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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 56
The last week of a school year is a unique time for us high school kids. The final week of school marks an ending that is both celebrated and despised. The routines that we regularly complain about like homework, classes, asshole teachers, meddling parents, and the best and worst of friends, well, they keep us occupied and become patternistic enough to keep us grounded in a lot of ways. The closing down of those routines is awesome on so many levels. No more of this and no more of that. The flip side, however, is what do we do now? What's next? The other problem is that some of those things we complain about are also things that drive us and give us purpose. Those friends, those teachers, some of the classes and projects are all things whether we like or not cause us to grow. That sounds stupid but I believe that I'm a direct product of those motivators.
My so-called "year" at Brumfield High has gone by very fast and it was not without ups and downs - plenty of rabbit holes, as described by Dr. Perrow, one morning while I was laid up in a hospital bed. Can we all remember what life was like before that day considering all that has happened since. Can I recall with any vivid imagination what life was like, being a star football player, leading amazing plays and throwing the ball down field like a rock star? Can I remember who that boy from the country was with his baggy jeans and loose fitting sweatshirts and messy hair? Can I possibly recall what it was to be living with a boy like Tyson Breck, who was young and fit, blond and beautiful, soft but confident? I'm describing the greatest challenge I have ever faced. I'm describing the person, the one person, the one boy who would cause me to cross over to the life I was meant to live and not look back. I'm talking about the one boy that caused my nerves to fray and my heart to burst all in one day, perhaps within one hour even. Thinking back on the crush I had on him, teasing him, trying to observe him from a safe distance, picking at him just enough to make my presence known, well it was the time of my life. Maybe we are so strong today because we had that time - the time to ease into one another. We didn't start when we were 12 or 13 years old and would be possibly tired of each other at this point in our lives. We never had a brotherly relationship where I knocked him around or pulled his underwear into his buttcheeks nor did he ever get to do something stupid like crashing into me with a grocery cart at the store.
We lived a life this past year, one that could be or would be envied by so many guys. I lived with my boyfriend. I lived with the guy I loved. We had our secrets and our midnight runs. We popped in on each other in the shower. We rode together to school. We partied together and we partied apart. I ran to his rescue a number of times and he came to mine as well. We each had special loves outside of each other, but no such love that could separate us or drive us apart. We knew each other's habits and rituals by heart. We knew and understood each other's tribes. Ty's best friend would, on our first meeting, stretch across my bed and flash me with lightning eyes. My best friend would run across a lawn carrying a pretend football at Ty's command. I would know the smell of his room by heart. He would know everything in my closet and in my drawers because he put everything in there, having selected most of it for me I would know his footsteps in a dark place. I would know the cool feel of his skin, the softness of his hair, and his quiet steady breathing when he slept and I would have touched him whenever and wherever I wanted. He would hold dear to a simple item, a picture made up two individual children, photoshopped to look as is we had been at it since childhood while I would hold on to something so dear is my football playbook, created with all the imagination I could muster.
We would always remember that we had a connection point, a pathway, a secret passage so to speak, to each other's world. It gave us easy access and created a barrier when we needed it. We would always trust that the journey through our special interface would be safe and what existed on the other side was trustworthy and welcoming. This place was otherwise known as the bathroom...
After all the drama, thrills, anger, judgments, and craziness, the final week of a school year is a time to not only reflect on the past year, but to also pay attention to every last detail. The last thing we did during that week might be the last thing we remember. From my perspective, a year in the life was an amazing time filled with hormones and frustration, sex and love, a smile, a kiss, and very commonly, an "Oh my God!" and walls that could go up as quickly as they came down. This little essay assignment, even though it's my last stance in the classroom I have come to love and enjoy, was interesting enough to force me to think back, to remember. I will conclude this essay assignment, with respect to the title, "A Year in the Life" with one absolute and final verdict...No regrets. No apologies.
Signed, Joshua Warner
I handed my neatly typewritten paper to Keith Burch. I felt like there was a pine cone shoved into my throat. I could barely speak. He winked at me and I knew he wanted me to come back during lunch even though I would not be able to do so today but would do so tomorrow.
Ty was handing in multiple projects this week and had worked tirelessly to get them done. Tennis was at a halt to give everyone time to wind things up at the schools. Lisa, who made everything look so easy as well as glamorous, had complained to Ginny and me that the past few weeks were exhausting and that she was happy to be going with Bryce to the field party this Friday. Ginny, who was exhausted, told me she was very happy that Lisa and Bryce were closing out the year on a good note. She was coming with us and as Kyle's date but they were very casual at this point and were both happy with that status. I had taken the week off from work because I honestly didn't need the money so much right now. I needed to pay attention to my immediate surroundings.
Ty and I spent Saturday afternoon at the lake with Bryce, Kyle, Ginny and Lisa. We had enough beer to have a good time without getting into any trouble. On Sunday, Ty and I went out to the county to first visit my grandmother then to hang out with Diesel Gray and friends.
My grandmother, mother's mother, is a lot different from Gigi. A visit with her is less about what you've been up to but more about what you can do for her. Ty and I moved some things for her, cleaned some weeds from her garden, and repaired the leg of a chair.
"Thanks boys. You've been a big help. I'll see you at graduation, Josh," she said, kissing my forehead and giving Ty's shoulder a squeeze. He didn't say anything on the way to Diesel's and I was quiet as well. The party was going well. Diesel was cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Caleb and Micah showed up which was very cool. Obviously, Caleb had hinted he would be here and wanted Ty and me to be here. Ty was dancing with some girls. If there was music and some fun girls, Ty would make his way into the group. Caleb was talking baseball with some guys. Micah and I scooted away from the party, back to the old familiar barn.
