Gay Erotic Stories

"I'm sorry, Dad, really I am. I guess I'm just in a gloom today. It's not you, it's me. I do love you all, honest."

But no matter what I did, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was the odd one out, and as the morning wore on, I withdrew to a corner and tried to hide my depression.

After the exchanging of gifts was done, and the children were playing with their new toys while my mother started on preparations for lunch, I found myself outside on the verandah, feeling sorry for myself still, when Teresa came and sat beside me.

"So what's so bad, now? Last night you were on cloud nine, and today you're a one man downer."

"Sorry, Terri," I said. "I just miss him, and I feel so out of place. I keep wondering what it would feel like to have him here, for us to be a couple just like you and Luke, or Brian and Julie, or all the others."

"There's only one way to remedy that!" she said, looking pointedly at the house.

"I can't!" I agonised. "Not today! Maybe later, when there's just me and Mum and Dad. But that's not going to help me get through this Christmas."

"Justin, I can't live your life for you," Teresa said in an unusually sympathetic tone. "But if you ever need help, you know where I am, don't you?"

"Yeah, sis, and thanks. I appreciate the offer, honestly!" I leaned into her and we hugged. A serious, needed embrace that lifted my spirits, at least a little,

A soft cough disturbed the moment, and both of us turned in unison to find our mother standing behind us.

"Mum?" I stammered, wondering how long she had been there, or what she had heard. She looked hard at me, then at Teresa before bringing her eyes back to me again, and brightening once more. yet somehow I sensed there was something forced about her smile.

"Sorry to butt in on your conversation, kids, but your phone was ringing Justin. I didn't know if it was important."

She handed me the mobile phone, and I flicked through the call log, to see that the last call had been a few minutes ago. And the number was David's! My eyes lit up and a smile broke out on my face.

"Thanks, Mum," I said, my face flushing a little. "I'll call them back in a minute."

"Can you do that with those things?"

"Sure! The phone tells you what the last number was, and you can call it up and just ring back easily!"

"Hmmm," she said. "I'll never catch up with all this modern technology!"

Teresa laughed, and I smiled as well. With her back to Mum, she mouthed 'Is it him?', and I nodded. She stood up and took Mum by the arm, heading for the kitchen and giving me some privacy, for which I was immensely grateful. Quickly, I hit the recall button and dialed David's number.

"Merry Christmas!" I said as soon as he answered.

"Same to you, handsome," he laughed down the line. "How's it going?"

"Until right now, awful! But you've just made my whole day!"

"I couldn't let Christmas go by without saying hello," he said, and his voice dropped a little. "And telling you that I miss you."

"Oh, David, I so wish you could be here," I said.

We talked for ten minutes or more, my spirits soaring. He hadn't yet spoken with his family in Perth because of the time difference, so I was the first person he had talked to that day. I was really touched. As we chatted I walked away from the house, and laughed at his jokes, happy again. It was amazing how easily we could speak, and how much he changed my mood with his words. I was interrupted by my father who called to me from surprisingly close by, making me spin around.

"Justin, have you got a minute?"

"Just a second, Dad!"

I turned my back on him and half whispered into the phone. "Got to go David, but thanks for calling and making my day."

"Hey, you called me remember?"

"Don't get technical! I'll see you tomorrow, soon as I can get away."

"I'll be waiting handsome," he said. "Enjoy the rest of Christmas."

"You too!" I said with a smile in my voice. "And David?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you!"

I heard what sounded like a gasp from the other end. Then silence for a few seconds before he spoke. "Thanks, Justin. You've just made my day! I love you too. Bye!"

"Bye! Until tomorrow!"

I closed the phone and turned back to my father, who was still standing and waiting, walking quickly toward him, and praying he had been too far away to hear what I had been saying. "You need something Dad?"

"Sorry to interrupt, my boy," he said, a strange, inquisitive look on his face. "Your mother asked if you could drive down to the shop and pick up some more milk and some ice. Apparently she didn't get enough yesterday."

"Sure, no problem!" I grinned.

