Together Box Set

Colin and Martin’s First Christmas-4

“I’m stuffed,” Colin said, pulling his chair back from the table. “Martin, that was a fantastic meal. All those little accompaniments made it so much better.”

“Thanks. Turkey is such a boring meat on its own, you need the stuffing, cranberry jelly and things to liven it up.”

“You did a fantastic job. I don’t think I could eat another thing.”

Martin smiled. “There’s a trifle in the fridge for afters.”

Colin groaned.

“Don’t worry, we can have it for tea if you like?” Martin didn’t know if Colin would want to stop that long, but he’d made the offer now, and it couldn’t be unmade.

“I don’t want to think about tea yet.”

“You can watch TV or something if you like.”

“Yeah, I like.”

Martin got up and switched on his portable TV. “Sorry it’s only a black and white set, with just me, it wasn’t worth buying a colour set.” Martin could have kicked himself for saying that. He was sure the tiny TV emphasised his boring existence to the man who would be used to huge widescreen TVs with surround sound.

Martin’s melancholy was pushed back when he felt Colin sit next to him on the sofa and put an arm around him.

“Thanks for a really great time, mate.”

Martin’s heart was beginning to swell. “Thanks for sharing the day with me, it made all the difference.” You’ll never know how much of a difference, he thought.

The two quieted as they watched the afternoon family movie. For the first time in a very long while, Martin had really enjoyed a TV programme. This was because Colin had patiently explained all the bits that he was unable to follow.

When the credits began to roll, Martin stood up. It was wonderful having Colin so near him, he could smell the manly scents of his guest, a combination of Old Spice, a little fabric conditioner from his clothes, as well as that indefinable smell of man. It was all a bit much for Martin to cope with.

“I might as well make a start on the clearing up.”

“No, let me do it, you’ve been on the go all day, and yesterday as well, I bet.”

“Thanks, but I know where everything goes.”

“Well I’ll wash, and you can dry and put away then.”

“Okay, it’s a deal.”

The two went into the kitchen and began the rather lengthy task of cleaning up. Martin thought how wonderful it was to have someone in the house to talk to, laugh with, snuggle and watch TV next to. A picture of domestic bliss, he thought.

Oh, stop it with the stupid romantic dreaming. Another voice in Martin’s head said.

“Toby’s at the door, will he want to go out?”

Martin looked at his watch. “Yeah, he likes to go for a walk about this time of day.”

“Can I come, too?” Colin asked.

Martin smiled. “Course you can.”

Toby grew excited when he spied his lead.

Martin explained to Colin that he’d just take Toby on the lead, leaving his harness at home. “I like to give him the odd day off from work. I can get about okay with the stick.”

The two put on warm coats to guard against the cold, and set out. Martin knew he wasn’t as able with his long cane, a fact that was brought home when his cane connected with a concrete bollard.

“Would it be easier if you took my arm?” Colin asked.

Martin was glad of the help. He folded up his cane, put it in his pocket, and took hold of Colin’s elbow. They walked the rest of the way to the playing fields, where Toby was let off the leash and went bounding away in search of adventure.

“He looks to be enjoying himself,” Colin observed.

“Yeah, he likes a free run. He’s often quite a serious dog, I think it does him good to lark about now and again.”

Colin picked up a stick and threw it for Toby, who dutifully brought it back.

Martin realised how deeply satisfying it was to share such simple pleasures with someone. His earlier thoughts about domestic harmony tried to crowd in again, but Martin pushed them away.

As they walked, they talked about football. Martin, who possessed an excellent memory for detail, showed off shamelessly. Colin seemed impressed, so he didn’t feel too guilty.

Colin marvelled that Martin was interested in a game that he’d never seen.

Martin smiled. “I see your point. But actually I get a lot out of going to a football match, the smell and roar of the crowd, you know.” Martin didn’t add that it’d been years since he’d last been to a game. As with the theatre, the logistics of getting there and back, finding his seat, made it impractical.

Martin’s mood was dropping again, he tried to think of something upbeat to say, when…

“Well…if it isn’t my dear old brother, the poof. Oh and look, he’s got a little friend with him. How nice.”

