Proceed With Caution
Title: Proceed With Caution (4/6)
Author: appassionata1
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Luke/Noah
Word Count: 3,141 (chapter 4)
Disclaimer: ATWT characters are property of CBS and Telenext Media. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: When sixteen year old Luke Grimaldi goes missing while on a ski trip with friends, a top secret organization lead by Noah Mayer is hired to find him.
Prompt: "snow, lost, rescue"
Prompter: cindyls1969
Prompt: "the best Christmas ever"
Prompting: 123cariad
The few days Noah intended to stay with Luke turned into a week. Luke convinced his protective new friend he needed him for at least that long before he could face the world again. Although the boy was emotionally fragile and a bit depressed he pretended he was worse off than he actually was to get Noah to stay longer. Luke had developed a huge crush on him and had all but forgotten that Kevin existed. Noah knew this, but played along anyway. Noah also felt sorry for Luke because in the face of all he was going through, he hadn’t heard from his parents during the entire time.
Noah couldn’t understand that kind of parent child relationship, but Luke was used to it. His mother had become very aloof during the past few years and his father was only concerned about him showing up for his political events. Luke didn’t care much. He was happy about his new found independence. Especially since he had found someone he wanted to spend time alone with. He finally had someone to talk to who could completely identify with him. He had someone who listened to him and who respected his opinions. Someone he felt comfortable with and who he trusted all of his secrets with. For the first time in his life he had a true friend.
Noah was delighted to be able to fill that void in Luke’s life. Their age difference and the fact that Luke was from a ridiculously wealthy family didn’t matter a damn. They had developed a bond that couldn’t be broken. Noah took great pleasure in teaching him things like self defense moves, how to meditate and how to use his wits to get out of trouble. He taught him tips on how to survive in the wilderness and even how to cook. On their last night together Noah convinced Luke to put one the valuable skills he had taught him into practice. Luke wasn’t quite confident he could pull it off, but he was courageous enough to give it his best effort.
Noah stood next to him observing him closely as he meticulously carried out every step of his arduous task. It was the first time Luke had ever done anything so daunting and he was anxious beyond belief. One wrong move could spell disaster. He dutifully followed his mentor’s instructions and celebrated after he completed each grueling step until finally the ordeal was over. Luke mopped his sweaty brow with a napkin and stared at Noah while nervously biting his bottom lip.
Noah took a bite of the pizza, chewed it slowly to savor each ingredient then commented with a broad grin, “This is awesome kid! I couldn’t have done any better myself.”
Luke cut a slice for himself, took a huge bite and said, “It’s actually good. I’m shocked. I’ve never cooked anything before in my life!”
“You can do anything you set your mind to, remember that. What do you plan on doing after high school? College? Work?”
Luke snorted, “I have absolutely no skills so I guess I’ll go to college.”
“Haven’t you applied to any schools yet?”
Luke laughed, “Like that’ll be a problem for me.”
“Yeah, that’s right. Must be nice.”
“Getting everything you want can be nice I guess, but mostly I want things that money can’t buy.” He paused for a moment and continued with a sigh, “I just want someone to love me.”
Once again Luke had melted Noah’s heart. He couldn’t imagine such a beautiful, intelligent, funny and sweet young man not being loved. What could he possibly say to him? Their attraction was obvious and Noah was now thinking that staying so long at Luke’s home sent him the wrong message. His father’s words resounded in his head. Keep your head and be very careful. Noah wisely answered without encouraging the smitten boy, “I have a feeling you’ll find someone really special and he’ll be the perfect man for you.”
With sad eyes the boy met his gaze asking, “Do you really think so Noah?”
He gently squeezed Luke’s hand and sincerely replied, “I definitely do.”
Luke felt a strong stirring deep within. He was falling for Noah and suspected that Noah felt the same way about him, however in his state of emotional turmoil he wasn’t sure if it was true love or a schoolboy crush. Either way he was mature enough to know that nothing could come of it. Noah still thought of him as a kid and compared to Noah he was. As frustrating as it was he would have to conceal his feelings and be content with being his friend. For a lonely, gay sixteen year old boy being friends with a guy like Noah was pretty damn amazing.
