HENRY'S POV:
I love my dad, but he's an idiot. Okay, most of the time he's not an idiot at all, but right now he's not exactly being smart. In fact, I think *I'm* being more mature than he is, and I'm only thirteen. See, about six weeks ago, he went to France for this film festival; he was looking forward to it because he'd get to see Orli, along with all of their friends. Then he gets back home and is barely talking about anything, and won't say a word about Orli.
Apparently there was this big fight. I don't know what was said, but it must have been pretty bad to make those two break up. When he told me that he and Orli weren't together anymore, I thought it was some kind of sick joke. I mean this was *Orli* for God's sake, and Dad loves him more than anyone (except me, of course); I already knew that they were planning on being together forever, and I was so happy about that.
My dad's kind of a weird guy, and I say that lovingly. But still, he can be pretty strange sometimes, maybe because he's an artists and artists are strange, or maybe just because there's a screw or two loose in his head. Luckily, Orli's also nuts. They're nuts in different ways, but believe me, they *are* nuts. So there was this bond of insanity, and they were great for each other. Orli made my dad happier than I've ever seen him before, and he's just such a cool guy that I was thrilled he had become a part of our family.
It really threw me when Dad told me he was bi, but it's never really bothered me because I just want him to be happy. After he and Exene split up he was pretty down, and I really hoped he'd find someone who would be good for him. But now he's even more depressed, and the only person I want him to be with is Orli. They're perfect for each other and they're both being idiots. So I guess I should take matters into my own hands.
I'll call it Henry's Last Stand.
*****
"Dad?"
"Hmm?" He's standing in his studio, mixing paints.
"Have you spoken to Orli recently?"
His head jerks up at my question. "No. Why?"
"I think you should call him."
"Henry, I've told you that it's over between us," he says in his no-nonsense voice. Yeah, like that's gonna stop me.
"How can you just give up like that? God, you're so immature!"
"Henry--"
"You're being an idiot! God, you haven't even called him, not once! You're just ignoring the fact that you two were happy together. I know you still love him, I'm not stupid."
"Listen, I appreciate that you're trying to help, but Orli and I aren't on the same wavelength anymore. It's just not going to work."
"Well, could you at least tell me what happened? Did you cheat on him? Did he cheat on you?"
"Nothing like that," he sighs. "It's complicated."
"Dad, you can talk to me about it," I tell him. "I mean, you never go anywhere anymore, you just lock yourself in the studio and paint, or you hang out with me. And as much as I like your company, it kind of worries me that this is all you do."
"You don't need to worry about me, Henry. I'm fine."
"No, you're not! Look, I can understand the divorce; I know why that happened. You and Exene weren't happy together, and you get along better with her now than when you were married. But you and Orli--"
"Henry, *please*! Just let it go!" Dad sighs and closes his eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell. I know you adore Orli and wanted us to be happy together, but things don't always work out the way they're supposed to."
"But you guys were so perfect for each other," I say desperately. "Doesn't that count for something?"
"It wasn't enough, Henry. I'm really sorry it turned out like this, but that's the way it is." He gives me a hug and kisses my hair. "I'm sorry," he says again.
Okay, Henry's Last Stand isn't off to a great start. Let's try something else.
*****
"Hello?"
"Hey, Orli!"
"Henry?" He's obviously surprised I'm calling. "How are you, kid?"
"I'm fine."
"Good. How's your summer going?" I know that Orli's not asking as a formality, but because he really wants to know. He's so nice like that.
"Nothing special really; just camp and some baseball games. Lij has season tickets for the Angels and he takes me along sometimes."
"That's cool, man. I've never been to a baseball game."
"Yeah, they're awesome. But I didn't really call to talk about my summer."
"What *did* you call to talk about?"
"My dad."
There's a long pause. "What about him?"
"Look, I don't know what happened between you two, but this is ridiculous. You two belong together, and he's really depressed right now. I think you should just get your butt on an airplane and come see him."
"I don't think that's such a good idea, Henry."
"Why not? What the hell happened between you two anyway?"
"Watch your language," he says. "And if your dad hasn't told you what happened, then that's his choice. It's not my place to tell you. So what kind of camp are you going to?"
"Oh, no. You're not changing the subject on me, Bloom."
He chuckles. "I must really be in trouble if you're using my last name."
"C'mon, don't tell me you don't miss him."
"That's not the point."
"So you *do* miss him," I say gleefully. "I knew it! He misses you, too. All he does is mope and paint."
"Henry, if he missed me enough, he would call me. He has my number. I know what you're trying to do, but it's not going to work."
