Part 10
"I think you should go," Dave expressed his opinion, getting all three of them pieces of the pie he had baked.
Spencer had just finished telling him and Aaron about the lawyer's visit, giving them every detail.
"Remember, I told you I thought you should go and confront him if you were ever contacted and this is your only opportunity if he's really dying," Dave added.
"He is, as I made sure I studied Mr. Windler's body language as he was talking. No, he wasn't lying and if he had lied and I had caught him on it that'd get him in serious trouble with his firm. No, you have to trust that any lawyer is being honest with you whether you contacted them for some reason or because one approached you for something like an inheritance. I'm well aware that there are many crooked lawyers in the world, ones that will lie, cheat and steal, but I checked out the reputation of the firm my father worked for and it is excellent. I even called to make sure that they actually had a Mr. George Windler on staff just to be on the safe side and he's been working with the firm for over 15 years, first as an associate and then a couple of years ago as a partner," Spencer said. "I even had them give me a description, just to cover all my bases."
"Then this is your only chance to confront your past and let those wounds that have only scabbed over be healed," Aaron agreed. "I think you have every right to confront your father with the way he treated you as a child and this will be your only chance, because according to Mr. Windler he'll soon be dead."
"Personally, I think William Reid had it coming, if he's been sick for even five years, then to Aaron and I that's justice for the way he abandoned his family. He didn't bother to pay any kind of money to make sure that you would at least be able to put food on the table, clothes on your back and buy medicine for your mother. An honorable man, if he insisted on going through a divorce and believed it was the only way he'd be happy well then, the least he could've done was pay child support and that's at a minimum. I know I've said it before, but it was very dishonorable of your father to just leave you hanging like that, his 10-year-old son and his mentally ill wife," Dave said. "I mean hell, you weren't even a teenager at the time."
"Neither one of you has bothered to hide your opinion on my father from me," Spencer said calmly. "I respect your opinions I do, but I have been handling this in my own way a long before the two of you came into my life."
"What you've done is bury it," Aaron told Spencer firmly with Dave nodding in agreement. "You buried it, but you haven't really dealt with it. Dave and I both believe that you need to genuinely deal with it not bury the hurt and the anger, as it will pop up at some point doing certain types of situations. It is only healthy to deal with these wounds while you can, because if you don't you will never be completely free of your father's ghost. This man has had too much power over you for over 30 years now."
"I know dealing with your emotions is sometimes hard for you, particularly when you've been hurt rather badly by someone who was supposed to love you. However, both Aaron and I feel it would be best if you did so, so you can forget about your father completely instead of continuing to allow so many deep wounds in your psyche to bother you. Besides, I would think it would be rather satisfying to slap him in the face with the fact that you're involved with two men instead of a woman," Dave said, grinning rather ferally at that last comment, Aaron echoing the expression.
"And that you made a good life for yourself despite his predictions to the contrary," Aaron added with a grim smile.
"I thought I had put the past behind me," Spencer said quietly, as he fiddled with his coffee cup knowing his lovers were right, "but I know you're right and I never really dealt with the problem, instead burying the hurt and anger that my father caused me. I'm not really sure if I want to confront my father, as it's been so long after all since I saw him. The last time I did I was a 10 year old boy. It's not that I expected my father just to stick around, considering how he always treated me, but still, I couldn't help but hope that he would suddenly become the father I had always wanted. One that encouraged my interest in science, one that at least would've called the school to see about the bullying situation or at least consoled me when I came home with a split lip and a black eye. I remember my mother arguing with my father about his attitude towards me, but it never did any good and just made him resent me even more. He tried to claim that he was just trying to make me strong so I could face every day life, but I knew even back then that it was a bunch of bull and all he wanted was the semblance of a perfect family because it would help his career, since lawyers are often in the public eye. The perfect public image father, mother, child. Public image was very important to my father as was carrying on the family name and he felt that having such a intelligent son was a smear on him."
"Which makes no sense, as I would think that would only enhance his reputation to have such an intelligent, well behaved son that might follow in his father's footsteps one day," Aaron said, shaking his head.
