Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 16:29:18 -0700 From: David Courson Subject: Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes - Part 8 This story is fiction. Any similarity to any persons living or dead is merely a coincidence. If you are not allowed by law to view this material, please do not do so. If you are under 18 years of age, please leave now. This is a love story between two barely under the age of 18, year old boys in high school. If that offends you, I apologize and ask that you not read any further. Otherwise, enjoy. I want to thank everyone who has written to me. Last chapter was the hardest for me to write because I felt the emotions that Blake was putting out. When you guys said you felt it too, it warmed my heart to know I could touch as many of you as I did. THANK YOU for letting me know that. It has been a joy to get your letters. I look forward, everyday, if possible, to reading what you have sent to me. It makes the road more bearable knowing that when I stop at night, I can read and respond to your kind words. I thank each and every one of you who have written me. And hope you keep doing so as the story progresses. Quarterback with the Emerald Eyes -- Part 8 My body woke, first, feeling like shit. I slowly opened my eyes and had to shield them from the light that was creeping in from every nook and cranny it could find. I let my eyes adjust and looked around the room. Nothing looked familiar. "Where am I?" I asked myself. "How'd I get here?" Thinking hard, the last thing I remembered was the rain storm. I listened and heard nothing. The rain had stopped, but when? What day was it? I thought back and remembered. `Thunderstorm . . . Rain pounding the roof of the car . . . Someone knocking on the window . . . Todd. Todd knocked on the window. We fought in the rain. We yelled. I beat his chest and finally pushed him away and told him to leave.' Thinking harder, I couldn't remember how I got here. `After he left, I laid down on the back seat . . .Mrs. Blyth. Todd's mom came and got me. Told me I was gonna live with her family. I must be in the spare bedroom.' I looked around again and saw nothing. No pictures. No knick knacks; only a sewing machine in one of the corners of the room. I tried to lift myself up on my elbows, but immediately got dizzy. "Ohhhh," I moaned, lying back down. I moment later, I heard a light tap on the door. I turned my head and before I could speak, the door started to open. A head came through the opening and it was Todd. I closed my eyes and wondered what he wanted now. "Mornin'," he said with a smile in his voice. "What do you want?" I asked, plainly. "To check on you," he said, coming into the room. "Mom checked on you earlier and you had a fever. She gave you some medicine and told me to keep an eye on ya." I looked around and realized there was LIGHT coming into the room. "What time is it," I asked in panic. "A little after ten." "Oh, shit. I'm late for school," I said, about to get up. Before I could move, Todd put his hand on my shoulder and told me I wasn't going anywhere. "Mom's already called the school and told them you weren't coming. You need your rest." "But . . ." I started to protest. "No, buts," he said, putting his hand on my forehead. I turned my head to keep him from touching me. "I'm trying to see if you're still hot." I looked at him, but gave in. He put his hand on my head and said, "You ARE still hot. Betcha still have a fever, too." He sat and dropped his hand into his lap and just stared at me. The silence was uncomfortable. A moment later, I felt the pressure in my bladder. "I need to pee," I said. Todd stood and watched me. Before I moved, I lifted the covers and saw that I was naked. I uncovered my legs and hung them over the side of the bed and sat up. The bed clothes were still covering my midsection and I pulled them tighter to make sure it stayed that way. After sitting up, I had to grab the side of the mattress to keep from falling over. Everything was spinning. I closed my eyes and allowed my body to adjust. Opening them, I looked at Todd and asked for my underwear. "Why? I've seen you naked plenty o' times." "You don't have that right, anymore. Can you just hand me my underwear?" Exhaling hard, he walked over and got my underwear and handed it to me. They were very stiff. I tried to lean over to put them on my feet, but had to sit upright, quick, because I became dizzy again. Pulling my foot up, I placed it in the correct hole and pulled it up to my knees. Then I repeated the same step with my other foot. I leaned back on the bed and pulled my shorts under the covers and lifted my butt off the bed and slid them over it. Sitting back up, I inspected my work and was pleased that I was now covered completely. I threw the covers off and stood. I started wobbling and Todd stepped forward and grabbed me. "You okay, Blake?" "I'm fine," I answered, pulling myself from his grip and sat back on the bed. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I tried again, and the same thing happened. This time, I didn't pull away. "Here, let me help you to the bathroom." I didn't want him touching me, but my bladder was screaming at me for release; I gave in. I was too weak, emotionally, to protest so I let him help me. When we got to the door, I told him I could take it from here. "I don't want you to fall. Let me help hold you up." "I said I got it. I'm gonna sit down and pee. I'm too dizzy to stand." He helped me into the bathroom and when he saw I had the sink, he let go. "Let me know when you've finished. I'll help you back to your room." He closed the door and I lowered my underwear with one hand. Slowly, I moved to the toilet and sat. Pointing myself downward, I let go and felt the best release of my life. I finished up and washed my hands and opened the door. Todd was standing there, leaning against the door jam. I walked out and he put his arm back across my back with his hand on my waist. I put my other arm on his shoulder and he guided me back to the bed. After I sat, I started shivering. I was freezing. Noticing this, he told me to lie back on the bed. He held the covers up as I did so. After he lowered the covers, I used the last bit of energy to take off my underwear. My extra sensitive skin couldn't take the roughness of the air dried fabric. At least, not as sick as I was. I pushed them down and used my legs to walk them to my feet. I pushed my right foot out from under the covers with my underwear hanging on the big toe. Todd grabbed it and tossed it with the rest of my clothes. Still shivering, Todd told me to get comfortable. After turning on my side, he walked around the bed and started pushing the blanket and sheet under me, where my body met the bed. He got me from shoulder to foot and came back to tuck it under my front side. I reached down and cupped my penis and scrotum in my hand. If I didn't, he would have touched it when he tucked the covers under my hip. When he finished, he stood and looked at his handiwork. "Snug as a bug in a rug, as my grandmother used to say." I closed my eyes and then rolled them. I didn't want to start anything, but c'mon, what a saying. How. . .second grade. "You feeling warmer?" he asked. "I'm fine. I just need some sleep." Actually, I was feeling a lot warmer. His tucking of the covers under me was trapping the heat my body produced, acting like an oven. "I'll check back on you in a couple hours." Before he walked out the door, I asked, "Why are you not in school?" "Mom wanted me to stay with you. In case you needed anything." Satisfied with that answer, I closed my eyes, heard the door close, gently, and headed back to sleep. A few hours later, I was becoming conscience that someone was touching me. I concentrated on the feeling and realized someone was brushing my hair out of my eyes and off my forehead. I slowly opened my eyes and saw it was Todd. Instinctively, I pulled my head away from his hand. He looked hurt at my gesture, but I didn't care. I didn't want his hands on me. "I warmed up some chicken noodle soup," he said, pulling the bowl off the end table. I pulled myself up and made sure the covers were tight around my waist. As I reached for the bowl, he acted like he was about to start feeding me. I pulled my head back a little and looked at him. "I can still feed myself," I said, reaching for the bowl. "I was just trying to help." I took a spoonful of the hot liquid and my mouth awoke. My taste buds were alive and kicking. The soup tasted so good in my cotton mouth, a little salty, but still, good. As I ate, Todd just looked at me. I was getting tired of him scrutinizing my every move, but I still didn't want to start a fight or a yelling match. I closed my eyes and finished my soup in peace. He took the empty bowl from me and placed it on his lap. "Are you ready to get up?" "No. I'm still cold and tired. I'm going back to sleep." He stood and turned so I could get comfortable without having to try and work around the covers. When I was done, I said, "Thanks for the soup." I figured that was being too nice, but I had to say something. Looking at me, he asked, "You want me to tuck you in again?" "I'm fine." I said. He smiled a small smile and headed for the door. "What did you tell them?" I asked, putting my head on the pillow and waiting for his answer. "Who?" "Your parents? What did you tell them?" "About you? Nothing. All I sad was that you told me your parents kicked you out." "They don't know I'm gay?" "It's not my business to tell them. I figured when you were ready, you'll let them know." "Have you told them about you, yet?" "No. I plan on telling them this week. They're bound to figure it out; might as well get it over with." Todd and I shared a look before he finally said, "Well, I'll let you get back to sleep." He closed the door and I closed my eyes. Later that evening, I woke when Mrs. Blyth sat on the bed. I jumped a little and she placed a hand on my chest and told me it was her. I relaxed back into the bed and she asked how I was feeling. "Tired," I said, sluggishly. "Turn your head for me," she said, holding up an ear thermometer. I did as she asked and she stuck it in my ear. A second later, it beeped. "98.9. Well, at least your fever's gone. Do you feel like eating?" I concentrated on my stomach and realized I was hungry. "I think so." "Get dressed and come down