Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:49:19 +0000
From: Morris Henderson <bigmoh@post.com>
Subject: Rumspringa_Part_3

RUMSPRINGA

PART THREE

Chapter 8

Jeremiah stood in the kitchen, despondent. He had brought
sadness to his parents, sadness that might have been pride
and love. Guilt and shame made him weak. He had to sit
down. He pulled out a chair from the kitchen table. NO!
Not that one! That's his father's chair! He circled the table to
what had been his chair before his Rumspringa and fell into
it, burying his head in his hands. He considered finding his
father to try to explain his decision but knew that would be
useless. If anything, his father was completely committed to
his faith and had frequently criticized those few teens who
did not return to the Amish community and embrace the
lifestyle. He desperately wanted to go to his mother and try
to comfort her but realized it would only twist the knife that
he had plunged into her heart. He thought of Jeb, a neighbor
who left the community years ago, married, and had three
children. Jeb frequently visited his parents and was always
welcomed. Why couldn't his own parents accept his
decision to live in the outside world? Why couldn't there be
the continuing, cordial visits that Jeb enjoyed?

A few minutes of grief seemed like hours as Jeremiah
punished himself for betraying the family heritage. There
was nothing he could do but return to Akron. And to Isaac.
And to the future that awaited him. He walked to his car and
got in. He took one long (and last?) look at the house that
had been his home for nearly two decades, at the barn where
he played as a child and later worked alongside his father,
and at the verdant fields of corn that stood tall in fertile soil.
He drove away, still consumed by guilt and depression.

As he neared Akron, rational thoughts entered his mind.
Rumspringa was an integral part of Amish tradition. It
allowed teens the opportunity to experience the
conveniences, amenities, and, yes, the morals of the
`English' so that they could make an informed decision about
committing to baptism and a life of traditional worship of
God. He was only conforming to the spirit of that principle.
He reminded himself that 85 percent of those who lived on
the outside returned to the Amish community after their
Rumspringa. Very few if any, however, chose to leave for
the reason that he had -- to love and live with another man.
`Zach! He is my future! My past must remain a fond
memory! Like Jason, we can be righteous Christians as we
love each other and treasure our bond.'

"How'd it go?" Isaac asked as Jeremiah entered the house.

"Terrible! A disaster!" came the reply before Jeremiah fell
into his lover's arms, recalling the heartache he had caused
for his parents and himself.

Isaac was extraordinarily comforting as Jeremiah related the
details of what could have been a reunion but was a
confrontation. Instead of love, it was marked by sorrow.

"I may have lost my family, Zack, but I have you. And that
means far more to me now."

"I know," Isaac replied. "I suppose we're both orphans now.
But we have each other."

<><><><><>

To signify Jeremiah's and Isaac's separation from their
Amish families and community, their nicknames (Jerry and
Zack) will be used through the remainder of this story.

<><><><><>

Fall, winter, and spring flew by because both Jerry and Zack
worked through the day, attended classes most evenings at a
nearby high school to prepare for the GED exam, and, of
course, made love at night. When they weren't studying on
the weekend, they found time for a bit of relaxation.

Both wanted to attend college but its practicality was a major
concern. Their first choice was Ohio State University in
Columbus but they would have to bear the cost of college
and rent an apartment not to mention finding new jobs to
meet expenses. Jason proposed an alternative. He would
loan them the money to attend college full time at no interest.
They could continue living in his house and attend the
University of Akron. Being full time students without full
time jobs, their lives would be simplified and they could
devote the necessary time to their studies. "Besides," Jason
argued, "most of your classes meet during normal working
hours. How can you be at work and at school at the same
time?" Because of the young men's independent streak (a
result of their Amish upbringing), neither wanted to accept
the generous offer. Jason continued in his attempt to
persuade them, saying, "It would mean a lot to me, boys.
I've thoroughly enjoyed having you here. It's certainly
better than living alone."

After weighing the strong desire to strike out on their own
against the formidable challenge of meeting both living and
education expenses, they compromised. They would accept
Jason's offer but repay the loan -- with interest -- as soon as
possible. They would work through the summer months and
save as much as they could to pay part of the college
expenses.

Because of their diligent studying, they felt ready to take the
GED exam in a remarkably short time. They had mastered
four years of high school academics in eight months.
Immediately upon receiving their passing scores and before
the certificate arrived, they applied for admission the
following September to the University of Akron. Jason was
extraordinarily proud of his protégés and commended them
on their achievement. Jerry and Zack, having been taught
that pride is sinful, maintained an outwardly humble attitude
although they congratulated themselves inwardly.