"Your father was probably jealous that you were so much more intelligent than he was at that age, but even if he was how he treated you is absolutely deplorable," Dave said. "A lot of men have egos the size of Pluto and not necessarily about the right things. Lawyers and doctors in particular can be incredibly arrogant, but not necessarily in the correct way. Yes, I understand it's part of their profession and they have to appear confident at least and yes, a little arrogance is helpful to a lawyer or a doctor for that matter, but that's no excuse for the way that your father treated you as a child. He's damn lucky that you didn't slash your wrists or take a bunch of pills to kill yourself because of his treatment of you and also because of all the bullying you endured."
"He very easily could have turned you against him, so that one day it was possible that you might have come back and kill him for his treatment of you or at the very least broke his nose," Aaron added. "By the way I agree with Dave that your father lucky you didn't find some way to kill yourself as I'm sure you knew, even back then exactly how to slash your wrists so you bled out quickly considering that you were a very intelligent little boy."
"I thought about it, particularly after dad left," Spencer said. "I realized a long time ago that it was a good thing my mother needed me to look after her or I probably would've done it. And yes, I knew how to slash my wrist to get the arteries so I would have bled out quickly. I would've made sure to leave a suicide note pointing a finger at my father and certain other people at school. I would've liked to have seen how my father got out of that once the police discovered my body."
"Thank goodness you had more sense then to do that," Aaron said shuddering at that very real possibility.
"Thank goodness you had a strong sense of loyalty to your mother, even if you didn't to your father," Dave added looking absolutely sickened at the possibility of his mate killing himself while he has still been a child.
"That you didn't kill yourself is a miracle and tells us that you were very strong mentally and emotionally, even at such a young age. You certainly turned into a good man, even though the odds were against such a thing happening, but then people who have worse childhoods then your own beat the odds every day," Dave said.
"I suppose I should go confront my father," Spencer said finally coming to a decision that he knew was the right one. "I can do so, because I have the two of you and you give me the confidence I need. I don't believe I ever would have done so if I hadn't met you."
"You're stronger than you believe yourself to be," Aaron said.
"Yes, I definitely agree with that," Dave said, as he placed a gentle hand on Spencer's, Aaron copying him. "I do believe that you could've done so, even if we had never entered your life, but we'll be happy to go with you."
"Maybe," Spencer said, not really agreeing or disagreeing. "But still, I'd feel better if the two of you come with me."
"And we will do so, because it's not like we have any 9 to 5 jobs to worry about," Dave said, smiling albeit grimly.
"And even if we did you're much more important," Aaron added making Spencer flush in pleasure knowing Aaron meant his words as his sincerity was obvious..
"Well, I suppose I should arrange for three plane tickets then," Spencer said. "It's only a 4 to 5 hour flight depending on weather, so at least it will be a short plane trip."
"I'll do that," Dave said firmly, knowing that if he allowed Spencer to do so he'd get third class with the intent of saving money when there was no need to.
Spencer shot him a look already knowing what Dave was thinking, but nodded, as there was no point in arguing. His two mates knew him to well, Spencer thought ruefully. He would've gone for a coach, just because it was cheaper, even though he no longer had to worry about money. First class offered much more legroom and a lot of other options.
"I'll make arrangements with the University then," Spencer said.
"And I suppose I had better start packing for the three of us," Aaron said.
"And I should also contact Mr. Windler, to let him know I'm coming after all," Spencer added. "I know he'll be shocked, as he knows my opinion when it comes to my father."
"I think you made the right decision," Dave told Spencer his pride obvious. "Aaron and I will be there to support you all the way."
"I know, and I appreciate it more than you know," Spencer said kissing both Aaron and Dave on the lips.
Spencer was now Immortal and had been so for just under two years now, so there was no reason to worry about him dying. Oh, there were ways for Immortals to be killed, but it was difficult at best, so this prevented Aaron and Dave from worrying about Spencer too much, like they had when he was still mortal.
"This is what families do for each other, they support their spouse when it's needed like it is for you now," Aaron said. "So many people don't understand that."
"But then a lot of married couples aren't as in love with their husband or wife as we are with each other," Dave grinned.
"Yes, that's very true," Spencer agreed with a little smile. "Oh by the way, Firkin is due to retire at the end of the year and I'll be following right after him."
"Well, this is sooner than expected," Dave said perking up at the news.
"He decided to take early retirement due to health issues," Spencer grinned. "Personally, I don't think it could've happened to a nicer guy. I don't hate him or anything, but I do resent the hell out of him, for his attitude."
"Which shows you're a good person," Aaron told him.
