Published: 24 Oct 2016

Christmas day was only a week away. The town Council hung its decorations months previously. Voluminous streamers criss-crossed the main street, ragged from recent winds, while multicoloured plastic baubles dangling from light poles like bull’s balls. The base of each pole being encased in large triangles of Christmas cheer, again made of plastic, introduced the previous year but appearing somewhat shabby from months in storage and if one were to catch them from the corner of the eye, they were more like advertising for a greengrocer rather than Christmas.

Occasionally there was the odd Santa hat bobbing up and down within the host of shoppers, sometimes a smile but generally the hurry and scurry of necessity. One must wear all the trimmings of the season, even if lacking the spirit of fellowship.

Christmas is that time of year that appears to bring out the worse in people. Tempers fray as shopping is done. Having to buy this present or that, not forgetting this relation or that, while making sure just the right amount is paid, as the previous year you gave a gift of much less value.

At a viewing it was possible to believe Christmas was a choir. Something that had to be done, so friends and family wouldn’t believe you were Scrooge like or antisocial, rather than a time for merriment and socialising. All this continued throughout that final week, often ending with panic on Christmas Eve having forgotten Grandma or Uncle Herbert, or that damn Cousin who you don’t even like but always brings a present, in the form of something expensive but totally useless, declaring on its presentation, ‘I just had to get this for you, it is you to a tee.”

The stores, decorated in their own theme joined with the festivity, even the Indian restraint had its usually pious statuette of Shiva wrapped in tinsel, while a small silver Christmas tree, its bare branches stark against grubby red curtaining, hid in one corner, surrounded by a squadron of dead flies and a selection of small dusty imitation gifts with tiny bows and fictitious gift cards, obviously stored and brought out year after year.

Harry arrived early afternoon, with a multitude of presents and a shabby Santa costume in a Myer shopping bag; “Got to get into the spirit of it all.” He announced and climbed the stairs, leaving Wayne to attend to the heaver bags.

“Do you need a hand Wayne?” Charlie offered and bounded down the stairs, taking control of a bag before Wayne could answer.

Once on the landing Harry spied Toby and broke into a wide friendly smile. “Toby,” he announced loudly, “you are definitely a Blake that is for sure.” They introduced them selves and entered into the house with Harry asking a barrage of questions. Toby appeared to be at ease with the situation.

In its pride of place in the living room, Harry spied the tree and a multitude of presents scattered beneath. “Well I’ll be buggered, that’s a first.” He announced as Colt and Vail followed close behind him.

“What’s a first?” Colt asked.

“A Christmas tree in the Blake house, your Grandad said they were fire traps and your dad couldn’t see the sense in having one.”

“Don’t you like it?” Colt asked.

“Like it, I love it who decorated it?”

“Mostly Vail.”

“It was Colt’s idea.” Vail interrupted.

“So you’re Vail,” Harry said and offered the lad his hand, “I’ve heard a lot about you.” He continued.

“Not good I suppose,” Vail answered.

“No young Colt here has only praise for you.” With Harry’s words Colt blushed but Vail, being acceptable to appraisal appeared wanting for more.

After being shown to their room, it was time for afternoon tea, drinkies and introductions. Meg and Harry hit it off immediately and became embroiled in old times. They had much to talk about, as Harry left town before Meg married. Even before his sister Mavis was dating Brian.

The conversation between Harry and Meg continued long after the others departed to view the farm. Colt walking with Charlie a little ahead broke into a broad smile. “I know what I’ll do for Christmas.” He announced loudly and turned to face the others. “When I was a kid Grandad would dress as Santa, harness a horse to the buggy and go into town giving out fruit and lollies to everyone. It was the only time the grumpy old bugger showed any community spirit.”

“I thought you didn’t know your Grandfather.” Charlie queried.

“Only just but I do remember the buggy at Christmas.”

“I’ll join you,” Vail quickly concurred. Colt flashed a glance to Charlie.

“I don’t mind he can help, it not my kind of scene.”

