feelings are fatal

-4-

Liz and Andy looked up from their food, a prominent frown on Liz's face.

"What is is Jack?" Liz asked, looking her second oldest over.

Jack glanced at Luke and Ashton before looking back at his mom.

"Um.. I wasn't sure how to tell you. I know you probably won't be okay with it, because of your beliefs. But I hope despite this you see me as your son and love me anyway. That you accept me," Jack started. He took a deep breath before continuing, "Mum, Dad.. I'm bisexual."

There was silence at the table as the words sunk in. Luke looked down, scared for his brother.

"Jack Hemmings."

His father spoke up. "I-"

Liz wouldn't let him finish. "Jack, I can't believe you," she said. "You know homosexuality is a sin. I can't accept this. I hope you're kidding, young man."

Jack shook his head slowly. "I'm not."

Liz set her silverware down. "Listen. I do not want a sinner in my house-"

"You're kicking me out?!" Jack exclaimed, gaining the attention of those around them. "Because of who I love? Yeah, okay, that's fine. I already have a house of my own anyway, and I live with my boyfriend. You hear that? Not girlfriend. Boyfriend."

With this, Jack stormed out of the restaurant. Seeing Liz's angry look made Ashton clutch for Luke's hand. Luke ignored this and ran out of the restaurant to catch up to his brother.

He stopped him. "Jack, no, you can't leave!" he cried. "You can't leave me with them.. please Jack! Please don't leave!"

Jack turned to Luke, tears in his eyes as he smiled sadly.

"Don't you understand, Luke?" he asked, shaking his head. "I can't stay. Our parents... they don't want me to stay."

Luke sobbed, shaking his head also. "But Jack-"

"No Luke. I already said, if you want to be with me, come move in," Jack said, starting to walk away. "That's the only solution. I'm here with open arms."

At that moment, Ashton walked out of the restaurant, making his way over to Luke. He put a gentle hand on his arm and bit his lip. "Lu.. you okay?" he asked quietly.

Luke shook his head, looking between his boyfriend and brother. His head was spinning, everything overwhelming.

His parents didn't accept his brother.

They wouldn't accept him.

His brother was leaving.

His boyfriend was getting abused.

Luke managed to give Ashton a weak smile before he blacked out.

Ashton let out a scream as Luke collapsed. He fell to the floor beside Luke, shaking him. "Lu? Luke! Wake up!" he yelled. Jack sighed and picked Ashton up, setting him down farther away.

Luke had constant panic attacks. He had a panic disorder, and everything was okay, since he took his medication. But still, in highly stressful situations, he passed out.

Jack knew this, but Ashton did not. Ashton, not knowing what happened, ran inside to get Ben.

"B-Ben? Lu-Luke passed out," Ashton stammered, trembling. Ben sighed and got up. By this time, the whole restaurant was looking at the family. Liz got up, angry, and walked outside.

Ashton had run out and was kneeling next to Luke, trying to wake him, but to no avail. He himself began having a panic attack, his body shaking and his breath catching in his throat. He couldn't breathe.