My boyfriend
James is more nervous than he expected. He could postpone it, but he doesn’t want to. Not really. He just wants to have it over as soon as possible. His father is at work so it’s the ideal time to talk to his mum. He always knew she will be the first to tell.
As predicted Effie is in the kitchen preparing lunch. He stops before the door to take a deep breath. He wished Regulus would be here with him. The boy offered, but James refused. He has to do it alone. But he still would appreciate his touch right now. It always calms him.
His mum is mixing dough in a big bowl, her back turned to the entrance so she doesn’t notice her son at first. “Mum?” James calls for attention and he goes to stand next to her leaning against the kitchen counter.
“Jamie, here you are!” His mum smiles at him. Everybody always tells him he looks like his father, except for a smile. He has his mothers. “I’m making the apple pie you love so much.”
James gives her a tight smile trying to calm his nerves down. “That’s great. Ehmm, mum? Can I talk to you about something?”
Effie doesn’t look at him as she nods encouraging him. Before James can say anything, she looks at the recipe. “Oh, can you pass me the sugar?”
Sugar. Okay. He can get sugar. It’s fine. James walks across the kitchen to get the sugar. He places it next to the bowl in silence. “Thank you, honey. So, what was it you wanted to tell me?”
James opens his mouth but hesitates. He is pretty sure his mum will be alright with him. She always told him that all she wants is for him to be happy. And he is. Effie stops what she is doing to look at her son. “Oh, it’s serious. Sorry, hold on.”
She wipes her hands with the kitchen towel and turns towards James to give him full attention. “I’m listening.” James can see the worry form in her eyes. Right, staling will only make it worse.
“I met someone,” James says because it’s the easiest way to start. And honestly, Regulus is all he can think about these days.
“Really? That’s great, James!” Effie smiles and James prays he won’t disappoint her.
“It is. I’m really happy Mum. He makes me happy.” James says and holds his breath. It takes a second before the meaning of his words reaches his mother.
“So, you are dating a boy?” Effie asks carefully and James just nods not sure what his mom is thinking. When she doesn’t say anything else James’ nerves cracks and he says all in a breath.
“Yeah, I’m. I found out that I like boys too. So… ehm... I... boys too so that means I still also like girls. But well, I just don’t care about the gender, and he is really great. And…” James cuts out because he doesn’t know what else to say.
“Honey,” Effie says softly. “Thanks for telling me. You know I love you and want you to be happy.”
And James breathes out in relief. He really needed to hear this. He was almost certain his mum won’t mind. But the almost was killing him. And hearing her say that she still loves him the same. He can feel the tears fighting their way into his eyes.
“Come here,” Effies says and wraps him into a tight hug. James goes pliant in her arms grateful for his family. He receives a kiss on his head before Effie slightly leans away. “So, do you want to tell me about him?”
James quickly wipes his eyes. “Yeah, he… mum he is so great. His name is Regulus, like the star and he’s so smart and reads all these books. Honestly, I probably never saw him without a book. And talented. You have to hear him play the piano. He is so good. And also, so handsome.” James reaches out for his phone to show a photo of him and Regulus.
“Does he treat you right?” Effie asks.
“He does.” James looks at his mum from the phone to see her smiling at him. “I can be just me with him and it’s enough. He makes me feel I’m enough.” Effie wraps him in her arms again.
“We should invite him for lunch soon.”