Rat — Gay Flash Fiction

Julie entered the sitting room. Despite her age, it always triggered childhood memories. The furniture and curtains had changed since then, of course, but the smell was the same. That strange mixture of furniture polish, lavender, and an unknown fragrance that she had sought her entire life but had yet to identify.

Patricia was in her usual chair, rocking slowly backward and forward, in an even rhythm. Her eyes were red and puffy and they were focussed on the middle distance. Julie had known that something was wrong as soon as her mother had answered the phone. She pushed the concern to the back of her mind and forced a smile onto her face. A small voice in her head couldn’t be silenced though. She’s found another lump; the cancer’s back.

“Hello, Mum. What’s wrong? I’ll put the kettle on and make us a nice cup of tea.” Funny how a cup of tea solves everything. I’ve got cancer; let’s have a cup of tea. Dad’s dead; but a cup of tea will make it alright. Julie’s still not married; never mind a cup of tea will help. By the time the water had boiled Julie was getting herself into a right state.

She took everything on a tray and set it down on the coffee table. Patricia was still rocking. Her cheeks were wet. Julie poured two cups and sat down on the sofa. She reached over and took her mothers hands in hers. With gentle pressure the rocking stopped. “What is it, Mum?”

Patricia focussed on her daughter. “I don’t know where to begin.”

“Just tell me.”

“It’s about Uncle George.”

“What about him?”

“He was…… I mean, he wasn’t normal, he was ….” She tailed off into silence.

“He was gay, Mum.” Was that all it was about? Julie smiled.

“You knew?”

“Of course, didn’t everyone?”

“And Peter? You knew they were lovers?”

Julie laughed out loud this time. “Of course, Mum. What’s all the fuss about?”

Patricia seemed to relax just a little. “I thought that I was the only one who knew. George swore me to secrecy. He was ashamed. He didn’t want anyone else to know. That’s why they pretended to be flat mates all these years.” She paused and picked up her cup to take a couple of sips. “Thanks for the tea, love. He was so paranoid, that he bought the house in just his name, even though Peter paid for a lot of it by covering all of their living expenses. He couldn’t even admit it in death. His will doesn’t recognise Peter.”

“But what’s the problem? You can just transfer it to him?”

“It’s not that easy, love. You see Uncle Frank has decided we should sell it and split the money. He wants to build an extension.”

“So stand up to him. Tell him the truth.”

“You know how he hates homosexuals. It would kill him. I’ve already lost one brother; I couldn’t bear to lose another. I’ve told him I will stick with him. I’ve double-crossed Peter. I feel like a dirty rat.” Patricia sobbed and Julie took her mother in her arms.”

“Don’t worry, Mum, we’ll find a solution.” Her mother felt very small and frail in her arms. The time finally seemed right. She wondered if her mother was ready to share another secret.

558 words

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