Meeting the Parents
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004
Meeting the Parents
A Billy/Dom/Aureen/Austin Chat
Dom: *I can't believe it; my parents are coming to Oregon. One place I thought I'd never be; it's got to be one of the farthest from my mind as far as vacationing spots for my parents to go. But here I am, driving through the many parking lots of Towerston International Airport, looking for a space, which I'm beginning to believe is about as likely as, well, my parents coming to Oregon. It's a nice airport, from the outside. Interesting, anyway, and quite big. Well, I never was a big fan of airports, actually. Probably huge amounts of security stationed at every corner, ready to take you down if you so much as smell of organic foreign material. I wonder where they'll make us wait for my parents... I glance at the time; almost 3:30. About a half an hour or so since I picked up Billy from school. And a half hour until my parents arrive. I'm not sure if this is considered "making good time" or not... Especially at an airport. ...Where is that bloody parking space? But, of course, almost as soon as I've thought it, I turn a corner, and there it is. We must be on the fiftieth level of the parking garage by now. I pull into the space and turn off the ignition; my nerves must be standing on end; I feel my hands wanting to shake as I reach for my seatbelt. I'm sure this is a sign that I may become incredibly irrational at any moment. I shove the button to unlatch my seatbelt, and as I fumble to pull it around from my arm, I see Billy sitting beside me, looking even more nervous than he did at the school. I stop suddenly, against whatever reason is telling me to do, and speak softly.* You okay, Bill?
Billy: Yes. *I reply automatically, nodding quickly, a little too quickly to be convincing I’d expect. But what else am I supposed to say? “No Dom, I’m not okay, I’d very much rather turn around and leave your parents stranded at the airport” or “No Dom, but just let me vomit next to the car here a bit, and then I should be right as rain”? No, I’m okay as I could ever be in a situation like this, and I nod again, only to realize I never stopped nodding in the first place and probably should before I give myself a headache.* I’m fine. *I say, turning to him and smiling tensely.*
Dom: *My jaw sets with concern. I can almost see his whole body shaking. My poor love; he shouldn't have to feel like this. I'd like to reach out to him, but I think if I touched him it would more likely give him a heart attack than comfort him. He looks so frightened; any little thing might make him jump out of his skin. Which means I should probably save being irrational for later... I let go of my seatbelt slowly and reach to unlock my door.* Okay, love. *I pop open my door and give a last:* Everything's going to be okay. *before stepping out of the car. The sudden oily smell of the garage hits my nose and I turn and close the car door, looking around and waiting for Billy to follow out. I think I can hear my heart in my ears. Who would have thought we'd both be nervous wrecks? Then again, not seeing your parents in a year, getting yourself a boyfriend in the meantime, and then expecting them to show up suddenly, at any minute, to evaluate your new life is kind of a crazy idea. And now Billy must feel like the part of my life that's going to be evaluated the most seriously. I sigh and put my hands in my pockets to keep them from trembling.*
Billy: *I nod resolvedly, jaw set as I step out of the car and shut the door behind me, stepping to Dom’s side. I’ve got to calm down now, pull myself together before Dom’s parents arrive, because looking like a nervous wreck certainly isn’t going to make the sort of impression I’d like to. I look over at Dom then, not bothering to smile this time, because I know he wouldn’t believe any smile that was on my face right now.* Alright, let’s go to the terminal and see if we can figure out what gate they’re coming from.
Dom: Okay. *I nod, watching him put on a brave face as we start off together toward the garage elevator. We reach it and I hit the button, and the elevator arrives almost half full of people and their belongings. Billy and I enter and remain silent through the ride, and when we reach our level, we step out and hurry off toward the garage exit. I check my watch quickly as we walk; only about twenty minutes to find this gate number and go there. I'm beginning to shake again, and I look to Billy, who is still carrying himself with as much bravery as he can. We reach the sliding doors out of the garage and are taken in by a clean smell and a warmth as the doors split suddenly open and we continue in, my eyes wandering around the place for signs that might point us in the right direction.* Which way now? *I ask, half rhetorically. Billy is at my side and I wish I could just take his hand for my own comfort, if not for his.*
Billy: Well... *I stop before a reader board of flight and gate numbers, scanning the sign for Dom’s parent’s flight.* Gate A6. *I say finally, pointing out the flight listing and then turning, looking for the signs to direct us to the gate.* This way. *I nod in the direction of where the signs direct us, hoping to have a few minutes when we reach the waiting area before his parents get there to collect myself. I’m shaking like a leaf now, and I probably would throw up if it weren’t for the fact that I’ve been avoiding food all day for that very reason. I look over my shoulder to make sure Dom’s following.*
Dom: *I hurry after him, trying to make it back to his side. I'd hate for either of us to feel alone right now. When I finally catch up to him, I glance at him and down to his hand where it swings at his side. And all I want to do is hold onto it. Thinking about that twice now in a very public place; I've really got to stop thinking, period. All my parents want is to come here, meet Billy, and have a good time. I shouldn't feel nervous. But then my eyes catch the glint of the ring on Billy's finger, and my heart is back in my throat. My parents don't know it yet, but they're also coming to hear about something extremely important that we've done together; something that my entire future depends on. I suddenly remember why I'm feeling so afraid and the thought of grasping down for Billy's hand again enters my mind like a bolt of lightning. I look quickly up at the signs passing over our heads, reading the numbers of upcoming gates. We pass gate A12 and I take a sudden step closer to Billy as we walk.*
Billy: *Rounding a corner, a waiting area is stationed right in front of the security checkpoint, and beyond that I can see the sign for gate A6. Steering us quickly to a couple of vacant seats off to the side, I sit and check my watch. Ten minutes until their plane is due to land. Good. I heave a great sigh and look over at Dom, pressing my shaking hands to my thighs to still their movements. *
Dom: *Billy sits and I look out to see the A6 sign at one of the gates across the lines of weary people waiting to pass through security. I look back to Bill and sit beside him, watching as he turns his eyes to me and sighs. I lean my arm on the armrest, tilting myself toward Billy, looking down at his hands, fingers trembling where they're pressed to his jeans. Another impulse to move my hand out to him... I'm far too used to spending time with Billy in the security of our home, where no one would see me pick up his fragile hands and press them to my lips. But I suppose if we were at home, he wouldn't be shaking like he is now. My brow bends in concern as I watch him, ignoring groups of people as they pass.* Billy, do you want something to drink? Anything? *Yeah, I'm a great comfort, all right; my own voice shakes as I first begin to speak.*
Billy: No, thanks though, love. *I murmur, my voice unconvincing in its hoarseness. I suppose we probably look very dire, sitting here, looks of grim resignation or unadulterated terror plastered onto our faces. The thought make me relax a little bit internally, a tiny, tiny bit, because as difficult as this is, we’re not being sent to the gallows. Anyone who were to ask us what was wrong would laugh in our faces if we told the truth. This isn’t going to kill us. There’s a really good chance this visit is actually going to turn out to be enjoyable, actually, if the way Dom’s mum sounded on the phone is any indication. I need to bring these thoughts to the front of my brain, eliminate this grinding panic. I turn my attention to Dom.* Are you alright?