for dinner." "All my clothes are in my car," I told her. "That's okay; I'll get something of Todd's for you to wear." She got up and left the room. A minute later, she returned with a pair of underwear, some shorts and a shirt. "See you downstairs in a bit." "Thanks." I slowly sat up and the dizziness was gone. I got dressed and headed down to the kitchen. When I rounded the corner, I saw Todd and his parents sitting at the island, talking. "Hey, Sport," Don said, seeing me first. "Hey guys. How are ya?" "We're doing good. How `bout you?" he asked. "Better. I'm still tired, but hungry." "Then, take a seat. I was waiting for you to serve dinner," Mrs. Blyth instructed. Since the only table in the house was the formal dinner table in the dining room, we ate at the island. I choose a bar stool, two away from Todd, and sat. After doing so, a moment later, Mrs. Blyth placed a bowl of beef stew in front of me, while Todd served us tea. After everyone was sat, we ate. I didn't talk too much. I was famished from not having eaten anything since the night before. The chicken soup hit the spot earlier, but it didn't fill me up. I kept waiting for someone to ask about my parents, but it never happened. When the meal was over, I excused myself and started up the stairs when Mrs. Blyth asked to speak with me. While Todd and his dad went to the living room, she told me the plan for tomorrow. "I'll send a note with you tomorrow for your absence. I'll tell them you're staying with us for the week because your parents are out of town. Once we figure everything out, we'll let them know exactly what's going on. I need to look into a few things at work to see what's legal." "Is anyone gonna get into trouble?" I asked. "Well, I guess you could tell the authorities about your parents kicking you out. They might get into trouble, but I'm not completely sure. I only deal with business law, not family law. I do know you can sue for emancipation, if you want." "Emancipation? What's that?" "It's like a divorce from your parents. Since your still under eighteen, you're still a minor by law, but if you can get a judge to issue you emancipation, you're legally an adult." "How long would that take?" "I really don't know. I would guess about six to nine months." "I turn eighteen in three months. I don't think it would be worth it." "Probably not, but I'll ask our family lawyer a few questions. Just to make sure." "Thanks, Mrs. Blyth." As I was about to turn, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, "Listen, when you're ready to talk about everything, I'm here for you. This is your house now and I would like for you to consider us your family, if you're comfortable doing so. Even after your parents realize they've made a mistake and want you to come back home." Smiling at her, I said, "I don't think they'll ever want me again, and I will start thinking of you guys as my family." She had a confused look on her face to my first statement, but then smiled after my second. Putting her hand on my cheek, she said, "Sleep well. We'll see you tomorrow." "Good night," I said and climbed the stairs. The following morning, Mrs. Blyth handed me my excuse for being absent and told me to tell them if they had any questions, to give her a call. She also handed Todd a note for his absence. As Todd and I were walking out the door, he asked if I wanted to ride with him. "Why?" I asked, not thinking. "Because, we're both going to the same place. Might as well save some gas if we can." I really didn't want to, but thinking quick, I said, "I can't. Have to go to college for math." "Oh, right," he said and just stared at me. I figured I answered his question and walked to my car. Without saying a word, I cranked it and backed out of the drive. As I was pulling away, he was still staring, keys in hand. Getting to school, I saw Kelly and said hi. The bell rang and I had to get to the office before homeroom and told her I would tell her everything soon. Parting ways, I headed to the office. When it was my turn, I handed in the note and the secretary read it and thanked me, without question. As I was leaving, I opened the door and saw Todd. I held it opened for him to pass then, silently, walked out. I know it seems harsh to keep Todd guessing about everything, but I just wasn't ready to forgive him. Not after what he put me through. Even though my exterior was hardened, I felt as if my insides would give away and betray me at any moment. I was still too emotionally drained and didn't want to get into any arguments, so I just tried to avoid Todd as best I could. Now that I was living with him, things were going to be a whole lot different. At lunch, I found Kelly in our usual spot and sat. Taking my first bite, she asked if things were okay with me. Swallowing, I said, "Things are better. They still aren't the best, but they're getting there." "Well, you know, if you need to talk, I'm there for you." "I know," I said, smiling. "I'm almost back at a hundred percent. I've got about five more to go and when I get there, we will talk, for sure. There are some things I want to tell you." "What's the last five percent about?" Choosing my words, delicately, I said, "It's . . . matters of the heart." Surprised, she asked, "You're in love?" Freezing my fork in mid air, I guess I didn't choose the right words. "I'm not sure, anymore." "Well, who is she?" she asked with a smile on her face. Feeling squeamish, I said, "I really don't want to talk about it now, but very soon, I'll tell you everything." Looking a little hurt, she said, "Okay, but you have to promise to tell me. I do want to know." "I promise. You'll know everything as soon as things are back to normal." "Cool," she said, staring at me. "So, did you finish your homework last night?" "I was absent, remember?" "Oh, yeah." The next couple of days were just about as normal as could be. Once I got home from my college class, I went straight up to my room, which Don had found an old desk and put in there for me, and got on my homework. I was usually occupied until dinner. This was good for me, because Todd still wanted to talk and I didn't. On Friday, I finished up early and headed down for a snack. When I arrived, Todd was already in the kitchen. Ignoring him, I went about my business and made a sandwich and sat at the bar. Todd just stared at me without speaking. I could feel his eyes burn my skin. I could tell he wanted to talk, but still, I wasn't ready. My heart was begging me to forgive him but my head wouldn't let it go. With him staring at me, I became so frustrated; I put down the rest of my sandwich and went upstairs. Going to my room, I fell upon the bed and started thinking. A few minutes later, I felt one side sink as Todd got on one knee and leaned over and, innocently, asked, "Why won't you talk to me?" "Why should I?" I asked, not turning. "Because, I want us to get back to normal. Be like it used to be." Sitting up, I said, "Todd, I don't think there is going to be `back to normal' with us." "Why not?" he asked. "Because I can't trust you, that's why," I said. "Can't trust me?" he asked with attitude. "Why can't you trust me?" "Because you fucking lied to me." "It was a little lie. Big deal," he said in that pleading voice. "Yeah, it was a big deal," I said standing. "You told me to call you. On Friday night. The night of your date, the one you were actively planning." "I told you I forgot about that." "Bullshit," I shot back. "Your mom said you were planning it for three days. Why would she lie about it? What would she have to gain?" "I don't know," he said, feeling defeated. "By the way, you never told me. What did you do on that date?" "Nothing." "So, you picked her up and did nothing. Must've been some date. Paige must've been real impressed. You didn't even take her out to eat?" "We ate," he said, in a small voice. "Where?" I asked, my patients getting thinner by the second. "I can't remember," he told me. "A date you were planning for three days and you can't remember the restaurant?" "No." "Oh, come off it, Todd. Where the fuck did you go?" "The Atlas, alright?" he yelled at me, looking me dead in the eye. Dumbfounded, I looked at him. "You took her to the Sun Dial, too, didn't you?" By way of an answer, he looked down, ashamed. "I can't fucking believe this. You took her on my date. My birthday date, no less. Did you take her to the Gregory Bed and Breakfast, too?" "No. That was just you and me," he said, looking up at me. "How am I supposed to believe you? You lie to me, you take her on the most perfect date I've ever had . . . Hell, the only date I've ever had, and I'm supposed to believe you didn't fuck her?" "I didn't, I swear. She tried to feel my dick through my pants but I stopped her. We didn't do anything that night." I could see that his eyes were starting to swell and form tears. "That night? So you fucked her on another night?" "No. . . I mean, I never fucked her at all. We never did anything." Feeling exasperated, I looked at him. "You know what, just get out." He looked up at me, pleading with his water filled eyes. To make my point, I walked to the door and grabbed the handle. "Please, leave." Head fallen, he walked through the door as I saw a tear fall down his cheek. When he was gone, I closed and locked it behind him. He went to his room, I could hear him cuss and fall on the bed. A few minutes later, I heard his muffled sobs through the wall. Listening to him, tears started to well up in my eyes as well. I, angrily, wiped my eyes and put my headphones on and turned on my CD player and ended up falling asleep. ~~~~~ I opened my eyes and I saw nothing. There wasn't any light in the room and I thought I had slept until way past midnight. I was standing. I don't remember getting out of bed. I started to walk to the wall to turn on the light and stuck out my hands and hit something. I felt around and the smooth surface my hands came in contact with was tall. I reached as high as I could, but couldn't feel the top. I started to explore to the left and after only a foot, I felt a corner. Feeling around on the same smooth surface, I felt for the light switch. Still nothing hit my fingertips. After exploring everything I could feel, I realized I was inside a box of sorts. I reached out my hands, on either side of me, and my finger tips could just feel the smooth surfaces. I spun and it was the same