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Standing in front of the bench, wearing his usual overalls that he always has to help his father to restore the red Thunderbird, Fred was careful to ensure all the necessary tools are present on the table. His father hated having to get in the tool box the missing key, which cut it in his tracks. The opened garage door let the day and the sun to enter on it. Fred was mechanically rubbing his bruised eye, only feeling a slight pain or numbness full according to the times.

The door to the house was open, and Fred could hear the dull and quick sound that was the knife wielded by his mother, busy to cook the meal to come.

Coming back, the night before, Fred was able to slip quietly into his room but he could not avoid, the morning came, the cries of surprise and fear come from the throat of his parents.

Fred had the greatest difficulty in justifying his state of health. For his mother, it seemed to him that he had the skull opened and his brain about to fall from one second to the other on the ground. For his father, it was a bit the same. Fortunately for him, Fred had had the night to make up a plausible story to justify his sore eye. He could emerge from maternal anxiety when his mother had begun to address complaints more or less veiled toward his father.

After all, it was at his insistence he began to take classes of martial arts, right ?

Fred had defended his father trying to understand his mother that course or not, his intervention would have not prevented him to still take a bad hit. Daisy had eventually admitted the accuracy of the point of view of Fred and she was now holding her concern on the vegetables she cut faster and more awkwardly than to the usual.

Fred turned his head, a screwdriver in hand when he heard his father hailed him from the house, standing on the doorstep. Like Fred, he was wearing his work dirty and worn out clothing. He had a key car in hands.

« Like a fool, I forgot to take the carburetor of the Ford friday night in the garage. I'll go get him. You come with me ? »

Fred shook his head.

« Can't do that, dad. You know better than me where it is, and I think you can hold it alone, don't you ? »

John ignored his son's bitter word. Or at least he seemed to ignore it.

« I know where I let it, but I don't really want to make the trip alone. You come. After all, you don't have anything else to do, right ? »

Fred opened his mouth to protest but the determined look as well as his father's authoritarian voice gave him to understand that the refusal was not an option. After all, Fred had nothing else to do no more in fact. Fred grunted to himself his incantation, cursing his father who did not want to leave him a little quiet.

« Well, okay. »

The voice weary and resigned the boy showed his deep disagreement. John smiled, happy to get his way once again. The key in hand, he spent next to the Chrysler of his wife who was on a part of the wide alley of concrete. Fred was surprised to see his father go his way and stop alongside a small gray Nissan parked along the sidewalk. Fred did not recall having ever seen it. He had to miss it the day before in the evening without being aware of the presence of the car.

« Where are you going ?

• Get on it ! The faster we'll be there, the sooner we'll be back !

• You're not taking mom's car ? »

Fred watched his father, who opened the door of the small vehicle.

« It's my car. I bought it for nothing or almost. »

Fred approached, looking with curiosity the small car. His father had to buy it ?

« Don't you want the Thunderbird anymore ?

• Of course I do ! But it will take me another 6 or 8 months of work on, and your mother is tired of serve as me a driver, so I took this little toy to not disturb her ! »

The look of Fred did not leave the grey car. It was a recent model, but it was not new. However, the engine was running round. Fred went up inside on the passenger seat, looping his belt, looking inside, curious and surprised.

« It didn't look too bad. »

John had engaged in the conduct and the little Nissan spun gently on the road.

« I got it for nothing or almost. Last Thursday, a couple came to the garage to sell it. It was the car of one of their children but the poor boy was killed at his work and nobody in his family wanted to keep such a memory of him. »

Listening to the tragic story, Fred looked inside the vehicle more carefully. His imagination made him get a bloody trail, brand of the past tragedy. The interior was washed and smelled clean. John had understood the approach of Fred.

« He is not dead in it, if that's what you're worried about. There is no brain under the seats ! »

Fred pinched his lips to the disgusted and to hide his disorder to see his father understand him so well and so fast.

« If you say so. I am still curious to see you buy such a model. This isn't your style !

• Horse given... I told you, it was not expensive, and then I was not in a position to choose the color. And then it is temporary, while the Ford to be roadworthy. I then sell it. »

Fred understood the approach of his father. By looking at the corner of his eye, he saw that his father shared his vision between the road and his bruised eye. The simple fact of being watched was Fred felt pain in a stronger way. He was rubbing his eye by instinct.

« I'm fine, I promise. It's just painful and I told you, a nurse examined me ! »

Fred was a bit annoyed by the constant silent interrogation. John kept a straight face.

