When Dad and I walked through the door mom was setting the table. She came over to me and gave me a big hug and kiss on my cheek and told me how proud she was of me. She then told me and dad that she had called Leo, my Uncle, and he was on his way over. She hoped that we over-ordered at the Chinese Restaurant, and dad assured her that even with Leo joining us that there would be enough food. While we waited for Uncle Leo we sat in the living room and talked about how I was feeling and if I had any questions for them. I said, “How long have you known about me?” My mom said that she suspected about me for a couple of years, she said, “I began to think you were different after you came home from Camp Tockwogh when you were 12. You just seemed different after that summer and I decided at that point whatever you decided I would still love as I have always had.” Dad agreed with Mom but added that he began to notice when I would have my friends stay over and we would lock my bedroom door at night. We all had a good laugh about that.
About 20 Minutes later Uncle Leo came through the door and walked right up to me and pulled me into a tight hug. He asked if I was OK and whether there was anything I wanted to talk about in private. I told him not yet, but maybe after dinner. My Uncle is the Principal at my High School and is very concerned about the bullying that is rampant across the district. His school is piloting one of the first Anti-Bullying Programs in the state and it has been very successful. Bullying at his school has dropped 75% in the 2 years the program has been in place and he is extremely proud of the results. The program was instituted when a High School Junior was outed and then physically assaulted in the boy’s locker room after Gym Class. He was discovered unconscious in the shower room by the Physical Education Teacher, Mr. Timmons, who called the office to have an ambulance sent to the school. The school nurse did what she could to stabilize the student until the Paramedics arrived. When they got him on the stretcher to take him to the hospital the entire school was aware of the assault. According to Mr. Timmons’ account, the student looked like he had been beaten with a broom handle and it had been shoved up the boy’s rectum. He was bleeding from multiple areas and had his two front teeth knocked out. The police where the next to arrive, during their investigation they took photographs of the Shower Room and the rest of the Locker Room, they also were able to get fingerprints off the broom handle. The Detectives then interviewed all of the boys from that periods’ Gym Class, but none of them said they saw anything.
The first thing that my Uncle did was to go and talked to Mr. Holodeck, the School District’s Superintendent, to discuss what he wanted to do. My Uncle Leo presented his plan to stamp out bullying in the District to the School Board in an emergency meeting that evening. This included amending the District’s Student Handbook to reflect the punishments for bullying of any kind, up to and including Expulsion from the School. But the new policy did not stop there and would do something that no other school district in Delaware had yet to do. It required the State Police to be notified if it was determined that the harassment could be treated as a Hate Crime. This policy would be piloted at Uncle Leo’s school for the rest of the current academic year and for the next 2 school years. It would then be evaluated and if the findings were positive then it would be rolled out to all of the schools in the district.
I will be the first to tell you that this new policy at my Uncle’s School was received like a lead balloon. There were a lot of parents that were less than happy about the new policy and threatened to have my Uncle fired for suggesting such a radical policy, which in their minds, was not needed. That was until the parents of the student that was assaulted came forward and told his story complete with the photographs that were part of the police report. That quieted the opposition very quickly, as no parent wanted what they saw happen to their own children. It is hard to believe that all of this happened almost 2 years ago and the District was going to vote on making the policy mandatory across the entire district. I was very happy when I found out that between my Parents and Uncle Leo that I would be attending his High School in my Freshman Year.
While we were eating they asked me about the young man who had stolen my heart. I told them that Devin Turner was a Swim Team member at the Green Acres Swim Club and how he had met, then became very good friends with Trevor when his family moved into the area. I left out just how close they were and how he blamed himself for Trevor’s abduction and murder. Devin had told me in the bathroom that first morning that he could not even step foot into the Swim Club after that, he felt really guilty and it seemed that everyone was staring at him. I told them that Devin was going to be a lifeguard at the pool where I was working since there would be a vacancy in June. I explained to them how Devin and I had connected during the first day of the training like we were old friends. It seems odd now that I think about it but it was really that connection between Devin and me that got me through that summer. Mom and Dad wanted to invite Devin over for dinner sometime soon so they could meet him. I suggested that we wait until the weather got a little bit warmer and have a bar-b-que out on the deck. They liked that idea and told me to let them know.
After we wrapped up dinner Uncle Leo ask me to walk outside with him for a few minutes. I looked over at Mom and Dad and they nodded that I should have a private talk with my Uncle. As we walked through the neighbourhood Uncle Leo and I talked about a lot of different things, but the one thing he wanted to impress upon me was to be very careful out in public. He said, “Some people that you will encounter may not understand your relationship with Devin and they may yell and scream at you. Some people may even want to hurt you for who you choose to love. So please be very careful in public. Your Mom, Dad, Asher and I love you very much and it would destroy all of us if you or Devin got hurt for being yourselves.” My Uncle also suggested that I find out what High School Devin attended and think about transferring to his school. I thought about that for a minute and told him that I would find out tonight and talk to him about transferring and see what he thinks. We returned to the house and I called Devin to see what he wanted to do.