for the other two sides. "Hello? Anybody there?" The sound of my voice died, instantly. No echo. No reverberation. Nothing. "Mrs. Blyth? Don?" Still nothing. No answer, no light. "Todd?" As soon as his name was said, the room I was in was blinded with light. I turned and saw the most brilliant, white light and had to shield my eyes. I looked up and couldn't see where the light was coming from. There wasn't an end to the room. It continued up, forever. Turning my back on the lights, I looked around and saw that I was, indeed, in a box made of glass. I could see a black wall beyond the glass about twenty feet. I looked to the right and saw another black wall. Same to the left. Shielding my eyes, again, I turned and could see a figure make its way towards me. The light shifted and it was no longer in my eyes. I lowered my arm and watched the figure descend upon me. I was scared and shaking. "Who are you?" I called out. Could they hear me? "Don't come near me." The figure kept walking. I backed up against the glass wall, hoping they couldn't get inside. I closed my eyes and waited for the sound of breaking glass while I crouched down to the fetal position. "Blake?" came a tender voice. I opened my eyes and saw Todd standing before me, outside the box. He was wearing his football uniform, shoulder pads and all. "Todd, what's going on? Let me out," I said standing, instantly relieved. "I can't. I didn't put you there." He put his hand against the glass and I cautiously walked over to him, only a pane of glass separated us. "Where are we?" "I don't know. I woke up and here I was. You know, I still love you, though." "Todd, now's not the time. We need to find a way out." "Why? I like it here?" he said, smiling and looking around. "Todd, there's nothing here but you and me. Nothing!!!" "There only needs to be you and me to have something. We still have each other." I was growing frustrated. "But where is here?" I asked again. Looking at me, he said, "Don't know, don't care. As long as you're here, I'm happy." I was about to say something when the lights started to flash and turned red. Todd and I both turned towards the red lights to find out what was happening. My head turned all around the small box and I couldn't see anything. Todd turned to me and smiled. "I love you, Blake." At that moment, a man with a black mask appeared out of no where. "Todd," I heard myself instinctively call out. He never turned. He kept the smile on his face while staring at me. "Turn around," I warned him. "I don't want to. I just want to look at you." "But, there's a man behind you," I said, hitting the glass. He never turned. His eyes were locked on me. The man started walking towards Todd and I panicked. "Todd, he's coming this way. Turn around, please. Get out of here." Todd never blinked. About five feet from Todd, he man raised his hand with his palm out and Todd went rigid. "What are you doing?" I yelled. "Stop!!!! Let him go." The man shook his head. "What do you care? You don't love him anymore, remember?" "I do. I do still love him. Please, stop hurting him." Todd reached his hand back up on the glass. I placed mine against his, calling his name. A moment later, Todd was floating, in mid air, away from me. "No!!!! Todd, please. Fight it. Let him go!!!!!" About twenty feet from me, Todd came to a stop and I watched. Tears flowed down my cheeks like rivers trying to find the ocean. "Please, no!!!" There was a flash and Todd was naked. His hands were in cuffs, suspended above his head and hooked to a chain. I followed it up and couldn't see the top. Looking back at his face, I saw there was tape over his mouth. A second flash and a table with bright, reflective objects appeared on top. The man looked at me. All I could see was his eyes. All his skin was covered. He reached down and picked up an object. The light reflected off it, blinding me. "He's been giving his heart to you, but you won't accept it. I think I could do something to help him out." The man brought the object to Todd's chest and placed it upon his skin. "No!!!! Please don't do this." The man stopped for a moment and looked at me. "But he wants you to have it," then went back to what he was doing. "NO!!!" I screamed even louder. A moment later, blood started pouring out of Todd's chest. It fell along his body down to the feet that were barely holding him up. I heard him whimpering. His eyes were pleading with me to make the pain stop. "I've accepted his heart. I've accepted his love. Please, don't do this." I didn't get a response. The man lifted the object and moved it onto a different part of his chest. Again, he started cutting. There were only whimpers from Todd. With the blood that was gushing from his chest, he must have been in tremendous pain. "There, you see, that wasn't so bad, was it?" I saw Todd shake his head to agree with the man. "Why are you doing this?" I yelled. "Because, it's the only way. You'll see what I mean. Just hold on." "Please, don't hurt him anymore. Please, stop." Turning to look at me, the man's voice became stern. "I never hurt him. It was YOU!!!!! You hurt him. He did everything he could to make you forgive him, but you never did. After