"Josh, there's so much I wanted to tell you but the phone doesn't cut it," he said.
"I know. It's been so busy in the city, I haven't had any time. I'm sorry Micah. I hate feeling so neglectful," I said.
"You're not neglectful. You're just so "long distance". But listen Josh, there's some great news and some bad news."
"Uh oh," I said.
"Well, first, I wanted to be the first to tell you that Caleb and I did it," and he left that float into the air. My eyes widened. "Yeah, we did it and it was really good. He was, um, shit, he was much better than you would have thought. I mean, I'm no porn star," and he laughed, "but he was really, loving. It felt so good," Micah said, with a dreamy smile.
"That's amazing, Micah. I'm so glad you had a good experience. Well, that it was good for you."
"Experience? Oh we have done it a few times. This has been going on since before Easter!" he almost shouted.
"Damn I am behind!" I said. "So you all are together then?"
"Well we have been. Caleb said nobody was missing him in the city so he's been out here most weekends. The situation between his parents and the separation just didn't make him feel welcome there. His mom is always at some friends and he is happier out here. I, Josh," and Micah's cheeks turned red. "I'm in love with him. I really am," Micah said quietly.
"I know that feeling, Micah. I know it well. Fuck, I am so happy for you, that you found someone. And, once again, I can take all the credit!" I said jokingly.
"Oh really?" he said, jeering just a bit.
"Well, I sent him out here didn't I? I pretty much handed him to you on a plastic tray!" and he did laugh at that.
"You did and now you can take credit for the fact we're gonna have to part ways!" and his smile faded and he turned red again.
"What? What does that mean?"
"I didn't mean it like that, Josh. I'm sorry. Caleb's mom has decided that she doesn't want to stay in the city and they're gonna have to sell the house to split the money so she's moving back to Maryland where her family lives. He's leaving, Josh, he's leaving!" and he practically threw himself into my arms. "Oh fuck," I thought. Caleb must have seen us and came running across the back yard.
Tapping Micah on the shoulder, "did you tell him? Without me? I told you to wait!" he snapped.
"I wanted to tell him on my own, thank you!" Micah responded. Then Ty walked our way.
"Hey what are you all doing?" he asked. "What's wrong with everyone?" he asked.
"Do you mind if I tell MY friend?" asked Caleb. The look in Micah's eyes was very sad. "I'm sorry, baby," Caleb said, softening his stance. "I'm really sorry," and he kissed Micah on the cheek. Looking at Ty and me, he said, "I want to tell you that Micah and I, well, I really care about him. No, that's not right. I love him. I have spent a lot of time out here with him and we have had the time of our lives. Isn't that right?" he asked, looking at Micah.
"He's right," said Micah. "We have really had a great time. I love you," he said to Caleb. Ty looked so shocked.
"That's amazing but, how did that happen? I mean, Caleb, I didn't think the lifestyle was a fit for you."
"I wasn't sure but after the time I kissed you, no offense, Josh, and then I kissed Micah, I didn't feel that it mattered. I liked it and I liked you both but I started to feel things about Micah. I thought about him all the time. We texted continuously."
"I am speechless," said Ty. "Its really amazing and I'm so happy for you both. I'm really happy for you, Caleb. I always had a soft spot for you," Ty said, "even when you acted like a jerk." Caleb smiled sarcastically at Ty. "I feel there is "but" coming on," said Ty.
"There is," said Caleb. "My parents' separation is a damn mess. They have agreed to sell the house and split the money. Mom has decided to move back to Maryland where her family lives and I have to go with her," Caleb said with a defeated tone.
The last week of school was amazingly smooth and even chill. The parting glances of everyone as they passed by in the halls, the winding down of gobs of homework and reports, the approaching exams, put everyone into another realm. Even Ty and I felt it when we got home. No chorus, no tennis, no car washing. We just put our feet up and watched some shows and helped mom get dinner together. She was not happy with the work situation but she wasn't blowing up about it anymore. We could see how much effort Bill was putting into keeping things clam and relaxed. Our immediate concern and pressing agenda had to do with the field party that was on Friday night.
So my understanding of the field parties here in the city is that they were typically large events. All groups would put together food and drinks, typically beer, grab the stadium chairs and even blankets, and head out to the designated location. In this instance some guy's grandfather was letting us use the property which was quiet and out of the way. Typically, some band might play and there would be cornhole and other games that people would bring. Ty said this is usually a local event for the school kids. We wouldn't see many private school skids (kids) unless they came as a date or something. They had their own end of year parties, probably at country clubs and what not.
Bryce and I had planned to fill the coolers with beer. One of my friends at the dealership who was of age was helping us with that. Ty and Tristan were putting together food. They wanted to take a traditional route and had found a place that would prepare us buckets of fried chicken. Lisa and Ginny were putting together sides. Kyle had agreed to be a designated driver and was driving us all out there in one in his dad's old vans, which we thought was hilarious but very effective. It was all arranged. We just had to get through the last days.
I was just able to slip away from lunch and run up to Keith's classroom on Wednesday.
"Josh! Come on in you asshole!" quipped Keith.
"Shut the fuck up! Who you calling asshole?" I replied.
