Hell Week, Chapter 5 Rating: PG 13 Never expect a lesbian to do a man’s job. This was the mantra going through Brian’s head as the three of them made a mad dash into downtown Toronto to buy Gus’ equipment and be back home and ready for practice in approximately 3 hours. “I can’t believe your Moms didn’t get your football shoes and other stuff way ahead of time.” “I think they were planning on doing it today, Dad.” “Today,” Brian said, amazed. “Don’t they know that you have to break in your shoes, for God’s sake? You can’t go on a football field with brand new cleats. You’ll have blisters within an hour!” “It’s too late now,” Justin said calmly. “We’ll just have to buy what we can, and Gus, you should bring an extra pair of tennis shoes in case your feet start hurting. That way you won’t have to stop.” “Okay, ‘DJ’, that sounds like a good idea.” “Dad, when you played football, did they have a Hell Week?” “No. Not really. They just threw us out on the practice field the first week of school and whoever made it, made it. The kids who didn’t get to play went home and stuck their heads in a toilet bowl.” “Are you serious?” “No, of course I’m not! They just felt like total losers cause they didn’t make the cut.” “Did you like it?” Gus asked. “Yes and no. I liked the competition and the physical aspects of the sport. I didn’t much care for the attitudes and bullshit that went with it.” “Like what?” “You’ll have to judge for yourself, Gus. Football isn’t for everyone. You’re either going to love it, or hate it. There’s no gray in football. Some of the toughest kids I knew hated it. On the other hand, some kids who never did well at anything else did really well in football. You just won’t know till you go out there and try.” As they made their way into the parking lot of the Sports Center, Brian’s thoughts went back to his high school days. He had decided to try out for the football team because he was tired of hearing his father compare him to Tommy Malone, the kid who lived across the street. Tommy’s father bowled with Jack every Friday night and did nothing but brag about his son. Since Brian wasn’t into any sports, Jack had nothing to brag about, and this would piss him off and give him yet one more excuse to get wasted and beat up on Brian when he got home. After a while Brian got tired of the whole Friday night routine and decided to prove his father wrong. He wanted to show him that he could do it, and in a sense, show himself as well. Being Gay was one thing, being a coward and a pussy was not him. Maybe if his father saw that he was strong and tough out on the field he might have second thoughts the next time he decided to lift a hand. Brian knew he was Gay just before he became a preadolescent. He had stopped trying to fight it or deny it. He continued to hide it from everyone except for Michael who knew just about everything about him since he spent more time at the Novotny house than he did his own. He was terrified that his father would find out, giving him yet one more reason to hit him or insult him during his nightly binges. Fortunately, when Jack was sober, he was so self-absorbed that he didn’t pay much attention to anything Brian did. By the time the infamous encounter with the gym teacher occurred, Brian was starting to branch out a little and become more daring. Mikey continued to cover up for him, never saying anything lest his own can of worms be opened up. Nonetheless, Brian remained silent and reclusive, not getting close to anyone at school but Mikey. The boys who tried out for the football team were a bit wary of Brian, unable to read him. They had heard that he had a bad temper. They knew he was a loner and didn’t go in for the usual after school camaraderie with them. None of them could figure out why he was friends with Michael Novotny, who was considered a dweeb, but no one really cared enough to find out. The cheerleaders circled around the boys like Piranha in a pool of blood. Picking and choosing their targets, sizing up the guys and making little side bets as to who would achieve their goals by the end of the season. Inwardly, Brian ignored them all, thinking them an immense waste of time. He’d had his few encounters with girls and knew it wasn’t what he wanted. Outwardly, he made nice, so they wouldn’t talk. He even called a few of them occasionally to keep them guessing. He couldn’t risk having anything get back to his father. The season started out uneventfully. Brian seemed to have a natural affinity for the sport and they placed him in a defensive position. He loved the physicality of the sport, the crunching of the helmets and shoulder pads. It gave him an opportunity to take out all his frustrations and inner demons on the field. Every time he tackled someone, it was his father’s face he saw. For every kid he brought down on the field, he scored one more victory against Jack Kinney. It all started going downhill when one of the boys happened to catch Brian looking a little too hard and too long at Brad Smith coming naked out of the showers. After that, the team kept an eye on Brian and before the season was over, they had decided he was queer. Thereafter, making Brian’s life miserable became a team goal. One on one battles were never a problem for Brian, but trying to keep an entire team away from you wasn’t easy. Reluctantly, he admitted defeat and quit after the first year. The coaches were disappointed. They never understood why anyone with such a natural talent could just walk away. Jack never forgave him. He barely spoke to him for months and when he did it was