by S M Mala
‘They were pirates and that’s not the same. He is a homosexual, Bea. And you Mylo, don’t seem to be saying much,’ Bernie hissed, shaking his head furiously. ‘Is your idea to make a complete fool out of Beatrice? Gallivanting with other men behind her back. I mean, she doesn’t even have a penis! What good is she to you?’
‘Don’t discuss my non-existent penis!’’ barked Bea, getting more frustrated with her father. ‘That’s just too personal!’
‘I’m pleased she hasn’t got a penis. What she has is perfect and very good for me,’ Mylo quietly replied.
‘You shouldn’t have said those things about my son. It was uncalled for,’ Jessica anxiously added. ‘It’s not fair.’
‘Unless Bea decides otherwise, the wedding isn’t being called off. I’ve not done anything wrong,’ Mylo said, looking upset, his tone low and calm.
‘And I’m not going to be misjudged by someone who dances up and down the High Road in a sheet,’ Bea hissed.
‘Your religion is more forgiving and you should embrace the fact I love your daughter,’ Mylo said to Bernie. ‘I would never hurt or deceive her. This isn’t about respectability. It’s about love.’
‘Oh Mylo,’ Bea sighed, as her heart melted for him.
‘Mylo,’ Bernie said, looking ashen and glancing at Bea. ‘I don’t mean to insult you under your own roof but-.’
‘But nothing,’ he said, grabbing Bea’s hand. ‘Mum and Bernie, can you go? I need to talk to Bea alone.’
For the first time she realised the extent to which he loved her and her heart pounded so fast, knowing she was making the right decision.
Though her heart was breaking knowing her wedding day might have less people.
One in particular.
She shook her head seeing the happiest day of their life was going to turn into a train wreck.
The carnage being their wedding.
Hearing the door shut as Jessica marched out and her father, rather bewildered, followed she sank Mylo’s his arms.
‘This isn’t meant to be, is it?’ she whispered, holding tightly onto him. ‘My father is an arse. He was pretty insulting and knows better. It’s the ignorance and-.’
‘But do you think it’s wrong? You and me.’
‘When is love wrong?’ Bea looked up at him and noticed he was starting to smile. ‘When are we wrong?’
‘We’re not. I love you and Kayden so much. I want us to be a family and forget about all the doubters.’
Bea knew she had to say it. Voice something to reassure the man she loved that she had faith in him.
‘I’d be happy if Kayden lived with us,’ she said and watched Mylo’s startled expression. ‘I have a wealth of qualifications to show I’m good with children. After in depth police checks, there’s no mention of me peeing publicly in Soho Square.’
‘Really?’
‘I too have a chequered past.’
‘I mean, you don’t mind Kayden living here?’
‘It’s your home.’
‘It’s our home.’ Mylo shook his head. ‘If you do then everyone’s going to think that’s the reason I’m marrying you; so I can get my son.’
‘Are you?’
‘I know what people are saying,’ he said, trying to stem the immediate flow of tears. ‘The whispers and questions whether I am using you, or if I’m going to have a male lover on the side.’ Mylo grabbed her face in his hands. ‘Bea, do you know how much I love you? Shit, maybe we have to call the wedding off.’
‘Don’t say that!’
‘Your father’s not going to be there. My mum is going to be agitated after Bernie’s comments. No doubt my dad will turn up later, telling me that your pee incident is a criminal office. Matty will make you fall in love with him and I’ll be alone.’ He smiled half-heartedly. ‘You’re the one I worry for.’
‘Don’t leave my side from the night before the wedding until we get married. I want to wake up beside you and for us to go together.’
‘I would be more than happy to do that.’ Then he cleared his throat. ‘I’m sorry about telling your dad the way I did. My dad even asked if this marriage was real and if I loved you.’ Mylo let out a little whimper. ‘If I hadn’t had a relationship with Cole, no-one would ask but now? It seems my actions have to be questioned.’
‘Can’t we run away and get married? We could take Kayden and just do it. Then no-one could stop us.’
‘I wish we could. I blame myself for not whisking you away and doing it but I knew you wanted your dad there. He might see reason and turn up.’