"Maybe," Spencer shrugged. "In any case, I'll take my leave right after he does and then we can move away from here or stay. We could do some traveling like we discussed or just live quietly for awhile. Really, I'm anxious to get started on what we decided a few years ago."
"So are we," Aaron said. "It's certainly a very splendid idea."
"But something that never occurred to Aaron or I," Dave said. "Sure, we give generously to certain charities, although we make sure they're legit first, but it's not the same as actually being involved."
"No, it's not," Spencer agreed. "Still, I think we deserve some time for just the three of us before we get started on that. Perhaps, we could take a long vacation somewhere exotic or we can go see your parents and grandparents, spend some time with them, more than we did last time we went."
"You know there's going to be a lot of speculation as to why you're leaving the university since you're only going to be what 42?" Aaron said.
"I'll just tell them that it's family business, which will technically, even be true and leave it at that."
"Some kind of family business that will take you some time to complete," Dave mused.
"Perhaps, I'm going to go sit by my father's bedside, since he's so ill," Spencer grinned. "I could even leave at the end of the school year, instead of waiting."
"Yes, that might work," Aaron said.
"It's rather unusual for a professor that has tenure to leave unless there is a very legit emergency that is going to take sometime to resolve," Dave said.
"Probably, but professors do it all the time, although I admit they are usually older than I am. However, some decide that they don't like teaching very much or they decided they want to write books instead or do something else entirely, like research for example. Really, they're any number of reasons why they don't continue with it as a profession, the lousy pay being one of the major ones. Of course, that's not true for me, but that's probably what a lot of people will assume," said Spencer.
"I don't think so, because it's clear that you love teaching, that you enjoy nurturing young minds, unlike so many teachers who don't get into it for that reason," Aaron said.
"You are well respected by your colleagues, so I suspect that they'll be sorry to see you go," Dave said.
"Maybe, just maybe," Spencer said. "In any case, this business with my father might take some time and the school might suggest I just take a sabbatical or that I should use up my annual leave and sick days first."
"Which I would do, even if you're not planning on returning," Aaron said. "It will give the school a chance to think that they'll be able to retain your services and then once your annual leave and sick days are exhausted, then you can inform them that you won't be returning."
"Well, that'll give me about six months to make a decision then," Spencer said. "It would be more but I used up a lot of it. I rarely had to take sick leave, because I'm just not one that got sick very often, even back before I was turned Immortal."
"Which is a miracle considering the way you ate before we met or the way you grew up," Dave snorted. "It just shows you had a strong immune system when you were still mortal."
"Yes, well, it is what it is," Spencer shrugged, not bothered by Dave's comment for his opinion was well-known. "I can't get sick anymore due to me now being Immortal, so there's no point of worrying about it. Really, it's just as well I had such a strong immune system, because I couldn't have afforded the doctor's bills, even if I could've gotten down to the doctor's office on my own. Besides, there's no way they would take a kid without an adult present anyway."
"You're right, they wouldn't have or it they did they would have reported you, as that would have been required by law, as you would have been an unattended minor," Aaron said.
"You know perhaps, you could have supposedly gotten a better job offer while you were away taking care of your sick father," Dave suggested suddenly. "Perhaps, it was too good an offer to refuse."
"That's a possibility," Spencer mused. "Still, I don't know if that'll work or not because we're bound to be in the news once we get our project off the ground, even if we try to stay in the background."
"Well, we'll work something out," Dave said.
"That we will," Spencer agreed. "I'm sure between the three of us we can come up with something believable, as the university is bound ask why I'm leaving. I don't necessarily have to give them a reason, but I just think it would be common courtesy if I did. Besides, they'll let me go easier if I have a legit reason for leaving instead of begging me to stay. I can even recommend someone to take over the position if they ask, although whether they accept is not knowable."
"Well, that's all you can do really," Aaron said.
"Well, I had better make those calls," Spencer said smiling at his two favorite men.
"So should I," Dave agreed.
"You go first, as I need to give Mr. Windler the exact dates that we'll be arriving, so we can set up an appointment for the same day and hopefully get it over with. I'm not looking forward to seeing my father after all these years, but with you two there for support I know I can face anything."
"No, I wouldn't look forward to facing my father either as he could be a bully, although I know that had a lot to do with the times. My father had a very strong, commanding personality, but then, he had to, since someone who didn't wouldn't make a very effective chief." Aaron said. "Of course, I would face him and not let him know how much he made me angry, even a little scared, as I would have been just a child at the time."