Dom: Yeh. *I nod, though a bit too optimistically to be believable. I have a feeling I'm putting on a face for myself more than for Billy, though. Maybe if I just act unafraid, all of these last-minute jitters will just go away. I look at my which, which I realise, as soon as I've done it, is something I shouldn't have done. ...Six minutes. Hell, that's not very long; not very long at all. My knee begins to bounce. I look to Billy again, and I'm sure there's worry all over my face, even as I speak:* Yeah, I'm fine.
Billy: *I watch his face as he speaks. It’s the biggest lie I’ll ever let him tell without calling him on it. I simply nod, forcibly removing my hand from my thigh to pat his knee gently, then folding my hands back together in my lap.* Do you want anything? Coffee, tea, something?
Dom: Nah. *I shake my head, still thinking about the warm place where he touched my knee, my leg bouncing only gently now. My head stops shaking and it occurs to me that I don't even know what I was answering anymore. Maybe I never did. I shift in my seat, and watch a reader board overhead. All flights are on-time. I look at my watch again, instinctively. 3:56 pm... I sigh and shift again, leaning in Billy's direction.* Can I ask you something? *I ask suddenly, not even stopping to wonder why I had to ask Billy if I could ask something else.*
Billy: *My eyes flicker down to my own watch, registering nothing more than the fact that that long minute hand is very very close to the twelve now, before I look back up at Dom.* Of course you can. *I murmur, tucking my hands beneath my legs to hide the trembling.*
Dom: *I curl my fingers around the edge of the armrest, biting my lip a bit.* Do you think they'll bring us something? Gifts? *I bounce my knee again, even as my arm rests across it.* I was just thinking... Maybe we should have gotten my mum some flowers or something. She might expect something, you know. That's all. I don't know what we'd have gotten my dad... *I bite the inside of my cheek, thinking, glancing off and on at Billy.* Not that you would have had to get them anything; I should have got them something... *Oh, damn it, just shut up.*
Billy: *My eyes widen at the thought and my entire body tenses.* Shit... *I breathe, closing my eyes briefly. I hadn’t even thought of it before Dom mentioned it, but now it sounds like the most obvious thing in the world. Of course we should have brought Dom’s mum some flowers, or something like that. Talk about making good impressions. I sigh and look at Dom, shrugging.* I really don’t know, Dom.
Dom: *Bloody hell, it would have been so easy to just pick some up after work... Is there a flouriest in the airport somewhere? Damn it, it wouldn't matter anyway; she'll be here any minute. What the hell is around here? My eyes flicker down each length of the airport. ...A latté stand. Sure, I'll just get her a latté. Then what would I get dad? I pinch my eyes closed and rub them with my fingers.* Shite...*This is awful. What kind of son doesn't get his mum flowers after being away from home for over a year?? I run my hand back through my hair and sigh, opening my eyes to watch Gate A6 intently. I can feel it now; when they appear my heart is going to burst open with a great amount of pain shooting like a bloody firecracker inside my chest.*
Billy: It’s alright, Dom. *I speak lowly, trying to keep him calm, because if he panics, I’ll panic, even more so than I am now.* I’m sure they’re not expecting anything, nothing more than to see their son. And maybe a ride back to a place they can get a quick bite to eat and then fall asleep comfortably. *Of course, I don’t know them. Should I be worrying because Dom’s worrying? Stop, Billy, stop.*
Dom: Yeah, okay. Okay. *It's okay... Of course they just want to sleep. Unless they slept on the plane. I don't know, do they sleep on planes? Don't I even know my own parents? I haven't even spoken with my dad since I've been gone. He probably feels drug into this... Mum probably made him come, using some "Well he's your son..." talk and he felt guilty enough to step on that plane. Did he? He hates traveling... Oh shite, will he hate it here? It'll be even worse if he hasn't gotten sleep. And then by Thanksgiving he'll be so jetlagged and irritable he'll refuse to give us any blessing whatsoever for this marriage... And then Mum will have to guilt him into doing that, too. Shite. Oh shite, Dom, shut up! Why are you making this so bloody worse? You're acting like it's like some bloody countdown to your own death! My knuckles are turning white around the rim of the armrest. My watch reads: 4:01. 4:01? Where are they?*
Billy: *I give up trying to appear cool and collected and loosen a hand from underneath my thigh, placing it on top of Dom’s on the arm rest and squeezing tightly for a moment. This is silly. This should not be as big of a deal as it is.* S’alright, love. *I say softly, removing my hand and placing it by my side.*
Dom: *My breath is released from my chest in a great sigh when Billy squeezes my hand. It's as though my nerves suddenly rush out through his touch every time he reaches over to me, and my mind erases to a blank slate. Of course, just after he lets go of my hand, the blank slate starts getting crowded again and my gaze flickers through the crowds of people ahead, straining for any ounce of familiarity so that I can just get that first great shock out of my system and be done with all of this fateful anticipation. They'll come any minute. Right through that crowd. Any minute they'll come through there looking for us, and they'll see Billy for the very first time, and start forming their opinions automatically... My poor Billy. He shouldn't have to be subject to that. I love him so much. No one else's opinions matter. Nothing could stop me from marrying him now, not even if my parents did disapprove. So why am I still frantically searching that crowd? Why am I still shaking like hell?* Where are they... *I hardly speak the words.*
Billy: Takes time to get out of the plane. Lots of people crammed into one little tin cylinder. Like sardines. *What am I talking about? Maybe Dom’s on the same wavelength as me and will understand my babbling. I can only hope. My own eyes dart across the faces of the wave of people, as though I’d recognize them on sight.*
Austin: *It doesn’t matter how many times I remind myself that I hate traveling, I always end up on another plane. I can’t really argue with this little trip, though. If I did, Aureen’d probably bite my head off. Not to mention, I am looking forward to seeing Dominic again. As for Dom’s current partner... we’ll see. I trust my son’s judgment and I know he’d never get involved with anyone awful, and that he’d do whatever he pleased whether or not his mother and I liked it (as conveyed through his jaunt off to America without so much as a phone call for months), but whether or not I like the bloke is entirely up to me. I shrug the shoulder strap on my carryon a little higher, feeling the pull of it and looking forward to a time when I can get rid of this damn luggage and just get some rest.* Any sign of him? *I ask Aureen, looking at her to see if I can follow her line of sight to Dom.*
Aureen: Well. I can't quite see over everyone's head. *I would stand on my toes if I thought it would make this search any easier, but I suppose with this much hustling and bustling, it's best just to make out way through the crowd as quickly as possible. I'm fairly sure I have a headache; I've never been particularly good at landing in planes. And now with all of this raucous, (and a bit of sleepy grumpiness from Austin, if that counts), I'm not sure if I can stand it here much longer than two seconds without simply screaming Dom's name. That might be a better tactic than this anyway.* Is all of the country at this one gate? *I ask to myself. But I know I shouldn't get upset... I'm just so anxious to see Dominic again, and to meet Billy. All of this other fuss seems completely unnecessary. I finally make my way out of the crowd and into the extremely large, open corridor of the airport. I glance back shortly to see Austin coming up behind, thankful that he didn't lose himself, and then I turn my attention to those few scattered people waiting patiently across the way. I begin to scan faces, but then stop instantly on one that at once brings tiny tears to my eyes, all at once making me smile and blubber like a fool. My heart skips and I can't help it; I begin to wave frantically in the air, and my voice breaks forth from my lips, calling.* Dommie!!
