The G(r)ay Area

Part Fourteen

Part Fourteen.

Aiden age 13.

"Aiden, can you come in here? We need to talk."

I kicked my muddy shoes off by the door and walked into the living room where mom was. She had a few magazines on the coffee table and a blanket beside her.

"What's up?"

"Have a seat."

I raised my eyebrows but sat down beside her. "What's this about?"

"I want to ask you something and I want you to be completely honest with me."

"Okay."

"I know you've been spending a lot of your time with Lucas. I understand you've become close. Is there... Are you..." She took a deep breath and wouldn't look at me when she spoke. "Are you two... together?"

I stared at my feet, afraid that if I looked at mom, she'd judge me or ground me or something far worse. And I wasn't prepared for that. I wasn't prepared for her conversation either, to be honest.

I never thought of my parents ever finding out. I figured they would never find out and end up finding out when the wedding invitations were mailed. That wasn't saying Lucas and I would ever get married. I wanted to but I wasn't sure how long our relationship would be. Especially if my parents didn't approve.

"Yes."

She reached across the distance and took my hand. "Aiden-"

"Don't tell dad. Please."

"Honey-"

"Mom, I can't deal with that. What if he... What if he doesn't..." I started crying, my hands starting to shake.

Mom pulled me into her arms and she kissed the top of my head. "When you're ready, sweetie."

"We've only been together for two months." I mumbled into her shoulder.

She rubbed my back. "I'm happy for you, Aiden."

"You mean it?"

"Yes, baby."

"Mom, can Lucas still spend the night sometimes?"

"The door stays open and one of you has to sleep on the air mattress."

"I guess that's okay."

"Are you sure you want to go there?"

I laughed. "Nope. This is great. I'll live in complete celibacy for the rest of my life."

"Once you're eighteen, you can do whatever you want. Just leave me out of the conversation."

"That's fine with me."