“Alright Vail, you can be Santa’s little helper; we’ll have to get you a suit when in town; gotta get into the right spirit.”

Christmas Eve and Colt was out of bed almost before the sun but not before the parrots, they had been screeching since first light and the kookaburras cackling while it was still dark.

Colt had chosen an old bay. She was beyond usefulness as a riding mare and was to be sold to the knackery when he rescued her. She had a sad face and caught his emotions, deciding to allow the old girl to retire gracefully to his paddocks.

Daisy the bay had at one time pulled a trap before being used for riding. She possessed a slow but steady gait and the buggy wasn’t large or heavy, besides the distance into town and back shouldn’t wear her out.

Colt had the buggy ready and Daisy harnessed before any of the house hold had risen and was at the stables when Vail joined him dressed as Santa’s little helper, ready to go.

“Did you sleep in your suit?” Colt asked. Vail answered with a drawn out no, followed by an equally drawn why.

“You’re not usually out of bed this early.”

“Do you want a hand or not?” He asked but Colt had everything under control.

“You look cute in that.” Colt commented as he placed a nose bag of oats on the mare and commenced to return to the house. “We’ll have breakfast, I’ll change and we will be off.”

It was past ten before breakfast was over and the kitchen tidied. Meg wished to visit the garden and Harry volunteered to be her pusher. Colt had a shower and entered back into the kitchen, now dresses in Harry’s Santa suit, false beard, fur, red hat the works, although the pants were somewhat half mast above his ankles.

“What are you wearing under that?” Vail asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“I’m not wearing anything under my suit.” Vail offered.

“I’d believe that.”

“What are you wearing?” Charlie whispered close to Colt’s ear.

“Nothing it’s too hot – why,” Colt whispered back.

“Come with me, I want to show you something.” Charlie led Colt to their bedroom and closed the door. Immediately he took hold of Colt’s dick through the thick material of his Santa suit. “I’ve never had sex with Santa.”

“Now!” Colt protested but didn’t resist.

Ten minutes passed and still the two were behind closed doors. Vail was growing impatient. Tapping on the bedroom door he called. “Come on you two it only takes three minutes.” He heard giggling from beyond the door. Another few minutes and Colt appeared, straightening his suit.

“It may only take you three minutes for a wank but we adults like to savour the moment.” Colt claimed. Vail gave a grunt and followed Colt back into the kitchen to collect two large baskets of fruit, chocolates and lollies. The baskets were put into the buggy and calling Max to join them the three were off.

Town was busy with shoppers purchasing that last Christmas present or, stocking up with necessities for the holidays and at first took little notice of Colt, Vail or Daisy the bay, with Max quietly sitting between them wearing a paper hat and a silly doggy smile. On approaching the main street Daisy held her head high and proud; Colt released a ho-ho-ho with Vail laughing at his side.

Colt drew up before the supermarket where a number of children broke away from their mothers, more interested in Daisy the horse and the tinsel decorated buggy than they were of Colt dressed as Father Christmas, or what he was giving out but with the first handful of lollies the mob of kids turned into scavenging hyenas. It was the same each time he stoped along the street.

“Hey Vail Brown are you an elf.” Vale’s class mate Gayle Saunders called from outside The Black Cat Cafe.

“I sure am Gayle, want a lolly.” Vail answered and tossed her something wrapped in gold foil, she caught the sweet.

Who’s that with you, I bet its Russell Blake?” She called, sucking on the hard sticky lolly.

“You will never know.” Vail answered as the buggy moved further along the street.

“How about giving me a ride?” Eric called from the footpath. He had been in the main street for his lunch when he noticed the buggy and the commotion and was most surprised to see Colt had broken away from his usual conservative persona to initiate such a stunt. Colt laughed and continued on until he reached the end of the shopping precinct, where he turned and began his run down the opposite side. By that time the children realise there were free chocolates and sweets, many changed side for a second helping. Soon all was gone except for the fruit, no one appeared to want the fruit. So Colt again about turned towards home and Daisy paced her way along the street, head still held high as if inspired by the cheering children.

