Nephi disappeared behind the closet door while Alex examined the small apartment. He found it clean and well decorated, unlike the apartment of most single men. Nephi emerged from the closet carrying three hangers, each holding a neatly pressed costume.
“First, we have a pirate,” he said, holding a costume out for display and moving his extended hand from the top of the costume to the bottom and back up again. “What do you think?”
“Definitely no pirates,” replied Alex. “I am so over the butt pirate jokes.”
“Got it,” said Nephi, laying the pirate costume aside. “Next we have a hippie costume. I think it suits you nicely.”
Alex shook his head. “I’m just not feeling it. Do we really have to go to this thing? We could just hang out here tonight and watch something. I see you have quite the Gilmore Girls collection over there. Besides, I’m not really comfortable going to a church.”
“Oh, I do love me some Gilmore Girls, but tempting as that is, I already signed us up for the chili competition and I need to make sure that the young men and the primary kids don’t tear apart the decorations. Besides, I love to see all the kids in their costumes. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. I’ll stay right next to you all night.”
“Okay, fine,” replied Alex. “What’s option number three?”
“Option number three,” said Nephi, “is a cowboy. I have some chaps, a button up western shirt with a leather vest, and a cowboy hat. It’s perfect for you.”
“I guess it will do. Give it here,” said Alex as he removed his shirt and reached for the costume. Alex was well built with a fair bit of definition to his biceps, triceps, and chest. Nephi couldn’t help but smile and blush watching him change into the costume.
Both ready, Nephi grabbed a bowl of candy and they headed out the door. Alex offered to drive since the crock pot full of black bean chili was already in his car. Besides, riding in a gas guzzling truck like Nephi’s went against his convictions. Nephi directed him the few blocks to the church building.
They pulled into the parking lot and backed into a parking space along the sidewalk where the children would trunk or treat. They walked toward the building. The activities would kick off in the cultural hall, a big room in the church with a basketball court and stage, where they hold ward events. Once at the building entrance, Alex stopped for a moment and took a deep breath.
Nephi opened the door and Alex hesitantly followed him through the foyer into the cultural hall. The large room had a hardwood floor covered in round tables where people could eat. Several long rectangular tables sat at the front of the room and people busily placed food on them. Some people brought rolls or cornbread and others brought chili and toppings. Nephi and Alex made their way to the buffet tables where Nephi placed Alex’s crock pot. He took the number 15 sticker from a sheet and placed it on the crock pot. They provided numbered stickers for people to place their chili vote.
With the chili in place, they took a seat on the far side of the room near the doors. A few minutes later, Mike and Darla walked in and approached their table. Nephi stood and gave Darla a hug.
“Hi, Mom and Dad,” he said. “This is my friend, Alex.” He motioned toward Alex, who stood and extended his hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Alex.
“The pleasure is ours,” replied Darla, shaking his hand.
Mike then shook Alex’s hand while giving Nephi a sideway glace. “So we’re doing this, are we?” he asked, still staring at Nephi.
“Doing what, Dad? Introducing you to my friend? I’m not sure exactly what is going through your head, but whatever it is, just stop.”
The squeal of the microphone signaled them to take a seat. Darla sat next to Nephi with Mike at her side as Bishop Thompson started the program.
“I’d like to welcome you all to our annual trunk or treat activity and chili cook off,” he announced. “Brother Mace will offer the opening prayer, then help yourselves to the food. The young men have set up a spook alley on the stage and there are activities for the little ones in the back. Please remember to vote for your favorite chili. At 6:30, we will announce the winner of the chili cook off and move outside for trunk or treating.”
Brother Mace then took the microphone said a prayer to ask a blessing on the food and for safety during the activity. By the time he said “Amen,” there was already a line at the buffet table.
The adults conversed at the tables while they ate and the children, decked out in Halloween costumes, ran wild through the gym. The youth of the ward had set up games for them including bobbing for apples, the spook alley, corn hole, and a fish pond with Halloween themed prizes. Darla made polite conversation with Alex about his work while Mike checked the football score on his phone.