<><><><><>

It was four weeks after college classes began that the two
lovers faced a dilemma. Zack was walking across campus
when Steve, a classmate, caught up to him and said, "Hey,
Zack. Glad I saw you. I'd like to invite you to a little party
at my house Friday night. Nothing special ... just a small
group hanging out ... have a few beers ... maybe listen to
some music ... a little dancing. Do you have a girlfriend?
She's welcome, too."

Zack didn't know how to respond. He and Jerry had talked
about whether to be open in their gay relationship and
tentatively decided not to hide it but not to be too public
about it. That meant no `public display of affection', but
they would tell the truth if asked. Steve had not specifically
asked; he simply assumed that his classmate was straight and
had a girlfriend. Zack evaded the sensitive issue by asking,
"Can I let you know tomorrow?"

That evening, Zack told Jerry about the invitation and
confessed that he was afraid of what might happen if they
went to the party. After considerable discussion, they arrived
at what they thought was the best option: a combination of
honesty and consideration of Steve and his other guests.

The next day, Zack said to Steve, "About your party Friday.
You said I could bring a date. Well, that may be a problem
... for you and your friends. You see, my date would be
Jerry, my boyfriend. It could be awkward to have a gay
couple at your party."

Steve laughed but, upon seeing Zack's sincere expression,
said, "You're serious, aren't you?"

"Yes. I'd like to come but not if it embarrasses you or the
other people at the party."

"Sonnofabitch!" Steve exclaimed. "I never would have
guessed it."

"Fact is," Zack replied, "it's true. So I'll leave it up to you
whether you want us there. If you don't, that's quite all
right. No hard feelings."

Steve stammered out his reply. "Well ... ah ... that is ... it's
okay with me," he lied. "But my other friends might not
understand."

"In that case," Zack said, "I appreciate the invitation but
won't accept."

"Sorry, pal," Steve said with fake sincerity and, by so doing,
implicitly withdrew the invitation.

Steve was distinctly less friendly after that. Over the next
week, other students who had once been friendly were ill at
ease and aloof. Both Zack and Jerry occasionally noticed
small clusters of students whispering to each other and
casting glances in their direction. Clearly, more and more
students heard the news. The word spread like a viral
infection.

The isolation from former friends disturbed Zack more than
Jerry because he felt responsible. It was he, after all, who
told Steve that he was gay. He chastised himself for not
simply declining the invitation with some fabricated excuse
of `other plans.' Jerry reminded him that they had agreed to
be honest but recalling that decision did little to minimize
Zack's regret. Their exclusion from their former circle of
friends was not a complete surprise but the feeling of
loneliness was greater than either young man expected. "At
least," Jerry mused, "people are only ignoring us and not
insulting us."

The insults would come, however. They came not from the
religious right fanatics as expected. Zack and Jerry were
walking to their car in the parking lot on campus when five
husky football players, their brains impaired by testosterone
toxicity, started taunting them. `Sissy' was the mildest
epithet hurled at the two young men; fag, queer, and fudge-
packer were the crudest.

They ignored the verbal abuse and continued walking,
which, in the deranged minds of the assailants, was
interpreted as victory and evidence of queers' total lack of
courage to counter attack. Half way to the parking lot and
out of earshot of the laughing hoodlums, Jerry said, "Let's
walk over to Market Street."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want them to see us get into the car. Who
knows what they might do if they know what car we drive?
Maybe I'm overly cautious but I'd hate to have them
vandalize the car just to punish us for being different."

"Good thinking, Jerry."

A few minutes later, they heard a voice behind them calling,
"Jerry!" They turned around to see who it was. Jerry
recognized the young man who was hurrying to catch up to
them. "It's Brad, Zack. He's in my English class. More
significantly, he's one of the jocks who just shouted insults at
us."

"Think it's more trouble?" Zack asked.

"Maybe," Jerry worried.

"Got a few minutes?" Brad asked, slightly out of breath for
having run to catch up with them.

"Sure. Got more insults for us?" Jerry said sarcastically.

"No, no!" Brad exclaimed. "I want to apologize to you.
What happened back there was inexcusable."

"Yes, it was," Jerry said defiantly. "But you were right there
yelling at us. Why the sudden change of heart?"

"I can explain. If you're willing to listen. Why don't we get
some cold drinks over at the Burger King. I hope I can
convince you that I'm truly sorry."

