Freshman Year Roommate, Part 15
Everyone is over 18 years of age
The end of the semester came, and we were ready. We'd signed the lease for our new place, and we were excited to get going. But first, we needed to go visit John's family. To say I was nervous would be an understatement!
Before we left, we moved our stuff to the new apartment. The dorm furniture belonged to the school, so we really didn't have a whole lot to move. We got it done in one trip. When we got back from seeing John's family, we'd have to figure out furniture, but we had a plan. Being in a college town, the local Goodwill store did a huge business in students' used furniture. We could get most of what we needed there, except for a bed (or, at least, a mattress, since that needed to be new!).
I touched base with my parents and told them our plans. I think they were disappointed that we weren't heading their way, but they understood.
It seemed like John's family was a little confused by my presence. Who goes on summer break with his roommate? Aren't college roommates supposed to finish the year anxious to get away from each other? At least for a while? Well, we got there, and his family was nice enough. They had a welcome home cookout planned in their back yard. We all sat around and chatted. They seemed like nice folks.
His dad asked if I was ROTC, too. I said, "No, sir, I leave that to John!" They smiled and asked what I was studying. I told them I was taking a wide array of courses, with a focus on history. I was asked what I planned to do with that when I was done. I said I wasn't sure, but maybe law school. John added, "Jess is into fighting the good fight and tilting at windmills." Everyone chuckled. "Sounds pretty noble," his mom said. "Thank you, I hope so," I responded.
Then his dad said, "So what are you doing here, Jess? Don't you want to see your own family?"
Okay then.
John said, "Nice. Very welcoming, dad!"
"No. Sorry. I don't mean it that way. It's just... unusual, isn't it?"
I said, "We wanted to travel together."
His dad added, "Okay, not really clearing things up for me. I'm sure your parents miss you."
I said, "Yes, sir, they do."
And then it happened, as I knew it would. John said, "We're a couple, and we love each other."
I'd say I learned right then what the phrase "landed with a thud" means. No one blew up, but his dad looked... less than thrilled. His mom... oh, jeez, his mom started crying.
John looked as rattled as I think I'd ever seen him. "Mom, dad, it's okay. Jess makes me happy."
His dad seemed to get his thoughts together and said, "How do you know this isn't just a college thing? A phase?"
John said, "Uh, dad, I know what the alternatives are. It's not some experiment or something. It just took me time to realize what I wanted and how special Jess is. And mom, please, it's a good thing. I'm in love. Could you
please
stop crying?"
She said, "I'm sorry, hon. I love you, but you're not going to know the joy of children. That's the best thing in my life, and I want it for you."
Well, that was an interesting take.
John asked, "How can you say that? One thing has nothing to do with the other. We might want children when the time is right."
Okay, we'd never really explored that topic. This was going in all kinds of interesting directions.
I was tempted to tell her we were trying every day, but thankfully I found the good sense to keep my smartass mouth shut for once.
His mom gathered herself, and they said that they'd need some time to process everything. That seemed fair enough. We'd been spoiled by my family rolling with it, but in fairness, his family had witnessed their straight teen stud over the years without any hint of his liking guys, whereas my family was just waiting for their gay boy to come out.
After a while, general conversation seemed to come back online. And then John's mom turned to his dad and quietly said, "Just like your brother." His dad nodded.
John looked floored. "Uncle Alex?"
His dad said, "You never knew?"
John shook his head.
His dad added, "Why do you think he got divorced?"
"I just thought he got divorced just like anyone else does."
"And got a studio apartment in West Hollywood and never brought a girlfriend to any family function?"
John just shrugged.
His dad smiled. "You'll have to give me some time to process this news, but no, you're not the first in the family."
Interesting. And we kept eating, but things were quieter.
Finally, his dad said, "Jess, I can't say you're what we expected, especially since we spent his high school years hoping John didn't make us accidental grandparents before he ever got to college..."
"Dad!" and I think I saw John blushing.