"We'll just have to see what the situation is when we get there," Spencer said. "Mr. Windler didn't exactly say what my father had just that he's been sick for several years, so it could be any number of diseases, it could be cancer for example or perhaps he's had a series of strokes or several small heart attacks. Really there are enough diseases that kill children, young adults and older people by the thousands."
"So there's no point in speculating," Aaron said, as Dave came back from making his phone call.
"We have three first class tickets for two days from now at 1:45 p.m., as that should be enough time for you to make arrangements with the university and give us a chance to pack, cancel the paper, clean out the fridge and so forth," Dave said.
"Yes, that should be plenty of time," Spencer agreed. "I'll go make those calls now that you have given me a time."
Spencer left the room to make those calls and Dave and Aaron watched him go.
"We're going to have to really be there for them," Aaron commented once he was sure Spencer was out of earshot.
"Yes, I know and we will be," Dave said his tone solemn. "He could get through this on his own, I truly believe that, but it'll be much easier with us there to support him. We'll do everything we can to stop him from dwelling on the fact that William Reid was never really a father to him. Really, he doesn't think much about his father at all, or at least he doesn't mention him very much, but the wounds are still there, as they never really healed. I'm hoping that this will help heal some of the more serious emotional wounds, although it's going to hurt very much initially at first as this experience will likely rip off the scabs."
"I think Spencer's strong enough to get through this and finally start to heal, especially with our support," Aaron said.
"Yeah, something he never had before, as his mother was unable to provide any kind of emotional support through no fault of her own," Dave said. "Hopefully, this will close a chapter in Spencer's life for good."
"We'll just have to see," Aaron had time to say before Spencer came back into the den.
"Well, that's all taken care of," Spencer said. "Mr. Windler was surprised to hear from me, so soon, but happy I had changed my mind. Also I am now on official leave from the University I just have to go in tomorrow to fill out the paperwork."
"Well, good that was easy," Dave said pleased. "Now all we have to do is start packing."
"Which shouldn't take too long," Aaron said. "One suitcase for each of us."
"Oh, I also need to make reservations at a good hotel in Las Vegas," Dave added. "We don't want to be looking for something when we get there. It's better to have a reservation in advance."
"You go ahead and do that since I know you'd object if I get us into a Motel 8," Spencer grinned at Dave who looked pained at his mate's words. "I'm joking I promise you, even I wouldn't be that cruel."
Aaron snickered at the gentle teasing, as Dave's dislike of staying in such a crummy motel was well known. He would never stay in anything less than a four star and both he and Spencer had gotten rather spoiled, because Dave preferred to stay in such nice places. Oh, well, it's not like he at least would object, although he know that internally Spencer winced every time they spent so much money at once. Aaron knew that would change once Spencer got used to having so much money, but until then, they were just going to have to break him of the habit of buying cheap plane tickets or staying someplace inexpensive just to save money. Both he and Dave could understand why Spencer thought like that, so for now they would just make any arrangements that needed to be made that involved a great deal of money just to avoid an argument or having to go back and change things at the last minute. Doing it that way just made it easier on everyone involved.
"It's a good thing I'll make the hotel reservations then," Dave said.
"You go ahead," Spencer smiled and Dave couldn't help but smile back, but then went to do just that.
~~~Dave, Aaron, Spencer~~~
"Son, you're finally here," came the voice of William Reid, which sounded old and weak to Spencer's ears, but was still unmistakably his father's voice.
"I am not your son," Spencer told him his voice brutally blunt, as he approached the bed. "I share half to your DNA nothing more. I only came to tell you what I think of you and I'm sure you're aware that none of it is complementary. I nearly didn't come at all and if my lovers hadn't convinced me to I wouldn't have. They wanted me to put my childhood behind me and part of that process is to finally tell you what I think of you. You can tell me what you want right now and then I plan on leaving and I promise you I'll likely never think about you again."
"But son..." William tried.
"Don't try that crap on me," Spencer interrupted, vehemently. "You never gave a damn when I came home with a split lip and a black eye and don't think I don't remember every single promise you broke to me. Every time you promised to take me somewhere you usually found some excuse to get out of it."
"But you were just a child, your memories are bound to be inaccurate," William said.
