TRICK OR TREAT by Iris Gray Feedback to wy236@victoria.tc.ca As Fraser and Kowalski walked into the community center, Ben was struck by a small object travelling at top speed. "Hi, Constable Ben!" said the object, which turned out to be a small child dressed in a Halloween costume. "Hello, Lisa," said Ben fondly. "You remember my friend Ray, don't you?" "Yeah, I do. Hi Ray!" said Lisa happily. "You going to take us Trick or Treating tonight?" "Indeed we are," answered the Mountie. He often volunteered at the community center in his old neighbourhood and the children were all very fond of him. He and Ray were taking part in a program that assigned adults to supervise groups of children going out on Halloween, to keep them safe. "Yaaay!" squealed Lisa as she ran to join the other children. "Looks like it's gonna be a long night, Fraser," said Ray with a mock-groan. "Come on Ray, you know you enjoy being with the children just as much as I do," Ben said to his life partner. "Yeah, of course I do," the detective responded. "But I sure don't know where they get all that energy from. Maybe it's the candy!" Ray and Ben gathered the kids together and made comments on the various costumes. Since Fraser seldom watched television or went to movies, he didn't recognize many of them, but he managed to find compliments for all. As they walked down the street, stopping at various houses along the way, Ben reflected on how lucky he was. He enjoyed being with the children, and as a bonus he had Ray with him. He knew that the detective had wanted children of his own, and had been afraid that he wouldn't want to be in a same-sex relationship for that reason. But the two men were able to spend time with the Vecchio children, and Ben's volunteer work at the center brought them into contact with many of the children who had lived in his apartment building on West Racine before it burned down. If their parents realized that the two men were lovers, they didn't object. The small group stopped at an intersection. "Everyone hold someone's hand while you cross the street," Fraser instructed. The children quickly paired up, except for one boy, Tommy, who refused to hold hands with another boy, Paul. "I won't hold his hand!" Tommy announced. "Why not?" asked Ben. "Because boys don't hold hands with other boys unless they're GAY!" Tommy stated. "I'm not gay," protested Paul. "Tommy, Paul, come here." The Canadian motioned for the two boys to come to him, and crouched down so that he was closer to their level. "Is there something wrong with being gay?" he asked them. "It's yucky," Tommy answered. "Gay people are weird," added Paul. "Ray and I are gay," Ben said quietly. "No way, you're not!" the two boys exclaimed. Fraser took his lover's hand. "Yes, we are. We hold hands sometimes, too." Just then Lisa interrupted. "My mom is gay," she said. A couple of the other children came closer. "Is she really?" one asked. The little girl nodded seriously. "You've met my Aunt Patti when she comes to pick me up after school, right?" "Yeah." "Well, she's not really my aunt. She's my mom's wife. I guess she's my stepmother." "My Uncle Ted is gay, I go to visit him and his boyfriend sometimes," another child put in. Some of the others shared stories of gay or lesbian relatives until Ray interrupted and suggested that they get back to the business of Trick or Treating. Tommy looked at Paul and held out his hand. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to hold hands just for tonight," he said. The two boys linked hands and the group crossed the street safely. Some continued to hold hands after crossing the street, including Fraser and Ray. "Have I told you tonight how much I love you?" Ray said softly to his partner as they watched the kids collecting their candy. "Yes, you have," answered the Mountie with a smile. "And I love you." "When we get home tonight I have a few tricks and treats of my own to show you," said Ray. "I look forward to it." END