Dom: *My whole body goes rigid, and I'm sure I'm in cold sweats when I hear my name come over the sounds of the airport, my eyes flashing instantly toward that high, sweet voice that I haven't really heard in such a long time. There she is, my mum, all dressed up to meet us, and I want to stand, but I find that my legs don't work anymore really. And when I try to call back, I find that that doesn't work anymore either. Or maybe it's just that my heart is blocking off my throat, or something, because I can't bloody breathe now. Behind Mum, Dad is standing with their carryon hanging heavily on his shoulder, smiling wearily at me, and then glancing off and on. And before I can follow Dad's gaze to my side, I see Mum rushing toward me making some mad sound between hysterics and tears and I again try to stand, succeeding this time, but still shaking a little when she reaches me and instantly pulls me into her arms.*
Billy: *I turn to stone, just as I had seen Dom do a split second earlier, before his mother had him in her arms. Here she is, up close and personal: the woman who raised my love to the best of her abilities, and did a damn fine job, too. She’s weeping a little, I can see, and I can’t blame her at all. It’s been more than a year since she’s seen Dominic, more than a year. What a frightening thought. The idea of being away from him for a day chills me to the bone. So I’d say she definitely deserves to shed some tears over him. And there, walking slowly up behind, waiting for his turn to lavish stored-up affection on his son, is Dom’s father, a man I know very little about and, frankly, am terrified of. No matter what Dom says to try and assuage my fears, I can’t help but feel old-fashioned about this, that this is the man I’m going to have to impress if I want to win his approval. I’m about to reach out and introduce myself, shake his hand or something, when I find that I’m actually frozen in place, and I don’t think I could speak if I tried. I guess I’ll have to wait until I unfreeze or, more likely, Dom has the chance to introduce me.*
Austin: *I come to a stop behind Aureen, who seems to have a death grip around our son, but honestly, I don’t think he minds. It has been awhile since he’s seen her, after all. However, he probably would like to breathe.* Come on now, Aureen, quit smothering the lad. *I grin tiredly at Dom and wait for Aureen to move a little so I can have my chance. I step up and pull Dom into my arms and hug him tightly, pulling back after a moment to look him over.* My, you look well. It’s good to see you, Dom.
Dom: Hey... *I laugh a little, maybe with a leftover bit of nervousness. But after Mum's prolonged greeting, I think that most of my apprehension has been squeezed out of me. I sigh heavily, finally smiling with some believability as I feel the weight decrease from my chest.* Good to see you, too. Um. *What else does a lost son say?* Welcome to the States. *I grin and then shrug, looking between my parents and trying to be amusing.* Or...one of them, anyway. How was the flight?
Aureen: Oh... *I wave my hand in the air, shooing the many hours we spent aboard the plane so as not to worry him.* ...All lounging and eating peanuts. Gave me a good chance to catch up on my reading. Your father did crosswords. *I add, assuring Dom that Austin wasn't in some fuss the entire way over. He does hate to travel; I'm afraid I'm becoming a terrible recluse. But it's is only making this visit much more exciting. I smile at Dominic and then turn, finally giving my attention to the man standing quietly beside him and offering a bright smile.* And this must be the one I've been hearing such good things about! *What a sweet-looking man; as soon as I begin to address him, his expression becomes so warm and welcoming, I can't help but lean in and hug him, careful not to squeeze too tight. I lean back and look happily into his smiling eyes.* Billy! Aren't you a darling... It was so lovely speaking with you on the telephone.
Billy: *I freeze when she leans in to embrace me, but then I feel a good deal of the tension ooze out of me, and I return the hug gently, looking at her with a timid smile.* It was lovely to speak to you as well, Mrs. Monaghan. I’m so glad you could come; we’ve been looking forward to your visit. *I suddenly remember that we were really looking forward to their visit, for that period of time between when we fought and when we started to get really nervous. I’m resolved to recapture that. I turn away from Dom’s mum finally and look towards his father, steadying myself a bit before holding out a hand to him.* It’s good to meet you too, Mr. Monaghan, finally.
Austin: *I smile at Billy gently. He looks like a slight breeze would blow him flat out faint, and it brings memories flooding back, back when I was meeting Aureen’s parents for the first time. The situation may not be exactly the same, but I know exactly how he’s feeling. No need to make this any harder on him. I take his hand.* It’s a pleasure to meet you, Billy. Thank you for inviting us. And please, call me Austin.
Dom: *Well, that's more than I expected... I watch Mum take hold of Billy in a hug, not paying attention to the smile growing on my lips, and when Billy turns to my dad, my heart is racing in my chest. But I'm still smiling; who thought I would be smiling? Through all of this anxiety and anticipation, I would have thought I'd have fainted on the floor by now. I look between Dad and Billy, my smile growing just that little bit more when they take each others' hand. I can't believe I'm actually excited about this; I was sure I was going to die all of two minutes ago. But I look at them now - my family, and Billy; both of my families coming together like this. It seems so easy all of a sudden. And I know Billy will sweep them off their feet. My Billy; I just glance at him and fill up with pride and love. Just wait until my parents see how incredible he is. I look to Dad suddenly with a broad smile, raising my brow.* Billy teaches first grade at the local school.
Aureen: That's right... *I recall, wondering how I could ever forget. I look at Billy with a knowing smile.* You and Austin have something in common already. *I look back to Austin quickly and reach over to pat him lightly on the arm.* I forgot to tell you, dear. Isn't that interesting?
Austin: Oh yes? *I ask with interest, smiling at Billy, who smiles lightly in return.* I’m pleased to hear that. Always nice to know of someone who knows that teaching is the best profession in the world. *I wink at Billy. I really know very little about the man, probably even less that Aureen, though she claims she’s told me everything she learned from her conversation with him, and everything Dom’s ever told her. I suppose we’ll learn more from this week. That’s one of the main points of the week, isn’t it?*
Billy: I certainly think it is. *I smile at Austin, feeling even more at ease with this exchange. Dom had mentioned his father’s profession once in passing, but I’d forgotten until now. To have even that little bit in common reassures me. I look at Dom, for the first time since his parents arrived really, and smile. So this is what the other half of Dom looks like. I turn back to his parents.* You must be tired. Let’s go get your bags and head home.
