Numeric ID: 16
Date Posted: 15 May 2004
Idea By: Beth Williams
Written By: Beth Williams
mail to: /dev/null


     I staggered to the front door and managed to open it without
falling down.  Jim's dad stood there with a wistful smile on his face.

     "I'm sorry to get you out of bed again, but can we talk?" he asked
as he carefully led me to the couch.  With infinite tenderness, he
settled me on the couch and tucked a blanket around me.

     "I thought you had already left," I managed to croak in my mono
damaged voice.

     "No, there's on more lil' thing I need to do before I fly back to
the ranch.  Brad, you know Jim and I haven't been close for a long
time."

     My eyes widened in shock at his use of my name and my pulse pounded
in my ears.

     Jim's dad immediately saw my reaction and gave me a little smile.
"Jim never could keep a secret from me.  I've known who you were from
the first time we've met.  I really need your help."

     "What, uh, how? Oh Lord!" I buried my face into my blanket.

     "Stephanie, please, it's alright.  I do indeed need your help. I've
nearly lost my son, I know he thinks I'm a bigoted asshole - and he's
probably right! But he's all I have, and he'll never stop being my son."

     "What can I do?"

     "Well, maybe convince him that his old man loves him? I can't say I
approve of his choices, but I need him.  I need him to trust me, I'm
getting old."

     "What?"

     He continued with a sad sort of smile.  "I've always lived life
large, and it's catching up with me.  The doctor's tell me I'm like a
clock running down.  Nothing terminal yet, but it's just a matter of
time.  I'd hate to go to my grave with my son thinking I hate him."

     "If he had the sense God gave a newborn sandbag he'd of known I'd
have investigators watching over him.  I knew more about you by October
of your first year than your parents did.  I was glad Jim had found a
straight friend.  I knew and approved when Jim moved into the condo -
I'd hoped you would be a good influence on him.  And yes, I knew about
Steve and Jim way back in February.  I don't like it but I did a lot of
thinking and research.  It became clear to me, regardless of what I
think, no one would choose to be gay.  If this is who Jim is then I've
got to accept it for what it is, and who he is." 

     "I had hoped on this trip Jim would finally trust me enough to talk
to me.  When I arrived, and found 'Stephanie' who looked remarkably like
the photos of Brad I went along with the story.  You do look remarkable
you know?"

     I sat there blushing furiously in my nightgown and pink robe.  He
chuckled at my reaction.  "It takes an incredible friend to help someone
the way you have helped Jim.  I couldn't spoil that for him; or for
you."

     "Uh, could you get me a glass of water?" I asked.

     "Sure, 'Little Lady,'" he said grinning at me.  I just groaned.

     Predictably, Jim and Steve came in while his dad was in the
kitchen.

     "Wow! I'm glad that asshole's finally gone!" Jim exclaimed throwing
his arms around Steve's neck.

     "Jim!" I squeaked.  He didn't hear me.  

     A booming voice came from the kitchen, "Son, the asshole is in the
kitchen!  Y'all want a beer or something?  And how 'bout Steve?"

     Jim looked at me.  "I tried to tell you," I moaned.  Steve looked
at Jim, then they both slumped on the couch, looking like deer caught
in the headlights of an onrushing truck.  His dad came back into the
room.

     "Here," he said, pushing a beer into each of their hands.  "Damn
boy, you have just the worst timing in the world.  Now just shut up and
listen for a minute."

     "The two of you are queer as a three dollar bill.  You know it, and
guess what? I've known it since you were about twelve.  Do I approve?
No!  But, son, you jackass! Don't you know I love you?  You're all I
have, and I don't have much time to beat around the bush."

     "Jim," I whispered, "he loves you, please listen."

     Jim looked like he?d been slapped.  His gaze snapped from me to his
dad.  His dad just nodded sadly.  "So, boy, you gonna be honest with me
now?  That's all I really want, just the truth.  I'll love you no matter
what."

     The room seemed to be spinning as I slumped back into the couch.
"Could someone help me back to bed?" I asked.  Steve stood up, pushed
Jim toward his dad and picked me up like a rag doll.  He started back
into Jim's bedroom.  "Steve, please, no more pretense, can you help me
to my room?"  He turned down the hall, and held me up with one hand,
while turning down the bed.  Gently he placed me in bed, and tucked me
in.  Things went muzzy, and I was asleep before he closed the door.


     I awoke to the sound of tapping on my door.  "Stephanie, err...
Brad; may I come in?"  Jim's dad stood in the doorway smiling.  I kind
of made a gesture that he took to be an invitation to sit on the side 
of my bed.  "Thank you for what you've done.  Jim and Steve are going to
join me for the summer at my ranch - you're welcome if you want to come.
I hope and pray we might work things out between us.  If we do, a lot of
the credit will go to you and your friendship.  If you ever need
anything, anything at all, just ask."

     With that, he left, closing the door behind him.  Me? Well I just
rolled back over, thinking, "Damn this stupid bug anyway." I groaned,
and slid back into a dreamless sleep.