Five Go Mad in Cardiff
Chapter Ten: A Long Night
Owen waylaid Toshiko in the hall and pulled her into the dining room. "Tosh, I was thinking of going to Lynch's party. You know, the guy we met last night."
"Oh?"
"I'm sorry, but I really can't face another night with your parents." He looked so miserable she had to laugh.
"All right. Actually it would give me a chance to look at some of the work my tutor gave me."
Owen pulled her into an embrace. "I ever tell you I love you?"
"Um, occasionally." They kissed. "But not often enough."
"Huh! Sure you don't mind? Thought I could hitch a lift with Jack."
"Poor Jack, at everyone's beck and call."
"He doesn't mind. Means he can keep track of us all." He kissed her once more. "We'd better go and rescue him." Toshiko hit his arm. "Ow!"
"Don't be so rude about my parents."
In the living room, Jack was chatting to Mr and Mrs Sato. The earlier telephone call with his family had lifted his spirits. It was a warm afternoon in Galveston and some of the sunshine had come down the wire into his soul. Jack didn't normally miss his family, he had been apart from them for a large part of his life, but helping Ianto these past few days had made Jack appreciate his own parents and brother more. Gray had been full of his plans for Halloween; at thirteen he was still young enough to enjoy it without embarrassment. The memory of last year came to Jack, of Ianto in a skeleton suit and himself with a fake cleaver through his head going round the Harvard campus. Maybe Gray would be like him and never grow out of childhood pleasures.
"I'm pleased this afternoon went well," said Mrs Sato. "What are Mr Jones's family like? I don't think we've met them."
"Seem nice enough. There's a brother, Meurig, and sister, Ann. They live in Newport. Not far away but I understand they don't see one another often."
"It is usually the people who live closest one does not see." Mr Sato was sitting with his head back, at ease in his own home. Over the years he, Jack and Ianto had met at a number of social occasions. Neither young man had given any indication of a deeper acquaintance with him, always behaving impeccably. Nor had they betrayed the secrets he had entrusted to them. Monitoring of their letters and telephone calls, as well as reports from the agents placed at their school and now Harvard, showed nothing untoward.
"I think I've seen more of Ianto's parents than they have!"
"They will be at the funeral tomorrow?"
"Yeah. With various cousins too." Jack looked up as Toshiko and Owen walked in. "I assume you'll all come together."
"I am leaving Bunmei with our neighbour so, yes, we will all be there," replied Mrs Sato. She smiled at Owen. "He enjoyed your story."
"I liked reading it." The newcomers sat on the sofa. It was only six thirty and there was time before Owen needed to leave. The conversation moved on to other topics, the discussion becoming lively. Jack's presence and a couple of drinks helped make this the first evening Owen had enjoyed while staying at the house.
Jack was happy to remain. He didn't want to get between Gwen and Rhys. A night together, even with her parents in attendance, might help her recognise what she had to lose. Jack would have liked to see Ianto but they had agreed that on this night his place was with his mother and sister. Rhiannon's reaction to Jack that afternoon only reinforced his determination to keep in the background for a bit. It didn't stop him thinking of the young Welshman. His mind went back to their stolen moments on the headland, a memory he would cherish.
Just before eight o'clock, Owen announced his intention of attending the party. Mr Sato looked surprised but neither he nor his wife had any objection; Lynch's house was close enough for Owen to walk home if he wasn't given a lift by another guest. Seeing Toshiko head for her books was a further reason to go along with the plan.
The night was dark and chilly when the car entered High Drive. "Stop here," said Owen, when they were still a couple of hundred yards away. "Don't want to look too eager."
"Who is this guy?" Jack turned off the headlights but left the engine idling; the heater had only just got the car warm.
"Estate agent. Only twenty four but he's manager of the branch in Cardiff. Specialises in commercial and industrial property, factories and stuff." Owen had found this out the previous evening while treating his injured arm.
"Doing well for himself. That's a nice house."
"Got a deal on it apparently. Guess you can when you're in the business." Owen looked round when headlights lit up the car as it passed them then entered Lynch's drive. "Good, someone else arriving."
Jack twisted to face his passenger. "Why are you giving up an evening with Tosh to go to a party with someone you've only just met? Doesn't make sense to me."
"It would if you'd spent an evening at the Satos! Gawd it's boring."
Jack chuckled. "And this is going to be better?"
"Hope so. If it isn't I can always leave." Another car passed them and parked. Two young men got out and went up the drive. "Right, I'll go in now. Thanks for the lift."
"Have fun."