“What next?” Vail asked.

“I don’t know, I suppose well drop all this fruit off at the retirement home, then take our presents over to Mavis.”

At the Mayfair Retirement Home Daisy trotted up the drive to the surprise of some of the more mobile of the residents, while others gathered at the doors and windows. Colt’s arrival in a buggy was the highlight of their week, even the month or maybe longer.

Some of the home’s staff met the buggy at the drive and graciously accepted a large basket of fruit and on leaving, Colt and Vail received an ovation of hand clapping, making them both feel most proud of their Christmas deed.

Mavis was less receptive of their company, on arrival she was in full flight with Dennis, who sat quietly without comment. Colt in his Santa suit did heighten her mood, giving Dennis some respite, which he accepted and after acknowledging Colt and Vail departed their company.

“Merry Christmas,” Colt exaggerated while placing the largest basket hamper ever seen by his Aunt on the kitchen table. She appeared most surprised and embarrassed from her earlier reception and after perusing the contents through the transparent cellophane wrapping she produced a small neatly wrapped package for Colt, while flashing an apologetic glance at Vail bringing up the rear.

“I also have a present for Judy, would you give it to her for me?” Colt asked. Mavis said she would and accepted the gift, which was placed with others she had ready to take with her the following day. “Also for Dennis but he seems to have gone out.”

“Sulking in the shed I should think.” Mavis assumed.

“You do pick on him a bit.”

“Then why don’t you give him a room.” Mavis persisted.

Colt was about to declare he was her son but realised he had already used that excuse so often; instead he thanked her for the present and went on his way.

“Where to next?” Vail asked as they climbed back into the buggy, with Mavis standing close by grinning at their absurdity. Colt reached into the long pocket of the Santa Suit and retrieved his wallet. He produced two one hundred dollar notes and passed the money to Vail.

“What is this for?” Vail asked somewhat confused by Colt’s offer.

“Pocket money,” Colt explained.

“I don’t need pocket money.” Vail assured.

“Christmas presents, you can’t have Christmas without presents, so I’ll drop you back to the shops and you can do your own shopping and give me a call once you’re finished and I’ll bring the ute in to pick you up.”

Christmas morning was a scurry at the Blake farm. Presents produced from hiding. Large and small, funny and serious but all accepted in grand spirit. Vail had all but taken over the kitchen, while Meg hovered over each move he made, and with cooking utensils piling high, Christmas dinner was well on its way.

Meg had a surprise of her own, with the help from a walking frame she could stand from her chair and for quite long periods. Even take a few steps but nothing too audacious.

Early in the morning Colt had contacted Mavis to once again wish her merry Christmas, instead Dennis answered the telephone. Apparently there was a repeated argument that morning, with Mavis departed for Judy’s without him.

“You can’t be alone on Christmas Day.” Colt asserted.

“I’m use to it mate.”

“No you come over here.”

“Are you sure?” Dennis asked timidly but obviously pleased with the invitation.

“Come over, there’s plenty of food, besides it will give you a chance to meet your cousin and uncle without Mavis breathing down your neck.”

“My car’s not running.” Dennis complained.

“Then walk it’s only twenty minutes, or would you like me to pick you up?”

“Na I’ll walk.”

It was an hour before Dennis arrived, a picture of misery but with the merriment could do nothing but cheer up and with introduction to his Uncle Harry and the others he joined in with the spirit of the occasion.

After Christmas dinner was consumed, all sat around the lounge sipping an assortment of liqueurs and associated beverages, when Harry came up with an end of year mind game. Charlie complained that the year had not yet come to its conclusion and Meg said it may bring bad luck to do so but Harry was adamant, as they would not be gathering for New Year’s Eve.

Each in their turn was to give one wish for the following year. It was to be something simple but sincere and Colt quietly warned Harry, nothing gay because of Dennis’ company and his lack of knowledge of their disposition.

