, he wanted this relationship too, even as much as Daniel did. There was something about Daniel that he loved. As Mike continued reminiscing on the last six months between the two of them, he managed to muster up the courage and softly placed each of his hands on Daniel's cheeks and pulled him towards him. As both of their faces started getting closer and closer to one another, the two men began to kiss.

It was a long and deep, passionate kiss . . .

Well, the suspense was killing me. I had to know whether or not Dad was going to die. I ran upstairs and found the door to my father's bedroom closed. I turned the handle and opened it very slowly, and to my surprise, there were my father and Daniel kissing one another. My mouth fell open as I stood there watching in total shock. My father's eyes finally opened from their kiss, as he looked up to see me watching the two of them kiss.

"Ryan!" my father called out.

As the two of them pulled away from one another, I continued staring. It wasn't so much the shock of seeing two grown men kissing, but it was the shock of actually seeing that this was what my father wanted. That particular kiss with Daniel, I could sense was making him very happy. It had been a long time since I'd seen joy in my father's eyes.

"Ryan, come here, we need to talk." my dad motioned for me to come towards his bed.

As Daniel moved away from my father, I climbed onto the bed from the other side. I sat myself down next to my father and leaned my body against his, as he put his arm around me. As I sat there, the mood was kind of tense for the three of us. I am sure that Daniel and my father were scared out of their minds as to my reactions of seeing them kiss, but inside of me I was ready to explode. I was so excited for the two of them that they had found happiness in one another and that once again I was part of a family, which was full of love.

"Ryan, I know that you saw just about everything and I know that you might think that two grown men kissing might be wrong, but . . ."

As my dad was ready to finish his sentence, I interrupted him by saying, "No, Dad, I don't think that it is wrong. We're a family once again. I am happy for you and Daniel. Now I have two parents again."

"You are?" my dad looked at me questioningly.

"Yes, Dad, all that matters is that we are together and that you love Daniel and he loves you. You do love him, don't you?"

My father looked at Daniel, who had been sitting there totally stunned. "Yes, son, I do love Daniel, very much. He has made me the happiest man, and it has been such a long time since I have been this happy. I think the last time that I was happy was when you were born. Your mom and I were very happy when you came into this world."

As my father was speaking to me, I could see that Daniel had tears running down his face. I do believe that they were tears of joy. Even to this day I am not quite sure. If they weren't tears of joy, then they were tears of relief.

"Are you ok, Daniel?"

"Yes, Ryan I am more that ok. I too am the happiest man alive." With that my father reached over for Daniel with his other hand and pulled him closer to him, as the two of them began to kiss once again. After their kiss, Daniel lay down on the other side of my father with his head on his chest, as the two of us lay snuggled up against both sides of my father.

That moment was the turning point of Daniel and my father's love for one another. I am so glad that it was close to the end of the year, because then I would no longer be in Daniel's class. That would have definitely been awkward, to have my second father be my teacher. Oh, don't get me wrong, Daniel is a great teacher, it's just that it would have been uncomfortable for me dealing with my friends.

Daniel moved in with my father and me, right after school let out for the summer. It was the perfect opportunity. When school started up again, Daniel would take me to school and bring me home. This lasted for the rest of the time I was in grammar school.

The three of us are very happy. I am sure that it took my father some time to adjust to being with a man, as opposed to being with a woman, but it all worked itself out. Daniel and my father love each other so very much. The three of us always have a great time with one another. I think that it was due to the fact that we all have a lot of things in common and my father and Daniel seem to balance each other out. For example, Daniel loves to cook or bake and my father loves to wash the dishes. Yes, I said wash the dishes, but personally, I think the real reason for him liking to wash the dishes is that he loves to start water fights with us.

Shortly after I graduated from grammar school, Daniel became the school's principal. Well, that's another thing to be grateful for. Can you imagine being called in to the principal's office and it turns out to be your father? Even though Daniel is like a second father to me, I still call him Daniel. We all figured that it would be less confusing this way. Life has been great for the three of us. I still miss my mom and I am sure that my father misses her too, but Daniel is always there to give us the love and support we need to get through it.

Now, back to the present. I am now sixteen, a sophomore in high school. Daniel and my dad have been together for a little over six years. Now I can look back at the rough times my father and I have had, but the things got better for the two of us after my father fell in love with Daniel. If it wasn't for Daniel, I am not sure my father would have ever found happiness again. I know that he really loves my mom and he was totally devoted to her, but those times are over now, and we have moved on with our lives. Now he has a lot of happiness in his life today. I can now look back and remember my dad and how he found true love once again. However, this time it wasn't with another woman but with a man. A man who loves and cares for him as much has as he loves and cares for his partner.

As I am sitting here writing this story, I'll bet that you are all wondering what impact having a father in love with another man has had on me. Well, the answer is absolutely nothing. I think that is so because there is so much love in my home and all we strive for is trying to be happy. At a point in time I was kind of concerned as to what my peers might think of my two dads, but the end result of it was that they were all cool with it. Daniel and my father keep their intimate times with one another private. That is their time to share their love with one another. Now I am not saying that they are in the closet. What I am referring to is that the sex part of their relationship is kept behind closed doors. I don't even know who does what with whom. The only thing that happens around our home is that sometimes they hold each other, kiss each other and show affection to one another. That is the extent of it.

At sixteen, I have a girlfriend in my life. Her name is Jennifer. We have been dating for about a year now. I love her very much. I think by remembering my dad and how much love he has inside of him, I now have a better understanding of showing my love and respect to my girlfriend, which was a result of observing my father all of these years. I think that I have become a better person for it, and hopefully I can continue to follow in his footsteps.