-ooOoo-
In Penarth, Ianto was not having fun. After a meal where conversation had been stilted, he and Uncle Bryn had gone to the Albion for a pint and a chat with some of the men who had known Mr Jones. It was a pleasant hour but Ianto did not enjoy it as much as his visit with Jack. He missed his friend. When he was with Jack his worries and concerns didn't weigh so heavily and he could see light at the end of the tunnel. Without him, they bore him down. He was quiet and withdrawn on the walk back home. His mood did not lift when he joined the others watching television. While everyone else was prepared to leave him alone, Rhiannon sniped at him. Barbed comments on the television show were subtly aimed at him. When he didn't respond, they became more obvious until finally she let go with her big gun.
Dionne Warwick was singing Trains and Boats and Planes when Rhiannon said, "Black girls are quite pretty. Like Ianto's girlfriend." She waited for the reaction.
"Have you got a girlfriend, Ianto?" asked Aunt Nerys, unknowingly playing into Rhiannon's hands.
"Her name's Lisa. Show them the photo, Ianto," she pressed.
Roused from his lethargy, Ianto refused to be drawn. "We've broken up."
"Really? That's not what you told me yesterday."
"I was being optimistic then." He was in no doubt now. While he loved Lisa, she had moved on and so had he.
"Been seeing her for months," went on Rhiannon addressing Aunt Nerys. Her mam was also becoming interested. "Never said a word to us."
"Is this true, Ianto?" asked Mrs Jones.
"It was always a bit iffy. And like I said, it's over now." He frowned at Rhiannon who had started this inquisition. What was she after? Was she going to make accusations about him and Jack again?
"I'd still like to see her." Mrs Jones smiled encouragingly.
Ianto could not bear to disappoint her so reluctantly took out the photograph and handed it over. He watched carefully and saw the slight tightening around her eyes when she realised Lisa was black. She covered it well but it was there nonetheless. And if she reacted like that to Lisa what would she do if he told her about Jack. He suddenly realised that pursuing a relationship with Jack could have devastating consequences. Homosexuals were routinely disowned by their families, cast off without a second thought. Would his mam be like that? Not being able to come home, to see her, was unthinkable. And what about Jack's parents? If they disowned him, the boys would be totally on their own. But the alternative was no better. Living a lie, hiding their real feelings for one another except when alone was not appealing. Nevertheless, however difficult things might get, he didn't even consider giving up Jack.
"She's very pretty," said Mrs Jones finally. "Don't you think so, Nerys?" She passed the photograph over.
"Oh." A surprised pause. "Yes, she is."
"Maybe it's a good thing we broke up, seeing you're all prejudiced against her!" Ianto stood up and rudely snatched the photograph back.
He was on his way out of the room when Rhiannon said, "Well, I ask you!"
Ianto stopped abruptly and turned on her. "You bitch! You set this up. Just like you made a scene this afternoon."
"Ianto!" exclaimed his mother.
"Well she did! Jealous, are you?" he taunted Rhiannon. "Because I've made something of myself and you're a poxy typist who spends her nights fucking?"
"Ianto, that's enough!" Uncle Bryn was on his feet. "Apologise now."
"I will not. And don't speak to me like that, you're not my father!"
Ianto spun round and charged from the room, slamming the door after him. He ran up the stairs and into his room, slamming that door for good measure. Upset and overwrought, tears streaming down his face, he wedged the chair under the door handle as he had for years when he wanted some privacy and flung himself on the bed. There were raised voices downstairs but he didn't care. He lost himself in his misery.
-ooOoo-
Mr and Mrs Cooper were selective television viewers and this night there was nothing they wanted to watch after the early evening news. Instead they suggested a game of cards and soon Gwen and Rhys were seated with them around the card table playing partner whist. When Rhys mentioned he liked bridge, the Coopers were delighted and Gwen furious. She hated the game and only played when forced to make up the numbers, as she was now. When she was dummy, she thankfully got up and wandered into the kitchen. It was quarter past eight and she had never been so bored. Where was Jack? She had assumed he would be back long before now. Going out into the garden, she lit a cigarette and pulled her cardigan round her for warmth.
This evening had shown Rhys at his worst. He was like her parents! He played bridge, for goodness sake! She could not believe that she had ever seen anything in him. What had been the attraction? His puppy-like devotion probably - Gwen liked being adored - and his willingness to fall in with her plans. Which was ironic given her attraction to Jack who did just the opposite, treating her like one of the gang and expecting her to follow. Which she did willingly because Jack had personality, get-up-and-go and looked like a movie star. If this evening had shown her nothing else, it was that Rhys and she did not have a future together. It was time to ditch him.
"There you are. We're ready to start another rubber." Rhys was standing beside her.
"Do we have to? I loathe bridge." She stubbed out the cigarette.
"You didn't say."
"Do I have to tell you everything! Can't you work it out for yourself?" She pushed past him and went inside. Her mother was in the kitchen, filling the kettle. "I've got a headache, I'm going to bed."
"Oh! All right, dear. Do you want an aspirin?"
"No, thanks."