"I'm exploring the nature of life looks like where I'm not your teacher and you're not my student," he said jokingly.
"Oh? How's it working out for you?" I asked, in a mocking tone.
"It's not the best scenario, Josh," he said quietly. "I'm telling you the truth. I'm going to miss you and all your drama!" he said.
"Drama! I didn't bring in any drama!" I said.
"The only thing missing in your drama was the background music and the "cut to commercial!" and we broke out laughing.
"Ok, I give you that," I said. "Wow, can you believe it's the end of year? It went so fast. Like there was Christmas, then prom, now exams and graduation. How did this happen?" I asked, looking toward the windows.
"It always happens this way. It did for me. It has for everyone who has left this school. Some couldn't get out fast enough, others wanted to prolong the experience just one more day or week. It's the circle of life."
"Oh fuck, you're not actually going to give me that crap are you?" I asked.
"Truth, sir. Truth!" he said. I felt my chest heave slightly.
"I know it," I said. "Honestly, Keith, I don't think I can stay up here long and not lose my shit. I'm gonna miss you, probably more than anyone in this fucking place. You have been a pillar and I don't know..." and I lost my voice. He got up and came to my side of the desk.
"You were quite the challenge, Josh," putting his had on my shoulder and giving me a shake. "But you came around and I loved every minute of it, Josh. I don't want to scare you so don't over react but I'm being honest when I say," and he leaned into my ear and whispered, "I love you Josh. I really do," and I looked up at him, silently, not knowing how to say it back. This was not the "I love you Tristan" kind of thing, like "I"m always here for you, I got you," supportive remarks. There was a very real, a very special, a really strong bond beyond this guy and me. I knew it, have felt it for a long time.
I put my hand on his as it rested on my shoulder. "You know...well, you know," I said, as I stood.
"I know Josh, and I'm glad. Thank you," he said.
"I have to go, Keith. Lunch is almost over."
"Yep, I'll see you again this week," he said. "It's not quite over yet!" and he smiled at me.
"I will see you over the summer. It's not at all over!" I replied and his eyes widened. He slipped behind his desk and wrote something on a piece of paper. He handed it to me. It was his phone number.
"For your eyes only, Josh. You got it?" he asked.
"Oh yes. I can honestly say for the first time, I got your number, man!" and we laughed again. I slipped out of his room, not wanting to look into his eyes again.
"Hey Josh," he said, causing me to pause in the doorway. "Great job on the essay. It was short and simple and told the story of a lifetime. It was the easiest A you will ever get!" he said. I smiled and just as I turned toward the hall, I saw Ty at the end of the hall talking to some girls and my heart leapt. I know, I know, yes I have a conscience but this was special. It wasn't a threat to Ty but I was going to see Keith again. I'm sure there would be something Ty would want to do just once, before it was all over. That trade would come in due time and I wouldn't try to hold him back. This was a big transition for him as well and he deserved everything. He deserved everything he wanted in this world, except to lose me. That would not be an available option on this model!
Tristan had been in good spirits. None of us said anything to Roman and he didn't seem to pay much attention to Tristan but he was getting busy too. Coach had him in meetings and planning sessions and he had a full course of exams. As a graduation senior, both my semester grades and grade point average exempted me from a couple of exams including Literature. I would have calculus and advanced biology exams, which really wasn't that much. Ty would have two exams per day the following week. Mom put him on Sunday restriction that he would to stay in and study.
And there it was, Friday afternoon at 3 pm when the last bell rang. I felt shocked in a way. I came here as a stranger. I was hot stuff because I was going to play football. I was the big man in town because I lived on Park Avenue and had the most gorgeous step brother alive. It was more than a guy could desire. And now, it's over. The school year is done. For that matter, high school is done. We crowded out into the parking lot. I stood on the steps of the auditorium watching people rush by. Were there things I should have said to people? Did I broaden my horizons enough? All those people who said nothing but were trying to say something to me, anything to get my attention, was I rude to them? Did they think so? I got a bump from behind that jolted me out of my haze. I turned and it was Ty and Tristan standing there with evil grins.
"What the fuck are y'all doing?" I asked. They cracked up laughing.
"Aw boo boo is having a no-STAL-gic moment," Tristan said in a baby voice. Lisa rushed up and put her arms around me.
"Is he feewing nostalgic?" she asked in a similar baby voice. Ty was howling with laughter.
"Shut up all you all!" I barked. "This is a big deal," and my eyes started to drip. Ty's mouth flew open and Lisa and Tristan sobered up.
"Oh Josh, baby," said Lisa. "It's real, isn't it? We're really out of here. Final!" she said, waving her arm in a grand way. Tristan came over and put one arm around me and so did Ty. Bryce came rushing up. He was about to say something smart when Lisa put her finger over his mouth. "Not now, Bryce. Not now," she ordered. Bryce pushed everyone off of me.
"No one understands more than me what Josh is feeling!" and he put both of his strong arms around me and his chest started to heave. I sweat to you all, Bryce and I stood on those steps and cried like babies. Well then Ginny came and several others and we had what Tristan labeled the "Great senior moment of Brumfield High." It felt good though. I liked this moment. This was, as my mother would call it, as good as it gets!
When we got home, Ty pushed me into my room and backed me up onto my bed. We laid down together and relaxed, just him and me, on my bed, looking up at the ceiling.
"I used to have glow in the dark stars and planets on my ceiling," he said.
"I'm not surprised," I said. He giggled.