As I went into the house, I dropped my phone on the kitchen bench. "Anything else you want while I'm out, Mum?' I asked in a chirpy tone. She and Teresa both looked up in surprise.

"No, I don't think so, darling," she answered.

'Okay," I grinned widely. I spotted one of my brothers looking exasperated as his sons tried to show him how to play a computer game, which he clearly didn't follow.

With a chuckle I called to him. "Hey, Pete, I'm driving down to the shop to get some supplies. You wanna come for the ride?"

His face showed that he was more than grateful for an excuse to get away for a few minutes, as he stood to come with me. "Won't be long!" I assured my mother.

"Well, I don't know what's cheered you up, but I'm pleased something worked!" she said sternly. I just grinned and kissed her on the cheek as Peter and I escaped the house.

********

Unknown to me, the moment I left, my mother pulled Teresa out of the house and onto the back porch.

"Okay, young lady," she said, using her best maternal determination. "I want to know what's going on!"

"What are you talking about, Mum?"

"Justin! He was so bright last night, then this morning he's been down in the dumps, won't say a word. Suddenly, one phone call, and he's 'Mr. Cheery' all over again. What's up?"

Teresa blushed, and tried to play innocent, but she could never fool Mum. "I . I don't know maybe you should ask Justin?"

"Rubbish! He won't open up to me or your father. He hasn't for years. But I know he tells you. Is it something we should be worried about?"

She looked at Mum wide eyed, and then a smile grew on her face. "No, Mum, I don't think there's any need to worry. In fact, if you give him time, I think Justin will be just fine." She grinned knowingly as she went on. "But it really is up to Justin to tell you, not me."

My mother sat for a few minutes, carefully watching Teresa's face, as she thought hard on what she had said, and on my moods. Her next words caused my sister's mouth to fall open in shock.

"Justin's in love, isn't he? Was that phone call from his boyfriend?"

Teresa tried to speak, but no sound would issue. She coughed a little, sputtered, and tried again. "I uh, I don't, what makes you think?"

"Oh come on, Teresa! I'm your mother. And I'm not stupid. A mother knows! This is serious isn't it? Justin is really in love, and he doesn't know how to tell us because he's gay?"

My sister just nodded, vaguely aware she was betraying my confidence, but more shocked at my mother's matter-of-fact attitude.

"Are you angry with Justin?" she finally gasped out.

"No, of course not. He's our son. You are all our children and we love you all. Your father and I are just upset that he hasn't been able to tell us yet, and worried for him because he seems to be so distant from the rest of the family, and it's getting worse every year."

"I know he wants to tell you," Teresa said. "But he doesn't know how. And he feels left out. Did you know that he's jealous of the rest of us at Christmas? That's why he is always so quiet at this time of year. He wishes he could have his partner share the family Christmas like everyone else does." Forgive me, Justin, she thought to herself, but it's said now and I can't take it back.

Her mother looked at her in surprise, then with a growing understanding. "Of course," she said, more to herself than anyone. For a few moments she sat deep in thought. "Teresa, do you now how to work these mobile telephone things?"

Teresa laughed. "Yes, Mum, why?"

"Come with me, young lady. I want you to show me how to call the last number Justin rang, and then I want you to keep him busy when he gets back, for as long as you can!"

Teresa's eyes widened again. "You can't be going to do what I think you are?"

"Why not? I'm his mother! I can do whatever I want!"

******

When Peter and I got back to the house, the family was still in full celebration mode. The kids, with their seemingly inexhaustible energy, were running around madly, while most of the adults had settled into comfortable chairs where they could supervise, or reminisce, or just relax. My mother was in the kitchen with Teresa and Nicole, my other sister, but once we showed up Terri left them alone and came to sit with me. We were surrounded by the other, so it was difficult for her to speak to me about our previous conversation, although I could tell she was itching to question me further.

After a while, she managed a little when we found ourselves temporarily abandonned.

"So, what's David doing for Christmas Day?" she asked with a strange grin on her face.

"Nothing. His family lives in Western Australia, so he's by himself for the day."

"Oh, Justin, that's so sad. Nobody should be alone on Christmas!"

