PHASES

Episode 5: The Secret Place

Justin couldn't remember a time when his mom had skipped out on Sunday brunch. From as far as he could remember it had been a staple in the Rockwell household, even when it was just the two of them.

Every Sunday Reneè Rockwell would prepare a handsome brunch menu to be enjoyed outside on the patio. If it was the the two of them, Reneè would prepare everything herself but sometimes she would invite guests; colleagues, friends, the occasional neighbour, that lady she met at yoga or client she was working. None of them being mutually exclusive. On these occasions quests would be informed the day before or earlier, Suzanna, their helper would arrive very early on Sunday morning (she never worked on weekends) to help with the preparations. One guest that was always invited though was Mark. And he would always make it a point to attend.

But he didn't always attend. On occasions when his parents would randomly show up, Mark often spent the weekend with them. And last week; Reneè had invited him as usual but he had declined the invitation citing other commitments. And it had been only her and Justin that afternoon.

When he did attend Mark often spent the Saturday night at Justin's house. It actually wasn't unusual for Mark to stay at Justin's house for days at a time. He would, on average stay there three nights a week. Except last week, and when his parents were home. And always when he slept over there he would sleep in Justin's room, the two of them sharing the lone queen size bed. Something that had started when they were both very young.

And indeed Mark had spent the rest of the week at Justin's. The day after their reconciliation (Wednesday) Mark had packed a bag and asked Manny to drop him off at Justin's. His whole staff were very used to it.

.....

It was a bright and sunny Sunday that day. One could tell that it would soon turn into a very hot day. Spring was already in full swing. Mark sat right next to Justin, Justin's older brother Evan, sitting opposite them and Reneè at the head of the small table.

Reneè was talking animately, recounting some of Justin's childhood adventure, and everyone was laughing except Justin who looked a little embarrassed.

"...and have I told you of the time he came out to me?" She said her eyes gleasoning with tears of laughter.

"Mom!" came Justin.

"Oh honey it was so sweet" said Reneè, finally repressing her urge to laugh again. Justin began playing with his food.

"Well my little Justin, ten years old at the time mind you, comes back from playing and I remember I was in the kitchen. I had just finished preparing lunch. And it was Saturday actually if I remember right" Reneè recounted. "'Mom I think I'm inlove' he says very dramatically. My little Justin was always dramatic at the time."

"He must have inherited that from someone" said Evan, giving his mom a knowing look. Reneè smiled at him slyly.

"He sat down on one of the stools. And I remember it looked like something was bothering him. When he had told me he was inlove he had been so cheerful and now all that was gone. But before I could ask anything, he said 'but it's with a boy. Do you think that's normal'"

"To be honest I wasn't all that surprised. A mother always knows. But I didn't know what to say. My biggest fear at that moment was say something wrong. And all I could say at the time was that it was known to happen and that I knew some grown ups who were in the same situation. I could see that I had not appeased him, so I told him not to worry about it since he was only ten" Reneè finally stopped stalking. She had slowly turned serious as the story went on. She now held her glass of orange juice and was staring at Justin, who was still playing with his food.