Alexandra Academy was a buzz on Tuesday with the now active campaigning of the elections for student council. In the running for Student Council President were Levar Hawkins-Domino and Stella Ferris-Smith. Levar was in grade 12 and Stella was in grade 11. Levar was an all round fantastic student and athlete on all the school teams. Stella was a music genius and a beloved school dance DJ. The school day started with an assembly in the gym that allowed both candidates to make their pitches in speeches. Stella spoke first and promised to make lunches musical and put on a school dance every week of the year. She got a huge amount of cheering from the music crowd for it. But Levar had a more well rounded platform.
“I love the idea of musical lunches and lots of dances and if you vote for Stella, I have every confidence she could make all that happen for you. But consider this, we have a small but diverse student body in the 7-12s here at Alexandra Academy. Diverse in many beautiful ways including what we like to do for fun. So I would propose a few dances a year yes, for those who love that. Maybe seasonally; fall, winter and spring? Throw in a Valentines one for all you lovers out there.” At this Levar gave a noticeable grin and wink to Otis Carpenter, his boyfriend sitting off to the side of him. It was well known in the school they two were an out and proud gay couple.
Levar went on “But a student council is here to represent you….the students so while we’d do dances I’d also be taking input through your class presidents about what kinds of fun you’d like to have too. We also get a limited budget for stuff like this so we need to spread that fun out a bit. A dance a week would burn us through the budget by winter break. Now I’m not dissing Stella’s plan. There can be fundraising done to keep the disco ball rolling of course. But let's also use our heads. We can do a lot for free. Last year we had that board games afternoon where we all brought in our favourite games and had tournaments. That rocked. Let’s do that again. And the Nerf Darts Battle…...ok with a disclaimer that if we break anything in the bio lab again they’ll ban it forever so you all have to work with me if I can get that approved. We’ve got a bunch of artists…..we could do a gallery day. If you make cool stuff we can do a holiday market. I’m not going to promise any of it because it all has to go through admin. Student council is your voice though and we’ll do what we can if mine is in there. And before I wrap, a note on class presidents. Don’t just elect the popular kids who are all talk. We know who they are. Elect the ones who will do the work for you. They can be popular too but they’re going to have to go to meetings, take notes, bring that back to you, take your ideas and write them down and come back to the next meeting. It’s not just a title. Trust me, I’ve been one, 3 times. And with that experience I would love to be your student body president this year. Thank you all for listening and have a fantastic day.”
Levar got louder applause after his speech than Stella. Stella even cheered for him as the two got along well and the spirit of their competition was healthy. The 7-12s filed out amid lots of chatter and dispersed to their next classes.
The 7-8 class had geography with Mr. Arnett who taught both history and geography. Mr. Arnett’s classroom was a more traditional set up with rows of desks facing the white board and his vast collection of maps at the front. As the students filed in the Vice Principal Ms. Fisher called Mr. Arnett to his door for a quick check in on something and they stepped into the hall just past the doorway chatting quietly.
Cath sat second from the back row, ironically in front of Tristan and beside Daphne on one side and Aislin on the other. Mabel was on the other side of Aislin in front of Rene. Mina had ended up beside Tristan and Rene was one over from her. Stefan was on the other side of Tristan. She had worn a pair of light pink jeans today and an aqua coloured long sleeve shirt. She was grateful for the election speeches because they had made her and Tristan’s fake love life less interesting as gossip. She felt a bit of a pit in her gut today and it ached. She hoped she wasn’t getting a stomach bug. It was probably just her anxiety. She felt uncomfortable in her own body today. She sat down at her desk in geography and then got right back up again wanting to resit. She did it twice. Why was she so uncomfortable? She had ended up with her knees up on the bleachers during assembly, maybe she had sat in a way she was paying for now. Her lower back sure hurt like heck. As she stood up a third time she suddenly felt fabric and arms going around her waist and heard Tristan’s voice “Hey Sweetie….just in case you get cold...I need to tell you a secret….stay calm..” He said as he dropped his voice to a whisper and leaned in to her ear.
Tristan had loved everything about Levar’s election speech and was ready to ask for a button to wear and a sticker for his locker to show his support before he absolutely voted for the guy. However he had other goals today. He had to break up with Cath. He was going to do it at lunch. All they had to get through first was geography with Arnett. Cath sat in front of him and he strongly considered writing and passing her a break up note but then she seemed to be fidgety and stood up and sat down a few times. As he watched her stand the last time there was a stain on the back of her jeans….a blood stain. Poor Cath. He had to tell her without letting the whole class in on it. Thinking fast he unzipped his black hoodie and did the only thing that made sense. He was still her boyfriend for another 40 minutes or so, so he played the boyfriend card and wrapped his hoodie around her waist and tied it and made it look like he was being affectionate. He even took a page out of Cath’s book and called her sweetie. Then he whispered the truth in her ear “Don’t panic because no one saw but me but you have blood on your pants. Remember Daphne said she had a backpack full of pads or go to the nurse…..just a heads up.” then he eased off and sat back down, sure that would confuse Rene. He tried to give him an I’ll explain that later look.
Cath’s eyes went wide and then she nodded and held the hoodie on her waist like a lifeline. She briefly looked back at Tristan and said a heartfelt “Thank you.” Before leaning over to Daphne and whispering urgently to her. Daphne patted ehr backpack and whispered back and then held up 5 fingers and head jutted in the direction of the closest bathroom. Cath nodded her acknowledgement and went out the classroom door passing Mr. Arnett and Ms. Fisher “I just need the bathroom.” He distractedly nodded and waved her on.
