MILES
I am pacing back and forth across the preparation room, nervous energy coursing through my veins. The soft murmur of conversations filled the air as the other performers prepared for their turns on the stage. But I couldn't allow myself to blend in and act like nothing was wrong. Not when Caleb was nowhere to be found.
It had already been an hour and a half since we were supposed to meet backstage. The show had started, and the crowd was eagerly awaiting their dose of entertainment. But without Caleb, all of our efforts would be in vain.
I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, the ticking of the second hand mocking me with each passing moment. Any minute now, our names would be called, and the spotlight would be waiting for us. Yet Caleb was still nowhere to be seen. Panic welled up inside me, threatening to suffocate my hopes of a flawless performance.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Maybe there was a reasonable explanation for Caleb's absence. Traffic, perhaps? Or a last-minute emergency? Regardless, the reality remained that we were running out of time. The weight of the situation bore down on me, and I couldn't simply stand there and hope for the best.
"Why isn't he here yet?" I muttered to myself, my voice tinged with worry and frustration. I glanced at my phone, expecting him to call me, but I still received nothing.
"Miles, calm down," Erin said, her voice gentle and reassuring. I glanced at her, giving her a look that said, "How am I supposed to do that?"
Charles chimed in; he must've sensed my mounting anxiety. "He'll be here soon, Miles," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "There's no use in getting worked up about it."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. Finally, I couldn't bear it any longer. I dialed his number, my heart pounding in my chest as it rang. Voicemail. I left a message, my voice strained and shaky, begging him to call me back as soon as he could. Time passed like molasses, the minutes stretching into eternity, and still, there was no response.
Frustration welled up inside me, threatening to spill over in the form of tears. I had spent hours getting ready for this important event, meticulously planning every detail.
In that moment of defeat, I caught a glimpse of movement behind me in the reflection of the mirror. Startled, I turned around to find a familiar face standing in the doorway.
"Ty? What are you doing here?" I inquired, perplexed by his unexpected presence in the waiting room. Ty is standing there, wearing a sharply tailored suit. The black fabric hugged his broad shoulders, accentuating his athletic physique. "You were supposed to be in the audience watching the show." I studied him, trying to decipher the peculiar aura that surrounded him.
"I heard from Mrs. Dorset about what happened," he said, his face clouded with concern. It took him a moment before he could gather his thoughts and continue speaking. His voice was tinged with a mix of curiosity and worry that piqued my interest.
"Caleb won't be coming, Miles; his grandma was taken to the hospital tonight," Tyler added, his voice filled with concern. I was stunned and unable to articulate a response. A wave of worry washed over me as I struggled to comprehend the reality of the situation.
"But I came here on his behalf," Tyler repeated, his voice filled with conviction as he shared this unexpected revelation. Erin and Charles exchanged glances, mirroring my puzzled expression.
"What do you mean?" Erin asked, her voice trembling with confusion and disbelief.
Charles, teasingly, couldn't resist the opportunity to ruffle Tyler's feathers a bit. "No offense, but do you even know how to play the piano, Ty?" he added with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Tyler let out a chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I know how to play the piano, Charles; I've always known how to play it since I was a kid," Tyler replied confidently, though his laughter gave away the hint of a challenge.
"But you guys don't have time left to practice!" Erin exclaimed, her voice laced with concern.
"Who said we were going to practice?" Tyler replied nonchalantly as he glanced at me, sharing a secret smile.
Confusion filled the air as the three of us-Erin, Charles, and Me-exchanged gazes, uncertain of what Tyler meant. Erin's eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.
"I mean, I know Caleb's parts in the performance perfectly well. We don't need any more practice," Tyler explained, wearing a mischievous grin.
Erin and I exchanged another glance, our curiosity piqued. "How?" I finally spoke up, unable to suppress my curiosity any longer.
Tyler's face lit up with mischief. "I couldn't help myself," Tyler explained, grinning mischievously. "Let's just say I saw Caleb's copy of the piano sheets you sent him via email, and I sent it to myself as well."
My eyes widened in disbelief. "You went through my phone?" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with both annoyance and curiosity.
Tyler quickly apologized, holding up his hands in defense. "No, it's nothing like that! I was nearby and happened to notice Caleb's email notification. I couldn't resist pulling a little prank. I promise I didn't invade your privacy."
I paused, considering his words. Though I was slightly irritated, my curiosity got the best of me. "Then explain to me," I demanded, wanting to understand the motive behind Tyler's actions.
Tyler's grin widened, his excitement evident. "Well, you and Caleb have been practicing for a while, and I've always admired your musical talents. I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and see if I could catch up with your expertise in playing the piano."