After dinner they went for a walk on the enormous grounds of the mansion. It was a cool autumn evening that was perfect for cuddling, but that was definitely out of the question. Noah had to keep reminding himself that Luke was still a kid. A confused child who’s care he was entrusted to. It was imperative that he kept his feelings in check. Luke had been very talkative as they walked, but now he was silent. He tentatively reached for Noah’s hand pulling it out of his pocket and held it in his. This sent shivers down Noah’s spine and he froze in his tracks. Luke was terrified he had overstepped his boundaries and expected to be rebuked for it.
When that didn’t happen he innocently looked up at Noah and whispered, “Can I please just have this moment… if nothing else?”
Luke looked so angelic that Noah didn’t have the heart to refuse him. With a gentle smile he nodded, lighting up the boy’s face like he had never seen before. As he held Luke’s soft hand in his, they silently continued their stroll. This simple display of affection on that chilly autumn night would be embedded in their hearts forever and would never be forgotten. Noah left the next day. Both of them were crestfallen about Noah’s departure, but exceedingly grateful for the time they had spent together.
Spending time with Noah was like a tonic to Luke. He opened up to him like he had never done with anyone before. Along with all the training and advice he imparted, Noah also helped him layout a life plan for the next two years. He instilled in him patience and fortitude, preparing him for whatever hardships he might have to face. Luke was now ready to forgive his mother and stand up to his father and to accept the consequences. He was prepared to adapt to whatever living arrangements he would wind up in. It would only be for two years and then he would be free to live his life on his own terms.
*****
Election Day arrived and the intrusive eyes of the media were focused on the Grimaldi family everywhere they went. They were on their heels like a pack of hungry wolves as Damian and Lily cast their votes at their polling place in Glencoe. Damian relished the publicity as he stood with his arm around his wife and son projecting the perfect image of a happy family. One of the biggest photo ops of the day came when a beaming Luke stood watching his parents as they did their civic duty. Luke had been well trained for his role of the politician’s loving son and he played it magnificently. He made sure there were no emotional slips this time. He convinced the photographers that he was his father’s biggest supporter. If they only knew, he was wishing the senator would lose in a landslide.
That fact or any other type of dissonant note would inspire the most negative press of the campaign and Luke couldn’t bear any added drama so he went along to get along. His sweet revenge would come later. He went to school that day sitting through each class in a daze. After what he’d been through he wasn’t exactly thrilled about going back there and often thought about transferring to another school. But while he was there he attempted to keep a low profile and to avoid everyone, especially Kevin. It still upset him to see Kevin there every day and whenever Kevin walked right past him completely ignoring him, it made him furious. Luke didn’t come out to anyone, but he found out through social media that Kevin had betrayed his secret. As trying as all that was to endure, today his biggest concern was not Kevin or his reputation at his high school. It was the event that could change his entire future, the election. Immediately after school his driver picked him up and whisked him away.
Damian was making a final visit to his campaign headquarters in downtown Chicago and expected his family to attend. When Luke arrived a little late because of early evening traffic, he met the disapproving glower of his irate father as he entered the building. Resisting the monumental urge to kick him in the nuts he just smiled, straightened his tie and took his place next to his beaming mother. He daydreamed during his father’s lame pep talk to his campaign workers and enthusiastically clapped when it ended only because he was glad it was over. Then they were off to join the top members of his campaign staff at their suite in the Palmer House Hotel where a victory party for the senator was being set up in the ballroom. By now Luke wanted to run from his father’s presence screaming. The only thing that could get him through this horrendous day was the sound of Noah’s voice telling him, “Whatever happens kid; you’re strong enough to face it.”
The senator’s hotel suite had been a beehive of activity the entire day. Damian’s campaign staff and his trusty right hand man Brian kept close tabs on the election returns and exit polling from every precinct in the state. After the polls had been closed for a couple of hours Damian and his opponent Sylvia Hernandez were running neck and neck.
That’s when Lily took Luke aside and whispered, “Sweetheart there’s something we need to talk about.”
She led him through the suite, through the bedroom farthest from the crowd and inside the bathroom then closed and locked the door. Luke had no idea what she was about to relay to him and his surprise and concern were evident on his face when he asked, “What’s wrong mom?”
She licked her lips then pressed them together and tersely responded, “Tomorrow morning I’m going to ask your father for a divorce.”
