Tales From Under the Maple Tree

Bedtime Story

So anyways, I was telling my roommate Mandy, about Joey and I was surprised and relieved when she suggested that he stay with us. I really didn't think she'd be okay with it, and honestly, I love him to death, but I don't know if I would be comfortable with someone else being around all the time, even him.

"Deb, it would be fun. When I met him at your parent's house at Easter, I thought he and I hit it off really well. For a kid, he is well mannered and very.....how can I say this.....he's delicate. Not just because he is still small and hasn't sprouted up yet, but in his speech, the way he holds himself, his mannerisms, how long have you known he was gay?"

"Mandy, no!... Don't say that. He's sensitive, but he's not gay. Or well, I don't think so. No, he's not. He has a girlfriend, well, had. He's had two girlfriends actually. He's always been like that though, Mandy. It's just who he is. He's a sweet kid and rather innocent."

"Sorry, geez. I didn't mean to upset you. You know, for a lesbian who's in a live-in relationship, you sure seem to have an issue with the idea your brother might be gay."

"I don't have a problem with him being gay, if he is, I just don't want him being accused of being gay if he's not."

"Would that be so bad?"

"Being accused, or being gay?"

"Being gay."

"No, I guess not."

"I still think he is."

"And I just happen to know he's not. Now, as far as him living with us while mom and dad are in Europe, I love him to death, but you know it might cause us to have to change some of our more..... um, rambunctious games if he comes to stay with us." I state with a sly grin while looking for a response.

"Of course, we'll have to show some decorum, but I think it's time we stop hiding how we feel....maybe getting accustomed to Joey knowing will give you the extra support you need to tell your parents when they return."

Mandy was always pushing me to tell my parents, get it out in the open. What she said made sense and I ended up caving. I agreed with her that I really needed to talk to mom and dad about it, and Joey, of course.

Sensing that mom wanted to suggest Mandy and I let Joey stay with us for the six months, I explained to her that we would love to have Joey come stay, however, the problem was that our apartment only had 2 beds....one in each bedroom (I wasn't ready to tell them one of the bedrooms was unoccupied. I still needed the six months to prepare for that).

Being super excited that mom finally agreed to go with him on this trip, Dad responded right away. "What about that fold out sofa we gave you? I used it when your mother had her back surgery and had to sleep alone for a few weeks. It's really not bad and the way it closes up during the day, it'll almost be like no one is living there but you and Mandy."

"Okay, fine. I guess, if Joey doesn't mind. I've spoken with Mandy and we agree that it might be fun for a while. Dad, you're gonna have to to help with his expenses, though. I can't afford to take care of him for six months on my salary. I'm only making just enough to get by. I think I may be getting a promotion soon, but....."

Dad interrupted, "Don't worry about money, Deb. I am going to put $8,000 in a checking account in yours and my name. While we are gone you can take out one third of your rent for Joey's share, his groceries, and a third of the utilities each month. I don't want my boy to be an imposition. I'll trust you to manage the rest of the money and make your own judgment as to monies he needs for school and clothes and an allowance. He's going to pay his own way, well, I will."

Mom chipped in. "Speaking of help, I expect you to require him to do his share of the housework, too. He helps me all the time and he is a very competent housekeeper. He even irons like a pro."