"Tristan and I used to lay in bed and look up at them and find patterns and hidden messages. We found all sorts of shapes that reminded us of things."
"Cocks," I said.
"Oh yeah!" said Ty.
"Trust be told, I had a glow in the dark ceiling too," I admitted.
"Did you?" he asked with surprise.
"I had a whole football field on my ceiling," I said, almost proud of it. "I made that thing. I could see all the plays I was devising in my head, looking up at it at night."
"Oh my God, Josh. That's the most amazing thing you've ever admitted to me. Thank you for telling me," he said and he curled into my arm.
"If I took you into that house now, you would still be able to see the lines of the tape from where we pulled them off. They probably painted that ceiling by now," and I smiled at the thought of it. Ty lifted me up and pulled my shirt off.
"You're sweaty," he said. Then he unsnapped my jeans and helped me pull them off. Then he pulled his own clothes off. His silky white undies clung to his body. His hardon was poking through the front.
"And I thought we were just having a sentimental moment," I jabbed.
"We were but it turned me on babe," he hissed. He fell on top of my nude body. We kissed. I almost cried again but he grabbed my dick in his hand and that drove away any tears. He sucked me and it felt amazing. I pushed him onto his back and I sucked him. The fucker was hard as a rock. He was turned on. I ran my finger along his hole and he tensed. "Yeah," I thought, ``he aching for it." With some lube smeared on my dick and some jammed up his ass, I got on top of him and we fucked. We kissed, we wrapped arms around each other. I cradled his head in the palm of my hand. I came first, with jerks and jolts. I inserted my hand between our bodies and I edged him to cum. We were like two cookies with the cream in the middle. And we had just finished showering when Mom got home.
Mom came up the stairs to find Ty and I each in our rooms getting dressed.
"Getting ready for the big night?" she asked.
"Oh yeah," I said.
"Bill will be home in a bit and we'll discuss your plan. Got it?" she asked.
"Oh yeah," I said, with less exuberance. Ty came out with khaki shorts with little tennis rackets stitched in. "Where did you get those?" I asked.
"Picked them up at the store," he replied with a jeer. I was about to ask why he had all the fun stuff while my stuff was always boring and predictable. "But! Look what I found for you!" and he whipped out a navy polo, with a big white stripe angled across the torse and some logo in the upper left corner.
"Ok," I said. "That's cool. I can handle that!" and I took it from him and slipped it over my head. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked good. I looked real good.
"And you're not boring, crybaby!" Ty said to me. "You're more, well, classic!" and he laughed. His laugh caused me to laugh. That was me alright, "Classic!" We went downstairs to find mom sitting at her laptop.
"Still working?" Ty asked.
"Well, let's say I'm putting some finishing touches on projects so I can hand this baby in next week and say goodbye!" and she gave us a big wicked smile.
"What? You're not working out the monthly long notice you talked about?" I asked.
"No, I don't see the need. My replacement has been hired. They can handle things as long as I have these subpoena processes documented. I need some time between and we have to get you through graduation in a week and there is a bit of a surprise for you all next week so I need to be free."
"What kind of surprise?" asked Ty, filling a glass with ice and water.
"Oh it's a doozie. We'll tell you more later," said mom. Bill walked in, surprising us.
"Ah! Hey everybody," he said, setting his laptop bag down on a bar stool.
"So what's the plan tonight?" he asked, giving mom a kiss on the cheek.
"Field party dad. You know what that is," said Ty. Bill gave Ty a raised eyebrow at his sarcasm. I did too!
"Kyle is a designated driver but you know how Ty and I are," I said, glancing toward both parents. "We never get out of hand."
"We have lots of food," said Ty. "We are picking up fried chicken. Our corner of the field will the most revered!" Ty exclaimed.
"I should say," said Bill. "Listen boys, we trust you, you know we always do, but there is always a little drama that travels in your wake." I shuddered.
"It's a field party. The owner will have security to protect his property and we know everyone that will be there. There are some bands that are playing. It will be a good time," I said.
"Curfew stands," said mom. We nodded. "You will text us if you have any problems, right?" We nodded again. Ty and I grabbed our backpacks and headed out to my car. We drove to Bryce's where we met Tristan and Kyle who had a passenger van. Tristan had buckets of chicken that I had funded that smelled incredible. Bryce loaded up the two coolers filled with beer. We drove to Lisa's and picked her and Ginny up. They loaded the van with a couple of blankets to go with the stadium chairs and two big baskets of mac `n cheese, cold vegetables, chips and a big bag of popcorn. We headed out of town to the field. I'm glad Kyle knew where he was going because they had the field party in the same place last year.
Conversations jerked from "YEAH its over!" to "Oh hell I can't believe its over!" Everytime we got on the topic of finishing high school and heading off to college, you could see Ty's and Tristan's eyes glaze over. Bryce was really good about changing the subject. Lisa talked to Ty about several things she wanted to do with him this summer. He got excited. One of those events might include a shopping trip to Tyson's Corner in D.C.
"Oh yeah, I will be joining you two for that one!" said Tristan.
"Absolutely doll!" Lisa said. "My favorite two guys!" and damn if she didn't burst out into tears.
"Come on Lees," said Bryce. "It's just a van ride! Calm down!"
"Shut up Bryce. It's not too late for me to have you done away with!" and we cracked up laughing. "Seriously, everyone, I have been having these waves of regret. Did I do all that I could? Was I good to everyone? There's just so much..."