My annoyance slowly transformed into an amused smile. I appreciated Tyler's enthusiasm and understood his intentions were genuine rather than malicious. "So, you were so excited about my performance that you couldn't help but try it yourself?" I asked, beginning to grasp the lightheartedness of the situation.
He nodded eagerly. "Exactly! I wanted to understand the music from your perspective and maybe even surprise you with my rendition."
I couldn't help but feel touched by Tyler's dedication to our relationship and his genuine interest in my passion. "Well, you certainly managed to surprise me, Ty," I said, chuckling. "I never expected this, but I'm glad you did it because I need your help right now."
Suddenly the door swung open, and Mrs. Dorsett went in. "Miles, Tyler, it's almost your turn; hurry!" Mrs. Dorsett whispered urgently to us. I looked at Tyler and saw him grinning like a devil. The mischievous glint in his eyes always meant trouble was brewing.
We immediately head towards the backstage, where the corridor is lined with anxious performers waiting for their names to be called on the stage. The air is thick with anticipation, and the hum of whispered prayers and last-minute instructions fills my ears. My palms are sweaty, my legs feel like jelly, and my mind is a whirlwind of nerves. I can't seem to breathe normally, and my heart feels like it wants to escape from my chest.
My heart pounded in my chest as anxiety gripped my entire being. It was as though my body had betrayed me, its tremors revealing my inner turmoil to the world. I found myself desperately trying to steady my quivering hands, but they had become disobedient, shaking uncontrollably.
Amidst the chaos, a sudden touch jolted me from my restless thoughts. Warmth enveloped my cold fingers, gradually soothing the tremors that consumed me. I gazed up, my eyes meeting Tyler's gentle gaze. A soft smile played on his lips, and in that moment, his very presence brought a wave of calmness washing over me.
I wasn't sure how he managed to calm my nerves with a simple touch, but it didn't matter. The effect was undeniable, and I found solace in the fact that I wasn't alone in my struggle. Tyler had always been there for me, quietly supporting me through the ups and downs of life.
"Just breathe," he whispered, his voice like a whispering breeze that carried away the weight on my shoulders. As if obeying an unspoken command, I took a deep breath, allowing the air to fill my lungs and cleanse my troubled mind. The shaking gradually subsided, replaced by a newfound sense of tranquility.
"Now let's welcome Miles O'Malley and Tyler Penrod!" Mrs. Dorsett announced, and Tyler and I went onto the stage together. The applause from the audience filled the room, and the spotlight illuminated our nervous smiles.
The moment we got onto the stage, the theater's bright lights shining down on us, I couldn't help but feel a wave of nerves wash over me. I glanced at the audience, their smiling faces and eager applause echoing throughout the room. But amidst the sea of strangers, there was one person who caught my attention-my Dad.
He was seated in the front row, flanked by my Mom and my older brother, Jackson. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the sight. This was the first time he had come to watch me perform, and the weight of his presence only intensified the knots in my stomach. I knew that I had to give it my all, afraid to disappoint the person who meant the world to me.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them, my gaze instinctively sought out my Dad. I found him; his eyes locked onto me, a proud smile stretching across his face. In that fleeting moment, there was a silent understanding between us.
He nodded twice, a subtle gesture of reassurance that everything was going to be just fine. His smile spoke volumes, silently whispering words of encouragement. It was as if he were saying, "I believe in you, son. You've got this." I felt a rush of warmth and determination wash over me.
Summoning all of my courage, I nodded my head back at him, a small but meaningful gesture that conveyed my appreciation for his unwavering support. The fear and nervousness that had consumed me began to melt away, replaced by a newfound sense of confidence.
Tyler and I sat side by side at the gleaming black piano. With a deep breath, we simultaneously placed our fingers on the keys, anticipation humming in the air. As we began to play, our fingers danced across the ivory keys, weaving a tapestry of sound that enveloped us in its warm embrace. The melody flowed effortlessly between us, effortlessly blending our styles. With each note, a myriad of emotions unfolded: happiness, nostalgia, and a touch of yearning.
The music swelled and receded, illuminating the depths of our souls. Tyler's elegant touch contrasted with my passionate fervor, creating a delicate balance that only we could achieve. Our synchronicity was instinctive as if we had always known how to harmonize with one another, our movements guided by an unseen force.
I couldn't help but look at Tyler, his eyes sparkling with unspoken joy. His contagious smile slowly stretched across his face, mirroring the happiness that had settled deep within my own heart. At that moment, we shared an unspoken recognition of the profound connection we had forged.
With each note we played, our music filled the room with a soothing melody. Our music was a language of its own, speaking volumes without saying a word. But when I began to sing, Tyler's expression changed.
