Chapter 10
“What exactly do you think I’m thinking, Gemma? I know for sure what this looks like to me, and why’ve you dragged me away from your friends? Why can’t we talk in front of them—what’ve you got to hide?” Micky asked her. Over his shoulder he saw Wendy getting up and coming over to them. She put her hand on Gemma’s arm.
“He needs to know the truth, Wendy. I can’t lie to him for you, or Tim and Jake.”
“Not here in front of my family—isn’t there somewhere else you can take him?” Tim asked her.
Tim walked over to them. “Gemma, Wendy are you coming back? We need to stay for at least another hour.”
“Sorry, guys, I can’t be part of this anymore. I’ve had enough of all the lies and hiding. Micky deserves to know the truth. I’m gonna tell him everything and I’m doing it now. I don’t care what people think and neither should you.” She looked at the three of them.
“I’ll get Jack and we’ll all come with you.” Tim started to walk away from them
Micky was getting more confused by the minute. “I don’t care who tells me what’s going on, but I want to know. I’ve figured out Tim’s your brother, Wendy, so what is it?”
Wendy led them over to a nearby snack bar. They found some seats and Tim ordered some sodas. Micky saw that Davy was nearby and watching them all—he seemed to be staying around in case Micky needed him.
Tim looked straight at Micky. “I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I promise you there’s nothing between Gemma and me. Never has and never will be. She’s just helping Jack and me out.”
Wendy butted in. “It was all my idea, okay? I’m helping cover for them as well. Tim’s my older brother, and it’s because our parents are very strict and set in their ways. Dad’s a police captain.”
“So your dad won’t let you go on dates on your own with Jack?” Micky asked.
Gemma took Micky’s hand “Wendy’s not seeing Jack…she’s got a boyfriend.”
“So, Tim and Jack, you’re a couple? What’s the problem with that? Why don’t you just tell your parents and your friends, be honest with people?”
“You have no idea, do you? What just, like, say ‘Hey, Dad, I’m queer, and Jack here’s my boyfriend?’ My dad would be mad and my mom would freak out! People wouldn’t accept us, I’d be thrown out of home,” Tim said to Micky.
“I understand. Two of my friends are together, aren’t they, Gemma? People who know are fine with it. There’s only the odd person who can’t accept them, but that’s their problem.”
“I tried to tell them that. One of the guys Micky’s talking about is one of the band last night. He’s been with his boyfriend over six months now, and all their friends are cool with it.”
“Come to the gig tonight and you can meet my friend. They’re careful in public and we all live together and me and Davy are fine with them together. In fact, we set them up on a blind date in the first place,” Micky told him. “Being honest with people is the best thing, like I said.”
Tim looked straight at him. “Well I guess it isn’t the small English guy because he’s over there staring at us and flirting with the blonde by his side. So the guitarist? That’s a surprise.”
“Yeah, there’s not a typical look, you know. It’s not so obvious—they don’t act different and draw attention to themselves when they’re out together.”
“So that’s it, Micky, that’s everything. I’m really sorry for lying to you.” She took his hand. “Can you forgive me, please?”
“Okay, but will you come with me now, and we can go and see that movie? I just need to see what Davy’s up to, and the ice cream cart owner’s back so I need to catch up with him.”
Micky talked to the guy first, who was pleased with what he’d sold, even othering him a job anytime he wanted, giving him his phone number, then went to talk to Davy.
“So you two all sorted now? She isn’t cheating on you after all?”
“Kind of, and no, she was just pretending to see Tim as a cover—Tim and Jack are a couple, but don’t want anyone to know they are. I told Tim to chat to Mike.” Micky was still watching Gemma who was standing with Wendy.
“I don’t think he and Mike will have much in common to talk about, you know, apart from being with another guy. You better talk to Mike first.” Davy laughed. Judith waved over to Davy. “Listen, I’ll be home in time to leave for the gig—we’re heading off to her place.”
“All right, I’ll talk to Mike about it first. You go off and have a good time and I’ll see you later.” Micky walked over to Gemma to see if she was ready to leave.
***
Back at the pad, Mike had arrived home from the grocery store and was putting the shopping away. He thanked Annie for the things she’d brought and for staying and looking after Pete, who was lying on the couch reading his book and looking a lot better than before. Mike made a start on lunch for them, and Pete managed to eat some salad.
Mike was cleaning up after lunch when the phone suddenly rang. He answered it to find the doctor from the other day telling him their tests had all come back fine, and she could see no problems with them being able to help Ronnie and Vicky conceive.
The minute he put the phone down, it rang again. This time it was Vicky, saying that the doctor had rung them too and given them the all clear. When he told her they’d had a call too, she said that they should get together and have a chat and sort out a plan of what they were going to do.
“I’m so happy, and grateful to you both for doing this for us. Say hi to Pete, and tell him we’ll see him soon when he’s better. Ronnie’s busy downstairs but she feels the same as me.”