"Thanks, Terri, now you've made me feel really happy!" I said sarcastically. "I was so up when he rang too."

"Now don't go getting down again. I'm sure he'll be fine. When are you seeing him again?"

I smiled at the thought. "I'm going to head home first thing tomorrow morning. I told him I'd call as soon as I get on the road."

"I can't wait to meet him," she said seriously.

"You'll love him, Terri, honest. He's the most wonderful person. Maybe we can get together early in January. Do you think you can come down to Sydney at some stage?"

"Uh, I'm sure we can manage something," she said. Dad spotted the two of us in a huddle and started towards us, which brought that conversation to an abrupt end.

"Now what are you two plotting?" he asked with a grin.

"Nothing, Dad," Teresa replied. "I was just catching up on Justin's latest gossip."

"Oh, and what would that be? Something juicy, my boy - something you don't want to share with your old man? Afraid I'll be shocked?"

"No, dad, nothing like that," I sputtered.

"Come on, Justin, you'd be surprised what your old man can hear. I'm not that naìve, you know!"

I turned red with embarrassment, and Teresa snickered behind her hand. "Oh well, I'm sure if it's important we'll all get to hear about it eventually," my father winked. "Now where's your mother, and why aren't we eating yet? It seems to me that lunch is later than usual this year."

It occurred to me that he was right, as I looked at my watch. Glad of an excuse to get away from his all too perceptive questions, I headed for the house. "Mum, is there anything I can do to help?" I asked when I found her fussing about at the table.

"No, Justin, I'm fine," she promised.

"It's just that time seems to be getting on. It's almost 2.00 and we're usually eating by now. Are you sure I can't help?"

She looked at me straight in the eye. "No, Justin. I'm not quite ready for everyone to sit down yet. Is there somewhere else you have to be?"

"Ahh, no. Sorry. I was just asking."

"Then go and play with the kids or something. I'll let you know when I'm ready." With that I was summarily dismissed, and I knew it.

But I wasn't the only one to ask. Half an hour later, one of my brothers was wondering out loud at the delay, and even the kids began to grumble about waiting for lunch. Mum seemed to have finished, because she was sitting with one of the boys, and gave no appearance of intending to start the meal. My father asked the question on everyone's lips.

"Patricia, why aren't we eating yet?" he said, loudly enough for all to hear.

With a look that said she would take no argument, she answered. "I'm waiting for someone else to arrive."

"But everyone's here!" he said.

"Not quite. We have a special guest for lunch today."

That caused a stir amongst the family. For as long as anyone could remember, Christmas lunch had been family only. It was an unwritten law. The surprised looks on the faces around me showed that everyone was as much in the dark as I was. Only Teresa didn't seem quite so shocked. But before any more questions could be asked, before the speculation could begin, the doorbell rang, and I'm sure my mother's face glowed with relief.

"I'll get it," she said. "I want everyone to wait where they are for a few moments."

I watched my brothers and sisters whispering amongst themselves at this strange turn of events. I looked to my father who was sitting beside me, but he simply shrugged his shoulders, as much in the dark as the rest of us. At the sound of Mum's voice I swivelled back again, and almost passed out with shock.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet David!" she said to the family generally. And there he was, standing beside her, looking somewhat lost and a little confused, but gorgeous just the same. His eyes found me and I lifted my arms, mouthing a 'what's going on' to him. He grinned.

"David is Justin's friend," Mum said to the vague expressions of the rest of the family. "You all know that Christmas lunch is for our family, and since the family wasn't complete without Justin's partner, I thought I should remedy that situation. Sorry for the delay, but now that we're all here please come to the table."

All eyes went in unison from Mum to David and then to me, before a cacophony of questions and comments broke out. I sat there in stunned silence, while David stood by Mum with a lost grin on his face. Finally, I was shaken out of my stupor by Dad's hand on my shoulder, and his voice in my ear.

"Don't you think you should go and rescue him from your mother?" he said quietly.

I nodded and stood on shaky legs, feeling the centre of attention. David looked around again at the unfamiliar faces, then stepped to me, his arms going around my waist.

