Chapter 9: Meet the Petrellis Part 3

Notes: This is the last part of the Meet the Petrellis chapters, this is really long because they're such a complicated even without the super powers in my opinion, so there's a lot of drama to explore. Happy reading!

Peter's POV

This was one of the most awkward ''family dinners'' I had ever had. I could only imagine how hard it was for Isaac, he was truly doing his best to make a good impression, he even dressed in a suit, which he hated since they were too formal for him and reminded him too much of his father, Carlos

Mendez, one of the most successful businessmen in Chile. Besides my parents, Nathan and Heidi were also there, eating quietly with Nathan giving us awkward looks that said ''you might regret this''. Heidi was smiling sweetly at us, clearly trying to make us comfortable. She and Claire were the only ones smiling until Isaac and I smiled back. There had to be some smiles around here. I looked at my mom and dad from across the table. They clearly did not approve of Isaac, which made sense considering the fact that their oldest son intended on running for president, and how many people would actually hurry off to the polls, knowing that his brother had a male lover who was a former drug addict? Never mind that he was a brilliant, talented, artist who managed to clean up and become very successful.

''So, Isaac, Peter tells me you're doing well with your art. You must have gotten it published in so many comic books. You have some of your other work presented in other galleries as well, don't you?'' Heidi asked, smiling genuinely.

Isaac smiled back. He appreciated her friendliness and warmth, and it was good that someone finally broke the ice, and could see beyond his past, and the so called negative image he would bring to our family.

''Yes, I am. I've always loved comic books and art, and to combine both is a dream come true for me. Although I like doing a variety of artwork to keep myself fresh as an artist.'' he replied.

Heidi smiled and nodded. I felt a wave of relief and happiness that Heidi and Claire too had been so kind and were actually interested in getting to know what Isaac was really like.

''That's interesting, but art seems to be a rather difficult and unstable career that can lead to certain vices. '' My mom said. I immediately felt my blood run cold. I had no idea what to say.

''I would agree with my wife, it doesn't seem very practical. I've worked with your father for years and I'm sure he would have preferred it if you were more like him and had a more productive and successful career.''

Isaac just stared wordlessly. I could tell the tension inside him was building up and he looked like he would explode. I tried to grab his hand under the table and but he snatched his away and continued to stare angrily at my parents. I honestly couldn't blame him, I knew in my heart they'd be like this.

''Don't presume that you know anything about me or my family. Working with my father and being his pal won't tell you shit about me. I'll never be like my father, and I'm a better man for it.'' Isaac declared angrily.

''How dare you speak to me like that in my home?'' My dad shouted venomously.

''Don't talk to him like that Dad, he doesn't deserve it!'' I shouted angrily, getting up from my chair and knocking it down.

''Pete, don't get involved-'' Nathan warned, finally speaking.

''What the hell do you mean, don't get involved? I love him.'' I told Nathan, nearly snarling.

''He's right, he should be able to stick up for his boyfriend.'' Claire said, getting up from her chair too, and putting her hand on my shoulder.

''You are too young to understand this.'' Nathan said, looking straight at Claire.

''Oh yea, like I'm too young to understand why you've kept me your dirty little secret? Please, you think I'm the first illegitimate daughter of a politician? This family is so good at keeping secrets, but I won't let what Peter and Isaac have together remain a secret, not when he's finally happy. I have a say in this, I'm his niece, damn it and I'm part of this family whether you acknowledge it or not!'' she shouted.

I felt tears forming in my eyes. I had really only known Claire for a year and already I felt like she was truly part of our family. It angered and saddened me that Nathan and our parents refused to acknowledge us completely and bring us out into the public eye, simply because a bisexual brother and illegitimate daughter wouldn't look for Nathan Petrelli's campaign. This was the price we had to pay for my father and brother obsessed with making us the next Kennedy family which I knew could be the downfall of the both of them, but especially Nathan. He let all the dirty business of politics seep into his soul deeper than even he knew.

''That's enough, the both of you!'' I shouted angrily. My dad and mom looked like they were about to speak but Isaac stormed off before they could utter a word. I walked quickly after him and grabbed his hand, stopping him briefly.

''Isaac, wait where are you going?'' I asked, looking at him with pleading eyes.

''I'm leaving, I'm obviously not good enough for your family and in their eyes, I'll never be good enough for you because I need to be a damn rich bitch for them to even consider me.'' he announced bitterly.

''We expected our son to do better than be with someone who clearly has had issues with drug abuse and has an unstable career. We'd also understandably want grandchildren, Peter would make a great father one day.'' My mom said coldly.

''He'll be a hell of a better father than your husband, that's all I know.'' Isaac spat.

''Now you-'' My father started to say but Isaac already walked away, not looking at anyone except turning his head slightly to look at me, and I could see that he was about to cry, but before I could see any tears, he was gone.

I was about to cry myself, but Nathan looked at me sternly as though he was about to lecture me about my own damn feelings.

''Pete, you should've known this was going to happen. I warned you and told you that you should've thought about this more.'' he said sympathetically.

At that point, I didn't care. I felt that he was too late for him to feel sorry now. I decided I couldn't take it anymore and ran off to find Isaac, not even looking at him before I did it.

''Pete, Pete wait!'' he pleaded. The last I saw of him, he had placed his right hand on his head, and cursed himself.

As I ran, I prayed that I would find him and make things right between us again, whatever happened I wanted him to know that he was good enough for me, actually so much more than good enough.