TNN ONESHOTS

Im gay - E & CO & SS & VC

Eric had been wrestling with his feelings for a long time. He knew he was different, and after years of confusion and self-doubt, he finally accepted that he was gay. The weight of this secret felt like a heavy stone in his chest, and he knew it was time to share it with his mum. He had always admired her strength and openness, but he couldn't shake the fear of her reaction.

One chilly evening, as they sat in the living room, Eric gathered his courage. The warmth of the fireplace contrasted sharply with the cold dread that settled in his stomach. "Mum," he began, his voice trembling slightly, "there's something important I need to tell you." She looked up from her phone, her brow furrowing with concern.

Taking a deep breath, he continued, "I'm gay." The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud. For a moment, silence enveloped them. His mum's expression shifted from concern to disbelief, and then to disappointment. "Eric, you can't be serious," Courtney said, her voice tight. "This isn't who you are. You're just confused. I raised you better." Eric felt his heart sink. He had hoped for understanding, but instead, he faced rejection.

Over the next few days, the atmosphere in their home grew tense. His mum avoided any form of conversations about his life, and the warmth that once filled their home felt replaced by a chilling distance. Eric felt lost, grappling with the reality that the person he loved most in the world couldn't accept him for who he was. The person who he thought was ment to support him and love him didn't because of who he loves.

It was funny because Eric had always felt and believed that he had a special connection with Siobhan. The woman was always cold towards him but somehow Eric seemed to have found comfort in her coldness. He felt that he could tell her anything but that was because she was never really listening to him and deep down, Eric knew that, but this was the one secret that Eric had kept from her, one that weighed heavily on his heart.

After she had finally came out to herself, and started dating Vivian, he knew he needed to share this part of his life with Siobhan aswell. If anyone she would understand him the most, right?

Eric was on his lunch break when he noticed Siobhan walk in and make her way over to the coffee machine. Eric felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. He took a deep breath and said, "Siobhan, there's something I need to tell you." She looked at him with curiosity, her brow slightly raised. "We dont have all day Eric, spit it out"

"I'm gay," he said, his voice steady but his heart racing. Siobhan's eyes widened in surprise, before softening but then a small, warm smile spread across her face. "Eric, what do you want me to do with that information!" She replied, she was confused as to why he wanted to tell her but it was clear that relief washed over him as his shoulders dropped slightly, but he knew there was more to share.

He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But... my mum doesn't agree with it. She doesn't accept who I am." Siobhan's smile faltered, replaced by a look of concern. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she replied gently. "It's tough when the people you love don't understand you." Eric nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude. It felt good to be accepted by Siobhan, even when his own mother struggled.

*

Courtney stood in the living room, her heart racing as she faced her son, Eric. The tension in the air was palpable, a storm brewing between them that had been building for weeks. Since Eric had finally found the courage to tell her the truth about himself, about who he loved. But instead of the understanding and support he had hoped for, he was met with silence, followed by a harsh response.

"I can't believe you would do this to me, to our family," Courtney said, her voice trembling with anger and confusion. "How could you choose this lifestyle?"

Eric's face fell, hurt flashing in his eyes. "Mum, this is who I am. I can't change that. I thought you would accept me."

"Accept you?" Courtney shouted, her frustration boiling over. "You're bringing shame to this family! I won't have it in my house!"

The words hung heavy in the air, cutting deeper than any knife. Eric's heart raced as he struggled to process his mother's reaction. "I'm still your son. I'm still the same person!" he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

Courtney shook her head, her mind made up. "You need to leave. I can't have you living here like this. I won't support your... choices." she told him turning her nose up slightly.

Tears streamed down Eric's face as he realized the gravity of the situation. He had never imagined it would come to this. "You're kicking me out? Just like that?"

"Yes," she replied, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "I can't have you here if you're going to live this way. You need to figure things out on your own."

With a heavy heart, Eric grabbed a few belongings and stepped out into the night, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed in his soul. As he walked away, he felt a mix of sadness and anger, a sense of loss for the relationship he once had with his mother.

Outside, the cool air hit him, a stark contrast to the warmth of the home he had known.

Eric walked down the dimly lit street, his heart heavy with the weight of his mother's rejection. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and he shivered-not just from the chill, but from the emotional turmoil swirling inside him. He had nowhere to go and no one to turn to. All he could think of was Siobhan, she listened to him so she would help, right?

After what felt like an eternity, he reached their house. The familiar sight of their cozy home brought a flicker of hope to his heart. He hesitated at the door, wondering if he would be welcomed. Gathering his courage, he knocked softly, the sound echoing in the stillness of the night.

Moments later, the door swung open, and Vivian stood there, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she took in Eric's tear-streaked face. "Eric! What's wrong?" she exclaimed, ushering him inside.

"Can I stay here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "My mum... she kicked me out."

Vivian's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly pulled him into a tight embrace. "Oh, Eric, I'm so sorry. Of course you can stay! You're always welcome here."

Siobhan appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "What happened?" she asked, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Eric took a deep breath, trying to steady himself as he recounted the painful conversation with his mother. As he spoke, he felt the warmth of Siobhan and Vivian's support enveloping him. They listened intently, offering comforting words and reassurances that he was loved and accepted.

"We'll figure this out together," Vivian said firmly. "You're not alone in this. Come on, we can make you a ned on the couch and then in the morning we can sort everything out." Vivian was careful not to push him to far. Siobhan sighed as we walked ahead, gathering blankets from the blanket box before setting up a bed for Eric.

He watched Siobhan while still stood in Vivian's arms. She wiped the last couple of tears that had rolled down his cheeks. "We will look after you and Jamie will be so excited to see you in the morning." She whispered while tracing patterns on the top of his back, her mother instincts kicking straight in. He nodded slightly against her chest.

Eric felt a wave of relief wash over him. In that moment, he knew he had found a safe haven, a place where he could be himself without fear of judgment for now. As they settled in for the night, a peaceful understanding for eachother filled the room, he realized that while he had lost one family, he had gained another-one that would stand by him no matter what.