Excerpt: Flaming Queers

George flicked over the page in his smooth paper, and growled. “Flaming queers” he announced to the family sitting at the table, and didn't notice Emily shudder. He scooped up the end of his porridge and walked away, leaving the bowl sitting in his place. Leila smiled, very used to these outbursts. “Jack, are you prepared for swimming?” Jack nodded, his face deep in cornflakes, and came up milky. Leila shuddered before beginning to laugh, “well, maybe it might be time for you to get ready?” “yes mum” came the annoyed response, and Jack shoved himself away from the table. He loved to swim, and once the door had slammed, ran to get his kit, and head back down to meet the chaeuffeur at the door. Natalia ran her fingers through her hair, and picked at a yogurt. “Are you alright dear?” asked Leila, and Natalia assured her that she was, she just had a lot of work. “Off you go then, forget the yogurt” and Natalia gave her mother a rare smile. Leila looked at the table and swirled the last of her green tea round the white porcelain, before swallowing it, and leaving the table. Emily was alone, and she finished her toast before going to her dad's seat at the table. She didn't much appreciate this whole being left alone thing, but it did giver her a chance to see what “flaming queer” had annoyed him this time. Elton John. She smiled and started humming “candle in the wind” to herself. She was going back to bed, she had neither homework nor swimming, and didn't feel like doing anything more than relaxing in the cosy warmth, and maybe ringing her sister sometime.