They settled into a secluded corner booth with their Pepsi
Colas. Jerry's and Zack's suspicions had turned to curiosity
as Brad spoke. "First, a little background. I had a very good
friend in high school who was gay. Bob was witty and
absolutely brilliant but not much to look at. Big ears and
nose. Scrawny. Unusually shy. I think I'm the only guy
who he could call a friend. And no, it's not what you're
thinking. I'm not gay. I have a girlfriend and we plan to get
married after graduation. I don't claim to understand what
it's like for a guy to be attracted to other guys any more than
you may understand why I'm turned on by girls. Anyway,
Bob and I, as I said, were good friends. We told each other
things we would never tell anyone else. One day after being
bullied for the umpteenth time at school, he was almost in
tears. He said he couldn't take any more shit from the bigots
at school. After more conversation, he admitted that he had
thought of suicide several times to end his suffering. I was
shocked! Here was this bright kid with a promising future.
And he wanted to throw it all away! It took a couple of
hours of talking but I was able to convince him to seek help.
I recommended a Web Site, `ItGetsBetter.org' that he found
very useful. His parents, when they found out how serious
the problem was, arranged for psychiatric counseling. He's
now at Yale on a full scholarship. I got a letter from him
thanking me for my help and confirming that it does get
better.. He's happy as a pig in shit now."

"That's great!" Zack said. "But what's it got to do with
harassing us?"

"I'm getting to that. I'm ashamed of being in that group that
accosted you. You see, it's a small group of football players
that hang with Alex, the quarterback. He's also the senior
class president so there's a lot of wannabes that would like to
join his inner circle. But Alex keeps them out. For some
reason, he let me join. Maybe `cause my dad has a
construction company and hires them during the summer.
It's like a pack of wolves. Alex is the alpha dog and controls
everyone in the pack. There's a pecking order, too. I'm on
the bottom of the heap so there's nothing I can do to change
their attitude toward gays. Sure, I like being in with the star
football players but today made me think. What they did --
what WE did -- was cruel, the sort of bullying that Bob
suffered and almost ended in tragedy. So here's the bottom
line. One. I apologize for tormenting you. Two. If they
ever talk about something more serious like physically
attacking you, I'll give you a heads up so you can avoid it or
at least be prepared."

"That's very decent of you, Alex," Jerry said.

"Well ... I can't stop them if they decide to do something
stupid. But I may be able to warn you."

They exchanged cell phone numbers and hoped that they
would not be used. While Jerry and Zack were surprised and
pleased, both harbored a suspicion that it was a ruse to make
them let down their guard.

<><><><><>

Brad worried about what might happen to Jerry and Zack and
tried to form a plan by which he could prevent a possible
attack. He was unsuccessful. After all, he was a minor and
powerless member of Alex's core group. The situation
changed, however, when his girlfriend berated him for
participating in the harassment of two students. Her friend
had witnessed the verbal abuse and told her, in detail, what
had happened. Brad apologized, explained how he had
agreed to warn Zack and Jerry of any further abuse. That
seemed to have satisfied his girlfriend but it also formed the
seeds of a viable plan to prevent further bullying. "Your
friend saw what happened?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Any other witnesses?"

"Two or three."

"Would they be willing to describe what they saw?"

"Yes. What are you thinking?" she asked.

"I might have a way to stop Alex's tyrannical domination of
his gang and prevent any plot he may hatch to persecute two
undeserving guys."

Together, Brad and his girlfriend worked out the details.

After football practice the following Wednesday, the coach
called out the names of Alex's clique and said, "I want to see
you in my office immediately."

They dutifully reported to the coach's office. All of them
were curious; some were worried, about what it was all
about. Only Brad knew what was in store. Alex, arrogant as
ever, tried to reassure them that even the coach wouldn't dare
break up their close camaraderie. He changed his mind soon
after the coach began lecturing to the group.

Looking directly at Alex, the coach said, "I've been aware of
your group for some time. If you want to hang out together
it's none of my business. As long as it didn't affect the
performance of the entire team, I've haven't said anything.
But it's come to my attention -- from credible sources -- not
your victims -- that your gang insulted, harassed, and
intimidated two gay students." Raising his voice, he
continued, "You've crossed the line! You may think that I'm
only concerned with how you play football. Let me set you
straight. Every athlete at this university has to meet
standards ... academically and personally. Deliberately and
consciously causing pain to others -- team members,
students on or off campus, or anyone else -- is simply not
acceptable. I will not tolerate your ridiculing others whether
they're handicapped, a minority race, or because of sexual
orientation. Let me be very clear. If I hear of any further
discriminatory and degrading behavior from any of you, I
will suspend you from the team. You won't be allowed to
suit up for practices or games. And that means all of you.
Or any one of you that screws up. If, like the other day, you
individually or as a group insult or harass anyone, you're
toast! I don't want to lose your talent but I'll suspend any or
all of you in a heartbeat if you don't live up to expectations
on or off the field. This is not an idle threat. I WILL
suspend you. If anyone asks why you're suspended, I won't
hesitate to give the reason. Don't fool yourselves by
thinking that winning is everything. As far as I'm
concerned, winning honorably is what matters. You
dishonor yourselves, the team, and this university when you
maliciously attack other students. I've given a lot of thought
to whether and how to punish you for your cruel bigotry. I
refuse to make the same mistake as Tressel!" [Jim Tressel, a
coach at Ohio State, was forced to resign for covering up his
players' prohibited profiting from the sale of football
memorabilia.] "I've decided on one that is best for the team,
the university, and most of all for YOU. I want you assholes
to apologize to Jerry and Zack. I want you to promise them
that you will be their watchdogs and protectors."