this, you'll never be able to hurt him again." "I forgive him. I really do. Please, don't hurt him anymore." The man ignored me and pulled away two flaps of skin showing the beating of Todd's heart. "This beats only for you," he said, still looking into Todd's chest. "The pain he feels with every beat is because you rejected his love." "I'm sorry," I screamed. "Todd, I'm sorry. I do love you. Please, don't feel pain because of me. I love you." The man never turned back. He lifted a flap of skin away from the hole and used a nail to hold it against Todd's chest. I tried to protest, but he took no notice of me. He repeated the process until all four flaps were nailed to Todd's chest, leaving a hole where his heart shone, beating. Turning to look at me, the man said, "Now, this is the hard part. But you have to look. He's depending on you." "Please," I said again, almost in a whisper. The tears were coming faster than I had ever remembered. The man reached through the hole and grabbed Todd's heart. I heard Todd finally scream out in pain behind the tape. I grabbed my chest. It hurt. I could barely keep my eyes open. I looked at Todd's eyes and they were closed as tight as could be. "Stop this. Leave him alone. Stop!!!!! STOP!!!!!!!!" I started beating the glass trying to get him to stop and give me his attention. He never did. After getting a firm grip on Todd's heart, he yanked until his heart was outside his body, still beating. Todd's screams stopped and he opened his eyes. They were staring right into my own. The emerald eyes I fell in love with were now colorless. He was fading. I could see the color drain from his face and body. "He wanted you to have this. And now, you will." I saw Todd go completely limp, held up only by the never ending chain above his head. Looking at the man, he tossed the heart towards me. "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!" ~~~~~ I woke with a start, gasping for air and grabbing my chest. When I realized it was only a dream, I gave a sigh and relaxed. I put my CD player on the end of the bed and started down the stairs. Before I reached bottom, I heard Todd ask his parents if they could talk. He needed to tell them something. I stood there and listened. "Let's go to the living room. We need to sit." I softly went back up a couple of stairs and sat with my knees against my chest and my arms wrapped around them. "Is everything alright?" I heard Mrs. Blyth ask. "They will be in a few minutes," I heard him say and I heard their footsteps mute as they stepped on the carpet. "There's something I need to tell you guys. I didn't know how and really, still don't, but you need to know what's going on." I heard Todd take a few deep breaths and continue. "Something's happened to me. Don't worry, I'm okay. Nothing's wrong," he added, quickly. I would imagine his parent's faces gave a worried look. "It's just that I've realized something about myself and didn't know how to tell you guys. I guess you could say I was scared. Still am, a little." "Son, you know you can tell us anything. You never have to be afraid to talk to us. C'mon, now. Just say what you need to say," his father encouraged. "Okay, here goes. Last year, I fell in love with someone and it was great, up until school started this year. I messed up, bad, and things got out of control." "She's not pregnant, is she?" I heard Mrs. Blyth interrupt. I smiled and heard Todd chuckle. "No, mom. No one's pregnant." "Oh, thank heavens." "Anyway, things haven't been going well lately and it's my fault. I wish I could take back what I did, but I know it's too late and no matter how many times I say I'm sorry, they won't forgive me. I don't know what to do. I'm still in love with them but they just keep ignoring me." There was silence for a moment when Mrs. Blyth asked, "Todd, who are you talking about?" After a very long pause and a very big exhale, I heard him say my name. "Blake." I wish I could have been a fly on the wall. All I could do was hear what was happening. I wanted to see it. I waited, anxiously, for their response. Would they kick him out? Would they stop loving him? I needed to know so I would know what to do. After what seemed like an eternity, the long silence was broken with Don's deep voice. "We had an idea you two were together, but weren't sure." "What? You mean, you knew?" I heard Todd asked, surprised. "Well, we didn't really know, but we had some suspicions," Mrs. Blyth added. "How? We thought we were hiding it. What did we do wrong?" "Well, we were concerned . . . No. Concerned isn't the right word," Mr. Blyth corrected, "We thought it odd that two, almost adult, teenagers would sleep in the same room when there's an extra bed right next door. And I guess we confirmed it when the morning after Blake stayed the night that first time, I came to wake you guys for breakfast and when I opened the door, your arms were wrapped around him." I cupped my face in my hands, embarrassed; I can only imagine what Todd was doing. "I told your mother and we've come to accept the fact that you're . . . Are you gay or bisexual?" "I'm gay." "Well, we've come to accept it," he finished. Mrs. Blyth started in from there. "Todd, why were