Lean On Me.

“Is there any chance we could tell your dad that our flight got delayed and I could keep you here with me for the night instead?” Jack asked as we stood in his room. I stepped into his arms, resting my head on his chest. “I don’t think I’m ready to let you go just yet. I think I’ve grown too used to spending all my time with you over the past few days.”

Jack’s arms hung loosely around my waist and his hands joined together, resting on the small of my back. Our trip to Chicago was over, it had been a great trip, and now we were home. We had stopped off here because I needed to collect my guitar and my school stuff which had been left here since my Practical exam.

“That sounds like a great idea J, but we both know that he’d get suspicious and check the airlines website. I think I’ve grown too used to being with you too because I don’t want to go home. I think I have to go though, if I don’t, he’s going to be pissed.”

“Normally my dad wasn’t that strict but, when he set a rule you had to stick to it. His rule about me not being able to stay over at Jack’s was a rule he stuck fast to. There was no way I’d ever be able to get him to change his mind on that one, unless there was some genuine, urgent reason that meant I had to stay here. I doubt any reason I could come up with would pass as urgent in my dad’s eyes. He might have accepted Jack and I being in a relationship but, I’m sure he didn’t want to know about half the stuff we got up to this weekend.

“I guess you’re right, there’s no use in pissing him off so close to the end of school. I really enjoyed myself this weekend. Thanks for the perfect weekend, Lex.”

“You’re welcome, Jack. I had fun too. It really was a perfect weekend,” I replied, stretching up a little to place a kiss on his lips.

“Right, I have to take you home before we both get in trouble and while I still can let you leave.”

The drive home was uneventful and over too soon. Jack and I had just talked about our weekend together and what we thought our weeks would be like. When we pulled up at my house, the lights were still on in the living room, meaning my dad was still up. No doubt he was waiting up to hear about my weekend and to ask about how Danny was.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow in school,” Jack announced, turning to face me. “Can you manage your stuff or do you want a hand?”

“I’ll be okay,” I replied, joining my lips with his for one last time. “I love you. See you tomorrow.”

“I love you too,” Jack replied smiling. “Sleep well, Babe.”

As I guessed, I found my dad sitting in the living room with his head stuck in a book. He smiled as I entered, placing my bags down at the doorway, and he put his book down.

“Hey Alex,” he started. “Did you and Jack have a good time in Chicago?”

“Yeah, we had a brilliant time,” I replied, taking a seat on the couch next to him. “How are you?”

“I’m great,” he answered. “You obviously have a lot to tell me about Chicago. I want to hear about how Danny is too. How about I go and make us my special Hot Chocolate and we can sit down and have a chat. We haven’t done that in a while.”

My eyes lit up at this proposal. I loved my Dad’s special Hot Chocolate. They were delicious. This was just like the old times. Before Mom died, Dad and I would have these moments all the time. My Dad, Mom and I, each of us with our Hot Chocolate and we would just relax and talk about our days. Then Dad got sick and Mom died and those moments all but stopped. I couldn’t remember the last time we had done something like this. It had been too long to count. I guess I couldn’t blame him for stopping them though, before I had been born my Dad used to make them for Mom. He used to joke that it was what made Mom say yes when he proposed to her. Usually, this was followed with my Mom saying she only married him for the Hot Chocolate. I missed those times.

They were the good times and while life was good at the moment, I’d give anything to have my Mom back just so she could see what was happening. Would she approve of my relationship with Jack? My guess was yes. She always wanted me to be happy and Jack clearly made me happy. When she’d found out I was gay, she was so understanding about the whole situation and she always urged me to follow my heart, no matter what. I had done just that with Jack. I went with what my heart knew was right. I didn’t worry about what others thought and we just went for it. I hadn’t looked back and regretted anything yet, and I highly doubt I will.

While Dad was busy making the Hot Chocolate, I brought my stuff up into my room, changing from my jeans to a pair of sweats. I arrived back in the living room just in time to meet my Dad carrying two Hot Chocolates in his hand. My mouth watered at the sight of them, topped with whipped cream, flaked chocolates and mini marshmallows.

“Yummy,” I started, taking the tall glass that was handed to me. “Thanks, Dad.”

“So, how was Chicago?” Dad asked. “Did you and Jack get up to much? How was Danny?”

“Chicago was brilliant. Jack and I didn’t really get up to too much. We just wandered around the city and hung out with Danny and the band. They had a few days off in Chicago so it suited everyone. Chicago is the bands hometown and they had a few days off to spend with family. Danny is great, you know Danny, he’s always happy when he’s on the road, doing what he loves. He sends his love. He said he’ll be in town in a week and he’s calling over. He arranged a surprise for me too, he had Zack fly out to Chicago to surprise me. It’s been ages since I saw him last. He’s home for the week so expect a visit any day now. How have you been? Have you been feeling okay this weekend?”

Dad smiled warmly at me as I told him about my trip to Chicago.

“That’s great, Lex; Danny and Zack are always welcome here. They both know that. I’m glad you had fun and it’s good to see you happy. I’m guessing Jack has a lot to do with that. He’s good for you. As for me, I’m okay. I had a bit of a rough day today but my medication seems to be doing its job. I was going to make an appointment to see Dr Byrne but then decided against it. I’ll be seeing him on Wednesday anyway when I go and start treatment. How are you feeling about the exams? They are getting so close.”

“I’m not too worried about the exams,” I admitted. “I’ve been trying my best not to think about them. Are you sure you’re going to be okay, Dad? Maybe you should go and see him anyway, just to be on the safe side.”

I didn’t like the way my Dad was simply pushing aside the thought of going to the doctor just because he was going to be in hospital in a few days anyway. It was unlike him.

“Lex, I’ll be fine.” Dad reassured me. “It’s nothing, just a few aches and pains. There’s nothing to worry about!”

I knew I wasn’t going to get much further with him. My Dad may claim that my stubbornness came from my Mother, and while it was true to a certain degree, I also got it from my Dad. He could be as stubborn as me at times.

“Okay,” I replied, standing up from my seat. “I’m going to go to bed, it’s been a long day and I have school in the morning.”

“Don’t complain, you love school because you get to stare at Jack during your classes with him,” Dad joked, standing to give me a hug. “Night, Alex. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Night, Dad.”

I was just settling down into bed when my phone beeped, signalling a new text message. I smiled when I saw it was from Jack.

I miss you! My bed feels so empty without you! Night! Love you! Xxx

Notes