Acceptance

You are still my son.

    Ryan fumbled in the dark for the light switch with a frown on his face which quickly shifted into one of stunned expression when a chorus of "Happy Birthday, Ryan", rang into his ears.
He adjusted his eyes to the bright living room,  still stunned to even move an inch.
"Happy birthday, babe",Quinn said in a sonorous voice as he walked towards him, leaned in and planted a chaste kiss on his lips.
" This is.... , his head was too jumbled up to form the appropriate word he wanted to say.
Quinn chuckled and slipped his arm around his waist,  ushering him further into the living room and to the presence of the happy faces.
Tilda walked forward and kissed his  cheek. "Happy birthday, sunshine".
Quinn groaned. "Back off with the names Matilda. Only I could come up with one".
She rolled her eyes at him.
Ryan took in the beautiful sight of the room which was decorated with blue,  white and red ribbons and balloons. They were people he didn't even know and mentally counting except from Tilda and her boyfriend,  there were Fourteen in number.
"who are all these people? "
Quinn grinned. " people we know".
Ryan nodded. He smiled at them as they wished him a happy birthday.
"This is wonderful,  Quinn. Thanks.
Quinn nodded at him.
"come on,  everybody. Let's sing the birthday song".
"Birthday song?,  Ryan looked stunned.
Quinn smirked "it will be fun".
The older man couldn't remember the last time people gathered for his birthday,  let alone singing  him a birthday song".
Ryan was ushered to stand behind a decorated table on which a round cake sat. On the cake was a lited candle.
He couldn't stop smiling when they sang the birthday song for him. He was soon asked to make a wish,  which he did and then he blew the candle. They cheered him and he tried on several occasions to avoid Quinn's eyes that was intent on him with love and admiration.
A silent music soon starting playing on the stereo and they busied themselves laughing and dancing.
"This is fantastic".Ryan said,  his brown eyes twinkling.
"As long as you are happy, I'm happy ".
Ryan held his gaze. "I love you"
The blond man smiled. "Right back at you".
Ryan leaned his head on Quinn's shoulders while Quinn's arm wrapped around his waist as they slowly danced to the slow beat of the music.
   An hour later, all of the guests were gone and Ryan was left with Tilda,  Nick and Quinn.
They were going through Ryan's presents. Gosh,  he felt like a kid again.
"come on,  let's see it,  Tilda whined when Ryan stalled in opening Quinn's present to him.
Nick's present was a headset,  Tilda's was a  maroon polka dots tie. Compared to the others,  Quinn's own seemed the smallest.
  Ryan chanced a glance at Quinn whose expression looked calm.  He sighed and unwrapped the present which turned out to be a black leather watch.
" woah, it looks expensive", Tilda commented.
"it's a Timex marlin watch",  Ryan noted. He raised his gaze to Quinn. "you didn't have to".
" I wanted to.  Try it and see if it fits", he urged calmly.
Ryan tried it on and it looked perfect on his wrist. He stood up from his seat on the couch and walked to where Quinn sat while the others watched with ambitious expressions.
He bent his head and kissed Quinn's lips. "I love it, thank you", he whispered when he pulled away.
Quinn was too mesmerized to utter any word. He only nodded..
Ryan turned to the others with a satisfied smile on his face.
" For all your efforts in making this mini party a success,  I'm genuinely grateful".
They nodded. Just then,  the doorbell chimed. " I'll get it", Tilda said and rushed to the door.
She reappeared few minutes later with a tall,  elegant lady.
Mom?,  Ryan asked in surprise.
The sophisticated elderly woman smiled at him. "Happy birthday,  son".
Ryan rushed into her embrace.
" I can't believe my baby is getting old".
He pulled away with a frown. "what are you doing here?.
She sighed. "Came to wish you a happy birthday and to see your dad".
He was quiet. "you heard".
She took his chin. "He deserves it".
He smiled faintly and stood by Quinn.
"Mom,  meet Quinn,  my boyfriend ", he introduced. And this is Tilda and Nick, my friends.
She smiled at them as she took their hands in a handshake before getting to Quinn.
" please,  call me Alex".
Quinn nodded.
She shifted her gaze to Ryan. "can I have you for a moment? "
Ryan nodded,  glanced at Quinn before following her out of the house.
"you look happy", she noted.
"That's because I am".
She studied him. " I will be going back to London in a few days".
He waited for her to continue.
" I want you to bring Quinn over, perhaps for dinner before I leave".
Ryan frowned. " Aren't you disappointed that your son is gay? "
She sighed. "I've come across several homosexuals in my lifetime,  men,  women. You being gay doesn't stop you from being my son,  Ryan. You are still  my son and I love you. "
Ryan searched her eyes for any ounce of doubt but she looked genuine.
"Thanks,  mom"
She nodded. "One more thing"
"yeah".
"That man in there, never let him go."
Ryan blushed, leaned in and kissed both of her cheeks. "I will surely remember that"
"Now go back in there before he misses you, she winked"
"Ryan groaned. Goodnight mom. Be careful out there ".
She climbed into the passengers seat and waved at him which he reciprocated.
He watched as it rumbled into life and maneuvered out of the driveway.
He stood there for a moment before going back in with a broad smile on his face.

                                                 The end.