Learning Curves ✔ (bxb)

Chapter 26

Theo's POV

I knock on the door and wait as Michael stands behind me. There are a few tense seconds before the door swings open and my father stands there, dressed in a T-shirt and some slacks.

"Come on in." He says, opening the door wider and stepping aside. I enter the house first, followed by Michael. We take off our shoes before walking further inside the house.

"Your mother is just doing some finishing touches on the food in the kitchen." My dad explains as he sits on a chair in the living room.

"Hi boys! Oh, Michael, I hope you're not allergic to anything?" My mom asks as she walks over to the living room to greet us.

"Uh, no ma'am," Michael responds nervously.

"Call me Diane, dear. That's good. Hope you don't mind Caesar Salad and Spaghetti and Meatballs. I went simple today since I didn't know preferences."

"That's fine. Thank you for cooking." Michael responds. He offers to help set up the table, to which my mother happily agrees. I glance anxiously at my dad out of the corner of my eye.

"How have you been?" My dad asks.

"Alright, I guess." I reply quietly. He lets out a sigh.

"I'm sorry, for kicking you out. As much as I would like to say I didn't mean it, I can't. I did mean it, at the time. I realize now that it shouldn't matter to me what gender you fall in love with." My dad admits. I send him a small smile in return.

"I kind of get where you're coming from... in a way. You were taught not to accept it, I'm just glad you're willing to try to accept me for who I am, so... Thank you." I say. He grins before gripping me in a brief, tight hug.

"So, tell me how he is. Been treating you well?" My dad asks.

"Yeah, he's helped me a lot. He's been with me through the whole... incident." I reply. My dad nods in approval.

"Good. At least he didn't run out on you when things got harsh. Tell me more about him."

"Well, his name is Michael, he recently turned 25 in June. He's studying his Master's to become a doctor. He's really nice, and caring... and yeah." I smile.

"25 eh? Sure that's not too old for you?" My dad teases. My cheeks start to redden.

"T-that's only a difference of 3 years!" I protest. He chuckles.

"I know, just teasing. Anyway, how are the rest of your friends?"

"Oh, they're doing well I think. Brianna's still with her boyfriend... Ethan and Liam are still single. We all made it through third year." I reply.

"Meet anyone new? Or just sticking to the same group?"

"Well... I met Michael obviously. He has a best friend named Rowan, so now he's part of our group of friends. Other than that, everyone else I know are pretty much just acquaintances from classes."

"I see."

"Dinner's ready!" My mom calls from the dining room where she sets the last plate of food down. Michael is seated at one of the chairs. I sit next to him.

Dinner starts off in silence. We all dig into the food (which is really good).

"Well, I guess I owe you both an apology..." My mom starts talking.

"We formally apologize to the both of you for how we acted on that day. It was wrong of us to discriminate, and we would like if Theodore moves back in with us." My father continues. Michael and I glance at each other.

"Well... I'll move back in eventually. Maybe in a week or two." I awkwardly say.

"Provided you won't kick him out again, of course." Michael states firmly, looking at both of my parents.

"Of course not. What we did was wrong, and we realize now the effects our rash decision had on you boys and us. We won't kick you out ever, Theodore. There will be some arguments here and there because every household has them, but we won't ever disown you." My mother reassures. I fidget with my clothes awkwardly. The air with my parents has been tense and awkward since I haven't fully trusted them yet.

"Uh, thanks I guess mom." I reply hesitantly, not knowing how to respond. Everyone finishes their plate of food and Michael offers to help clean the dishes. I offer as well, not really wanting to be left alone with my parents again.

"Did you leave me alone on purpose back there?" I ask Michael curiously as we start washing up the dishes. He turns to me.

"Of course not. I'm just trying to be a nice house guest. I wouldn't want your parents to dislike me after you move back into their house." Michael explains. I nod understandingly.

"We'll be in the living room if you boys need any help." My dad says before exiting the kitchen. Oh, I really hope he didn't hear that conversation. The two of us clear the dishes up pretty quickly. There weren't too many, and splitting the job between two people makes it more productive. After we finish loading the dishes into the dishwasher, we head into the living room where my parents are sitting.

"Ah, you're done. Come, sit. Would you like any snacks or tea?" My mother asks, beckoning us to sit on the couch.

"No thank you... Diane." Michael smiles politely. The whole atmosphere is incredibly awkward.

"Well, we would like to discuss, if you boys don't mind... future plans regarding living circumstances and... relationships I suppose." My mom speaks. I fiddle with my fingers nervously.

"I'm willing to discuss it if Theo's comfortable." Michael informs. I give a small nod to show my opinion.

"Well, we were hoping that Theo would move back in with us before school starts next year at least. You two are more than welcome to continuing your relationship, and we'd like to get to know Michael some more." Diane proposes. Michael glances at me as I think it over. It seems like a good plan. It allows me to have time to adjust to living with my parents again.

"That's fine. I'll move in next week, I just need to pack and make sure everything is set." I reply. My mother smiles at me and dad nods approvingly. Michael asks where the bathroom is and my mom doesn't hesitate to show him where.

"Son, I wanted to ask... how's it like... being.... you know." My dad coughs awkwardly.

"Gay? In a relationship?" I inquire. He nods. I take a deep breath.

"Well, it's not much different than being in a straight relationship. You have both people who love each other very much, cherish each other and all that."

"But who does the man's job?"

"Wh-what do you mean?" I ask nervously as my mom comes back and takes a seat. I pray he's not asking what I think he's asking.

"Like, take the other out, pay for the food most of the time, stuff like that?"

"Oh," I breathe out a sigh of relief, he wasn't asking what I thought he was going to ask, "well, in recent times it's generally more 50/50, even with straight couples." I explain.

"As long as you're happy, dear." My mom smiles at me. I grin back at her.

"I'm more than happy."