The Assistant | Scavi

Dinner

"Are you sure that everything is alright?" Scott asked once more when he was sure that Avi had calmed down enough to be able to think clearer.

Avi sighed. "Not really," he finally said.

"Do you want to tell me?" Scott asked.

Avi nodded. "Yeah..." he let go of his boyfriend and sat down on the bed.

Scott sat down next to him and let him take his hand.

"It's... I didn't want to tell you because I don't want you to think bad about my parents. They really are amazing" Avi began.

"I won't, believe me, me and my parents didn't always see eye to eye" Scott explained.

Avi nodded. "Okay. Well when you were taking your shower we sat back down with another cup of tea and talked about the tour and everything and I also told them how much you being there helps. They asked a bit about you, but then they got quiet. I asked them what was wrong, Mama said it was nothing but I didn't believe her. And then Dad started. He told me that they had hoped that me liking men is just a phase. They wished for another woman in my life" he explained and looked down. "But I want you. Want to be with you. And I told them that I need them to respect me and my love for you. Mama tried to mediate, told me that they only need time, but I just feel so... uneasy. It's so hard to describe, Scott."

"You don't need to," Scott replied. "I know. I've been through the same, not with my parents, but with my grandparents. The 'just a phase' thought is, unfortunately, pretty common. The thing is, even if it is only a phase and you end up with a woman again, what you are feeling right now is valid. And I am glad that you stood up for yourself. I..." he stopped and took a deep breath. "When I came downstairs, I heard your Dad say his thing and then you replied. I didn't want to listen, but I needed to know."

"Does Esther know?" Avi asked. "She hugged me a little tighter when she came and wasn't as cordial with our parents. At least that's what I thought..."

Scott nodded. "Esther knows. I didn't want to tell her, but she knew that something was wrong and told me to talk."

Avi smiled slightly. "She's wonderful," he said and sighed softly.

"What's on your mind, Love?"

Avi looked up at him. "Do you think that they'll accept me? Accept us?"

Scott nodded. "Your parents love you, Avi. There's no doubt about it. They just need to get used to you loving a man and it might take time. What they said, especially what your father said was wrong. As a parent your only wish should be for your child to be happy. They will need to learn that this is your happiness" he said. "And until they do you have to remind them that you matter. Don't fight with them, talk to them. Tell them what you are feeling when they say such things. It will get better."

Avi listened to his boyfriend and smiled. "I think I can do that," he said. "Thank you."

"Of course" Scott said. "Anything to make you feel better."

"Anything but the pills," Avi added.

"Did you think about taking some? You looked anxious out there..." Scott asked.

To his surprise Avi shook his head. "No. I haven't even thought about taking one. All I needed was your comfort. I heard you in the bathroom and I know that you'd come" he said honestly. "Thank you."

Scott smiled at his boyfriend. "You are welcome, Avi. Do you want to go back downstairs?"

Avi grimaced. "It will be awkward," he said.

"I know. It will be awkward for all of us. But if you stay here it won't get better" Scott explained patiently.

"Mmhm and we might miss Mama's food" Avi added. "I don't want to miss dinner."