Page 96 of Sins of the Flesh
Josh stands up, pacing the small space while repeatedly running his fingers through his hair.Ashley is silently crying.“I know this is all a shock to you guys, but your Father and I still care for each other and love both of you very much.We just came to understand that we are better as friends.”
She looks at me when she says, “Friends,” gripping my hand in hers.
“Mom, do you know how freaking crazy this sounds?”Josh says, throwing his hands up.
“Frankly, Josh, it's not for you to understand.Your Father and I never had a chance to explore who we were independently, and because of that, we didn't know ourselves.”
The route we took to figure it out may not have been morally correct, but it was necessary.What youneedto know is we are both happy and loved.Nothing else should matter.”Ally gentles her tone at the end of her statement.
We knew our children would have a hard time.This is a lot of information all at once, and when combined with the newspaper article, both of them must feel like they have stepped into a Twilight Zone episode.
“Look, guys, your Mother is right.A lot has changed, and I know you may be confused.You can ask anything you want, and we will listen to you and answer your questions.”I offer.
“I'm still pissed at you,” Josh says, pointing at me.“But I want to know the whole story from the beginning.”Ally and I tell our children the entire story for the next hour.
“Our Mayor,Charlotte Hendersen is blackmailing you, and she poisoned your boyfriend?”Ashley asks incredulously.
I nod.“That's why this article is in the paper.And with her connections, she could easily fabricate evidence of her claims.”I say, the thought giving me chills.
“So it's not true?”Josh asks, and Ally glares at him.
“Of course it's not!Joshua, tell me, has your Father ever given you one reason to believe he would ever hurt a child?”Ally scolds.I look at her with a grateful smile.At least someone believes me.
“No, he hasn't.I'm sorry, Dad,” Josh sighs, bowing his head.
“Josh, it's okay.I'm proud of your reaction.”He looks at me, confused.“I would rather you defend your Mother and innocent children from me than defend me blindly,” I tell him.
Josh stands up and crosses the small space, holding his hand out to shake mine.I stand and pull him into a hug.“I love you, Son,” I say, patting his back.
“I love you too, Dad,” he says, retaking his seat.
“What about the cops?Can't you just turn her in?”Ashley asks.
“She is the law around here, kiddo.”
“So what do we do?”Josh asks.A knock sounds at the door, and for a moment, I'm scared, wondering if maybe Charlotte has summoned the Sheriff already.
“Caleb!?Please answer the door.”I hear Coles' urgent cry and rush to open the door.
I pull him into my arms, nuzzling his curls.“Caleb!I'm so sorry, this is all my fault!”He cries into my neck.I pull him back by his shoulders and look him in the eyes.
His green eyes widen as he reaches up to graze my black eye gently.“What happened?”He asks, looking tortured.
“It was just a misunderstanding.I'm okay.”I take his searching hand into mine and lead him into the living room.
“Cole, you know Ally, and I'm sure you remember Josh and Ashley,” I say, motioning to my family.
“Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Cole.”The look on his bright red face is pure terror.
Ally steps over to us and pulls Cole into a hug.He blinks at me like he doesn't know what to think.He deftly lifts his arms to wrap them around her.
“C’mon, sit down, Cole,” Ally says, leading him to the couch she and I were sitting on and taking the armchair at the end for herself.He sits silently, and I sit beside him, taking his hand in mine.We all sit in awkward silence just staring for a while until Josh speaks up.
“Dude sucks you and my Dad were outed like that.Sorry, man.”Josh says, giving Cole a knowing look, Cole blushes and brightens slightly.
“The people who matter know, so I'll be okay.I'm just worried about what this means for Caleb,” he says, looking at me.Ashley gives him a warm smile.
“That's why we are here, to devise a plan,” Josh says.