Most gave the usual health and happiness, while Vail hadn’t a clue and at last it came to Dennis, who shook his head and withdrew from the afternoon’s diversion.

“Come on Dennis there must be something you would wish for.” Meg persuaded.

“Yes come on mate.” Harry encouraged while the others egged him on. Eventually he relented.

“I suppose there is one thing but it’s more a need than a wish.” He sadly admitted.

“What would that be?” Charlie asked and for the first time he saw a spark of compassion in Dennis.

“I would like to know who my father was.”

As Dennis spoke the amusement drained from the group and Charlie flashed his mother a requesting look, she nodded her approval.

“Why do you want to know after all these years?” Charlie asked.

“I’ve always wanted to know but mum said it’s none of my business.”

“Of course it’s your business.” Harry declared.

“Anyway I would like to know but I suppose I never will.” Dennis appeared to be drawing away from the conversation and into a shell of melancholia.

“What if I told you I know who your father was?” Charlie announced bringing surprise to the group.

“How would you know?” Dennis appeared quite puzzled, even angered, feeling Charlie was about to make mockery of him.

“And if I told you how would that sit with your mother?” Charlie added seriously. The party’s ambience had dulled and all eyes were trained on Charlie. Colt disapproved but said nothing, Harry most interested in his sister’s youthful antics waited eagerly for the announcement, while the others somewhat on the cusp of it all remained silent.

“I don’t know but I won’t be staying at home much longer, we don’t get along, so I suppose it doesn’t matter much what mum thinks about me knowing.”

“What about you Colt, how does it sit with you?” Charlie asked.

“I don’t like the idea but it’s your call.”

Charlie turned to Meg. “Mum it’s really your story do you wish to tell it?”

“No Charlie if you feel you must, it’s up to you.”

Instantly Charlie felt a chill overcome him. Maybe it was the alcohol that had loosened his tongue. Maybe it had been Dennis’ dejected request he couldn’t say. Now wished he had said nothing. Yet he continued.

“Your father was my father.” Charlie quietly announced. Dennis appeared confused. “Your mother was going out with Brian my father before mum met him and when she was pregnant with you, Mavis was sent off to stay with some relation in the city. Your grandmother forced her to have you adopted. I’m your half brother.”

Dennis remained silent and possibly for the first time he was lost for words. What could he say? All words choked in his throat. He neither believed nor disbelieved Charlie’s edict and with all eyes fixed upon him he panicked and left the room.

“You better go after him Charlie.” Meg suggested.

Dennis didn’t return home that Christmas day, nor so for the following week but did revisit Charlie, who couldn’t relate more than he had on their relationship. In hindsight Charlie thought he had erred and whished he hadn’t spoken but even if he didn’t much care for Dennis, believed he had the right to know. As for Dennis he was gradually building courage to confront his mother but until then he could not live with her, staying across town with a mate.

Eventually Dennis did confront his mother who was most displeased, blaming Colt for the disclosure. He should have been able to control Charlie. Sitting her son down and for the first time she had a meaningful conversation disclosing the truth. It was true Charlie was Dennis’ half brother.

Back at the farm the incident was soon forgotten. Christmas day became Boxing Day. Vail displayed his bike riding skills to Toby, without once falling off while Colt, Harry and Wayne took long walks along the river, Harry disclosing family secrets along the way.

“Do you think Dennis will be alright?” Charlie asked Colt as they sat on the verandah in the heat of the afternoon. Charlie now felt responsible and wished he hadn’t spoken.

“I suppose he had a right to know but possible it should have come from Mavis.”

“Mavis would never have told him.”

“True, well it’s done now and Dennis inherited a little of his mother’s thick skin, he should get over it.”

Across the paddock Toby and Vail were returning, Vail wheeling the motor bike while appearing to be deep in conversation with Toby. They reached the house.

“What do you think?” Colt asked of Toby.

“Yea, he rides well enough, I reckon he’d make a modern stockman.”