"Well, I'm sorry for wanting you guys to be happy. I just think that the two of you are being dumb about this whole thing."
"Listen, what happened between us was a big thing. You don't need to know what the problem was, but we didn't end our relationship over nothing. And just because your dad and I broke up doesn't change the fact that you and I are friends; seriously, you should call me whenever you want. But this matchmaker thing . . . Henry, it won't work."
"But you love him! He loves you! Doesn't that count for something?" God, *please* don't let both of them shoot down my best efforts!
"I'm really sorry, kid. I know this is tough for you too, but I can't be with your dad anymore."
"Fine. Then I guess I'll call you when you get your head out of your ass."
"Language," he warns again.
I sigh. "I'm sorry, Orli. I'm not really mad at you, but I want my dad to be happy, and he was so happy when you were together."
"I was happy, too," he says softly.
"Are you crying?"
"A little."
"Orli, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean--"
"I know, Henry, it's okay. Look, I'll always be there for you if you need me, but things have changed. You have to accept that."
"Yeah."
"I'll speak to you soon, alright?"
"Okay. Bye, Orli."
"Goodbye, Henry."
It's official -- Henry's Last Stand has failed. They're both idiots.
*****
ELIJAH'S POV
Viggo does not want to be here. He's even quieter than usual, his smiles are forced, and he looks away when I talk to him. I know he's not a big baseball fan, but I also know that he's barely left his house since The Fight, so Henry and I used all of our combined pleading skills to get him to come to today's Angels vs. Yankees game.
"Can I keep score?" Henry asks eagerly as we find our seats. While his father may not be crazy about baseball, Henry is. He's become a Yankees fan because of Derek Jeter, who he thinks is 'the coolest.' Since I'm an Angels fan, today should be interesting.
"Yeah, here's the scorecard." I hand him the piece of paper, along with a pen, just as the PA begins announcing the lineups.
"And pitching for the Yankees," the PA booms, "Orlando Hernandez."
Orlando. Henry and I both shoot nervous looks at Viggo, whose jaw tightens almost imperceptibly for a moment. "Guys, I'm fine," he lies. "It's just a name." Yeah, just a name. That's why his knuckles are white as he grips his beer.
After a few innings, Henry excuses himself to go to the bathroom after spending five minutes assuring his dad that he can find it by himself. Viggo opens a new bag of Cracker Jacks and pops some in his mouth, his gaze resting firmly on the game. He knows what I'm about to bring up.
"I spoke to Orli yesterday."
"Huh." He's trying to sound indifferent, but I'm not stupid.
"He's not doing too well."
Viggo's eyebrows go up, and he looks worried. "What do you mean?"
"Well, he's barely going to clubs anymore, he's not doing much of anything, and he's pretty down in general. A lot like you."
"Lij, please don't do this. I've been getting the third degree from Henry since this things started, and I don't need you on my case as well."
"I'm not trying to be 'on your case', Viggo. But you guys are both miserable, and it doesn't need to be like that. Have the two of you even talked since that night?"
"No."
"So nearly two months later, neither one of you has picked up a phone to say 'hi'? Seriously, that's ridiculous. I mean, you were planning on--"
"I know what we were planning, Elijah." He's pissed now. "But that's over, and I'm sick and tired of everyone trying to interfere with my life. I'm an adult."
"Are you sure about that?"
Viggo levels me with a glare. "He's the one who walked away. Not me."
"I really don't care whose fault it is. Just grow up and call him."
"Thanks for the advice, but I don't planning on calling him anytime soon."
"Fine. You two will be as miserable as you want, and ignore the fact that it's hurting everyone around you because we worry. You guys are perfect together and are throwing that connection away. Swallow your pride and talk to him before it's too late and you lose him forever." Viggo looks away, but I can see he's about to cry. I lean over to give him an awkward hug. "I still love you and all, but *please* don't be so stupid."
He doesn't say anything. I know he won't take my advice.
*****
IAN'S POV
I may be the eldest member of the Fellowship, both onscreen and off, I may have a knighthood and a distinguished career, but that does not mean that I know what to do in this situation.
Let me explain: once upon a time, there was a beautiful young man who was full of energy and cheer. He was always doing crazy things like jumping off of bridges and styling his hair into a mohawk, and everyone adored him because his joy was so infectious. There was also a brilliant man who was an artist in so many forms that it boggled the mind. He was kind and generous, a wonderful friend, and an inspiring person.
When these two men met, the attraction was instant. It was only a few days before their friends began to notice, and soon bets were being placed as to when they would start a relationship. It didn't take very long for the young man and the artist to get together, and they were as perfect a couple as everyone knew they would be. In so many ways they were different, yet their values and truths were so in tune that their differences turned out to be only skin deep.
