Page 23 of Blessings in Disguise

Finally, he used the bike and elliptical to reach muscles not strengthened through running. Then he stretched. By the time he left the Y, he was lighter. Happier. And hopefully, a little bit healthier. Joe was right about the endorphins.

* * *

Mr. Kane asked, “Would you like me to be there when your mother comes in, Harlan?”

Harlan ducked his head. “No offence, Mr. K. But I’d rather it be just me and Dr. Shepherd.”

Mr. Kane nodded. “No offence taken. I’ll leave you to it.”

He opened his office door and Harlan saw his mother waiting in the reception. His heart began beating faster. What would she do?

“Come right in, Mrs. Ford.”

When she walked inside, Harlan saw she clutched at her purse strap, like she always did when she was nervous. And man, she was a lot thinner since the last time he saw her. “Harlan,” shesaid rushing to him, hugging him. Harlan held on tight. She still smelled like the bath splash she wore.

When she sat, she asked, “Is something wrong? You’re still getting out of here, right?”

“Yes, Mom.” He looked to Dr. Shepherd.

Dr. Shepherd took the reins. “Mrs. Ford, Harlan’s worried about coming home with his father living in the house again.”

“Oh, that.” His mom often dismissed Harlan’s concerns. "Your father’s okay with you coming home.”

“Mrs. Ford, Harlan’s worried because his last encounter with his dad didn’t go well.”

“I know but Carl’s over all that.”

“How can you be sure?” Harlan asked.

“’Cause I talked to him about it. He said he didn’t really feel that way about, you know, those people. He was just surprised to find you…and that boy. Besides, Harlan, you’re not gay. It’s a phase. You’ll get over it.”

“Mom, Iamgay.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand. I raised you right. How could something like that happen to you?”

“Nothing happened, Mom. I was born this way.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t know what to say.”

Dr. Shepherd intervened. “Mrs. Ford, we can deal with that later. Right now, the immediate problem is Mr. Ford’s attitude toward your son.”

“What do you want me to do, Harlan?”

“I don’t think I can live with him.”

“You asking me to make him leave again?”

Harlan felt his face redden. “Maybe.”

“I can’t do that, Harlan. I don’t want to. You know we can’t afford the house without him.” She glanced at Caleb then back to Harlan. “I work as a waitress but it’s not enough to live on.”

“There’s government aid you can get, Mrs. Ford.” At least Dr. Shepherd was on his side. “I could help you with that.”

His mother scowled. “I don’t wanna kick him out again. It was awful the last time he left.”

Harlan lifted his chin. “Then I don’t wanna come home.”

“You don’t mean that, son.”

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