“What do you think Vail?” Colt asked.

“I don’t know.” Vail answered solemnly while returning the bike to its shed. He once again rejoined the gathering on the landing.

“Want a beer?” Colt offered. Vail accepted; his gaze across the paddock towards the specks that were the returning figures of Harry and Wayne.

“Harry is leaving tomorrow.” Colt disclosed. Vail nodded.

“You’re quiet Vail.” Colt surmised.

The lad took a deep breath and answered. “You asked me what I thought. I don’t think I want to be a ringer any more.” Both Colt and Toby appeared surprised. Vail continued.

“I love horses but don’t think much of the bloody motor bike, too dangerous in the scrub. Unlike a horse it can’t see where it’s going and I guess if you’ve got your eyes glued on the bullocks you can’t watch out for holes.”

“Astute,” Toby agreed.

“What would you like to do?” Colt asked, “University,” he added.

“I haven’t got my results yet.” The lad paused then in serious demeanour he continued. “No I don’t think so, I have another idea but you probably wouldn’t agree.”

“Try me.” Colt suggested.

Vail stood and leant against the verandah railing, his stance was that of an adult, no longer appearing as the skinny kid Colt had befriended on the river bank less than a year previously. He pointed towards the closest paddock next to the road into the farm. “See that paddock over there?”

“You’re not going to grow spuds; are you?” Colt laughed.

“No I would like to start a riding school; there are plenty of local kids and tourists that would pay to learn to ride and that paddock is well designed for the purpose.” Vail paused, “You don’t like the idea.”

“I didn’t say that.” Colt protested.

“Oh well it was just an idea I’ve had for some time.”

“Alright you can have your riding school but you better work out what’s needed first.” Colt agreed.

“I’ve already done that!” Vail excitedly hurried to his bedroom for his designs.

“What do you think of that?” Colt questioned Toby. “It appears you’re lost your potential stockman?”

“There wasn’t really a position anyway. The boss was going to train him and hope to place him somewhere locally.” Toby admitted.

Vail returned with an exercise book. He passed it to Colt and stood hands on hips, waiting for his appraisal.

“Hey this stuff is good. You have really done your homework.” Colt admitted.

“So you agree?”

“Yes I agree but not until after you receive your results, you still may wish to go to Uni.”

With Harry and Wayne gone it was now Toby’s turn to leave. Colt offered to drive him to the city and the airport but Toby said he would rather go by train as he didn’t often have the chance to do so.

At the station the parting was difficult. Colt in a short time had grown to love his brother but realised Toby treasured the solitude of the bush and would never make a town’s boy, declaring the Blake family had far too much intrigue for his fancy. He did admit liking Charlie and was quite accepting of the relationship. As for his Uncle Harry, maybe in short doses.

As the train sounded its departure, Colt promised to keep in contact and Toby promised he would return in following August. Sadly Colt left the station thinking how strange life was, full of comings and goings. He remembered the words from a song, ships passing in the night. By the time he returned to the farm, he had forgotten his melancholy.

Vail was once again on horse back while whispering sweet nothings into the animal’s ear. He waved on seeing Colt’s approach, bringing his mount to gallop until close by.

“Toby got away alright?” He called. Dismounting Vail came up to Colt as he parked the utility.

“He did.”

“I like Toby.” Vail admitted. Colt laughed.

“You like everyone.”

“Eric rang while you were at the station.” Vail informed while taking his mount back to the yards.

“What did Eric want?”

“He wants you and Charlie to go for drinks at the club tonight.”

“Would you like to join us?” Colt offered.

“Could I?”

“You are one of the gang, why not.”

Late in the afternoon Dennis arrived to speak with Charlie. They sat for some time on the verandah, Dennis drinking Colt’s beer and drowning in self pity. It appeared that the knowledge of his father’s identity had driven a wedge between mother and son, beyond reconciliation. Charlie apologised but Dennis declared it was bound to have happen anyway.