"But Coach..." Alex whined.

"No `buts' about it, no matter HOW you spell the word!"

After a moment of shocked silence, Brad and a couple others
who were low on the social totem pole responded with a bit
of chuckling.

"Get this through your thick skulls! If I hear of any assault
to either or both of them, you'll answer to me and it won't be
pretty. Any assault, verbal or physical, caused by any one of
you could mean you're off the team. Permanently! Now get
your sorry asses out of here before I tell you how much your
inexcusable attack disgusts me."


Chapter 9

Zack and Jerry had just finished lunch at the Marketplace
Café and were leaving the Student Union Building, headed
east on Carroll Street toward their car in parking lot #2, which
was adjacent to the Athletic Field House Complex. It was
Friday, they had no afternoon classes, and they were planning
a rare period of pure relaxation before preparing a special
meal for Jason on the occasion of his birthday. After the
meal, they would treat him to a stop at his favorite bar. They
would sip Ginger Ale while he drank a few beers. They were
excited about the evening. There had been so few of them
since classes began because they had to study obsessively to
maintain a high B average. In spite of the challenge of
college, they agreed that life was good since leaving the
Amish community.

Their high spirits were shaken when they saw Alex and his
gang approach. There was no way to avoid a confrontation
and the crude taunting they had suffered only a few days
before.

Alex strutted toward them and stood only two feet in front of
them. Five hangers-on formed a circle around the two
anxious teens, blocking any hope of escape. They were
trapped. It wasn't a dark alley or a lonely country road but
they feared the worst: a physical beating accompanied by
sneers and insults.

"Hiya, dudes," Alex said. "I wanna apologize for what we
said the other day. It was wrong and we're sorry. Ain't that
right, guys?"

A chorus of agreement confused Jerry and Zack.

"To make up for it," Alex continued, "we're all gonna watch
out for you. If anybody gives you any shit about being fags
-- oops, I mean gay -- just say the word and we'll set `em
straight."

Alex and his followers then walked away, leaving Jerry and
Zack perplexed by the astonishing encounter. Walking to
their car and on the drive home they tried unsuccessfully to
think of an explanation for the athletes' sudden and
mysterious change in behavior. The puzzle troubled them
until late afternoon. Only when they started preparing supper
could they think of anything else but even then inexplicable
turn of events was not far from their minds.

Over dinner, Jerry and Zach told Jason about the strange
encounter with Alex and his band of homophobes. "When
you told me about the harassing," Jason said, "I was angry
that such persecution was still virulent. But reversing their
bigotry so quickly is -- frankly -- suspicious. Do you think
they were just trying to get you to let your guard down? Will
they attack you some time when you're not expecting it?"

Neither Zack nor Jerry had considered that possibility, which
was no doubt due to their growing up in a gentle, cooperative,
and amiable Amish community. "No," they said in unison.

"There may be a way to find out," Jason speculated. "You
say Brad apologized to you for the insults?"

"Yes," Zach replied.

"Could it be that there's more to the story than what you
experienced? I mean, might Brad have convinced the group it
was wrong and they should make it right?"

"Not likely," Jerry said. "He said he was the bottom of the
pecking order and had no power or influence on the group."

"Still," Jason said, "he may have been instrumental in causing
the sudden change in the group. I don't know how but you
have to admit it's possible even if it's unlikely. Why don't
you ask him?"

"Good idea!" Jerry exclaimed. "I'll call him right after
dinner."


Jerry called Alex's cell phone. "Hi. This is Jerry. You said
you'd let us know if there might be more trouble."

"I did. What's the problem, Jerry?"

"No problem. I just have a question. How come the sudden
change of attitude today? Alex actually apologized and
promised to look out for Zack and me. What's going on?"

