Changing the Mirage
Chapter 14"I’m excited to meet your family," Shane smiled at Taylor.
"Me too," he returned the smile. "My family is so-" he cut himself off as he pulled into the driveway to see them standing on the front porch, waving. "Creepy," he mumbled as he put the car in park. "I’m just going to apologize in advance."
"This is going to be fun," Shane chuckled.
"You sure you’re ready?"
"Positive."
"I’m glad one of us is," he spoke as they both got out of the car. "Is this the welcoming committee?" Taylor questioned as they approached the porch.
"We’re just excited. You never bring dates…boys…men home," his mother replied, quickly correcting herself. She seemed to have a confused look on her face before shrugging it off causing Shane and Taylor to both laugh. "So," she drew out the word. "Are you going to introduce us?"
"Oh yea…Shane this is my family," he held his arms out. "Parents, Zoë, Mackenzie, Avery, Jessica, Isaac," He introduced as they extended their hands, inviting him for a handshake. "And of course you remember Zac,"
"Good to see you again," he smiled, shaking his hand as well.
"Hey Zac," Taylor spoke as everyone began engaging Shane in conversation.
"Taylor," he replied flatly before walking into the house. He sighed, watching as he disappeared into the house but was quickly brought out of his thoughts when Avery nudged him with her elbow.
"He’s cute," she mouthed. But just as she did Shane turned around to see the compliment she was giving. He couldn’t help but laugh. "And that’s my cue to walk away," she mumbled turning to go back in the house as well.
"Well let’s not stand out here all day," his dad spoke ushering everyone in the house. Everyone quickly scattered, going their separate ways while Taylor, Shane and his parents went into the living room.
"So Shane," his dad began as they all got comfortable in their respective seats. "What are your intentions with our son?"
"Dad!" Taylor scolded.
"I’ve always wanted to say that," he grinned, shrugging slightly.
"But no, really…what are your intentions with our son?"
"Mom!"
"I’ve always wanted to say that too."
"Fun wasn’t it?"
"It was."
"Seriously," Taylor groaned.
"Shane, tell us about your self," his mom instructed ignoring Taylor’s pouting. Taylor smiled as he watched Shane engage with his parents. There was no awkwardness. It was almost as if they’d all met before, and was just reacquainting themselves with each other.
Soon Taylor excused himself from the conversation to get them something to drink. He stopped in the doorway when he saw Zac standing with his back to him, talking on the phone. He didn’t want to intrude on his conversation, but he also didn’t want to leave Shane in there with his parents for too long unattended. He finally cleared his throat to get his attention. Zac turned to see who it was then turned right back around.
"Hey, I gotta go. I’ll call you later. Alright, I love you too," he paused briefly, listening to the other side of the conversation before a laugh escaped his mouth. "Okay, bye." He spoke, finally hanging up the phone.
"Still crappy reception if you walk out of the kitchen," he asked knowingly.
"Yep,"
"Was that Mykhail?" he questioned, again already knowing the answer.
"Mmmhmmm,"
"Must be getting pretty serious if you two are dropping the ‘L’ word."
"It’s been serious for a while, Taylor."
"Oh,"
"Yea," he looked at him before shaking his head.
"Zac, I’m sorry, okay?"
"Not okay," he replied as he began searching the cabinets.
"I overreacted. But I know you two. I know how not good you two are at relationships."
"Really? You know how not good we are at relationships? People grow up, Tay. People change. People get in a new setting and find themselves. I did and we found each other. Or are you the only person who can find yourself, and in the process find somebody to love you too?" Taylor let his gaze fall to the floor at the question. He’d never thought to see their relationship in the same light as his and Shane’s, but he couldn’t ignore his words or the weight they held. "That’s what I thought," he spoke grabbing his drink from the counter and walking past him.
"Before we get started," Taylor began as they passed the food around. It was Thanksgiving Day and they were about to devour all the delicious food that various members of his family had prepared. "I’d like to share a quick ‘what I’m thankful for’. If that’s okay?" he looked between his parents. They each gave an encouraging nod before he continued. "Um…the last several months have brought about a lot of changes in my life. Most of which you all haven’t been able to see because of the distance between us. But as I sit here with my boyfriend, I can’t help but be thankful for you all and the support you’ve given me and…continue to give me. I’m thankful for a supportive and patient boyfriend," he chuckled. "It’s nice when you find someone to love you even when you don’t feel ready or see it coming. And so, I’m also thankful that Mykhail and Zac have found that too…in each other. I’m happy for you two. And I don’t think those are words I’d said in the right manner but I mean it," he finished. He gave them a warm smile, hoping they recognized his sincerity. "Let’s eat," he declared causing everyone to agree and begin to pass the food around. He glanced down at them and saw a smile on both their faces as they shared a whispered conversation. Zac kissed her on the side of the forehead before catching Taylor’s gaze. He shot him a smile before nodding, letting him know he appreciated his words and roundabout apology.