you afraid to tell us?" "I don't know. I was afraid you might stop loving me or tell me to leave or something." I heard his voice break. "Honey, we would never do that. You know how many gay friends we have. You knew that we went to Kent's and Charlie's commitment ceremony. And Lisa's and Wendy's. Did you think we would treat you any different?" "I don't know." I could hear the tears falling from the sound of his voice. "I was just afraid that because I'm your only son, it might be different. I didn't want to disappoint you." "Todd, you could never disappoint us. No matter what you could have said today, nothing would make us stop loving you. Nothing," Don confirmed. I heard some shuffling and I assumed that they were hugging. I had tears in my eyes at the love and acceptance they were showing Todd. Why couldn't my parents be this understanding? They didn't even give me a chance. At that moment, I have never hated my parents more. They treated me like trash and Todd's were forgiving, welcoming. I wished Mr. and Mrs. Blyth were my parents. "You know," I heard Don start, "the minute you were born, your mom looked at me and said, `From now on, you're number two.' I didn't know what she meant until I held you for the first time. I knew that no matter what, I was going to do everything I could to protect you. To love you is our first priority. Just don't ever be afraid to talk to us, again, okay." "Okay, dad." He sniffled. "I'm sorry I didn't come to you guys earlier." "Don't worry about that. Now we know and things are still the same." "Well, almost," Todd said. "Is that why Blake's parents kicked him out? Because they found out about you two?" Mrs. Blyth asked. "He told me because he told his mom he was gay. He never said they found out anything." "What did you do to make him mad?" Don asked. "He told me he loved me and I didn't respond. Then when school started, I asked Paige to go out with me so people wouldn't get suspicious. Then I told him to call me one Friday and I was out with her. I completely forgot I had plans with her and he thought I lied to him." "Did you?" his mom asked. "No, I honestly forgot. When he asked if we could get together, I couldn't think of anything else. I said yes and just wasn't thinking that far ahead." "Why didn't you tell him you loved him back?" she asked. "I was afraid." "Of what?" "Of everything. You two, the team, the students. Everything. I wanted to tell him I loved him, too, but all these new emotions came up in me and I didn't know what to do. I finally did, but he told me it was too late." "Give him time, son. If he still loves you, he'll come around," I heard her say. Next, I heard someone pat his leg and his mom said, "Dinner's almost ready. I'm going to get Blake and we'll be down soon." I didn't hear another word. I, quickly but quietly, got up and walked to my room and closed the door. I got on the bed and cleared my eyes of the tears. I waited for a few minutes before I heard a knock at the door. "Come in," I said. The door opened and Mrs. Blyth came in and smiled as she looked at me. "How ya doing?" "Not too bad," I answered. She came and sat on the edge of the bed. "Todd told us why you're parents kicked you out." I just stared at her. I couldn't move or speak. "I can't believe they would do that for such a stupid reason." "In their mind, it's one of the worst things that could happen." "In Don's and mine, it doesn't make one bit of difference. Blake, with all the time you've spent with us over the summer, we think of you as a second son. We'll love you no matter what." I started to tear up at finally being accepted for who I was. Mrs. Blyth held out her arms and said, "Come `ere." I fell into her arms and got the best hug I've ever had. Pulling away, she said, "Now, dry your eyes. Dinner's almost ready." I wiped my eyes and she stood up. "You coming?" "I'll be there in a minute," I told her. She turned and I called her name. Looking at me, I said, "Thank you." She smiled and disappeared through the door. I made my way to the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face then headed downstairs for dinner. After dinner, we watched some TV. Mr. and Mrs. Blyth on the sofa and Todd and I in chairs on opposite sides of the room. I could feel Todd staring at me, but I kept my focus on the show that was playing. When Mrs. Blyth excused herself for bed, I got up and said, "May I walk you upstairs? I'm going to bed myself." "Sure can," she said with a smile. I walked over to her and extended my elbow and she slipped her arm through. "Wow, to be treated like a queen in my own house. I don't know what to do." "Don't get used to it, dear," Don said. "Oh, poo," she retorted. I turned my head and said good night to Don. He told me to sleep well and I looked at Todd, but couldn't speak. He was hurt. I could see it in his face. I walked Mrs. Blyth to her room and wished her a good night sleep. She did the same for me and closed her door. I walked over to my room and stripped down to my underwear and got in bed. The same dream played itself again. Everything I saw the first time, it was there the second. I saw the life drain out of Todd, his beating heart being tossed to me. I