London Bridges

Chapter 21: Apologies and Prodigal Sons

"I've brought you tea," Louis says, handing over the steaming thermos.  "And not the shitty hospital kind.  That's a legitimate, Tomlinson cuppa, best in the U.K."

"Thank you, Louis," Karen says, taking the hot drink with a grateful smile. 

Liam's father had been in the hospital for a week now, and although he was off the ventilator and breathing on his own, he had yet to regain consciousness.  The doctors were beginning to bring up long term care when they came to check in.  Karen had been making a concentrated effort to be civil to Louis.  An awkward relationship had developed between the two.  Louis did his best to be supportive, and Karen tried not to be a snobby, bigoted bitch.  They both deserved medals for keeping their snarky comments to a minimum.  It was much easier when Liam was there, but even Louis had to admit that it wasn't exactly torture to be in the same room with Karen Payne.  She at least seemed appreciative of the tea.

"When will Liam be here?" Karen asks.

"The university president is letting him take his final exams a few weeks early, given the circumstances," Louis explains, shooting a quick glance at his watch.  "He should be sitting for the last one in about twenty minutes, and he said he'll be over just as soon as he's done."

"He's been so preoccupied, I hope he does well," Karen says, seeming uncharacteristically worried about her son.

Its not the first time this week that Louis's mind wanders to alien body snatchers.  He thinks thats the only plausible explanation for Karen Payne's personality transplant.  Well, that or going a little too heavy on the Xanax.

"Liam's brilliant," Louis assures her, shaking his head clear.  "He's gonna smash it."

They sit in silence for a while, a situation they find themselves in more often than not.  They both worry about offending the other and tipping the tentative balance.

"He's happy, isn't he?" Karen asks randomly.  "I mean, other than the present circumstances, obviously."

Louis runs a hand through his hair, a little taken aback by this line of questioning.  "Yeah," he says.  "Well, he stresses over school sometimes, and even with being pretty close to my family, I'm sure he misses you and his father.  Overall, though, yeah he's really happy."

"It's because of you," Karen says, her eyes suddenly misty.  "He was never happy before.  He'd smile, but never like the ones I've seen you pull from him the past few days.  Even with everything going on and him being so closed off, you manage to pull him back into the sun, even if only for a moment."

Louis stays silent, not sure of what to say.

"Even if he wakes up with, by some grace of God, all his mental faculties intact, I don't know if my husband will ever come around to the idea of you and Liam together," Karen continues.  "But I can see it now, the beauty of your relationship.  I can see your strength in character, Louis, and all the good you bring into my son's life.  I'm embarrassed by my behavior towards you, and I will never be able to apologize enough."

"You know all Liam's ever wanted was your approval," Louis says, having to clear his throat because he didn't like the audible emotion in it.  He hadn't gotten to the point where he could be vulnerable with Karen Payne yet.

"If not your approval, at least your acceptance," Louis continues. "When he came out to you, God, he was so terrified of how you would react.  He didn't want to disappoint you, and it was bad enough that he did, but then you told him you were disgusted by him.  His sexuality, one of the most basic, uncontrollable elements of the amazing, wonderful man that he is, made his mother turn his back on him."