True Love

23. Family (2)

Mitch was in his childhood bedroom, after a nice family dinner. His parents had welcomed his announcement with happiness, and even relief, as his father had told him.

- I've been worried sometimes, about some of your choices, you know. And sad to see you so lonely last year. I would have never guessed that Avi could fall in love with you of course! But I like him a lot, and I feel more than happy to know you're with him.

- Telling I'm happy isn't enough dad! I still don't believe it sometimes, I'm afraid to wake up suddenly... It's silly, I know, I just don't believe how lucky I am!

His father had laughed.

- You deserve to be happy, Mitchie. How many people will have to tell you, and how many times? And listen, I think he's lucky too, he added with a wink.

Mitch had blushed, making his parents gently laugh at him.

Now he was waiting for a call from Avi. He answered at the first ring.

- Avi!

- Hey little angel! Were you waiting for me?

- Of course not! I wasn't even thinking of you!

Avi chuckled.

- I love you too.

- How are you? How was it?

- Mitchie! I'm alive.

- Avi!

- Calm down, little angel. Give me time.

Mitch could hear the amused smile in Avi's voice.

- I'm sorry. It's just... I know it's easier for me. I was...

- Worried, I know. It's okay Mitch. Not easy but not bad.

And he told him about his parents' reactions, and his own relief about it.

- I'll see tomorrow what my father can tell me. Anyway, he didn't turn his back to me, so whatever how long he will need, I'm happy. I felt you beside me, you know, it hepled me to find my words to tell them.

- I was with you...

- I love you Mitchie. I'll call you back tomorrow, as soon as I know when I come back. I feel so tired now...

- I'll be waiting for your call. Good night Avi. I love you.

- Good night my sweet angel. I miss you...

*****

Sunday. Avi woke up late. He had been unable to sleep a part of the night. All this waiting made him nervous. His dad. The video. The album. The fans' reactions. Mitch... He couldn't wait to feel openly free about their relashionship, to find back more peace in his life. The latest months had been rather restless!

He found his mother and Esther in the kitchen, preparing lunch. They spoke at the same time.

- Good morning Avi!

- Good morning girls, smiled Avi.

- Seems you didn't sleep very well, said Esther.

- I didn't sleep early, at least. It's been nine months long, a lot of questioning besides a lot of work, and I need it to be clear now.

- Your father went out for the day, said his mother softly. He needs time to think, and pray, alone. He'll be back this evening, but he doesn't know when exactly. We're about to have lunch. Would you come for a walk with me afterwards?

- Sure, I would love to, smiled Avi gratefully.

- Will you come with us Esther?

- No, thank you. I think it's better if you're just the two of you. And I'll be there if dad comes back in the meanwhile.

*****

They were walking side by side, mother and son, in one of their favorite places. Wild nature, slowly changing from summer to fall. So peaceful.

- Tell me about him, Avi.

He gazed at her, a little surprised. He wouldn't have guessed she would ask this at first! But he was grateful. He began to talk, staring ahead of him. Hesitantly at the beginning, but the words soon flowed from his mouth as if he couldn't retain them.

- Mitch. I call him my angel. He is... he's beautiful, and funny, sensitive, unexpected, smart, caring. So humble. He's talented. He is the best singer of us five, you know. He has the prettiest voice I've ever heard, and his voice heals me. He gave me so much already. He offered me his heart and soul without asking anything for himself. He's here, beside me. He makes me smile, he makes me feel alive. I feel like he has woken me up from a long misty sleep. I've never felt loved the way he loves me. I thought I was dreaming about something unreal, but here he is. I love him. More than I can tell. I want to make him happy.

She remained silent for a while. They stopped near an old tree and sat on a rock. She looked at him.

- I forgot you were talking about a man. I mean... I forgot it's weird for me to know you love a man. You make me love him. You made me want to meet him.

Avi was staring at her.

- I know you, Avriel. I know how much you felt lonely sometimes. I know you've often been disappointed. I know what kind of love you were longing for. When I listen to you, it seems you found it. But... you also wanted a family...

- Yes, I do. Do you know what has been the hardest for him? Precisely that. It's been his biggest proof of love.

And Avi told her about the doubts Mitch had been facing during spring, and that he was ready to sacrifice his love for him, to let him a chance to built a family.

- But I already knew he was the one. I was ready to give up the idea of a normal family to stay with him. Then he told me he would love to have kids.

She needed time to fully understand what he was telling her.

- It's so new for me. Unexpected and disturbing. I will have to get used to all this. But I'll be there for you both, darling. I would have given anything to see you as happy as you seem to be now. It's enough for me.

Avi couldn't hold back the tears of relief that rolled down his cheeks. His mother wrapped him in her arms and rocked him slightly, as she had done when he was a child.

- Thank you so much mom! I feel understood, and it's even more important than being accepted. I love you.

- I love you too, my son. I may be surprised, I'm not disappointed. I'm proud of who you are.

*****

Avi didn't see his father that evening. When he and his mother came back, Esther was setting the table for dinner.

- Dad is back, but in his bedroom. He asked me to tell Avi that he's sorry, but he needs more time. He'll talk to you in the morning. He didn't seem to be really upset though. Less disturbed than the day before at least, she ended with a little comforting smile.

Avi called Mitch right away. He told him about his restless night, about his talk with his mother, about his dad. He told him he would be back somewhere on monday.

- Please, I would like you to stay at Scott's tonight.

- Why?

- I don't know. I don't want you to be alone. I would feel better if I knew you're with him... But it's just me! Do as you want Mitchie.

- No, you're right. I could stay alone but... I need to be sure about your father, maybe it wouldn't be easy to be alone tonight. But you, promise me you'll sleep more this time!

Avi chuckled.

- I promise that I'll do my best.

- Think of me!

- Every second, little angel. See you tomorrow. I love you.

- I love you Avriel.