Pete had been in their room while Mike was on the phone and had come back into the living room by the time Mike had finished talking to Ronnie. “I picked these pamphlets up when we were at the doctor’s the other day.”
Mike took them and saw How to have a healthy baby, and Prepare yourself for pregnancy among others. “I think these are more for the benefit of the mom-to-be, Pete.”
“It won’t hurt to read them. I’ve been reading through them while I’ve been stuck in the bedroom. They mentions the dad as well. We need to be aware of things too. Like, for example, your diet… Now, me being a vegetarian is good, as some meat can be too fatty and it’s not good for you.”
“So you asking me to eat rabbit food then, babe?” Mike stared at him, not sure what to say. Me, a Texan, being asked to stop eating meat. I can’t do that, no way. Ain’t gonna be happing.
“No, but maybe cut back a little… How about eating more chicken instead? And more salad, vegetables and fruit. It wouldn’t do the others any harm to do the same. I’m gonna cut back on fried things—grilling food is so much healthier for you.”
“I suppose so,” Mike answered, but Pete could tell he wasn’t too keen on that suggestion.
“I wonder if certain things could help more with determining what sex the baby will be? Having a girl and a boy would be good, just like Annie’s twins. Oh regarding Annie, she thinks the twins’ ceremony will be soon—she’s just waiting on when Gran can make it over here.”
“Okay.” Mike was trying to read through some of the pamphlets he’d been passed. “It says to wear loose underwear.” He looked puzzled.
“Yeah, it’s so nothing’s too tight, causing any problems with your balls…They need to stay cool and be able to move around freely.” Pete laughed “You could be more like me and not bother with any underwear at all.”
Mike just looked at him shocked. “I think my boxers are loose enough, Pete. I prefer to be wearing something, I’m not as free and easy as you.”
“Okay, well stop wearing any that are too tight, even though they do look good on you. We could maybe go see the doctor again and of course talk to Vicky and Ronnie. I imagine they’ll be thinking the same. How about visiting the library get some books on childcare and pregnancy?”
Mike wasn’t paying too much attention. “Hey this also mentions alcohol and drugs. Well I only have the occasional drink, but you need to stop smoking pot. That will improve things. Plenty of exercise…well I guess we’re fine with that.” He winked.
“If it means a baby, I guess I could maybe stop or just have maybe one joint a week.” He saw Mike giving him a look that said he didn’t believe Peter could do it.
“We need to be a healthy weight too. I think that’s covered, and we’re not too old.”
“Do you think we’ll be good Dads? I think you’ll be much better than me—you’ve shown that in how you’ve looked after me while I’ve been ill. You’re gonna be brilliant at it.”
“Thanks, babe.” Mike started to blush a little. “So will you. You’re caring; you always want the best for people, and put everyone first before yourself, I think we’ll both be okay. Don’t worry.”
“I can’t help it. I didn’t think having children would happen for me, like I didn’t think I’d meet the tight person to spend my life with. Well, until I met you.” Pete made Mike blush again.
“This pamphlet says to follow a calcium and magnesium-rich diet for girls and a sodium and potassium-rich diet for boys—looks like it’s written by one of your hippie friends.”
“Interesting…anything else?” Pete asked
‘“Male sperm are fast and weak while female sperm are slower but more resilient.’ It’s amazing what you can learn. ‘The sperm theory relies on timing and knowing when you’re ovulating. To boost your chances of conceiving a girl, you need to have sex two to three days before ovulation, as female sperm have more staying power. To increase your chances of having a boy, it’s best to have sex as close to ovulation as possible.’”
“This all sounds complicated. The girls will probably know more about this bit.”
“I sure hope they do—they’re the ones who need to know the best time. We just gotta provide the goods as and when they need it.” Mike put the pamphlets down on the table. “I think I’ve read enough for now, don’t you?”
“There’s a lot to take in, but at least we already know what to do when the babies come along, after having the twins here.”
Mike brought over the food Annie had prepared for their lunch. “Healthy food already. Cheese salad sandwiches.” Mike passed Pete a plate. “Got you a glass of milk too.”
“Milk…calcium…is that a hint you want a daughter, Michael?” Pete’s smile was wide, showing his dimple.
“Don’t get reading into anything, there. The thought didn’t even enter my mind, but I’m fine with either. Just as long as the baby or babies are healthy, that’s the most important thing.”
A few hours passed until Micky returned to the pad. He looked a little nervous as he came in the front door. “Hey, guys. You look much brighter, Pete, you feeling better?” he asked to take any attention away from him, as he noticed the tall Texan staring straight at him.
“Yeah much better, but I don’t think I’ve got enough energy to play with the band for the sets tonight. I should be fine for Wednesday’s gig though. I might actually come and watch you play without me, see how Davy manages the bass.”
“Might be best if you don’t, Pete, you still have quite a few spots—don’t need or want anyone freaking out thinking they’re gonna catch something. Don’t take that the wrong way though.”
“No, I understand, Michael, no offence taken. I guess you’re right as always. I’ll stay here.”
