Life On Tour (Peterick Sequel)

I'll Keep Singing This Lie

"He's in there," she said, pointing at the other door, but not showing any emotion. I looked at her, pleading for her to save me from having to go and talk to my homophobic father.

"Mom..."

"Patrick!" She whispered back sternly, giving me a strict look like I was five and I wouldn't put the toy I wanted back on the shelf.

I sighed and turned towards the door, and I heard her leave the room behind me from the way I came in. What was he going to say? I thought. Was he going to scream at me for going off and getting married, even though he didn't want me to? I thought of leaving the room and thinking of some excuse to say if my mom caught me along the way.

I thought over the situation and suddenly, it hit me. Why do I have to be the one who cowards in the corner? Why do I have to take the heat for my life choice that I was so passionate about?"

I clenched my fists and strode for the door in front of me. My hand was resting on the doorknob once again before pushing the wood open. I stuck my chin up in the air with confidence and called out to my father in the room.

"Dad?" I asked with a steady tone.

After I spoke, I finally got a glimpse of the scene in front of me. My dad was pacing around the room, hand over his face. He looked up at the sound of my voice and his face was red and tear stained.

My heart dropped and I started to freak out over what may have happened. Was there a death? Was everyone alright?

My father walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my body in a tight, tight hug. I awkwardly patted him on the back, unsure of why he was crying into my shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he choked out. "I'm sorry Patrick, I was stupid." I made a questioning sound, urging him to explain.

"I should have been at your wedding. It was awful of me to put my stupid opinions in front of my son's biggest day. I've been thinking about it a lot lately and I've needed to see you and apologize for quite a while. I understand if you don't forgive me."

I wrap my arms around his back in place my head in his chest, overwhelmed by his sudden apology.

"Why do you think I wouldn't forgive you?" I asked him, feeling a few of my own tears come. He raised his head off my shoulder and looked down at me with hopeful eyes.

"You mean you're not mad?"

I smiled at his eagerness and responded.

"Well I'm upset that you didn't come to my wedding or ever talk to me after it because of your opinion, but I'm not mad at you." Relief washed over his face and he hugged me tighter.

"Oh thank God!" He breathed out. "I was worried you'd hate me."

"How could I hate you? You're my dad!" I smiled again and he laughed and in newfound happiness.

--------

I was walking with my parents back to the bus, excited to catch up on everything I've missed in the family.

We talked about the latest in the Stump drama and laughed over everyone's stupid mistakes like we were in middle school.

The three of us sat in the small lounge once we got on the bus and were soon accompanied by Joe. From knowing each other for over 10 years, everyone in the band had great relationships with each other's parents. Joe knowing me for even longer, things went smoother. He soon jumped into our conversation about the days in high school and told a few stories of his own.

We were in the midst of laughter when the bus door opened and on stepped Pete. He looked over everyone having a good time and something of anger seemed to cross over his face. The laughter died down and all the attention was turned towards his impossibly red face and clenched fists.

"I'll be right back," I stated in a confused tone, getting up from my crosslegged position on the floor.

I walked over to Pete and brought him down the stairs, letting the door slam behind me.

"What the hell is up with you?" I spat, sounding angrier than I intended.

"I thought you were upset with your dad, now all of a sudden you're best friends? Don't you remember all of those things he called you when you told him we were dating?" My heart sank.

The whole time my father had been apologizing, he had never mentioned anything about all the verbal abuse. I was so caught up about the wedding situation that I have never thought to mention it.

"Do you think he still thinks of me as a disgrace, or, or, a fag, or everything else he said to me??" I could feel the tears rushing to escape again.

"I don't know baby," Pete ran his fingers through my hair and pulled me close. "But I really hope not. Maybe bring it up before they leave. Until then, I don't think we shouldn't show much affection in front of him until things are straightened out." I nodded into his chest and reached up to wipe the last of my tears off my cheeks. He kissed my forehead and gave me one last squeeze before letting go.

"Is everything okay?" Joe asked, peeking out with perfect timing.

"Yeah, everything's fine," Pete responded. "Just let them know that something came up and I'll be back soon." Joe nodded but I quickly grabbed onto Pete's arm.

"No, don't go, please. I don't want to go back in there without you." I stared at him, pouting a little to convince him to come back with me. He stared back at me for a moment, and then slowly nodded and grabbed my hand.

We walked in behind Joe and sat down on the floor again. My mother seemed delighted to see Pete and even gave him a big hug, but my father tensed. He didn't make eye contact with either of us and I could see him fiddling with his hands.

Pete was right.