As the words escaped my lips, his eyes widened, and his face displayed a mix of surprise and awe. It was as if he had never heard my voice before. At that moment, I felt vulnerable, as if a part of my soul was laid bare before him. Doubts and insecurities flooded my mind, threatening to silence me.
But then something unexpected happened. Tyler smiled a warm, comforting smile that erased my apprehension. "Keep singing," he softly encouraged, his voice filled with genuine support. Those reassuring words became my anchor, grounding me back to the music that flowed within me.
With renewed determination, I closed my eyes and allowed the melody to guide my voice. It wrapped around me like a comforting embrace as I poured my emotions into each word. The song became the canvas of my vulnerabilities, painting a tapestry of raw emotions.
"'Cause I'm in a field of dandelions, Wishing on everyone that you'll be mine, mine... And I see forever in your eyes; I feel okay when I see you smile, smile..." We both sang in sync, exchanging glances and smiles as our fingers danced across the ivory, weaving a beautiful melody that filled the air. As we played and sang, the music seemed to lift us, carrying us away on a journey of sound and emotion. The notes flowed effortlessly from the piano, intertwining with the power of our voices.
Our fingers danced across the piano keys, our hands seemingly guided by an unseen force. Our melodies were enchanting and delicate, yet filled with an underlying strength.
As the music consumed us, we played and sang with such passion and intensity that we lost track of time, lost in the magic of the moment. The music swelled and ebbed, creating a symphony of emotions that enveloped us. It was as if the melodies formed a bridge between our hearts, connecting us on a level beyond words.
Every note struck a chord within our souls, leaving us breathless and exhilarated. The room is filled with tangible energy, charged with love and unspoken understanding. The harmonies we created were not just a collaboration of sound but a testament to the unbreakable bond we shared as lovers.
When we finally finished, we just sat there, still caught in the spell of the music. Silence draped over us like a cozy blanket; the only sounds were the soft echoes of the melodies we had just woven together. Our hearts pounded in our chests, and our breaths were heavy and labored. Beads of sweat clung to our brows, evidence of everything we had poured into our performance.
Slowly, we opened our eyes and found ourselves staring into each other's glistening orbs. At that moment, there was no need for words. Our eyes spoke volumes, conveying the depth of our connection and the overwhelming joy we felt. A shared understanding passed between us, a silent acknowledgment of the magic we had just created.
SCOTT
After watching numerous cringe-worthy and boring performances, including those two girls doing nothing but magic tricks, finally, Mrs. Dorsett announced that it was my son's turn to show his magnificent talent to everyone. As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the auditorium, my heart raced with anticipation. It was my son Miles' big moment-his time to shine on stage. But what made this moment even more significant was the person by his side, his boyfriend, Tyler. As the spotlight illuminated the stage, I sat straight in my seat, my heart filled with a mix of pride and apprehension. And then there they were, Miles and Tyler, hand in hand, entering the stage. Their suits stood out against their backdrop, symbolizing their courage to embrace their authentic selves.
As Miles glanced toward the audience, our eyes met for a fleeting moment. His nervous gaze shifted to me, searching for approval and acceptance. And in that instance, a wave of understanding washed over me. I knew I had the power to make or break this moment for him.
With a deep breath, I nodded my head twice, a small, reassuring smile forming on my face. Those simple gestures were my way of telling Miles that everything was fine. It was my way of saying, "I believe in you, son. You've got this."
To my relief, Miles reciprocated with an appreciative nod and a smile that reached his eyes. It was the first genuine smile we had shared in years, bridging the gap that had formed between us.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt a pair of warm hands slip into mine. Surprised, I turned to see my beautiful wife, Jocelyn, standing beside me. Her eyes sparkled with love, and her warm smile lit up the room. It was that smile-the same dazzling smile I had seen mirrored on our son's face countless times before.
With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she whispered, "It's nice to see you guys having a son and dad silent conversation."
I chuckled gently, finding her choice of words amusing. "Silent conversation, huh? That's an interesting way to put it."
Suddenly, a memory flashed into my mind. With a jolt, I was transported back to my childhood, a time filled with darkness and fear. I was reminded of the days when I was constantly beaten to the brink of death by my father, a man who seemed to take pleasure in inflicting pain on me.
Growing up, my father's abuse knew no boundaries. A cruel and bitter man, he not only subjected me to physical harm but also attacked my self-worth with his hurtful words. I was labeled with names I didn't want to be called, belittled, and demoralized at every turn. No matter how hard I tried to please him, it was never enough. I felt trapped, suffocating under the weight of his hatred.