‘I wouldn’t hold your breath.’
‘Is he that bad?’
‘Daddy has a problem with homos, as he would call it, and not to mention transgender. Dear God, please don’t tell me you like dressing up as a woman. That would completely blow things out of the water.’
‘I don’t suit heels.’ Mylo started to laugh.
‘I feel better he knows,’ she said, sensing the deep pain in her chest. ‘I probably won’t have any relatives there now. Daddy’s going to tell them the wedding is cancelled.’
‘He’s doing it to protect you. I know that and so do you. Don’t fall out over this.’
‘When wasn’t I going to?’ she whispered. ‘And mummy, what are you going to do to stop daddy from being an arse?’
There was silence.
That’s when she knew it was all up to her.
‘He’s a little spoilt brat!’
Bertha said, looking furious. ‘Always was and always will be. Sorry Bea but Bernie needed a good slap as a child, he really did.’
All three aunts were sitting with Bea at their usual hotel on Monday afternoon. It was Bea’s idea of a hen night. She didn’t want to have one knowing how messy they got.
To be precise, how Bertha behaved after a few too many free drinks at most social events.
It was safer to meet for a champagne tea to toast her wedding.
Right now, it felt more like a wake.
It seemed her father had called all his siblings, clearly stating that Mylo was a homosexual and Bea was his cover.
‘Beatrice,’ Belinda said in her posh tone. ‘Is it true Mylo had a male lover?’
‘Yes,’ she replied, letting out a long sigh. ‘It lasted eighteen months and they adopted a child call Kayden.’ She noticed Bertha eyed her older sister to see the reaction. All Babs did was look at Bea sympathetically. ‘I don’t think he’s going to go off with another man, let alone another woman.’
‘But you don’t think it a little odd?’
‘Belinda, don’t start.’ Bertha moved her chair closer to Bea. She noticed her aunt’s hair was a vivid red, probably dyed for the wedding. ‘And you never thought to tell us this?’
‘I didn’t think it would be an issue,’ she fibbed, closing her eyes. ‘Okay, I knew it would be an issue with daddy. He was awful. Asked Mylo the most terrible things.’
‘I can imagine,’ Babs piped up, shaking her head furiously. ‘I don’t know what goes through his head. He used to be so open minded when he was younger. Now he seems more fundamental in his opinions and views.’
‘Fundamentally stupid, if you asked me,’ added Bertha. ‘He’s refusing to go to the wedding and has asked us all to boycott. I, for one, will not.’
Bea’s heart sunk, realising her father wasn’t going to budge.
‘I won’t be attending,’ Belinda said, making all three look at her. ‘He’s my brother and I have to accept his request. You’re marrying against his wishes and that’s not right.’
‘Because he had male lover? Erin’s gay so is that a problem?’ asked Babs, starting to get agitated as Belinda look shamefully away. ‘That means he has to be given a label by people who don’t know him? I for one will not judge a person based on their life choices. And Bernie’s has been no angel from time to time.’
‘Erin’s gay?’ asked Bertha, looking puzzled. ‘Really? I didn’t know.’
‘Which planet do you live on, Aunti
e Bertha?’ Bea asked, trying not to laugh.
‘I know she likes to dress like a boy but didn’t Bernie like to dress like a girl when he was little?’ She burst out laughing as Babs smiled. ‘Mummy was very happy when he got married to your mother. We all had our doubts about your father.’
‘He was going through a phase,’ Belinda added, glaring at her sisters.
‘When he was fifteen!’ shrieked Bertha. ‘You know, maybe he fancies Mylo and is now confused about how he feels.’
‘Really Bertha, do you have to lower the tone?’ the eldest one chastised. Then Belinda solemnly shook her head. ‘There’s a child involved. How confusing is that?’
‘But that’s not fair on Bea. She didn’t make her fiancé’s life choices,’ hissed Babs.
‘But she’s making one now.’
Taking a deep breath, Bea looked at Belinda and knew she would be the first to back away. It was a waste of her breath even trying to talk the woman into it.
‘If you think it’s a sense of betrayal to daddy, then I accept your reasons,’ she whispered, leaning forward. ‘I don’t want people to be there who don’t wish me happiness. I won’t let Mylo or I be judged. No-one has the right.’