When Devin answered the phone he suggested that we meet at The Charcoal Pit[i] for ice cream. The Pit, as it's known to the locals, was a local restaurant that was considered neutral ground by all the high school students. It is still in business today and is as popular as ever. It is known for its sundae creations for each of the high schools in Northern Delaware. Dad agreed to drive me over then Devin would drop me off at his place by 10:00 pm since we had class the next day. This also gave my Dad the opportunity to meet Devin and to make sure that I was not being taken advantage of. When we got to The Pit, Devin was standing by his car waiting for us to arrive. When we drove over to meet him, Dad parked and got out of the car to meet him. Devin was a bit apprehensive meeting my Dad, but his fears vanished when my Dad shook his hand and told both us that we were lucky to have found each other. Devin stood there shocked as my dad pulled out his wallet and proceeded to give me $40.00 to pay for our food. Then Dad got back into his car and waved to us as he drove out of the parking lot.
To say that Devin was shocked at what had just happened would be an understatement. I just stood smiling at him with my eyes glistening in the light of the restaurant. He finally came back to reality we walked into the restaurant and got a table. It typically could take up to 30 minutes to be seated when they are busy, but it was a Tuesday night during our Mid-Winter Break so we were seated immediately. While we were looking at the menu, Devin asked what that was all about with my Dad. I told him about what had happened from the time I entered my Dad’s office to the talk that I had with my Uncle. Devin was amazed at the support that my family was showing to me and hoped that his family did the same for him. While we were talking our waitress returned and set our, Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings and French Fries down on the table. She then told us that our sundaes would be a few more minutes. I had ordered the Green Knight[ii] which had four scoops of vanilla ice cream dripping with rich chocolate syrup, mounds of marshmallow covered with crunchy wet walnuts, banana slices & a mountain of whipped cream topped with a cherry. Devin ordered the Highlander[iii] which had four scoops of vanilla ice cream, mounds of hot fudge, banana spears, wet walnuts, whipped cream & a cherry. Needless to say, we were both stuffed when we left the restaurant.
We left the restaurant and headed to Devin’s car and got in. Devin asked what we should do now and I suggest that we talk and get to know each other better. I know a great place to just sit and talk where we would not be disturbed. I gave him directions to Otter Valley Park down by the Brandywine River. It was a 10-minute drive to the park and when we arrived we parked in the lot by the Falls. I have great memories of this place from my youth. We would come here and use the rope swing and jump off the falls into the pool below. It was a great time on those really hot days. Anyway, Devin and I sat there for almost ninety minutes talking about our lives. Devin told me that his father worked for DuPont as a Chemical Engineer and his Mom was a Pharmacist at Happy Harry’s Drug Store. They moved to Delaware when his Dad was transferred here from Jacksonville, FL. He told me that he also was the youngest of 3; he had a brother who was in the Air Force and a Sister that had started college in Washington DC this past September. He told me about how difficult it had been moving to Delaware from Florida, he was still not used to the cold winters we had here. He had a lot of friends at his old school and it was very hard for him to leave them. I knew what he was talking about. I told him about my own experience when my Dad moved us from North Carolina to Delaware. I was only 4 at the time, but I had lots of friends that lived in our neighbourhood and I was in a funk for months after we moved.
We also talked about our schools and what we hoped to do with our futures. Devin was currently enrolled at St Thomas High School. He hated it and finally convinced his parents that the school was not fulfilling his needs academically. He was leaving after this term and had not decided where he wanted to go. I finally found out where he lived when he told me that he had his choice of attending Brandywine or my High School, Concord. He would not need a waiver like I did to attend since my Uncle was the Principal. I asked him if he enjoyed playing music or singing. Devin laughed at me when I asked that question. He then told me that he played the Saxophone and was in the Orchestra and the Jazz Band at St Thomas. I told him that he should consider going to Concord as it was known to have one of the best Music Departments in the State. Mr. Curry the Choir Director always had more than 75 Students involved in the All-State Choirs and Mr. Spencer the Band Instructor was also the conductor of the Delaware Chapter of the AYJB (All Youth Jazz Band) this group would always travel abroad during the summer and perform across Europe. Devin was shocked that his Band Teacher had never told him about this group. He also said while he loved to play the Saxophone he was getting tired of playing only the approved music that the school would allow them to perform. Devin asked how I knew so much about the Music Department and if I was involved. I told him that I was a member of the All Audition Chorale and I had been asked to remain in the Concert Choir as a lead Baritone. I had also tried out for All-State Choir in my Freshman Year but didn’t make the choir, I was 2nd Alternate. I was hoping to make the All-State Choir this year and would know in a few weeks as the audition had happened at the end of January.