"Stop Lisa," said Ginny gently. "Don't you think we're all feeling it? I mean, who thought that graduating high school would be so damn hard?" and we all sort of nodded to that sentiment.
"I don't think I can bear it," said Ty, looking at Tristan. "What will we do? Can you imagine what it'll be like for you and me?" Ty said.
"Same college is all I'm saying. Same college!" Bryce reached back to the third row and gave them both a pat on the knee. "So fatherly," I thought.
"To tell you the truth, I haven't had all these sentiments since I graduated away but I sure wish I was in it with you all. Talk about not doing everything I could. I wasted so much time," said Kyle as he wound down the country road. There were a number of vehicles in front of us so it apparent we were all heading to the same place. He was in "auto-pilot" at this point.
"Don't even start it brother!" barked Bryce. "You pulled it together, man. You're with us now!"
"Thanks to Josh," said Kyle.
"Yep, one of Josh's finer moments," said Bryce.
"I would say Josh has done a lot to pull us together," said Ginny. "I have to tell you all, I have never felt a greater sense of community than I did this year, being in the "inner-circle" as we were. I have had the time of my life. Lisa, you have been an amazing friend this semester. I don't mind telling you..." and her voice trailed off. I saw her wipe an eye. Lisa put one hand over her mouth and another around Ginny's shoulder.
"Same here, sistah. Same here," Lisa responded.
"Oh good God! Everybody settle down," I commanded. "I've done had one big cry today. We're gonna look like a bunch of pussies out in the field if we're all crying and shit!" and everyone in the van pretty much broke out into laughter.
We pulled the van into the parking area and unloaded. It was a lot to carry but everyone helped. We entered the gates showing our invitations and stopped to take a good look at the surroundings. It was a beautiful place that did not see much traffic. Ty said they flattened most of the wild brush in previous years so it was just about perfect for this year's field party. We found a flat area just a ways from where the band was setting up. There were lots of other people grabbing pieces of earth they would claim as their `hood' for the evening. The girls stretched the blankets out and we set up the stadium chairs. Bryce flipped open the cooler and threw us each a beer. There were some beers in there I didn't recognize, namely, weren't our brand.
"What are those for?" I asked.
"It's tradition. You bring something extra and contribute to another groups supply as a token of respect," Bryce said. "Some will bring us a contribution."
"Why?" I asked. Kyle laughed.
"Because we're cool fuckers!" snapped Tristan.
"Ok, I get it," I replied. It was not a tradition from where I come from but hey, traditions are good.
And the party was on. There were lots of drop bys and meandering. The band was playing and they were pretty good. Everyone was in a good mood. I felt just a little drool ease from the corner of my mouth when the chicken and food came pouring from baskets and buckets. Ty knew - he brought me a plate with a thigh. I loved the thighs. Thigh man, my dad used to call me. He loaded it with the sides and we all had seats on the blankets and ate and sipped our beer.
"Fuck!" cried one guy as he passed. "Why didn't we bring chicken?" he screamed. "That looks finger lickin' delicious!" and his friend laughed at him.
"It really does. Wish we had thought of it," he said with regret on his face.
"It doesn't actually coincide with my diet but I'm certainly not sharing," said Lisa. We had to laugh at her taking tiny bites of a chicken breast.
"It doesn't matter if you take tiny bites or big ones," I said to her.
"It eases my conscience!" she quipped. Typical Lisa.
Melanie slipped up behind us. She was loud, as I have described before.
"Lisa Buxtehude eating fried chicken! I have seen everything now!" she yelled.
"Can it, Mel!" Lisa barked back.
"Sit by me!" Tristan said, patting a seat by him. Mel came and joined us. She dropped a can of Bud into our cooler.
"We brought finger foods," said Mel. A couple of guys came behind her and sat on the grass behind Ty. They knew each other from the chorus I believed. Tristan got up and walked over to where Bryce was standing and said something and the guys Bryce was with laughed. I just did notice the most peculiar thing. Bryce ran his hand down Tristan's back, and I mean to the lower part of his back. Seemed very `affectionate' I thought.
"Did you see that?" Ty asked. "I mean, I think Bryce is..."
"Already has," I said with a bit of disdain. I mean, I didn't see it then but I believe that ship had sailed. Bryce and Tristan had hooked up and I knew when it happened. I wondered if Bryce had played on Tristan's fright or if it had been a truly mutual thing. I have never suspected Bryce wanting to take advantage of people but I knew alcohol certainly played a role. He hasn't had time to get drunk and that little act of love seemed very natural to him. He didn't pay any attention to us or seem self conscious.
"You think they've already done it?" asked Ty. "Tristan didn't say anything to me."
"I suspect it was after the Roman incident. Maybe he was feeling needs or maybe Bryce helped him wash away the upset. Bryce can do that, you know. Whatever happened, it's happened," and I could not help but feel a little bitter. It was one thing when he got together with Jack. That was real. Bonafide. It was another when Tristan wanted to give a blowjob. But to move into Bryce's space and be with him, that was something else.
Ty played it cool and went to join them and see what they were talking about. "Good move," I thought. Melanie came to sit with me which caused my nerves to stir more. She was so brassy, like the old Lisa.
"Josh, I'm sure you've been thinking about it and I want you to know, we will have Ty in our sights next year. It's going to be a big change for him, having you away at school." She was quieter and sounded very sincere but I wasn't sure what she was aiming at.
