A Thanksgiving Dinner Surprise ~ ZD

Instead of going home for Thanksgiving, my family decided to visit me at college. It wasn't a big deal, Dad just bought a place in Newton, KS, which I could use while attending school. Dad said that once I graduate, he would put the place back on the market.

Before I go into the story, let me tell you about me. My name is Nathan Benjamin Knight; my family and friends, except my dad, call me Nate. He calls me Benji. Dad wanted to name me after his dad and Mom wanted to name me after Grandpa Nate. This was their compromise.

I am in my freshman year of college, straight out of high school… but I am not straight. I knew that I was gay since I was fourteen but dated girls while I was at home. I was afraid of my family finding out I was gay.

When I first moved to this area for college, I thought I could be me without worry of reprisal from my parents. I started dating a very cute guy in my class, and we really seem to hit it off. I will tell you more about him later.

Anyway, my dad just bought this house with three bedrooms. I had to stay in the dorms for my first semester, but after that, I could move in, and Dad said that I could rent out the other two rooms when I do. Dad and Mom took the Master bedroom during their stay; Lucas, my ten-year-old brother, had another room and I would stay in the third.

They arrived Wednesday morning and picked me up after my last class. We went to my dorm room to grab what I would need for the weekend, then went to the house. I was surprised that there were no groceries in the house, but Mom insisted that we were having a Thanksgiving Dinner. We would go out.

Thursday morning, we started preparing for the day. I wanted to call Jake and warn him that we were going out, but with Lucas and/or Dad around me the whole time, I didn't get a chance. By the way, Jake is the guy I had been dating.

We left at noon togo eat. Dad had made reservations at Curtis C's Diner, a quaint restaurant with home-style cooking. Of course, we all had their Thanksgiving feast with turkey; stuffing; your choice of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes or both; corn; cranberry sauce and dinner roll. Then for dessert was pumpkin pie, mincemeat pie or a half slice of each.

Halfway through the meal, I excused myself to the bathroom. When I returned to the table, Jake was sitting in my seat, talking with my family. I think I went pale because my mom asked if I was alright. I replied, "I see you met one of my classmates, this is Jake Owens."

Dad gave me a stern look. Jake didn't know I wasn't out to my family, and I think he may have told them. "Classmate?" Dad asked, "I believe you and Jake are more than classmates."

"Wh… wha… what do you mean, Dad?" I think my reaction may have betrayed me, but what could I do?

"The way Jake has been talking, I think he may be your best friend here. He told us how you and he have been studying late night, even falling asleep together on occasion."

"Oh yeah, we have. I guess you could say that we are best friends. No offense, Luke, but Jake and I are about as close as lovers… er, I mean brothers."

"That's cool, I think I would like having Jake as a brother," Luke winked at me. I think the little twerp caught on.

Dad invited Jake to eat dessert with us, but Jake declined. I walked Jake out and he told me, "I hope I didn't get you in trouble with your family. I didn't know if you were out or not, so I tried not to out you, but…"

"I know, I kinda outed myself. I think Luke caught on, but I doubt that Mom or Dad did."

"Talk to them, Babe. I know they love you and believe they will accept us. What's the worst that can happen?"

I was horrified at the thought, "You mean besides them cutting off my tuition?"

"If they do that, we will figure something out. I love you and will back you no matter what you decide, but I think you will be happier if you talk to them."

"No promises, but I will think about it. Perhaps I can talk to Luke, first."

After we finished our pie, Dad went to pay the bill and Luke went to the bathroom. Mom looked at me, "So are you and Jake serious?"

"What?" I was surprised by her question.

"Sweetie, I could tell how much he loves you, and you him. If you two love each other, I hope you make each other very happy."

"I do love him, Mom. Do you think Dad will be upset?"

"Dad loves you, but he may be disappointed at first. Talk with him, then give him time."

"Will you be with me when I do?"

"If you want."

Luke returned and asked, "So, is Jake your boyfriend? I heard you and Mom talking. I like him."

"He likes you, too, all of you."

Dad returned and asked me to walk with him to the car. He told Mom and Luke to wait until we return. As we walked, Dad asked, "Is there more than friendship between you and Jake?"

"I'm not going to lie to you, Dad. I believe that I love him, but I was worried about you finding out."

"So, you are gay?" I just nodded my head and Dad continued. "You may not know it, but I've suspected that you were for a few years. You never seemed happy when you were dating at home. Seeing you with Jake, you were happy tonight. I won't say that I am happy about you being gay, but I love you and as long as you are happy, I am happy for you, no matter who you love."

I gave my dad a hugged and cried into his shoulder. I felt so much relief from not having to hide who I am.