Hands On Learning

31. when the time is right

Liam

Jay, Liam and Lexie moved to the living room and sat down. Liam was the first to speak.

"So naturally, Louis told us what happened and that he came out to you spur of the moment and it didn't go well." Jay nodded stiffly. "And while I understand that some regrettable things were said, by both of you... well, you should set that aside and be the adult here. He may not say it but he needs your support, it is important to him. His life isn't perfect you know? Nobody's is. He has stresses just like any other teenager and this is an unnecessary one-"

Jay interrupted angrily, "It's a choice and he's making a mistake. He's a handsome, smart young man and he could easily find a respectable girl to have children with. I don't understand it."

Liam nodded maturely, his voice still calm as he answered. "Yes you don't understand it, if you think sexuality is a choice. How would you feel if someone told you that being heterosexual is a choice? That it was a mistake? You can't change yourself anymore than he can. I've seen him really come into his own these past few weeks- he's more confident and happier. And that should be all that matters-"

Jay started talking over him, "But he's making his life more difficult!"

Liam paused and held up a hand, cutting her off. "One moment I'm not done." He looked her squarely in the eyes. "I'm bisexual, I'm attracted to both girls and boys and I'm okay with it. I'm proud of who I am, and I'm in a really healthy, loving relationship with a boy right now. So I'm telling you from experience that it's not a choice, and by the way, there are options beside biological children with a significant other - adoption, surrogacy - so don't use that as an excuse, please."

By this point Lexie had reached over to hold Jay's hand comfortingly; the woman was on the verge of frustrated tears. Lexie spoke gently. "I know you're doing what you think is best for Louis but this isn't it. Will you consider talking to him and making amends?"

Jay sat in silence for a long moment, her eyes bright with tears. "I'll talk to him. It's hard being a single mom, you don't always get it right..." she trailed off, and Lexie gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"We know," Liam replied. "But you have to accept him or you might lose your only son once he's out of the house."

Jay's head snapped up. "Since when is he going anywhere?"

Lexie and Liam exchanged wary glances, not knowing that Jay was completely out of the loop on Louis' unfocused college plans and possible move to Boston.

Liam cleared his throat awkwardly. "Graduation is approaching so... you should talk to him about his plans, not us."

The friends wrapped the conversation up, not wanting to be coaxed into speaking for Louis about his future. As they all stood to say their goodbyes, Liam heard the faintest creak of floorboards slowly shifting upstairs and pursed his lips. He hoped Louis didn't feel betrayed by their surprise visit, and that they did more good than damage. He gestured for Lexie to exit first, then nodded to Jay as he stepped over the threshold, the door shutting curtly behind him.

Lexie sighed as they walked away. "Do you think it worked?"

"I don't know. Maybe."

-

Louis

Louis slowly backed away from where he'd been eavesdropping at the top of the stairs, sliding his little socked feet across the hardwood. He had no idea if his mom was about to come upstairs and talk to him. If her tone would be gentle and hesitant, or angry and accusing. Maybe nothing would happen at all.

He glanced around his room for a distraction. He'd been getting swept up in his thoughts lately and it wasn't healthy. He bit his lip, then opened his closet door. He pushed coats and empty hangers aside, then found his keyboard. He dragged it out, locating the stand as well.