“Bob!” Martin said, a cold chill running down his spine. Despite the fact that Bob was standing a few feet from them, Martin’s keen sense of smell was easily able to detect the Whisky fumes. “You’re drunk.”

“Yeah, I’m drunk.” Bob then gave a sinister laugh. “And, Martin, you’re queer, but I’ll be sober in the morning.”

Toby bounded up to them and began growling.

“Get that bloody mangy mutt away from me,” Bob snarled.

“Toby, here, boy,” Martin said. Toby immediately obeyed, but Martin could tell he kept a wary eye on Bob. “Come on, we’re going home now.”

Martin’s world was beginning to crash around him. Fortunately he was standing on the footpath that cut across the field. He knew if he remained on the path, it would take him back to the pavement. As he walked briskly back home, his cane swinging ahead of him, the wonderful feelings of sharing the holiday celebrations with a kind friend were now totally ruined. Someone who he’d hoped would have been a good friend to him now knew his deepest, darkest secret. As he walked, Martin battled to remain in control of his emotions. He didn’t want to break down in the middle of the street.

Unlocking the back door, Martin stepped inside and faced Colin, who had remained silent on the walk home.

“Colin, I’m sorry, so sorry. I just wanted to spend the holiday with someone; I didn’t want to be alone. I’m sorry that you had to find out about me that way, I’m sorry if you think that I’ve deceived you or used you. I just didn’t want to be alone again at Christmas.” Martin was openly weeping as he took off his coat. “God knows why I came out to Bob all those years ago. It’s not as if someone with a face like mine could ever have the chance of finding a man.” Martin hung up his coat. “Look, you might as well go home now. I’m sorry for ruining your Christmas.”

* * * *

Colin was horrified and very angry. How could, how dare anyone, least of all someone Martin was related to, come out with such hatred! Martin was the sweetest, kindest, most honest, gentle and loving person Colin had ever had the good fortune to encounter.

Colin had been torn as to whether he should pursue Bob to remonstrate with him, or make sure Martin got home safely. Out of his concern for Martin’s wellbeing, Colin had chosen the latter course. His silence had also been due to the fact that he was making a decision, one which, given the failure of his previous relationship, wasn’t an easy one to make.

Standing in the hallway of Martin’s house, seeing his friend so emotionally shattered, a total change from the happy and smiling man he’d been only a few minutes earlier, Colin knew what he had to do. He wrapped his arms around the now visibly shaking man. Colin brought his lips to meet Martin’s. Treating him to a gentle kiss, he said, “Hush, love, hush.”

Martin jumped in surprise, but at least he stopped crying.

“Martin, let’s go into your front room. There’s something I need to tell you.”

* * * *

“Yoo-hoo, Martin, I’m home!”

“Did you get everything?” Martin managed to ask before Colin engulfed him in his arms and plunged his tongue into his willing mouth. The two were about to celebrate their third anniversary.

After Colin had told a totally disbelieving Martin that he, a pock-marked freak, was very much loved, it took him quite some time to believe that all his dreams had finally come true. Martin had persuaded Colin to take things easy in the beginning, believing that once the dust had settled, Colin would wake up to the realisation that he would prefer to have someone in his life who was more able-bodied and less of a burden to him. Martin’s love for Colin was so great, he couldn’t face the prospect of having his lover feel as though he were trapped. Although Colin had vehemently disagreed with Martin’s assertions, he had reluctantly agreed to take things steady. The pair had decided to go out on a series of dates to test their relationship. The two had taken long walks in the moonlight, visited the theatre, eaten out in restaurants, made trips out into the countryside, gone dancing at a gay-friendly club, as well as spending many evenings at home snuggled up together on the sofa.

After a month of courtship, Colin had finally had enough. He told Martin that he, Colin Rodgers, was totally and completely in love with Martin Kellam, and he was moving in that night and there wasn’t a bloody thing Martin could do to stop him.”

Colin slowly removed his lips from those of his lover. “Jesus, you wouldn’t believe how many groceries I’ve delivered today, I’ve heard of stocking up for Christmas, but some people just go too far.”

“You didn’t get us any sprouts did you?”

Colin chuckled. “No, babe, I didn’t get us any sprouts.”

THE END