with such contempt that Brian cringed every time he thought of it. After that he steered away from team sports, much preferring to stick with the solo sports such as track. Snapping out of his reverie, Brian made his way into the shoe department, Gus and Justin in tow. A sales clerk came up and asked if he could help as Brian picked out at a few pairs of shoes. “They’re for my son,” he said, pointing at Gus. “What size do you wear?” the salesman asked, looking at the boy. “I’m not sure, I think I’m a twelve,” Gus answered. “Twelve? You’re feet are as big as mine,” Brian said. “Dad, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m almost as tall as you.” “That’s right Gus, almost! You’re going to need a few more inches before you can look me in the eye, Sonny boy.” Justin stood sandwiched between Brian and Gus, a full head shorter than either of them, watching the exchange like he would a tennis match. “Guys, can we get on with this, we’re running out of time.” After selecting the right pair of shoes Brian turned to Gus and asked, “What about pads, and a cup?” “Huh?” “Christ! Come on,” he said, disgusted with Melanie and Lindsay, who should have taken care of this weeks ago. At the counter he asked the salesman for some football pads and a cup. Gus turned to Brian. “Dad, I don’t need pads. I remember reading somewhere that they’ll be handing pads out to the kids who make the team sometime during the week. But, I guess I should get a cup, my old one doesn’t fit anymore.” “When did you wear that cup?” Brian said. “When I played ice hockey, last winter,” Gus replied. “That was at least six months ago Gus, I think you’ve grown since then. Of course you’ve grown since then,” Brian said to him smiling widely, “and I mean in a good way!” “Dad!” Gus said as he turned bright red. He quickly grabbed the bag that contained the athletic supporter and cup and ran into the dressing room. “Why’d you go and embarrass him Brian?” Justin asked. He’s freaking out already with all the things Mel and Linds forgot. Now you’re making him crazy with the teasing and references to big dicks.” “I’m not teasing, Sunshine, just stating a fact. He’s six months older and if he hasn’t grown any in six months then something is seriously fucked up.” “Jesus, Brian, can we move on?” Justin walked around the department as they waited for Gus, picking up some shorts and a few T-shirts for him to wear to practice. A few minutes later Gus came out of the dressing room and reluctantly handed Brian the cup. “This one’s fine.” “And, what size is it?” Brian asked. “Large,” Gus answered sheepishly. “Of course you are,” Brian said looking at Justin, all proud. “Shut up, Brian,” Justin said, unable to keep the grin off his face. Finally, when everything had been sized and picked out, Brian handed the clerk his Black American Express card and waited for them to prepare the bill. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sun was warm that afternoon, beating down on them as they watched the kids lining up for their practice. Brian and Justin had brought the lawn chairs that Gus had recommended last night and had picked a spot near the field so they could see everything and yet not be in the way. All along the football field they could see parents sitting in their chairs, chatting and generally having a good time catching up with their friends as they watched the boys doing their calisthenics. Far off to the right in another field the cheerleaders did their exercises and you could faintly hear them chanting. “Why do they keep them so far away?” Justin asked. “It’s so the boys don’t get distracted by the bouncing boobs,” Brian replied sarcastically. “Gross.” “It’s true, Sunshine. At this age they’re all a bunch of raging hormones-trouble in the making. The last thing the coaches need to worry about is someone getting hurt cause his eyes were on the girls rather than on the ball.” “Well, in that case, I’m glad they’re far away. God, I hope Jenny doesn’t get into cheer-leading. I don’t think I could stomach that.” “If Melanie has any say in the matter, she won’t!” “It’s nice out here, isn’t it Brian?” Justin asked, looking around. “Yeah, they seem to have a pretty nice set-up. The equipment looks up to date and that’s important for the kid’s safety.” Brian was glad that he had worn shorts. The sun was warm and he would have a nice tan by the time he got back to the Pitts. Justin had brought an umbrella that attached to his chair because he didn’t want to burn, which he always tended to do, because of his fair skin. While they were talking, a woman in shorts and a tank top walked up to them, clutching a book and a pen. “Hi,” she said perkily, “I’m Lisa Ryan, the team mom. I just need to go over some paper work with you. Which one of you is the father?” “We both are,” they said in unison. “Oh,” she replied, a little disconcerted. “Well, I need some volunteers for the practice game next Saturday and we’ll need chaperones for the dance that evening.” “We’re not sure how long we’ll be in town,” Brian said looking at her, “but we’ll probably still be here on Saturday, right?” he asked Justin. “Sure,” Justin said. “What exactly do you need?” “Oh there are many jobs available. We need people to man the snack bar, help with the equipment, take money and tickets at the gate, help with the flags on the side lines, chaperoning or decorating at the dance, checking the stats and then calling them in to the press, announcing. I could go on; but is there anything you’ve heard so far that might interest either one of you?” Brian and Justin looked at each