Aureen: Oh, I'm sure I'm fine... *I assure Billy, though I begin walking anyway, actually relieved by the idea of getting out of this busy airport. For once, I slept very little on the plane ride over. I suppose I was kept awake by all of the anticipation of this meeting. But there's certainly nothing to worry about; just the sight of Billy's gentle smile is convincing me that I'm going to very much enjoy my holiday here. And then having Dom at my side once again; it feels much more like home, even this far from England. I'd forgotten how big he is. It seems silly; maybe I still think of him as a little boy. I suppose all mothers do that, with time. The four of us continue walking, looking out for signs of the baggage claim, and I make sure to stay close to Dom and Billy both.* You know I'm just going to stay up all hours asking you two questions anyway. You know me; it's my job to know everything.
Dom: I thought you did know everything. *I reply, giving Mum a cheeky grin. I walk close to Billy, wanting more than ever to hold his hand once again, but this time out of pride, rather than anxiety. I'd love nothing more than for my parents to see just how much he means to me. What would Mum do if I just reached down so easily and laced our fingers together? Or Dad? I glance more and more at Billy, smile growing, warm all over. This is awful; I'd forget my own parents for him. I grin and try to look back in Mum and Dad's direction.* You going to stay up and interrogate us too, Dad?
Aureen: Oh... *I reach a hand up to pinch Dom's arm a bit, glad more than ever that I can hear his teasing again. It'd been such a quiet house without him, back home. I don't suppose I'd ever been upset about a little quiet before Dom left us to come here.*
Austin: I think I’ll let your mother handle the inquisition. She’s much more effective at dragging out information. *Dominic really does look well. Not only healthy, but so happy. Not that at home he looked unhappy. But I always got the sense that home for Dom was temporary, like he was always waiting for the next thing to come along. Which is why I wasn’t terribly surprised when he picked up and left for America. Nor was I surprised when he stayed out there. Worried for a time, and of course I missed him, but certainly not surprised. But here... he looks content, like he has no intention of going anywhere. And while I’m sad he didn’t choose to settle closer to home, I’m glad he’s found where he wants to be.* She can tell me all that she’s learned after I’ve had a nap.
Billy: *I grin, bursting with happiness to see Dom with his family, the people he loves. I’m so used to being with him, to being the center of attention in his life... it’s wonderful to look in from the outer reaches and see this new side of him.* I don’t think it’ll take much to drag anything out of us. *I say sincerely, wondering at the fact that this is really the first time Dom and I will be able to talk to anyone else about our relationship. I don’t mean all the little details but... our story. And I can’t wait.*
Dom: *I grin toward Billy excitedly. He already seems so willing to be a part of my family, it's really leaving me a bit breathless. Now would be one of those times I might just lean in and kiss him grandly on the cheek, but with Mum and Dad watching...not to mention the rest of the airport, I think it'd be better if I waited until later. You know, when my parents catch onto the fact that I can't possibly resist Billy for more than a few hours. Though I'd rather not wait even that long, if I can help it. He glances at me and I find it almost painful to look away, trying to address Mum again.* Yeah, Mum... It's going to be no fun for you. We're too jabbery.
Aureen: Yes, I could tell with the way you chat on the telephone... *I tease, passing a sign directing us toward the baggage claim. We turn a corner to an escalator and wait to step on.* You can't get by me that easily; I know you have secrets you've been hiding. *I give Dom a wary eye and then lean in toward Billy.* He hasn't been making his bed up at all, has he?
Billy: No, I’m afraid he hasn’t. *I shake my head rather solemnly.* And I’m afraid I’m terrible at seeing that he sticks to his chores. *I brighten up a little, grinning at Dom’s mum.* He did do the laundry the other day, though. And he helped me make up the guest room. So I suppose he pulls his weight, for the most part. *I grin over at Dom and step on the escalator.*
Austin: Well, nice to hear some things never change. *I tease Dom, nudging him a bit as I follow the rest of them onto the escalator.* At home we used to get him to do his work by telling him he couldn’t watch footie until he did. I don’t know if that would work so well anymore over here, though.
Dom: *I pout jokingly, dropping my chin to my chest and shaking my head in dismay. Ah, the days of footie... I can't believe it, but it hasn't really entered my mind at all since I've been here. I was obsessed when I was a kid. I look up, sneaking a grin at Billy. I guess I've just found other obsessions.* Bill would probably deprive me of ice cream now.
Aureen: Goodness... *I remark, shaking my head with a knowing smile to Dominic. I look at Billy again as we step off of the escalator, glad that he has some record of my son's behaviour.* Has he been eating nothing but sweets?
Billy: Well... I wouldn’t say that’s the only sort of food he’s been having. *I sneak a glance at Dom, smiling.* I probably do let him have a little too much ice cream. But I make sure he’s getting enough from all his food groups.
Austin: *We approach the baggage carousel just as it begins to move, and I watch the conveyer belt go around, still listening in on the conversation with an amused smile.* Do you even get him to eat his vegetables, Billy? That’s something we always had trouble with.
Aureen: *I approach the carousel beside Austin and, hearing his comment, look discretely over my shoulder to Dom and Billy, shaking my head with a look of awful disgust. That's something that Austin always had trouble with, with the both of us. I'm so glad to share with Dom such distaste for vegetables of any kind. Quickly, in case Austin is watching, I turn back to him with a bright smile.*
Dom: *I begin to laugh at Mum's expression, knowing exactly what she means and sure that Billy will probably pinch me for it, or something adorable and like him, and when Mum turns back around to face Dad, I look up to him also, pressing my lips together quickly and trying to look as serious as possible.* Vegetables are practically my favourite food now... *I state, nodding a little.*
Billy: Really? Well, that’s grand then. You can eat all the vegetables at dinner on Thanksgiving and your mother and father and I will eat all the dessert. How does that sound to you, hmm? *I grin winningly at Dom, then at his parents.* You should have told me earlier; I would have stopped buying all that ice cream and gone straight to the frozen veggies section instead.
Austin: *I chuckle quietly, watching one of our bags come around and tugging it off the carousel.* I’m beginning to think we’ve found the wrong Dom, Aureen. Maybe ours is in some other small town in Oregon?
Dom: Practically. Practically my favourite food... *I state, addressing Billy specifically to make sure that he knows exactly what I mean.* Just below all of those other necessary things, like ice cream and dessert and everything else. *The corners of my mouth bend as I look at him, so close I could just put a kiss on his temple.*
Aureen: *I smile in good humour and tug the next bag from the carousel, wheeling it onto the ground with a huff.* No, this is our Dom all right... *I speak to Austin, but lifting my eyes to Dominic to be sure he is able to see the teasing look I am giving him.* Just as cheeky as ever. And anyway, he's too much like me to be anyone else's Dominic.