« It is not for me to say, but your mother ! You know how she is always worried about you ! »

Fred could only agree. He understood that being her only child, he was the subject of constant attention from his mother. But that could be irritating sometimes.

« You're still young. You'll understand someday how we're always worried for the person we love, Fred. At this time, you'll understand why your mother can feel as painful ! »

Fred was once again agree with his father.

« It was just an evening brawl, nothing more, Dad ! I know that I should have stayed out of trouble, but I couldn't get out either ! »

John shrugged his shoulders. He kept his attention on the road now, which did not prevent him to imagine the face of his teenage son.

« It is not that bothers me or worries me, Fred.

• No ?

• No. Sometimes when I was in Costa Rica, once on the ground, we went with the team out in some hot places, breaking the routine before going back on the platform. And believe me that sometimes, it went far, then this isn't a small fight of anything that will impress me ! »

Fred did not understood what his father was trying to tell him. He felt this story do not drive alone was just a pretext.

« No, What saddens me, Fred, is than you lie to me !

• I'm not lying !

• Oh no, not with me, Fred ! I'm your father ! I've known your reactions forever and I know when you tell me stories ! »

John's voice was firmer than usual. Fred, this confirmed his suspicions. The boy was strapped in his seat, and he had no desire to walk home. He was rigged.

« You're not 7 anymore, Fred ! I know how much it is natural for a child to lie to his parents but there comes a point or it's more hurtful and humiliating than anything else. Your story, I don't believe half of it ! I don't know why you tell us craps but I want you to know that this no longer works with me ! You will be 16 next week, Fred ! You don't think that it is time to start behaving like an adult ? »

Fred remained silent. His fear of punishment by a moral lesson had become reality.

But what made him more pain, it was to see that his father had saw right through him. And to see that the history he had invented to protect himself injured him. Fred did not like the feeling of shame that hugged him. But it was out of the question to tell him the truth. Fred rubbed his eye in a mechanical way, trying to find his words while the small car was going on the streets who close them to the industrial area or stood his father's garage.

Fred knew that he was right. But even so, it was difficult to tell. John seemed to understand the inner struggle of his son. He comfortable with a firm hand on his shoulder.

« It's a pity that you didn't knew my parents, Fred. They were very friendly and open people. I know they would have spent the entire evening to talk to you all the bullshit I could do as well as all the stories that I have invented when I was your age to escape my responsibilities ! I was a famous dick at this time, believe me ! Your mother has helped to make me the person who is next to you, Fred. I really have nothing to do with the terrible teenager I was ! »

Fred listened to his father without saying a word. He had vaguely heard his father talk about himself before. But Fred could swear that it was the first time he had such a discussion on this topic. The boy understood the importance of the thing, and inside of him, he felt honored.

« I missed what probably were the best years of your life, Fred. Your mother did a good job taking care of you, but the time that I spent in Costa Rica will never be caught back. I'm well aware of that.

• You don't have to say you're sorry, dad. I understand why you did it. After all, you did not ran away with another girl leaving us behind you. You had a good reason to do so.

• I know, but I could never fill this gap. I left a little boy and I found a teenager, without seeing the transition. I'd like to, Fred, not to miss your passage to adulthood. »

John's words had a special flavor for Fred. They confirmed him the attention that his father had for him. He also felt that his homosexuality was of no importance to him. And Fred was happy. This drove him to trust him even more.

« It seems so far away yet ! I'm in high school for another two years...

• Two years, it passes quickly, believe me !

• I guess.

• You already know what your future holds ?

• I think. In any case I hope.

• You know I hope to see you come to work with me. You're good mechanic, and I like the idea of leave you a legacy, Fred. »

Fred pinched his lips.

« I know. But I do not think that this interests me, Daddy...

• I know it, Fred. You have larger wings than mines. It is normal that you want to fly further than I will never. Even if it hurts me, I'll accept it. »

Fred smiled slightly now. He was happy to see his father accept the thing in the end.

« But let's face it. You still lack experience. How'd you like to get a little by working for me ? »

Fred looked at his father with a curious eye. It seemed to him that just after feeling the collar removed, his father was trying to put him back in a cage ! John returned his smile to his son.

« I had to fire an employee who was stealing in the fund this week. And I could use a little help for the next few months. Are you interested ? This would only be for a few hours a week. Your mother agrees with the idea.

• Oh, really ?

• Yes. She also believes that it is time you began to make your own money !

• I don't know if I can ! I have my workouts !

• I know. What are the days ?

• On Tuesday and Friday.

