The Lesson
by Real Nick
"You think it's him? That Andrew? So he's gay then? I never know with kids nowadays I guess."
The older man asked, phone to his ear as he peered through the blinds covering his office window. His name was Rocco Rossi. Standing at 6'4", with a broad and muscular frame, shaved head, dark stubble and features and tattoos where his skin was visible in his black, washed faded karate gi, one might be led to assume on first sight that this man was dangerous.
"Don't do anything crazy, Rocco." The woman's voice on the other end of the conversation would say.
Rocco's face was studious, his dark brown gaze fixated on a large group of mixed aged students headed down a long hall heading out to a large training area.
"You have nothing to worry about, baby. I'm not like that anymore." The man said in his deep, gruff, yet calming tone.
Rocco definitely seemed like while he may not do whatever it was he potentially did anymore, he definitely did it before. There was a story behind those eyes, laid below the surface of his tanned skin and in every tattoo.
"And yeah, I'm sure it's that one boy that's been in your class the last year. Andrew Lawrence, right? I cross referenced some friends and photo tags and their socials. I'm one hundred percent sure it's that kid Andrew I saw Bobby kissing in the photos."
His wife, Carmela, said.
Rocco smirked a bit. Now peering further down the hall just enough to make out Bobby, his own son, exchanging laughs and playful pushes with another boy, Andrew. A lad just a bit older than Bobby. Rocco's eyes would widen just a moment, his heart skipping in his chest as he clearly saw what was Andrew grabbing a handful of Bobby's butt cheeks.
"Yeah, I agree. It's him. I wonder why Bobby hasn't said anything about him. I wonder why he's feeling the need to lie to us. He knows we know he's gay.. It makes me wonder if there's something up with this Andrew kid he doesn't want us knowing. Either way, I'm going to have a sit down with him to see what his intentions are."
Rocco said, before reaching down with a free hand to adjust his cinched black belt, moving towards his closed office door.
"Rocco honey please be normal about this. We don't know why Bobby is choosing to keep this from us." Carmela said.
"Relax, baby. I'm just going to sit him down and explain there's no need for alarm but that we don't like secrecy and it's okay if he and Bobby are talking. But Bobby is only thirteen, this Andrew Lawrence kid is fifteen or sixteen so I want to clear the air about some things. That's all.“
The man had every right to be curious. Young teenagers dated and explored the world on their own terms. He knew not to interfere with budding young adults but as a father of an involved party he was compelled.
Particularly his son Bobby who was younger than Andrew and was a very sensitive and sweet kid, he wanted to sift through the situation and establish a mutual line of respect. Dating and talking was all fine and good. But doing so in the shadows alluded to potential misgivings that lead Rocco's mind astray and he was very, very protective of his boy.
Rocco would give a soft, "Everything will be fine, Carmie. I love you." before hanging up on her and making his way out of his office and down the long hall.