Austin: Oh, let’s not say that. For poor Billy’s sake. *I tease, checking both bags to make sure they’re really ours and we’re not going to end up with someone else’s underwear before looking up at the rest of them.* This is it!
Billy: *I hold back a giggle and look up at Dom, smiling gently. I shouldn’t let myself look at him for too long of a period. Now that all my anxiety’s gone, all I can think of is kissing him, and if I’m not careful I may just do that. I look away, distracting myself with the baggage.* Here, let me get that for you, Mrs. Monaghan.
Aureen: Well... *I sigh with a little surprise and I'm sure an evident amount of weary gratefulness, relinquishing the handle of my bag to Billy.* Isn't that nice of you, love... It's so good to know that there are some gentlemen left in the world. *I smile sweetly at Billy and then send a satisfied glance over my shoulder to Austin and Dominic.*
Dom: *My brow bends quizzically and I glance in Dad's direction, beginning to follow after Billy and Mum as they start off toward the parking garage.* How is it that I feel strangely chastised? *I emphasize in Mum's direction, hurrying along to catch up.*
Austin: *I laugh, following after Aureen and Billy, readjusting the strap on the carryon.* Now you know how I feel. It’s time to get used to it, son. *I grin at Dom, keeping up with the other two to make sure they’re not defiling our good names too badly.*
Billy: Dom carries my bag for me out to the parking lot for me sometimes, when he picks me up from school. *I explain to his mother, looking back at Dom with a small smile and waiting for him to catch up to my side as I steer us towards the parking garage.* He knows how to be a gentleman, when he feels like it.
Dom: *I flash Mum and Billy both a wide grin as I finally catch up to them, striding at Billy's side.* I figure it's best to be a gentleman half the time, so that it's still a pleasant surprise after a year or so. *I turn a glance solely to Billy and give him a sudden loving smile, sneaking my hand down to the handle of Mum's bag, gently removing it from his grip.*
Aureen: *I look up to a large sign as we approach the great glass doors of the parking garage, still speaking to Dominic absently.* I don't recall teaching you to be a gentleman only half of the time. Unless you've just forgotten half of what I've taught you since you left. *I smile to myself, turning a bit to see if Austin is still following close.*
Billy: That’s probably more like it. Really, I’ve tried to keep him well behaved, but it’s such a struggle sometimes. *I turn and grin at Dom, looking down to where he’s stolen the bag.* Hoy. What do you think you’re doing? *I sneak out a hand and reach into his pocket, grabbing the keys and pulling them out.* I’m driving. *I turn and step back a bit to Dom’s dad.* Can I help you, Austin?
Austin: No, thank you though, Billy. I’ve hit my stride, taking anything now would just throw me off balance. *I come up beside Aureen, smiling at her, wanting to reassure her that my crankiness is over, now that we’re off the plane, back on land again.*
Dom: *I start to protest Billy's snatching my keys, (which are actually mostly his keys), but he runs off leaving me only smiling after him. It strikes me as suddenly lovely how he pays constant attention to my parents, even though he's only known them personally for a few minutes. And in a moment I'm thinking of how desperately I want to marry him, and how much I'd love to tell my parents, right now, about our engagement, and how much I want to see the complete joy on their faces when they finally hear it. That's how much I love Billy; I want them to know.*
Aureen: *We pass through the sliding doors and into the parking garage, and I catch Austin's eye, returning his smile gently. It's so much like home now... All of us together. If only Matthew hadn't been at work, he might have come as well. I can't wait to be at the house and have a chance to sit with Billy and Dominic and finally talk to them about all that has happened in their lives, because things have changed so much. And it's turning me into a teary mess just thinking about it. About my little boy. About the man he is turning out to be and the separate life he is starting for himself here. Anyone could see that he's building an entire world around Billy. But if anyone is going to take my little boy away, then I'm more than happy that it's going to be Billy, for I feel that I'm beginning to love him, too, even this soon. I wipe at my eyes absently, noting that I should keep my wandering thoughts at bay until I'm able to get settled at the house. Perhaps then I won't feel so silly and sentimental.* So. *I sniff, returning to a conversation with anyone really.* How far off is this house of yours?
Billy: *I twirl the key ring around my finger, returning to his side and walking closely to Dom, bumping into his side every once in awhile, just to feel him as near as I can.* Not too far. About a half hour’s drive, I suppose. We’ve got to get out of the metropolis of Towerston into the wilds of Lauderville. *I chuckle; strange to think that Towerston really is civilization compared to Lauderville.* Lauderville is far too small of a town to warrant its own airport. So is Towerston, really. I think Dom was planning on giving you a tour of Lauderville tomorrow, right Dom?
Austin: If we’re awake and aware. *I murmur. Though I’m alert enough, I’m starting to feel the physical weariness from today’s traveling catching up to me, and I hope I can get a good night’s sleep tonight so we can have a tour. I’d like to see the town Dom calls home.*
Dom: *I smirk happily when Billy bumps into my side once again, glancing at him for a long moment before looking back to my parents as we walk toward the garage elevator.* Yeah, only if you’re up for it. *I remember to say, then thinking again.* Not that it would be a terribly long tour, really. But if you’re still feeling tired tomorrow, we can go some other time. Maybe Friday. I took work off for the rest of the week so that I could have fun with you two while Billy’s at school. *I state, showing Billy a broad smile so as not to get a pinch.*
Aureen: Dominic, don’t be a terror. *I scold with a pat to his arm, tears drying a bit from my eyes as I forget most of my thoughts. I look to Billy with a sympathetic frown.* It’s a shame that you can’t stay at home with us, Billy. Are there no other teachers about to take your place?
Billy: I wish I could. But Thanksgiving week is one of those times of year where everyone requests time off. They usually count on me as being one of those who will be there. Being British and all. They don’t think I celebrate Thanksgiving. *I smile and shrug a little.* We’re strapped for substitutes. But I do get Friday off, in addition to Thanksgiving.
Austin: Does that mean the town gets no mail this week, Dom? *I tease. It seems strange to think of Dom as a postman now. I would have never considered it.*
Dom: *I smile a little in amusement, thinking of my substitute trying to take care of things at the post office on her own.* Ah, well... No. -That is. *I grin again more humorously, stopping behind the group of people waiting for the elevator.* I hope the town will be getting its mail. I'm actually in the process of training a co-worker of mine. *I nod, specifying.* To run the deliveries. I'll probably check up on her once or twice the next couple of days, just to make sure things are getting done. Properly.
Aureen: Just the two of you? *I ask, a little disbelieving. The elevator arrives and as the doors open, groups of people and their baggage get off and on, the four of us following in behind.* You run the post office by yourselves?
Dom: Well... *I step into the elevator, trying to manage myself and Mum's bag in a very tight place, making a bit of a face.* It isn't terribly difficult. *I finally settle the bag between my feet and look up to Billy with a small grin, knowing that he'll understand what I mean.* Billy and I count as almost twenty-percent of the population, I think; yeah, Bill?
