London Bridges

Chapter 36: The Last Apology

"Get the fuck out of my house. You're not welcomed here."

"Dad, if he goes I go. I won't come back this time."

"Then go, William!" Payne Sr. yells. "Everything I've built, for you, for my son, and this is how you repay me. I won't have it in my house, in my company."

"What, Dad? What are you refusing? A happy son, one that is finally living his life on his terms? Say the fucking words, Dad, say what you hate about me. You almost died, do us all a favor and just fucking admit it already," Liam presses.

"I hate that you're weak, I hate that you're a faggot. I hate that I've spent the last twenty-one years trying to make you into a man, and this is what I get. I hate that my only child is choosing to go against me, choosing to live a life of sodomy and sin."

Louis can't help the laugh that claws out of his chest and up his throat. It's just ridiculous, the prejudice Payne Sr. holds on to. Liam looks over at him, concerned. Karen is unsuccessfully trying to hide her own smirk. Louis decides then and there that he forgives her for everything. Payne Sr. is red in the face, looking like he is about ready to explode.

"Lou," Liam groans.

"Sorry, sorry," Louis giggles, failing at reigning himself in. "It's just, we're not in the bloody 1950s, yeah? Fucking sodomy, be serious. Maybe if you tried it, mate, you wouldn't be so fucking wound up and bitter all the time. Karen, all due respect love, but how long have you been stuck in such a fucking boring sex life?"

"You're not helping, Lou," Liam says, his ears pinking up in embarrassment.

"Right," Louis says, stifling another chuckle. "Sorry, really, I just couldn't help myself. Can you imagine?"

"Bloody hell, Louis, I'd rather not."

"They're right, William," Karen addresses her husband. "Can't you see our boy is happy? He's been going through the last two years like a lifeless shell of himself. Louis makes him happy, and all you can do is hold on to this archaic idea of what being a man is. He is a man, he's been one since he came out the first time at eighteen years old, terrified of our reaction. It's time we support him. He's run the company beautifully, he took care of us when you were ill."

Karen turns to Liam.

"It's time that I tell you how very proud I am to have you as a son. You're a wonderful man, and you deserve to be happy. I have always loved you, you're my baby, and from here on out, I will always support you."

"I love you too, Mum," Liam whispers, worried he'll dissolve into tears if he tries to speak any louder.

"I don't," William stands. He's a fraction of the presence he was those years ago in St. Ambrose. He's much skinnier, much weaker, appearing far older than his 50 years. "You're no son of mine. I want you out of this house, and out of my company. Take your abomination with you, the next time either of you set foot on my property I'll have you arrested."

"This is how you want to end it, Dad?" Liam asks. "The few years you have left, you want to spend them not speaking to your only child? You never want to meet your grandchildren?"

"I have nothing more to say to you, William."

Liam nods, getting to his feet. He sniffles, but shows no other sign of emotion.

"The company is mine, Dad. You're in no state to take it back, and I've put my all into it for the past two years. I've earned it, and the board will back me if you fight for it."