A Love Uncondemned

Chapter 12 - The Truth Unleashed: Secrets Exposed, Passions Ignited

As Jonathan hastened downstairs, his mother's authoritative voice resonated through the hallway, "Jonathan!" His response, "Mum, I'm in a hurry!", was met with a firm rebuke, "I don't care! Now get back here and have breakfast with us!"

Jonathan's attempt to explain his situation was met with skepticism, "Mum, I'm meeting a friend. He promised to buy me breakfast. He's only in town for one day." Mrs. Jonas' reply was laced with sarcasm, "Oh, brilliant! Send me his location coordinates and Madison will go fetch him."

As Jonathan endeavored to reason with his mother, she remained resolute, her gaze fixed on the abundance of food on the table, "Look at this table, full of food that's going to go to waste." Jonathan's reassurance, "He is shy, mother. He wants to only meet me. He made that clear. I beg you, please, let me go", was met with a probing inquiry, "Is it a girl?"

Jonathan's response, "What?", was followed by a repetition of the question, "The person that you're rushing to. Is it a girl?" His clarification, "It's my friend. He's a big deal these days, and he's here to see me and only me", was met with a questioning gaze, "Is he worth ditching breakfast for?"

Jonathan's explanation, "He said it's urgent. He will be seeing me before he departs on his private jet", was met with a curious expression, "Why would he want to see you?" Jonathan's hesitation, "This is not going to be something that you want to hear", was met with a persistent request, "And that is?"

Jonathan revealed the nature of his relationship with his friend, "He had a crush on me throughout high school. I guess I'm guilty, because I didn't give him closure. So, if I don't do that now, I'll feel horrible." He pleaded, "Now, can I go?"

Mrs. Jonas remained resolute, "No! Sit down and have breakfast. And I'm not going to repeat myself! For heaven's sake, it's 8am and a holiday!" Jonathan countered, "That's exactly why I have to meet him early! Who knows? Maybe I'll get the chance to interview him."

Mrs. Jonas chided, "All this time that you've been wasting – standing and talking there – you could have eaten at least three slices of toast!" Jonathan's frustration was evident, "What's wrong with you, mother?"

Mrs. Jonas playfully mimicked her son's earlier behavior, "Oh, let me see! I woke up and rushed out? I am too excited to contain myself? My eyes are glassy? My cheeks look like ripe tomatoes? I am wearing my best clothes? I am going to see my 'friend'?"

Jonathan relented, "You know what? He can wait. I'm sure he can wait ten more minutes." Mrs. Jonas teased, "Oh really? I thought he was waiting for you and that his 'private jet' will depart soon?"

Jonathan reassured, "Don't worry, he can exercise patience." Mrs. Jonas' response was laced with humor, "That's just the kind of man I'm hoping to find for Madison! Is he handsome? Are his pockets deep?"

Jonathan's reply was barely audible, "No! He's my…(mutters under his breath) boyfriend."

Mrs. Jonas' inquiry, "What was that?", was met with Jonathan's clarification, "Friend." Her nonchalant response, "So what?", was followed by Jonathan's explanation, "Well, it would be awkward if she dated my friend. Their union would make me look like a matchmaker."

Mrs. Jonas acknowledged his point, "You're right." Madison interjected, "And I don't want a boyfriend, mother." Mrs. Jonas' maternal concern was evident, "You're not getting any younger, my darling. You'll die lonely if you don't start searching for Mr. Right now. You're in college, and only left with a few years before you graduate. Your skin will be wrinkling before you know it!"

Madison's reassurance, "Jonathan, you can go. Ignore mother. She doesn't value friendship that much", was met with Mrs. Jonas' stern warning, "If you leave now, Jonathan, don't ever come back." Madison's protest, "Mother!", was followed by Mrs. Jonas' relented consent, "Okay, you are excused, my baby boy."