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I thought about it. I had told my parents that there was someone I wanted them to meet. How humiliating would it be to show up by myself? It would prove that everything they ever thought about me was true. I couldn’t take that. Just thinking about it made me want to fall to my knees in tears.
“Could you?” I asked loving Titus more than I thought possible.
“Of course, I can. The stewardess is telling me that I need to shut off my phone. But don’t worry. I’ll be there soon. I got you, Lou. You know that.”
“I do. Thank you,” I said finally calming down.
It was going to be alright. I didn’t know what was going on with Sey, but I didn’t have to worry about that now. And sure, I had implied that they would be meeting someone I was dating, but they haven’t met Titus. I could have meant that I wanted them to meet my best friend. I was going to be alright.
Staring at the pastry shop again, I thought about who would be waiting for me inside. Frank and Martha hadn’t come to visit me since the day they dropped me off at University. They weren’t one of those caring parents who called their children to see how they were doing. I was their accessory.
Despite them having a lot of money, I grew up like we struggled to get by. I can’t think of a single gift they gave me that cost over $20. Meanwhile, they bought themselves new cars every year. Whatever made them look good in the eyes of the horrible people around them, they did. Making me feel loved or provided for didn’t qualify.
The only reason I could afford to attend East Tennessee University was because of my grandmother. She paid for everything I had. Even when I was a kid, if I wanted a video game or new clothes, I would go to her. She was everything to me.
I definitely wouldn’t have survived my childhood without her. She was the one who told me that it was okay for me to be who I was and that she would love me no matter what. That was before I came out to anyone. Grandma Aggie probably knew I was gay before I did. She seemed to know a lot of things before others did. It was like she had a connection to the beyond.
Yet, she didn’t use that knowledge the way my parents would have. With knowledge like that, Martha would turn everyone into her slave while Frank would become a super villain. Frank was quiet but when he stared at you, you could see the horrible things he was thinking.
Grandma Aggie was my only refuge from all of that. I wouldn’t have survived without her. Life was too hard and lonely. I could cry thinking about the number of times she held me in her arms telling me I could get through something. In the times I didn’t believe her, she kept holding me until I did.
Grandma Aggie’s arms were my only safe space in all of Tennessee. I think about her every day and call her a lot. Drawing on the strength she gave me is the only reason I’m able to continue towards the pastry shop now.
I didn’t have a boyfriend to show them, but I had Titus. He was going to be here soon and the friendship we have will prove to them that I am worth something. Even if they don’t think so, someone does. Just like Grandma Aggie always did.
Taking a final deep breath, I stepped in front of the glass door and peered through it. The two of them were sitting there dressed impeccably like they always were. Martha was wearing the navy power suit that made her look like a sailor and her signature pearls.
Frank wore a green polo and khaki pants. He was the most invisible person in the room. I might have been their accessory, but Frank was Martha’s. And his job was to not outshine her in any way. He made the money and opened all of the doors. But he wasn’t allowed to have a personality of his own. That was always fine for him.
Stepping inside, I stiffened my back and walked over. Approaching the table, they turned around.
“Mother, Father.”
My mother winced. “You know I hate it when you call us that.”
I did know it. That was why I said it.
“Sorry. Frank, Martha.”
I also knew that Martha liked to hear her name first.
“Would it have killed you to be on time for once in your life?” my mother groaned.
“I don’t know. Would it?”
Martha turned to Frank.
“I can’t deal with him if he is going to be like this. I can’t do it. Not today.”
“Louis, respect your mother,” Frank muttered.
“He speaks,” I said genuinely surprised that he did.
“Do you see what I mean,” my mother told him.
“Louis!” my father said raising his voice.
“Alright!” I said throwing up my hands in defeat.
