Can't Change Nature Read online

  This is a second edition. The story was originally self-published in June 2017.

  Dedicated to youth at risk and those who rejected from family for being LGBT, which is the way they were born. Someone wrote on Twitter that being gay isn’t a choice; being homophobic is.

  Can’t Change Nature

  H.D. Nels

  Chapter One

  My name is Michael Ward. My parents conceived me, delivered me, named me, circumcised me, baptized me, and taught me their moral beliefs. Right until I announced, when I was fifteen, that I was gay and had a perfect boyfriend. Then, as soon as something they couldn’t control came along, they kicked me to the curb. I had no idea that being gay was contrary to those beliefs. I guess I ceased to exist in their eyes.

  Michael re-read his Facebook entry once again before he pressed ‘send’. He wasn’t sure how he felt; scared and most definitely sad. Yesterday evening was the last time he was at home and after what happened it didn’t seem possible to go back. It had been difficult there during the past year since his father quit drinking. Mike’s parents had joined a new church that claimed to give support and guidance to recovering people. They were so caught up in the new religion they had spent little time with their son. With a heavy sigh, the young man packed his notepad and books into his backpack and considered getting in touch with his boyfriend.

  Mike had been best friends with Simon Brule since as far back as he could remember. When Michael realized he was gay, Simon admitted that he was too. He’d told his parents, and they didn’t have a problem with it. Mike’s mom and dad always liked Simon, so he figured when he told them Simon was his boyfriend, they’d be happy for them. That didn’t go so well. His mother threw a paper, that she got from the church, in front of Mike and told him to read it. It said things such as homosexuals were child molesters and vile human beings who went against the teachings of everything holy. She said his father’s recovery was too fragile for them to handle someone such as him and told him he had to leave.

  Mike figured that after dealing with their reaction he was ready to face anything the world could throw his way. He wasn’t mad, having stopped being angry with his father’s drunken ways a long time ago. If he’d ever spoken out, things could turn from gentle to bitter real quick. Few people knew of how hard things were when his father had always been drunk. It made him sad to think he would make the man go back to that. Mike would miss them but figured if they didn’t want him he had to move on. He took stock of the situation and realized he’d have to figure out a few things quick. His most pressing need was to find a job which he could do, and also a place to live. Being young he wasn’t sure how he could do that. He wanted to keep going to school but figured perhaps he should transfer somewhere people didn’t know him. He’d stuffed some clothes in a backpack and his school things into a tote bag before the door closed behind him for the last time.

  There was one person at school he trusted enough to ask for help with all this. Mrs. Hall, the Geometry teacher, always seemed to like Mike. She had often told the class they could call on her whenever anyone needed help, even with anything beyond math. When he left the internet café, Mike made his way back to the Y youth hostel for the night. He’d checked online and saw it was a place he could afford. The room was a dorm style but looked comfortable and there was a place he could shower. He ate in the cafeteria and read for a while before crawling into bed. Sleep didn’t come easy with so many things running through his mind.

  The hostel rate included breakfast. He missed his mother’s cooking, but he enjoyed a hot breakfast before getting showered and ready for his second full day on his own. Michael walked to the transit station and boarded the bus that would take him to school. He got there early with all his gear which he left in his locker. Taking a deep breath, Michael rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants and proceeded to his teacher’s classroom.

  * * *

  Sharon Hall was a young and enthusiastic educator who’d long dreamed about making a positive difference in the lives of young people. She learned to recognize those kids who were vulnerable or disadvantaged. A few years into her chosen profession now, she still carried that zeal. It had been part of her routine to have breakfast with her husband before they each went off to their jobs. Since Garrett always started work early, she’d often gotten to school well before the first class. Today she was having her coffee and reading over some notes. She glanced up and knew something was wrong when one of her favourite students knocked on the door.

  “Hi, Mrs. Hall, do you have a few minutes? I need some advice please.” Michael appeared nervous.

  “Good morning, Michael, come in and take a seat. What’s on your mind? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine I guess. I need to figure out how I can find a place to live. I think I can get a job, no problem. Also, how do I transfer schools? What would it take for me to live on my own?”

  Her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Easy, Michael, slow down. How about starting by telling me why you need to do these things? This is a lot to consider so having background may help with answers.”

  “My parents don’t want me living there anymore. I don’t have anywhere else to go. I have no relatives living in the area.” He shrugged. “They probably wouldn’t take me, anyway. I worked before so I’m sure I can get a job. I have money saved, too. I guess if I changed schools people won’t know me and ask lots of dumb questions all the time.”

  She sat back in her chair and thought for a few minutes before saying anything. “Michael, you’re only fifteen—legally a minor—and because of that I’m required by law to contact Social Services, but...”

  Mike got up. Sharon saw panic run through him. “I have to go. I didn’t know. I thought you could help. I’m not a minor, I’m fifteen.”

  He’d almost made it to the door when Sharon spoke. “You didn’t let me finish. I said it legally bound me to contact Social Services, not that I was going to. Please, come back and sit. Why did your parents ask you to leave?”