other. “I suppose we could chaperone at the dance,” Justin said. “Do you need any signs or programs made up? I can do that for you.” “Actually, we do. Are you in that business?” “I’m an artist. Justin Taylor,” he said, extending his hand. “Oh, my God,” Lisa gushed, “you’re the one that painted that mural at the Chicago Field Museum. We saw it when we were visiting last year.” “I’m flattered,” Justin smiled. “Not many people remember artist’s names.” “I could never forget that particular piece of work, Mr. Taylor. My family and I were very moved by it. In fact, we bought the poster they sold at the museum gift shop and have it hanging in our house.” “Please, call me Justin. And we’ll be happy to make up the programs and signs if you need us to. Brian is in advertising and knows as much about selling a product as anyone I know. And this is a product we are trying to sell, correct? The programs would generate cash for the school?” “Yes,” she said. “We have local businesses that advertise in the program and their donations help with the team expenses. The more advertisers we get, the more money we raise.” “Well Lisa,” Brian said, “if it’s advertising you need, you’ve come to the right place.” “That’s great, Mr.?” “Kinney, Brian Kinney.” “Oh, and your son is?” “Gus Peterson.” So you are Gus’ father. How nice to finally meet you. My son Jason is a good friend of Gus’. They played on the same hockey team last winter.” “It’s nice to meet you too, Lisa. Let us know what we can do to help.” “Bye,” she waved at them on her way down the line to the next group. Brian turned to look at Justin and said, “That’s pathetic Sunshine, she recognized you as the ‘famous artiste’ and all I am is Gus’ dad.” “Oh, get over it,” Justin said, as he grabbed Brian and kissed him on the lips. Although Brian had spoken those words to Justin he was really so proud of him and all the success he had achieved. He loved it when people recognized Justin or his work. He felt it was a reflection of his good taste when the world acknowledged Justin’s talent. It didn’t matter that Brian had nothing to do with Justin’s God given talent. The point was that Brian always felt he had played a large part in Justin’s career choice, encouraging him to go against his father’s wishes and follow his dream. And of course, paying for all those years at PIFA certainly had something to do with it, however minor. As they were having their little exchange they didn’t notice that several pairs of eyes were watching them the entire time. When Justin reached over to kiss Brian, word started to fly up and down the sidelines, like the old-fashioned game of post office. By the time the news had traveled to the last person down the line, they were told that the couple was practically fornicating on the field. Canada might be a gay-friendly country, and Toronto especially so, but the world of sports, football in particular, still had a long way to go in acceptance. The Drew Boyd’s who survived coming out in this environment were few and far between. Most of the families that lived around Gus knew that he came from a same-sex household. When the families had met Lindsay and Melanie years ago they were shocked because Rosedale was primarily a straight neighborhood. Sure, there were some same-sex marriages that had sneaked in on the fringes of town, but most of those people had no children and were not really involved in the community. Lindsay and Melanie, however, made it a point to become extremely involved in the neighborhood, joining several organizations and participating whole-hearted in many school activities with the kids. Eventually, the parents they had met realized that these two women were just like them, with the same concerns for their family and very similar values. As time went on, the fact that they were gay became a non-issue. No one gave it much thought. They just saw two women who wanted the best for their kids and who were willing to make the sacrifices to make it all happen. The children’s fathers though were a separate issue. It was just assumed that Gus and Jenny had come from some sperm bank. None of their friends had really asked Mel and Linds for any details about the fathers, so when they did find out that the sperm bank never was tapped for donations but that friends were asked instead, they were a little bit intrigued. No one really knew much about these friends who had donated their sperm, because they lived in Pittsburgh. When they came to town to visit, they usually stayed for just a few days and didn’t really socialize. Seeing Brian and Justin in the flesh seemed to make it so much more real. Gus only spoke about Brian and Justin when asked. He never volunteered any information other than to say that they lived in the USA and that he would be visiting them in the summer and during holidays. He didn’t talk about them, because he didn’t think any one of his friends cared one way or the other; not because he was ashamed in any way. From an early age Gus and Jenny had been told that their parents were gay. It was a statement of fact, made as soon as they could speak and communicate. Gus understood that he and Jenny were different from a lot of kids in school because they lived with two moms and they had two dads living in another city. Many of his friends came from broken homes and had different sets of parents, birth parents and step parents. None of them, however, had two mothers living in the same house. And certainly none of them had two sets of fathers that lived together. Gus never gave any of it a moment of thought. He never had too. TBC