"Huh? What do you mean, Mel?" I asked.
"Well, things are going to change and you not being here, you know, with Ty, well, he has friends and he has made some definite effort to reconnect the past few months. We got him," she said with a smile.
"I never doubted Ty would be ok. Why are you so concerned?" I asked.
"Josh, come on, we know. We all know. The separation of you and Ty is a big deal."
"Know what?"
"Josh!" she said, in her brassy voice. People stopped to look at us momentarily. "We all know about you and Ty. The whole school knows. Stop pretending," she said quietly again.
"How do they know?" I asked with nervousness. This wasn't what I was expecting tonight.
"Everyone pretty much figured it out at prom."
"No one said anything, or said anything serious, that is."
"You can thank Lisa for that. She put a bunch of people in Ty's class on notice that if anyone says anything out of line to him, she would `take steps'. No one has challenged her, well, except once and that was an outsider kind of thing." My head was ringing with the noise and the band and the information Mel was adding into my thought process.
"I don't get this, Mel. I'm having a hard time here."
"See those guys that are sitting where Ty was? Well, they're part of her army. They will do anything she says. When you picked Ty to dance with that night, she took it as a sign and she didn't want anyone messing things up at this late stage. She says you two are supposed to `make it all the way' or something. Anyway, I didn't mean to scare you." I was silent for a bit.
"What do you mean about the outsider thing?" I asked, trying to connect dots.
"Some kid took a nasty jab at Ty from the tennis team. You don't think he got pushed down some stairs accidentally, do you?" My look shot right through Melanie and then over to where Lisa was standing laughing with some people. So I was shocked beyond belief. I had thought Jordan Rose had instigated that. Ty did too! Lisa? Lisa was having people bullied in our defense? Oh my God, she was out of hand, but in a quiet, subtle way. A scary way! What to do. I had no idea. I looked to Ty who had eased Tristan away from the group.
From the other side of the field, I watched Roman Vance and his entourage of football players come through the gate. He looked bad. I think I saw him stumble just slightly.
"Eww," said Melanie. "Not one of my favorites." I got up and helped Melanie up off the ground. I had to stand as my knees were getting tired. Ginny was up with Kyle and they were talking and laughing. Kyle had explained at his lake gathering that he would have laid down roots for Ginny for the rest of the summer but she turned him down. She was satisfied with what had happened but wanted to be very casual, no tie-downs for the summer. That sounded like her and I was glad that she had made up her mind about it. I was ok with her dating him if that's what she wanted. He was a good guy. I had a hard time finding fault with him and not to mention, he's super gorgeous. I was about to head toward Ty and Tristan when I heard the football entourage step into our vicinity. I looked back and Roman skirted our crowded area and made his way to the clearing near Tristan and Ty. My hairs stood up on my arm.
"Look! Its the Brumfield cocksucker!" he said, quite surprisingly. His entourage laughed as I'm sure they didn't know about Roman's and Tristan's history.
"Hey Roman!" I yelled across the crowd.
"Oh look, its the cocksucker ring leader!" and everyone looked back at me. In the corner of my eye, I saw Bryce make a move and I pushed through a couple of people. Then Tristan's big mouth got the better of him.
"Go rape someone else!" he shouted and I could hear it over the band, his voice was high pitched in his yell. "Oh fuck!" I thought. I froze for just a moment and I couldn't have stopped it if I tried. Roman lashed out and put a fist into Tristan's jaw. Tristan left the ground for just a second and landed on his back. He looked like he was out of it.
"Fuck you!" I screamed and then Bryce stepped into Roman's path. Everyone was frozen, not sure what to do.
"Damn it you stupid fucker!" Bryce yelled.
"Oh look, the banana thinks he's got something to say!" and he giggled. He was high. You could see it on his face. His eyes looked terrible and he was sweaty. Bryce balled his fist and slammed it into Roman's face, which whipped to one side with a jerk. Roman was drawing back when I was able to leap into the path. He wasted a good punch into my shoulder which didn't set me back at all. I put another fist into Roman's face and this time he leaned to one side. I did it again and he fell to the ground. Bryce and Kyle were there by me. I looked down and saw everyone who had taken a stab at me, or Ty, and certainly at Tristan now. Bryce drew back and was about to drop another punch into Roman's bloody face but Kyle pulled him back.
"He's down, Bryce. He's down," Kyle said.
"I told you, you motherfucker, to be careful. I gave you fair warning!" yelled Bryce. I instantly became aware that Roman's friends might want to be defensive. I looked at them.
"You all better run home if you intend on playing football next year cuz this one," I said, pointing down to Roman, "won't throw another football!" They hurried off. Bryce was kneeling by Tristan's side with Ty and the girls. Tristan was talking so it seemed he was ok. He sat up and shook his head.
"Fuck that hurt," he drawled. Bryce helped him up to see if he could stand. He did so without much problem. His face was so red. I was rocking on my feet with nerves. We were tight knit at this point. Everyone was gathered.
"Let me through!" a voice boomed. Jordan Rose's head appeared over the crowd. I was rather happy to see him.
"What the fuck is going on here!" he belted. He looked at Tristan and moved toward him.
"You ok champ?" he asked. Tristan smiled up at him. Ty grabbed Jordan's arm, like a frightened child might grab his father's. Tristan walked over to Roman and bent forward to look down on him. He was sitting himself up, rubbing his jaw.
"Where my peeps?" he asked, looking around and not seeing them.
