Chapter 48: I Just Want My Son to Be Loved

Chapter 48: Chapter 48: I Just Want My Son to Be Loved

"We aren’t confused, Mom. Not anymore. I know you’re worried, but you just have to trust us."

Elisha’s mother looked at him, her expression filled with concern. "I’m truly worried, Henry. The world isn’t always kind to homosexual people..." Her voice faltered as tears gathered in her eyes.

Seeing tears in her eyes, Henry leaned over and wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently. "I know, Mom. But we can’t let the world’s opinions decide how we live. As long as we love each other, that’s what matters. I know how the world sees us, and I know our history."

"But what I feel for Elisha isn’t a phase or a mistake just because we grew up together. I love him with all my heart. I’ve watched him struggle under his family’s expectations, and I’ve seen how much he’s had to hide just to protect himself. I’m not confused about my feelings for him, Mom. I know exactly what I want, and I want to be with your son. I promise I’ll take care of Elisha and never let him face anything alone."

Elisha’s mother held him for a moment, tears slipping down her cheeks. She slowly pulled back and looked at Henry, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. "I just want my son to be safe and loved," she whispered.

Henry nodded softly. "I understand, Mom."

She wiped the tear from her cheek and took a shaky breath. "Tell Elisha not to worry about anything right now. Everything will be fine. It may not be easy, but we’ll get through it together."

She glanced at her phone. "Elisha’s father doesn’t even know I left home this morning. I woke up before everyone else and went straight to Elisha’s place to check on him, but the house help told me he had already left. I guessed he would be here."

Her concern returned immediately. "How is he? Is he alright? Do you know if he’s eaten anything yet? Please make sure he eats something, Henry."

"It’s okay, Mom," Henry reassured her gently. "He’s going to be alright."

"It’s not wrong to love someone of the same gender," Elisha’s mother said softly. "It’s just that the world can be cruel sometimes. More than anything, I want my son to live freely without having to hide or face hatred for who he is."

She paused, wiping another tear from her cheek. "I just want him to be happy and safe."

Neither of them noticed Elisha coming down the grand staircase.

He slowly made his way downstairs and walked toward the living room. As he got closer, he heard the last part of his mother’s words and stopped for a moment, listening to her worry about him. His eyes slowly filled with tears as he realized how much she still cared about him despite everything that had happened.

Elisha swallowed hard, trying to hold back his emotions. He took a slow breath, then walked into the living room.

"Mom..." he called softly.

Elisha’s mother immediately turned toward his voice. Her eyes widened, and she quickly stood from the sofa. Without a second thought, Elisha rushed over and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

She buried her face in his shoulder, holding him just as tightly. Henry sat quietly, watching the scene unfold before him.

After a while, they pulled apart. Elisha looked down at his mother, his voice thick with emotion. "Mom... I’m sorry."

"Oh, my poor boy," she whispered, cupping his face in her hands. "You haven’t done anything wrong. I’m the one who should be sorry. I’m sorry for being so difficult in the past, and I’m sorry you felt like you couldn’t tell me sooner. I’m your mother. I could never love you any less because of this."

"I’m really sorry, Mom," Elisha said softly.

"It’s okay, son," she reassured him, gently stroking his cheek.

They stayed together for a little while longer, holding each other as the tension from the previous night. When they finally pulled apart, Elisha and his mother sat down together, ready to talk.

Elisha looked at his mother, his expression becoming serious. "How is Dad?"

His mother let out a tired sigh and shook her head. "He’s not fine, Elisha. But you don’t have to worry about him right now. Everything will be fine with time." She reached over and gently patted his hand. "Enough about that. What about you? How are you holding up?"

Elisha let out a quiet breath and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I’m fine, Mom. I’m really okay. I’m just... worried about Dad and how my sisters are taking all of this."

His mother gave him a soft, comforting smile. "Victoria is actually doing fine after finding out that Henry is the one you love. As for your other sisters, they couldn’t really react or make a fuss because your father was already so heartbroken and distressed over everything. But I know they’re happy for you too."

Elisha furrowed his brow, caught off guard. "Wait... how did they even find out about Henry?"

"Jasmine told them," his mother replied. "Thankfully, your father wasn’t there when she caused that scene. He’s still hurting and trying to process everything, but you don’t need to worry about him right now. I’ve already spoken to Henry, and I really hope the two of you can work things out."

She leaned closer, lowering her voice so only Elisha could hear. "Son... you need to speed things up with him. Make it official before someone else sweeps Henry away. Don’t take too long to lock this down. I want my heart to finally rest easy, please, son."

Elisha looked at her, a bright smile spreading across his face. "I’ll take care of it soon, Mom. I promise."

"Good." She patted his cheek. "And make sure you tell me the moment you and Henry make it official. Don’t worry about anything else. I’ll talk to Henry’s mother when the time comes, and together, we’ll figure out how to tell both of your fathers once you and Henry are serious about each other, okay?"

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Elisha leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you, Mom."

His mother smiled and motioned for Henry to come closer. Henry moved over and sat beside her on the other side. She pulled both men into a tight hug.

"I believe in both of you," she murmured.

They stayed like that for a quiet moment before Elisha’s mother finally pulled back and checked her watch.

"Alright, I have to head back now before your father starts wondering where on earth I disappeared to this early in the morning."

"Alright, Mom," Elisha said softly.

She stood up, smoothed down her clothes, and looked between the two young men. "Just take care of yourselves, both of you."

They both nodded and walked her outside to the private car waiting in the driveway. The driver stepped forward and opened the rear door. Elisha’s mother got inside and settled into her seat. The driver closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side.

Once he got behind the wheel, Elisha’s mother rolled down her window and gave them one last wave. The car then pulled away from the estate and disappeared down the road.

Elisha and Henry watched until the car was out of sight before turning and heading back inside the quiet house.

Henry let out a long sigh as he crossed the foyer, rubbing his tired eyes. "I think I’m still exhausted..."

Elisha’s eyes suddenly lit up with mischief. He stepped up behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist. "What’s wrong? Are you pregnant? Are you carrying my baby?"

Henry’s head whipped around, his eyes widening. "Are you out of your mind?!"

"Look at you. You’re blushing," Elisha teased, laughing as he pointed at the flush creeping up Henry’s neck.

"I am not!" Henry protested, turning on his heel and walking toward the dining table to escape the teasing.

Elisha followed closely behind him. Just before Henry reached the table, he caught him around the waist and pulled him against his chest, giving his backside a playful smack.

Henry gasped and spun around in his arms, giving him an indignant glare despite the smile tugging at his lips. "You’re not allowed to just do whatever you want with my body yet!"

Elisha leaned closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur beside Henry’s ear. "Then give me permission. Be my boyfriend."

Henry pulled back slightly and gave him an amused look. "Do you really think I’m that cheap?"

Elisha raised an eyebrow. "Fine. How about one hundred million?"

Henry shook his head. "That’s not enough. It’s not about money, Elisha. I already have more than enough. If you really want me to be your boyfriend, then make me feel special."

Elisha stared at him for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh. "Then tell me. What do I have to do?"