Luke was only surprised by her timing, but concerned about the horrendous fallout from her decision as he responded, “A divorce? Really?” Then his eyes became moist as he thought about being left alone to fend for himself under his father’s tyranny.
“Yes, I’ve already hired an attorney and the papers have been filed. Everything’s been arranged. I’m not going to spend another night with that man. I’ve leased a condo a few blocks from here and I’m having some things moved there as we speak.”
The end had finally come. Luke hadn’t expected to be so adversely affected by it. His mother was leaving his father for another man and his family, however fake it was, would exist no more. There was indeed a measure of sadness to it all. With tears welling in his eyes he whispered, “That means I’ll probably never see you again.”
Lily gasped at his interpretation of her statement and grasping his hands exclaimed, “Oh baby no! I’m requesting full custody. You’re coming with me.”
Luke’s face lit up with an enormous smile. His mother loved him enough to do battle with one of the most powerful men in the world. She would risk being labeled a cheater and have her name dragged through the mud, but she didn’t care. She wanted him. She loved him. His body radiated as he basked in the warmth of his mother’s love.
“I love you mom,” he said as he threw his arms around her and squeezed her tight. This time his eyes were filled with tears of joy.
His mother became emotional as well when she replied “I love you too baby.”
The mood in the hotel suite went from gloomy to grave when Sylvia Hernandez was projected the winner by the media. Luke and Lily both breathed a sigh of relief, but Damian was fit to be tied. He had started drinking when his opponent pulled ahead of him according to the downstate returns and was well on his way to plastered by the time the announcement was made. When he picked up a glass and threw it against the wall smashing it to bits, his staff took that as a not too subtle sign to leave. They immediately cleared the room.
Red faced and overly animated he angrily glared at Brian and his family shouting, “It’s your fault. All of you! How could you have stood by and let this happen?! You’re worthless, all of you worthless!” Then he began cursing at them loudly in Italian.
They all were livid by Damian’s drunken rant. Brian put an end to it by standing toe to toe with him and shouting, “Damian you lost this election and you can’t blame anyone but yourself! It was your asinine idea to attack your opponent in the most tasteless way possible. Your brand of politics is over. You’re a relic and the outcome of this election is proof of it.”
“No! that’s a damn lie. Nobody wants a dyke running their state! If my wife would have supported me like she should have instead of whoring around with some piece of shit horse breeder…”
Lily was so shocked and angry she felt like the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She shot up from her seat and screeched, “You bastard! You contemptible bastard!” She looked down at Luke with horror on her face and tears in her eyes.
Luke rose from his seat and comforted her, “It’s alright mom. I already know and it doesn’t matter. I still love you.” He pulled her into an embrace and held her as she cried.
Damian was shocked and became even angrier by Luke’s disclosure. “So you already know your mother’s a whore you spoiled brat? It’s just like you to keep it from me. You good for nothing mama’s boy!”
That was the last straw for Luke. He could contain himself no longer. He felt like he had nothing to lose. He assisted his mother back onto the sofa and let it rip, “Shut up dad! For sixteen years I’ve put up with your bullshit and I’m so through with you. The election isn’t the only thing you’ve lost tonight. We’re done!”
“What the hell do you mean by that?”
Lily encouraged by Luke’s show of bravery stood up and confessed, “I’m divorcing you and I’m taking Luke with me.”
He cackled and said to her with a flourish, “Go ahead leave, but you’ll never take my son from me, not while I still have breath in my body.”
Luke felt like laughing at his response when he interjected, “Seriously dad? All you’ve ever done for me was to buy me things I didn’t need or want so you could avoid being a real father to me. Let’s face it dad. You don’t give a shit about me! You don’t know anything about me.”
Damian made a fist and clenching it shook it in Luke’s face declaring, “I know you’re mine and that’s all that matters.”
Luke was not the least bit afraid of him. He was only spurred to anger him even further. It was time to drop the bombshell. That would definitely do it. “So it wouldn’t matter to you if I told you I’m gay?”
Damian’s eyes grew as big as saucers. He angrily lunged at Luke, but the boy stood there unafraid. He bellowed close to his face, “Stop it! How can you suggest something so repulsive? Don’t you dare say those words in my presence! Not even in jest!”
