Big Poppa

23.



It was as if he’d never been away. Delwyn received a few kisses and pats on his shoulders, and hugged his mum before he sat down at the side of the bed. “Hi, dad… What did you do, hm?”



“Been bad,” the old man beamed. “I never thought it would be like this though; I’d expected more stuff and tubes and things doing bleep…”



It was nothing like that, noticed Delwyn to his relief. Dad was in bed, in his own pajamas, but it was obvious less bad than he’d expected. “I’m glad,” he said sincerely. “I wouldn’t like to miss you, old man.”



“I’ll show you an old man,” dad protested. “As soon as I’m allowed to get up again.”



“So, Del… Tell us about yourself. What have you been up to, hm? Did you finish your study yet?”



Delwyn looked at his sister, and nodded. “I work at a garage now. Big Poppa outside is my partner…” In more than one meaning of the word. “It’s a great job. Busy, but great. We make beautiful cars. I’m the apprentice.”



“Apprentice? What do you have to do, as an apprentice?”



“Are they nice to you? I don’t want anybody to be harsh to my boy. Beginners are often teased and bullied.” Delwyn’s mother wringed her hands as she talked to her daughter. “I’ve heard about students being molested and hurt…”



“I’m not molested or hurt. I’m learning the trade.” Delwyn’s voice got lost in the conversation between his mother and his sister.



“With men like him,” Mair pointed over her shoulder, “I can imagine.”



“Poppa never hurt me…”



“He is big, isn’t he? And why is he here? The children are awfully quiet… Should we take a look? Harri, Olwen, could you please check if everything is alright, in the hall?”



Delwyn wanted to protest. His quiet voice wasn’t heard though, or they ignored him. Harri yanked the door open, and ran out, followed by his family. “What’s going on here? What are you doing with our… Oh.”



Pushing his brothers aside, Delwyn made his way into the hall to see what stunned them. He found Poppa sitting on the floor, with the children in half a circle in front of him, all looking at the unexpected spectators.



“Ssh!” One of the older kids scowled at her father and uncle, a finger pressed against her lips. “Be quiet! Now we missed the best part!”



“I’m sorry, princess…” Harri blinked, looking slightly embarrassed. “We didn’t want to disturb. Are you having fun?”



“Big Poppa is telling us a story about a dragon slayer,” said the girl. “A female dragon slayer. Girls can be warriors too, you know. Even when they’re princesses.”



“I’m sure they can.” Harri urged his family backwards. “Carry on, princess.”



“Warrior princess, thank you very much. Please, Poppa, tell us about how she saved the castle?”



Poppa cleared his throat, and straightened up. “Princess Kiela opened the gates, finding the two knights forced in the corner. They were scared; protecting each other with their arms around each other…”



While the kids were all ears, their parents closed the door of the room behind them. “He’s good with kids. Does he have children of his own, Delwyn?”



“No. His name is Big Poppa, but he isn’t married.” Now would be the time to tell them, but how?



“Shame,” said Mair. “Seeing him like that, it looks like he could be a good father.”



“We know nothing about him,” snapped Olwen. “I still don’t understand why a mechanic would come here.”



“He gave me a ride!” Yes, it was definitely time to tell them. “When I said he is my partner, I meant… he’s my partner. We were together for the weekend. He ehm…”



“At least the kids are having fun,” shrugged Mair. “We should go back, but I don’t think they want to go before the story is finished.”



“What do you mean, your partner?” Finally, someone seemed to listen. And of all people, it had been dad. “Come here, Delwyn. Talk.”



“I’m not… sure this is the right time.” It was. It was the right time! Delwyn shuffled to the bed, keeping it between him and the rest of his family. “Don’t freak out now, okay?”



“I won’t freak out, Del, nor will the others.” Dad took Delwyn’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m not that sick. What do you want to tell us, son?”



Dad looked so pale and small in that hospital bed. Delwyn felt guilty for leaving him, four years ago, and for lying to them about the reason. “I love you, dad,” he said softly. “You too mum, and Harri, Olwen, Mair…” He took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. “Big Poppa and I are lovers,” he whispered.



His family never listened to him. They’d always ignored him, no matter what he said. But they were hearing him now… Delwyn was glad his father was between them, as he saw the different emotions passed on their faces. Surprise, disgust, resignation; each family member showed the different reactions simultaneously.



“Really,” said dad after what seemed to be hours. “Well, Delwyn, congratulations. I’m glad you found someone… someone to love. Can I meet him now?”



“I’ll ask if he’s finished with the story,” nodded Delwyn. He would be glad to leave the room for a moment. He needed Poppa.



“That man is telling stories to our kids,” hissed Olwen. “I heard him about knights holding each other.”



“And a warrior princess rescuing them…” Harri was turning red in the face.



“He’s turning our kids into gay!”



“Poppa!” Delwyn’s voice sounded just a tad too loudly. “Please come in for a moment?”



“Oh dear. Sorry lads, I’m needed.” The big man scrambled up, quickly walking towards Delwyn. “You told them, didn’t you?”



“Yeah.”



“Say no more. They’re suddenly anxious about me telling stories to their kids.” Poppa put an arm around Delwyn’s shoulders, and kicked the door open. “Hello everybody! My name is Big Poppa. The princess didn’t kill the dragon; she tamed him. They all live happily ever after.”



Delwyn clung to his bigger lover, looking shyly at his family and awaiting their reactions. He expected loud protests, cries, questions, but it was very quiet in the room. They were stared down, until there finally was a reaction. It came from the door.



“Daddy, Poppa will stay with us at the hotel, with Delwyn! We want to hear more stories about the warrior princess and the two knights.”



“Really?” Harri’s face turned red again. He poked Olwen in his side. “What will happen with the two knights then, princess?”



“Oh, they’re living together in the castle,” waved the girl. “But the warrior princess has to protect them!”



The grins were frozen and obviously fake. “Isn’t that a bit out of the ordinary? Knights are supposed to protect the princesses, aren’t they?”



“Duh!” The girl rolled her eyes, and was supported by the other kids. They sniggered softly. What did their parents know? “I see no reason why the princess should stay home and be protected. The boys are happy together, playing house and all. The princess would only be bored!”



“I’m confused.”



“You’re old,” concluded the girl. “Delwyn, will you come with us in the woods tonight? We’ll be telling ghost stories! The castle is haunted, and the princess will have to fight the ghosts!”



“Sounds exciting,” said Delwyn. He had to admit, he felt a little confused too. Apparently, Poppa was an excellent storyteller. “I’ll come with you.”



“But—”



“You’re all invited,” grinned Poppa. “I understand we’ll be staying at a small hotel in the woods, so I thought it would be nice to entertain the family a bit. We’ll be going out right after dinner, have a small story and adventure, and we’ll be in bed in time. Are you in, lads?”



The parents couldn’t object. Not with their kids clustering around them, yelling and begging for permission. “Sure, princess. Alright, Poppa, Delwyn… We’ll be at the hotel, and maybe we can talk later. We have some… questions.”



“Whatever you say,” Poppa shrugged. “You’ll get the answers. On one condition. Don’t question our love for each other. Or I’ll ask you very embarrassing questions in turn.”



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