In the meantime Daphne caught Aislin’s eye and gave her the 5 minute sign and mouthed the word bathroom figuring Aislin would probably guess at the situation. She saw Mabel nod at the call to feminine solidarity which Daphne figured might be useful if they could all get out of class. They’d need to get Cath sme pants. They might need to keep people out of the bathroom since the bathrooms were all unisex, some of them with a few stalls in them. As soon as Mr. Arnette walked back in, she had her hand up “May I go to the bathroom?” She shouldered her backpack and knew a male teacher or any teacher would never say no to any girl asking with a bag. That had been proven.
Mr. Arnett sent Daphne off “Of course.” Then he began his lesson “We’re back on the topic of water systems and climate. Now we were talking about the topography of mountain systems specifically…” He droned on and drew a diagram and then went to the maps “Here we have the rockies…..” And on until 5 minutes had passed.
Aislin caught the word bathroom and noticed Cath and Daphne leaving the class. She grabbed her bag and held up her hand just as Mr Arnett gave Daphne permission. He probably thought that their bladders were synchronized or something. He included her in his wave and she took off for the nearest bathroom.
Rene didn’t notice much of anything before Tristan suddenly stood and wrapped his hoodie around her waist, which was … well he had to admit it wasn’t odd for a boyfriend, but Tristan was supposed ot be breaking up with Cath so it struck him as odd. But when Tristn gave him a look like he would explain it all, he relaxed a bit. Then there was a rush to the bathroom. Cath and Daphne, followed by Aislin and he found himself looking at Tristan again. Had he broken up with her, giving his hoodie as some weird compensation? He was lost and tried to concentrate on Mr Arnett.
Mr. Arnett is in full swing “Now with the melting of the polar ice caps….this system is all affected by climate change of course. It’s fragile…...we are it’s stewards…” He’d lost two young ladies to the bathroom and now Mabel Stanley was making retching noises and waving her hand like she was drowning. Cath had gotten past him in his distraction. “Yes Mabel?” He said tiredly.
“Mr. Arnett I’m a fragile ecosystem….I’m gonna blow chunks!” She exclaimed and then held her stomach and moaned like she was dying.
Mr. Arnett sighed “Go to the bathroom Mabel. Please.” It was possible she was faking but if she was bored enough to be this disruptive he could live without another interruption.
Mabel bolted out the door and ran indicating a level of health that didn’t match her antics.
In the hall a pair of heels could be heard and then they stopped “Walking feet Mabel. Walking feet.” It was Ms. Fisher is still doing her rounds. The sound of heels faded away and Mr. Arnett closed the door and continued his lecture.
In the bathroom, Cath is in a stall now and Daphne is passing her a little makeup bag through the door as Aislin comes in. It sounds like Cath might be in tears.
“But my panties are stained too….oh is it always this gross?”
Daphne nodded ruefully “Pretty much. Welcome to womanhood. Aislin’s here Cath. One of us can go grab your gym clothes so you can at least change the outer layer ok. We have gym after lunch so it won’t be that obvious. What’s your locker combo?”
“Hi Aislin…” Cath sniffs and then says “36-25-48.”
Aislin jogs into the bathroom and joins them. “Oh, Cath.” she sounds sympathetic. “At least it’s not as bad as when I got it in school. But this is your first.” she looks at Daphne and snorts. “Yea. And thanks to Adam for not being able to just say no … and God for unfair punishments.” she snorts. “So which of us should get her clothes?” she is more than happy to go, but if she’s stopped in the halls she might well just tell what happened, no mater who stopped her. Mabel would be worse, but Aislin sees no shame in her period.
Daphne is about to answer when Mabel bursts through the door and is very loud
“I told Mr. Arnett I was gonna blow chunks! What’s happening in here? Is Cath ok? Did she and Tristan have a fight?” Mabel fired off at rapid speed.
Daphne held up a hand “Creative….she’s ok. She just got her period in class. Because we’re religiously cursed?” She giggles at Aislin.
Cath calls out “Yes I’m fine just gross. Curse Adam and eve. I hate that story. Tristan actually saw it and saved me from everyone seeing it. He wrapped his hoodie around my waist and told me.”
Now Mabel swoons “Oh my god...who knew Tristan would be such a perfect boyfriend!” She banged into the door as she swooned.
Daphne shook her head “Yes he’s lovely….Mabel focus...can you be our lookout until we get Cath some gym clothes?” She looks at Aislin “Her locker is down this hall we’re in but you have to duck past geography. Feel like a stealth mission Aislin? What’s the combo again?”
Cath calls out “36-25-48….locker 217. Tristan was really nice….” She hesitates on agreeing he’s the perfect boyfriend.
Mabel sort of salutes and steps out into the hallway in front of the door. She immediately has to deflect someone. It sounds like a male voice “Oh you don’t want to use this one. I’m waiting for the janitor. Toilet overflowed. My brother and his breakfast burritos...trust me it’s a shit swamp…..so murky!”
The male voice uttered “Blech...uh…” And then footsteps retreated.
Daphne cracked up “Oh what have we done….K Aislin you’re clear.”
Aislin left and speed walked towards locker 217. She approaches the geography door and kneels, duck walking herself under the window. Once she’s clear, she stands and resumes her speed walk. At 217, she looks around before trying the combination. “36 …. 25 …. 48…” she gets it open and grabs the gym clothes inside. Clutching the package like her only parachute, she speed and duck walks back to the bathroom, slipping in and handing off the bag. “There you go Cath … see this is nothing like the movies.” she proclaims.
Cath’s hand comes out and takes the bag “Thank you Aislin….there are period movies? That sounds terrible. Oh thank goodness my sweats are black this week….just like the hoodie….” All of a sudden she starts to cry again, almost uncontrollably and blurts out “I told a big lie and I don’t know what to do!”
Daphne was about to make a joke and then Cath seems to be crying. She looks at Aislin “Impressive reconsance speed….” But then calls in to Cath “Hey…..whatever it is...you can talk to us.” She looks a little helplessly at Aislin.