Luke moved away from him and calmly announced, “Mom, dad, Brian, I’m gay.”
Brian shook his hand and patted him on the back saying, “That took a hell of a lot of courage son. I’m very proud of you.” Then he folded his arms and glared at Damian.
Lily hugged him and said, “I love you baby,” and grasped his hand as a show of support as they all waited for Damian to explode.
Damian was apoplectic and with arms flailing he shouted, “Then you get out of here with that whore! You two deserve each other.”
With a smirk Luke said, “You’re right we do deserve each other. We’re two decent people with kind hearts. We know the difference between loving somebody and controlling them. You on the other hand deserve all of the misery you’ve brought on yourself. And seeing you suffer makes me very, very happy. Good luck with your concession speech.” Mother and son walked out hand in hand. Seconds later Brian took one last disapproving look at the dejected senator and followed them.
Damian hissed, “Where the hell are you going?”
He turned to face him and answered, “You’ll find my letter of resignation on your desk. I don’t do sinking ships.” Then he left the suite and closed the door behind him.
As Luke rode with his mother in a taxi headed for their new home his phone rang. He saw it was Noah and his heart leapt for joy. He answered it with a broad grin. “Hey Noah!”
“Hey kid, how’s everything? You’re about to face holy hell in a little while with your dad’s concession speech and I thought I’d-”
“Actually I won’t be. My mom just told my dad she was leaving him and I told him I was gay all in the same argument.”
“What? Are you ok?”
“I’ve never been better,” he said, as he squeezed his mom’s hand and flashed his sweet reassuring smile. “I’m so glad I listened to you Noah because… it does get better. I’ve never felt so free.”
Noah was ecstatic by the outcome of things. He was confident that Luke was prepared to deal with anything that arose, but hearing it from him first hand was priceless. “You know what kid, you’re a real champ. I’m so damn proud of you.”
“I could have never stood up to him if I hadn’t met you. Thanks for everything.”
“No problem. That’s what friends are for. Take good care of your mom… and yourself.”
“I will. See you soon?”
“You’d better believe it.”
(Chapter 5)
Author: appassionata1
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Luke/Noah
Word Count: 3,141 (chapter 4)
Disclaimer: ATWT characters are property of CBS and Telenext Media. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: When sixteen year old Luke Grimaldi goes missing while on a ski trip with friends, a top secret organization lead by Noah Mayer is hired to find him.
Prompt: "snow, lost, rescue"
Prompter: cindyls1969
Prompt: "the best Christmas ever"
Prompting: 123cariad
The few days Noah intended to stay with Luke turned into a week. Luke convinced his protective new friend he needed him for at least that long before he could face the world again. Although the boy was emotionally fragile and a bit depressed he pretended he was worse off than he actually was to get Noah to stay longer. Luke had developed a huge crush on him and had all but forgotten that Kevin existed. Noah knew this, but played along anyway. Noah also felt sorry for Luke because in the face of all he was going through, he hadn’t heard from his parents during the entire time.
Noah couldn’t understand that kind of parent child relationship, but Luke was used to it. His mother had become very aloof during the past few years and his father was only concerned about him showing up for his political events. Luke didn’t care much. He was happy about his new found independence. Especially since he had found someone he wanted to spend time alone with. He finally had someone to talk to who could completely identify with him. He had someone who listened to him and who respected his opinions. Someone he felt comfortable with and who he trusted all of his secrets with. For the first time in his life he had a true friend.
Noah was delighted to be able to fill that void in Luke’s life. Their age difference and the fact that Luke was from a ridiculously wealthy family didn’t matter a damn. They had developed a bond that couldn’t be broken. Noah took great pleasure in teaching him things like self defense moves, how to meditate and how to use his wits to get out of trouble. He taught him tips on how to survive in the wilderness and even how to cook. On their last night together Noah convinced Luke to put one the valuable skills he had taught him into practice. Luke wasn’t quite confident he could pull it off, but he was courageous enough to give it his best effort.
Noah stood next to him observing him closely as he meticulously carried out every step of his arduous task. It was the first time Luke had ever done anything so daunting and he was anxious beyond belief. One wrong move could spell disaster. He dutifully followed his mentor’s instructions and celebrated after he completed each grueling step until finally the ordeal was over. Luke mopped his sweaty brow with a napkin and stared at Noah while nervously biting his bottom lip.