“So everything’s cool then,” Micky asked, wondering if Mike was gonna ask him what he’d been up to while he’d been out. “I’ve been to the movies with Gemma—just dropped her off home.”
“She gonna be at the gig tonight with those friends from last night? Did you get to the bottom of what was going on between her and that guy? I know you weren’t too happy.”
“Well yeah, I did, and I kinda need to talk to you about that… I’m sorry, but I told them about you and Pete being together.”
“What? Micky, why on earth did you do that?” Mike looked quite shocked and stared hard at Micky.
“It’s because I found out that Tim and Jack are a couple, and the girls were just pretending to date them so their families doesn’t find out, but I told them they need to be honest with people. Their folks might take the news better than they think.”
“So you think Pete and I are a good example to them? We haven’t gone public with everyone we know, though. There are people who won’t take this kind of news well.”
Pete nodded. “Yeah, look at my dad. He tried to break us up. He tried with Annie and Christine as well. I don’t think he’ll ever accept us, and Chris seems to agree with him—he won’t talk to me.”
“Well I’m just pre-warning you that he might want a chat tonight, okay?” Micky looked at Mike.
***
Mike left Pete a flask of tea and something to eat on the coffee table as he was fast asleep on the couch when they left for the gig and Mike didn’t want to wake him. Davy had got back just before, only giving himself about twenty minutes for a quick shower and to change.
Later, after their soundcheck at the club, Mike was talking to Ronnie when he saw Gemma turn up with the same people she’d been with last night. They all approached Micky, who turned to look at him and mouthed, ‘You okay to talk with Tim and Jack?’
Mike nodded back, telling Ronnie he’d catch up with her later. He then sat with Micky, Gemma and her friends. “This is my, friend Mike,” Micky introduced him to them.
“Hi.” Mike wasn’t sure if he should be the one to start any conversation with them, but Tim just held his hand out to shake. “Hi. I’m Tim and this is my partner, Jack. We’ve only been together a few weeks and we’re finding things hard, what to say to people, if you know what I mean?”
“Yeah I know. I’ve been with Pete over six months now and we are careful who we tell, but it’s a way of telling who your friends are. Our moms are cool with it but Pete’s dad isn’t but it doesn’t bother Pete too much—his gran is one of our biggest supporters. Pete’s sister’s in a similar relationship with a chick. Your sister here seems fine and if your folks love you, they should accept who you are.”
“I guess you’re right. I love Jack and that’s the main thing. Thanks for talking to us. I’d never have thought you’d be with another guy. I mean you could have lots of chick—I see them watch you guys.”
“There’s only really one of us that takes advantage of that.” Mike laughed, looking over at Davy.
Their first set got underway. Davy was doing well and playing and paying plenty of attention to Judith who had turned up just before they started the first song. He sang straight to her, which she seemed to enjoy. Mike was missing Pete just like last night.
After they’d finished both sets, the instruments were all packed up into the Monkeemobile and Davy and Micky had gone off with Judith and Gemma, Mike went upstairs to talk to Ronnie and Vicky.
“Come through to the kitchen!” Ronnie shouted. In there, Vicky was busy going through their cupboards. “Hi, Mike. How you doing?” she asked him.
“Good…you look busy.”
Ronnie didn’t look too happy. “She’s clearing out all the decent food! Been reading up on diets, and us getting healthier to help get pregnant. I managed to stop her pouring the decent wine down the sink. I mean, Vicky, I can get a drink downstairs anytime I want.”
“Yeah, I know but you need to get used to not drinking. You can’t do that when you’re pregnant. I’m giving up now, and no more greasy food for me—I want to be as healthy as I can, so should you!”
“Pete’s the same—he had all these pamphlets and was on about me drinking and eating red meat, saying being a vegetarian is good. But sorry, I ain’t going that far. I need my red meat and I do only have the odd drink. He even mentioned my underwear needing to be looser.”
“Those two would be perfect for each other in a different situation! They’re so alike. We’ve got all the pamphlets and she’s raided the childcare section of the library already.” Ronnie laughed, pointing to the books on the side.
“It’s not a joke, you know. We want to get pregnant first time, don’t we? So we need to do what we can to make it happen. I’m up for anything—I’ve even worked out when we’re both due to ovulate. You’re due just a day or so before me, which is good, and you should start on Tuesday. Mine’s about Thursday…so, Mike?”
“What?” Mike was starting to look pale and a little shocked, remembering what Pete had read to him earlier.
“Well, Mike, we need you two to do your part as soon as possible…how does tomorrow work for you? Do you think you’ll both be up to it? You can do it here or at home and bring it over for us. The doctor already gave us some sample pots for you, and the syringes we need.” Vicky looked deadly serious. “I’ll go get them for you.”
She was gone for a few minutes and came back with a paper bag she passed to Mike. “There you go—the pots are in there for you.”
Mike and Ronnie looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Mike was wondering what he was gonna say to Pete when he got back to the pad. How can I put it? The girls need us to fill these and get it to them as soon as we can…