"It's always some stupid trash that has to ruin everything!" screamed Tristan. "This is our end of year party and you think you have the right to ruin it? Nothing but trash!" snapped Tristan. "And I truly believed you were better than that. I really did!" screamed Tristan. He was flipping his shit. Roman didn't say anything. Jordan eased Tristan aside. He reached down and took Roman by the arm and lifted him from the ground.
"Man, you and I saw eye to eye on this. How did you get so fucked up?" Jordan asked him. "Go on, get the fuck outta here. You need to take care of your own now. You have no friends in this field now," Jordan said. Roman got ready to slink off when another group of black guys entered the field. They looked right to us and my hairs stood again.
"Oh shit," cried Roman. "Can it get any fucking worse!" and he scooted across the edge of the field to avoid these guys, who were clearly looking for him.
"Everybody," shouted Kyle. "Let's regroup. It's over. We're all ok, right Tristan?" he asked, looking sincerely at his old friend. Tristan pointed a finger at me and motioned for me to come closer. He pulled Bryce by the arm.
"Thank you," he said, as Ty watched intently. "You two have always been my heroes and tonight, you truly were. Thank you," he said. Bryce and I wrapped our arms around him. I'm glad we were both here this time. I looked at Ty. "Thank you God for not letting him get hit like that," I said to myself. I don't think my heart could have taken it. I just did pick up a can of cold beer and I chugged it. Bryce liked the look of it and he and Kyle took cans and gulped them down as well. Everyone was relaxed now and the party had resumed a friendly state.
I took Ty by the hand and I noticed how he looked down, in wonder, at the display of affection. The band had started a popular ballad.
"You and I have a lot to talk about, sir, but right now, I just want to dance with my boyfriend...again," I concluded. He smiled. I led him to the dance area in front of the band. We eased into the mix of people and I put my hands on his shoulders and he put his arms around my waist. We danced. Soon, our group huddled around us, not to shield us, but to join us.
"Josh, what's happening?" Ty asked.
"Nothing that's surprising to anyone here tonight," I said and my arms went all the way around him. We danced.
As the party started to die down, I found my buzz starting to wane. The beer that had been dropped off in our coolers wasn't great and it was still floating in the ice. I didn't want any more. Tristan was in good spirits, having survived a full on punch from Roman Vance. Lisa was sustaining a strong buzz as was Ginny. She was staying with Lisa tonight so we didn't have to get her back out to the suburbs. Kyle drove us back into the city. I couldn't take my eyes off Lisa on the way back. What Melanie had shared with me was disturbing. How would I address this? Should I address it?
When Ty and I got home, the parents were awake to "check us in". We were in good shape and they were pleased. Ty and I laid in my bed and talked the nights events. I explained to him how Melanie had confessed that everyone was aware of him and me. He was shocked. I also told him it was Lisa that had Ashton bullied and subsequently injured for his attack on Ty. He was even more shocked. We talked about Tristan and Bryce and now Tristan being punched by Roman.
"Dad was right. There is always some drama that follows us around," I said. Ty giggled.
"Being amazing as we are, it's no wonder," he said. We peeled off our clothes and fell asleep under the covers.
Saturday was a quiet day except for two things. Lisa and Tristan. I dropped by Lisa's. She and Ginny were piled up in a family room.
"Hey Josh!" Lisa said, as the maid showed me in and left the room.
"You and me," I said.
"I"m in trouble," she said, in an assuming tone. She and I left the room and wandered into the pink french room she loved so much.
"Lisa, I got wind last night that you're playing the role of `godfather.' Is this true?" I asked.
"You mean the thing with Ash, don't you?"
"He had that coming a long time ago. He stood me up last year for a big date, the jerk. When he did that thing to Ty, my anger got the better of me. I had asked the guys to just pick at him, rattle his nerves. I didn't know it was going to come to a physical altercation. I really didn't," she said.
"What about the perceived threat that no one better mess with me and Ty? Do you really think we need that kind of cover now?" I asked, keeping my cool.
"That's just talk, Josh. When I found out there were a lot of conversations happening behind the scenes, I took a stab at squashing them. It worked. No one got hurt. It's all good now, Josh. You are free to be you and, dammnit, I'm not going to apologize. Isn't that what you always say? You have earned it, Josh. And you have known all semester that your `inner-circle' had your back. I have just pushed the responsibility down to the junior class. Ty will be in great shape next year. It's my legacy and I'm standing behind it!" she said, in a commanding voice. Ginny slipped into the room.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"It's all good," Lisa said. I wasn't sure about that but she knew I knew and I wasn't prepared to debate it further. Then our phones all went off. Tristan had been taken to the hospital. He fell down the steps of his front porch this morning.
"Oh shit," I said, moving toward the door.
<He is ok. Don't panic. Has a concussion and his dad thinks he's going to lose a tooth> Ty typed.
"Oh dear lord," said Lisa. "I should..."
"Do nothing," I said. "I'm sure the legals are going to deal with Roman if Tristan's parents press charges. He's off the team. I will make sure of that," I said.
"Good boy," said Lisa. Fuck, she was feeling herself these days!
I went by the hospital to check on Tristan and he was fine. The doctors were sending him home. I filled his parents on the events from the night before because Tristan was unable to remember them clearly. I didn't get into how Roman and Tristan ended up in a fight except to say, I told them Roman smarted off at Tristan to start and Tristan snapped back, leading to getting punched. Bryce and I intervened. Tristan's dad thanked me for the update. I was told that we could come by and visit him this week but today, they wanted him free of stress or excitement.