  Michael sighed and went back to the desk. “They didn’t ask. They kicked me out because I’m gay. I didn’t choose to be this way but I don’t know how to not be. My Dad quit drinking, and they thought it would make it hard for him to stay sober if they had to deal with a gay son.”

  Sharon had a sad smile as she shook her head. “You can’t change that part of yourself, nor can anyone else change you. It’s unfortunate that your parents felt it necessary to send you away. When did this happen and where did you stay since?”

  Relief washed over him. “Saturday, after I introduced them to my boyfriend, and they flipped. They always knew Simon but didn’t know we’d dated until I told them. I stayed at the Y last night and have my stuff in a locker here. I can’t stay at the hostel. There are kids who need a place more than me.”

  That got another forced smile. “Michael, you’re just as important as anyone else. Leave it with me and go to all your classes today. I’ll try to have a temporary solution for you by the end of school today. Will you trust me?” She smiled when he nodded and thanked her.

  During a break between classes, Sharon Hall went to her car and pulled out her cell. “Hey Garrett, how’s my favourite, handsome husband? Sorry to call you at work, but I need to talk about something important.”

  She heard a chuckle over the phone. “Hey yourself, beautiful, and I have to be your favourite husband because I’m hoping I’m your only one. And whatever the question may be, the answer is yes, because I could never refuse you anything.”

  She smiled. God, she loved this man. “It’s serious Gar. I have a fifteen-year-old student who came to see me this morning looking for advice. His parents kicked him out because he’s gay. He wants to know how he can find a place to live. He’s a g
ood kid; bright and mature. We have the suite downstairs we’d planned to rent but never did. I thought perhaps for a while until he can get this sorted out, he could stay there as a tenant.”

  Garrett blew a huge breath. “Sharon, that’s a huge risk. He’s underage, you’re in a position of trust, and I’m guessing since you’re calling now there isn’t time to discuss it. Bring him home. He can spend the night and we’ll have a long chat.”

  She smiled with relief. “This is a small part of what I love about you Gar, your humanity. We’ll be fine. I promise.”

  She hung up and strolled back into the school looking for Michael. She found him in the cafeteria sitting alone.

  * * *

  Michael was sitting, picking at his lunch when his teacher came into the cafeteria. He forced a smile.

  She nodded and asked, “Hey, may I join you for a few minutes?”

  The boy looked up at her with what had to the saddest eyes she ever saw and nodded.

  “I may have a temporary solution to your problem. I spoke with my husband, Garrett, just now about an apartment downstairs in our house. He’d like to meet you so we can discuss a possible arrangement. Are you comfortable coming with me after school?”

  A genuine smile crossed his face. “Yes please, Mrs. Hall, and thank you so much.”

  After school was out, they drove to a very nice part of town. Mrs. Hall pulled in a long driveway and parked. The house was beautiful; large, with a well-kept yard, lots of plants, flowers, and trees. It seemed like a quiet street in a nice neighbourhood.

  Unlocking the door Mrs. Hall gestured inside and said, “Come on in Michael, let me show you around.”

  He set his kit bag and knapsack by the door, kicked off his shoes, and followed her. She took him through the kitchen to a door next to the back entry. They walked downstairs.

  “This is the apartment. Two bedrooms, living room, as you can see, full bathroom, kitchen, and a small dining nook. You can sleep here tonight. If everything goes well with Garrett, and you’re okay with the arrangement, it will be your new home, at least for now. Bring your things down here while I get started on dinner.”

  Mike felt as though he was in a daze wondering what Mr. Hall was like if Mrs. Hall was this wonderful. He didn’t have to wait long.

  “Hey baby, I’m home. Something smells great. Is our guest here?” He walked into the living room to see Michael hunched over books doing homework.

  “No rest for the wicked. You must be Michael Ward. I’m Garrett Hall. My wife is your geometry teacher, but I guess you knew that.”

  They shook hands and after some small talk, Mike went back to homework and Garrett went to help in the kitchen. Over dinner, the conversation was direct and to the point. After discussing Michael’s options, which they all agreed were limited since he had no other relatives in the area, it came down to the apartment.

  “If you let me do this, I think you need to write up a lease and stuff just so everything is legal. If anyone asks, you’ll have that to show I’m a renter.”

  Garrett looked at Sharon and raised an eyebrow. “Good point, Michael, we can do that. Tenant is the technical term when someone rents an apartment. Just to be clear, how much do you think you can afford? You must consider your groceries and money for clothes, toothpaste, haircuts, and things like that.”

  The young man nodded. “I made a list of what I think I need to get. Look and let me know if you see anything I missed. I was looking at apartment ads in the paper. I can’t afford what they ask, but is five hundred a month enough? I can pay now from my savings, and the part-time job I had before paid me eight hundred a month so I’d have money to save and buy the other stuff I need. Are we on a bus route? I’ll get a student pass to go back and forth to school. I used to live close enough to walk every day.”

  The Halls smiled. “Sounds like you’ve given this serious thought, Michael. Five hundred is fine, but begin next month. Get settled, for now, don’t let your school work slide, and look for a part-time job in your spare time. We have some house-rules. No partying, no alcohol, smoking, or drugs, and you keep yourself and your apartment clean. The laundry room is downstairs and we’ll share it. We buy the laundry supplies unless you prefer a brand other than what we use. There are several buses that go by here but you could probably travel back and forth with Sharon.”