~~~
"It’s gotten cold," Taylor spoke walking up behind Mykhail. He’d seen her slip out, and figured it’d be a good opportunity for them to talk.
"Yep, it’s been uncharacteristically warm but I think Fall has finally settled in," she replied not bothering to turn and face him. Taylor debated where to begin as they stood in silence looking out at the setting sun. "So,"
"So,"
"Nice speech at dinner,"
"Thanks. I meant it," he spoke softly, hoping it’d help her feel his genuineness. She nodded her head slowly, keeping her gaze out on the horizon. "I’m sorry Khail," he said causing her to finally look at him. "I shouldn’t have said the things that I did. And I shouldn’t have implied that you don’t have good judgment."
"I haven’t had the best judgment in the past. Honestly Taylor, I guess I understand your anger for the fact that I didn’t say anything. I had opportunities and I didn’t take advantage of them. And I think I even maybe get your reluctance about me and Zac dating…it could end badly. And you’d be stuck in the middle. I would obviously never make you chose between us, but it’d be awkward. I think what hurt the most is that you think I’m so bad at relationships that I’d hurt Zac. Or that this is something I went into lightly. I know my track record isn’t great. I know this. But I guess I felt if one person would have my back despite that, it would be you. And I think that’s what hurt the most."
"I am so sorry," he gently touched her arm. "I think I thought you were so bad at relationships because I’m so bad at them," he chuckled slightly. "I think because when there was a time that I thought we were one person…the lines of who you were and who I was, were so blended. Then I think we both just began to change. Except you started growing up before me, but I still saw you as this immature girl. I just didn’t want to think you’d outgrow me and that I’d lose my best friend. And it was easier to try to make you leave,"
"What?"
"You were right when you said you’ve given me everything and I’ve given you nothing. I didn’t even when you required or needed it from me. In a quest to prove happiness isn’t something that really exists, having a best friend doesn’t help. So I tried to push you away. I tried to make you leave. Then I moved and Shane came along and it was just another reason. But I want you to know, you really are my best friend. And I really do love you. And despite all my pushing, I’m glad you never left. And my world wouldn’t really be complete if you weren’t in it. So I hope, one day, you can forgive me."
"Taylor,"
"I love Zac. I love you. I’m glad you two have found each other. It wasn’t fair to assume that because you’ve had a few bad relationships that this one can’t work out. I mean, if that’s the case then I shouldn’t have any hope for my and Shane’s relationship. Zac said something to me that I hadn’t thought of that really made sense. You two found yourself. And then you found each other just like I found Shane. So, why would I be mad at that? How could I be mad at that? If you’re happy, I’m happy for you. I had no reason to be mad or jealous or whatever the fuck else I was insisting on being. Whatever I was upset about had nothing to do with you. Again, I was selfish and made it about me when it wasn’t. You were right in so much of what you said. So…I’m happy for you. I’m happy with you. I trust that you two know what you’re doing. I’ve never seen Zac like this before. So I’m going to trust that both of you know what you’re doing and this is the best for you. You’ve supported me. You’ve been my best friend. It’s time I start being yours as well."
"Thank you," she whispered.
"There’s no reason to thank me. This is what I should have been doing the whole time."
"All this new found maturity came from dating him?" she questioned causing him to laugh. "Maybe I need a hot, gay boyfriend," she teased.
"You have Zac. Close enough," he wrapped her in a hug.
"Should you be joking about my boyfriend being gay while he’s in the house with your actual gay boyfriend who is really fucking hot and charming?"
"Please, Shane is the straightest gay man ever. He’s safe."
"If you say so," she chuckled.
"So I have to ask,"
"Okay,"
"You two aren’t like planning to get married and have a bunch of miniature Zac’s running around, are you?"
"Let’s go back in the house," she shook her head.
"I mean because, that, I would need some definite time to get my mind around."
"You’re a loser," she smiled before turning and leaving him standing there. He smiled to himself just before following her inside. He was glad that he had his best friend back and that they were on the road to mending their friendship. But he was even happier that he would get to be her best friend this time around; the friend that she not only deserved but that he was capable of being.