Chapter 47

“That was wrong, very wrong, but it doesn’t justify resorting to fighting.”

Eddie sighed and dropped his eyes.

“Tommy, you used a word which is called a slur. That means it’s a word which insults a particular group of people. It is very disrespectful. Your punishment will involve looking up the definition of slur and writing a theme on why it is not a proper thing to say. I suggest you ask your father to help you.” Mr. Jennings gave Hank a meaningful look.

Tyler could see Hank was not taking this subtle reprimand well. Hank’s eyes narrowed and his face went rigid.

“Mr. Hughes, I would suggest you talk with your sons about appropriate ways of responding to incidents of this nature.”

“Yes, sir,” Tyler said.

Appropriate ways of responding to incidents of this nature. Tyler repeated the principal’s words in his head. He knows there will be others like this—especially if Ward and I keep on seeing each other.

“Boys, you may go back to class,” Mr. Jennings said.

The boys got up and left the office. Hank rose from his chair as well.

“I’d like a word with the two of you before you leave, if you will,” the principal said.

Hank sat back down.

Mr. Jennings sat for a moment as if considering how to proceed. Finally he said, “Mr. Erlich, you are, of course, entitled to your beliefs—”

“Damn right I am!” Hank interrupted.

Mr. Jennings ignored the outburst. “However, espousing them in such a way as to instill bigotry and hatred into the situation is counterproductive.”

Tyler wondered if Hank understood words like espousing and counterproductive.

Mr. Jennings was continuing. “We live in a more and more diverse society, and the more we strive to get along with people different from ourselves, the better off we all will be. Tolerance and acceptance are much more acceptable responses.”

“I can see accepting coloreds like you, but not queers like him. I can’t see how anyone can tolerate what men like him are. It’s disgusting.” Hank got up and stomped out of the office. He didn’t acknowledge Mr. Jennings or the fact that the principal hadn’t concluded the interview.

Tyler watched him go. He could hardly believe what he’d just heard Hank say. Obviously this man’s prejudice and homophobia ran deep. How many more were there in Summerville like him? How could Tyler subject his children to such hatred and the danger it might cause them?

“I’m really sorry, Mr. Hughes,” Mr. Jennings was saying. “Believe me, I know how hard it is, how much bigotry can hurt.”

Tyler nodded. He didn’t know what to say. He’d just been outed to the principal of his boys’ school. He felt ashamed and embarrassed. “Thanks, Mr. Jennings,” was about all he could manage.He walked out of the principal’s office and was shocked to see Ward sitting in the waiting area. “What are you doing here?” he asked angrily, feeling an acute panic.

“I came to help if I could,” Ward said, getting up. “Eddie and another kid came out of the office. Eddie didn’t even look at me. Then I saw Hank. He looked pissed.”

Ward walked to Tyler, placed a hand on his shoulder, and asked, “Is everything okay?”

Tyler brushed Ward’s hand off. “Nothing’s okay. And it ain’t ever gonna be. You being here just makes it worse. I should never have let you back into my life.” He pushed past Ward and out of the office.Chapter 21

Ward stood and watched Tyler go. He glanced over his shoulder. Mr. Jennings’ secretary was looking at him with an I’m sure it will be all right expression.

At that moment Mr. Jennings walked out of his office. He looked at Ward. “Can I help you with anything?”

Ward started to say something about having come to support Tyler, but the words stuck in his throat. So he just shook his head and left the office.

As Ward drove back to the mill, his mind was numb. He involuntarily kept replaying Hank’s exit from the principal’s office, the look of loathing on his face when he’d seen Ward sitting there. But worst of all was Tyler’s reaction to seeing him—Nothing’s okay. And it ain’t ever going to be. You being here just makes it worseI should never have let you back into my life.Ward heard Tyler’s words over and over in his head and seemed unable to stop them.

When he arrived at the mill, he saw Tyler’s truck in the parking lot. Ward parked and got out of his vehicle. He stood for a few seconds looking at the office. Ward’s first impulse was to go right into the building and confront Tyler, to shake some sense into him if necessary, and to tell him they could overcome this. They just had to stand together and fight. Then deciding it would be better not to approach Tyler at that moment, he turned and went to the mill.