“Wasn’t int-” It took Jack a moment to realize what Ulric was getting at. When he did, however, his eyes widened sharply.
Oh.
Ohhhh.
He supposed it shouldn’t be such a surprise. Gail had been pursuing Vycter since she was a little girl, but Ulric had always kept his romantic interests to himself. In high school, he’d dated at least one girl that Jack knew of, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have been interested in boys too. Even so, the blue man mentally kicked himself for being blind to such a big part of his son’s life.
“Ulric, why didn’t you tell us?” His voice was much softer now. He instinctively reached out to the screen, wanting to comfort the young man. “We could have helped.”
How, he wasn’t sure. But it was all he could think of to say.
It was out and he couldn’t take it back now. With Mira here, though… Ulric knew he’d at least have that support. Judging by his parents faces, he had theirs too, now that they knew.
He just shrugs, biting his lip. “I don’t know why. But…” He smiles, looking at Katelynn now. “I’m fine, Mom.”
Mira smiled faintly, proud of him that he’d finally told his parents. She gently nuzzled the side of her cheek against his shoulder before sitting up slow and reaching down to take hold of his hand, fingers entwining as her engagement ring bumped with his. That was a very brave thing her fiancé did and she wanted him to know that by giving his hand a gently squeeze.
“I-I’m…” Mira stuttered, quickly looking at the screen wondering if it was alright for her to talk. She’d been fairly quiet since the whole skype call had started. And she was very hesitant to start speaking up after admitting she was pregnant. “I-I know he’s the reason behind why you left but…if you hadn’t traveled back, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” He had to know that. He had to know he meant the world to her.
Slowly, Mira took a small glance to the screen, biting her lip as her eyes shifted between Jack and Katelynn.
Watching the exchange between everyone, Katelynn blinked her eyes at the familiar expressions from Mira. It softened her up even more to the young woman, face melting into a smile as she took her husband’s hand between both of her own. Trying to get his attention she tugged on his hand and made motions with her eyes toward the joined hands of her son and his girlfriend.
“Love, look at them..they’re as in love as we were when we were young..you remember those times, don’t you..? Maybe it’ll all be okay…we can work through it like a family…like we always have..”
Since he had become as such for her from the moment they met.
Jack wasn’t blind to the exchange either. He knew that kind of look very well; like Katelynn, he knew it was the kind of loving look the two of them had often shared. He squeezed his wife’s hand softly, and chewed his lip for a moment as he tried to find words.
“I do remember. And …” He turned back to the screen. “I still don’t think this is a good idea. But, if the two of you are really serious about this … then I’ll support you, however I can. I promise."
I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, Ulric. At least you’re talking to us this time. Maybe we really can find a way to make this work.
Jack Maple 