by Max Hudson
“Enough!” Megan screamed. She grabbed Jonathan’s arm and dragged him aside, away from their father. “Dad, just stop it! I want to see my brothers and sisters. I want to celebrate Christmas with them, not fight!”
“Well, your brother should have kept his mouth shut.”
Jonathan resisted the urge to roll his eyes. The man wouldn’t accept responsibility for his actions. Megan huffed loudly and stormed out of the room, smacking the door with her hand as she left. Jonathan heard her footsteps hammering up the stairs. Miles brushed down his sweater and shook his head in disappointment at Jonathan.
“Now look what you’ve done. You’ve ruined Christmas, Jonathan.”
“No, Dad, that’s on your shoulders.” Jonathan scowled. He headed toward the door before turning back. “If Megan wasn’t home, you wouldn’t see any of us at all. Make the most of your last Christmas with me, because I’m not coming back once Megan’s left.”
He didn’t wait around to see the look on his family’s faces.
Chapter Two
Jonathan was stunned at himself for saying any of that. Normally, they tried to pacify the situation, but they didn’t get involved with the arguing. It just resulted in two separated groups with Blake, Thomas and Jonathan attempting to calm their parents with the others focusing on whoever was wronged. Holiday gatherings were always explosive, but nothing like this.
Only last night, Lynn had said very happily that she was glad about all her children being back. It was like she had forgotten how previous gatherings had gone. There was always something that became a source of contention. Jonathan wondered if his father loved picking fights and coming out of it the winner. He loved to make people feel small, even his children. His wife egged him on, even when it looked like she was defusing the situation.
Jonathan always broke out in cold sweats whenever he knew he had to go back to the family home. Assignments stopping pirates and facing down traffickers in the middle of the ocean was nothing compared to his parents. It was probably why he was so good at his job; nothing could make him as nervous as Miles and Lynn Rodney.
Except admitting to other people that he was nervous around them. That was an embarrassing thing to admit, being scared of his own parents.
Megan’s room was directly at the top of the stairs, the first room people got to before going to any of the other rooms. It was the smallest room, which Megan had protested about, but she could get her parents to change on their decision. Jonathan knocked on the door.
“Megan? It’s Jonathan. Can I come in?”
There was silence. Then the door opened and Megan peered out. A tear had escaped down her cheek, her eyes still swimming with them. But the tightness of her jaw and the anger shimmering off her said she wasn’t sad. She was furious.
“Hey.” Jonathan gave her a smile. “You doing okay?”
“Not really.” Megan stepped aside and let Jonathan in. “I’m sorry about that, Jonny. I didn’t mean to get you into trouble.”
“You didn’t.” Jonathan hugged her tightly, pressing a kiss to her head. “Dad does that to himself. He just doesn’t know when to take a step back.”
Megan huffed and went to her bed, jumping on it and sitting cross-legged. She buried her head in her hands with a heavy sigh.
“He just has to control everything. I’ve never understood why. Right down to what we should be studying and what university we should go to. If we don’t, we’re gone.” Megan snapped her fingers. “They’ve overseen my college applications and refuse to let me go to art college, which is where I want to go. Instead, they want me to focus on my sciences and head off to do something medical. I hate science.”
“I know. I’ve been there.” Jonathan sat on the bed. “Why do you think I joined the navy?”
“Mom and Dad said it was because you were wayward and you needed discipline. The navy could give you what they couldn’t.”
“And you believed them?”
“Of course I didn’t.” Megan snorted. “I knew from an early age something wasn’t quite right with them. Not every parent screens the parents of their child’s friends at kindergarten to make sure they’re suitable people to be around.”
Jonathan grunted.
“They only did it to our middle school friends. It went back a few years as each child started school.”
“I’ve learned to take their word with a pinch of salt.” Megan shook her head. “I’ve heard of overprotective parenting, but this is too much. I’m surprised I have a social life or even friends with them around.”
“I know. Emily and I were the first ones to experience it all.” Jonathan reached out and touched Megan’s back. Her muscles were bunched up. “They want the best for us and to mold us into something they can live through. Something they couldn’t do themselves.”
“And none of you have followed what they wanted.”
“Absolutely not.”
Megan sighed and rubbed at her eyes.
“We’re a messed up family.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
Jonathan sat in silence and waited. Megan was looking like she wanted to explode. Everyone had a breaking point, and his little sister seemed to have hit it already. A long time ago.
“I want out of here.”
“What?”
“I want out of here, Jonathan.” Megan looked at him, clear-eyed. The anger was still simmering, but there was a degree of calm within her that wasn’t there before. “I want to leave here. I can do that now without my parents calling the cops on me. But I’ve got nowhere to go.”
Jonathan could see it. She was ready to pack up and leave. But when you had friends who were too scared of your parents, there weren’t many people to turn to.
“I’d let you come and live with me.” He said. “You’d be secure there, and I’m not like Mom and Dad. But it would take a few days to get through the security checks. You may be young with no record, but it’s standard protocol.”
“I…” Megan stared at him. “I wasn’t fishing to live with you, Jonathan. Although it would be nice. Get to know my big brother properly.”
