Chapter Text
To: Alicia A. Zimmermann <alicia@zimmermann.org>
From: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 9:20 AM
Subject: RE: we’re home safe!
Hi Mom,
Hope you and Papa are having a good weekend. The photographs from Vermont were beautiful. Bitty and I were just talking about taking a trip to Burlington this fall -- was the B & B nice?
Sorry I haven’t called this week. I know you worry. Everything is okay but it’s been a lot of new people and they kept me pretty busy my first week. Yesterday I helped some of the guys on the team with an open skate at the arena for kids from the local youth hockey association - my coaching skills are rusty but I think they had a good time! Most of them were more excited about Jersey and Pogs (the other players) than they were about me. Kind of nice.
I wanted to tell you Eric came out to his parents on Friday night. He’s okay, and his parents aren’t mad about him or about us. There are parts of the story I can’t tell you but … you and Papa talk to Suzanne and Coach so maybe you already know some of it. Eric was really scared and I wanted to be there with him but I think it just sort of happened. It was hard to hear the tears in his voice on the other end of the phone and not be able touch him.
How have you and Papa done it for so many years?
Bitty doesn’t want me to to tell George or anyone else on the Falconers yet. I asked him and first he said yes and then yesterday he said no. I understand why he’s scared but thinking about avoiding the subject when it comes up (people talk about their partners and kids) makes me anxious. I don’t know what to say to him.
Je t'aime,
Jack
To: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
From: Alicia A. Zimmermann<alicia@zimmermann.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 9:41 AM
Subject: RE: we’re home safe!
Papa and I are so glad to hear that Eric spoke to his parents! Hugs to you both. How brave of Eric, to tell his parents even when he was scared. It sounds like they have some things to work out as a family but, like the three of us learned, being able to talk openly together is often the first and most important step.
Can you talk to George without telling her about Eric? She can know you’re gay, honey, without knowing you’re dating someone - or who that someone is. Would that help you feel better?
Je t’aime aussi,
Mom
Sent from my iPhone
To: Bill Martel-Amory <william.amory@wentworth.edu>; Yannick Martel-Amory <yannickma@gmail.com>
From: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 12:01 PM
Subject: RE: hello from the Cape
Dear Uncle Yannick and Uncle Billy,
Angus and Fergus look like they’re enjoying the summer so far! Do they hang out at the theatre with you, Uncle Yannick? There’s a guy on the Falconers, Pogs, who brings his chocolate lab with him to practice and she hangs out with the coaches or naps in the locker room. Her name is Bean (short for Coffee Bean).
I have some things I’d like to talk with you about … I think before the fall. Would there be a good weekend for me to drive out to the Cape and see you? I’ve been talking with Eric about being out and … you said you’d like to help. And I’m trying to be better about asking when I need it.
Eric came out to his parents this week, though! He seems really relieved. I guess they were surprised he thought it was a secret. I’m going to visit him on the 4th of July and he says his parents are looking forward to seeing me (I’ve met Suzanne but not Coach yet).
Jack
To: Eric R. Bittle <ebittle17@samwell.edu>
From: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 3:13 PM
Subject: FW: Confirmation of Itinerary FT035Y061Z
Hi Bitty,
Here is my itinerary for the flight to Atlanta. I hope you can meet me at the airport (because then I get to see you sooner!) but let me know if I should get a rental car. Maybe it would be better for me to have a vehicle?
I love you and I miss you,
Jack
To: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
From: Eric R. Bittle <ebittle17@samwell.edu>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 3:21 PM
Subject: FW: Confirmation of Itinerary FT035Y061Z
Of course I’ll pick you up at the airport! Don’t be silly.
I’ll call when I get home tonight,
and 
Bits
(That’s “I love you and I miss you” in emoji)
Sent from my Pie Safe.
To: Eric R. Bittle <ebittle17@samwell.edu>
From: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 3:28 PM
Subject: FW: Confirmation of Itinerary FT035Y061Z
I do know enough Bitty to translate that.
Jack
To: Jack L. Zimmermann <jack@zimmermann.org>
From: Eric R. Bittle <ebittle17@samwell.edu>
Sent: Sun, Jun 7, 2015 at 3:31 PM
Subject: FW: Confirmation of Itinerary FT035Y061Z
And I know enough Jack to translate THAT.
Sent from my Pie Safe.