‘But we’ve not even met this man! Don’t you think that’s a little odd?’ asked Belinda, getting defensive. ‘How do we know what he’s like and if he will bring shame on the family.’
‘Oh please!’ laughed out Bertha, filling up Bea’s glass with champagne. ‘We’re not exactly the squeakiest clean lot, are we? Our daddy used to do some dodgy deals with the colour televisions and all sorts.’
‘Or are you saying the shame is the fact that Mylo was with a man and homosexuality is something we cannot and must not accept?’ Babs said it in such a way she sounded furious and disgusted at the same time. Belinda seemed afraid to open her mouth. ‘Be careful what you say. You might live to regret it.’
‘Please don’t let us fall out over this,’ Bea said, forcing a smile. ‘At this rate, there will hardly be anyone at the wedding and I seriously don’t mind. We were only saying yesterday that we should with Kayden.’
‘Ah, the adopted boy.’ Belinda sat up straight. ‘And you don’t think that’s a little odd? Him adopting a child with this man and wanting to raise him as their own.’
‘It was fast,’ she honestly replied, seeing what Belinda was leading up to. ‘A bit like our wedding.’
‘Is he very impulsive, this Mylo man?’
‘He thinks about things long enough before making a decision. He doesn’t act on a whim.’
‘Beatrice, can you see why your father is concerned? Getting married so quickly to a man whose previous partner was male and then adopting a child. He thinks you’re being used.’
‘Yes, I can see but I can’t have my life dictated to me, by him or anyone.’ She sipped her drink. ‘All the time, since Mylo told me about his past, I have been worried about daddy. His reaction and what he might say. He didn’t let me down at all yesterday. He was as insulting as he was outraged. Only my father could do that.’
‘You know what Bernie’s like. He’s very emotional,’ said Babs gently.
‘He overreacts and doesn’t put his brain into gear before his mouth opens,’ added Bertha. She hit the nail on the head while smirking at Bea. ‘That’s the way he has always been. Your mother, God bless her soul, had the patience of a saint. I personally would have wrung his neck a fair few times.’
‘That’s her father you’re talking about!’ snapped Belinda.
‘And he’s my skanky little brother so I have an equal right to say my piece.’
‘Give me strength,’ mumbled Babs.
‘Daddy has always made me doubt my choices. And now, he has something solid, he won’t let go.’ Bea cleared her throat and thought hard. ‘I want to support Mylo and if I’m making a big mistake then so be it. It is my decision and I will take all the consequences that come with it.’
‘And there’s another thing, consequences and all,’ said Bertha, starting to smile. ‘This man of yours who was with another man, does he, how can I say?’
‘Don’t say,’ hissed Belinda, closing her eyes.
‘Can he satisfy your needs?’
‘Really?’ sighed Babs. ‘You’re asking your niece that question?’
‘I ask my girls the same thing!’
‘That explains a lot,’ Belinda mumbled, sipping her tea.
‘You know what I mean, don’t you Bea? He was with a man so is it different?’
‘I would have never guessed he had been,’ Bea honestly replied, realising the champagne was making her talk freely. ‘He’s ever so good at keeping me happy.’
‘He hasn’t tried to do things to you that weren’t completely natural?’ added Belinda, looking embarrassed. ‘You know, asked you to participate in acts that might be offensive or against your will?’
‘I don’t get what you mean.’
‘Stick it up your arse,’ said Bertha, starting to grin. ‘I quite like the idea myself.’
‘You really are something, lady!’ gasped Belinda, looking furious as Babs just laughed out loudly.
‘Listen ladies, he is all man and we’re very happy in that department,’ mumbled Bea.
‘How happy?’ grinned Bertha.
‘Very!’
Then she noticed Bertha was staring at something over her shoulder, in mid bite of the fruit cake she loved so much. Bea couldn’t be bothered to turn around then noticed Belinda’s eyes had widened, as well as Babs.
‘What are you looking at?’ she asked, semi-amused, feeling the blush from her cheeks subside after the sex questioning.