• Cool. This leaves you on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons free ! Three times four hours per week, it is manageable with homework, isn't it ?

• I think so...

• It's okay, then ? »

Fred questioned himself. He rubbed his finger on his lip as he used to do it when he was reluctant.

« I don't know. I have nothing against.

• I need an answer now, Fred ! I must know if I need to hire someone else or not ! »

Fred balked to respond so fast, without further reflection. He felt he had more questions behind but he was too surprised to think more forward.

« I can always try !

• Well said ! I'll do the paperwork, and you can start the Monday after your birthday ! You'll be under the orders of my team leader Molly. A lovely girl. She should please you, she has a voice that is more louder than mine ! »

Fred did not hide his sneer in the face of the bad joke from his father. He smiled at him frankly.

« No more lies ? »

Fred watched his father with a mixture of surprise and fear in his eyes. It was clear in his mind that their relationship was at a different level. For Fred, it was clear that in the eyes of his father, he quickly left the world of adolescence. But he didn't know yet how to behave as an adult. It was all new to him.

« The truth ? Nothing but the truth ? On everything ? »

Fred had launched a beautiful trial balloon. Still, he felt that his father could have some apprehensions, related to his sexual orientation. Fred saw he was right.

« We will have to find a balance, I think. Your privacy is your domain, and to be sincere, there are subjects that I didn't really want to know. No offense... »

Fred smiled.

« I do not really want to tell you what I can do, too...

• I can well imagine. But well, I want you to know that even if you were straight, I would have not sought to find out what you can do with your girlfriends in your room ! »

Fred was relieved. He would have at least a topic of privacy which would remain outside the father's field of investigation.

« You tell me then what really happened yesterday, then ? »

Fred looked at his father to a surprised look. The latter looked at him with a small smile. Fred understood as soon as the latter had somewhat trapped him. He felt some anger, but more directed against himself. He did not care, and his father took him on the ground of the relationship of adults to adults. Now that he was there, he couldn't go back without feeling that some humiliation to have regressed in his own eyes.

Fred started rubbing his finger on his lip. He was thinking fast. But his thoughts were taking him toward the wall of the truth that he would not break completely. Fred felt that despite his words, he would don't like the fact to know than he went into a gay bar while he had no right to do it. Far from it !

« I told the truth, Daddy. For the most part...

• Most probably, but not all, huh ? »

Fred could only agree. He could not say more than everything now. But if he had decided to come clean, he would doing it on his way.

« I didn't know that... I didn't know you but... If I ended with that eye, it's because... the things didn't go exactly as I said, dad... »

Fred had turned down the volume of his voice. He could not prevent a rush of fear and anger to re-emerge from the depths of him even. John was aware and was silent.

« What happened... It is that I came to town yesterday, Daddy. I met a guy... and we spent the evening talking about everything and nothing. »

John listened.

« That was pretty good and I agreed to accompany him elsewhere. But... Let's say that... »

Fred had trouble finding words. John was always silent. His eyes told Fred that he understood everything.

« I stepped not to help someone who was given shit from an asshole... I have... »

Fred could no longer continue. The memory of the drama he had remained strong, and more taking well he won't admit it. John came to his rescue.

« You knew him on the net ?

• No. I'm not stupid to the point of going to a perfect stranger's house, dad... I just saw him on the spot. »

Fred watched his father from the corner of the eye. Technically, it was almost the truth. With just the superfluous details removed. Horrified, John thought to understand.

« He did it hurt ?

• He seemed so nice, Daddy... I didn't imagine a second he wanted... He had not the time to do anything, Daddy... Not a second... Good lord, never I imagined that this... »

John was biting the lips to vent rage rising in him.

« Nothing happened, but he wanted to, Daddy. I still can't seem to... He wanted to... A moment, he was nice and friendly and the second after, he... »

John grumbled his anger. His hands shaking the wheel so hard that her fingers were laundering in under pressure.

« We must go to the police !

• No dad, please, not the police !

• Don't be silly, Fred ! This kind of asshole should not remain free ! It is beyond your person ! »

Fred was concerned. He did not wanted his father learn everything he did and especially where he had gone. A police investigation would have revealed all that quickly. At the same time, Fred also included the risk of leaving such an individual in freedom. But he felt that protect himself was a most important thing.

« Not the police, Dad, otherwise he'll get in trouble !

• Who are you talking about ?