Billy: *I scrunch up my face, pretending to think about it as I shuffle into the elevator, taking sneaky advantage of the tight quarters to press up to Dom.* Yeah, that sounds about right. And Dom and I never get much mail. *I nod at his parents.* He used to run it nearly by himself, before McKenzie came along. He had his boss, but Marty never really helped with the deliveries.
Austin: Still, that’s a lot of responsibility. *I muse. If you had suggested to me a year and a half ago that Dom could be a contender for the head of a town’s postal workings I probably would have laughed. I squish into the elevator behind the three of them.* Just how did you end up working for the post office, anyway?
Dom: *I almost start to laugh, bumping against Billy a little with a wide, warm grin spread across my face.* Well, let's see... *I turn my head to look at Billy, as if for his council on the subject, though I know the story well enough. Perhaps I just want to look at him.* I actually had just arrived in Lauderville, when the bus broke down, and I was out of money... I just happened to walk into the post office to ask for some help and the man there, (Marty, actually), asked me if I'd need a place to stay. So I said yes, and he gave me a house and a job. I started work at the post office that next day, in fact.
Aureen: *I'm watching Dominic almost blankly as he tells his story, and as I begin to speak, my mind is still a little slow in catching up.* You... got a job and a house? Goodness, Dominic, perhaps warning you about taking candy from strangers wasn't enough. *I pause again, still a little disbelieving.* A house? *I glance between Dominic and Billy with a little uncertainty.* I thought you were living with Billy...
Billy: A house? That’s being a little generous, calling it a house, don’t you think Dommie? *I grin at him and nudge him in the side, turning back to his parents to tell the rest of the story.* It was a shack, more likely. I only saw it once, and that was the day Dom came to ask if he could stay with me for awhile while its leaks were being “repaired.” *I laugh at the memory.* It collapsed just as he ran out after grabbing his stuff. Needless to say, repairing it wouldn’t have done much good.
Austin: It collapsed?! *I ask with a disbelieving laugh. It’s funny now, but I can’t let myself think about it too much, otherwise I begin to consider all that was happening in Dom’s life, and how little we knew about any of it.* So when did you make the transition, from the heap of wood to Billy’s place?
Dom: Ohh... *I blow a sigh out from my lips, brow furrowed as I glance from Dad back to Billy for any ideas.* Must've been... about this time last year, yeah? Or a little earlier? September/October. *I look to Dad again, shrugging.* Soon after I'd come anyway. Pretty reliable house, hey?
Aureen: Dominic, I'll never understand why you didn't call me! *Granted, if he had, I would have been frightened out of my mind, knowing that he was out of a house. I lean over and put a hand to Billy's shoulder gratefully.* It is a miracle that Billy was even there; and then to be kind enough to take you in... Where would you be now without him? *I turn a sincere gaze to Billy, giving him a gentle squeeze and feeling a bit of my sentimentality returning.* Thank you, love. So much. I don't know what I would have done... *But I don't know quite how to finish, and I release Billy's shoulder softly as the elevator stops and the doors open.*
Austin: *I nod slowly, looking at Billy for a long moment before turning to step out of the elevator, dragging the bag along with me.* You’ve done our son a good turn... more likely several. *It’s one thing to give a man a spot in your house, a roof over his head and a bed, but to give him a home takes a lot more.*
Billy: *I can feel myself blushing madly, receiving praise for something I hadn’t even thought twice about at the time and haven’t regretted since. I step out of the elevator, waiting for Dom and his mother to follow Austin and me out, and then I reach automatically for Dom’s hand, not caring to wait any longer.* It wasn’t anything you should be thanking me for... He did me at least as much good as I did him. I can’t even remember what I did without Dom around. *And I’m blushing again, no, still blushing, deeper now as I look to Dom before beginning to walk towards our car.*
Dom: *My heart flutters into my throat as my hand is taken up and tangled with Billy's, my face becoming suddenly hot. I turn with timid surprise and look at Billy as we walk. He's already gazing at me, cheeks a light pink colour, and I think I've just fallen in love another dozen times. I sigh deeply inside, finally feeling him again, and nearly forgetting what he has said...* ...Played with cats... *I manage, not even stopping to think or look away from him, smile spreading across my lips, wondering if my parents are watching at all.*
Aureen: *I sense Dom's voice become softer, and I glance quickly to him, only to notice that he most certainly has no idea what he's saying or probably even where he is. Not with eyes like those, so deeply fascinated. I don't recall ever seeing Dominic quite so intent in his entire life. A smile slowly blossoms on my lips and I look to Austin to see if he's also noticed the new silence of our company. He hasn't; still looking out for the car, though I'm not sure he has any idea what it looks like. I glance back to Billy and Dominic and watch them for a moment before noticing their hands clasped between them, and after a few startled heartbeats, I turn away happily, following Austin with my own secretive smile.*
Billy: *I smile and squeeze Dom’s hand tightly, looking down at our fingers before scanning across the parking garage for the car. I’m surprised I had the nerve to do that, to grab a hold of Dom out here, in front of his parents who I’ve known for all of a half an hour. But now that I’m holding his hand again, I’m surprised I had the willpower to resist this long. I see our car then and steer us towards it. I unlock the trunk and reach to help Austin with the bags, finally relinquishing my hold on Dom’s hand, but I think I’ll have it back when we get in the car, even if I have to drive one handed most of the way home. When I finish loading Austin’s bags in the trunk I leave Dom to hoist his mum’s bag in before hurrying to the driver’s side door, unlocking all the doors to the car.*
Austin: Ah, thank you Billy. *I say gratefully, letting him haul the bags into the boot of the car, heading around to the side of the car and letting myself into the backseat. It’s then that I notice how closely he’s standing to Dominic, the little looks they’re exchanging. I look up at Aureen and notice her smile, plain as day, and I know she must have seen something I missed.*
Dom: *I heave Mum’s bag up into the trunk, watching Billy with a wishful smile as he suddenly leaves my side and busies himself with unlocking the car. The car dips with the final weight of the luggage and I reach for the door of the trunk, shoving it down securely until it locks. I brush my hands against my thighs and continue around toward the passenger side, smiling welcomingly at Dad as I pass him.* Why don’t you two just hop in back and make yourselves comfortable. *I toss Mum a happy glance as well, opening the passenger door and carefully sliding inside. I hit my seat with a bounce and close my door after, looking warmly at Billy when he drops into the driver’s seat beside.* Prepared for take-off?