After my mother passed away, life seemed to lose its vibrant colors. Each day blended into the next, and I found solace in the routine of school. It was during this period of grief and numbness that I met him-a young man who would unknowingly bring light back into my world.
His name was Heather, and he was the epitome of everything I wished for in a friend. He had a gentle nature, a warm smile, and a genuine kindness that seemed to illuminate his entire being. From the moment we struck up a conversation in the school library, I knew I had found something special.
As our friendship blossomed, Heather became an integral part of my life. We spent countless hours together, sharing secrets, dreams, and laughter. I soon discovered that he possessed a creative mind and a remarkable talent for art. His drawings were mesmerizing, and each stroke of his pencil seemed to breathe life into the paper.
Despite his undeniable beauty and charm, Heather was an enigma to most. No one knew the deeper layers that lay beneath his captivating exterior-except for me. Heather harbored a secret that he chose to entrust only to my heart.
We spent the entire year together, sharing laughter, secrets, and countless adventures. What started as a simple friendship effortlessly evolved into something deeper. Our connection became an unspoken understanding, a comfort in each other's presence.
As the seasons changed, so did the dynamics of our relationship. Days turned into nights, and nights transformed into blurry memories of laughter and camaraderie. But amidst the raucous nights out and the quiet conversations beneath starlit skies, something shifted within me. I began to realize that my feelings for him had transcended the boundaries of friendship.
It was a brisk autumn evening when our journey took an unexpected turn. We found ourselves surrounded by pulsating lights, booming music, and the euphoria of a vibrant party. The familiar faces and joyful shouts blended into a swirling haze as we allowed ourselves to give in to the allure of the moment. It was no secret that alcohol blurred inhibitions, yet it also had a way of exposing truths we often hid in the shadows of sobriety.
As the night wore on, my senses dulled, and he, the ever-watchful guardian, guided me through the chaos. Sensing my exhaustion and intoxication, he swiftly wrapped his arm around my waist and led us towards the exit. With a gentle touch, he steadied me and opened the car door. The car engine roared to life, blending with the echoing beats of the party behind us, as we began our journey back home.
The darkness outside enveloped us as we moved through the city streets, cocooned by a comfortable silence. My head rested heavily against the window as I gazed at the flickering lights passing by. It felt like a dream, an ethereal moment suspended between reality and fantasy.
A sudden urge surged within me, an unwavering whisper that refused to be silenced. Gathering all the courage I had left, I turned toward him, my heart pounding. "Stay with me tonight," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the hum of the car's engine.
His eyes flickered with surprise, but a hint of something more profound danced within his gaze. He nodded, mirroring my nervousness. The car veered into the driveway, and we stumbled out, bodies intoxicated with both the liquor we had consumed and the overwhelming emotions that hung in the air.
Inside, we found solace in each other's arms, tangled amidst sheets that whispered secrets and yearning. As the night unfolded, confessions were shared in whispers, shy touches, and the tender murmurs of two souls finally recognized an undeniable connection.
The embrace of sleep finally embraced us, but the rising sun would awaken us to a harsh reality. The soft rays of dawn filtered through the curtains, giving the room a hazy glow. Birds chirped their familiar melodies outside, oblivious to the darkness that had descended upon our lives.
Just as the world began to stir awake, a loud gunshot pierced through the tranquility. Startled, I abruptly awoke from my deep slumber. A heavy silence hung in the air. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, my heart pounding viciously against my ribcage. The sight before me was a nightmare, unfolding in agonizing slow motion.
I saw my father standing there, his face twisted with rage, his grip on his gun tight and unwavering. The barrel pointed directly at me, his flesh and blood. My mind struggled to comprehend what was happening-this couldn't be real.
Beside me, my friend and first love, Heather, lay on the floor, his body trembling in pain. Blood seeped from his wounded leg, staining the faded carpet beneath him. His eyes, filled with agony and desperation, pleaded for help that I couldn't provide.
Confusion swallowed me whole, rendering me motionless as a lifetime of memories flashed before my eyes. How did we end up here? How did love and friendship crumble into this nightmare?
After that incident, I ran away from home the day I graduated high school. The weight of guilt and regret had become unbearable, leaving me no choice but to flee from all that was familiar. With a heavy heart and a mind burdened by memories, I left my father all by himself and chose to forget about his existence. As for Heather, it had been years since the incident that tore us apart, but the weight of it never left my heart. I had inadvertently shattered his trust when I abruptly left without an explanation. Time had only deepened the ache of regret, and I longed for the chance to apologize, to find closure, and to find redemption.