• I tried to fight, Dad, but he was too strong, too fast... A guy I know was on the spot. Is he the one who saved me, dad. But... He risk being in big troubles if that gets out ! »

John was curious. But he began to understand a little more the reluctance of Fred.

« Who ?

• The father of a friend. He is... a nurse.

• A nurse ?

• Yes, he took care of me after, dad. But the other guy...

• What the hell happened to him ? »

Fred gulped. He knew he was betraying explicitly Ed. But he had no choice. And then, with luck, his father would understand.

« He beat him up, dad. In front of me. It was brutal and savage. He broke his jaw, Dad ! He did it on purpose ! »

John could not restrain a smile of relief to illuminate his face.

« Really ?

• That's what he told me. He also smashed his ribs. I wanted to give him a kick in my turn, but he prevented me to do. He told me that I might kill him by doing this... I didn't because I don't want him gets in trouble, Daddy ! »

John focused his eyes on the road. They had now reached near his garage. Around them, there was that little traffic. Not surprisingly, all of the plants, all the garages were closed.

He was silent. Fred was trying to guess his exact mindset. He knew that he was not happy to hear this. The Nissan eventually coming to a stop in front of a garage to the cinder blocks, the whitewashed walls, a large grille protecting a large bay window through which you could see cars on sale in the store.

« It could get him in trouble, indeed... The cops don't like we take care of our problems in this way... »

Fred felt a bit relieved. His father understood the situation. He was keeping hands on the wheel, the motor stopped. His decision-making was weaker however.

« I'm so sorry, Fred. I never thought it could happen to you... That's terrible... »

Fred stared straight in front of him. He was quite okay.

« I tried... But he was too strong. Too fast. I hit him with all my might, dad. He backed. But I was not strong enough, Daddy... »

Fred couldn't stop his tears flowing down his cheeks now. He rubbed his nose to clear the mucus, without really succeeding. John was devastated. He watched his child crying, ashamed of having been unable to prevent the worst to happen.

« I should have been there. It's my job to protect you after all ! »

Fred shook his head.

« No, you're right, dad. You can't always be there. »

Fred felt so his father spend an arm around his neck. He forced him to stick against his face, in a protective attitude. This soothed Fred somewhat.

« I never thought it could happen to you. It's my fault. I should have thought ! I should have... »

Fred couldn't think, abandoning his mind to a sadness that he needed to release the stress that still felt.

« We believe that this happens to others... And then it turns out that you can be yourself the victim...

• This will go, dad... He just tried. He hand't time to do !

• It's the same...

• It could have been worse, dad. He might have succeeded. I should have hit harder.

• You did what you could. It's already good !

• You think so ? »

John was sure of it. And then, his son was also still need to hear it.

« You didn't stay inert, right ?

• Oh no, Daddy... When I realized... I hit him ! »

John forced himself to smile.

« That is what you had to do, Fred ! You did the right thing ! Do not remain inert, defending you !

• I wish I hit harder !

• Miss you just experience and strength. You just start, and you're already capable of hitting right !

• It's true that I knew what to do, Daddy ! It was as if I was on autopilot ! »

John's smile grew. He felt pride, and he wanted to communicate it to his son in order to relieve it of his pain.

« You did the right thing. I would like to see the guy who was with you ! I don't know how to thank him however ! »

Fred began to smile in turn, swallowing his tears.

« Hey, he's the husband of one of my teachers... Maybe you'll see him one day ! »

Fred was beginning to feel a bit of relief, even pleasure. But he remained a cause for concern. He understood that his father had thought also.

« Not a word of this to your mother, you understand ? »

Fred agreed.

« I don't like to lie or hide things, but I don't know how she would react.

• She would call for the National Guard I think...

• I can't blame her. I also want to do ! But...

• He would be in trouble !

• Exactly ! Not a word of this ! Fred, if you need to speak again, I'm here, you understand ?

• Completely ! »

John finally began to feel a rush of relief. Of fun too. He looked at his son, and he saw the same way. For the first time, he saw the adult Fred. He pulled his torso once again towards him to kiss on his cheek, while Fred protested appropriately.

« We will continue to talk about it later if you need it ! We must take the damn carburetor before your mother thinks we're plotting something !

• But we're plotting, isn't it ?

• Of course ! But she must never know ! Not like this, not now in any case ! »

Fred agreed. As John got out of the car, he did the same.