reached out, but the glass kept it from landing in my hands. "You fucking bastard!!!!" I yelled. "How could you do this?" Once again, I woke with a start. I opened my eyes and saw the street lights finding every crack it could find to get in my room. I looked around and saw my desk, the sewing machine and the bedside table. I reached over and picked up my cell and saw the clock said 1:43 am. I put it back and took a deep breath. I got up and went to the bathroom. Washing my hands, I splashed more water on my face and looked into my own eyes. "What's wrong with me?" I asked myself. I shook my head, dried my hands and face and headed back to my room. When I reached my door, I stopped and looked at Todd's. I walked over and put my ear to the wood and couldn't hear anything. I slowly opened the door and peeked inside. Todd was sleeping. He had the covers up to just above his crotch. I could see his underwear just sticking out from under the sheet. His beautiful chest was in a slow, rhythmic motion of up and down with every breath. The blinds to his two windows were open and the light from outside poured down over his body. I saw his face. It was turned to the right, away from the door, his bangs falling over his eyes and cheeks. His left hand on his belly, and his right, laying palm down next to him on the bed. I came in the room and closed the door to a crack. I watched him. Sleeping peacefully. How could someone who hurt me so bad, still look just as beautiful? I gently walked over to the desk chair at the end of the bed and sat. I just stared at him. A minute later, I started to whisper. "You hurt me more than anything in this world. My parents kicking me out didn't hurt as bad as what you did to me. I gave you everything. Made you my world and you didn't want it. I know, you were scared, but so was I. I just wanted someone who I didn't have to be scared around. I knew you were having the same feelings, but I just wish you could have said it. If you did, we might not be in this mess. "Todd, I do love you. I always will, but I'm hurting now. You've got to understand that. I fell in love with you the minute you kissed me for the first time. When all the endorphins in my body went to my brain, and you gave me a feeling I've never felt, I knew that I was hopelessly in love. I want to feel like that again. I want to feel it with you, but my heart is scared. It's scared you're gonna hurt it again. "I love you, Todd. I just wish . . ." Getting up, I walked over to him and looked down at his angelic face. "I wish you could understand what I'm feeling. Why it hurts to even look at you." I gently reached down and ran my finger over his lips. He didn't stir. I felt the outline of his full lips then brought my fingers up and kissed them. Lowering them back, I placed them upon his own. After staring a moment longer, I moved my hand up and swept his hair back away from his face. He stirred, a little, and turned his head towards me. His eyes never opened and his breathing stayed the same. "I love you, baby," and went back to my bed. The dream returned for one last time. Everything was the same. ~~~~~ I saw the life drain out of Todd, his beating heart being tossed to me. I reached out, but the glass kept it from landing in my hands. "You fucking bastard!!!!" I yelled. "How could you do this?" "I didn't do it. You did," said the man in a calm voice. I started beating the glass with my fists. "Fuck you!!!! You bastard!!!! Fuck you!!!!" The man reached back and pulled the mask off. I was looking at my own face and staring into my own eyes. When the realization hit me, all I could do was scream. ~~~~~ "Blake!! Blake, wake up!!" I heard someone say. I was thrashing around on the bed, hands flailing everywhere. Finally, being restrained by the voice's hands, I opened my eyes and saw Todd holding me down. "It's okay. It's okay, it was just a dream." I threw myself around Todd and said, "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I felt his body turn and a moment later, I saw light enter the hall. He was trying to shush me, but all I could do was cry and repeat that I was sorry. His hand started smoothing my hair and I held onto him, tight. He started rocking us back and forth and I slowly calmed down. Ten minutes passed and he pulled away from me and asked if I was okay. I sniffled and said, "Yeah, I'm fine." Todd reached up and placed his hand on my cheek and wiped away the tears that were falling with his thumb. "Everything's going to be okay," he whispered. I looked up at him and said, "Stay with me. Please don't leave me alone." He stared into my eyes and then gave an understanding smile. "Scoot over," he said, nodding his head. I did as I was told and he lifted the covers and climbed in. A moment later, I had never felt safer. He had his body pressed against mine and his arms wrapped around me. His face was pressed against my neck, his left arm under my head and his right, flat against my chest. "Get some sleep," he whispered to me. "I love you, Todd," I told him. "I love you, more." To Be Continued. Comments welcomed at dsc110875@hotmail.com. If you want to be added to the email notification list for chapter postings, just ask.