Cath emerges from the stall in her black sweats and gym shirt, holding the other clothes “Tristan’s not my boyfriend….but you have to swear not to tell the rest.”
Aislin suddenly remembers how young Cath is in many ways. “It’s a stupid horor movies. The TLDR is that a girl gets her period and slaughters nearly everyone in her school. Never mind.” then she bows at Daphne and then Cath is crying. “WHat … he’s … not?” she looks completely confused. “But at the party you told your aunt he was.”
Cath looks between Daphne and Aislin “Swear to me you won’t tell…..because it would be really bad….well it would really hurt someone if they knew I told...but I need help. I’m in over my head here. And we can’t tell Mabel. She’s not quiet enough.”
As if to prove it Mabel could be heard deterring a couple of giggling girls trying to come in “Oh guess what I found in that bathroom! So many cockroaches…..so shiny….so fast. Wanna see?” A gasp and a shriek and a scuffle of feet and they were gone.
Daphne nodded at Cath “I swear I won’t tell anyone.” But then she overheard Mabel and laughs “She does have her talents….oh my god.” She puts a hand on Cath “Why did you say Tristan was your boyfriend?”
Cath would wait for Aislin swearing but if she did she’d drop ehr voice to a whisper and then say “Because my aunt is scary and religious and homophobic and Tristan…..is Rene’s boyfreind. I can’t imagine how mean she would have been to them so I said something crazy and then it got out at school. They’re not ready to tell anyone so pretend you don’t know...please. I don’t want my brother to hate me.”
Aislin nods and then hears Mabel outside, proving Cath’s point about her not being quiet. “I won’t tell. You know that, Cath.” and shen Cath tells and it all falls into place for her. “Oh Cath….” she looks at the door because Mabel did NOT need to hear how far off the market Rene was now. She looks at her. “You are the best sister EVER. Just like mine!” she hugs her like she just saved a kitten from a tree.
Cath hugs Aislin back and sighs “Thanks I think...but now it’s a mess too. How do I fix this?” She pulls back and looks between both Aislin and Daphne.
Daphne has a look of dawning “OK I thought those guys were just best friends but I can totally see it. And you are awesome for covering for them. Don’t worry I’ll act shocked if they tell me someday but for now I’ll just respect their privacy cause yeah that could be huge if someone’s a jerk.” She thinks and then points in the air “You need to break up with Tristan like you guys have had a huge fight. Do it in front of everyone…...right at the start of gym class so everyone sees and hears.”
Cath looks nervous “I’m not very good at making a scene…..although I did at the party…”
Aislin nods her agreement with Daphne on all counts. “Yes. Well .. think if it like it was the party. Just march up to him and say Tristan. I can't. I’m breaking u with you. And then walk away. We’ll figure out how to let Tristan know you didn’t mean it and aren't really mad.”
Cath laughs “I know Trsitan doesn’t want to be MY boyfriend so that part won’t be a problem.” She smiles “They’re actually really sweet together. I hope it lasts. OK….I’m going to eat my ham sandwich and then break up with my fake boyfriend…..I can DO this!” She hugs both Aislin and Daphne now “Thank you both so much!”
Outside the click of heels approaches “Mabel…...what are you doing standing outside the bathroom? I’ve had all kinds of strange reports. Overflowing toilets…..cockroaches?” It was Ms. Fisher “Is there an apocalypse happening in there?”
Now Mabel falters “I uh…...no Ms. Fisher…..my friend is feeling really sick and we were helping her.
The door gets nudged open and the tall woman’s tidy bob haircut swishes as she peeks in “Hello….are you all ok in here? Who’s ill?” She sees three girls. Mabel’s name she already knew well but the other three are not known to her yet this year.
Aislin gives Cath a supportive nod before an adult peeks in. “Hello Ms Fisher.” she steps forward as the outspoken one of the group. Not as bad as Mabel, anyway. “Cath just got her period.” she just out and says. “Daphne had the pads in her bag. I got to her locker to get her a change of clothes since she bled through her jeans and Mabel kepd people from barging in and making a scene.” She explains why they are all there. “I mean … we couldn’t explain it to Mr Arnett without telling EVERYONE. I know, because I bled through once and I think it may have scarred me.”
Cath looks ok with her story being told to Ms. Fisher. She was kind and as soon as the topic was revealed she came right in and shut the door. “It’s true. I have really good friends.” She looks sympathetic at Aislin now understanding her story on a whole new level.
Ms. Fisher looks very empathetic “Cath….you do have very good friends. “ She looks at the other two and back at Mabel who has now slipped in but is holding the door closed “Forgive me if I don’t know names yet. Mabel Stanley.” She looks back “Cath?” She waits.
“Catherine Beaulieu. But I prefer Cath. This is Aislin and Daphne.” she states.
Ms. Fisher nods kindly “Cath is is then. Help me out with your last names Aislin and Daphne? And Cath if you need to make a phone call home….or you need any other supplies. Come see me anytime. That goes for all of your girls. My door is open. I’ll talk to Mr. Arnett about getting you any notes you had to miss.”
Daphne smiles warmly “Daphne McLeod.” she shares “And thanks Ms. Fisher.”
Aislin smiles and is glad this is a sympathetic woman. “Page. Aislin Page.” she listens and is glad to hear that Cath would have options .. she knew it didn’t always work out that way.
After lunch the 7-8s filed into the gym as Mr. Burrows wheeled out bins of balls for dodgeball. But before he could blow the whistle Cath looked back at Daphne and Aislin and nodded and then dropped her backpack and stalked up to Tristan and tried to sound fierce as she got in this face loudly “We’re through! It’s OVER! I don’t want to be your girlfriend….you….you...you JERK!” She hurled his hoodie back at him.
Daphne gave Cath a look of encouragement but was also trying not to giggle.
