About Coming Out for Christmas

by Mel Spenser
38 pages / 12000 words
ISBN: 978-1-60370-570-7, 1-60370-570-8
Available file types - html. lit, pdf, prc

Andy and Nick from MISS ME? Are getting ready for their first Christmas together. Nick is in decorating mode, while Andy and his twin sister are planning the family holiday party that has traditionally been held at Andy’s house. Since everyone will be converging there, arrangements have been made for Andy’s college age cousin, Ryan, to stay with them for the holidays.

Ryan’s lifelong friend, Scott will also be coming into town. The two college kids haven’t seen each other since leaving for college, and when they get back together, they find out some things have changed. For one, Scott is gay. Ryan’s reaction to his friend, coupled with the commotion of coming out, make for an interesting holiday for everyone. Will Nick and Andy get their life back when Christmas is over?

Sample

"Are we just about done?" Andy asked.
           
"Only a few more invitations to address," Sandy, his twin sister, said. "Then you're free."

A loud thud, followed by a bark came from above their heads. They both looked up toward the ceiling.

"What was that?" Sandy asked.

"Oh, it's just Nick," Andy said. "He's getting the Christmas decorations from the attic. It sounds like Henry is helping."

Another thud and some muffled swearing reached their ears. They both laughed.
           
"Let's wrap this up," Andy said. "Nick is going to be ready for lunch when he comes down."
           
They worked a little longer in silence, addressing the rest of the invitations for the annual family Christmas party. When they were finishing up, they heard Henry's toenails tapping on the hardwood floor as he came down the hall. The dog came into the kitchen, followed by Nick.
           
"Good Lord, what happened to you?" Andy asked when he saw his partner.
           
Nick was a mess. He was sweaty, had smudges on his face and cobwebs in his dark brown hair. He stood, patting the dust from his clothes, a big grin on his face. Andy got up and walked over to him. He reached up and began pulling cobwebs off of Nick's hair.
           
"It was rough," Nick said. "But I think I managed to find everything. Whoever put the decorations away last year did a good job of labeling the boxes."
           
"That would have been your resident librarian," Sandy said, indicating Andy. "One thing that he can do well is organize."
           
"What I found looks like a good start," Nick said.
           
"Good start?" Andy asked.
           
"We may have to go shopping for more lights," Nick said. "There may not be enough."
           
"Enough for what?" Andy asked. "What did you have in mind?"

"I think that I'm going to go vertical," Nick said.
           
"Vertical?" Andy asked.
           
"Is there a ladder in the garage?"
           
"Oh, dear," Sandy said.