Tim had a migraine the night of the family zoom chat. Meds had taken care of everything but the headache but still, needless to say, it was not top on his list of things he wanted to do, but, it mattered to his mother…so, head pounding, he logged in.
It started well. Then Dave started shooting his mouth off. Then Luke started making cracks about a coworker who was gay. And Tim’s head was pounding, and he saw red. And the third time, something snapped.
“I’m gay.” He said, quietly, “so shut the fuck up.”
“What?” Mark had asked.
“I’m gay.” Tim was louder.
“Always figured that.” Pete said. And a slur slid from his lips.
And Tim logged off the zoom chat.
His mom called; his sister called. They’d already known. But heard nothing from his brothers.
Two months later, the phone rang. Tim looked down to see Mark’s name flashing on the screen.
Hesitantly, “hello?”
“Hey Tim,” came a cheery response rom Mark.
“Mark. Um, hi. What’s up?” Despite Mark’s cheerful greeting, he was immediately concerned. After 2 months of radio silence, why would Mark be calling him…unless something was wrong with someone.
“Haven’t talked to you in awhile.” Mark said casually. “Abie’s been bugging about when you’ll come visit again.”
“Just Abie?” Tim asked.
“The twins don’t remember you; Amelia hasn’t met you. Mari’s dying to see you.” Mark took a deep breath. “And I’d love to see you too. I don’t know when you have a hiatus, but…”
“October, December…but I think coming for Christmas is a bad idea.”
Mark was silent for a minute. Christmas was family…and would be awkward. His three brothers were still making comments about Tim…not that he was going to let Tim know that. “So come in October. Pick a long weekend. I might have to teach a day or two, but mom and Mary’d love to spend time with you, too.”
“I could do that, “ Tim said hesitantly.
Mark read his hesitation. “You don’t have to. You’ve just got some family that would love to see you. You don’t have to see anyone you don’t want to.”
“I’ll come. Can I let you know when hiatus starts? When I can come?”
“Absolutely.” Mark hesitated again. “Mom says you’ve been seeing someone for awhile. Do we get to meet him?”
Tim hesitated. “I’ll have to ask him. See if he can get the time off. But yeah, we could get a hotel…”
Mark laughed. “You can stay with us, like you always do.
Tim cleared his throat. “Ethan wouldn’t be comfortable…”
“Staying with your family?” Mark asked, confused.
“Staying with your dogs. He’s allergic. I mean, visiting is one thing, but he’ll need a break…”
“I get it. So, you’ll let me know. Because if you don’t, Abie-O and I are showing up at your place.”
Tim laughed. “October.”
Aggedy Ann 