Noah took a bite of the pizza, chewed it slowly to savor each ingredient then commented with a broad grin, “This is awesome kid! I couldn’t have done any better myself.”
Luke cut a slice for himself, took a huge bite and said, “It’s actually good. I’m shocked. I’ve never cooked anything before in my life!”
“You can do anything you set your mind to, remember that. What do you plan on doing after high school? College? Work?”
Luke snorted, “I have absolutely no skills so I guess I’ll go to college.”
“Haven’t you applied to any schools yet?”
Luke laughed, “Like that’ll be a problem for me.”
“Yeah, that’s right. Must be nice.”
“Getting everything you want can be nice I guess, but mostly I want things that money can’t buy.” He paused for a moment and continued with a sigh, “I just want someone to love me.”
Once again Luke had melted Noah’s heart. He couldn’t imagine such a beautiful, intelligent, funny and sweet young man not being loved. What could he possibly say to him? Their attraction was obvious and Noah was now thinking that staying so long at Luke’s home sent him the wrong message. His father’s words resounded in his head. Keep your head and be very careful. Noah wisely answered without encouraging the smitten boy, “I have a feeling you’ll find someone really special and he’ll be the perfect man for you.”
With sad eyes the boy met his gaze asking, “Do you really think so Noah?”
He gently squeezed Luke’s hand and sincerely replied, “I definitely do.”
Luke felt a strong stirring deep within. He was falling for Noah and suspected that Noah felt the same way about him, however in his state of emotional turmoil he wasn’t sure if it was true love or a schoolboy crush. Either way he was mature enough to know that nothing could come of it. Noah still thought of him as a kid and compared to Noah he was. As frustrating as it was he would have to conceal his feelings and be content with being his friend. For a lonely, gay sixteen year old boy being friends with a guy like Noah was pretty damn amazing.
After dinner they went for a walk on the enormous grounds of the mansion. It was a cool autumn evening that was perfect for cuddling, but that was definitely out of the question. Noah had to keep reminding himself that Luke was still a kid. A confused child who’s care he was entrusted to. It was imperative that he kept his feelings in check. Luke had been very talkative as they walked, but now he was silent. He tentatively reached for Noah’s hand pulling it out of his pocket and held it in his. This sent shivers down Noah’s spine and he froze in his tracks. Luke was terrified he had overstepped his boundaries and expected to be rebuked for it.
When that didn’t happen he innocently looked up at Noah and whispered, “Can I please just have this moment… if nothing else?”
Luke looked so angelic that Noah didn’t have the heart to refuse him. With a gentle smile he nodded, lighting up the boy’s face like he had never seen before. As he held Luke’s soft hand in his, they silently continued their stroll. This simple display of affection on that chilly autumn night would be embedded in their hearts forever and would never be forgotten. Noah left the next day. Both of them were crestfallen about Noah’s departure, but exceedingly grateful for the time they had spent together.
Spending time with Noah was like a tonic to Luke. He opened up to him like he had never done with anyone before. Along with all the training and advice he imparted, Noah also helped him layout a life plan for the next two years. He instilled in him patience and fortitude, preparing him for whatever hardships he might have to face. Luke was now ready to forgive his mother and stand up to his father and to accept the consequences. He was prepared to adapt to whatever living arrangements he would wind up in. It would only be for two years and then he would be free to live his life on his own terms.
*****
Election Day arrived and the intrusive eyes of the media were focused on the Grimaldi family everywhere they went. They were on their heels like a pack of hungry wolves as Damian and Lily cast their votes at their polling place in Glencoe. Damian relished the publicity as he stood with his arm around his wife and son projecting the perfect image of a happy family. One of the biggest photo ops of the day came when a beaming Luke stood watching his parents as they did their civic duty. Luke had been well trained for his role of the politician’s loving son and he played it magnificently. He made sure there were no emotional slips this time. He convinced the photographers that he was his father’s biggest supporter. If they only knew, he was wishing the senator would lose in a landslide.