Nephi enjoyed watching the joy on the children’s faces as they played. Dressed as super heroes and their favorite cartoon characters, they were really in their element. He remembered what it was like to be that age, so carefree. At times like this, he wished he could go back, if just for a moment, but that time had long passed.
Nephi stole Alex away from Darla and they both helped clean tables while the indoor activities wound down. Before long, it was time to announce the winners of the chili cook off. Bishop Thompson returned to the microphone.
“We had many good entries this year,” he said. “More votes were submitted than any year since I was called as Bishop. We will announce the top three chili chefs and ask each of them to stand as we give them a round of applause. I’m sorry to say that the only prize is bragging rights for the next year. Without further ado, the second runner up in the chili cook off is number two, Brother Pike with his white chicken chili.”
Brother Pike stood, a proud look on his face while everyone clapped and cheered. He took a bow and raised his hands in the air as if he had just brought down the house in a Broadway production.
Bishop Thompson continued, “Our first runner up is chili number seventeen, a fine chili con carne cooked up by my good wife, Sister Sally Thompson.”
Sister Thompson stood and nodded while everyone clapped. Red-faced, she sat down quickly and the applause died down.
“And the big winner of the Pleasant Grove ninth ward chili cook off is number fifteen, the delicious black bean chili from Brother Nephi Willard.”
Nephi grabbed Alex by the arm and pulled him up. They both stood while everyone clapped.
“I’m honestly not that good of a cook,” said Nephi in a loud voice, “and I can’t claim any credit for that delicious chili. It was made by my friend, Alex, who is with me tonight. He is the amazing chef.”
The clapping slowed and then stopped as the pair sat down. Bishop Thompson invited everyone to move outside for the trunk or treat portion of the activity as whispers spread from table to table and the children gathered their treat buckets and bags in preparation for the candy.
Nephi grabbed Alex’s empty crock pot and washed it out in the kitchen sink on their way outside. He placed it on the floor of the backseat and retrieved the candy bowl for the kids who were already roaming from car to car asking for candy. This was always Nephi’s favorite part of Halloween. He enjoyed seeing each costume and loved to see their little faces light up as he placed candy in their bag.
Alex and Nephi chatted while they watched the trick-or-treaters make their way toward the Prius. The night was clear, and the darkness brought cold. Neither of their costumes stood up to the elements and they shivered. Nephi smiled seeing Alex by his side. In prior years he was either on his own or sharing a trunk with his parents. Having a friend next to him somehow made him feel warmer. As the children moved closer, Nephi noticed child after child take candy from the Wilson family car to one side of him, skip the Prius altogether, and proceed to the car on the other side. A perplexed look made its way to Nephi’s face as the trend continued.
“I’m not sure what’s going on. I’ve never seen anything like this. I always bring the best candy,” said Nephi.
Alex stared at
the ground. “I’m sorry, Nephi, it probably has everything to do with me being here.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not sure what is going on, but I’ll get to the bottom of it,” replied Nephi.
Little Billy Mason was passing by in a superhero costume, holding his dad’s hand. The Masons lived next door to his parents, and he knew Billy well.
“Hi, Billy,” he called out. “I’ve got plenty of candy over here.” He held out the bowl filled to the top with premium brand candy.
Billy started to run toward Nephi before being pulled back by Brother Mason and redirected to move to the next car. Brother Mason turned to follow him.
“Hold up, Brother Mason,” Nephi said. “What’s going on? Why won’t you let Billy come get candy from me?”
Brother Mason slowly walked over to Nephi. A cowboy hat sat atop his head covering his growing bald spot. He wore a button-up shirt with suspenders that held his oversized jeans up on his large belly. His ensemble was capped off by the worn cowboy boots on his feet. Unlike Alex, he wasn’t wearing a costume.