Jonathan stroked her head before tugging her close, resting her forehead against his.
“I know you weren’t fishing, but you’re my sister. If you’re unhappy and you want out, I’ll help. But things take time, including moving you.”
“And I want out of here now.” Megan sighed heavily. “This is becoming a crappy Christmas.”
Jonathan didn’t know what to say. The offer to take Megan to his place on his base had been a spur of the moment thing. But the more he thought about it, the more he knew he wanted her there. He wasn’t worried about Megan being a wild child, but things did take time. From the sound of it, Megan wasn’t going to last much longer without completely snapping.
Then an image of Stewart passed across Jonathan’s mind. That had him sitting up. Stewart. The one who had given him and his siblings refuge over the years, him and his parents. They opened their house to them whenever it was needed. A kind heart even when Miles and Lynn treated them badly.
Yes. He had a place for Megan to go. It wasn’t the best Christmas gift, but putting distance between Megan and their father for now would hopefully calm things down a little. Once Miles was calm enough, maybe they would be able to talk to him about what was going on and what was going to happen with Megan.
Then again, it was Miles Rodney. He never calmed down. Not until he got his own way. And that would include his youngest daughter groveling for an apology.
***
Nice and quiet Christmas. Stewart’s job had him working holidays as well, so Christmas had become just another day for him. Other than having a very nice dinner with his parents. That wasn’t going to happen this year, which was a bit of a downer, but Stewart would rather his mother stayed put and got better. They could always celebrate later. You could always replace a nice dinner. You couldn’t replace a parent.
Having family scattered around the count
ry helped with his house not being trampled by people so hyped up on Christmas. His cousins were all having children, and while they were adorable, they were hyper. Stewart never got any peace, especially when they used him as a trampoline. His eccentric, and very irritating, grandmother demanded their presence every year as if it were a family duty. But Stewart’s parents had made it clear that they would not go up to Wisconsin to celebrate Christmas unless the woman apologized for spreading false rumors about Stewart’s dad some years prior. Stewart’s whole family was proud, and his maternal grandmother was certainly proud. She would never admit that she had been wrong.
Stewart didn’t care. He was happy to keep away. On New Year’s Eve, he got to spend time with his paternal grandparents in east Tennessee. They were lovely people who couldn’t travel anymore, and they adored him. His sexuality posed no problems with them, the most laidback people he could ever encounter. That was something to look forward to.
But he wasn’t about to forget his parents because they were in another state. So, on the stroke of six, Stewart set himself up with Skype. He was a grown man, but there was never a time to grow out of wanting your parents. Even thinking about his mother brought a smile to his face.
The Skype call was answered quickly, and Stewart’s father Mitchell came on-screen. Their conversation was relaxed, Stewart was unable to stop smiling. His dad could put people at ease. He was clearly worried about his wife, and Stewart understood. Hopefully, he could save enough in a few months to go over to Hawaii and surprise them. They would love that.
After the usual ten-minute chit-chat, Mitchell had to head out to deal with someone at the door, so he was replaced by Mavis Houghton. She looked pale and exhausted, but she was smiling. That made her eyes light up.
“Stewart, honey!” She coughed a little before reaching off-screen for a glass of water, which she took a sip from. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to cough at you.”
“It’s fine, Mom.” Stewart laughed. He took a swig of his beer. “How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad. My chest hurts from all this damn coughing, but those bouts are far and few between now.” Mavis took another gulp of water before putting the glass down. “The warm air out here is certainly helping. And your father has made me stay off my feet and rest as much as I can.”
“That’s good. You wouldn’t have coped well with Knoxville’s weather. The snow’s melting, but it wouldn’t have done you any good.”
“I could have given it a go.” Mavis protested.
“And you would have made yourself worse. Seeing me and your friends wouldn’t be worth it if you end up pulling the muscles between your ribs. I remember the last time you did that.”
Mavis sighed.
“I know. But it’s Christmas. I wanted to come and celebrate instead of staying cooped up indoors.”
Stewart wished his mother was there. He wanted to give her a hug.
“Don’t worry about celebrating until afterwards. We can have a turkey dinner when you’re better later on. Besides,” Stewart sat back and patted his belly, “We had a turkey dinner four weeks ago at Thanksgiving. I don’t need that many.”
“As if the weight stays on you.” Mavis laughed.
“Genetics are a wonderful thing, Mom. Just focus on your health first. I’m sure Dad’s been telling you that.”
“He has.”
That was when Stewart heard voices off-screen. One was his father, another was a younger man’s voice, sounding slightly distressed. Then the voices faded away and a door closed.
“What was that about?”
“One of his students has just turned up.” Mavis sighed. “He’s worried about one of the assignments that’s due just after New Year. Apparently, he’s been unwell lately and missed the last couple of lectures needed, so he’s freaking out a bit.”
“And he came over to yours on Christmas Day?”
Mavis shrugged.
“You know what your father’s like. He said his door is always open no matter what, and he wants to make sure his students pass to the best of their ability.”