That fact or any other type of dissonant note would inspire the most negative press of the campaign and Luke couldn’t bear any added drama so he went along to get along. His sweet revenge would come later. He went to school that day sitting through each class in a daze. After what he’d been through he wasn’t exactly thrilled about going back there and often thought about transferring to another school. But while he was there he attempted to keep a low profile and to avoid everyone, especially Kevin. It still upset him to see Kevin there every day and whenever Kevin walked right past him completely ignoring him, it made him furious. Luke didn’t come out to anyone, but he found out through social media that Kevin had betrayed his secret. As trying as all that was to endure, today his biggest concern was not Kevin or his reputation at his high school. It was the event that could change his entire future, the election. Immediately after school his driver picked him up and whisked him away.
Damian was making a final visit to his campaign headquarters in downtown Chicago and expected his family to attend. When Luke arrived a little late because of early evening traffic, he met the disapproving glower of his irate father as he entered the building. Resisting the monumental urge to kick him in the nuts he just smiled, straightened his tie and took his place next to his beaming mother. He daydreamed during his father’s lame pep talk to his campaign workers and enthusiastically clapped when it ended only because he was glad it was over. Then they were off to join the top members of his campaign staff at their suite in the Palmer House Hotel where a victory party for the senator was being set up in the ballroom. By now Luke wanted to run from his father’s presence screaming. The only thing that could get him through this horrendous day was the sound of Noah’s voice telling him, “Whatever happens kid; you’re strong enough to face it.”
The senator’s hotel suite had been a beehive of activity the entire day. Damian’s campaign staff and his trusty right hand man Brian kept close tabs on the election returns and exit polling from every precinct in the state. After the polls had been closed for a couple of hours Damian and his opponent Sylvia Hernandez were running neck and neck.
That’s when Lily took Luke aside and whispered, “Sweetheart there’s something we need to talk about.”
She led him through the suite, through the bedroom farthest from the crowd and inside the bathroom then closed and locked the door. Luke had no idea what she was about to relay to him and his surprise and concern were evident on his face when he asked, “What’s wrong mom?”
She licked her lips then pressed them together and tersely responded, “Tomorrow morning I’m going to ask your father for a divorce.”
Luke was only surprised by her timing, but concerned about the horrendous fallout from her decision as he responded, “A divorce? Really?” Then his eyes became moist as he thought about being left alone to fend for himself under his father’s tyranny.
“Yes, I’ve already hired an attorney and the papers have been filed. Everything’s been arranged. I’m not going to spend another night with that man. I’ve leased a condo a few blocks from here and I’m having some things moved there as we speak.”
The end had finally come. Luke hadn’t expected to be so adversely affected by it. His mother was leaving his father for another man and his family, however fake it was, would exist no more. There was indeed a measure of sadness to it all. With tears welling in his eyes he whispered, “That means I’ll probably never see you again.”
Lily gasped at his interpretation of her statement and grasping his hands exclaimed, “Oh baby no! I’m requesting full custody. You’re coming with me.”
Luke’s face lit up with an enormous smile. His mother loved him enough to do battle with one of the most powerful men in the world. She would risk being labeled a cheater and have her name dragged through the mud, but she didn’t care. She wanted him. She loved him. His body radiated as he basked in the warmth of his mother’s love.
“I love you mom,” he said as he threw his arms around her and squeezed her tight. This time his eyes were filled with tears of joy.
His mother became emotional as well when she replied “I love you too baby.”
The mood in the hotel suite went from gloomy to grave when Sylvia Hernandez was projected the winner by the media. Luke and Lily both breathed a sigh of relief, but Damian was fit to be tied. He had started drinking when his opponent pulled ahead of him according to the downstate returns and was well on his way to plastered by the time the announcement was made. When he picked up a glass and threw it against the wall smashing it to bits, his staff took that as a not too subtle sign to leave. They immediately cleared the room.
Red faced and overly animated he angrily glared at Brian and his family shouting, “It’s your fault. All of you! How could you have stood by and let this happen?! You’re worthless, all of you worthless!” Then he began cursing at them loudly in Italian.
They all were livid by Damian’s drunken rant. Brian put an end to it by standing toe to toe with him and shouting, “Damian you lost this election and you can’t blame anyone but yourself! It was your asinine idea to attack your opponent in the most tasteless way possible. Your brand of politics is over. You’re a relic and the outcome of this election is proof of it.”