Aureen: *I open the door of the car and duck inside, finding my seat as Austin does and closing my door with a resounding clap. I reach around to my side, fumbling for wherever there might be a safety belt in this car. Finding it, I pull the belt across my middle and secure it with a comfortable smile, looking to Austin to see that he’s having a bit of trouble with his own belt.* This one, dear. *I say, offering him the other receiving end of the safety belt. He straps himself in, and I look inquisitively back to the front, waiting for any more interesting occurrences to take place between my Dominic and his Billy.*
Billy: *I slip my own buckle around myself and lock it with a click, smiling happily at Dom, wanting to reach out for him again, but now that we’re in such a close and confined space with his parents I’m feeling slightly shy again.* Yes sir. *I nod and slip the key into the ignition, pulling out of the parking space and heading for the down ramp in the parking garage that will take us back onto the road, bound for Lauderville once more.*
Austin: Thank you. *I smile at Aureen, leaning back in my seat and patting her hand on the seat between us as was pull out of the parking garage, into daylight once again. My body objects to it being so early in the day, and I yawn quietly, turning my attention out the window as buildings pass by.*
Aureen: *I smile sweetly at Austin, mostly because of his touch, rather than his thanks.* You’re welcome, love. *I speak to him softly, looking again toward the front, expecting something from the two young men seated there. But they aren’t speaking much now, and I see Dominic absently watching out his window as we drive on, keeping his thoughts to himself, though his smile would indicate that he’d rather not. I’d like to just lean forward and prod him a bit, urging him to ‘C’mon, Dominic, I know you better. What on earth is happening in that head of yours?’ But I meekly sit back in my seat and watch him, hoping somehow that my mere thoughts will affect him from a distance. Billy continues driving, looking out for road signs that will lead us back to his home. It’s any wonder why I wish he would just turn his eyes for a moment to my Dommie and smile. Something about the magic that I’d just witnessed minutes earlier at the airport... Something about the two of them together making my heart feel a little lighter than it used to be.* Billy... *I begin, wanting to just ease the silence for a moment.* That is short for William, isn’t it?
Dom: *I watch the tall corporate buildings of Towerston pass by, flickering bits of sunshine into our car and stinging my eyes a little. I’m about to turn away, maybe only with a little self-indulgence in getting one more glance at Billy, when I’m caught off by Mum’s voice and turn over my shoulder to glance at her instead.*
Billy: Yes... *I answer, looking in the rearview mirror at Dom’s mum, smiling a bit.* Though no one ever calls me that. Except for my nan when she’s cross with me. *I look over at Dom for a moment, smiling and reaching out to touch his knee lightly, letting my hand linger. I can’t help it.* I suppose it’s much like Dom and Dominic, isn’t it?
Austin: *I chuckle softly, glancing at Aureen and then up at Dom.* Do you have to call him Dominic often, Billy? We always found that his full name put fear in his heart. Of course, it is quite a mouthful so we reserved it for only the most dire occasions. *I notice Billy reaching out to Dom and pause, then smile slightly.*
Dom: Put fear in my heart when someone was actually able to say it in one breath. *I joke with Dad, looking constantly at Billy and feeling my body tense when he rests his hand against my knee. I’m holding my breath I think, watching him get away with these little gestures one by one, seemly so discrete and quiet that my parents don’t even notice. Not that I would know if they did; I can’t take my eyes off of him. The corners of my mouth bend and I slowly ease into that familiarity of Billy’s touch, trailing my hand down and gently squeezing it around his.* Don’t know that Billy’s ever used my whole name before. Either I’ve never told him the middle parts, or I just haven’t got into enough trouble for him to use it. *I grin at him, adoring every instant he cares to glance in my direction.*
Aureen: If you haven’t, you might not be my Dominic. *I state with a little laugh.* I’m sure you’ve gotten into plenty of trouble. Or maybe you just haven’t been found out, hm? *I raise an eyebrow at Dom as he turns a cheeky grin at me from his seat. Pursing my lips humorously, I lean up toward Billy.* Do you know his full name, Billy? It would just make sense if he never told you, of course. He knows how it might come in handy.
Billy: I don’t believe I do know it, actually. Why, is it very long? *I glance over at Dom and then back in the mirror, eyebrows raised.* So far I haven’t needed it, but there may come a time when more unconventional threats won’t work anymore.
Austin: Dominic Bernard Patrick Luke Monaghan. *I rattle off, grinning up at Dom.* We couldn’t decide on just one, so we thought we’d give him a few to grow into.
Billy: *My eyes widen and I look over at Dom with an astonished grin, turning my hand to meet his and squeeze around it.* You never told me! Greedy. Here I am with no middle name to call my own, and you’ve never even offered to share.
Aureen: Never? *I grin at Dom with mock incredulity, leaning up with a pinch.* After all Billy has shared with you, Dominic, I’m disappointed... You could have at least told him your name before now. *I look to Billy quickly and grin.* Now would be the perfect time to use it, too.
Dom: *I grin at Billy bashfully, unaware that we still have these little things to learn about one another. I lace up our fingers again, wanting to tug him close to me and tell him everything.* I’ll give you half of my name then. Which half do you want?
Billy: *I pause to consider, feeling the warmth from his hand gradually spread up my arm and through my entire body, and my smile is unwavering. I’m finding it hard to divide my time between watching Dom and watching the road. Luckily I’ve just started seeing signs for Lauderville, so it shouldn’t be too much longer.* Well, logically, I should probably take Bernard, don’t you think? So I can be Billy Bernard Boyd.
Austin: What a mouthful, both of you! *I laugh at the two of them.* It’s a good idea, though. Your names will be so difficult to master that you’ll have no choice but to never be angry at each other again.
