Tel Pere, Tel Fils © 2024 by David Lee
Chapter 1
Kevin was relaxing with a book in the sunroom when the doorbell rang. He hated to leave his comfortable spot on the sofa, but Glenn and his nephew, Nate, were at the supermarket, so there was no one else to answer the door. He considered ignoring it, but when he looked at the security camera image on his phone, he decided not to.
Standing on the front porch was a good-looking kid with a messenger bag who appeared to be nervous. He was trim, about six feet tall, and had blond hair which was trimmed close on the sides and longer on top. This must be some high school athlete out seeking donations before the season began. He looked vulnerable and vaguely familiar. Only Scrooge could turn someone like that away. Kevin would give him a $20 bill if it was for a good cause.
"Um, are you Mr. Birch?"
"I am, and who might you be?"
"My name is Peter Richards, but you don't know me."
"Are you selling something or soliciting donations for your team?"
"Neither. This is a personal matter. Do you remember the 21st of September?"
"Okay, is this a joke or what? I remember the song but not all the lyrics. Am I on a hidden camera show? Would I get some sort of prize if I could sing it?"
"Um, I don't know anything about the song. Do you remember something important that happened on that date when you were a senior in high school?"
Kevin frowned as he thought back to that traumatic time in his life. He had to find out what this kid knew.
"Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside where it's cooler. Please follow me."
The young man followed him through the foyer and down the hallway to the solarium where they would be more comfortable if their conversation were to continue for a while.
"I certainly can't forget that day. You seem to know more about me than a total stranger should. Can you give me another clue as to why I should care to discuss my personal life with you?"
"That the date I was born. A couple of years ago, I started to search for my biological parents. The adoption records were sealed and even my family didn't know their identities. They were hesitant to have me do the research, fearing that I might not like the results, but they didn't forbid me. Thanks to Ancestry, I got a match with a lady named Jennifer Parks who turned out to be my birth mother."
"How is Jenny?" Kevin sighed. "I haven't seen or heard anything from her in years."
"She died last week, but at least I got to know her for several months. She remembered me in her will and even left me a short history of how I came to be. That's what led me to you."
"No wonder you looked familiar. I suppose you probably think I'm an evil, selfish person. I wish things hadn't turned out as they did. We were way too young to make a go of it. We thought you'd have a better chance in life without us. Is there anything I can do to make up for giving you away?"
"Yeah, there is. Would you let me get to know you like I did my mom?"
"Yes, of course! Perhaps your parents were correct in discouraging you from searching. I'm not sure you'll be happy when you know everything, but I would like us to get acquainted," Kevin said as he knelt by the chair his son was sitting in.
Peter leaned forward and put his hands on the shoulders of the father he'd never known. Both shed a few tears. But before they could continue, their reunion was interrupted by the other members of the household who brought in bags of groceries from the attached garage, setting them on the kitchen counter.
"Hey Peter, what are you doing here? I haven't seen you since school let out for the summer," Nate exclaimed. "I thought maybe you were tired of seeing me after we worked together so much. How did you find me? I didn't let them put my address in the student directory."
"Um, I didn't know you lived here since we always worked on stuff at the library or my house. I'm sorry that I didn't keep in touch. I've had a lot on my mind."
"I think I need to make some introductions," Kevin said as he stood up. "Peter, this is my partner, Glenn Huber, and I see you already know his nephew, Nate. Glenn and Nate, this young man is my son!"
"Cool!" Nate exclaimed. "Is Peter going to live with us now?"
"We haven't discussed anything like that," Kevin shook his head. "I'm sure his family wouldn't want to have him leave, and I'm not certain he'd want that either. Perhaps they'll consent to share him a bit."
"I wouldn't wager any serious money on your first statement, Mr. Birch. On the coming September 21st, I'll be 18 and they aren't responsible for their unclean, adopted son any longer. I'm not looking for a handout and I'll get by on the money my real mom left me, but I'd like to know that I have someone who cares about me. If you two are partners in the sense that I think you are, I'd appreciate at least seeing you from time to time."
"Peter, if you'll excuse us, we need to have a short family meeting," Kevin said.
When Kevin, Glenn, and Nate were seated in the great room, Glenn started the conversation.
"I know what you're going to ask, Kevin, and I'm voting that we invite him to live with us. He's your flesh and blood like Nate's mine. He'll complete our little family."