The mind always troubled by the mix of anger and relief, John pulled his keys from his pocket and opened a side door. Hinges grumbled their lack of oil and John stood on the side to quickly hit the required code on the keyboard until the alarm goes off. Fred took the opportunity to come in and try to see what was in the dark space. The high-pitched ended and John pressed switches, triggering the neon lights from the ceiling. Fred saw cars lined up against the other on the raw concrete stained oil. All closed, waiting their mechanics who would take care of their failures afterwards. The garage was bathed in a mixture of oil and fuel. Fred could note fragrances of painting come from the hermetic cabin or a body was waiting for a new layer. With a little more attention, he could feel the acre scent come from electric welding positions. Nevertheless, all breathed clean. There is no dust or debris on the ground.

Inside, Fred could see the offices reserved for the staff, with their large windows. John placed a hand on the shoulder.

« I'll go get the carburetor. Can you do me a favour ?

• What you want me to do ?

• You know where is my office, right ? Go ahead and turn on the laptop that is on the table next to the door, I have to do something. »

Fred knew where was his father's office, having come once already. He balked at the task, having no desire to do something without knowing why. John realized.

« Will take you a few moments ! Go ahead, I'll meet you ! »

John left his son and walked over to a metal cabinet. Keeping his opinions to himself, Fred hurried without haste towards his father's office. He opened a door, passed the staff offices and the customer waiting room and opened the door with a "John Kaplan, Director" written in gold on a black background. Fred could not help but smile seeing the panel.

The door open, Fred looked quickly the inside of the premises. In front of him, was the office in question. Buried under an avalanche of varied papers. If his mother had seen this, she would have spent a week to sort everything before lecturing his father on the need to have a clean and tidy workplace. A simple chair on the side allowed occasional visitors to sit down. In any case, when it was not an old stained jacket on as now. On the other side, a table. Cleaner than the office, with a laptop on it. There was also a computer laptop on the desk, newest and biggest. But his father had spoken about the laptop on the table.

Fred looked at the edge of the unit, opened it and lit it. The laptop was a little old but perfectly functional. He is quickly lit. Fred didn't note that superficially the fact that his father was now behind him.

A strange thing displayed on the screen. In place and place of a regular normal wallpaper, a text barred the entire screen. Fred read quickly, not understanding the meaning of the sentence, too surprised by what was displayed.

« It's not every day we're 16 ! »

Fred looked at the screen, while his father behind him was a firm hand on his shoulder.

« Happy birthday, Fred ! »

Fred turned his head, curious.

« But it's not today !

• I know, and then ? Why wait until next Saturday ? »

John's wide smile was talking a lot.

« It's... For me ? »

Always smiling, John nodded.

« It is not new, but everything has been redone. An upgraded OS, antivirus around and everything that goes with it ! »

Fred turned his head, looking alternately to the unit and his father, his smile is enlarging to each rotation.

« It's for me ? It's really for me ? »

Fred couldn't believe it.

« But it's your laptop !

• Needed me a more powerful machine, and as this one still works very well, I thought it would be more convenient for you. For the other, don't worry, it's the garage who is paying. »

Fred was stroking the black plastic of good quality. Touching the surface of contact, the sentence stood aside to make room for a classic home screen.

« I...»

Fred was navigating the cursor with his finger, a wide smile. It wasn't a device up, but in very good condition indeed. Fred had enough experienced poverty in childhood to know the value of things, even when they were not directly from a store. He turned and hugged the torso of his father very hard.

« Oh thank you, thank you !

• Rather thank your mother... It was she who gave me the idea.

• Oh, really ?

• Yes. She said that the best was that you have your own machine rather than using her computer.

• It will be more convenient indeed...

• Besides, she was tired of always go behind you to clear your history files and to eliminate the virus that you got whenever you go on your porn sites. »

Fred always hugged his father in his arms. But him face turned crimson.

« Seriously, Fred, you don't know the private browsing ? »

Fred was paralyzed with shame, the arms locked around his father's neck, praying to die right away. John pulled away slowly, his son, addressing a largely ironic smile.

« I did the same thing at your age, so I know what it is ! »

Fred's eyes were desperately trying to find a loophole. John saw it and had fun.

« Come on, take your computer, it's time to go home ! »

Mute of pleasure and shame, Fred could only agree. The two men came out, John made sure to reconnect the alarm and turn off the lights before getting back in the car, having placed his Ford carburetor in the trunk. Fred took place in the passenger seat, wearing his gaze on the computer in order to continue to feel the joy and to avoid to talk to his father.

Driving on the road of return John were to look on his son always silent and hoping to be forgotten. It doesn't fuel his desire to provoke amicably even more.

« If I had known I could embarrass you so much, I would have filmed scene, just to allow your mother to enjoy the moment too !