‘Look at that. I wouldn’t mind a piece, if you get what I mean,’ Bertha said, putting down the cake.
‘You just can’t help yourself, can you?’ huffed Belinda, whose eyes lit up. ‘Though I can see what you mean.’
‘And he’s coming over towards us,’ purred Bertha.
‘Who are you talking about?’ Bea knew they were checking out a man. ‘Don’t be so blatant.’
‘Hello,’ Bertha said, smiling brightly and looked doe eyed up at something behind Bea. ‘Can I help you?’
‘I wanted to introduce myself before the wedding,’ she heard Mylo say and turned to see him standing behind her. ‘I’m Mylo Kearney soon to be a member of the most beautiful family in town.’
‘You’re Mylo?’ asked Belinda, looking suitably shocked. ‘Mylo?’
‘Can I join you?’ he asked as Bea sat there gobsmacked, wondering what he was up to. ‘Shall I order another bottle of champagne?’
A waiter appeared with a chair.
‘Hello,’ Bea said. ‘I thought you had lots of things to do today.’
‘I knew you were meeting these lovely ladies and wanted to make sure you were in a fit state to come home.’ Then he smiled. ‘You’re Belinda, Bertha and Barbara, who everyone calls Babs. A pleasure to meet you. I’m so sorry it’s close to the wedding but with one thing or another, time seemed to be rushing past.’
Mylo went to each one, shook their hand before kissing both their cheeks. Then he sat next to Bea and kissed her gently on the neck.
Her aunts looked gobsmacked.
They were equally silent.
‘I know that you have probably heard a great deal about me, mainly from Mr Mayon but I wanted to tell you my side of the story, then you can make up your own minds. I’m not a bad person, or a deviant. I’m a man who has fallen in love with your niece and I want her to be happy, very happy. Let me explain.’
And he did.
Everything.
As he spoke, the women listened intently, agreed to their glasses being constantly topped up and munched on extra scones.
Bea sat there watching the scenario and seeing he was on a mission. Plus she wasn’t blind that Belinda, Bertha and Babs thought he was hot.
Never had she seen all three so flirtatious.
It was shocking as it was sweet but still a little disturbing.
Mylo didn’t miss anything out. He was so down the line about Cole, adopting Kayden and being the mother and father, the split, staying in Chicago for a year as he didn’t want to leave his son, then coming back. It wasn’t a sob story, just facts.
Even Bea couldn’t have stopped him when he admitted to not telling her everything at first, scared she was going to reject him.
If ever she loved him more than anything in the whole wide world, it was then.
He was humble as he was funny and incredibly sweet.
‘I see,’ Belinda said, taking it all in as Babs smiled at Mylo.
Bertha was blatantly ogling the man sat directly in front of her.
‘And here I was thinking you were going to turn up in a dress,’ laughed out Bertha, shaking her head. ‘From how Bernie described you, I thought you were more woman than man, including the ear-rings, which suit you.’ She took a deep breath. ‘But you look like all man to me.’
‘Really Bertha. Do you have to drool?’ asked Belinda, smiling sweetly at Mylo. ‘Did you tell my brother any of this?’
‘He was very angry yesterday and pretty shocked. This isn’t how I planned the wedding preparations to be.’ Mylo glanced at Bea and she could see he was still a little upset.
‘It’s his only child and you can see why he’s apprehensive,’ Babs said, looking at him sympathetically but with a wry grin. ‘We want the best for our children. You’re a father and should know that more than anything. And that’s what Bernie wants. Since Iris died, he has tried to find some focus by joining the Krishna’s but it’s not working.’ She let out a loud laugh. ‘The man can’t give up chicken, which is funny as he has legs like one.’
‘Poor Bernie!’ laughed out Bertha. ‘He was never run of the mill, that boy.’
‘Why come here and tell us this? Why not go and see your future father-in-law?’ Belinda asked, smiling at Mylo. ‘Isn’t him you should be convincing?’
‘He’s going to find fault with everything.’
Then she caught Mylo’s eye and he started to smile.
They looked at each other for a few seconds and she felt a real warmth in her chest, replacing the tightening of a few days back.
‘That’s why,’ Babs said to Belinda.