"You're forgetting my memories are eidetic," Spencer said tapping his temple. "They might be a little colored from a child's point of view, but that doesn't mean that I don't understand that you were never really a father to me. You left me and mom without any funds you bastard, except what she had made teaching before she was sick and you knew very well that mom would never be able to teach again. As Dave reminded me awhile back the least you could've done was send child support payments and you didn't even have the honor or the decency to do that. No, instead you ran away like a coward, just because you couldn't handle mom's illness and you left a 10 year old boy to try to take care of her, go to school and keep what remained of his family together. I've made a good life for myself, something you swore would never happen. Now you better tell me why you were so desperate to see me before I go back to Florida and never think of you again and I don't give a damn about the inheritance as I have plenty for my needs. You made sure that I didn't care about money as mom and I had to be very frugal for years just to get by and her medicine wasn't exactly cheap."
"I wanted to apologize for the way I left you and your mother, but it's clear to me you still resent me at the very least for what I did, something I can't blame you for. On the other hand though, it's been over 30 years, which is a long time to carry such resentment and anger, but I know I deserve it. It wasn't until recently I realized what a dishonorable bastard I had been. The priest that I've been seeing for several years made me realize that I had left you and your mother with no means of support and I'm not exactly sure how you survived," said William.
"Oh, so you were starting to feel guilty then if you started going to a priest to confess your sins," Spencer said sarcastically, which was normally very unlike him. "Need I say, to little to late? I now have Dave and Aaron and I really don't give a damn if you'd rather me get married and have children, because I'm not about to give them up for anything, especially for my bastard of a father, a man I share DNA with but that's all. You know it was only due to Aaron and Dave that I came at all. I was all ready to ignore your lawyer's request, as I had put the past behind me. They felt coming to see you would finally allow me to put my crappy childhood behind me, which was all due mostly to one man. I won't claim the bullies didn't play a part in my miserable childhood, but it was mostly you that made my childhood so crappy."
"I deserved that," William admitted coughing. "I admit instead of supporting you I resented you instead for your obvious intelligence, your love of learning and also for the fact that you were clearly unathletic from an early age. I suppose I wanted you to be more like me, intelligent, personable and athletic and you certainly weren't turning out like I expected."
"I figured that was at least part of the reason. You wanted a clone of yourself, instead of a son with his own interests," Spencer said. "All you seemed to care about was your public image and making sure I married and had children, which is never going to happen now."
"I came to realize that that kind of thing isn't really important anymore, but unfortunately, I came to that conclusion decades too late to have any kind of relationship with my son," said William.
"I would say that's the most major understatement of the last 50 years," Spencer snorted. "I'm no longer the little boy that you abandoned and even when you were around it's not like you did anything parental. Don't think I didn't know you didn't give a damn about me or if you did you sure had a crappy way of showing it."
"My career consumed me I admit it," William said. "I was a hell of a lawyer and I just didn't want to put in the effort of being a good father as well."
"Well then, you never should have gotten married in the first place or at least never had children," Spencer told him, still in that blunt tone of voice. "If there's one thing I've learned in the last few years it's that marriage is work and you can't just not be there mentally. Oh, sure, you were there physically, but you never put any effort into your marriage, as it's a two-way street or in my case a three way street. I don't mind doing things for Dave and Aaron, because I love them and they do plenty for me. We each have responsibilities, although I admit Dave's the cook, because Aaron can't cook to save his life and I'm still learning when I have time, so it's a rather slow process. Still, we each help take care of the house take out the trash, dust, vacuum, do laundry and so forth."
"Something I know I never put any effort into," William admitted. "I let your mother handle that, but she had her own job I know, or at least she did before she got sick."
"You've changed a lot, as you never would have made such an admission before, but even if you have it still doesn't make up for what you did," Spencer admitted studying the man in the bed. His hair was totally white and it was clear he hadn't been outside in some time, because not only was his skin pale, it also had a sickly pallor. "However, you might have changed, but I'm not about to forgive you, not for what you did to me, but what you did to my mother, your wife, as that ship sailed a long time ago. She was sick, you knew it and yet you just walked out the door and never came back. She needed you, even though by that point in time I didn't and you just abandoned her without a backward glance, because you didn't want to have to deal with her problems. If there's anything I've learned in the almost four years that Dave, Aaron and I have been together is that couples, spouses, whatever, support each other no matter what. You don't abandon the person you've decided to settle down with, just because of a few bumps in the road. Alright, I could've understand it if you couldn't handle mom's illness, but there were a lot better way you could've dealt with it."