"Alex didn't change his mind. Neither did any of the others
in the group. They did it because the coach demanded it."

"I don't understand," Jerry said.

Brad explained how the incident had been reported to the
coach, the coach's angry tirade, and his threat of suspension
from the team. He concluded with an ominous warning,
"Today was just a sham to satisfy the coach. Believe me,
Alex and the rest of the group haven't changed a bit. I
wouldn't be surprised if they planned some kind of attack as
long as they were sure they wouldn't get caught. So be
careful. If I hear anything more specific, I'll let you know."

"Thanks, Brad. For the information ... and for telling the
coach."

"Whoa! Hold on! I didn't tell the coach! And I'd rather not
say who did ... for their own protection if you know what I
mean."

"Thanks, Brad. You've solved a mystery that's been puzzling
us."

For the next several weeks, Zack and Jerry were watchful,
especially in the parking lot or other places where nobody was
around but their apprehension was unnecessary. They would
occasionally see Alex, one of his underlings, or the pack of
bigots together but there was not so much as a greeting pass
between them. In spite of the absence of an immediate threat,
they worried about the time when football season was over.
Alex and his henchmen were all seniors and banishment from
the team would no longer be a threat.

<><><><><>

In early November, Jason informed the teens that his two
daughters, their husbands, and three grandsons, ages 10-15,
would be arriving from out of town to celebrate Thanksgiving.
It would be the first family gathering since his late wife's
funeral. Jerry offered to leave the house during the visit but
Jason said, "No! I want you to be a part of the group. After
all, you're like sons to me. A family gathering wouldn't be
complete without you."

Zack announced, "Jerry and I will prepare the dinner. That
will leave you free to be with your family. And don't argue.
We've done pretty well cooking meals here and we would
welcome the chance to prepare a special meal. Right, Jerry?"

"Absolutely!"


The young men thoroughly enjoyed planning, preparing, and
serving the feast although they became annoyed at Jason's
frequent question, "Anything I can do to help?" They also
enjoyed the abundant compliments on the meal from all the
adults. (The grandsons were too busy eating; boys of that age
have big appetites and poorly developed social skills.)

After desert of pumpkin pie, the three grandsons, dreading an
evening of boring adult conversation, asked if they could go
outside and play football. Zack stood and said, "You folks
enjoy yourselves. Jerry and I will put the leftovers away and
wash the dishes." When Jason's daughters rose to help, Zack
said, "Thanks but we'd rather you spend time with your
father." Only Jerry and Zack were aware of what lay beneath
their insistence on clearing the table alone -- pain was mixed
with their pride. They had given no clue to their sadness over
not being with their own families, most especially on a
holiday. They had fond memories of the many Thanksgiving
dinners as they grew up. The meals were superb but, in
retrospect, they appreciated most the unity and fellowship
with their parents and siblings. Jerry was the first to voice his
feelings as they loaded the dishwasher. "I enjoyed the day,
Zack, but I wish I could be with my own family on
Thanksgiving."

"I know the feeling, Jerry. But that won't happen. Besides,
you and I are sort of a family now. For now and forever. I
love you."

"I love you, too." Unaware that one of Jason's sons-in-law
was entering the kitchen, the two lovers briefly hugged and
kissed to express their devotion to each other.

The son-in-law was appalled at the sight of two men kissing.
He turned around and returned to the dining room. "Jason,"
he said, "can I talk to you a minute? In private?"

Jason was puzzled but accompanied his son-in-law to what
was once a daughter's bedroom but was now his office.

"What the hell is going on with your two boarders?" the
younger man demanded, his fury obvious.

"Settle down!" Jason said. "In the first place, they're not
boarders. They're house guests. And, I might add, fine
young men. Secondly, what's upsetting you?"

"I just saw them kissing! On the lips! Not just a peck, either!
They're obviously fags!"

"I'll thank you not to use vulgar language," Jason replied
assertively. "As for your accusation, it's true. They're gay.
They're in love. It's a love not unlike a deep, abiding love
between a man and a woman. And, I would hope, between
you and my daughter."

"HOLY CRAP! Are you telling me that you tolerate such
disgusting behavior in your home? How can you claim to be
a Christian?"

"Let me put this plainly," Jason said as he fought to control
his anger. "Their behavior is different ... not disgusting.
Moreover, it's not sinful. How can love and devotion be
sinful? Those young men are the most honest, hard-working,
compassionate people I know. They would put to shame
many Christians -- especially Evangelicals -- who sit in
church on Sundays and blindly endorse twisted interpretations
of the Bible, who ignore its contradictions, and who quote
only those parts that happen to agree with their biases. The
result, of course, is cruel bigotry!"