Tristan had managed to tell Rene the truth about his hoodie wrap and Cath just before they got surrounded at lunch by Tony, Mason and Tomas packing in at the same table with them. Then they talked about the school election and complained about how boring geography was and just chatted while they ate. Now it was dodgeball and Tristan groaned as he walked in. He hated dodgeball. Out of the blue Cath talked up to him and started breaking up with him loudly. Tristan gasped almost happily and had to work not to crack a smile. Yes! He forced his face to try and look mad “Just like that? Well FINE! I don’t want to be your boyfriend either!” He grabbed the hoodie stalked off in the other direction from Cath as Mr. Burrows blew the whistle and the teams were chosen. Everyone stared between them. Tristan took at least 4 dodgeballs to the face but couldn’t be happier.
Except at the end of the game when Mabel stormed up to him and pointed an accusing finger “What did you do to Cath?! Don’t talk to me!” And she spun on her heel and left him standing there confused. Mabel assumed they had some kind of relationship ender fight during lunch before gym.
Aislin watched as Cath broke up with Tristan, also trying not to smile as Cath got a little dramatic about it.
Rene also watched while his sister broke up with his boyfriend. He tried his hardest not to smile, which was helped when Cath got dramatic about it and he rolled his eyes. Tristan snatched his hoodie back and moved off. He followed and tried not to react when he couldn’t protect Tristan during dodgeball, which was, in his opinion a bit of a mean game. But it was alright because it was all almost over. Now that Cath and Tristan weren’t a ‘thing’ anymore, all he had to worry about was the family meeting after his parents got home from work.
After work and school at the Beaulieu house Tristan sat nervously with Rene on the couch. He really hoped this went well for him, and them. They had walked to Rene’s house with Cath walking across the street to maintain the we just broke up vibe for other kids heading that way. Mabel had of course walked with Cath at some point and the words “You can do better!” rang out. She was really taking sides. Tristan hoped it wasn’t forever but for now maybe it was helpful. Cath had come in and gone right to the shower while he and Rene studied, sort of studied, sort of kissed a thousand times too. But now Gen was coming home and the parents were coming in and apparently Sasha was on his way too. Cath had texted him to come so it was all the nuclear family that surrounded Rene.
Amelie came in walking just in front of Felix talking about their patients “Well at least he didn’t bite you…..” She laughed and then took off her shoes and dropped her keys in the bowl with a clatter “Bonjour?” She called out as she walked into the living room with a pile of mail from the letterbox “Oh hello Tristan…..Rene. Where’s Cath?” Because she figured she would be around with Tristan here.
Cath came down the stairs in fresh clothes feeling way better “Ici Maman (Here Mom).” She hugged her mother after the day she’d had.
Felix came in with his wife. “I was tempted to give him a balloon, but he is 57…” he replied and watched as Cath came down and hugged her mother while Tristan sat on the couch with Rene. “We’re on time.” he announced. “Where’s Gen?”
Gen came in after a study session with Elise and Nolan. They were so cute together, even though Nolan was still nervous. She got it. But finally she had to go home for some family meeting, so she took her bag and walked in, slipping out of her shoes at the door and dropping her bag. She moves into the living room, seeing Cath hugging her mother and Tristan on the couch with Rene. Flopping into a chair, she simply calls out. “Bonjour.” and waits. Rene had called this meeting and she hoped it wasn’t to talk about whatever new role he got. Girls in her class were talking about her little brother and it was, frankly, annoying.
Rene had enjoyed the alone time he got with Tristan. They even managed to get their homework done while Cath stayed upstairs. But as people began to trickle in, he realized that the time was here. “Everyone get comfortable while we wait on Sasha.” he insisted, even though Sasha already knew.
Sasha’s bike tires could be heard as he cruised into the yard. He lifted the bike up the porch stairs and then just set it against the house and glanced in the window. “Shit…” He was last. He scurried in the door and kicked off his shoes and walked in still holding his helmet and flopped on the floor near Gen’s chair “Sorry Rene. Bonjour everyone….” He knew what this meeting was and gave Tristan a little smile.
Cath let go of her mom as Sasha came in and sat on the floor near Sasha, miles from her supposed boyfriend. “OK.” She encouraged Rene and nodded at him
Amelie let go of Cath and looked a little confused as Cath sat on the floor. She took a seat in a chair “What’s going on Rene?”
Tristan took a deep breath, and let his hand close to Rene’s curl into a fist because he was resisting reaching out to hold Rene’s hand so hard. He kept quiet though and just hoped for the best.
Rene blew out a breath when Sasha arrived. He couldn’t explain why this was so nerve wracking for him. His mother asked what was going on and he wanted to just let the beans spill, but it needed explanation now. “I know you said no more secrets.” he started. “But when Tante MC saw Tristan and started in on her …. Stuff … Cath was only trying to protect me from Tante MC …” he realizes he isn’t making sense. “See … I’m gay and Tristan is actually MY boyfriend .. not Cath’s …”
Gen listens to her brother sort of ramble, but then he comes out with it. She couldn’t care less what his sexual orientation was .. what made her react was the story. “Damn Tante MC anyway. Who cares what she thinks.” She looks at Tristan. “Good choice for a boyfriend, anyway.”
Felix listens and he is a bit scared when Rene mentions the new no secrets policy. Then he goes on and he looks between Cath, Rene and Tristan. “Oh I am so sorry …” he sighs deeply. “That was a noble thing to do to protect Rene. I …” he blows out a breath. “SHe was a major reason I didn't tell your mother or her family about Auguste. MC … and your grandparents.” he looks at Rene. “You know I love you no matter what, Rene. And Tristan is a fine young man.” and he chuckles. “And I had no idea giving you Augste’s name would be so … appropriate.” he moves to his son and hugs him, blinking away tears. His son had come out to him … hadn’t hidden his identity and would get all the acceptance he could give him.