Gwen crossed the hall and was up the stairs before she could be asked any more. She had to get away or she would scream. On the safety of the landing, she stood with her back to the wall taking deep breaths. The back door opened and closed; Rhys coming in. She heard voices and shrunk back so she could not be seen from below.
"Maybe I should go and check on her?" said Rhys, walking through the hall.
"She'll be okay. Now, what's our strategy for winning?"
That was Jack. Gwen leant over the railing and caught a glimpse of their backs before they entered the drawing room. Damn! He must have come in the back way with Rhys. Gwen hesitated but couldn't think of a way to join them without looking a fool. Cursing under her breath, she went into her room for a good sulk.
The card party broke up a little after eleven. They had played two rubbers and the Coopers had won both though it had been a closer game than the score suggested. Rhys went up to bed straightaway while Jack helped Mrs Cooper clear up and Mr Cooper locked up. He was meticulous about ensuring the doors were bolted and windows closed. The four of them each visited the bathroom and then repaired to their rooms, Mrs Cooper checking on Gwen who was asleep.
In their room Jack and Rhys were soon in bed. The camp bed had been placed alongside the divan which had in turn been moved under the window. A beside cabinet separated them. Jack turned off the light. Shuffling and muffled curses from alongside made him put it back on again. "Sorry, thought you were ready."
"What? No, I don't need the light." More shuffling.
"What are you doing?" Jack was propped up on one elbow looking down at the camp bed. It was about a foot nearer the floor than the divan.
"Trying to find what's poking into my backside."
"Would you like to change beds?" asked Jack with a smile.
"No, I'll be right in a minute." He lay still for several seconds. "There, got it. Light off, please."
"Okay."
The two young men lay in the dark. Jack put his hands behind his head and looked up. Tomorrow was going to be a tough day for everyone but his concern was Ianto. How could he make it less stressful for him? He hadn't come up with an answer when he was interrupted.
"Jack, you awake?"
"Uh-huh."
"I think I've blown it. With Gwen, I mean. She doesn't seem interested anymore."
"Sorry to hear that."
Rhys sighed deeply. "It was so good at the start. She'd write to me two, three times a week and I'd answer them all. We got together every other weekend too, either here or in Trecastle. Now … now it's more like one letter a month. When I ring up she's busy, either working or out, and we hardly ever meet. What have I done wrong?" He sounded bewildered.
"I don't see her much, Rhys, not now I'm in the States," began Jack carefully.
"But you know her, have known her for years. What do you think?"
"I think she's … trying out a number of things. She's got a good job, is earning good money and wants to enjoy it."
"So she is seeing other boys. I thought so."
"I didn't say that," protested Jack immediately.
"You don't have to, it's obvious." He sighed again. "I love her, Jack, more than I can say. She's everything to me, I don't want to lose her."
Jack felt sorry for Rhys and wanted to help. "Can I be honest, Rhys?"
"Sure."
"You're not that interesting."
"Don't pull your punches, will you!"
"Sorry, but it's true. She needs to be surprised and bossed about a bit even though it may not seem that way."
"I usually go along with what she says," he said doubtfully.
"Which is fine up to a point but no one wants to make the decisions all the time." Jack propped himself so he could look down on Rhys. "Put your foot down occasionally."
"I could try, I suppose. Tonight, she said I should have known she hated bridge. How? I'm not a mind reader!"
"You should know by now when she's not happy. You need more time together, loving her from a distance isn't enough." Rhys sighed helplessly. "Do you want to keep her or not?"
"'Cos I do."
"Then you've got to get her to Trecastle or you to Cardiff."
"I don't know … Tosh and Owen seem to manage being apart."
"They're studying. When Gwen's not working she has a lot of time on her hands. She wants to go to dances and the cinema and looks round for someone to take her. Surprise her, Rhys. Get that job you always talked about here in the city and then you'll be the one she goes with."
"It's a big step –"
"That you've talking about for years. Time to do something about it." Jack lay back having said his piece. He had no idea if Gwen and Rhys would stay together but it was up to Rhys now.
-ooOoo-
It was a choice of two, left or right. But which? Ianto thought hard, going back over days spent playing tennis or just hanging out. Gwen had been leaning out of the window, laughing as she threw down jumpers. Right, she had been on the right. He weighed a handful of gravel and hoped he'd chosen correctly. He chucked the gravel up at the window. The noise was loud in the quiet night. Nothing happened. He picked up some more and threw it, hitting the window harder this time. He waited. The curtain moved and … yes, he had got it right. A pale face looked down and Ianto stepped into the moonlight. After some gesticulation the face disappeared. Ianto went to wait by the back door.
A couple of minutes later the bolts were eased back and the door opened. "I need to talk to you."