• Dad, please...

• There is no shame in this, you know ! You masturbate ? What a big deal ! Everyone else does !

-No... Really, Daddy, I don't want to talk about ! »

John continued to smile, but he was silent now. Fred was her free will. Until he opens his mouth again.

« More seriously, Fred, I didn't want to talk about either. It is extremely annoying, even for me. »

Fred opened his mouth to protest but he judged ultimately that it was better to shut up. Faster his father would talk, and faster he'd finally shut up.

« You're not a kid anymore, and we are perfectly aware of the fact that you have... needs, let's say. It's your body, your pleasure and neither me nor your mother do not have to say on it. It is simple proof that you're growing up and soon, you'll be able to live on your side. »

Fred was forced to listen to the words of his father. But despite the innuendo, he understood the words of the latter were going well beyond what he meant. This pushed him to listen more carefully raising his head, his face having regained a normal colour.

« You can't say you've had a normal childhood. The fact that we had to take care of you in turn. But seeing you, I think that we have managed to fulfill our duty. »

Fred agreed. For the most part, he couldn't complain about his past life. It was not simple or stable, but he had never wanted for anything, even if the surplus had been long thing unknown to him.

« Need you to understand that, Fred. As soon as you were born, we imagined what could be your future. Your life. All parents do that. Of course, we can imagine and we hope the best for our child. A good education, a good job, a good family for him later. »

Fred noted a hint of bitterness in the last words.

« You had yesterday a hard time. I'm sorry for that. And I understand how this could mark you. You're a smart boy. Gifted to the school and you have ambition even if you still draft. It's normal, you don't have any experience yet. It will come with age. And even the bad experiences are part of life. It's like this for everyone, Fred.

• What you want to make me understand, Dad ?

• There are things that I never imagined. See you get sick. Seriously ill. See you die before me. It is part of the things that disgust parents. These are our worst fears. You'll also feel a day, when you're in love with someone and you'll be afraid to lose him for one reason or another. And also...

• And also ?

• This has nothing to do, but it's a bit the same. I never imagined you could be gay. »

Fred was silent, a bit worried.

«This is not a common thing. The day you were born, I started to imagine you grow up, become a child, then an adult. And become a parent yourself. It's something instinctive, I think. »

Fred thought to understand, still silence. Before his eyes, the road narrowed gradually and as the small grey car back to residential neighborhoods.

« It is for this that I asked myself a lot of questions. But my instinct of father always told me to stay behind you. Regardless of your choices and your decisions.

• Because you believe that being gay, it's a matter of choice ? »

John could hear the mixture of anxiety and anger dull ride in the voice of his child.

« Of course not. You are like that, that's all. »

Fred felt his mind to calm down.

« But you'll admit that this is not something that parents seek necessarily. What we want is the best for our children. Your bad experience of yesterday must make you understand that, right ? »

Fred remained silent. But he agrees on the merits. He knew enough his father about getting all the same.

« It's true. I don't know anyone who wants to have a gay child.

• When you were born, we did want to only one thing. For you to succeed your life. On all levels. Even in love. It's all the evil that we can say the same ! You'll soon get a boyfriend. Then a more serious relationship. And who knows ? An husband. »

Fred was always silent.

« You'll say that I rambling like an old man, and you're right. But it is important you know, Fred. If I was given the opportunity to change something about yourself, to improve on a plan or another, I would refuse the offer. I refuse the opportunity to make you bigger, stronger or smarter. You already have all of this for us. And if I was offered the opportunity to make you heterosexual, I'd refuse too. »

Fred's eyes had watched the road for almost the entire route. But he could not leave the gaze of his father.

« You're as you are, and change something would you wouldn't be my Fred. It would be as if you were dead. And replaced by a kind of badly made copy. I reject this idea. And I want you to know that I also speak on behalf of your mother ! »

Fred always watched his father. His mind was flooded a pleasure and a joy unparalleled. By pride all the same, he was trying to keep his countenance.

« You'll be 16 in a week. I know it's a critical moment in your life. I think doing my duty as a father by telling you all this to help you as best as I can despite the hardships that you have suffered and that you'll suffer again. »

Fred looked at the road again. He could not prevent new tears flowing down his cheeks. John smiled. He was having fun even when rolling on the alley of concrete leading to his house. He cut the contact while Fred used his sleeves to wipe his tears.

