This story is fiction. Any similarities with people living or dead is purely coincidence; meaning that this is not an autobiographical story. Please navigate away from this page if it is against the law in your country to view this material. Moreover do not read if you are under the age of majority in your country, state or province. Please do not copy without permission.
Hey everyone! So here is chapter 3. I have continued to get some positive feedback about my story after chapter 2 and so here is the next installment. Hopefully for those who have been following it thus far enjoy it. Again please feel free to send comments and feedback to clintjnd@gmail.com. I don't want to continue if I am doing a bad job or if no one wants to hear what happens next. Now on with the story.
---------------------------------------------------- Aussies Dream - Chapter 3 ----------------------------------------------------
Once she had moved inside I could see her friend. Not expecting what I saw, I was utterly gob smacked. I think my heart skipped a beat as I stared and I swear my mouth was probably hanging open.
"Ben, this is my friend Isaac" Kelly said. Introducing her friend.
I was in shock. I didn't know what to do, how to respond. Here before me stood one of the most handsome guys I have ever seen. I know it sounds cliché, but it was like heaven was missing an angel. Isaac stood roughly my height and had natural blonde hair. As I stood there I couldn't help but look and get lost in his amazing blue eyes. They were the clearest blue eyes I have ever seen and they seemed to be locked on mine. After pulling myself away from his eyes I realised he was giving me a strange look and I thought to myself "god I am freaking him out and I haven't even spoken to him yet". Okay pull yourself together Ben he is just a normal guy, just say hello.
"Hey I'm Ben" I said finally. I was so nervous. I don't know why, it's not like I would have a chance with him. He is probably as straight as they come, heck he is probably dating Kelly.
"Hey Ben, nice to meet you" Isaac replied while extending his hand and smiling. Oh god his smile. It made me weak at the knees and stirred the butterflies in my stomach. Snap out of it Ben. Just invite him and Kelly in and enjoy the afternoon with your potential new friends. Nothing more, nothing less.
"Come on in guys, Adam and I are just watching some TV". Kelly and Isaac made their way into the lounge room as I followed.
"Would you guys like something to drink?" I asked, trying to be a gracious host.
"Water would be great" Kelly answered.
"Yeah same, thanks" echoed Isaac. Oh god his voice made my heart melt. So smooth and sexy, I could listen to it all day.
I turned around and started to make my way to the kitchen to get the glasses of water when someone loudly cleared their throat. I turned around to see what the matter was and Adam was just staring at me."What?" I asked.
"Don't I get the offer of a drink?" Adam asked with mock annoyance and sarcasm.
"Oh I'm sorry, are you thirsty?" I answered back with equal sarcasm.
"Well it would be nice if the host asked all his guests if they would like a drink"
"Okay, Adam, would you like a drink of water?"
"Yes Ben that would be lovely, thank you" he replied trying to keep the smile off his face.
I let out a chuckle and just shook my head while I made my way into the kitchen to get the glasses of water. While pouring the water I looked over to the lounge at the 3 of them sitting making small talk while watching a Lily Allen music video. I didn't even realise I was staring at the back of Isaac's head since he was sitting in the single seat facing away from the kitchen. I was suddenly snapped out of my day dreaming when I saw out of the corner of my eye that Adam was looking over in my direction with a questioning look as to what I was staring up.
I suddenly went into panic mode and wanted to curl up in a ball in the corner. I was just caught staring at Isaac, by Adam no less. What am I going to do; if he figures me out I am doomed. I can kiss my chances of becoming friends with these 3 goodbye. Okay relax, Ben take a deep breath. All I need to do is just act casual. Like nothing has happened. Who knows, maybe he thought I was staring at Kelly, and if I am questioned about it I can use that as a cover. Yeah that will work.
After composing myself I picked up the 4 glasses of water and made my way back to the lounge and set the glasses on the coffee table. I had of course been left the single seat directly across from Isaac so I had to look at him.
He really was quite the site. He was wearing a pair of 3 quarter navy cargo pants and a light blue tank top which hugged his frame nicely. You could see he was sculptured but not overly done. Something I found quite appealing to the eye. His blonde hair came down to his ears and his fringe was just long enough to start getting into his eyes. And his lips, I just wanted to walk over to him and kiss them. Okay so he was hot and I wanted him bad. But hey that's not going to happen.