"Shhh." Jack closed the door and led Ianto away from the house towards the bench close to the fenced off tennis court. He fastened his greatcoat, hastily dragged on over his pyjamas. "It's two o'clock in the morning, Ianto. What's going on? "
"I've had such a row at home. Rhi was needling me and she made me tell Mam about Lisa and I called her a bitch and a whore and I shouted at Uncle Bryn and –"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Jack grasped Ianto by the shoulders. His friend was agitated and making no sense. "You called your mom a bitch and a whore?" Jack couldn't believe it.
"No, Rhi. And she is. But, Jack, have you told your mum and dad?" Ianto fixed Jack with an intense stare, angry tears running down his cheeks. "Have you? They might kick you out too and then we'll have nowhere to go."
"Ianto, calm down. You're not making any sense."
"But have you told them?" pressed Ianto. Tears mingled with snot and he wiped at both impatiently. "It's important!" He shook Jack by the lapels.
"Told them you've had a row? How could I, you've only just told me. And stop shaking me!"
"No! Told them you're a homosexual."
Jack was lost for words, a rare event. He gaped at Ianto who finally stopped shaking his friend. His sobs increased. Jack ignored everything else and pulled Ianto into a fierce hug. Ianto got like this occasionally, when his pent-up emotions exploded. What had happened to set him off? Jack held on tight and gradually the sobbing eased. When Ianto pulled away, Jack let him go.
"Tell me the whole story, from the beginning. Calmly, Ianto. Then I'll be able to help."
In a few short sentences Ianto told the whole sorry tale. "They knocked on the door and called but I wouldn't answer or let them in and finally they went away. But I've been thinking and thinking about it and finally I had to come and find out." He looked up at Jack. "Do they know? Do your parents know you're homosexual?"
"I don't know, I've never told them. But what has that to do with the row with Rhi?"
"We're going to be so alone. Just you and me." Fresh tears ran down his grimy face.
"Talk to me, Ianto. Why are we going to be alone?"
"Mam was shocked enough about Lisa. She'll kick me out when she hears about you. About us. I'll never see her again."
"You silly sausage. Your mom has more sense. Sure she was surprised by Lisa, but soon as she met her she'd have liked her."
Ianto shook his head. "You didn't see her reaction."
"I don't need to. I know her and she'd have liked Lisa because she was your girlfriend."
"Maybe," Ianto conceded. "But not you and me, she'd never accept that."
"It's a harder one, I admit." Jack was pretty sure his own parents suspected he was homosexual. He had said nothing so they wouldn't have to confront it, not because he thought they'd reject him. Forced to think about the situation, he realised how blithely he assumed that his parents and everyone he knew would accept him for what he was. But if that was the case, why hadn't he told them? Perhaps he wasn't so sure after all. And if he wasn't sure, it was hardly surprising Ianto was even more confused.
"Much harder." Ianto blew his nose loudly.
Jack spoke slowly, choosing his words with care. "I think she would accept us, in time. She loves you and knows me well enough. She'd want us to be happy. But if you don't want to put it to the test then … we can forget all about being together. We can just carry on being friends." He bit his lip anxiously waiting a response.
Ianto looked at him appalled. "But I love you."
"I love you too. But I don't want to come between you and your family."
"I can live without my family, I can't live without you."
They gazed into one another's eyes for several minutes. Smiles replaced tears and then Ianto pulled Jack to him and kissed him tentatively, lips and tongue teasing. Jack responded, hands going under Ianto's jacket and jumper to find bare skin. The touch intensified their desire and the embrace became stronger, fiercer.
Unseen by either boy, a curtain in the dark house tweaked and a figure appeared at the window. The watcher stood for five minutes looking out at the pair on the bench then slowly retreated back into the room.
Lying on top of Jack feeling his chest rise and fall, Ianto sighed contentedly. Kissing Jack and stroking his bare stomach, and being kissed and stroked in return, had been wonderful. Better even than with Lisa and that had been good. He felt more positive about his future now, a shared future with Jack. Their parents were good, loving people and they would accept them as a couple. If it took a bit of time, he and Jack could wait as long as they had to provided they were together.
"Time you went home," said Jack. He gently pushed Ianto off him and sat up.
"Can't I stay here?"
"Coming out on the day of your dad's funeral is not a good idea."
"I didn't mean that. I'll go back, but in the morning. I can say I went out for an early walk."
"There's nowhere for you to sleep. I've got Rhys in with me."
"What!"
Jack chuckled. "In separate beds, idiot."
"Good. Make sure you keep it that way." He tried to look fierce but ended up laughing at himself. Suddenly he went very still. "Who's that?" He was looking at the back of the house where a man was peering in the kitchen window.
Jack reacted immediately. He crossed the grass silently and grabbed the man. With one hand over his mouth he dragged him backwards. Ianto joined him and they spun the man round.
"Owen!" said Ianto taken completely by surprise.