Amelie tensed at the no more secrets as well but as Rene explained what the secret was she softened and looked at him and then Tristan and Cath “That actually makes way more sense to me than Cath and Tristan. Rene…..I’m so glad you told us. And I’m so sorry MC makes everyone feel they can’t be who they are.” She looks at Felix too and is pained for all of them “I’ve blocked her number. As far as I’m concerned she’s unwelcome in this house and our lives. Her children may visit of course.” She sighs and follows Felix to hug Rene after him “We do love you no matter what. And we welcome anyone you chose to love.” She’s crying too.
Tristan sighed in relief and had smiled at Gen a little self consciously “Thanks…” He smiled and nodded at Felix too and watched as Rene’s parents just poured out their love and support with open minds and hearts. He felt like this was a safe palace for them too now and was so happy for Rene. He looks down at Cath while Rene is being hugged by his parents “I know it spiralled, but i really appreciate what you did Cath. Thank you.”
Cath wipes tears away as her brother gets the love and support he needs to do this and then looks up at Tristan and laughs “You saved me today….and then I told you off in front of the whole gym class to break up with you.”
Tristan laughs “That was actually the best….thanks for that too. And no problem about the other stuff.” He looks back at Rene with absolute love in his eyes for him.
Sasha puts a hand on his heart and looks between Gen, his father and his mother and Cath and then at Rene and Tristan “I’m so happy we can talk about this stuff now. You guys are great together. Otters...I can tell.” Then he looks at Cath “How did Tristan save you?”
Cath looks embarrassed but after the support she had earlier she feels confident “I got my period in class and Tristan saw my pants and wrapped his hoodie around my waist before anyone else saw it. Mabel said he was the best boyfriend…..he probably is...just for Rene.”
Felix backs up and retreats to the other chair in the room. He looks at Rene with Tristan and has to agree with Sasha. They looked solid. Then Sasha asks about Cath and Tristan saving each other and Cath explains it. “Oh …” he isn’t embarrassed about the feminine body. He didn’t have a problem if pads or tampons were on the shopping list … but he also didn’t complain if Amelie took care of those things instead of him.
Gen listens and then looks at Cath. “Oh you poor thing.” she looks at Tristan. “And good on you for not freaking out or anything. Those things can get real bad real fast.” she looks at her sister. “Welcome to womanhood … we should go out to celebrate. Maman?”
Rene laughs about all of it, he is so relieved it is all over. “Now I trust you guys aren’t gonna blab all over town. I’m not ashamed, but I wouldn’t really advertise even if I was straight.” then it comes out about Caths period. “Yea .. and that happened.”
Cath makes a face at Gen “That’s what Daphne said. So far I don’t like it. I have cramps and a backache and it’s gross. Sorry boys…” She looked at Sasha, Rene and Tristan. She figured her dad was ok since she’d seen him buy feminine hygiene products.
Amelie looked sweetly at her daughter after she sat down from hugging Rene “Well it’s a passage of life. And chocolate helps. We could walk down to the bakery or the ice cream place? If you’re in a lot of pain we have some things in the cupboard that might help it a bit. Would you like me to get you something?” She smiles at Tristan “Yes thank you for not being squeamish and helping Cath today. And no Rene...we won’t share your love life with anyone. That’s for you to decide, always.”
Sasha shrugs “Cath, why do you say sorry boys…..women are one half of the world...maybe more. I think men who are afraid of a woman’s period have forgotten they grew in one.” He looks at his mother “It’s true. And it’s nature. I’m not afraid of a tree and I’m not freaked out that women bleed. I have compassion for the pain though.”
Cath nodded about the painkillers “Yes Maman. Please. And once I feel better maybe I’ll feel like walking. I haven’t even taken Taffy out for a walk….just let him out back on his chain.”
Amelie goes to get Cath some medicine and calls back “Exercise helps. Even if you don’t feel like it.”
Tristan now does take Rene’s hand if he can and listens to the talk of Cath’s feminine struggles quietly. When he’s commended for not being squeamish he laughs “Yeah you haven’t met my Mom...very open about all things. I think she was so it wouldn’t be a huge deal with female friends or maybe her thinking I might have a girlfriend someday….or have a daughter... Not that she was stuck on the girlfriend idea. My parents are very accepting...very accepting.” He chuckles a bit and looks at Rene “But so’s your family and I think it’s great.”
Rene takes Tristan’s hand. “Well, if you don’t feel good enough to go out, you can order in and if you still don’t feel well enough to walk Taffy I can … or me and Tristan even.” he’s be happy to be seen walking the streets with Tristan. “I’m not grossed out and I really feel sympathy too.” he looks at his mom and sister who often eat chocolate, but sometimes he just doesn’t know when they’re having their periods.
Gen grins. “Let’s order some cake and ice cream? Chocolate?” she shrugs. “I’ve heard of women celebrating it .. right of passage .. not being embarrassed or anything. I get why your not happy with it cause sometimes it sucks but … its better to be a woman now than it was back in the day.” she looks at her mother … not pointing her out as old but as the generation before.
Felix chuckles. “Chocolate cake and ice cream sounds fine to me. I’ll be upstairs being male.” he winks to show he is teasing. “And no boys. I won’t run around bragging. That seems silly. If someone asks me if my son or daughter is dating I usually will say yes and what a grand person I think they are. So far no one has fallen for someone I object to.”
Amelie rattles around with pills and does something at the microwave. She had seen Gen looking at her when she said back in the day and laughed to herself. Sometime when it was just she and the girls she’d tell them about her grandmother trying to give her a giant pad with an elasticized belt from back in her day. She fills a glass of water at the sink and then the microwave beeps and she opens the door and takes out a little bag. “All the chocolate….and these..” She walks over to Cath and hands her two little pills, the water and the bag that’s been warmed “Take these and put this on your lower back.” She often offered this little magic bag to Gen too.
