Saviours and Lovers – Chapter 2
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DISCLAIMER: I am not connected to Emmerdale and its characters, which belong to ITV
-O-
Brett stood frozen to the spot as he looked at his father, "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I thought I'd look you up in your new house," George replied, as if it was not at all unusual, "Can I come in?"
Brett had a mistrusting expression on his face, "As long as you behave yourself!" he said.
"I suppose I deserve that, after the last time we met!" George looked a little embarrassed.
Brett stood to one side to allow his father access; he directed him into the sitting room.
"Sit down," Brett said, curtly.
"Thanks!" George said as he sat in a chair, "Nice place you've got here!"
"How did you know where I live?" Brett asked.
"I've been to see your mother, we've kept in touch since the divorce...and she gave me your address, I hope you don't mind."
"Why have you decided to come and see me; after all this time?"
"You're still my son! I know I should have made contact before, but I wasn't sure whether you'd even speak to me again! I've kept up with your progress on TV and that; I'm really very proud of you, you know!"
"You've got a funny way of showing it!" Brett said, icily.
"Look!" George fidgeted nervously in his chair, "It took me a long time to come to terms with things...by the way, where is er...your partner?"
"His name's Mason!" Brett was annoyed that George did not say his name, "He's my HUSBAND!" he emphasized the word 'husband'.
George looked uncomfortable with Brett's wording and he flinched slightly at the term; he was obviously still uncomfortable with his son being gay.
"He's at his grandfather's funeral in Wales," Brett continued, "You're lucky I was here; I would have gone with him but I've got TV work on tomorrow...in London."
"Just as well I came today then! I would have written first, or phoned, but I thought it was better to turn up unannounced; being that I didn't know how you would react!"
Brett's anger with his father, which had been building up ever since their last meeting, suddenly boiled over, "How I w-w-would react? You insulted my friends; two of the best friends I've ever had, you insulted Declan; someone you didn't even know, you tried to get me to see a s-s-shrink for no g-g-good reason! Sod it! You've even made my s-s-stammer worse again now!"
Brett's face was contorted with rage and George knew that he had a mountain to climb with his son, "I'm sorry!" he said, a little pathetically.
"S-S-Sorry? Is that all you've got to say? I used to look up to you w-w-when I was little, now, all I feel is contempt! You even cheated on mum with someone else!"
"Things like that happen in relationships!" George tried to rationalise the situation.
"Only if you let them!" Brett snapped back, "I'd never do the d-d-dirty on Mason and I know he'd never see somebody else behind my b-b-back!"
"You don't know that, son, nobody can ever be one hundred percent sure!"
"Don't judge other people by your own low standards!" Brett would have none of it, "I'd like you to leave now, please!"
George did not want to leave things as they stood, but he knew that Brett was not in the mood to talk, so he complied with his son's wishes, "OK!" he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and offered it to Brett, "Here, that's my address and phone number, just in case you need it!"
Brett took the paper but did not reply. He watched his father leave and then the tears of anger and frustration fell.
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Aaron picked up the magazine from his doormat. He knew that it was a magazine as it was wrapped in a clear plastic film. He could see Jackson's picture on the front cover; it was one of Pierre's 'workman' shots, showing his husband from the waist-up, wearing his tight, white singlet, tool belt and hard hat. Aaron grinned at Jackson's expression, which was coy yet provocative; Jackson had what could only be described as 'come to bed' eyes in that picture!
Impatiently, he tore the plastic off to open the magazine and look at the other photographs inside. He turned the pages slowly, studying his husband's athletic frame in the skimpy outfit that he was wearing. There was an accompanying text, of course, but Aaron ignored that, he was only interested in looking at his husband; looking so sexy in his revealing work-wear!
His daydreaming was interrupted by a phone call. He answered it and heard Brett's voice on the other end of the line. Brett sounded upset.
"What's up?" asked Aaron; concern in his voice.
"It's my dad!" Brett replied, "He t-t-turned up out of the blue...I tore him off a strip for insulting you and Jackson, but now I feel a bit g-g-guilty!"