« I have to admit that... I needed to hear that, Dad ! Even if this is not the first time, and you're rambling, yes ! »

The voice of Fred exhaled relief. His fingers were running on his laptop computer plastic, as to make sure that everything was real, that he did not dream. John grabbed his son's cheek and pinched it amicably between his fingers. Again, Fred protested.

« Get out of the car and go thank your mother, bad son ! »

Fred smiled back and left the vehicle, the laptop under his arm. He barely took the time to lay it on the table before hugging his mother tenderly, his chin on his shoulder.

« It's true it's you I own you all this, mom ?"

Daisy smiled, hugging her son.

« Thank your father too. We had the same idea. »

Fred released the embrace, stepping back a step, not knowing what to say. Daisy understood him, a smile of mischief in the corner. She plunged his hand into the pocket of her apron and took out a small box rectangular black she gave to Fred.

« What is it ?

• Opens. »

Fred easily opened the box of plastic. He took out a key. John stood behind him.

« I have to tell you quite frankly that I lied about something, Fred. »

The boy raised his head. He looked again at the key, and then his father. Looking at the object closer, he saw the Nissan logo engraved in the black plastic.

« It's...

• The key to the car. Of your car. Your father had just double. »

Daisy's voice was full of mischief again. Fred dared not believe.

« It's... No, it's not possible...

• And why not ? Of course, out of the question to drive it before you have your license, except for the lessons we're going to give you, of course... »

Fred had a little trouble breathing, both hands in front of the eyes, hugging the key more strongly again.

« I have... a car ? »

John stood behind his wife, hands on her shoulders, a smile on his lips as he had never had probably.

« Of course, insurance and fuel costs are for you ! With your new job, it will be easier and you'll learn the basics of the adult life ! »

Fred looked again, barely noting the words of his mother.

« Wait... Dad didn't called you ! How do you know that I said yes to work with him ? »

Daisy smiled still more largely than her husband.

« Fred, I mean, I'm your mother ! I know everything about you, and what you can do or say ! »

Fred noted clearly in the sound of his mother's voice. This, basically, not surprised really. And it scared him a little. Daisy understood.

« You are right to be afraid. Resistance is futile ! »

Fred was happy. And despite this confirmation that his mother would be always stronger that him, he decided to ignore the concern to not only feel a joy that swept completely what could stay afraid and ashamed of the before night. Fred took his laptop and asking nothing, ran up the steps quickly to be locked in his room with. John looked at him do, saying that he would leave an hour before you make him go down. Postponing his gaze on his wife, he noted the inquisitive gaze on him.

« So ? »

John thinks.

« You were right. He didn't told the truth...

• I'm not really surprised. Fred wants to cover his tracks, but he is unable to lie effectively... »

John agreed.

« What's really happened then ? »

John sighed inwardly. He was about to betray his son after all. But it was for his own good.

« The worst. He would not be more specific, but he almost been raped. »

Daisy was faced with the plan of work covered half sliced vegetables. She took her big knife, but she stopped her movement, based his lame, fearing to have misheard. Afraid to have of course. Fear read without pain in his eyes, and saw her John.

« Nothing happened, and I believe him. But... »

John's voice was hesitant, and strong. He was trying to hold it together. He had been able to make a good impression in the car but the new mention of the previous night was drawing on his last reserves of mental strength.

Daisy had allowed herself down on a chair, a hand over her mouth, a mixture of disbelief and anger on his face.

« We have to notify the police. »

John shook his head.

« I don't think it would be a good idea. Fred is already struggling to resist the pressure. I don't think that would fix things.

• But finally, we talk about our son, John ! There's a maniac around here, to report it to the police is the thing to do ! »

Daisy had resumed quickly drive and had recovered on her feet.

« It's not envy that miss me, but it could be more complicated without arranging them !

• How can you say that ? This is Fred we're talking about ! And the others !

• Honey, you listen to me a minute ? »

John's voice was made to be more imperative. As a general rule, Daisy did not take account of this change of tone. She wasn't the kind to impose her actions and her behavior. But the tone of John had been pretty clear and straightforward that she agrees to consider his point of view anyway.

« He stroke back. I know that somehow I shouldn't get pleasure, but our boy is not weak, and he hit his assailant. In addition, he had help. Quite serious and strong support. Strong enough for his savior to be in troubles if the police had wind of this. »

Daisy remained silent. Behind her face marked stupor, her brain was analysing the situation.

« He said that ?

• Yes. And I believe him. He was fortunate to have help but his savior could end up behind bars in turn.

• It's completely inept ! Why lock up a guy that can save another ?

