50 Chapter 48

Wednesday after work, Alex gathers up all his courage to do something he dreaded since two weeks ago. He calls his mother to inform her he would bring his boyfriend along.

Ring. His mother picks up.

"Hello, Johnson here."

"Hi, Mom. It's me, Alexander."

Pause. Then: "Alexander. Finally, you call. I was so worried about you!"

"I am sorry, Mom. I needed the time to figure some things out."

His mother makes an understanding sound. "Mmmh. Okay. But you will come this Saturday."

It isn't a question.

"Yes, of course." Alex pauses, breathing in deep. "And Mom, I would like to bring someone along to your birthday."

Silence. Then a snorting sound from his mother, he never dreamt he would hear. "Yes, I know, you want to bring your boyfriend."

Alex' heart stops in his chest. But he doesn't expect the next part.

"Daniel Smith, was it? Your brother told us about him." Alex expected some kind of reluctance of his mother, but he never thought he would hear this clearly rejecting voice, almost a snort, from her. Is she against it? Despite everything he hoped?

Alex only manages an "Oh."

"Nevermind, you can bring him along." Why does this feel like a threat? "The important part is that I get to see you again."

This at least seems like a glimmer of hope. He smiles tentatively on the phone. "Okay, then we will be there at 4 o'clock for the cake."

"Yes, I look forward to it! Until Saturday, Alexander."

"Bye, Mom."

He hangs up. He got the dreaded phone call over with. But what should he make out of this conversation?

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Saturday arrives and Daniel and Alex start dressing up for the birthday gathering. Daniel slept over at the apartment and brought his clothes along so the choice was already made. Alex on the other hand pulls out clothing piece after piece from his closet and slowly grows frantic with his own indeciscivness.

"Love, you will look good in whatever you decide to wear." Daniel tries to calm him. But he is only met with a disdainful look, half filled with panic.

"Okay, okay. Then how about these?" Daniel pulls out a blue sweater and white pants for Alex. It is the perfect combination of casual and chick for a family birthday gathering. Still, Alex asks doubtfully: "You think so?"

"Yes, you will look beautiful in it." He bends down to his boyfriend and grabs his face with both of his hands. "It will work out." He kisses him deeply, trying to distract and calm him down at the same time.

When they separate, Alex smiles sadly. "I know." He tries to sound optimistic but fails miserably. He already told Daniel about the mysterious phone call but both of them didn't know what to make of it. This left Alex uneasy. He can't shake the feeling that an unexpected hurdle will present itself to them.

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When they finally arrive at his parents house, Alex bends over to get one last reassuring kiss. He finally trusts the privacy of the car with the tinted windows. But honestly right now he really needs the confirmation that his boyfriend is close beside him.

Daniel is happy to comply and gently strokes over Alex' cheeks. After a moment he asks. "Are you ready now, love?"

He sees Alex straightening his back, putting on a determined look. "Yes. Let's do this."

Daniel smiles and they start climbing out of the car.

"Alexander, Daniel. Good to see you. Mom is already waiting for you!" Christian greets them from the door.

"Christian, hello." They greet and go inside. The living room table is set with cake plates and a tea service. A beautiful black-haired woman with a gentle aura walks towards them, a serene smile fixed on Alex.

"Alexander, welcome home." She hugs him close. Alex hugs her back, mumbling "Happy birthday, Mom.", holding her a little tighter than necessary. It is obvious how glad he is at the warm welcome. Once they separate he smiles at his mother and motions towards Daniel. He feels reassured with the warm reception.

"Mom, this is Daniel Smith. My boyfriend." He visibly tenses at the later part, but his mother smiles reassuringly at him. However, that smile quickly vanishes as she eyes Daniel. "Mr. Smith.", is all she says and quickly turns back to Alex, not even waiting for him to greet her back.

"Okay now, you young folk sit down. I will get your father and bring the cake in. You all drink tea?" She doesn't wait for the answer, knowing her sons' tastes. Towards her back, Daniel says with obvious politeness. "Yes, tea is fine. Thank you, Mrs. Johnson." She visibly flinches being addressed by Daniel. What is the meaning of this?

They sit down at the table waiting for the parents to come. They hear Mrs. Johnson shout "Dear, come down. Everyone is gathered." Moments later a tall sturdy man walks into the living room.

"Alexander, finally you are back home." Alex' eyes widen when he sees the warm welcome of his father. He stands up and shakes his hand. Gathering all of his courage he starts "Hello, Dad. If you don't mind, I want to introduce someone to you." He motions towards Daniel.

There it is, the look he dreaded the past months. Clear rejection, nearing on hatred show in his father's eyes. "Yes, I know. Your brother told me he is your boyfriend." He nearly snorts the last word. Alex flinches, feeling tears start to fill in his eyes. But he didn't expect the next part.

"I heard a lot about that man. A criminal, part of the mafia and nearly a murderer." Mr. Johnson's eyes shift from Alex to Daniel, eyeing him with open enemity. "I want to make one thing clear from the start. I don't approve of you dating my son."