For a year they were blissfully happy and nothing could turn their relationship upside down. Then one night, the young man started a fight with the artist in front of all of their friends. There was an issue about whether or not to be honest with everyone about the nature of their relationship, since much of society would frown upon it. The young man believed that they had no reason to hide, while the artist was more cautious about revealing the truth. That fight almost destroyed them, but the artist forgave the young man for the horrible things he said, and all seemed to be well again.
The two men ended up living on different continents but still pursued their relationship with fervor. None of their love or passion had dimmed, and they were more committed than ever to spending their lives together. The artist was trying to work through his fear of exposing their love to the public, and the young man was steadfastly standing by him. Then, while at a press event, the young man kissed the artist in front of the cameras. While it seemed to be an innocent enough gesture in and of itself, the young man didn't take into account that the artist might think the kiss would betray their relationship to the public.
Later that night, the two men fought, screaming at each other until the relationship they had worked so hard to build came tumbling down in ruins. The young man said it was over, and at first the artist refused to accept that. However, when the young man started to walk away, the artist told him never to come back. Their friends were shocked beyond belief. These two were the couple everyone knew would survive anything life could throw at them. But in the end, they could not survive their own insecurities.
So there's the shorthand version of Viggo and Orlando's relationship. Two months after The Fight (as it's been infamously labeled by the members of our little circle), those two boys are still refusing to talk to one another despite the entreaties of countless friends and family members. And for some reason, everyone feels compelled to come to me after their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. I am not an endless source of wisdom, just an actor who's worried about two of his closest friends.
I know that one reason why everyone seeks my counsel is because I'm openly gay, although why that automatically makes me an expert on every gay relationship is mystifying to me. Nonetheless, they all want to know who I side with on the issue of coming out. Ironically, none of them are taking sides because everyone realizes that Viggo and Orlando are really equally to blame for this fiasco. However, my opinion seems to be of crucial importance.
The truth is that they're both right and they're both wrong. I didn't come out until I was forty-nine, so it's not exactly as if I've been a rainbow-flag-waving spokesman for the Out and Proud movement all my life. Prejudice against homosexuality is still rampant, and while it's not as bad as it used to be, I can fully understand Viggo's fears, especially concerning his son. Although Henry may be wonderfully accepting of Viggo's lifestyle, not all of his classmates will feel the same way, plus there's the issue of the nasty things that will be written in the press about his father.
On the other hand, Orlando has every right to be upset about their relationship being a secret to so many people. He is unafraid to tell the world the truth about how he lives his life, and I can understand how frustrated he must feel that his partner doesn't feel the same way. It's also understandable that he fears Viggo is ashamed of him, that what they have can only happen behind closed doors and never in the light of day where others might find out about it. And a man can only live his life while shrouded in secrecy for so long.
So they're both at fault here. Neither one of them can truly put themselves in the other's position; Viggo can't understand how Orlando thinks he could be ashamed of their love, and Orlando can't understand why Viggo is so afraid. Another issue is generational. When Viggo came of age in the seventies, people weren't so accepting of 'alternative lifestyles', even in New York City. For Orlando it's easy to come out, but Viggo has kept this from all but his closest friends and family members for more than twenty years, which makes coming out now even more difficult.
I have only tried to make them see reason a few times. After several unsuccessful attempts, I stopped; I'm not fond of talking to a person who won't listen to me. Others have also made a play for reconciliation, from Henry to Dominic to Pete. The truth is that even though their stupidity has made everything a mess and they're not together anymore, Viggo and Orlando are still a wonderful couple. They may have issues to sort through, but when it comes down to it they have more love for each other than any couple I've ever seen.
When all is said and done, I honestly believe that they will come to their senses and rebuild what they once had. If they don't manage to get back together, it will be a tragedy. I don't mean to sound melodramatic, but they truly are perfect for one another, and I can't imagine them finding someone else with whom they could ever be truly happy. In the back of their minds, there will always be that voice that says, "maybe I just should have stayed with Viggo," or, "if only Orlando and I could have made it work, I'd be happier."
They don't have all the time in the world, though. Sooner or later
it will be too late, and no one wants it to come to that. In late
August -- about a month from now -- the entire Fellowship will be back
in New Zealand to do some reshoots, and Viggo and Orlando will have to
see each other. I have no clue what will happen when we're in Wellington,
but I can only hope that when they come face to face, they'll realize what
they've thrown away and will get back on track. Otherwise, they may
be out of chances.