  Michael thought about it for a moment. “It may not look so good if everyone sees me driving with a teacher every day. I have to get a pass anyway so I can get around to do stuff. I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to be a burden.”

  * * *

  After dinner, Michael went down to his new home. He figured he’d have to get a cheap cell phone—pay as you go. Also on the list was a TV and maybe a laptop, but his main goal was to save enough to buy a motorcycle. He wanted a Honda CTX1300 in black with red trim and a five-speed gearbox. He’d seen one at a dealership and fell in love. When he turned sixteen, he would get his license and by then have enough saved to buy it. He also planned to drop by The Griffin Saturday evening to see Bert Fraser. A friend told him about it and said The Griffin was a gay bar and Bert was the owner. He was often willing to hire younger people, so Mike hoped he could get a job there, maybe kitchen help or something. His friend told him that Bert paid well, and the tips were good. The more coin he got, the sooner he’d get off bus passes and onto his Honda. After wandering his apartment and checking the beds in each room, he took the slightly larger of the two bedrooms. He then took a few minutes to put his stuff away. He’d been neat and clean when he lived at home and didn’t think he’d have a problem doing the same here. This was his home now; a place he could call his very own. He made a list of things he needed to get right away and decided he’d head out to get started.

  As he went upstairs, he paused at the door and called out. “I’m off to get a few groceries. Do you want anything while I’m out?”

  Garrett stood. “Come on, I’ll give you a lift. I have to pick up a few things too so we may as well go together.”

  During the drive, Garrett asked Michael what his plans were after graduation.

  “I don’t know. My Dad is an accountant and I do well with math and stuff, but I can’t see myself doing that all the time. What do you do, Mr. Hall?”

  Garrett looked over at the young man and smiled. “I think accounting is something only suited to certain kinds of people. My hat off to them, but I could never do it either. I’m an engineer. Civil engineer; one of those people who design roads, bridges, tunnels, and all kinds of other infrastructure you see in cities and towns everywhere. I love it, and I’m good at it, although I don’t like to brag.”

  “My boyfriend’s name is Simon. His father says it’s okay to talk about your strengths as long as you aren’t doing it to make others feel bad. If you’re good, and you know it, then it should be okay to be proud of it.”

  Garrett nodded in agreement. “Sounds like Simon’s father is a wise man. Mind if I ask why you didn’t go to them for help? Not that you aren’t welcome with us.”

  Mike thought about it for a few moments. “Mr. Brule is okay with his son being gay. He doesn’t think our relationship is a good thing. Simon struggles with school and his father thinks I may be part of the reason he’s distracted. I meant to ask; what are the house rules about me having friends over, especially my boyfriend? Are you and Mrs. Hall okay with me being queer and all?”

  Gar laughed. “You’re a good person. Sharon says so, and she’s seldom wrong. That’s all that matters to us. Who you love is your business. As for friends over, other than the rules we discussed at dinner, you’re free to have guests over whenever you wish. It is your apartment.”

  * * *

  The school week went fast. Michael kept up with his homework and learned that he could prepare edible meals. He sighed; he missed his parents and hoped they were doing fine with him gone.

  Mike sensed that It would take a while getting used to living on his own. His landlords were decent people and he
could always go to them if he’d had any problems. The thought of poor Mrs. Hall teaching him geometry during the day, and now, cooking lessons after school brought a chuckle. He became more comfortable preparing full meals recalling when he helped his mother prepare meals, but he never did the full spread alone before. After mustering some confidence, he made a date with Simon for Saturday evening after his meeting with Bert. He browsed through a borrowed cookbook after deciding to make a fancy dinner at home and treat his boyfriend to a movie later. He made a list of ingredients and decided, while he was out, he’d go to the mall. The first stop was at a men’s store where he got himself an inexpensive suit, shirt, and tie to look good for Simon. He also bought a cookbook and some candles, returning Mrs. Hall’s things when he got home. Earlier, he decided on a chicken and rice deal for the dinner date and picked up the needed ingredients. With all his parcels, he took a taxi home. During the ride, Mike felt nervous just thinking about the date. He knew Simon well enough—he had never dated this seriously before. When he thought about it, he’d never dated before, period. He figured that maybe he could get some advice from Mr. Hall.

  Arriving home with his parcels, Michael put everything away. He hung the suit and went upstairs to get a few pointers from the man of the house. Mrs. Hall said Garrett was in the shower and told Mike to grab a seat and wait. Then she headed out somewhere. Mike sat there thinking about the upcoming date when Mr. Hall came out of the bathroom, towelling his hair dry, but otherwise naked.

  “Wow, do you think mine will be as big as yours when I’m your age?”

  Garrett looked over at Mike, shocked. “What the hell?” He blushed and covered himself.

  “Your parents didn’t cut you either. What does it feel like? I wish I still had mine.”

  Garrett hurried down the hall calling over his shoulder. “I’ll be right out.”