Then, later on, I applied for a job and enrolled in college simultaneously. Each day was a whirlwind of work, classes, and endless studying. It seemed impossible to keep up with everything, but I refused to give up. Deep down, I knew my mother was watching over me, giving me the strength to carry on.
It was during my first semester at college that I met Jocelyn. She was a warm ray of sunshine, radiating kindness and compassion. We quickly became friends, bonding over late-night study sessions and sharing dreams of a brighter future. Jocelyn was unlike anyone I had ever known. She had an innate ability to see beyond my external façade, peering into the depths of my soul.
As our friendship blossomed, I found myself confiding in her, opening up about the trials and tribulations of my past. I shared my secrets, fears, and insecurities, expecting judgment or rejection. But to my surprise, she accepted me with open arms and an open heart. Jocelyn understood me on a level that no one else had before, just like my mother.
Gradually, our friendship grew into something more. We fell in love, and the bond we shared became unbreakable. Jocelyn became my rock, supporting me through the relentless challenges of juggling work, college, and my never-ending quest for self-improvement.
Jocelyn and I have always been inseparable. We were two like-minded souls, connected by our shared passions and beliefs. Our bond extended beyond our mutual love for music, which initially brought us together. We shared similar tastes in literature, art, and even our outlook on life. It seemed as if we could finish each other's sentences and understand each other's thoughts without uttering a single word. We were truly soulmates.
After several years of being together, we decided it was time to take the next step in our journey-to get married and start a family. Our hearts overflowed with joy at the thought of creating a home filled with love, laughter, and our shared interests.
Soon enough, we were blessed with the arrival of our beautiful youngest son, Miles. He had Jocelyn's hazel eyes. From the moment he was born, he brought immeasurable happiness into our lives.
As a family, we spent our days like any other. We played in the park, sang songs together on the subway, and shared countless smiles and laughs. Our home was a haven of acceptance and unconditional love.
However, this blissful bubble of happiness was shattered when Miles faced a cruel encounter at school. A jackass classmate, fueled by ignorance and hate, had forcibly outed him as gay to the rest of their school. The news spread like wildfire, leaving Miles vulnerable and exposed, his world crumbling around him.
My son, Miles, was an intelligent and sensitive teenager. Within the walls of his school, whispers spread like wildfire, fueled by narrow-mindedness and ignorance. Miles faced relentless bullying for being gay; his identity was under attack from those who couldn't understand or accept him.
But outside the realm of school, another battle was waged for Miles and me. At my workplace, I was met with raised eyebrows, hushed conversations, and disapproving glances. Other dads, blinded by their prejudices, couldn't fathom having a gay son. They scoffed, whispered, and made snide remarks, attempting to humiliate me for my son's sexuality.
My worries and traumas came back without warning as I started remembering the person I chose to forget: my cruel father, whom my mom called the madman. The memories of the darkness that surrounded my childhood slowly seeped into my consciousness, like a venomous poison invading every inch of my being. Day by day, I kept seeing my evil dad in my dreams, and somehow, it changed me most dangerously.
I became the person I used to hate, The Madman.
But not for long, as my son, Jackson helped me get back to my senses. I am thankful and proud of him for protecting his little brother from me. As I look back on the years I spent treating my son, Miles harshly, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of regret. The anger and frustration I expressed towards him have left a lasting impact, and I wish I could turn back time to do things differently. I now realize that my actions were driven by my insecurities, fears, and traumas-I should have expressed my love and support for him in a more positive way. It breaks my heart to think of the pain I caused, and I can only hope that he can forgive me and move on from the scars I have left.
Tyler and Miles sat side by side at a piano, their fingers dancing across the keys in unison. But I was surprised after hearing my son sing for the first time. They keep stealing glances at each other's faces, their eyes filled with joy as the music flows from their instrument. Their love for each other and the music is evident in every note they play, each one perfectly in tune with the other. The room is filled with the sweet sound of their harmonious duet, and those listening can't help but be moved by the beauty of the moment. As they finish the piece, the couple shares a smile, their bond deepened by the power of music.
"He got your talent," Jocelyn said and I smiled, Miles' beauty resembles his mother so much but his talent resembles mine. A perfect son I could ever wish for.
"Faggots!" Someone yelled from behind, and everyone laughed. Miles was about to burst into tears, but luckily his boyfriend was able to calm him down. I clenched my fist as I turned only to see a group of jackasses laughing together as they made fun of my son. I was about to make my way to them but I was stopped by Jackson.
"I'll take care of them later, for now just calm yourself you can't make a scene here, Dad," Jackson said and I just nodded knowing that my son Jackson is capable of doing anything just to protect his brother.
"Make sure your brother gets home safe, Jackson," I told him and he just nodded his head in response.