The following morning Colt visited Mavis, discovering her to be unwell but not sick enough to be incapable in giving him a piece of her mind.

“I had nothing to do with it Mavis.” Colt protested.

“You shouldn’t have had Dennis over for Christmas dinner.”

“Maybe you should have taken him to Judy’s.” Colt snapped. Realising his blood was rising he lowered his tone. “I’m sorry it has upset you and I didn’t agree with Charlie telling him but think of how Dennis feels.”

“Oh well, I suppose it’s done now and can’t be undone. Besides I would have told him eventually but I never connected Charlie with Meg as her son. Or more to the point, I didn’t want to admit it all, not even to myself, as at the time I was quite taken with Brian.”

It was uncharacteristic of Mavis to relent so quickly but she huffed and sighed and huffed again, then offered a coffee. She didn’t appear well at all and Colt commented so.

“I’m just a little of colour, nothing really, probably something I ate, I’m seeing Dr. Ashfield this afternoon.”

“Best you do and let me know and if you need a hand around the house.” Colt offered but Mavis in the true spirit of the woman declined.

It had been a number of days since Colt’s visit to his aunt and as long since Dennis called in. When he did call at the farm it was only to talk with Charlie. It appeared he was trying to create a brother out of blood and not from bonding. It wasn’t working, Dennis was becoming more intent and Charlie tired of being pumped for information he did not have. Again he wished he had never mentioned their relationship, or better still Harry hadn’t started that silly game.

Saturday morning Charlie and Vail had driven into town for the weekly shopping while Colt attended to the recently delivered horse feed. From the top of the bails of hay in the feed shed, he heard a motor coming across the bridge and by its sound wasn’t Charlie returning early, as the vehicle appeared to have a misfiring cylinder. He went to investigate.

Rounding the side of the house he discovered it was Dennis, already out of his vehicle and appearing most upset.

“What’s the matter?” Colt called from some distance.

“She’s dead!”

“Who’s dead Dennis?” Colt asked lacking any clue what his cousin was talking about.

“Mum, I went around too see her early this morning.” He paused and took a gulp of air then continued; “and I found her lying in the hall dead.” Dennis burst into tears and buried his face in his hands across the bonnet of his car.

“I knew she wasn’t well but she said it was a stomach upset.” Colt proclaimed most shocked at the news.

“I called the doctor and he said she had died at least two days ago from a heart attack.”

“I don’t know what to say mate.” Colt didn’t. He felt as cold about Mavis’ passing as he had about that of his own parent’s demise but displayed what he thought to be the correct condolatory motions.

Once inside Colt poured Dennis a large straight scotch and had him relate the incident, hoping talking about it may help him come to terms with what had happened.

“Where are you staying?” Colt asked once Dennis appeared to be somewhat brighter.

“I was staying with Martin King but thought I could make it up with mum and return home.”

“I think you should stay here for a couple of days, at least until everything is settled.”

An hour and half and most of the bottle of scotch later, Dennis was ready to be poured into bed, as Charlie arrived home in time to help.

“Is that Dennis’ car out the front?” Charlie asked climbing the stairs loaded with shopping bags. Vail behind, equally loaded.

“It is and I’ll have you give me a hand putting him to bed.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

“Dead drunk,”

“In the middle of the day, I thought he was a night time drinker?”

“Usually but Mavis has died and he’s somewhat wrecked, he was the one who found her.”

“Shit, when?”

“She died two day’s back I believe, Dennis went over to make up after their row and found her in the hall.”

“How do you feel?” Charlie asked showing concern for Colt.

“I’m alright, oddly I don’t feel much at all but if it were you or even that brat behind you it would be different.”

Vail grinned, placed his bags on the kitchen table but didn’t respond.

Dennis was carried off to bed and a bucket was placed beside for fear he came to and heaved over an almost new carpet.

“I suggested he should stay here until at least the funeral, I suppose I could arrange that for him.” Colt said looking down at the now peaceful face of his cousin. “He’s an ugly little bugger eh.” He commented.