"I've heard enough," the irate son-in-law said and stormed out
of the room. In the dining room he said to his wife, "Get your
things. We're leaving!"

Usually submissive to her husband, she uncharacteristically
replied, "Why?"

"Because your father is harboring two queers! I won't be any
part of it!"

She knew that Jerry and Zack were gay. Jason had told her
previously but they agreed not to mention it to her husband
because they knew what his reaction would be. Defiantly, she
said, "You can leave if you want to. I'm staying here."

Tom, an ex-Marine, was clearly infuriated by his wife's
defiance, he barked, "And how will you get home?"

"IF I come home, I'll find a way."

The implication of the "IF" was clear. For the first time in
their marriage, Tom's wife was rebelling against his
dictatorial ways. Her anger over being treated as an inferior
subordinate in the marriage had been simmering for years. It
reached an explosive boiling point when he ordered her -- in
front of everyone -- to get her things.

The bigot was in an awkward situation. Unlike his experience
in the Marine Corps where insubordination was swiftly
punished, this was a family gathering and he had to reign in
his anger. "You mean you're going to stay in this den of
iniquity?"

"I am!" she said assertively. "And if you're the Christian you
profess to be, you'll show some tolerance."

"Sit down, Tom," Jason urged. "Let's not argue and spoil the
evening."

The man, obviously bewildered by his wife's uncharacteristic
disobedience and still incensed over the presence of `queers'
in the house, grudgingly sat down, seething inwardly but
unable to do anything about the mutiny. At least not at the
moment; he would handle his wife's noncompliant attitude
later.

Jerry and Zach overheard the confrontation and were
overcome with remorse that they had carelessly ruined the
rare family gathering. After discussing what they could do,
they returned to the living room to apologize. However, they
didn't have a chance. Several voices called to them, "Come
join us." "You've done enough work for the day; come
relax." "Thanks for the spectacular meal; too bad we don't
live closer because we'd enjoy the results of your cooking
talents." And from the wife of the bigot who caused the
tactless scene, "Don't let my husband's remarks ruin the
evening. I think I speak for all of us -- except Tom -- when I
say we think you make a fine couple." A chorus of agreement
followed.


Chapter 10

Tom, the self-righteous bigot, sulked quietly. He felt humiliated by his
wife's disobedience. It had challenged his authority and dealt a blow to
his outsized ego. However, he contained his anger -- at least for the time
being. Consequently, the evening passed amicably. Everyone (except
Tom) made sure that Zack and Jerry were included in the lively
conversation. Everyone (except Tom) had a wonderful time. But it was
getting late and Jason's daughters, their husbands, and the grandchildren
had a long drive ahead of them to return home so they regretfully said
goodbye and left after profusely praising Jerry and Zack on the meal and
promising to get together again soon.

Tom was still angry and brooding when they pulled out of the driveway.
His wife, Marie, was also upset at the furor her husband had caused in
what should have been a joyous occasion. At the same time, however,
she felt exhilarated over having the courage after so long to stand up to
her husband's domineering ways.

Jerry and Zack apologized to Jason for triggering Tom's outburst and
ruining the family get together. "Don't worry about it," Jason replied.
"Tom is arrogant, pompous, and self-righteous. We've all known that for
some time. To tell the truth, I'm proud of Marie for finally standing up to
him. I've watched him dominate her for too long but, of course, couldn't
do anything about it. One of the hardest things a parent must do is to let
adult children lead their own lives. Fortunately, there's been no physical
abuse ... at least that I know of. Then, I'd have stepped in to protect her.
I don't expect Tom will change his ways. He's always fought to win.
Frankly, the best thing to happen would be a divorce. They have no
children to hold them together and Marie could get along fine -- in fact
much better -- without him. Who knows? Maybe she'll find a more
reasonable man. She's still quite attractive."

As soon as Tom and Marie got on I-77, heading north toward home in
Shaker Heights, Tom's discontent erupted and he forcefully said, "I don't
appreciate your mouthing off to me in front of everybody. It's
demeaning and embarrassing. Don't ever do that again!"

"Embarrassing? Demeaning?" Marie exclaimed. "How do you think I
feel when you bark orders? Do you have any idea what it's like to be
treated like an ignorant servant? Marriage ought to be an equal
partnership but you act like a dictator without considering my feelings.
I've had my fill of it, Tom, and won't take it any more."

"Is that a threat?" Tom asked. "Back at your dad's house you said IF you
came home. That sure sounded like a threat."

