Chapter 62: Chapter Sixty-Two

Omniscient Narrative

Michael felt his heart swell, overwhelmed with warmth. "Thank you both so much. I truly admire the bond you all share and how close-knit this family is. It means the world to me to be included in this"

"One question though" Ty said making Micheal and Ashely look at him with questioning looks. 

"Between you and Von, who doing the bending" he smirked at him making Micheal smack him with a pillow, the three of them laughing as Micheal repeatedly hit him with the throw pillow. 

"Micheal" was all that was heard as Ty pleaded for forgiveness 

........

"Dylan!" called the lively voice of Hilary, Von's oldest sister, who floated into the room with a playful smile. She had a certain spark that effortlessly illuminated the atmosphere, her presence radiating warmth and sincerity. "Come on over! Mom wants to have a conversation with you!!, and so do Iiiiii,  She's been asking about what you enjoy in art!" He clapped her hands together as she stared at the short man. 

Dylan felt his cheeks heat up , he wasn't entirely sure how much he wanted to expose about his life or his feelings, particularly regarding his relationship with Von and Michael. Yet, the encouragement in Hilary's voice coaxed him to brave his hesitations. "Um, sure! I'd love to."

He was going to speak with Von's mother, a mother to be exact, he didn't know how to do that, his mother was never there for him, his mother never showed him what love was like, so how was he going to do this, he didn't want Angela to hate him like his own mother did, he don't think he can take it. 

As he stood, adjusting his clothes, smoothing down the front of his shirt, Dylan took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself to embrace whatever might come next. Together, he and Hilary made their way back to the large dining room, where the comfortable gathering place had been set up with delicate floral arrangements and an inviting ambiance for the dinner they had finished with a few minutes ago.

Von's mother, Angela, was bustling around, clearing the table when she turned around and spotted Dylan. Her expression lit up with genuine delight. "Oh, there you are! I've been so looking forward to talking to you since you arrived" she exclaimed, her voice like a gentle breeze, wrapping him in warmth for the second time today. Dylan melted into the hug, happy to have motherly affection 

"Thank you, Mrs. Harris," Dylan replied shyly, feeling the familiar flutter of anxiety mixed with excitement. He noticed her eyes were almost black-very similar to Von's-and he couldn't help but feel an odd connection to her.

"Again sweetie, call me Angela or mom," she insisted, stepping a bit closer and inviting him to sit at the beautifully set table, adorned with the dainty teacups she had Hilary set up and a delightful array of treats, she had Hilary make. "I'd love to hear more about your artwork. Von tells me you're quite talented!"

Dylan's heart raced at the notion of discussing his art. It always filled him with joy to share his passion, but the thought of opening up about his emotions and the challenges he faced made him nervous. "Um, well, I try," he stammered lightly, brushing a hand across his coils, messing with the growing fro, making it almost messy with how he kept playing with it. "I focus mainly on teaching the students about different styles, you know, trying to inspire them and try to make them see the potential they have."

Angela nodded, her gaze steady and encouraging. "That's wonderful! I always think art is a beautiful way to express oneself. It can say what words sometimes cannot."

Dylan felt encouraged by her open demeanor, recalling the joy he felt whenever his students created something that resonated with them, something personal. "Exactly, I've been saying that for a long time now, I love exploring different mediums, you know, painting, sculpting, even digital art. It's fascinating how each one can evoke different feelings, you can tell the artists emotions, feelings just by looking at the art work"

Hilary leaned in, looking genuinely curious, a cup of tea in her hand as she was sitting quietly listening to her mother and Dylan conversations. "What's your favorite medium? Do you have a preferred style?" She was intrigued. She knew a little about art, seeing as her mother was an artist herself and would always take she and her siblings for her shows, they were times the children would just sit around her as she made her work.

Some of her art work were even a dedication to her kids.

Dylan bit his lip, feeling his cheeks warm at the thought. "I really enjoy impressionism. There's something magical about capturing a moment and letting the viewer fill in the details with their imagination."

"That sounds beautiful Dylan," Angela said softly, her expression thoughtful. "Art has a way of making us feel alive, doesn't it?"

"Yes! Exactly! I use it to process my emotions... well, when I can." He hesitated, contemplating if he should continue, the weight of his unspoken thoughts hanging heavily in the air. "Sometimes, I find myself struggling with... You know, just dealing with family issues." He didn't want to turn such a lovely moment into that of sorrow but she did ask him a question and he was being genuine with his answer. 

"Family issues?" Angela enquired gently, sensing the burden hidden behind his words.

'Oh poor baby' she thought as she watched his expression on his face. 

"Yeah," Dylan answered, voice barely above a whisper. He felt a flutter of vulnerability but knew that perhaps opening up would foster their understanding. "I came out to my family when I was younger. They... they didn't take it well, they bought an apartment for me, which coincidentally is in the same building as Von" he tried to lighten the mood but the look on Angela's and Hilary's face said he should keep talking. "They bought the apartment and made my nanny and a few help move in with me to take care of me and try to keep me hidden from the outside world so they don't know of the Mathew's gay son" he paused for a second, swallowing his tears.  "I called them a few days ago to talk about my sexuality and my relationship with Von and Michael, I thought by now they would understand me and be okay with me but o boy was I wrong, because they didn't approve. I wasn't ready to hear that they just... couldn't accept me, but they made it pretty clear they didn't and I even got disowned."  He sniffed 

Angela's expression faltered slightly, a flicker of empathy crossing her features. "I'm so sorry to hear that sweetie" she said as she pulled him in for a motherly hug, making him rest his head on her chest as she rubbed on his back and her other hand on his head rubbing it lightly. "Family acceptance can be deeply complicated and painful." Her voice was sincere, reverberating with warmth that eased the tension inside him.

Dylan swallowed hard, nodding slowly, his head still on her chest as she rested her chin on his head. "It was rough. They had always envisioned a certain life for me, one that didn't include being in love with a man and not to talk of two men." He paused, his heart aching at the memories. "And when I realized that my happiness was with Von and Michael, it hurt to feel unwelcome in my own family. The disownments hurt the most, I think." He finished as he pulled away from the hug, though Angela still had a hand on his back still rubbing it lightly. 

"Oh, dear," Hilary chimed in, sympathy flooding her voice. "That must have been incredibly painful." She reached out to squeeze Dylan's hand, genuine affection cascading from her. "You deserve love and acceptance, just like anyone else."

Dylan smiled faintly, grateful for her kindness. "Thank you. I found a new family in Von and Michael, and in this amazing community. But sometimes it's hard not having that connection to my own family."

Angela nodded sagely, as a deep understanding flickered in her eyes. "Family is everything; it ties to our very core. But I believe family is also what you make of it and who supports you through life's journeys. Von and Michael, they clearly offer you that."

Dylan's heart swelled at the mention of his partners; a warmth unfurled within him as he spoke. "They do. I couldn't ask for two more loving partners. And what I love most is how they embrace me for who I am, wholly and completely. They're my safety net."

Angela's expression softened, realization washing over her. "Their love for you is evident, dear. I see how they care for you and this is just the first time meeting you and Micheal" she smiled warmly at him. 

Hilary added, "You bring out some of the best parts of Von, you know? You've made him more vulnerable, and I absolutely love that about you. The way you make him laugh! It's a side of him we haven't seen in a while."

"Really?" Dylan questioned, feeling a flush of happiness at her words. He hadn't realized that his connection with Von had made such an impact; it only reignited his love for the man. "He means the world to me."

"He and Micheal of course"