“No! that’s a damn lie. Nobody wants a dyke running their state! If my wife would have supported me like she should have instead of whoring around with some piece of shit horse breeder…”
Lily was so shocked and angry she felt like the air had been sucked out of her lungs. She shot up from her seat and screeched, “You bastard! You contemptible bastard!” She looked down at Luke with horror on her face and tears in her eyes.
Luke rose from his seat and comforted her, “It’s alright mom. I already know and it doesn’t matter. I still love you.” He pulled her into an embrace and held her as she cried.
Damian was shocked and became even angrier by Luke’s disclosure. “So you already know your mother’s a whore you spoiled brat? It’s just like you to keep it from me. You good for nothing mama’s boy!”
That was the last straw for Luke. He could contain himself no longer. He felt like he had nothing to lose. He assisted his mother back onto the sofa and let it rip, “Shut up dad! For sixteen years I’ve put up with your bullshit and I’m so through with you. The election isn’t the only thing you’ve lost tonight. We’re done!”
“What the hell do you mean by that?”
Lily encouraged by Luke’s show of bravery stood up and confessed, “I’m divorcing you and I’m taking Luke with me.”
He cackled and said to her with a flourish, “Go ahead leave, but you’ll never take my son from me, not while I still have breath in my body.”
Luke felt like laughing at his response when he interjected, “Seriously dad? All you’ve ever done for me was to buy me things I didn’t need or want so you could avoid being a real father to me. Let’s face it dad. You don’t give a shit about me! You don’t know anything about me.”
Damian made a fist and clenching it shook it in Luke’s face declaring, “I know you’re mine and that’s all that matters.”
Luke was not the least bit afraid of him. He was only spurred to anger him even further. It was time to drop the bombshell. That would definitely do it. “So it wouldn’t matter to you if I told you I’m gay?”
Damian’s eyes grew as big as saucers. He angrily lunged at Luke, but the boy stood there unafraid. He bellowed close to his face, “Stop it! How can you suggest something so repulsive? Don’t you dare say those words in my presence! Not even in jest!”
Luke moved away from him and calmly announced, “Mom, dad, Brian, I’m gay.”
Brian shook his hand and patted him on the back saying, “That took a hell of a lot of courage son. I’m very proud of you.” Then he folded his arms and glared at Damian.
Lily hugged him and said, “I love you baby,” and grasped his hand as a show of support as they all waited for Damian to explode.
Damian was apoplectic and with arms flailing he shouted, “Then you get out of here with that whore! You two deserve each other.”
With a smirk Luke said, “You’re right we do deserve each other. We’re two decent people with kind hearts. We know the difference between loving somebody and controlling them. You on the other hand deserve all of the misery you’ve brought on yourself. And seeing you suffer makes me very, very happy. Good luck with your concession speech.” Mother and son walked out hand in hand. Seconds later Brian took one last disapproving look at the dejected senator and followed them.
Damian hissed, “Where the hell are you going?”
He turned to face him and answered, “You’ll find my letter of resignation on your desk. I don’t do sinking ships.” Then he left the suite and closed the door behind him.
As Luke rode with his mother in a taxi headed for their new home his phone rang. He saw it was Noah and his heart leapt for joy. He answered it with a broad grin. “Hey Noah!”
“Hey kid, how’s everything? You’re about to face holy hell in a little while with your dad’s concession speech and I thought I’d-”
“Actually I won’t be. My mom just told my dad she was leaving him and I told him I was gay all in the same argument.”
“What? Are you ok?”
“I’ve never been better,” he said, as he squeezed his mom’s hand and flashed his sweet reassuring smile. “I’m so glad I listened to you Noah because… it does get better. I’ve never felt so free.”
Noah was ecstatic by the outcome of things. He was confident that Luke was prepared to deal with anything that arose, but hearing it from him first hand was priceless. “You know what kid, you’re a real champ. I’m so damn proud of you.”
“I could have never stood up to him if I hadn’t met you. Thanks for everything.”
“No problem. That’s what friends are for. Take good care of your mom… and yourself.”
“I will. See you soon?”
“You’d better believe it.”
(Chapter 5)