On Sunday, I stopped by Tristan's house. I was surprised to see Jack's car parked out front. I rang the doorbell but nobody answered. I turned the knob and it was unlocked. I walked in and headed down the hall to Tristan's room. No one was at home. I saw Jack sitting beside Tristan's bed with his head down on the mattress. I didn't say anything to interrupt the moment. Tristan looked up at me and smiled, giving me a thumbs up.
"Little fucker," I mouthed silently and he drew his head back, wanting to laugh. His jaw and right eye were partially swollen, more than I realized Friday night. I turned and headed back out, deciding I would see him later. Bryce pulled up in front of Tristan's house.
"Hey Josh, how is he?" Bryce asked, leaping from his BMW.
"I think he's just fine but he's more swollen than I expected," I said. Bryce was coming around the front of the car and I stopped him.
"What's wrong?" he asked. "I want to see him."
"I know you do but..." and I pointed to Jack's car.
"Is that who's car I think it is?" he asked.
"Yes," and he looked so pained.
"Let's go back to your house, Bryce. I need to hear all about this," I said and he gave me a grimace look.
"You caught on, didn't you?" he asked.
"Yep, now let's go."
We headed back to Bryce's house and he filled me in. These details will be discussed a little later so I am not going to rehash them now, as part of this chapter. When I got home, I filled him in on everything. He was glad Tristan was ok and that Jack had gone to see him.
"But when he's well, I'm going to smite him for not telling me about Bryce. Him and his little secrets!" barked Ty. I could tell there might be a fight looming in the distance.
On Monday, Keith called me into his class before homeroom. "You're talking to Dillard this morning. Remember what we talked about...keep the details high level. You don't need to get into "he said, she said" kind of stuff. Got it?" he asked. I nodded. And the text came from the principal's office admin.
I headed down to the office. The secretary showed me in. Principal Dillard and the coach were sitting at the conference room table. I knew this table well.
"Good morning, Josh," drawled Principal Dillard. "I had rather hoped you would get out of here without one more interview, but it looks as though we shall have a word before you go, Josh." I nodded.
"You're not in trouble, Josh," said the coach. "In fact, the principal and I are both happy it's you who can give us the truth about what happened Friday night."
"You know about that already, huh?" I said.
"The Lanes have been in touch. We're getting to the bottom of it quickly, Josh. So what's going to happen is that you are going to give us a detailed series of events from Friday night," said the principal.
"I'm going to be interviewing certain players, Josh, and if any one of them gives me a story differing from yours in the slightest, they are off the team. Do you understand?" the coach asked.
"What about Roman?" I asked.
"That's a done deal," said Principal Dillard. "Sorry to sacrifice the coach another quarterback, but Mr. Vance has other legal issues to deal with. Drug use and steroid abuse is serious. You didn't hear that from me. Understand?" asked the principal.
"The curse lives on," I said quietly.
"Damn, Josh!" said the coach. Dillard gave him a blank stare, indicating for him to shut up. I chuckled. I proceed to walk them through the events. I guess this is what a deposition feels like. Again, I did not land on the sexual activities between Roman and Tristan, except to say that Roman had started to build a little buddy thing with Tristan and it didn't end well. I walked through the attack step by step, admitting my own role and the two punches I put into Roman's face. Neither flinched as they knew Bryce and I were trying to establish control of the situation.
As Principal Dillard showed me to the door, he stopped at the door handle and gave me a long look. "You have no doubt made things interesting here, Mr. Warner. I have in most every instance found you on the right side of things. I hope that will be the course you will follow in your future and I wish you every success and the best of luck. I'm confident in you, son. Very confident," he said, and with that he opened the door and I walked out alone. I stood there for a moment not sure what to say or do. The admin looked at me and she jumped up from behind her desk and came around to where I stood.
"Not so many have left that office with your reputation, Josh. He adores you. Has since the first time he met you. Congratulations Josh, and good luck," said the secretary, giving me a motherly smile and a pat on my shoulder.
"Thank you for telling me that," I said, and I left the principal's office for the last time.
I took my midmorning exam and headed to the dealership. I checked in with the manager as I wasn't on the schedule but I told him my hiatus could be over he wanted me to return this week. He said he had someone going out tomorrow and asked if I could clock in tomorrow at 2. I told him that would work with my schedule. He said he appreciated me giving him a heads up. I left and went home. I didn't know where anyone was in their exam schedules, and honestly, I looked forward to some alone time.
Ty got home a little after 3 pm and he looked tired.
"Those were two hard exams! Damn!" he said as he collapsed onto his bed. Mom's car came thundering into the driveway not long after and we wondered what was up with that. Hopefully they didn't fire her from her job just as she was about to leave.
"Boys!" she barked from the kitchen. "Is everything up there clean?"
"Yes ma'am," replied Ty.
"How is the guest room?" asked mom.
"It's all good. Why?" Ty replied. She said nothing. We didn't hear dad's car pull in as he was not as "thunderous" as mom was in his driving style. No sooner than we had time to turn the tv on in the den, mom yelled, "Come down!
We got up slowly and walked down the stairs. Just as we reached the bottom of the stairs, we were met with the surprise that had been hinted about. I couldn't believe my eyes. Ty was silent for a moment, then grabbed my arm as he was leaning to one side, almost falling over.
"Wow," I said.