“Careful that’s my brother you’re talking about.” Charlie humorously warned.

“Half brother mate, and of course it’s the other half that’s ugly.” They both laughed.

“The other half is your side of the family Colt.” Vail suggested from the doorway.

“Oh he’s right I didn’t think of that. It must be your half Charlie.”

Charlie gave a grunt, “well at least he won’t have to leave home now.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Mavis’ house I should think he will inherit it.”

“I don’t think so; I’ve seen her will, for some reason she has left it to me, seeing Dennis was adopted, I suppose she believed that I was her closest relation.”

“Then he really is in a fix, no mother no house – nothing.” Charlie answered.

“Na he can keep it, what would I want with another house? Besides he has more right to it than I have.”

January was quickly turning into February. Mavis was buried and Dennis, after receiving the shock he didn’t inherit the house, received a bigger shock when Colt had his solicitor organise the transfer of the property back to him without any attachments.

Vail received his results and not only had he topped his class but the state. Still all he wanted was to develop his riding school. Colt agreed and financed his enterprise.

The cricket ended with an outstanding victory to the local team, going through the entire season winning every game except one that was washed out. As for Charlie’s treachery by deserting Mt Oakey, it still rested bitterly on the lips of the Mt. Oakey team but it didn’t faze him at all. He was where he believed he belonged.

There was still more good news to be had, Meg was walking. No great distances but around the house with the help of her walking frame. She could even walk the garden once wheeled there and was more than happy to remain with Colt and Charlie. Now she declared she had two boys.

Late in the summer Colt caught Vail dressed in his best top and jeans, splashing on Charlie’s aftershave.

“Have you got a date mate?” Colt teased.

“Maybe I have.”

“Who is the unlucky girl?”

“Max,” Vail answered while dabbing some aftershave under his armpits.

“Maxine, is she one of you school mates, or is it the dog?”

“Nope Max Stanton, he’s the barman from the Royal.”

“Shit mate all this time and you didn’t tell me you were gay.”

“You didn’t ask, besides I always wanted to crawl into your bed but you had Charlie and I couldn’t do that.” Vail placed his arms in the air, “well how do I look?” he asked.

“As handsome as ever mate but I’m shocked.”

“What that I’m gay or I have a date?” Vail laughed.

“Neither, it’s just that scared young feller who wanted to learn to ride is now a man; A handsome young man who I love almost as much as I do Charlie.”

Vail sniffed at his armpits, “do you think that’s enough?” He asked.

“Enough – you reek like a prostitutes bedroom.” Colt answered.

“Good.”

As he spoke Charlie entered the room. “You’re at my aftershave again.” He commented.

“Vail has a date.” Colt exclaimed.

“I know,” Charlie admitted.

“It’s with a feller.”

“I know that as well.”

Vail waved his elbows around like chook wings to waft away the excess scent. “Well I’m off, don’t wait up.”

Colt commenced to laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Charlie asked as Vail headed for the door.

“It’s like twenty years ago all over again when Harry ran off to the city with his barman.”

Vail turned, “I won’t be running off, you don’t get rid of me that easy, you two have me for life so get use to it.” The door closed and Vail was gone.

“Don’t you drink and ride that bike.” Colt called after Vail.

“Don’t worry dad, I won’t.” Vail’s voice returned through the closed door.

“How long have you known?” Colt asked as the motor bike revved into life.

“Ages.”

“And you didn’t tell me.”

“Vail asked me not to, he didn’t want to worry you.”

“That old motor bike of Eric’s do you think I should get him a new one?”

“No Eric has given it to him and it runs alright and because it was Eric’s he treasures it.” Charlie assured.

Colt smiled and shook his head. He no longer felt as if he were the odd one out, he didn’t even feel odd. He could also use the word gay without cringing. Turning to Charlie he spoke with a broad smile.

Come on mate, an early night, let’s get you into bed.”

The End.

If you have enjoyed this story, the author would like to hear from you: gary.conder@castleroland.net

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