I think all readers can agree, Lance has made incredible headway, particularly since the chapters of Extracurricular and the first half of If It Weren't For the Two of Us. But although he is developed confidence with his parents, the latest chapter ends with him speculating on telling his brother — who in the past has exhibited incredible homophobic tendencies.
Read Meeting 13 [Chap. 10] here.
This is one aspect of Lance I can totally relate to. I have two older brothers. We were a religous family, so I knew coming out would be tough. One of my brothers is very homophobic. He has not held back on that. He is kind to my other half, or at least polite. Oddly, my other brother told me I was going to hell just a few years ago — at a family funeral!! (Hm. That would be interesting to work into a chapter.)
Coming out to everyone happened ages ago. Still, at family gatherings, there is just an aura of tension below the surface. No one ever speaks disapproval, but I know it is there. The lucky thing is I am totally myself. I'm not flaunting my sexuality in any way but nor am I hiding it. I'm me.
Lance has had great luck with being blessed with understanding parents, particularly in comparison to Jakob and Lance. His brother Oliver eventually has to enter the picture though, right? Those opportunities are on the horizon.
As readers, many of you probably have very positive and some have been shut out of your siblings' lives. The world is very uneven. I think my characters have helped illustrate that.
Well, for me, it's a sister. She and her husband can't accept my partner at all. It's a shame families have to bring that division in sometime. At least I just let it be on her. We've lost contact for a few years. Thankfully, my parents (especially Mom) are accepting. I have learned to live with that.
ReplyDeleteI read this chapter just a few minutes ago. Very gutsy of Lance to go see Jakob’s Mom. Having been raised in a family like Jakob’s, I completely get how this could happen to him. I love how slow the relationship between Lance and Jakob is moving, but the suspense as to whether it is going to work long-term is killing me!
ReplyDeleteAnd you have done it again...I see trouble with Lance calling on Jakob’s mom.
ReplyDeleteI love the direction that the story is moving in. Lance is really developing into a much more mature character than Trent is so far.
ReplyDeleteReally good to get another chapter so soon after the last - and it's a lovely chapter.
ReplyDeleteIt was great-hearted of Lance to speak to Jakob's mother but also quite high risk. I just hope the result is positive.