Jack

Alex’s exams had started and everything seemed to be a case of so far, so good. I had the day off today because I wasn’t needed to supervise exams. Part of me had been surprised when I received a phone call from Daniel, asking me to meet with him. Part of me was expecting it. He was after all; my boyfriend’s Father and I really think a talk would be in order. He had told me to come as early as possible because Alex only had a morning exam and Daniel didn’t want Alex to know that I was meeting him. I headed straight for their house once I had dropped Bella off in day care.

From the moment that Daniel had opened the door, it was clear that he was a very ill man. His usual lightly tanned skin was pale and his bald head was a major tell-tale sign to his condition. It was obvious that the chemo had been brutal to him. His eyes were underlined in deep dark bags. He led me into the kitchen where the table was set with coffee and bagels.

“I understand that it is early so I figured that you might not have had a chance to eat yet,” Daniel explained, pouring me a large mug of coffee. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me, especially on your day off. I’d imagine that you are run off your feet with exams and Bella. I hope that she’s well.”

“Bella is great. She’s growing up so quickly. You don’t need to thank me for coming here. I think that we need to talk. We both have Alex as our main priority right now. I presume that’s why you asked me here; to talk about Alex?”

“You presume correct; I guess that I’ll just cut to the chase. I’m worried about him, Jack. I know that I’m a Father and it’s almost my job to worry but I can’t help it. Alex is only nineteen and he’s already lost his Mom. That was bad enough. Soon, he’s going to lose me too and I don’t know how I can, or even if I can, prepare him for something like that. He seems to be handling everything remarkably well but I’m worried that it’s just an act.”

I couldn’t imagine the torment that Daniel must be going through right now. He has to prepare to leave his only son and he is dealing with his illness at the same time. It must be terrible to have to worry about what things would be like once he is gone. I guess the only thing I could do is reassure him the best that I can. I was with Alex for the long haul. I needed to let him know that I loved his son and I wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime remotely soon. Even if Alex pushed me away, I’d still fight for him.

“Daniel,” I started. “Alex talked to me about all of this a few days ago. I won’t lie to you; he’s scared about what’s going to happen but he seems more at peace with the fact that you are not going to be around much longer. You should be really proud of him. He’s an amazing guy and he’s incredibly strong. He’s come to terms with what’s going to happen. Plus, I’ll be right there by his side every step of the way. That is one thing I can promise you.”

“I’m glad that you can make that promise to me, Jack. But the Alex I saw after the death of his Mother was someone I have never seen before in my life. He pushed everyone away and I am so worried that he will go back into his destruction mode. One thing that has always been obvious to me is how much you love my son. It was staring me in the face the very first time I saw the two of you together. That was the reason why I never reported your relationship. You have been good for Alex. He’s changed so much for the better since you both got together. I can’t believe the effect that you have had on him; I just hope that it carries on after I die. I feel more relieved knowing that you are going to be there for him because in reality, he doesn’t have many people in his life like you, with the exception of Zack and Danny. Thanks for reassuring me, Jack. I appreciate it.”

Before I got a chance to answer, we heard the door slam shut and Alex appeared in the kitchen, a smile on his face when he saw me sitting there. Time had flown past and Daniel and I had spent hours talking.

“Hey Dad, hey Jack,” he said, coming over to hug me. “What are you doing here, Babe?”

“I came to wait for you, silly,” I replied, placing a kiss on his cheek. “How was your exam? I was thinking that the three of us could go for lunch to celebrate the end of your exams.”

Notes