A Long Road

Life was as good as it was going to get. I was the start quarterback, had the best girl, and an awesome group of friends. My school year was looking good and coach was happy with my performances. We are 8 and 1 due to me and my best friend Curtis, who was the star running back. The only problem that I had never seen coming was from my own father. He and my mother had split about two years ago, she claimed that my dad was seeing someone on the side and took off in the night. My dad came home a few weeks ago and asked me if I cared that he dated. I just waved him off telling him whatever, that it was none of my business. I didn't care if my dad went to Las Vegas and got hitched without me I just didn't care my life was too busy to care.
Later that week about four of the boys decided that we would go back to my place for some pizza something we do a lot just switch the house. We got out of practice an hour early and headed back to my place to order. We all jumped out of the car and headed into the house just as I threw open the door I regretted it. My father was pinning another man up against the counter giggling and kissing him. As the door slammed against the frame the both looked over, my dad jumping back from the other dude.
“Andy, wait I can exp….” My dad yelled out at me as I fled the scene. I was in too much shock I went towards the car and then thought twice about that one. The cool air would probably be better than getting into an accident. ‘Yea could see that head line kid finds out father is gay and then dies in car accident due to trama.’. I started down the road not caring where I was going just as long as I got away from that house.
“Hey man you okay?” Curtis asked running to catch up with me. I just looked at him knowing he would get the point.
“No, Curtis that was fucked up. It’s one thing for the man to move on and start dating again but I could have used a little warning. ‘Hey son I’m gay’ type of thing. No he just brings the man into the house and all my closest friends now know my father is a freak. Great can’t wait to deal with these rumors.” I said just ranting to him hoping he was listening but what I didn’t know was that he had quite listening.
“Do you really think he is a freak for liking men?” He asked helping me sort out the anger I was feeling.
“I don’t know…I guess not. I just don’t know. He was married though what is that supposed to mean. I guess I’m just confused. Maybe I should talk to him.” Curtis just nodded his head at me following as I turned back to the house. As we arrived the guys were standing next to their cars waiting patiently for orders. I looked at them knowing that they all understood and won’t ask me any questions.
“Hey guys, how about pizza next week.” I asked trying to cut the tension between all of us. They nodded and climbed into their respective cars.
“Hey are you staying?” I asked turning to Curtis hoping in the back of my mind that he won’t leave me too do this on my own.
“Yea, but are you sure you want me to stay here for this.” he asked. I just nodded and headed to the door of the house.
As we walked in and looked around I seen my dad in the living room with the man. I could tell that was not how dad wanted to tell me but what was I supposed to know he knew the tradition. He looked up as we walked into the living room.
“Andy I am so sorry that you found out this way. I was planning on telling you tonight but I thought that pizza was at Curtis’s house tonight. Not here.” he said looking between me and Curtis. “This is Daniel Grant my boyfriend.” I just nodded my head at him. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do.
“Ummm… dad why didn’t you tell me sooner? Was mom right were you cheating on her?” I asked talking way too fast.
“I didn’t know how to tell you I wasn’t sure how you would deal with it. Yes your mother was right but she was wrong too. I have been with Daniel off and on for years and I kinda jumped into the relationship with your mother due to the fact my mother forced me into it. She did not want me too be gay. Ever since then I have been with Daniel and up until a couple years after you were born your mother was okay with it. Then all of a sudden she fell in love with me and became obsessive and destructive to me. She gave me an ultimatum before she left it was either him or her and I choose him. You have to understand son I have loved him for a really long time.” My dad explained trying to keep his tears and voice on the same level. I knew he was upset but I didn’t realize how much. He really wanted me to be okay with his boyfriend and I was in a way I just didn’t know what to think.
“Dad it’s okay I don’t care. Honestly I’m okay with it. It’s your life be happy with whom ever you want to be with.” I said as stood up. “I guess this was nice meeting yea I think…” I said extending my hand out to Daniel. If my dad was looking for my approval then he had it. Daniel took my hand and shook it smiling. Dad wrapped me into a hug that almost knocked the breathe out of me. They were not the usually gay men both were at least 6’3 well built men.
I looked at Curtis and nodded upstairs. He nodded and followed me upstairs to my room. As the door shut I looked up at him and then back down.
“Do you think my dad is a freak?” I asked afraid of what he might say to me about the situation.
“No Andy, I don’t. Will you quite freaking out about what people will say or do.” he said shaking his head at me. He patted the bed an I sat down beside him looking at my hands. “No one is going to care who your dad is with. It in no way reflects on you and it will never change our friendship.”
“Okay, okay but still a little hard to handle I mean what the fuck am I going to do.” I said as I stood back up and started pacing. I looked over at Curtis as he stood and all I knew next was there was a pair of lips on mine. I was surprised my best friend for 17 years was kissing me.