Cath takes all the things and swallows the pills with some water and then tries to position the bag on her back as she leans against the chair “Ordering chocolate would make me happy….and Taffy would love a walk from you guys. Thank you.” She looks at her father “Now I need to find some really obnoxious boyfriend someday just to challenge that.” She jokes.
Tristan looks happy he’s not objectionable and stands up “Well if we’re walking your dog...then you can have the couch….might be easier with that warm bag thing.” He stands up so Cath can have his spot gesturing for Rene to move with him.
Rene moves along with Tristan. He feels so much better now .. he’s told his secret and life was going on with the acceptance of his family. “Hold on let me get the pittle pooper scooker bags. Yeaa housetraining?”
Gen grins and sits on the edge of her seat. “And the movie of your choice, so we can vege. You’ll feel better in a couple of days, so think of it that way.”
Felix watches the women in his life taking care of each other. He looks at Cath. “I promise him a free dental check up.” he smiles and winks. “Might be a little less pleasant than Dante’s was but .. it’s free. He should be appreciative of your old man.”
Tristan can see the little dog looking at them all through the back patio door and smiles at it and then says with a grin “Pooper scooper bags. Good times.” He sounds like he’s teasing but he is happy about walking the dog with Rene and his next genuine look at him reflects it. But he waits for Rene to deal with the dog since he’s not really experienced with them.
Cath looks happy about the movie idea “Thanks Gen. I know it’s not all month. I remember from school and what you and Maman told me….” She smiles at her father “Coming at someone with dental tools might not make them appreciate you...fear you maybe.” She grabs the remote and clicks on the TV and Netflix to look at movies. It did feel a little nice to be doted on.
Amelie opens up her food ordering app on her phone “Alright...chocolate…” She taps away.
Felix shrugs. “If he’s going to be obnoxious, then he should be afraid. I’m still your father. Dante was respectful from Day 1 … so can whoever this obnoxious guy turns out to be.” he’s teasing … mostly. “I will leave you ladies to it.” and he heads upstairs. In a way he is very happy for his daughter, but he will also miss his little girl.
Rene grabs a hoodie and puts it on, then gets the poop bags and shoves them in his hoodie pocket. He takes the leash off of its hook and opens the back door, almost catching Taffy in midair before hooking the leash on the collar. He heads down the stairs and looks at Tristan. “Where shall we go?” he asks, holding out his hand to hold, even if only for a minute.
Tristan does take his hand and stops for a moment before they walk, looking at Rene with a heartfelt gaze “Anywhere…..hey….you did it.” He head juts to the house and then steps closer and takes a deep breath or two and then says “I love you…...you don’t have to say it back...i know it’s soon...I just do.”
Rene takes the hand and nods. “I did. It was scary, but not .. I know they’d be OK .. just the timing and all.” then Tristan takes some deep breaths and say he loves him. He stares at him for a while and nods. “No … I .. Ilove you too … I mean I’ve been telling myself I can’t .. but .. its gotten stronger and stronger … since that night in your room … but I figured you were getting ver someone and who wants to get hit in the head with a boomerang. No pun intended.” he chuckles and leans in a bit. “I was even a little jealous of my own sister for a second.” he murmurs and leans in to kiss him before Taffy starts tugging to go.
Tristan smiles a little emotionally and slides his free hand to Rene’s chin and cheek. He laughs at the boomerang comment and nods. Then he sighs “It’s you I want….you I love…” And he kisses Rene with tender passion before Taffy starts making noise and he breaks off “I guess this is cruelty to put the leash on and just stand here….for the dog..” He looks down at Taffy “Sorry buddy.”
Rene smiles. “Ditto. I love you.” and Taffy starts whining. “OK, OK we’re going.” he begins to move between his house and the Alvin house to the sidewalk. “Well, since you want to be in charge … which way do we go, Taffy.”
Taffy leads the way with his nose because dogs are like that. But he’s also used to walking the way Cath’s been going so he does default to walking down third towards the pizza place sniffing every tree and lamp post.
Tristan looks amused by letting the dog lead them “We could end up behind the dumpster and Thrifty’s looking for meat scraps you know.” But he walks along, gently letting their hands part as they get to the sidewalk. Every now and then he lets his arm brush Rene’s to let him know he’s still feeling connected but to a stranger it would also look totally coincidental. “So….who are you going to vote for in the school elections?”
Rene chuckles at Tristan’s suggestion. “We could … but Cath was so great I’d happily spoil her dog for her.” he considers the school elections. “Levar.” he replies. “He just seems more level headed about things. “A dance a week would kill the budget. I heard they have a choir for the Winter Festival and maybe we could get a holiday play. I am not giving up playing Joseph for a school dance … but … would you go to the dance with me? When it happens?” thee is no dance yet, but when it is Rene knows exactly who he wants to go with.
Tristan grins “She was yeah…” Then he nods in agreement “Yeah me too. Holiday play….how is it I’m picturing it going a little Charlie Brown Christmas?” He laughs and then looks at Rene earnestly and lets his arm lean into Rene’s again “Of course I will. I’d love to.” Then he shyly asks “Do you dance?” His experience consists of Jayla’s dance party demands but he’s passable at the fast song options. “Because I’ve never really slow danced with anyone…” Tristan looks around a bit and realized they’re almost in front of Mrs. Norris’s house. As they walk in front of her yard Taffy lifts a leg and takes a piss right on her marigolds.
Mrs. Norris is on her porch sweeping it. She sees two boys walking a dog and then the horrid animal soils her flowers and she screeches and comes running with the broom almost raised “You teach that mutt some manners boys!”