"Thanks, Glenn! You've always been able to read my mind. But we don't know what kind of kid he is. What if he's a druggy or a thug? He seems to be an outcast."
"I can answer that," Nate spoke up. "He's one of the nicest kids at City High. We've worked together on several projects at school. I stayed at his house most of the weekend when we did our last one in science. You can't be a punk and survive in any of those AP sections. Besides, he's an Eagle Scout and active at Grace Bible Church."
"Well, that's a stellar recommendation, but will he be comfortable living with a father who's a homosexual?"
"With all due respect, Uncle Kevin, didn't you hear what he was saying? I'm pretty sure "unclean" is a code word for "gay" in his circle. It can't mean what you're thinking because he certainly has good hygiene habits. And he appears to be okay that you and Glenn are partners."
"Damn! I must still have brain fog from Covid or maybe I'm suffering from dementia."
"Neither," Glenn insisted. "Your emotions have to be all over the place. Most of us miss some details when we're overwhelmed. Since Nate and I both feel he'd be an asset to our household, that's a two-thirds majority. We could invite him without your vote, but I think a unanimous decision would be more appropriate."
"Of course, it's unanimous! I want this more than you can imagine. I just didn't feel right about asking him without your approval. Thank you. I love you both! Let's go see if he feels the same."
"Peter, we would all like to invite you to live with us if you wish to," Kevin began.
"Seriously? You don't even know me."
"No, but I want to. Nate evidently does, and unless you bribed him to inflate your credentials, you're about as perfect as the Virgin Mary."
"Thanks," Peter blushed. "I'm sure I have thoughts which aren't that pure, but I appreciate Nate's recommendation. If I did move in, I could contribute to the bills with the money I inherited."
"You'll do no such thing," Glenn said. "We'll support you just as we do Nate."
Big tears flowed down Peter's cheeks as the reality of his situation fully dawned on him. He was being disowned by the people who should have loved him unconditionally, but he was entering into a new family who might actually care for him to that extent. Life was suddenly looking better than it had in months.
Kevin and Glenn laid out a selection of cheeses and lunch meats along with several kinds of bread, lettuce, chips, condiments, and soft drinks on the kitchen counter. Everyone was invited to make sandwiches with whatever fixings they desired. The boys were told to go first, and the men waited until they had filled their plates.
Conversation around the kitchen table was comfortable. Since Peter and Nate were school friends, they chatted about the classes they'd be taking when the fall term began in a few weeks. The men mostly listened without comment, but they gained a lot of knowledge about their potential new family member as a result.
Kevin marveled at how much this boy reminded him of himself at that age. But in this case, the lad seemed to be reconciled to his orientation. If Kevin had been like that at 17, the kid wouldn't even exist. Maybe some seemingly unwise actions had eventually turned out well in the long run. For years, Kevin had felt guilty for attempting to prove he wasn't gay by having sex with a female friend whom he cared about. He hadn't forced himself on her. She had really loved him, but he'd changed both their lives by not being responsible in using a reliable condom. Yet, in the process, they had created a human being who was pleasant, healthy, and definitely easy on the eyes. In this moment, Kevin's life seemed to be validated.
When everyone had had his fill, Glenn insisted that Kevin and he should clean up the kitchen while Nate gave Peter a tour of the upstairs so he could choose which room he wanted to claim as his own when he moved in.
"Wow! This is a McMansion," Peter exclaimed as the two stood on the landing. "I'll bet my house would fit in here twice. How many bedrooms are there?"
"Five up here, I guess, but we use one of the large ones as an office. There are only two and a half bathrooms on this floor though, and one of them is in the master suite, so we'll be sharing the main one with the shower. That means you get to help clean it!"
"I don't mind. I'll scrub all the pots in the house to help hold up my end."
"No, you won't; I was joking. We have a housekeeper who comes in by the day during the week. She does that and the laundry, plus she makes our dinner on week nights. I'm expected to keep my room picked up, but I don't have to dust or vacuum."
"Are Kevin and Glenn loaded?"
"I'm sure between them they're millionaires. Kevin is a full partner in the law firm of Birch, Shoemaker, and Price. Uncle Glenn is the CEO of his own investment firm. They give a lot to charitable causes, but they don't flaunt their wealth, so they're not snobs. Anyway, you don't have to feel like you'll be a drain on their finances."
"I hope this isn't just a wonderful dream. I'd hate to wake up if it is.
