Stunned at the sight of Judith sprawled out on the ground, covered in red stuff- was it blood? Wine? William didn't know. He did however, find himself going from standing up, to losing control of his legs, his arms bracing himself as he collapsed on the floor. Red bodily fluids, if that what it was, had never done well with his stomach, or head apparently. He felt dizzy and light-headed.
It was Kate that had seen him, and William heard her mumble to Caroline that she had better go with Judith to the hospital, and she would take care of the boys. Lawrence ran back up the stairs, unfazed, and William lifted his head to see Caroline put an arm around Judith, helping her to the car. He felt a warm hand on his back, stroking it gently.
"You okay?" Kate asked gently, kindly, a hint of a smile on her face.
William returned the smile. "I don't like blood," he admitted. "Do you think Judith will be okay?"
"I'm sure she will be," Kate said, "but it's you we need to look after right now."
"I'm fine," William said, trying to stand up, although he still felt wobbly, grabbing the rail for support.
"Why don't you get changed and head into bed?" Kate suggested. "I'll make sure Lawrence is okay and bring you some tea in bed."
William relented. "That sounds wonderful. Thanks."
Kate prepared the tea, while the telephone rang. Lawrence answered it, speaking on the phone, to Gillian. She looked at Lawrence as he said her name- Kate- shocked, and Lawrence quickly said goodbye. He stared at her.
"What is it, love?" she asked.
"You and my Mom?" he asked her, stunned.
"How did you know?" Kate asked. She reached out a hand to him, but he refused, not looking at her.
"Gillian said that Gran was upset, because my Mum was dating someone. Doesn't take a brain to figure out who it is."
Kate swallowed. "I'm sorry you found out this way."
Lawrence nodded. "I think I'm going to bed," he announced, as he left.
Kate sighed, and prepared the kettle for some tea, and headed for William's room.
She found him, reading a novel.
"What are you reading?" Kate asked, putting the tea on his nightstand.
"The Great Gatsby," William said. "It's fascinating. I have to read it for school, but I'm really enjoying it."
"It's one of my favourites, too," Kate said. "Let me know how you like it when you're finished."
William put the book down.
"Can I tell you something?" he asked.
"Anything," Kate replied, without hesitation.
"I just wanted to thank you, really," William said, a slight blush on his face. "You've made my mom so happy. She hasn't been this happy in as long as I can remember."
"She makes me happy, too," Kate said, smiling. "Your Mom is magnificent."
William smiled.
"Your Mom told me you've been brilliant about everything," Kate said.
"Mom's raised me well," William replied. "She's taught me to never judge anyone. Who am I to say that liking the same-sex is wrong? It's not wrong at all, it's human. She's the same amazing woman I've known and loved for years. And now she's not hiding herself anymore, and that, we owe to you."
Kate shook her head. "You know your gran found out, right? And Lawrence?"
William looked shocked. "Who told them?"
Kate hesitated, and looked down. "John outed Caroline, and Gillian phoned Lawrence
"They didn't take it well, I'm guessing?"
"By the sounds of it, no, your Gran didn't. And Lawrence was shocked." Kate bit her lip.
"My dad is a bastard," William said, his eyes narrowing. "An alcoholic bastard. How dare he out my mother? And what does Gran care, anyway? She's so narrow minded sometimes. I swear, if Lawrence acts like a bloke about this, I'll-" He sat up.
"Should I wait up for her?" he asked.
"No, love, you need to go to sleep. You've got school tomorrow, not to mention choir practice," Kate said, gently. "She'll be okay. I'll send her upstairs when she gets home."
William nodded reluctantly, as he set his tea aside. "Fine," he said gently. "I'm pretty tired."
He reached out to Kate for a hug, which she gladly returned. She placed a quick kiss to his forehead.
"Night, Will," she said.
"Night, Kate," he replied, turning off his light.
What a night that had turned out to be, were his thoughts, as he drifted off to sleep.