He walked up to Nephi and leaned in close. In a low voice, he explained, “Look, Nephi, I like you, I really do. But the thing is, we don’t want our kids hanging around you and your faggot friends. We don’t need you influencing them and making them think people like you are normal. They need to know that isn’t God’s way.”
As Brother Mason turned to walk away, Nephi felt pressure build in his toes that gradually made its way to the top of his head. With clenched fists, he forced himself to breathe and bit his lip, trying not to cry. It didn’t work and tears started flowing down his face. Never in his life had he felt so rejected and so belittled. He felt less than a person. Alex embraced him as he continued to cry on his shoulder.
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” offered Alex. “We can go back to your place and just chill for a while.”
Nephi’s voice wasn’t strong enough to speak, but he nodded in agreement. As he was getting into the car, he heard someone call his name. “Nephi! Nephi, wait up.” Glancing around to see who was calling him, he saw a familiar form approaching.
The tall, broad-shouldered figure ran toward him in the dark. As he drew closer, Nephi could make out his well-groomed brown hair and a sadness in the face. His eyes were red from crying. It was Bradley Hanson, the eighteen-year-old son of Brother Hanson, the ward clerk.
“Bradley, what’s wrong?”
He had a hard time getting the words out. Nephi could see that he was shaken. He put his hand on Bradley’s shoulder. “Just calm down. Take a moment to compose yourself and tell me what’s going on.”
After a few moments, and some deep inhaling followed by stuttered exhales, Bradley had composed himself enough to speak.
“My parents and I had a big fight,” he explained. “I turn nineteen in a couple of months and they have been concerned that I am not on a mission and haven’t even started filling out my papers yet. My dad sat me down and told me that I need to either turn in my mission papers within the next week or move out.”
“Ouch, that’s harsh,” said Nephi. “I’m sorry. I served a mission myself and I can tell you that it is one of the best decisions I ever made, but a mission isn’t for everyone. Your dad knows that a mission isn’t required for salvation, right?”
“He demands perfection. He always has and I have never measured up to his standards. But it doesn’t end there. You see, I’ve been hiding a secret from everyone. I’m gay. My dad is the most homophobic person I have ever met. Somehow in the heat of the moment, I found the courage to come out to him. I told him that I will not serve a mission and that I’m gay. He grew so angry. He drew back his fist, and I was sure he was going to kill me. Instead, he directed the punch toward the wall and put a hole straight through it. I have never heard him yell so loud before. He told me that I am no longer his son and he kicked me out on the spot. I have nothing but the clothes on my back. I didn’t know where else to go.”
“Oh, Bradley, I’m so sorry,” said Nephi. “Come here.”
Bradley collapsed into his arms. Nephi held and consoled him, much like Alex had done for him only moments earlier. Alex, who had listened to the entire exchange, said, “Both of you get in. Let’s head back to Nephi’s apartment and figure things out from there.”
Bradley climbed in the backseat next to the bowl of candy and Nephi rode in the front with Alex. They sat in silence as they traveled the few blocks to Nephi’s apartment.
Once inside, Nephi made hot cocoa and Alex changed out of the cowboy costume before they sat in the kitchen to talk. Now able to speak, Bradley recounted the day’s events. In that moment, the thing that Bradley needed most was to be heard, so they just listened. After he finished, Alex and Nephi each gave him a hug.
Alex then looked Bradley directly in the eye and began to speak. “One thing I have learned is that those we love can cause us the most pain. We expect prejudice and hate from random people and so we are able to shake it off, but we expect more from those we love. We expect better of them. We expect them to love us. Even when we are at our worst, they are the ones who should support us, and when someone we love shows us prejudice or hate, it goes against our expectations and it hurts so much more. Bradley, you didn’t deserve what happened today. No one deserves that. I’m sorry it happened but we will help you move forward.”