"I know that now, son," William said, "But back then public image for lawyers was everything."
"So you're image was more important than your family," Spencer said shaking his head. "That is so twisted. You're damn lucky that you didn't get a policeman at your door telling them about the death of your wife or your son or both. We managed to survive, but not due to anything you did."
"I was young and stupid," William said.
"You were hardly young dad. You were in your 40s when you abandoned us, so that excuse doesn't wash, as for stupid, yes, you were. You should have been more than mature enough by that time to handle this situation in a better way, but I came to realize that you were just a selfish, uncaring bastard," Spencer corrected swiftly. "You might've changed now, but it's far too late to mend our relationship, even if I was willing. You know I study criminal behavior, kind of as a hobby and you're really lucky that I never came seeking revenge for my crappy childhood. Sons and daughters turn on their parents all the time for the way they're treated when they're children, even if is not until years or even decades later. You're lucky I figured that putting distance between us was the best bet, which is why I moved to Florida in the first place. There are so many criminals in the world, because so many parents are abusive to their offspring, physically abusive. I won't try to claim it's the whole problem, because it's not, but it sure would solve a lot of problems it parents would raise their children in the right way like not resenting them for their talents, as it's not something that they can help after all."
"So you're not willing to forgive me son," William said coughing again.
"I forgave you a long time ago dad for myself, but not for the way you treated mom," Spencer replied. "Dave and Aaron were right again when they said that the emotional scars you left me with, never really healed, only scabbed over."
"Am I going to have a chance to meet them before I die?" William asked.
"It's better if you don't, dad," Spencer said, seriously. "You don't want to know their opinion of you and you being in the process of dying won't necessarily prevent them from expressing those opinions. If they had their way, well, let's just say that they would've come and given you at least a broken nose. I haven't thought about you much in years and after I leave here I never intend to think of you again. Me telling you my opinion of your actions when I was a child has started to close a lot of wounds for me, even though I was against coming here. Again Dave and Aaron were right, which happens far too often." Spencer snorted in amusement, because both of them would be insufferable for awhile after this. "No, it's just better that you never meet them because they're very protective of me and in fact I had trouble with them letting me walk in here by myself, but they're waiting for me in the park about a block from here."
"They sound really nice," William said not showing how shocked he was that his son was involved not with one man, but two or that this Aaron and Dave had come with his son all the way to Las Vegas. He had realized that men liking men was just part of the human species and although he wished his son was into women, would get married and have children he knew that wasn't going to happen, so there was no point in dwelling on it. No, his son was happy with his lovers and there was nothing he could do to change that, but so long as this Dave and Aaron supported his son and loved him he could live with that. Or rather die with the knowledge that his son was happy and considering his crappy childhood, mostly due to him he could now admit he deserved to always be.
His son had risen above his upbringing or really his non-upbringing due mostly again to him. Spencer was right when he said he had broken every promise he had ever made to him, always backing out at the last minute of taking him to the zoo or the planetarium or somewhere else.
He had never helped his son deal with the bullying he had endured for being so intelligent, because at the time he just hadn't cared enough to do anything and had thought it would toughen him up, turn him into a man, as the boy had seemed way too soft to him. He had come to realize his errors, only a few short years ago and by then he knew he was dying. He had come to realize that he couldn't expect the seed of his loins to be his exact copy as Spencer had his own talents. Besides, children should be able to express themselves and not have to keep their emotions clamped down tight. All his son had needed was a shoulder to cry on or someone to care enough about him that they'd at least listen to his troubles, which he had left to Diana. He had managed to get ahold of his son's college grades and his dissertation and William had to admit that they were brilliant. His son had six different degrees, but then he had gone at 12 as he truly was that much of a genius and instead of helping and supporting him he had tossed him away like he didn't matter, the shame of which he would now carry with him to his grave.
Much to his anger at one time he had been unable to locate his son himself, when he had started looking about fifteen years ago. Spencer had moved away, William had realized years later, likely to avoid running into him. Finally his lawyer firm had done so, but only when it was far too late to correct his mistakes and that was only if Spencer was willing to cooperate, which he doubted, considering his son's words to him. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, his son had inherited the Reid stubbornness behind that mild-mannered exterior. He had missed so much time with his son due to stubbornness, arrogance and pride, things that really didn't matter in the end.