"Happy Christmas!" he said.

"Happy Christmas," I responded, still confused and stunned. I looked around at my brothers and sisters, my mother and father, all of them staring at the two of us standing in the middle of an informal circle, suddenly my eyes began to mist up, and my heart felt like it would explode in my chest. A wave of emotion, of happiness and amazement, swept over me and I looked back into his eyes. My arms went around him and I drew him against me.

"I love you," I said, loudly enough for all to hear, and then I kissed him, on the lips, in full view of my family.

"Well, it's about bloody time!" snorted my eldest brother. "Now can we eat?"

A wave of laughter erupted, and David and I joined in. Mum led us to the table, seating us alongside each other and making David the guest of honour. We were plied with questions and advice by the family, while Mum ensured there was more than enough food in front of us. The meal went on for hours, and I lost all track of time as David and I answered the interrogations of my siblings. I could not stop smiling.

Teresa caught my eye at one stage, shrugged, and mouthed 'congratulations'. I grinned back 'thanks'. Later, I managed to get a few moments alone with David, outside on the porch as we sought a break from the rest of the family.

"How did this happen? How did you get here?" I asked in wonder.

"You're not mad are you?"

"No, never. I'm overjoyed and amazed. I just don't understand."

He smiled widely. "I got a call - according to the screen on my phone it was from you - and not long after we had spoken this morning. I just thought you were calling back again, so imagine my surprise when a female voice answered my 'hello'. She said 'Is this David?' and I said I was. She sounded very serious, and she said 'David, I am Justin's mother. Would I be right in guessing that the reason my son has been completely depressed all day is because he is here and you are not?'."

I just gasped, my eyes widening as David began to chuckle. "You didn't tell me your Mum was someone who won't take no for an answer," he said.

"So then what happened?"

He smiled as he remembered. "She asked me if I loved you. I kind of coughed a bit, and she said 'I'll take that as a yes!' Then she asked me what I was doing for Christmas. I told her I was by myself that my family lived in Perth so I was spending the day watching TV. That's when she really got going. She told me that if you meant anything at all to me, I would get off my backside, and on a train that instant. She even had the timetables worked out. She made me write down the address and told me she would have a taxi waiting for me at the station when I got there, to bring me straight to the house. When I asked her if you knew I was coming, she said that sometimes you didn't know what was good for yourself, and that you needed a helping hand.

"She's a formidable lady, your Mum! I like her a lot."

I pulled him to me, and kissed him long and hard. "I love you," I said.

"Ditto," he grinned back at me. "We should be getting back inside, or they'll start wondering ."

"I guess so," I agreed, as we re-joined the throng at the table.

Eventually the crowd dispersed, leaving just David and I with Mum and Dad. We sat at the table, the four of us, in comfortable silence. Mum spoke first, reaching over and taking my hand in hers, and David's hand in the other.

"You two have made me so happy!" she said, tears forming in her eyes. My own were beginning to mist when Dad cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the rest of us.

"David, Justin's mother and I have been waiting a long while for him to open up to us, to share himself with his family properly. It seems to me that this may not be how the two of you planned it to happen, but my wife sometimes won't wait on other people's timetables." Mum threw him a look of daggers, but he ignored her and went on. "Despite what he may think, we are not so old fashioned or bigoted as to hate someone for what they are when that is the way God made them. You have made our son complete and happy, and for that we are indebted to you more than you can possibly know. Justin, we love you and all we have ever wanted is for you to be happy." I could feel the tears rolling down my cheeks now, and David's grip on my hand was so tight it was painful.

"Don't get me wrong," Dad said seriously, looking hard at both of us. "You will be judged, both of you, but not on your sexuality. You'll be judged by us, by the family, and ultimately by God, on how you live your lives, how you treat each other and those around you. And right now, you're both looking pretty good!"

In a gravelly voice, I finally found words. Blinking back tears, I said softly but firmly. "Mum, Dad, David - thank you. You have given me the best Christmas present anyone could ever wish for, and made me the happiest person on earth. Happy Christmas!"

The End