“I have known your family and worked with your dad in my church calling for a long time,” Nephi added. “I am shocked to hear about what happened, but at the same time, I can’t say that I’m surprised. Your dad doesn’t understand. He is under the flawed impression that being gay is a choice; that you somehow intentionally rejected your straight nature in pursuit of a perverse path. He doesn’t understand that God made you the way you are. I wish I could snap my fingers and make him understand. I wish I could take away your pain. I can’t do that, but you are welcome to stay with me for as long as you need to. You’re not alone.”
“I really appreciate your support,” replied Bradley. “I honestly don’t know what I would do if you weren’t at the church tonight. I have nowhere else to go. My family hates me.”
“I’m sure they don’t hate you and I really hope they come around,” said Nephi.
“I wish I shared your faith in Bradley’s family,” countered Alex, “but I have seen enough hate to know that all people don’t have good intentions or a desire to understand. Some don’t have the capacity to feel empathy and their hearts are filled with hate. I don’t know your family, Bradley, and I hope that Nephi is right and they come around, but prepare yourself in case they don’t. It can be a bitter pill to swallow.”
“Bradley, the bed is all yours. It has fresh linens and blankets and it’s ready for you,” offered Nephi.
“No, I can’t take your bed. I am totally fine on the couch, or the floor.”
“I usually fall asleep on the couch while watching TV anyway,” Nephi lied. “I insist, you sleep on the bed.”
Bradley thanked him and laid down. Tired from the emotional toll of the day, he fell asleep within minutes.
“Do you really sleep on the couch most of the time?” asked Alex.
“No, but I thought he could use a good night’s sleep and I can fall asleep anywhere. It’s not a big deal. Thanks for your help tonight, Alex. I don’t know what I would have done without you tonight.”
“People can be cruel. The more open you are about who you are, the more you will see it. Thanks for inviting me. There was a lot going on tonight, but I’m glad I was here. I better get going now.”
Alex hugged Nephi and headed out the door. Nephi changed and showered to wash off all the face paint. Clean and in pajamas, he popped in a Gilmore Girls DVD and curled up on the couch. Before long, he was asleep.
Chapter 11
A new day brought the sun and a fresh perspective. Nephi awoke to the sound of the alarm on his phone. The glow of the TV and the soft imitation leather against his face reminded him that Bradley Hanson was in his bed.
He showered and made a breakfast of scrambled egg whites and toast. Today he cooked for two.
The smell of breakfast cooking was enough to wake Bradley who soon joined Nephi at the table. “Thanks again for letting me stay here. Don’t worry, I’ll get out of your hair before long. I just need to figure out what to do next.”
“I am serious when I say that you can stay as long as you need to. It's just me here and I’m gone most of the time, anyway. What’s mine is yours, Bradley. I know what it’s like to live in a world where nobody understands you. It’s lonely and painful. We can get through it together.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate it,” replied Bradley. “Thanks for breakfast. My head is much clearer today.”
“So what have you been up to since you graduated in the spring? Are you going to school or working?”
“I’ve been working at my dad’s shop saving money for the mission that he wanted me to go on. I guess I’m not sure where that job stands now. I’ve spent nearly every day with him since I finished home school.”
Brother Hanson ran an auto body shop on State Street. He inherited the business from his father.
“What are your plans for today? I’ve got to leave for work in about thirty minutes but I am happy to give you a ride somewhere if you need it. I get off around 4:00 and I’m available for whatever you need after that.”
“Thanks. I don’t need a ride this morning. I think I’ll walk home to see if this whole thing sticks after everyone has calmed down. At the very least, I can get some of my things. Then I’ll go down to the shop to see where I stand with work.”
“Do you want me to go with you? If you wait until I get off, I can give you a lift and then you won’t have to face them alone.”
“No, thanks. I think I can handle it on my own. Let me get your number. I’ll call you and let you know how it goes.”
Nephi took Bradley’s phone and entered his phone number in the contacts app and then retrieved a spare key from a hook on the kitchen wall.
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