Rene laughs and immediately breaks into the charlie Brown dance with bobbing head and shoulders and flipping feet ad he hums the theme. Then he beams as the date is accepted. Now they only needed a date. “I just danced .. of course I dance….” he jokes, followed by. “Not really no .. we could find someone to teach us? Or .. YouTube?”” Mrs Norris comes out with a broom calling Taffy a mutt. It’s true but that isn’t the point. “He’s using his manners.” he protests. “He didn’t pee on the steps.” hes managed to avoid the legendary Mrs Norris before now.
Tristan sighs “Hi Mrs. Norris. He is a dog. Your flowers won’t die I’m sure.” His tone is dry.
Ursula Norris looks over her glasses at the boys each in turn. She zeros in on Tristan, because he’s familiar “I know you. You’re the one who delivers flyers...nothing good mind you...movies and grocery specials I can get by calling them every Monday. Useless. You’re the son of the Reinhardt policeman and the little Jap woman.” She says the last part disdainfully.
Tristan gives a breathy chuckle “Oh I dare you to call my Mom that to her face lady.” Stephanie could be a force of nature for bigots.
Ursula snorts “I speak the Lord’s truth.” Now she looks at Rene “Blonde hair...brown eyes...accent like you’ve never learned proper English….there’s a whole crop of you French people. Usually it’s the little girl who walks this dog and she doesn’t let him piddle on my property.” In truth the little girl often crossed the street after their first encounter where the dog had done something like that and Mrs. Norris had yelled and threatened the dog.
Now Tristan nudges Rene “Come on let’s go. She’s not worth it.”
Mrs. Norris huffs at this and glares at them.
Rene stares at the woman as she complains and hurls slurs at them. Tristan handles it all with grace. He listens to her claim to speak the Lord’s truth and he shakes his head at her as if he feels sorry for her. Looking at her, he very calmly says “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” he tugs at Taffy’s leash. “Oui … let’s go.” and they begin walking to the corner.
Liam O’Keeffe is jogging from Central onto 3rd Street. His sweat suit is grey, but at this point everyone knows who he is. He paused to hear the exchange and was smiling once the boys get to the corner. “Good passage Rene.” he tells him. “You two have a better evening than she'll have.” he goes on, passing Ursula Norris’s house with a cheery wave.
Mrs. Norris is speechless and her mouth drops open and then closes. She harrumphed at the priest who was way too lax in his views for her liking and began sweeping her porch again with fury.
Tristan looks amazed at Rene’s spouting an appropriate bible passage from memory. It was not short either. He smiles and waves at Father Liam “Thanks...you too.” Tristan happily turned the corner with Rene “You have an amazing memory! I guess between Sunday school and theatre eh?” He exhales “Mrs. Norris.”
Rene smiles at Father O’Keeffe. “Thank you, Father. We will.” he assures him. As they walk on, he looks at Tristan. “Thanks and .. yea … SUnday school. Theatre. Learning my bible verses was a … thing.” she grins. “Matthew 7:1-29, is actually one of my favorites too. It always confused me because … everyone judges … sometimes a little, sometimes they’re like Mrs. Norris.” he looks back in her direction. “I almost wonder what happened to her, but that might be a little too horror movie for me.”
Tristan nods “It’s true. We all judge. It’s hard not to. We’re so socialized to categorize. And we give those categories a value. I’m guilty of it. Maybe just about different things than Mrs Norris. I don’t know what her deal is. I mean I have only been here just over three years and she’s always been like that. She had a husband that died but ages ago. As far as I know no kids but a niece who used to visit. Older than us but she was like the opposite of Mrs Norris. Fast Lane Jane they call her. Slept around a lot. Again even me saying that comes off as a bit judgey. “ He shrugs.
Rene listens to a little bit of Mrs Norris history and nods. “I’ve met people like her. The worse their life becomes the more religious they become, the more judgemental they become.” he winces. “Fast Lane Jane … like Blow Job Brooke …” he shrugs. “I guess Dante knew her and Gen told me about the nickname.” he sighs. “Just .. they sound so sad? Does that make sense? My parents are married, but there was always … we had to walk around on eggshells with my mom about everything … she tried to find comfort and solace in God, but I’m not sure that worked. My father protected her .. forever .. and then it all came out and .. she seems happier than I’ve ever seen her … they seem happier, the both of them. I guess that proves that sex can give happiness or misery?” it’s a little confusing but he knows the emotions are intense with sex. He lets Taffy lead them along, pausing finally to pick up a puppy nugget in a plastic bag and seal it.
Tristan makes a face “Brooke Martin? Yeah I have heard that too. Older guys at school... and her number and a sort of testimonial if you will on the guy’s bathroom wall in the pizza place. Strange place to detail a sexual experience...taking a dump after a large pepperoni?” He listens and nods about Rene’s parents. “I’m glad they found happiness. I like your parents. And your siblings. Yeah it’s complicated.” He observes the poop pick up. As they pass the Yamada Tor home Sakura is outside with Jayla and they wave and call over. Tristan grins “Come meet my Grandma and my little cousin.”
And as they get closer Jayla yells “Tris! Tris!” She notices the boy with Tristan and then she looks super excited about the puppy. “Hello doggy!”
Sakura has been gardening and greets them with a trowel in hand “Hello boys.” She hasn’t met this new friend of Tristan’s properly but has seen him going to their house.
Tristan beams at Jayla “You can pet him.” Then he looks at his grandma and without missing a beat says “Grandma, this is my boyfriend Rene Beaulieu. Rene, Sakura Yamada.”
Rene winces at the testimonials. It seems like a horrible thing to be known for. He smiles at the little girl that comes running up to them. Smiling and waving at Tristan’s grandmother he greets her. “Bonjour, Madame Yamada. It is a pleasure to meet you.” he looks at the little girl. “This is Taffy and he is friendly.” Indeed Taffy is hopping around and trying to lick Jayla’s face. “Taffy, don’t be too rough.”