"Ouch! What was that for?"
"Didn't you want me to pinch your butt so you'd know you weren't dreaming?"
"Yeah. I appreciate it," Peter grinned as he gave Nate a shoulder hug. I can hardly wait until my birthday so I can move in here. It's gotten really rough where I live now."
Eventually, Peter chose the bedroom next to Nate's. The bathroom with a shower was across the hall, making it handy for both of them. However, Nate suggested that they share the guest room with twin beds for the rest of the weekend if they could make it happen.
"It's nearly a month `til your birthday, so your parents probably won't let you move in with us before you're 18 when you'll be your own boss and can do as you please," Nate said. "I know Kevin will want you here as soon, and as often, as possible and I will too. He can probably file for custody on Monday, but that could get tied up in court until September 21st.
"I have a thought. Your parents seem to like me, and since I've been an overnight guest in their home, I'll bet it would be okay with them if I returned the favor. I'll go with you when you ask for permission to stay with me for the weekend. They don't have to know that your real father lives here too."
Peter liked Nate's problem-solving scheme. What they were doing might be a bit sneaky, but since he'd been ostracized and was ultimately being thrown out anyway, he felt it was an exceptional situation. He no longer needed to be the honest, obedient son.
The scene at the Richards' home was awkward to say the least. For appearances sake, Thelma Richards was trying to be cordial to Nate while barely disguising her loathing of Peter. Picture Dr. Jeckel and Mr. Hyde trying to face both ways at the same time and keep the other person from seeing who they were. If he hadn't felt sorry for Peter, Nate would have found it amusing. Eventually "Hyde" came completely to the surface.
"Of course, you're welcome to host Peter for the weekend. You can keep him forever for all of me. But before you make good on the invitation, you need to know about his true nature."
Nate, sensing that this conversation might contain statements which could be important in a custody hearing, turned his phone camera on "record."
"Peter is unclean – he's a homosexual! That's too good a word; he's a faggot! He refuses to get help because he says God made him that way. That's blasphemy! Now, do you want this low-grade piece of dog excrement in your house – in your room – sharing your food?"
"Yes, Ma'am! He and I have a lot in common. And I'm not bigoted like some people seem to be."
Thelma's face turned an interesting shade of purple at Nate's comeback. As she quickly found her voice, her response was not what one would expect from an ult-right Christian.
"Are you calling me bigoted? If I'm bigoted, then God is too because I'm following His Word! Get out of my house and take this thankless little bastard with you. I don't want to see either of you ever again."
"Do I have your word on that?" Nate smiled. "You really don't want him here again. Is that correct?"
"Hell yes!"
"Okay, but we won't be leaving until we take all of his possessions, including his clothes, his bike, his laptop, and anything else that belongs to him."
After Thelma stormed out of the foyer, the teens went to Peter's bedroom and hurriedly cleaned it out. Fortunately, Peter had already begun to cull things he didn't want out of his wardrobe knowing he'd be leaving in about a month. There was a pile of clothes he planned to give to Goodwill which he wouldn't need to take with him.
After a trip to the kitchen for several trash bags, they unceremoniously dumped his dresser drawers into them. They were nearly finished when Paul, Peter's younger brother, came into his room.
"I'll miss you, Peter. You've always stood up for me and been my bestest bud. I don't care what Mom says. You're a good person and I'll always love you."
"Thanks, Paul," Peter said as he embraced his tearful sibling. "Hey, now that you're going to be in high school, we can see each other every day, this year anyway."
"Dad said I'm not allowed to have any contact with you, but he can't watch me 24/7."
"Um, I don't want you to get in trouble. I know how harsh his punishments can be."
"I don't care!"
"I appreciate your loyalty. Please slip back into your own room before Mom catches you. I want you safe."
After stuffing everything, including Peter's bike into his car, they drove back to Nate's home. Nate texted his uncles on the way, so they'd be aware of the turn of events.
This is the first chapter in a new story. It likely won't become a long saga, but it will have multiple chapters.
Thanks for reading this story. If you enjoyed it, please feel free to contact me a dlee169@hotmail.com and let me know. Your emails are the only reward I receive for writing. Please put the story title in the subject line in case your email goes into the spam folder.
Thanks to David S for editing. He finds typos and missing words! He also makes valuable suggestions.
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Thanks, David
P.S. I have a chronological list of all my posted stories which I can email to you if you have an interest.