"What took you so long to pour 4 glasses of water Ben, were you off with the fairies of something?" Adam exclaimed with a cheeky knowing grin on his face.
I chose to ignore him, I am not getting myself into an awkward conversation which results in me revealing something I don't mean too. I am not risking it. I decided to turn the attention to Isaac. I need to get to know this godly figure in front of me. So I asked the first question that popped into my head.
"So Isaac, you the same age as Kelly and Adam?" I asked.
"No, I'm 21, what about you?" he replied.
"Oh thank god, finally another adult. I am no longer stuck with the child over here." I joked while referring to Adam.
"Watch it country boy." Adam responded.
"Haha. So I take it you're at least 21 then?" Isaac enquired.
"Yeah sorry, I'm 21" I replied.
"So you just moved here and you are already stuck with these two?" Isaac joked trying to stir a reaction in which he succeeded from Kelly.
"What are you implying... Ikie?" Kelly snapped back.
"Oh nothing... I am sure Ben will find out soon enough haha" replied Isaac mockingly.
"Haha...Ikie...that's so cute" I added. Okay Isaac was cute enough of a name, but Ikie was gold.
"Make sure you call him that all the time, especially in public" Adam added with an evil grin.
"Please don't, you don't want to embarrass me like the other two here do you?" Isaac jokingly pleaded.
"Hmmm okay....Ikie haha" I joked.
"Arse" Isaac replied before we all broke out in laughter.
Okay I don't know what it is but when I am actually talking with these three it seems natural. All the nerves actually disappear while we are interacting. Even with Isaac, while I am talking to him my nerves seem to have vanished. Maybe there is some hope after all for some much needed friendships.
"So what do you guys want to do for the rest of the afternoon? I have some board games I unpacked yesterday" I asked once the laughter died down.
"Board games would be cool. I love board games, what do you have?" Isaac eagerly answered. Ok I wasn't expecting that kind of response.
"Yeah what do you have?" Both Adam and Kelly asked at the same time.
"Ah, let's see..." I answered as I went and retrieved the pile from beside my desk. "I've got Monopoly, Cluedo, and Battle of the Sexes..."
"Oh, let's play that so we can gang up on Kelly." Adam interrupted.
"Hey! 3 on 1, is so not fair." Kelly bit back crossing her arms.
"Don't worry; I'll play for the females." Isaac said putting an arm around Kelly.
"Okay it's settled. Prepare to go down Adam." Kelly said yanking the box out of my hand.
"Pfft, whatever you reckon. Ben and I have got this in the bag." Adam responded.
"Wow you guys are really competitive aren't you haha." I stated.
"You have no idea Ben, no idea at all haha." Isaac said chuckling. Oh my god his laugh was so cute, so adorable. Is there anything about him I do not love at the moment. Okay even though I don't have a chance in hell with this guy I do have to know if he is at least taken. So I decided to just ask.
"So....Isaac....you seeing anyone at the moment?" I eventually blurted out. Okay I am nervous, can you blame me. If you could see what was sitting next to me you would be too. I could even smell his aftershave from where I was sitting, I was becoming intoxicated. Meanwhile Adam was giving me another strange look and then it seriously looked like a light bulb went off in his head. He all of a sudden leant over and began whispering something into Kelly's ear when Isaac started to answer my questions.
"Nope. What about you?"
"Nah, haven't been able to find that special someone either." I replied. That special someone, what am I saying. That sounds so corny. Oh geez. I am falling apart in front of him.
The next few hours flew by with everyone paying each other out and having a good old laugh at each of the questions. I really can't believe I have already found such great people, people who have seemed to want me, to welcome me into their little group of friends with open arms. Something I haven't experienced for a long time. Not since Toby destroyed my once small amount of happiness. So, if today is anything to go by, I do not want to lose it. I am determined not to lose it.
So we finally finished the game. It had taken so long to finish because we constantly got distracted with random stories in between nearly every question. In the end Kelly and Isaac ended up winning, remind me never to play on Adam's team.