He could understand his son extreme dislike of him at the very least and couldn't really blame him for his words, because he had it coming, knew it, had prepared himself for it. His son's anger had been much milder than he had imagined, but it had still hurt him to be at the center of it, even if he had known he deserved his son's disdain and disgust.
He would die with the knowledge that he had failed his son due to his own arrogance and pride. He had forgotten that Spencer, his son, wasn't just a robot or android with no feelings at all. He had concealed them well, even at a young age, but then his son's emotions tended to be more internal instead of external, but who knew how different he would've been if only he'd had a little support from his father. Spencer had learned how to conceal the hurt, the anger, the loathing of him very well indeed for he hadn't seen it. Then again he hadn't given his son the attention he would've given a pet, much less a young boy who just wanted to know he was loved.
He had utterly failed as a father due to his own actions and he was extremely lucky that Spencer had turned out so well, which was likely due to his mother Diana, his intelligence and also good genes. William doubted that if his son had turned into some type of criminal he ever would've been caught, because he was way too intelligent to be. He wished he could take credit for his son turning out so well, but he knew he couldn't if he was completely honest with himself, because he hadn't had a thing to do with it.
William Reid had no knowledge of the bond that existed between his son, Dave and Aaron or that his son would be alive long after he was dead and even if he had he likely wouldn't have believed it, not even laying there on his deathbed.
"Dave and Aaron are the best," Spencer said sincerely. "The three of us wish we could get married, but that's just not possible, so we'll keep living like we have been and that's quietly. Marriage doesn't really matter, since none of us can have children anyway. This is goodbye dad and I promise you I'll never think of you again."
Spencer didn't mention the nightmares he was likely to have the minute he closed his eyes, because he would deal with them along with Aaron's and Dave's help and it wasn't information his father needed to know. He had come, said his piece, and he felt much better for it. Some of the emotional wounds that he'd had since he was a boy had finally begin to truly heal, but Spencer was aware that the process would take time.
"I suppose I deserve to be forgotten," William said sadly coughing.
"No, you'll be remembered as a man who abandoned his family," Spencer said his tone scathing. "As much as I might want to, I'll never be able of forget you completely despite what I just said, but that doesn't mean I'll start dwelling on the father I never really had and Dave and Aaron will make sure I don't."
"I suppose that's the best I can expect," William said wheezing, as he talked, his breath rattling in his chest.
"There're so many things you could've done differently, dad," Spencer told his father more calmly most of his anger having been spent earlier. "So many things that you could've done so that I would mourn you when you pass. Now, you'll be basically forgotten in a few years. Nobody will remember that you even existed and while I'll remember you for the rest of my life, that will only be due to my memory and believe me, sometimes it's a curse. On the other side of the coin though, remembering every moment I spend with Dave and Aaron is a blessing, so I'll gladly take the good with the bad for those pleasant memories. I'll be leaving now, as I have business with your lawyer, but I really don't care about the money at all as I've said before. Even if I couldn't work for a living Dave and Aaron would make sure I didn't starve, but I earn my own way, which is one of the reasons our relationship is such a mutually satisfying one. If there's one thing you taught me it's never to sponge of anybody, to be self-sufficient. Of course, their are many other reasons as well."
"I'm so sorry about your childhood, son," William said wheezing as he talked. "I'm really glad that you have found someone to spend your life with even if your relationship is rather …"
"Wrong? Fucked up? Twisted?" Spencer suggested sarcastically with bitterness tingeing his words.
"Unusual," William corrected.
"Maybe it is," Spencer shrugged. "I really don't care what other people think as I developed a thick skin against such influences a long time ago. Now, I really must be going or I'll be late for my appointment."
"Thank you, for at least coming to see me," William said. "At least I can die now knowing that you are happy."
Spencer considered that for a moment then nodded before saying goodbye and walking swiftly out of his father's room at the house he had bought after he had abandoned his wife and son. His father had decided that he didn't want to die in a hospital and would rather be in his own bed, in his own home, which Spencer could respect and understand. He knew he would feel much the same if he was ever going to die. Of course, now he was basically Immortal and while he could still be killed it would be a rather difficult proposition.
Spencer said goodbye to the nurse that had been hired to look after his father and then left the house without looking back.
~~~Dave, Aaron, Spencer~~~