“You were only two. I didn’t think you’d remember. I thought you were better off not remembering.”
“Never. I’m glad I know I have another brother.”
“How did you find out about me?”
“Dad.”
“The one we shared?”
“Yes. He wrote me a letter and it was passed to Mum after he died. She wasn’t going to give it to me. I found it and because it was addressed to me, I opened it. He didn’t say much. Just that he was sorry he’d not been a better father to me and Jonty. So I asked Mum who Jonty was and she told me.”
“What… What did she tell you?”
“That our father was an alcoholic and he beat her. She’d tried to leave but not succeeded. The last time she tried, he said he’d kill her if she tried again. Or she could leave and take one child and he’d let her go. She took me and left you. I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault.”
“I’d like to see you. Would you meet me?”
“I’m in Surrey for Christmas. But we’re going back north in a few days.”
“I work in London, but I’ve come home to Newcastle for the holidays. So when you get back north, will you call me?”
“Okay.”
“Bye, Jonty. I’m so glad we found each other again. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.”
Jonty handed the phone back to Devan.
“Denny left me a voicemail,” Devan said. “Your mother gave her my number.”
“Thank you,” Jonty whispered. “I’d let you fuck me, but I’d be sick.”
Devan laughed. “Too much information.”
“Just hold me gently.”
“I can do that.”
“And never let me go.”
“I can do that too.” Devan kissed him.
The End