"Why should you?" Aaron still had little time for Brett's father; and he knew how upset Brett was as he could tell that his stammer had resurfaced, "He's the one in the wrong; it's just as well I wasn't there as I'd probably have punched his lights out!" Aaron backtracked slightly on his remark, "Sorry, I know he's your father...but I can't stand him! How did he know how to find you?"
"He said my mum told him where I live."
"That doesn't sound like Sylvia! Are you sure? Have you spoken to her?"
"No...I was going to call her, but then I found m-m-myself ringing you! I'm sorry! I shouldn't be burdening you with all my t-t-troubles!"
"Don't be daft!" Aaron was quick to put his friend's mind at rest, "What are mates for?"
Brett was silent for a moment.
"Brett? You still there?"
"Yeah, I'm s-s-still here! I really love you guys!" Brett was referring to Aaron and Jackson.
"Don't talk soft!" Aaron was embarrassed.
"I mean it! You're my angels! You're always there for me! Sorry, I'm forgetting my m-m-manners...how's Jackson?"
"He's fine, thanks. Have you seen this month's 'Trend' magazine? His picture is on the cover!"
"That's g-g-great! I'll have to get a copy! I'm just about to go down to London...I'd better go, I want to c-c-call my mum before I set off!"
"OK, mate, I'll catch you later, yeah!"
"Cheers buddy! Love ya!"
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Jackson returned home from work to find Aaron avidly studying the magazine article.
"Hi babe!" Jackson greeted Aaron with a swift kiss.
"It says here," Aaron pointed at the page that he had open in the magazine, "that you are going to be in a TV game show; you didn't tell me about that!"
"There isn't much to tell; not yet! The interviewer for the magazine asked me about it but it's not finalised yet...I didn't know they were going to print that!"
"By the way, that Pierre was on the phone earlier; he said he wants you to call him about some more photos; for that TV magazine article they're interviewing you for," Aaron had a cheeky look on his face, "I think he wants to get into your pants by the sounds of it!" Aaron added, almost as an afterthought.
"Sod that! I'm not interested! 'Porny Pierre'?" Jackson grimaced, "He's a nice looking bloke; but I'd never do that, not with him! Anyway, you're the only one for me!"
Aaron drew Jackson into a tight embrace, "I'm glad to hear it!" They kissed, passionately, "I've been looking at your pictures all day...why don't you show me what I've been looking at...in the flesh!"
Jackson teased Aaron's crotch with his fingers, finding that his husband was already becoming aroused. He did not reply; he just gripped Aaron's hand and pulled him towards the bedroom! Aaron was about to get his wish!
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Sylvia was in her study at home, putting the finishing touches to an illustration for the magazine that she worked for, when her phone rang.
"Hello Mum!"
Sylvia could tell, just by those two words, that Brett was upset, "What's wrong, sweetheart?" she said.
Brett told her about George's visit and how he had explained that he had obtained his address.
"No, love, I didn't give him your address! I don't know how he...wait a minute!"
"What?"
"He came round here to see me the other day; I left him on his own while I made a cuppa! He must have looked in my handbag while I was missing...my address book is in there. Oh Brett, I'm so sorry, darling! Are you OK?"
"Yeah, in a way, I'm glad he came round, I feel b-b-better about him in a strange sort of way. I was missing him a bit beforehand, b-b-but now, I realise I don't miss him at all! I've got my own life, my wonderful Mason, two mates who I love to bits; I just don't n-n-need him anymore!" Brett thought about his last statement, "Sorry! That sounds a bit harsh!"
"No it doesn't!" Sylvia tried to put her son's mind at rest, "I feel exactly the same! Anyway, forget about your father...he can stew in his own juice! Are you ready for your trip to London?"
"Yeah, I'm all packed."
"Are you staying in a posh hotel?"
"No...actually, Mason's brother Bryn is putting me up; I'm going to be at the studios where he works. Funny, there's something I don't understand."
"What?" Sylvia was intrigued.
"Well, Bryn has two bedrooms and he shares the flat with another fella...a cameraman; Mitch, I've not met him yet; but he sounds like a nice guy. Anyway, they'll both be there, but they must both be sharing one of the bedrooms as they are letting me have one to myself."
"Maybe Bryn is bunking down with his mate for a couple of nights so that you can have the other bedroom?" Sylvia suggested.
