“I don’t know if it’ll be as sexy as it is in the movies,” I say, thinking it over. “It hurts when water gets in my eyes.”
Kieran chuckles and moves closer to me. I know I’ll have to get up, clean and go home because it’s not a good idea to sleepover, not when Senior’s here. But for now, I’ll enjoy this moment a little longer.
30
Kieran: Sydney
“Hey Dad,” I say when he picks up. I’m leaning against my bedroom wall, staring out the window, watching the morning sun.
“Kieran, how’re ya going? How’s studying?”
“Good,” I say. “I think I’ll do okay in my exams.” Even though I hate not seeing Jasper for days at a time, I have to admit that staying apart keeps us focused. Besides, I know how important school is for him, so I don’t want to distract him.
“That’s good! I know you’ll do well.” He clears his throat. “And you’re not getting into anymore trouble, are you?”
“No. Jasper resolved the whole issue with the guy I fought.”
“Jasper, as in Senior’s grandson Jasper?”
“Yeah. He fixed everything for me,” I say this last part in a quiet voice.
“For you? Sounds like he’s a nice guy after all, eh?”
“Yeah. He’s…he’s really nice.”
“Hm,” Dad says in a knowing tone that lets me know he’s about to tease me.
I speak before he has the chance. “Okay, I’m going to tell you something, but don’t give me shit for it, okay? I’m serious, Dad. Say it.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say anything. What is it?” I can hear in his voice that he’s biting back a smile.
“Jasper’s my boyfriend now.”
He doesn’t say anything.
“Dad?”
“I’m here,” he says. “Sorry, I was just caught off guard. I thought you were going to say you had a crush, but he’s your boyfriend now? That’s great! How did this happen?”
“Thanks,” I say, relaxing. I give him a loose retelling of the story, leaving out all the sex details. “I love him,” I finish.
He hums and I can imagine him nodding his head, smiling. “I’m really happy for you,” he says.
This is why I love my dad. He doesn’t tease me or respond skeptically, but accepts me at my word. “It’s funny how this turned out, eh? Senior always told me he thought you’d be great friends. Looks like he was mostly right. Have you told him yet?”
“Not yet. We’re all having lunch together today, so we’ll do it then.”
Jasper’s still worried about it, but I’m sure it’ll turn out alright. Senior doesn’t seem like the type to hate gay people. Then again, I don’t know for sure. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. It’d be heartbreaking if, after all these months of living with him, I found out Senior didn’t approve of me just because I like both men and women.
“Anyway,” I say, “that’s what I was calling about. Oh, also there’s another thing. I’m going to apply for university.”
For the second time, Dad goes quiet.
“Are you still there?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he says, his voice strange.
“Are you upset? I know I haven’t discussed it with you before —”