Stewart grinned. That was what made Mitchell Houghton an awesome teacher. He was always there when needed by his students. He didn’t suffer fools gladly and several tried to take advantage of it, but those who did care got his full attention. He had been like that for years.
“Will you be okay?” Mavis asked.
“With what?”
“Being on your own this Christmas.”
Stewart laughed.
“Mom, I’m fine! I can function on my own. I’ve got tomorrow off, and then I’m back at work. I’ve got plenty to keep me occupied. Besides, the Rodney kids are across the street. I’m sure I’ll be a refuge for one or more of them at some point.”
“Just like every other Christmas.” Mavis said sadly. She shook her head. “Those kids are awesome people. I still wonder how Miles and Lynn are their parents after everything.”
“They’re strong kids who grew up stronger.”
“Until they’re in their parents’ presence again and then they’re too scared to stand firm. I’ve seen it happen in previous years. No matter how strong they get, it disappears once Miles Rodney starts.”
Stewart knew that. He had witnessed it over the years.
“I know people can be very set in their ways about how things should be in their house and how their children should be raised - I respect that,” Mavis went on, “But the way they treated their children made me uncomfortable. They’re bright kids, and they were chastised for the smallest of things.”
“They wanted replicas, Mom.”
“And you very well know that you can’t make replicas of someone. Everyone is their own person.” Mavis made gestures with her hands like squeezing something together. “You can’t force a child into a mold. It just doesn’t work.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Stewart grunted. “But they’re not likely to listen to me, Mom. Especially after you outed me to them.”
“I thought they knew. Everyone else on the street does and nobody was fussed about it.”
“From their reaction, I have a feeling they had no clue.” Stewart smiled. “I’m not upset you outed me. I’m happy with who I am. I’m just annoyed they now treat me like a contagious disease. That’s just insulting.”
“I know, and it’s not fair to you.” Mavis sighed. “How do they cope with Jonathan, then? He’s gay, and he doesn’t need to come out and say it. I just know.”
“Well, you figured me out before I figured me out.”
Stewart reached for a chocolate, unwrapping it and popping it into his mouth. Mavis tittered.
“I hope you’re not putting greasy fingers all over your keyboard, Stewart. You moan about that all the time.”
“Mom, how old am I?”
“And what have I said about talking to me with your mouth full?”
Stewart rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help but smile. His mother never meant any harm. She wasn’t one who went into things eyes blazing and demanding things be put right.
“What you were saying about Jonathan,” Stewart swallowed his mouthful, “I have a feeling that they have no idea about Jonathan’s sexuality. None of them bring a partner home, so they’re not any the wiser.”
“They’re not wondering why their children haven’t settled down yet?”
“I don’t know. I’m not on their wavelength. Their mentality is something I find confusing.” Stewart dropped the chocolate wrapper in the bin. “I do know that Jonathan hasn’t told them anything.”
Mavis shook his head.
“That can’t be healthy for him. He needs to let them know who he really is. Bottling it up from your loved ones is not good at all. If they truly loved him, they would understand.”
Stewart snorted.
“You lived across the street from them for twenty years, Mom. What do you think is going to happen when one of their sons confesses that he prefers men to women?”
Jonathan had vented about i
t often to Stewart. He had to keep it under wraps at work, and make it seem like his sexuality was non-existent around his parents. He didn’t want to be in the closet, but things just weren’t stacked up in his favor. But Stewart knew the fallout from it all with his parents would be close to nuclear.
“You’re right.” Mavis bit her lip and rubbed at her eyes. “I do feel sorry for them. Especially Megan. She’s a very lovely girl, so bright and polite. Mitchell adores her. Yet they see her as the bad child, the rebel who refuses to do as she’s told.”
“That’s the same with all of them, Mom.” Stewart pointed out. “It has to be exactly as they’re told. If they deviate slightly, they’re not rewarded in the slightest.”
Megan was a hardworking girl. From what she told Stewart in their brief interactions when their paths crossed, she got the best grades in class and she was in line to get a scholarship to an art college she had set her heart on. But her parents wouldn’t hear of it. It was engineering or medical school, nothing less. Stewart knew it was painful for Megan to deal with; she just wanted to have her own life, something for herself. That was easier said than done when practically all your moves were monitored.
Then Stewart heard his doorbell ringing. He glanced at the clock. It was just after six o’clock. He had nobody planning to come over, unless one of his relatives on his mother’s side had turned up out of the blue expecting to be entertained. It wouldn’t be the first time that had happened. Stewart sighed.
“I’ve better go and see who’s at the door, Mom.”
“Call me later if you can.” Mavis smiled. “We’ll finish up then.”
“No problem.” Stewart blew her a kiss. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too.”
Ending the call, Stewart rose from his desk and headed out of his office. The doorbell started ringing again as he stepped out into the hall. Stewart rolled his eyes and quickened his pace.
“Okay, I’m coming! Hold on!”
He wouldn’t be surprised if it was his grandmother or one of his cousins on the doorstep. They would declare that they had let him know they were coming and barge in, thinking there would be a turkey dinner waiting. Stewart wondered what they would say knowing he had ordered Chinese for later.