"HA! I told you I would win!" exclaimed Kelly towards Adam.
"The only reason why you won is because you had Isaac who of course knew all the guy questions" retaliated Adam.
"You just can't take losing to women"
"Oh so now you are calling Isaac a girl"
"Don't change the subject and you know Isaac deep down is really a girl" joked Kelly. I didn't fail to notice the glare that Isaac was giving Kelly who was completely ignoring him.
"Whatever, will you just come with me while I make a phone call? Ben is it ok if we use the spare bedroom to make a phone call" asked Adam.
"Ah, yeah sure no worries" I answered while looking confusingly at Isaac. Isaac just shrugged his shoulders.
Okay so now I was left alone at the table with Isaac and all of the nerves started to drift on back. All of the butterflies from earlier had returned to my stomach and I was starting to feel sick. I cannot believe the affect this guy is having on me. It is just outrageous.
Throughout the last couple of hours I had learned that Isaac moved to the city 5 years ago with his parents and sister, and that he still lived at home with his family. I of course lied about my family and said that they were still alive, but otherwise didn't elaborate. I know it is bad to lie, but I am just not ready to tell them yet. I didn't want to risk tearing up. I also learned though that Isaac had a very close relationship with his family he seemed to share everything with them and they all got along really well. Unlike my family and me, we weren't that close. I rarely shared anything with them, which I of course now regret.
Through general chatter it became apparent that we also had an uncanny amount of similar interests, likes and dislikes. We both had similar tastes in music, that being upbeat dance, pop and electro music, both liked similar TV shows, movies and sports. He even supported the same NRL team, the Broncos, even though he wasn't from the same state. As the similarities stacked up it became more and more surreal. How perfect is this guy, how is it possible that I would meet someone so amazing and seem to have such an immediate connection. It was making it harder and harder to resist him, to stop myself falling for him. I'm setting myself up to get my heart broken when it turns out he doesn't feel the same way, and I am left in a million pieces feeling like an idiot for having the feelings I did.
While packing up the board game and sitting next to Isaac my hands had become sweaty and I started to fumble some of the pieces. I guess Isaac had noticed.
"Are you okay?" Isaac asked with concern.
"Yeah I am ok" I lied.
"Are you sure, you seem a little jumpy. Did I do something?"
"No, I am fine, really." I lied again trying to be convincing. If only he knew why I was the way I was at the moment. If only... No snap out of it Ben. He can't, he just can't. There is no way he can know. There is no way anything is going to happen between us, so just snap out of it. Just push those feelings aside and just be grateful you have found a friend. Lock them up deep down inside and just embrace the new friendship. Save yourself the heartache.
"Okay. Well why don't you clear up the glasses and rubbish and I will finish packing up the game and its 'elusive' pieces" Isaac joked.
I couldn't help chuckle at that comment. He really knew how to lighten the mood and put a smile on your face. No don't even think it Ben. Lock it away. Oh god this is going to kill me.
While standing in the kitchen I could see Adam and Kelly in the spare bedroom. It didn't look like they were on the phone. Either they're arguing over who is to make the call or they aren't really in there to make a call. It did seem a little odd. No, just push any thoughts out of your head Ben, don't think anything of it, you've got enough to worry about. Or should I be worried, oh god.
Adam's POV
So after we finished the game I straight away grabbed Kelly and dragged her off into the spare bedroom and gave Isaac and Ben the excuse we had to make a phone call. I don't think they really bought it but it was the best I could come up with on the spot.
"What! Why did you drag me in here?" exclaimed an annoyed Kelly from being dragged off so quickly from the table.
"So do you believe me?" Adam asked.
"Believe you about what....Ben?"
"Yes, do you think I am right about him?"
"I don't know, it's hard to say."
"Oh come on have you not seen the signs"
"Well unlike you I haven't been analysing every little thing he says or does. But if you are right, you have 2 weeks to find out for sure. We need to know before the party in 2 weeks time."
"Leave it to me, I'll get it out."
"Good, you have two weeks, got it." Kelly said as she turned and headed back out into the lounge where Ben and Isaac were now sitting.
