When I finally came to, I was sitting at the dinner table next to Damien. Dylan and Francine were sitting across from us as Roberto got a seat at the end of the table. Francine got up to set our plates and she set the food down in the center. My family has never really done this. When it's time to eat, it's just my mom and I or just me. Since my parents work most of the time they don't come back until have dinner time.
Then came time to pray. I'm not the religious type, but I won't judge for what you believe in. The twin's family were Catholics. I don't get the point of praying before eating, but of course I couldn't be rude about it. They all held hands with me having to hold Roberto's hand. Damien, on my left, said the prayer. Once we were done, we began to eat. On the table was all kinds food. Meals my family don't eat. There was rice and beans. From soup to tamales and enchiladas. It was a lot for the four of them, but Roberto was eating most of it.
Everything was going well. I enjoyed the food as I stuffed my face. Francine looked at me weirdly like I never ate food before. "Flaco" she called me. The twins laughed, but I didn't know what it means.
"My mother called you skinny, Henry." Damien explained.
"Oh, well...thanks to her, I'll be very fat after this." I laugh. I try to remember in Spanish to tell her that the dinner was good, "Gracias por la comida. Es muy bueno."
Dylan and Damien were surprised that I spoke Spanish. 2 years of Spanish totally paid off.
"De nada, Henry. You're always welcome here." She responded.
From that on the twins and I talk about school and what we look forward next year. Mostly we just spoke about what our plans for summer. Damien said he looked forward to take his ACT test next week. That he's been spending most of his time from Candice to study. Dylan didn't have any plans, but of course I offered him that he could hangout at my house any time he wants to. He seemed to like that idea because he was already excited about it. He gave me a quick smile and I did so too.
That's when everything took a turn for the worse. I'm sure his father noticed the exchange we had. "So, Henry. How long have you known my sons?" Roberto asked.
"Oh...well actually I know Dylan more than I do Damien. Dylan and I hangout, but with Damien we do speak in class or so." I answered.
"Papa." Dylan budged in. His father ignored him.
"Tell me about your family then. Mother? Father?" He continued to ask questions like I was in some sort of interrogation room.
"My mother is a cook at a diner near our home. My father is a car salesman. I am also an only child."
Francine had to cut in. I think it was because Roberto was asking too much of a personal question, but I didn't mind.
"This is your last year along with my boys. Do you have any plans after the high school?" He continued.
"I'll probably just go to the junior college here. I don't have much plans, but it's something."
"Well at least you're going somewhere." He swallowed his food as he glanced towards Dylan. Something wasn't right.
"Have your parents met Dylan already?"
"Uhh...yes. They treat all my friends like they're their own kids."
There was no response from him after that. Roberto continued to eat his food and so did we. Francine and Roberto spoke most of the time, but it was in Spanish, so I couldn't understand. Just like my conversation with him, their conversation didn't seem right either. Dylan and Damien knew what they were talking about. It was getting really awkward now. The tension was really bad between all of us. Damien was trying to eat and ignore his parents. Dylan kept sliding down his chair the more they brought up his name.
I excuse myself from the table to head to the bathroom. Francine tells me that there's one down the hall and to the left. I tell her thank you as I head for the John. Once I get in, I do my business and flush. Washing my hands after I look in the mirror. I really should just get going. I splash water on my face and dry it with a clean towel hung up. As I was going to open the door, there's yelling coming from outside. Okay. It's official. I have to go home I text my mother.
Hey, having dinner with Dylan's family.
Okay sweetie, what time should I pick you up?
Actually, can you come right now. Please.
Alright text me the address
1875 Palmont Ave
I exit their bathroom and come back to the table. They stopped arguing, but something definitely happened. I look up to see Roberto and Francine gave each other an odd stare. Roberto looked at me and said, "Are you sure that's all you're telling us?"
"I'm...sorry. What?"
"Do your parents know you're just like my son?"
That's when something snapped inside of me. When he said that I was drinking my water. I ended up spitting it all out. That then caused a reaction to the rest of the Roth family. Damien started to choke on his food and Francine spilled her cup of water all over the table. Dylan sat there frozen from the question he asked.
"Like...you're son? Sir, I'm not---"
"No need to lie young man. Obviously you being with my son. Already says a lot."
"PAPA!" Dylan yelled at the top of his lungs as he shot up from the chair. Francine tried to get son to sit back down, but Dylan was boiling.
"Mr. Roth. I'm not gay. We're just friends. Nothing else. Plus if we were, it shouldn't be a problem. Most of the world is at that point where it's perfectly okay, to who you love. You shouldn't judge your son from that."
"What my son is becomes my problem. It's not right. It goes again--"
"It could go against traditions within cultures, but you can't decide your son's future. He has to do that for himself." I interrupted him, but he sure as hell did not like that. He told me to watch my tone of voice with him. Damien ended up finally saying something. He tried to calm things down, but Roberto shut him down immediately. Francine even tried telling him to not say anymore, but Roberto kept talking and talking. Everything was just negativity about his son.
"Young man, you're just about as confused as my son is with himself. It's wrong. It's a sin. Boys liking boys is to be ashamed of as it would be for girls liking girls." He continued.
Dylan finally broke, "For many fucking years. I have been lost with these feelings. You are my father! You are supposed to be there for me! Mama has come to understand and accept me for who I am! Even Damien has! Why can't you?" Dylan stormed off and told me come with him. He was crying out a flood. He came to my side and grabbed my shoulder trying to get me out of the kitchen. I wouldn't budge. I was too angry with his dad. I tried to be as respectful as I can.
"Look Mr. Roth. Your son needs you more than ever right now. He's growing up and needs his parents. Both of them." I yelled.
"Not...not when my son is a faggot! It's just not normal!"
The whole room went silent. I turn towards to Dylan and he was in shock. This must be the first time his father called him that because Dylan was hurt inside. I could see it in his eyes. I look back at his father who was also crying. So much was happening I did something. I pulled Dylan in and grabbed him. I went and kissed him. Our eyes closed, I pictured his family in shock. I held a middle finger towards his father. Francine gasped when it happened as Damien mumbled 'Holy. Shit.'
"How's that for not normal asshole." I cursed
"Did...did you just." Dylan mumbled.
"Shut up." I whisper to him.
I let go of Dylan and he's frozen, but he smiles just a bit. I do too. We both look at Roberto. Anger filled him as he shouted. "Get out of here! Both of you faggots. I don't want any of you two ever entering this home again!"
"Thanks for the food Francine!" I yelled with a big middle finger towards Roberto. I took Dylan's hand and we ran for the front door. Surprisingly my mother arrived here quickly. She was parked right in front of the house. Mother ex machina much?
"DON'T EVER COME BACK TO THIS HOME EVER AGAIN!" Roberto shouted from behind. The last thing I saw before shutting the door was Damien running up the stairs and Francine was crying as she locked herself in another room.
Best dinner I ever had with another family. And I thought Leo's family was a mess. We run into my mother's car. She's confused at what's going on and asks why the man was yelling at us. We didn't explain. Dylan and I both shouted for to drive off, so she did without question.
"I'll explain tonight mom. Okay. Thanks. Now just go!"
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