Sakura gives Rene a crinkley eyed smile “Bonjour. Very nice to meet you Rene. You can call me Sakura though.” She turns to Tristan “I already like him better than the Australian boy. You’re out walking in the sun instead of inside on a video game with that thing on your face and staying up till all hours.”
Tristan blushes a bit “Yeah Gran. I like him better too.” He understates. Then he looks down at Jayla and Taffy and smiles at Rene “I think it might be the girl we need to worry about being rough. Jayla gentle with the ears.” He smiles and points to Rene “This is Rene. Can you say hi?”
Jayla had just discovered how flappy the puppy’s ears are and it’s the best thing ever. Taffy seems playful about it all. Then she looks up at Rene “Hi. You’re fired.”
Sakura and Tristan both laugh like this happens all the time.
Rene smiles. “Merci, I will Sakura.” He also thinks Tristan made a better choice in him, but knows he is biased against Banjo. He watches as Japla plays with Taffy’s floppy ears, and almost says something when he is fired. He grins confusedly but Sakura and Tristan seem to be used to this. “Should I be worried?” he asks, just in case.
Tristan smiles and shakes his head “No she’s fired a lot of people. It’s a thing with her. The police chief, the mayor…..food delivery people….the whole family.”
Sakura laughs and nods “Kagiso…. oh and all the daycare workers. I think Ryan gets fired the most though.”
Tristan chuckles “Just wait...she’ll make you dance...and then fire you...more of an ego blow.” He jokes.
Jayla hears the word dance and jumps up and points at Rene and Tristan and then Sakura “Dance!” She commands.
Tristan pulls out his phone “Well Jayla we need music…”
“Baby shark!” She giggles.
Tristan looks at Taffy now rolling on the sidewalk and shakes his head “No we need a dog song…” He goes to You Tube and puts on Who Let the Dogs out and starts dancing to it. He’s actually a decent dancer and seems to enjoy it.
Jayla seems to approve and jumps around.
Sakura does a sort of side to side toe step thing and claps her hands every so often.
Rene arches his brows. “So I have been fired along with some of the most prestigious people in town.” he reckons. “I’m flattered.” The music begins and he dances. He has a good amount of rhythm, as he figures it could come in handy with acting. He kneels and picks Taffy up so he’s on his hand legs and barks in his face. “Woof, woof, woof.” and Taffy licks his face delightedly.
Now comes Jayla’s favourite part of this new game where she eliminates the dancers. Grandma is out first “You’re fired!”
Sakura pretends to be distraught “Nooo...I tried so hard…” Then she stands still and watches as Jayla points to Tristan.
“You’re fire Tris!” She says gleefully.
Tristan feigned shock “Me? Really? Aw come on…” And he folds his arms and stands and waits.
Jayla looks curiously at Rene who is making the puppy dance and she seems to approve and just nods at them both and keeps jumping around,
Tristan cracks up “Well congrats Rene. You won the Jayla dance off….you and Taffy. But if a cheat having the dog in your corner.”
Rene watches but keeps dancing with Taffy as Sakura and Tristan are eliminated. Ultimately he wins and laughs while trying to look indignant. “You have to use the tools at hand.” he finally drops Taffy’s front legs and stands.
Jayla loves the game but at the age she’s at she’s very easily distracted and starts somersaulting across the lawn and then remembers her little dollhouse that Grandma brought out for her and sits down to play.
Sakura looks back at Jayla and then at the boys “It was very nice to meet you Rene...if you guys want to escape without the little one crying this would be your chance….not to kick you out.” She grins.
Tristan nods “Yeah it would..” He reaches and gives his Grandma a quick hug “See you Gran.” He steps back and looks at Rene “Before she sees the Taffy leaving and wants to adopt him.” He chuckles and starts off.
Rene waves. “Nice meeting you, Mrs … Sakura.” he corrects himself and tugs at Taffy’s leash. “Come on, boy.” and they are off down the street again. AFter they pass Dr Grey’s house he comes up with an idea. “I was thinking … the girls are having their celebration … think maybe me and my Dad could have dinner at your house? Sort .. of a celebration of our own?” he asks, since they haven’t had a chance to tell his parents that they managed to correct things, for the most part.
Tristan smiles “Yeah...we can do that. Let me text my folks. My ….uh...school bag is still at your house so I need to walk back with you and then we can all walk here again,” He can text and walk so he does. Then he snickers as the replies come in “Yeah they’re cool. My mom asks if your dad drinks wine…” He shakes his head “You sure you want my parents to be an influence on yours….yours are so wholesome…” He laughs. “And it’s Shepherd's pie apparently….they’re already on it.”
Rene nods. “No problem, because Taffy isn’t invited. He can go back to his mommy now.” he waits while Tristan asks and then laughs. “My father is French .. drinking wine comes with the accent.” he teases. “In other words .. he does. Do they want him to bring a bottle .. because my father has bottles … his next project might be a wine cellar in the basement .. unless he thinks he could get away with actually digging a cellar.” he laughs and then tilts his head. “I think it would be an interesting thing to watch .. your parents and mine … My father isn’t exactly as uptight as he looks like he is but I wonder if he’d actually truly relax.” he grins. “And that sounds great.”
Tristan takes in all this info in stride as they walk back to the Beaulieu house. “I think this has the potential to be very interesting. And my mom will love your dad’s wine cellar. Although I suspect her tastes might be a little cheaper. Not that I know wine. I just know her and deals on things.” He laughs as they head in and give Taffy back to Cath who’s now sitting with chocolate cake with Gen and Amelie. They invited and collected Felix and Rene and Tristna walked back with him towards the Reinhardt house. Tristan watches Rene and his father walk and talk and thinks about the roller coaster of a day. It’s been intense and now they’re letting at least parts of their families mingle as he and Rene’s lives finally and truly intertwine.
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