Silent

6. Do you feel I am too old?

He went to school that morning, it wasn't easier than the previous days, but he had his grandmother's support and he had another date ahead with Ricky. To Isabella he lied about going to football practice, it felt bad to lie but he hoped to tell her the truth soon.

They met at the same place as the previous evening and went for a drive.

"How was your day? You seem more cheerful, or am I imagining it?" Ricky asked him while driving.

"I am, it was a nightmare at school, but I have other reasons to be happy," Michael grinned at him.

"Oh, care to tell me what they are?" The man smiled, cocking his brow as he glanced at him.

"Well this date for one," Michael replied shyly which clearly pleased the man. "But also because of my grandmother, she knows about me and she accepts. I moved in with her."

"Your grandmother? That is surprising, is she a Catholic too?"

"No. She's my mother's mother, she and my late grandfather have softer beliefs, my mother converted into Catholicism for my father."

"That is interesting", Ricky noted, "I assume it's her that you got your beliefs from?"

"Yes, I rather like to believe that God is as my grandmother describes, that he welcomes everyone to his flock who are loving and respecting all forms of life, animals included."

"I see, it does make more sense, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, I mean, I have a cat, Cleo. I've had her since I was ten and I... I would hate to think she couldn't go to heaven, what kind of heaven would be if animals weren't allowed?" he wondered and the man chuckled.

"Very dull one, I imagine."

"Do you like cats?" Michael questioned.

"I'm more of a dog person, they're more obedient and loyal to men."

"I like dogs too, I like both and I like horses."

"Oh, you like to ride?" Ricky asked as he parked the car near a quiet park area.

"I do," Michael smiled, unbuckling his seat belt before getting out of the car with Ricky. "My grandparents from my father's side own horses in Ireland, I go there every summer and spend at least a couple of weeks there, if not more."

"Do they now know about you?" Ricky asked as they slowly walked forward with no specific direction.

"I don't think my father has told them, they're even more religious than he is," Michael admitted with a quiet, sorrowful voice. "And since my father still hopes that I can change."

"But you can't and you shouldn't try," the man spoke softly. "Perhaps he'll come around one day?" He suggested and Michael glanced at him.

"I hope, but I have to admit being doubtful he can." He glanced at the older man. "Did your parents accept it straight away?"

"Strangely, considering their generation, they were surprisingly okay about it. They keep hoping I'd find someone, mother especially." He smiled when Michael's eyes met his. "She would love you. I'm sure."

Michael smiled, feeling nervous, the way the man looked at him nourished his wounded self-esteem and still, he thought about their age difference that did worry him. "Would she mind that I am this young?" he asked insecurity.

"Do you feel I am too old?" Ricky asked instead and Michael hesitated.

"I like you," he replied, "I'm attracted to you, but..."