"I said that because you made a total ass of yourself by ranting about
Zack and Jerry. They're gay. But they're fine young men and don't
deserve to be persecuted with your poisonous attitude. I was protecting
them as much as objecting to your egotism."

"They're QUEER, Marie! It's unnatural and sinful! That's why I
worked so hard to get the definition of marriage on the ballot in Ohio.
And it got voted into the State Constitution."

"Such a shame, too. It denies the minority the rights enjoyed by the
majority. Speaking of majority, did you know that a recent poll found
that fifty-two percent of Americans think homosexuality is morally
acceptable?"

"You wanna know why? The homosexual bullies are intimidating God-
fearing people and trying to turn it into a discrimination issue.

"Bullies? Intimidating?" Marie exclaimed. "Seems to me that the
extremist Evangelicals are the bullies. They're the ones that mistreat
gays, spew hate from the pulpit, and picket funerals of soldiers, claiming
that they died because God is punishing America for tolerating gays.
They're the ones who..."

Tom cut her off. He reflexively counter-attacked. He would not allow
facts to trump his beliefs. "They're creating a lot of heathens who want
to ban religious values in America. It'll be a disaster if we don't respect
traditional marriage."

"Traditional marriage?"

"The kind in the Bible."

"You mean Jacob and his two wives, Leah and Rachel and their two
hand-maidens? Or Solomon and his seven hundred wives and three
hundred concubines?"

"Not that kind, no."

"Stoning brides on their wedding day if they're not virgins?"

"NO! You're misinterpreting the Bible, Marie."

"But you don't hesitate to quote the Bible to me, Tom. Do you want to
impose your interpretation on everyone else?"

"No. That's what THEY want."

"Who?"

"The homosexuals. They want to change the definition of marriage for
everyone."

"Do they want to force you to marry a man?"

"Of course not."

"Do they want to outlaw traditional marriage?"

"No."

"What do they want?"

"They want to legalize sin! It's not right! Every child deserves opposite
sex parents."

"Thank goodness we don't have children, Tom. They'd be infected with
your excessive intolerance."

Exasperated, Tom exclaimed, "What the fuck's gotten into you, Marie?
You're talking like one of those heathens who condone homosexuality.
Do you want to be condemned to Hell?"

"My compassion, forgiveness, and tolerance won't condemn me to Hell,
Tom. But you'll have to worry about your hate and your persecution of
those who don't agree with you." Marie was tempted to add a comment
on her husband's `intentional ignorance' but thought better of the idea.
He would only get angrier, deny it, and prolong the argument.

There was an icy silence for the rest of the drive home. Tom, figuratively
licking his wounds, felt like he may have lost a battle but he resolved to
win the war. Marie, having found her voice that had been repressed for
so long, couldn't feel triumphant because of the specter of her husband's
probable revenge and, significantly, the future of their marriage. `What
marriage?' she asked herself. They started out as a loving couple but for
last few years she had been miserable. There was no joy in being
together any more. There was no love. There was plenty of sex -- when
he demanded it and with no regard for what she wanted or how she felt.
There was neither affectionate foreplay nor any sign of his trying to give
her an orgasm. It was `biff-bam' but no `thank you, ma'am.' Perhaps the
evening had been the beginning of the end ... and could be a new
beginning for her.

<><><><><>

Meanwhile, a minivan was traveling south toward Columbus. Three
boys were in the rear, sleeping off the prodigious meal they'd eaten at
their grandfather's house and recuperating from playing football. Their
parents, Henry and Julie, were in front, occasionally chatting about what
a wonderful day it had been -- except, of course, for Tom's outburst,
which, they agreed, was tactless. "Can you believe how furious he was?"
Julie asked rhetorically. "Just because Zack and Jerry are gay?"

"I CAN believe it," her husband replied. "I agree with his disapproval of
homosexuality. But to fly into a rage like he did in front of everyone is
inexcusable. His vehemence is consistent with his character, however.
And to insist on leaving just because two gays were present was over the
top."

"Indeed it was," Julie remarked. "I felt sorry for Marie when Tom
exploded but I think she handled it well. In fact, she should have done
something similar a long time ago. Which reminds me ... I love you for
being a good husband."

"You're good to be good to," Henry grinned and, after a pause, asked,
"Did you notice how Tom was quiet and sulking afterwards?"

"How could I not notice? He got what he deserved. I don't feel sorry for
him at all."

"I'll bet he has more to say on the drive home," Henry mused.

After several miles of quiet reflection, Julie asked, "How would you feel
if one of our boys turned out to be gay?"

"They won't!"

