Ghost (Second Edition)

Chapter Sixteen--Bridging the Gap

Nathan

He carefully folded the smooth white suit, running his hands over the soft fabric. Luis had looked so good in this, so handsome. Nathan smiled. Maybe they would get to wear the suits again sometime.

He slipped the suit carefully into one of his drawers. Satisfied, he went over to his bookcase, running his finger along the smooth spines and indented titles. There were hundreds of books. Fantasy, romance, sci-fi, history, maths... Any book you could think of.

Just as he went to take a book from the shelf, there was a soft knock on the large oak door. His father poked his head around the crack. His blonde hair was perfectly smooth against his head, held down by shing hair gel.

"Yes, Dad?" Nathan asked, pushing the book back into space.

Martin slipped into the space, looking around before moving to his bed. His flat-soled shoes thumped faintly on the carpeted floor.

"I want to talk to you." His voice was low, almost soft.

Nathan frowned and went over, sitting at the end of the bed. He crossed his legs, tugging at his sock. "About what?"

Martin sighed and looked down at his hands in his lap. He looked a little... Awkward. The expression seemed foreign on his sharp features.

"About your... Sexuality," he said, at last, looking up.

Nathan looked away. "What about it?"

"I... I am having a hard time understanding," Martin admitted. "You have all these pretty girls at school, and yet you pick a boy. One with little money at that."

Nathan scowled. "Luis is the most handsome kid at that school. And don't you dare say anything about his money," he spat.

Martin looked up at him, his eyebrows raised. "I'm sorry. I meant no offence."

"Dad, I'm gay," Nathan gestured to himself, "deal with it."

Martin sighed again and looked away, tugging at the cuff of his cream-coloured jacket. "I just want to understand..."

"What's there to understand?" Nathan asked, crossing his arms. "I'm gay. I like boys. It's pretty simple."

Martin looked at him.

"Dad, it is simple!" Nathan said exasperated, shaking his head.

"But—Nathan!" Martin placed his face in his hands.

"I explained it to you when I introduced you to Luis," Nathan said. He frowned. "Do you not like Luis?"

"No, no. Luis seems like a nice boy," Martin shook his head. "I'm just confused. I didn't raise you like this!"

"You didn't need to," Nathan muttered, "I was born this way."

Martin just sighed.

"Dad, it isn't going to change who I am, in fact, it means I will be a better person. I'm happy." Nathan looked towards the window. "Very happy."

"And that is good, it's just..." Martin shook his head.

"Are you going to disown me?"

"What? No! Of course not!" Martin looked shocked and horrified at the idea. He shook his head. "I'm just trying to work out how you could be attracted to a boy! That is all!"

Nathan sighed. "He's cute. And kind," he said. He looked at his father. Martin had his hands pushed through his hair. "How did you fall in love with Mum? What drew you to her?"

Martin looked up at him. "Her beauty for a start," he said, "and her spirit. She was rather... Adventurous when she was your age, and before she got pregnant with you."

"It's almost the same for me and Luis," Nathan said gently. "Expect he's more gentle and understanding."

"What happened to Andy? I remember when you were younger, you talked highly of him. Like you have with Luis."

Nathan pulled a face and looked away. "I was twelve," he muttered. "Besides, we're not friends anymore. He's a bully. He's hurt Luis, and he's physically hurt me." He glanced at his father. "Why? Would you rather I be with him than with Luis?"

Martin hesitated. "I guess not." He said at last. He seemed to remember something and pulled a slight face. "He did break your grandmother's China last time he was here."

"See?"

Martin sighed. "Are you going to marry him?" He asked, "Luis?"

"I... I plan to," Nathan looked away, flushing. He curled his fingers in slightly.

"What about your sex life, aren't you—"

"EW! Dad! Why?" Nathan pulled a face and stepped away. "Why make things awkward?" He shook his head. He felt like vanishing into the floor.

"Do we need to have the Talk again?" Martin asked. He seemed genuinely concerned, but he was bright red, his hands twisting in his lap.

"No, Dad," Nathan said between his teeth looking away to hide his embarrassment. Now he really wanted to vanish into the floor.

"Are you sure?"

"Dad, it's anal! Besides, Luis is male! How the hell am I supposed to get him pregnant?"

Martin pulled a face and flushed, shifting his weight on the bed. "You have a point."

Nathan sighed and went back to stand in front of his father. "Dad, I promise, it's fine. I'm fine."

Martin still didn't look convinced.

"Dad," Nathan smiled, "I love him, is that so hard to understand?"

Martin slumped his shoulders. "No, I guess not."

Nathan bent down and gave him a hug. "I promise, Dad, it will be fine."

"Who am I walking down the aisle?" There was a slight playful note in his voice.

"I'm seventeen, Dad, can we wait a few years?" Nathan asked, smirking.

Martin smiled back at him. "Well, a plan is a plan... It's good to have one."

Nathan groaned and sat back on the floor. "All I want is to love my boyfriend! Can't I have that first?"

Martin laughed and stood up from the bed, brushing the creases out of his dress pants. "I will give you more freedom than my parents did. Have fun, enjoy it while you can. The bickering starts after the ceremony!"

Nathan chuckled. "I plan to."

Martin ruffled his hair as he passed. "I love you, Nathan. You know that. I always will."

Nathan smiled up at him. "I love you too, Dad."

When Martin left, Nathan sighed and stood up. He was glad his father was coming around, even if he was confused about it.

Marriage... Maybe one day.