• You know how we live in a crazy world. But Fred don't want to cause trouble.

• He shot him ?

• No, but according to Fred, he smashed in his face. Enough to send him to the hospital. »

The mention of hospital had the effect of pulling a frank and sincere Daisy's face smile.

« As an Executive Assistant, I know how people go to justice for everything and anything, in fact. It's unbelievable. Being forced to see the good people have to face justice for doing the right thing !

• You understand better why I think it would be a bad idea ? It is not as if he wasn't punished after all. »

Daisy was silent. Her face had regained its severity increased, reflecting always.

« I have enough heard stories of rapes or assaults to know why Fred is doing so. Why I understand him and why he's wrong too. But it's not easy. I am absolutely unable to know which would be best for him or the others... »

John left his wife thinking. He was also come to this conclusion. He feared that the choice of Fred was bad. For him, but especially for others. But see Fred be even worse because of this ? John did not want to be responsible for the deterioration of the state of his son. And Daisy probably neither. The young woman turned, drawing with both hands on the work plan, looking outside without paying attention to anything.

« Do you know anything of the stud that helped him ? »

John rubbed his lips with a quick finger, trying to remember what Fred had told him.

« Not much, to be honest. He knows him a little. He's a nurse. He told me he was the husband of one of his teachers. He had to know him like that. »

John's words had awakened the spirit of Daisy.

« His husband ? So I think I know who he's talking about !

• Oh, really ?

• Yes. His PE is gay and I'm almost certain that this is him ! There should not be many such couples on the town ! »

Daisy smiled more.

« A true sign of fate. His teacher gave him a healthy kick and now... We can't leave it like this, John !

• What did you have in mind ?

• One moment... »

Daisy walked over to the wall and opened the panel which concealed the house fuses. She pulled the sheet corresponding to Fred's room. Quickly, a

« Hey ! »

Was heard from the top of the stairs.

« But I didn't put music ! »

Daisy had approached the bottom of the stairs.

« Come here right now, we have to talk ! »

Grumbling to himself, Fred left his room and went back in the kitchen. Quickly, he realized that something was wrong. His father was running from his eyes and in the eyes of his mother, there was a mix of tenderness, compassion and anger. Fred quickly understood father's betrayal, unchecking him a heavy look of reproach.

« You don't have to make your bad head, your father was right to tell me !

• But he promised me !

• Sorry boy, but it's for your own good. »

Fred did not leave the eye of his father. He knew he was right, but it softened not his reproaches. His gaze was then filled with the vision of the face of his mother, all full of concern yet.

« Don't blame him not to do what is right, Fred ! After all, you've received in last night, true ? »

Fred was trying to divert his gaze from the maternal face, without really being able to get there.

« I... I didn't say anything to not worry you... And also to not make him wrong... »

Daisy smiled gently.

« I know it, Fred. And despite my instinct which screams to call 911, I understand you. You have good reason to want to protect your savior. Your father says he's someone you know ? »

Fred was slowly moving his head.

« I saw him once. He is the husband of my teacher. »

Daisy was happy to have a confirmation.

« It is more than a miraculous coincidence. This couple will have saved the day twice ! We can't leave them like this without thanking them !

• You have something in mind ? »

John was eager to finally have an answer to his curiosity.

« What about to invite them ? We could make them a meal and get better acquainted ? »

Daisy was talking to her husband.

« They saved our son on two occasions, we can well do them honor. It's the least we can do. »

Daisy turned to his son.

« Next Saturday, it's your birthday. Why not take the opportunity to make a good meal ? And then you already got friends, don't you ?

• Some of them, Yes... Two or three that could come.

• It is ok. I'll let you check to see if they are available ? Can you tell me this monday ? »

Fred thinks quickly.

« Of course !

• It is good, you can turn back now ! »

Fred's did not say it twice, throwing one last look of reproach to his father before returning to his room, happy to see that things had not also gone wrong that he had feared him. Daisy watched her child back markets without him one last look. She did not hide her bitterness.

« The more he's close to us, and the more he seems to me be a stranger now... »

John was right, his large hands tenderly covering the shoulders of his wife. The latter would go to rest his muscles, with confidence.

« It is also my impression. It's inevitable. He grew up. That's why he is more readily intrusted to me.

• I'm his mother ! He could also talk to me !

• It's because you are that he would not do. He'll still love you but it's no more to you in priority he will turn in case of problems. He is too old for that. And soon it will also be the case for me. We see him still as a little boy. It's not true now. We'll have to get used to that ! »