Dom: *My smile lines my lips gently, eyes flickering into Billy’s beautiful glances, stunned by each one until I lose my breath.* We’re so clever... *I speak lowly, and almost hesitantly move, and then stop again. But then he looks with that smile... I’m falling in pieces; I can’t help myself. My heart quakes with an impulse and, without even thinking, I lean in to Billy and just put my lips on his cheek for a moment, just enough to know that I want something more now than I can have, and I pull back quickly when my thoughts return to me. I look at him with my heart trembling against my chest and refuse to turn my eyes in any other direction than this. I don’t even notice how my hand is grasping his, fingers curling tightly around for that ounce of security that I’m sure will disappear as soon as my parents realise what it is they’ve now seen.*
Aureen: *I want to gasp. My chest lifts as though I am about to as I see it happen, but my breath catches in my throat and I refuse to let it out. What has my Dominic done to make this silence so unbelievably still? So unbelievably, lovingly still that I feel I need to catch my breath before I miss another part of it to come? Seeing Dommie’s lips brush Billy’s cheek is like reading a storybook to my sight; seeing it all come to life for the first time with colour and make-believe. And I suddenly know: this could be real; this could be all I’ve dreamt for him. And it seems like the whole world is waiting to know exactly what this kiss means. Why I can hear Dominic’s heartbeat in the air... I hold my breath and wait for something to tell me that it is all very real. Real enough to line my eyes with tears already.*
Austin: *It was never like this with any of Dom’s girlfriends back home. There was never this much tenderness. Aureen had complained often enough that she wished Dom would just settle down already, but I couldn’t bear the thought of him marrying any of those girls, not when something was so obviously missing. And that something is certainly present now. Such a chaste kiss, but filled so much with all the love that I am convinced he’d never found with anyone else. I look to Aureen and see that she’s noticed as well, and my hand finds hers again and squeezes gently.*
Billy: *I hold my breath, cheek tingling slightly from where his lips brushed, and as soon as he backs away my eyes find his and hold his gaze for a long moment, until I have to return them to the road. If we were alone I’d have trouble stopping myself from pulling over for a proper kiss, because Dom has such a knack for enticing me with a simple kiss on the cheek, but we’re not alone, so I will be able to restrain myself. I think. I squeeze his hand tightly in my own, grateful that the next turn is the turn onto Main Street, and I can almost feel home from here.* Almost there. *I say a bit shakily.*
Dom: *It isn’t really my place to speak, and I’m afraid I’ve doomed the last part of this ride to be an awkward one. I finally turn my eyes forward to the passing road, the oncoming sights that I recognise as markers to our home. My fingers tense around Billy’s and I can’t look back at him, because I’m sure that my parents just saw what I shouldn’t have let out into the open so unexpectedly. I feel myself struggle to suppress the sound of each breath. Not that I’m ashamed. I know I’m not ashamed... I can’t be ashamed of this; all that Billy and I have, all the time. Perhaps I’m just ashamed of myself for making it seem so quick and easy, which isn’t how it seems to me at all.*
Aureen: *I take in a deep, nervous breath and then finally find the strength to smile again, willing away my tears.* Oh. Is this Lauderville? *I wipe my fingers under my eyes, hoping that no one will bother to worry about my state when I’ve so soon chosen to forget it myself; it seems the best for now, with the hints of worry now on their faces. I wish I could tell them now how much I love them both, without looking like a crying fool.* I haven’t seen many houses... Or perhaps they’re hidden in all of this forest! *I try to sound stable again, smiling with a little quiver, but not much.*
Billy: Aye, most of them are, actually. *I say after clearing my throat, looking in the rearview mirror with a slightly timid smile. Dom’s mum looks a bit shaken, though she is smiling.* It’s a very, very, very small town. Can barely even be called that, really.
Austin: How big is the town, anyway, Billy? *I ask, rejoining the conversation as Aureen has so bravely done. It’s difficult, when the tides of this conversation have been so obviously turned, though not for the worse. No, definitely not.*
Billy: Erm... about five hundred, I believe. A handful less, actually. You should check with Dom on that statistic, though. He is, after all, the one who visits every residence and business in town on a daily basis. *There’s the road to turn on, leading us to home, and I feel like rejoicing. I’m so excited for Dom’s parents to see our home, to see our lives in their complete entirety. If how they’ve acted so far is any indication, they will be as proud of our home as we are.*
Aureen: Is that true, Dommie? *I try to get him to speak to us again, knowing by his stature how completely frightened he is.* How many people are in this little town, do you suppose?
Dom: *I start, inhaling uncertainly and adjusting my hold on Billy’s hand. My eyes glance through the trees out my window and I try not to think about anything that might have caused anyone’s embarrassment. Especially Billy’s.* Bill’s probably right... *I state with a rough throat, coughing lightly and forcing a glance back at Mum after a moment.* Maybe four hundred fifty, or five hundred. Most of them live away from Main Street. In the woods. *I look back through the windshield, noticing familiar driveways as they approach and pass, a little excitement springing in me despite my silent worry.*
Aureen: Isn’t it frightening living out here in the woods? Especially at night. There doesn’t seem to be anyone about... *I clasp my hands together and cause myself to shudder, looking to either side of the car at the great many evergreen trees lining the road.* I do hope you two don’t go walking about in the dark. There must be a thousand deadly creatures out there.
Billy: The worst ones live in the house, truly. And those ones are on our side, so they keep whatever other wild things live out there out of our way. *I smile into the rearview mirror.* I hope neither of you mind cats. *I grin over at Dom before looking ahead and seeing the house. I pull into the driveway slowly and park the car, turning around a bit in my seat to look at the two of them.* This is home.
Austin: *I crane my neck to peer out of the window at the little house in front of us, seeing that it seems well-kept and comfortable, glad that Dom made his way here from whatever little shack he’d been living in before. I push my way out of the car and stand up, admiring the place with a smile on my face. So this is where Dom calls home, now. I turn to the three of them as they stand from the car as well.* It’s a beautiful home Billy, Dom.
Dom: *I push my way up out of the car, stepping around the door and shutting it behind me as I look up to the house as well. I turn back to Dad and smile a little timidly, then I look over the top of the car to where Billy is standing on the other side, and my smile slowly grows, even greater than I had expected for having said nothing to him, and him having said nothing to me. But I can feel that overwhelming comfort of stillness so suddenly; a refuge that we’ve found all over again. This is our home; our home. I live here with Billy and sleep here with Billy and wake here with Billy to million and one kisses. And I realise for the first time, now that my parents are standing near to me in this place... I can never return with them. Never. Those memories of a home I used to have far away, a place that meant growing up and making dreams about being somewhere else. This is the place I will never have to dream of leaving. And Billy... Billy is the person I will never have to part from. No matter how much I grow up or dream. He’ll always be standing with me in this place. And I wouldn’t feel ashamed if he were close enough to me now that I could kiss him once again. This is home.*
Aureen: Ohh, what an adorable house. It fits right in. *I look with admiration on the little structure sitting amid the trees. There is a little garden out front, running along to the side of the house, and a porch, and windows with shutters up above. It’s almost too much the perfect house to be real, and once again I think I must have walked into a fairy tale and found that my son has been swept off by his... well, his Prince Charming, into a humble cottage, a welcome home with everything but a white picket fence, to live happily ever after. Isn’t that how it is? I look at Dominic with a bright smile, wanting him to tell me whether or not this will be a “happily ever after” or not, if he knows already. With his every look at Billy, my heart grows more and more hopeful.* This is so beautiful, you two... I’m going to be such a mess this evening, just being at home with you, so I hope you’ll forgive me in advance. *I’m already wiping under my eyes again.*
Billy: *I offer Aureen a gentle smile, nodding slowly as I turn to look at Dom, smile becoming amplified as soon as I catch sight of his face.* You’ve had a long day. *I murmur to Aureen, but I am still looking at Dom. I know that jet lag has little to do with it. I am so happy to finally know someone who is as taken by Dom as I am, as taken by the idea of the two of us together. I know that Dom’s mum approves. I saw it in her eyes the moment she approached us in the airport. There’s nothing to fear there. And the way she’s taken with our little home, well... I want to tell her that someone finally understands the feeling I get every day when I arrive home from school, the full and utter happiness that tends to fill me when I see Dom and our little house in the same frame of vision. But I stay silent, choosing instead to move around the trunk of the car and help unload the bags, eager to get into the house and show Dom’s parents what our lives truly look like.*
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