Devin asked if there were any disciplinary issues at Concord, such as bullying and harassment. I told him about the student that was attacked a few years ago and how my Uncle Leo spearheaded and was piloting a new Harassment and Bullying policy that was going to be rolled out to the entire district next September. Devin was impressed that while there was bullying that happened it was not the overwhelming issue that other schools in the district were dealing with. Devin then got a weird look on his face and asked why my Uncle was involved in writing a new policy at my High School. I laughed and apologized to him, then told him that my uncle was the Principal at the school, I guess I have forgotten to tell Devin that. I told him a little more about my Uncle Leo, including how he and his best friend, Asher, lived together and how much love they had for each other. After I said that I think that Devin understood why my news was taken the way it was.
Devin looked at his watch and was surprised that we had been taking for over an hour and it was time to start home. On the way, he told me while he knows his family loves him he is not sure how they would take the news that he was gay. He was worried that they would not understand that this was not a choice but how he was born. I told him that if he thought he needed support when he told them that I would be there by his side. It got really quiet in the car until we made it to my Dad’s place. Devin parked the car, turned to me his eyes glistening and tears rolling down his cheeks. I took him into my arms and held him tightly while he sobbing into my shirt. He said between sobs that he needed to get this out in the open with his parents, but he was not sure how to approach them with the news. At that point I really didn’t know what to say, this was beyond anything that I had experienced. I noticed my Dad at the front door watching us. I asked Devin to come in and talk to him about his problem. If there was one thing that my Dad could do it was listen and offer good, sound advice.
Devin agreed and we walked to my Dad and said that Devin needed someone to talk to. He guided us into the house and into the Living Room. Dad sat in his recliner and we sat down on the Love Seat. Devin and I then explained what we had talked about during the evening and how he was worried his parents would not understand what he was feeling. My Dad was fantastic; he suggested that we invite Devin’s Parent’s to dinner on Friday at Mom’s place as it was larger. They would also invite Leo and Asher to dinner, that way Devin’s Parents would be able to meet the Principal at one of the schools that Devin could attend in the fall. More importantly, Leo, Asher, my parents, and I would be there to support Devin when he brings up the subject of his orientation. Devin just sat there with tears leaking down his face. He could not wrap his head around that my parents, uncle and his partner would be willing to help him like this. When he couldn’t hold his emotions in check any longer he jumped up off the love seat and threw himself at my Dad who held him tightly as he started sobbing for the second time in the last 20 minutes. My Dad, to his credit, just let Devin cry it out, he held him, telling him that everything would work out, and it was going to be fine. Devin and Dad sat like that for about 5 minutes, and then Dad told Devin to head to the bathroom and wash his face. Devin left the house about 10 minutes later with my Dad’s contact information. He told Devin to have his parents call him about dinner on Friday and that he was not taking no for an answer. We watched from the front stoop as Devin headed home.
We went back inside and as we closed the door I hugged my Dad and thanked him for being there for me and the boy that I loved. Dad told me that Devin and I were going to need to be prepared for all sorts of harassment if we were going to try and make a go of our relationship. I told him that I understood and that it should not matter who we love, that was between the lovers and not anyone else. He agreed with me, but also told me that there are people in society that will not agree with us being lovers. Dad also explained how Leo and Asher had to keep a professional distance outside of their home while being lovers within their home. At that time I can’t say that I really understood what my Dad was saying but I filed that pearl of wisdom away in my mind. Dad said that he would call Mom and Uncle Leo in the morning to set up the dinner for Friday Night. It was going to be treated as a celebration for our completing The Code Trevor Training. It was already 10:30 and I needed to get to bed. Devin was picking me up at 7:00 am to head for campus and our 3rd day of training.
Devin’s POV
I had just left Aaron’s Dad’s place on my way home. I was trying to wrap my head around what had just happened. Aaron's Parents and Uncle were so supportive of our relationship and they were willing to put their necks on the line in supporting me when I tell my parents about my feelings for Aaron. I now understood what he had been trying to tell me all evening. How his parents had suspected that he was different for the last few years. Were my parents the same, did they already know my secret and just waiting for me to tell them or would they oblivious to what was around them. It was a lot to take in and I would need time to sort this all out. I turned into the driveway and parked the car.
My Mom, Gwen, and Dad, Paul, were in the living room watching "Spencer for Hire" when I walked in. I waited until the commercial and apologized for being a little late getting home. I told them that Aaron’s Dad wanted to talk to me about an invitation for dinner on Friday. It was to celebrate the completion of the training class at their house. I handed the business card that Arron’s Dad had given me to my Dad. Dad looked at the card, smiled and said that right now they didn’t have any plans for Friday and would give Mr. Cross a call tomorrow to confirm the dinner plans. Mom then asked if there was anything they could bring. I told them I didn’t know, but I would ask Arron tomorrow. Both Mom and Dad smiled at me, I think they were just happy that I was trying to make new friends and hoped that I was out of my depression over the loss of my friend Trevor.
To be continued…
[i] The Charcoal Pit is a real restaurant in Wilmington; Delaware it was opened in 1956 on what is now Concord Pike - http://www.charcoalpit.net/cpr_history.htm
[ii] & iii Both Sundaes mentioned in this chapter are real and are currently on the menu at The Charcoal Pit. Sadly, The Raider, the Concord High School Sundae, was removed when the menu was updated in 1995.