While I was talking to Kelly I was watching Ben intently while he sat alone at the table with Isaac. He began to fumble and looked to have become extremely nervous. I've got him, there is no way I am wrong about him. Now just have to get him to spill it. I headed back out into the lounge to see if Isaac and Kelly were ready to head out, since I was their only lift home.
Back to Ben's POV
I had extreme doubts that Kelly and Adam were really on the phone. I had this gut feeling they were actually discussing me. Especially after the reaction I saw earlier in the afternoon when Adam whispered something to Kelly. I was nervous. What if they have figured it all out? What if they do indeed know? What if they react badly. Just when I thought I might have something good back in my life, it seems it is going to be ripped out from underneath me as quick as it came.
When Kelly and Adam returned from the bedroom nothing more was said except for Adam asking whether Kelly and Isaac were ready to leave. So after saying goodbye they all left leaving me alone in my apartment, mind a blazing with a million thoughts and emotions. They all left practically without saying a word. This of course sent my mind down the track of believing it was over. There they go, never to return.
That night while I lay in bed my mind turned to my family. Why did they have to be taken? Why did they have to leave me all alone in this world? I'm not ready to face it alone. I need them. I need them to be there to help me when I need it. Offer their advice. To tell me they still know best. A single tear made its way down my cheek. And now those who I thought, would become my friends are going to leave me? More tears began to flow and I silently sobbed until I fell asleep, whilst listening to Beyonce's song Scared of Lonely.
"I'm in this fight and I'm swinging and my arms are getting tired I'm trying to beat this emptiness but I'm running out of time I'm sinking in the sand and I can't barely stand I'm lost in this dream, I need you to hold me I'm scared of lonely
I try to be patient but I'm hurting deep inside And I can't keep waiting, I need comfort late at night And I can't find my way, won't you lead me home? 'Cause I'm lost in this dream, I need you to hold me
I'm scared of lonely And I'm scared of being the only shadow I see along a wall And I'm scared of the only heart beat I hear beating is my own And I'm scared of being alone, I can't seem to breathe When I am lost in this dream, I need you to hold me I'm scared of lonely, I'm scared of lonely"
The next week flew, the last week before uni started back up again. I did see both Adam and Isaac again during the week but it was only for a few hours over a lunch. Everything did seem to be fine between us but I still had my doubts. Seeing Isaac again did not help the feelings that were developing deep inside. No matter how much I tried to turn them off, to drown them away, they kept creeping back. Kelly didn't join us for lunch during the week because she was out of town with a friend.
Also during this week I had found myself a part time job at a local computer gaming store. Although I had enough money from inheritance to keep me going, I didn't feel right just living off of it. I wanted to feel like I was supporting myself, and it is another distraction to keep my mind of other things. My first shift was going to be on Monday after my morning lecture.
So it was Monday morning and my first day of uni at the new campus. I can't believe I am reaching the end of my degree. The years have gone by so fast. In a little over a couple months time I will be finished and trying to figure out what I want to do next.
I had received a text message from Adam yesterday asking what lectures I had on today. It turned out we shared the only lecture I had on that morning. This should be an interesting morning.
So I arrived at the university and made my way to the lecture theatre. I had visited the campus during the week to pick up my textbooks and to find my way around. So I was able to find my away amongst all the students straight to my lecture. I made it in plenty of time and decided to go straight in and find a seat. This lecture was for the course Info Systems Project Management. The lecturer had arrived but there was still no sign of Adam. I was beginning to wonder whether he was actually going to turn up or whether he has chosen to sit somewhere else in the theatre. Just before the lecturer was about to start Adam plonked himself down next to me.
"Hey sorry I'm late, was discussing some plans with Kelly and lost track of time."
"That's ok, what plan's might those be?"
"Oh you will find out." He said with a sly smile on his face.
Ok what did he mean by that. I don't like the sound of it. My thoughts were interrupted by the lecture starting.
"Okay everyone; take a look at the person sitting next to you." At this comment everyone started looking around. "They are going to be your partner for the first piece of assessment which is going to be a presentation on a weekly topic. Those topics will be chosen at the end of the lecture." Okay well that was one way to start a lecture.
