What Happens in Art Class...

I stared at the door in front of me nervously. Was I really about to do this? I mean, eating dinner with Frank’s mom seemed like such a big step. Parent teacher conferences were nothing compared to this. This wasn’t just her sizing me up as a teacher and finding reasons to yell at Frank. This was her testing the compatibility I have to her son and deciding if I was worthy of loving him. I needed to make a good impression.

Which is why the sad little veggie tray I held in my hands now seemed like a bad idea. She was either going to be insulted that I brought food to her dinner or she was going to judge me as unable to cook properly and thus unfit to care for Frank or, worse, both. In my mind, Mrs. Iero was an evil little woman just waiting to tear me to shreds and kick me to the curb. Honestly, I had no grounds for this, but that didn’t stop me from thinking it.

The door opened before I got up the nerve to knock, but luckily it was Frank standing on the other side, looking just as nervous as I felt. Seeing him calmed me down a little, as did hearing his voice when he softly said, “Hey.”

“Hi,” I smiled down at him, “I…um…brought a gift…sorta.” I held up the veggie tray, feeling extremely awkward. Who the hell brings something like that?! It should have been wine, or chocolate, or something enjoyable!

To my relief, though, Frank’s face lit up, “That looks delicious! Come on, I think we have some dip in the fridge, we can snack before dinner!”

He took the food from me and trotted off toward what I assumed was the kitchen. I chuckled before following after him. It was nice to see him like that. I mean, it was technically our second date, and I wanted him to be happy about that. However, my stomach was still churning like crazy as I approached the doorway, through which I could see the form of Frank’s mother standing by a stove. Frank was next to her, saying something with a happy, yet guarded look in his eyes.

She turned around suddenly and smiled at me, “Hello, Gerard, it’s very nice to make your acquaintance.”

Was that a test? I couldn’t be entirely sure, but I knew she had to remember me, and Frank must have explained the situation… “With all due respect, ma’am, we’ve met before.”

She waved her spoon at me, “Now, now, none of that. I’ve met Mr. Way, my son’s art teacher. I don’t remember encountering Gerard, my son’s…partner.”

Ok, so she was uncomfortable with the idea of homosexuality. Given Frank’s earlier complaints, that seemed odd to me, but at least she didn’t seem perturbed by the teacher part. That made me feel a lot more comfortable with the situation.

“Well, in that case, it is also nice to meet you under these circumstances, Mrs. Iero.”

“Oh, please just call me Linda. Too much formality is bothersome.”

“Ok, then, Linda.” It felt weird, but also satisfying. I was accepted. I didn’t have to worry about my Frankie being taken from me.

“Alright, Mom, stop hassling my boyfriend. We’re gonna go in the living room and eat these vegetables.”

“Oh, right, thank you for that,” Linda said, “I never seem to think about appetizers when I have guests. You boys take care.”

“Come on, Gee,” Once again, Frank walked off, clearly expecting me to follow. I did so, and was led into the sitting room. Frank sat down and patted the seat next to him, smiling at me, “Now it’s my turn to entertain you.”

I sat down and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, “I guess so, huh. Quite the change of pace. So, are you going to offer me a drink?”

His eyes widened, “Oh my gosh, I forgot! Sorry! What do you want? Ummm, we have water, or tea…I could probably make some coffee…?”

I couldn’t keep myself from laughing, then I placed a small kiss on his cheek, “I’m joking, Frankie. But I wouldn’t mind a glass of water, as long as you’re the one who gets it for me.”

“R-right! I’ll be back in a minute, then!” And then he shuffled quickly toward the kitchen.

It was then that I knew it was going to be a fun night, and I wasn’t wrong. When he came back I embarrassed him even more by insisting he let me feed him. I couldn’t help it. The look on his face was priceless. Especially considering that his mom walked in as I was placing a celery stick between his lips to tell us that supper was ready. Luckily, she didn’t seem put off by it. She just tutted and muttered something about young love.

Dinner was an interesting affair. I hadn’t been sure what we were going to talk about, but Linda was clearly loaded with small talk ideas. We talked about the weather, and the local news, and how obnoxious teenagers were. They were all perfectly normal adult conversations, but being fresh into the work field I didn’t find much interest in them, and was only able to offer a small amount of input. Linda seemed more than happy to carry the conversations, though. Then, she dropped a bombshell.

“So, what are your intentions with my son?”

“Mom!” Frank protested, clearly uncomfortable with where she was heading.

“What? I’m just asking what any responsible parent wants to know. I have to make sure he isn’t going to kick you to the curb the second he finds someone better.”

“That won’t happen!” I exclaimed suddenly, earning a raised eyebrow. I cleared my throat and tried again in a calmer tone, “I…I’ve never found anybody else who drew me to them the way Frank does. I can;t exactly pinpoint where my intentions lie, though. After all, marriage is out of the question, and it’s not like we can offer you grandkids, but….I want to cherish him and keep him near me for as long as he’ll let me. Is that enough?”

A small smile formed on her lips, “Yes, I suppose that will do, though I get the feeling you’re also planning to steal him away from me one day. But I’m ok with that as long as it’s what he wants…”

We continued to eat and chatter aimlessly until we had finished both dinner and dessert. Then, all too soon, it was time for me to leave. I did so slowly, because Frank insisted on walking me out the door. Then he stopped me and hugged around my waist. I smiled and hugged him back.
“Thanks for coming. I know it means a lot to Mom. And, um…Thanks for what you said. That meant a lot to me.” Then he caught me off guard by kissing me quickly and running back inside. The way he was acting was adorable, as if that one kiss was crossing boundaries, despite everything we’d done together up to that point. I was ok with that timidness, though, and was able to go home feeling happy.

Notes

This chapter is crap, and I am crap, and I'm sorry you all have to put up with so much crap. k bye