“Fred. Just let it go. Let him be,” Mom begs behind him.
“No. I’m not gonna have my son hang out with a family of freaks.”
My chest heaves, nostrils flaring, fists clenching at my side. “They’re not freaks,” I manage to get out. “They’re kind, loving people. A good family. A family that loves and supports their kids. Unlike you and Mom.”
It happens so fast, I don’t see it coming, but I should have. The sting of his hand across my face as he slaps me.
“Watch your fucking mouth, boy. Don’t compare us to a bunch of faggots.”
I’m done. I’m so fucking done with this man. I let my fear of him and how he would react rule my life for so long. I lost so much. He caused me so much pain, and I’m done letting it happen.
Maybe this is a bad idea, but I’m done hiding. It’s better to get this over with now and put him behind me than continue to live in fear. That is, if I survive this night. Because knowing my dad, I know I’m not getting out of here untouched.
“They’re not faggots,” I snap back. “They’re amazing people. And their son, Bennett? He was my best friend. And because of you, I lost him. But not anymore. He’s in my life, for good. Because guess what, Dad, he’s my boyfriend, and I’m neverletting him go. I’m gay. There. You hate faggots so much, well, your son is one, I guess.”
That's the last thing I say before his fist comes flying at my face.
I knew it was coming, but nothing can prepare you for the pain, the way it takes your breath away.
It’s worth it, though. Because fucking hell, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so free in my life.
Chapter 22
Bennett
The house is full of Christmas cheer. My whole family is here. Everyone is laughing, talking, and having a great time.
I want to, I’m trying to, but I can’t stop worrying about Easton.
The last time I talked to him was this morning. I tried to get him to come for supper tonight, but he refused.
It’s a Christmas Eve tradition that we have all the family over, and Christmas day is just me, my siblings, and our parents. And Bishop, of course.
It gives us a chance to enjoy the day just us, playing games, baking, and watching movies.
I tried to get him to agree to come to that, and he said he’d think about it.
It’s because he thinks my family will hate him. I don’t blame him, I know my dads haven't been the most welcoming, but my parents don’t hate him.
They know we’ve reconciled our past and put it behind us, but they think we’re just friends. I want to tell them we’re more, but I promised Easton I wouldn’t tell anyone.
“Benny, you okay?” Lilly gets my attention.
“Huh?” I look over at her. We’re all in the living room, sitting and chatting, opening the gifts our grandparents brought.
“You look like you're about to chew off your thumb.” She nods towards the thumb I wasn’t aware I was nervously gnawing on.
“Oh.” I put my hand down. “I’m fine.”
Grabbing my phone, I check it again, but nothing. No texts, no calls.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, looking down at my phone.
“Honestly, I don’t know.” I sigh.
Easton told me he was heading to the mall, but apart from that, he hasn't said anything else to me.
I know he was worried about getting me something for Christmas. I told him he didn’t have to, but he wouldn’t listen.