"Well it looks like you're stuck with me." Adam whispered in my ear.
I just rolled my eyes and mouthed the words "Oh boy" with as much mocked sarcasm as I could muster without actually speaking.
"Hey, you know it's your wildest dreams come true." He joked.
"Ha! And what would you know about my wildest dreams." I quipped back.
"Oh I know exactly what you like haha." I don't know if there was any truth behind that statement but it had me worried.
The rest of the lecture was very uneventful. The lecture just droned on and I could see a few heads bobbing occasionally. It ended with everyone picking out which weeks topic they will be doing a presentation on for our first assignment. Adam and I had chosen week 5, which meant it would be due in week 6. This worked out well as it meant I would have 6 weeks between the two assignments in this course.
"Project planning, that should be an interesting topic." Adam remarked sarcastically.
"Yeah should be real fun. You want to grab something to eat from the cafeteria?"
"Sounds good to me."
So Adam and I made our way to the cafeteria so we could grab some lunch before I had to go to work. While getting our lunch we met up with Kelly and Isaac who had also just had their first lecture. Over lunch everyone just made small talk until I had to leave for my first shift.
"Sorry to bail on you guys, but I have to go. Got my first shift starting in just over an hour." I said while getting up from the table.
"What time do you work to?" Adam asked.
"I work until 6 on Mondays."
"Do you think I could come over after so we can discuss our first assignment? I'll bring pizza." Adam said while looking over at Kelly and then me.
I thought it was a little strange Adam wanted to come over so soon to discuss the Assignment but I agreed anyway. "Yeah sure. Come over say around 6:30?"
"See ya then."
I then left quickly as I didn't want to be late, as I wanted to duck home and take a shower and change before heading to work. While walking out of the door to the cafeteria I looked over my shoulder and the three of them seemed to be in debated discussion, like they were planning something. A lurking feeling returned that something bad was going to happen. I just couldn't chase the feeling since Adam's imaginary phone call with Kelly.
So my first shift was over already. I really enjoyed it. The staff was really nice and I picked everything up really quickly. I think it helped I already had a bit of knowledge about a lot of the games and the consoles, and all the time I was there I didn't think about Isaac once. It was the perfect distraction.
It is now 6:30 and Adam was due to arrive. I didn't know whether he was actually planning on discussing the first assignment tonight or what. Anxiety set in while I nervously waited for him to arrive. There was a knock at the door and I went to let him in.
"Hey Benny."
"Hey come on in. Did you just call me Benny?"
"Yep, my little Benny." He said with a big grin on his face.
"Hey I'm not that little!" I said trying to suppress a grin.
"Oh a modest one I see we have here." he replied trying not to laugh. "So shall we eat the pizza before it gets cold?"
"Yeah, it smells so good." After hoeing into the pizza I decided to ask if he was actually here to do what he said he was here to do. I just needed to put my anxiety to rest. "So are you actually here to discuss the first assignment?"
He just shook his head and then silence.
"Okay... is there another reason or are you just here to hang?"
"Can we finish eating first?"
So we sat there in silence and finished the pizza. After we finished eating Adam finally broke the silence.
"Can we go and sit in the lounge room I want to discuss some things."
"Okay." Now I was starting to get nervous. We got up and moved to the lounge. I sat at one end of the 3 seater lounge and Adam sat down next to me.
After a deep breath Adam began to speak. "I've come over here tonight because there are a few things I want to ask and a few things I want to know. I will start with the things I want to know. You seem too often divert attention away from yourself and refuse to talk much at all about your life before moving here."
Oh no. Please don't. Please, please, please don't ask about my past. I don't want to talk about it. I don't want him to know. I don't want to lose my new best friend. I started to panic and anxiety continued to build and take over my mind and body. I don't know if I was physically shaking or if it was just my mind. I don't want to reveal my deepest secrets and the broken person I have become.
"So I want to ask you some questions, and I would like you to answer them."
Gulp.
Thanks for reading the third chapter of my first story. I'm not sure how I went with this chapter so I am relying on some good feedback from you all before I start the next. If I don't get the feedback then I don't see the point of continuing to write. So if you have any comments, feedback or criticisms please email me.