"Yeah, I suppose so!" Brett replied, "It's very good of them...and I'll feel happier sharing with a couple of buddies; rather than feeling alone in a big hotel!"
As Sylvia finished her call, Hazel appeared with a cup of tea, "Would you like a biscuit?" she asked.
"That would be nice! Listen, Haze, Brett's just called, he's had a visit from George!"
"What did HE want?" Hazel looked surprised; she knew all about the family history.
"Sounds like he was trying to apologise to Brett for the way he behaved, but I think Brett sent him packing!"
"Good for him!" Hazel was never backward in coming forward! "Brett's really got his life back on track now, the last thing he needs is a toe-rag like your ex turning up...no offence, Sylv!"
"None taken, I assure you! I don't trust George any further than I can throw him!"
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Brett stood nervously at the door of the flat in London. He studied the piece of paper in his hand for the umpteenth time, making sure that he had the right address. He was relieved when a smiling Bryn opened the door. Bryn always reminded him strongly of his husband Mason; although Bryn was three years older, there was a striking resemblance.
"Hi, Brett...welcome!" Bryn shook hands with Brett and drew him into a hug.
Bryn showed Brett into the lounge where a young, well-built guy was standing by the settee.
"Brett, meet Mitch!" Bryn made the introductions. Mitch smiled and shook Brett's hand warmly.
"Good to meet you Brett!" Mitch said, "I've seen you on TV...I like to cook when I get the chance and I often use your recipes!"
"Thanks!" Brett replied, looking at Mitch closely. Mitchell Conteh's father was black and his mother white, giving him a coffee-coloured skin. He was very handsome, with a warm smile, big brown eyes and jet black, neatly-cut hair which formed into tight curls on his head.
"Would you like a drink?" Bryn asked.
"Do you have any lager?" asked Brett.
"Coming right up!" Bryn disappeared into the kitchen to get the drinks and Mitch motioned Brett to sit down next to him on the settee.
"So," Mitch looked at Brett, "you're married to Mason. Bryn's a bit gutted that he couldn't stay in Wales with his brother, he's just going for the funeral and coming straight back. We've got a tight schedule at the studio and he couldn't get the time off."
"I know," Brett replied, "I'd have liked to go with Mason to Wales, but I was booked for this TV work as well, so I couldn't go either!"
Bryn returned with the drinks; he had overheard the conversation, "Yeah, I wish I could go for longer, but my mum and dad understand. Gramps has left his house to them."
"Are they going to sell it?" asked Brett.
"I don't think so...they reckon they might use it as a holiday home; it's in a lovely spot in Mid Glamorgan. We used to go and stay there as kids; me, Mason and Gwyneth. Gramps had three bedrooms, plus a caravan outside; so we had plenty of room if we all went. As kids, we used to fight over who got to sleep in the caravan as it was a big adventure! Funny that; what kids find exciting!"
"Is it still there?" Brett asked.
"That old caravan? No! It practically fell apart; it was that ancient! I expect we wore it out when we were younger; we were always having pillow-fights and jumping up and down!"
"Well, if you don't mind, I think I'll turn in!" Brett stifled a yawn, "I'm tired after all that travelling!"
"Yeah, you must be, I'll show you to your room. Mitch and I share the other bedroom, so you'll have your own space!" Bryn explained.
"It's very good of you to give up your bed for me!" Brett said.
"Well, actually," Bryn looked a little sheepish and hesitated before continuing, "I wasn't going to say anything; but you may as well know as you're staying here...me and Mitch share one room now!"
Brett looked at Bryn in amazement, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"You got it, dude!" Mitch flashed his pearly-white teeth at Brett, "We share the same bed! Have done for days now!"
"But..." Brett was stunned and looked at Bryn, "you're not gay...are you?"
"I never thought I was before," Bryn looked steadily at Brett, "but living with Mitch has been an eye-opener; well it has for both of us really," he looked at Mitch and smiled.
"Wow!" Brett could not believe it, "So, you and your brother are both...?"
"Yeah, it looks like it!" replied Bryn, "But don't tell Mason! He doesn't know yet and I want it to come from me!"
Brett did not reply; he had enough information to digest for one day!