For some, Saturday evening at my parents' home was a less than pleasurable event.
In the wake of what occurred, my extended family, in particular those that know nothing of my intimate relationship to Ms Victoria, (which would be the majority) are ringing my mother to say how shocked they are to learn that I am a flagrant homosexual and how terribly disappointed she must be to learn of it at Christmas.
What happened?
In short, over the course of the evening the boy became drunk and when it appeared that my cousin, Celia, was attempting to interest and possibly even pursue him, he informed her that he was spoken for.
As I now understand it, she then asked had he a girlfriend, to which he replied in the negative. The next assumption was drawn and Celia pressed on, asking was it a boyfriend he had then. To which he said something that could best be rendered as 'yesh'. This is where I entered upon the scene.
I had noticed a bit of commotion and innocently came alongside the boy to see if I could assist in any way.
"And here he is now", He says. Do keep in mind that I had no idea of the topic of discussion, only that there had been a slight commotion in Michael's general vicinity.
At this juncture a fumbling attempt was made by the boy to procure a kiss from me, which I hastily thwarted.
There is a time and place for everything. This was neither the time nor the place for a clumsy demonstration of lush love. It became quickly evident that he was well and truly wounded. Shadows of sorrow crossed his contenance as swiftly as clouds before the sun, clouds that in this circumstance were threatening rain.
I hurriedly made our excuses, before he could precipitate more than a few tears, and with Father's help led the boy to my childhood bedroom. I assured Father that I could manage the situation alone and that he should return to his guests, at which point he departed and Michael, taking his cue, burst into tears.
Slowly and methodically I made my explanations to Michael for not wishing to make a spectacle of ourselves. I informed the boy, for a second time, that most of the guests did not know of my personal life at all and a few would certainly relish a bit of gossip to share. Our private life is just that and it would not be wise to make all of my family privy to our intimacies.
It proved impossible to get through to him. He seemed crestfallen, verging on heartbreak, and I could find no suitable remedy to ease his upset. He then informs me that even though he is hurt that I would not show affection for him publically, he would still appreciate a kiss here in the privacy of my room.
Realising that this is likely the only way to appease him, I tell him I will happily kiss him, but that prior to doing so I must lock the door. He strenuously objects and I have the urge to throw my hands into the air, gazing heavenward, and ask "What next?"
I attempt a quick but affectionate osculation only to have my face taken in the vice grip of his palms whilst he more than returns my sentiment with vivacious ardor.
As it often comes to pass, when one believes a situation cannot become any more dire, it quickly becomes exactly so.
My mother enters the room, sans announcement and is a bit taken back at the sight of us 'lip-locked', as Michael likes to call it. Although slightly embarrassing, this is not a tremendous problem.
I have, in the past, been able to speak to mother about sensitive matters and she seems to take it relatively well. After breaking free of Don Juan I explain to her that Michael has had a bit much to drink and is not himself.
She enlightens me further, saying that she is not surprised as my father had taken the boy under his wing and shared a bit of his private stock "home brew" with him. Michael, perhaps in an effort to impress, overindulged himself.
I close my eyes and shake my head. Is it any wonder at all that the boy is behaving like a swooning schoolgirl? This does indeed explain it all.
Despite mother's protestations, insisting that we ought to stay the night, I drove Michael home. It was necessary to make three impromptu stops along the bypass to allow for purging.
I could not blog about this Sunday because I was still a bit too cross to see things objectively.
"This too shall pass"