"Probably not, Henry, but it's possible. Could you accept that? Would
you still love him?"

"Frankly, I don't know if I could accept it, but I guess I'd still love him."

"Suppose for a minute. Suppose Jerry or Zack was your son. Would you
be proud of him ... or ashamed?"

"That's a `what-if' question, Julie. Why worry about something that
won't happen?"

"Because it might. The chances are slim but it's always good to be
prepared for the unexpected. You have to admit that Jerry and Zack are
bright, personable, and quite admirable young men ... who happen to be
gay"

"That they are," Henry had to acknowledge.

"Well," Julie began somewhat hesitantly, "I'd be proud to have either one
as a son. Oh sure, I'd worry. Being gay is still a bit dangerous because
there are too many Toms in the world. Their hatred would be hard to
endure. Not, I suppose, unlike other minorities. If one of our boys were
gay, could you offer them the support they needed to cope with
persecution from bigots?"

The man thought for a while before responding, "It would be difficult but
he'd still be my son. I guess I could accept it ... but NOT approve of
their behavior -- as long as they weren't swishy, effeminate types."

Julie laughed. "That's the last thing you'd have to be concerned about.
They're about as macho as they come. Is any one of them a sissy type?"

"No way! Oh, oh! Road construction ahead. They oughta make orange
barrels the state symbol!"

<><><><><>

The next few weeks passed uneventfully for Zack and Jerry. A phone
call from Brad (the member of Alex's inner circle who promised to be a
mole and report any plans for persecution) rekindled their fears of being
bullied.

"Hi, Jerry. This is Brad. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. Alex has
started mouthing off about fags. Sorry. Didn't mean to offend but that's
the term HE uses. Anyway, football season is over. He and the rest of
his gang are all seniors so the coach's threat of expelling them from the
team is no longer a concern. He hasn't mentioned you two specifically
but he's showing his hatred more than usual. I don't know if he is or will
be planning anything but I thought I'd better let you know."

"Thanks, Brad. We'll be careful."

Careful they were. They were more alert and more cautious, especially
on campus. They even started carrying pepper spray in case harassment
turned into physical violence. (They were unaware that it was not nearly
as potent as the kind used by law enforcement personnel and that it might
only make the aggressor angrier, leading to even more brutality.) But
their fears would evaporate at the beginning of the Christmas break when
Jerry got another call from Brad. "Good news, Jerry," Brad began.
"Alex will be dropping out of school. I don't know all the details but it
seems he screwed up applying for another student loan; missed a deadline
or something. His dad lost his job and can't afford tuition. Alex is a real
bastard but I feel sorry for him. He has only one semester left before he
was to graduate. Anyway, I think his clique will sort of break up next
semester. Even if they don't, there's not one of them that has the balls to
organize any kind of attack on you or anyone else."

"Thanks, Brad. That is good news. Not because Alex won't graduate on
time but that Zack and I won't have to be on guard all the time."

"I didn't say that, Jerry. I'd suggest you watch your back for a little
while longer."

"Will do, Brad. Thanks again."

Brad's final recommendation would prove to be unnecessary. Lacking a
leader who, by charisma, demanded unchallenged loyalty, the clique of
jocks gradually disintegrated. Their only incentive was to earn passing
grades that would ensure graduation. Intimidation or persecution of
gays fell off their priority lists.


Epilogue

Jerry and Zack now live in Columbus, Ohio, and are blissfully happy.
They had several job offers when they graduated from college, but
selected Columbus because it was relatively close to their families.
Each of them had contacted his parents, but the responses ranged from
coolness to mild antagonism for having abandoned his heritage.
Nevertheless, each maintains hope that he might eventually restore an
amicable relationship with the family he still loved.

So far, their efforts have been unsuccessful. The seemingly irreparable
collapse of the relationships with their parents is partially offset by
continuing contact with Jason. They visit often and keep in touch by
phone and email. Holidays, particularly Thanksgiving and Christmas,
are especially joyful occasions. Jason's family gathers and treat Zack
and Jerry as "adopted" members of the clan. (The festivities are
particularly enjoyable due in part to the absence of Tom whom Marie
divorced.)

Both Jerry and Zack were pleased to hear that Alex, the bigot jock, was
able to complete his degree requirements and graduate after two years
working full time and attending classes part time. They sent a
congratulatory letter to him but never received a reply.

They still keep in touch with Brad who had secretly engineered the
coach's stern dressing-down of Alex's clique. Brad is completing his
doctoral degree at UCLA.

The end


AUTHOR'S NOTE: My thanks to Iatia for his willing, able,
and valuable help in crafting this story.