"Mom... Dad... I have to tell you something, I have to tell you the most difficult thing I've ever had to tell you. I love you both so much. Youāre the greatest parents anyone could have hoped for. You've stood behind me from the beginning, helped put me through medical school, helped me survive the two years of interning in Manhattan, but... I'm 38 years old. I, I have everything in my life I ever dreamed for and yet I feel there's this wall between us and I need...I need to break it down. Mom... Dad...I'm...I'm...I'm...gonna start looking for a new job."
Thatās sounds really stupid. I put the phone back in itās cradle, and pace.
I can't do it. I haven't got the courage. What the hell have I gotten myself into? Drew's moving in this week, into my life. Permanently. For good. I've had thoughts of us exchanging rings. I want to spend the rest of my life with him... What am I supposed to do when they come for a visit? Tell them he's an old friend from college? Heās staying in my room with me because... because why?
"Mom... Dad... you see, Drew had a horrible childhood and he's terrified of sleeping alone. So I told him he could "bunk" in with me for tonight. And he moans in his sleep. Real loud. So don't think anything's going on in there -- it's just Drew. I know it may sound like both of us moaning, both of us moaning low and almost like wolves...and I know you may, from time to time, hear a rhythmic pounding on the wall. That's nothing. It's just Drew, letting out his anxiety from his early childhood."
Yeah, right. They'll buy that, Eric. Mom'll say, "Luigi, what are you keeping from me?" Dad'll say, "Luigi, that Andrew is light in the loafers." I'll say Mom.... Dad.... LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I love Andrew! I love him more than anyone I've ever loved in the world, and if you can't be proud of me and happy for me - then we have to rearrange our lives and I'm not willing to do that. I want you in my life and I want him in my life and I want us all to get along."
Finally, I glued the phone to my hand and dialed. It rang. I resisted the urge to hang up.
"Hello, Momma? It's me....happy birthday...I know, Teresa said you were all going out for a big dinner....I wish I could be there too. Is John going too?....Well, tell him I said to call me once in a while. I'm still his brother...You get the flowers?....Oh, stop it, Mom. You're sixty-one, you deserve it....all right, sixty-four, who's counting....? I'm good, I'm good. I...I...I'm gonna have a roommate move in for a while...You know, just to help with the bills....Of course, I'm doing all right at work. In fact, I may be moving to a bigger practice...yeah, in Beverly Hills....I don't know if Luke Perry goes to that clinic, Mom....I don't know if Jason Priestly goes there, either... So... yeah, so I guess I'm a little lonely... My roommate?...Uh, no, not a woman, Mom...a man. His name's Drew... he's a really nice guy... a caterer, Mom. A caterer. They cook and serve food at big parties....yeah, the guys in the tuxedos. Yeah, like the Emmy's... yeah, I could ask him to get you Candace Bergen's autograph. But he has a lot of other things too, you know plans and things. I don't know if he has a girlfriend, Mom. Why? Oh. Yeah, I guess he could fix me up...I never thought of that...Listen Mom, I want to tell you something....no, it can't wait. I want to tell you...what? They are? Oh. Oh, no I don't want you to miss the reservation. I miss you too....I wish I were there too...yeah, well I'll see you both at Christmas. Give Dad a hug, okay? Yeah. I love you too, Mom. Happy Birthday."
Click.
I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas. I will tell them by Christmas.
"Mom... Dad... I'm gay. Merry Christmas."
