This is a fictional story involving sexual acts between two or more men. If this offends you, why are you here? If you are under the legal age to read sexually explicit material then do not read any further. This story in no way represents any person living or dead. Any resemblance to any real person is purely coincidental. This story is the property of the author and no copying or posting to any other website is permitted without the author's written consent.

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Brent's Struggle Chapter 14

Alex cannot believe this is happening. Just a few minutes ago he was giving Brent his Christmas present and now Jenny's boyfriend is beating Brent.

Darren is like a mad man swinging at Brent. Alex watches Brent falling from the blows from Darren. He does not know if he actually heard the sound of Brent's head hitting the marble table or if his mind added it when he saw Brent hit the object.

"Stop," Jenny screams.

"Stop," Alex yells getting back to his feet and pulling Darren off Brent. "What the fuck is the matter with you," Alex said trying to restrain the larger boy.

"Fucking get your filthy hands off me," Darren said breaking free and spinning to punch Alex.

Alex manages to barely get out of the way but Darren is relentless. Darren throws another punch and Alex moves catching the blow on his shoulder. "You are a fucking faggot."

Alex throws a punch of his own catching Darren off guard. Darren steps back tripping over the guitar. He falls to the floor smashing into Brent who is still unconscious on the floor.

"Get out of here!" Jenny is screaming.

Darren grabs the guitar and bounds back to his feet. using it like a club he swings it at Alex's head.

Jenny's scream is blood curdling as she witnesses the blow.

Alex sees it coming and moves. He raises his arm to protect his head. He feels the pain thru his arm. He falls backwards onto the floor. He looks up at Darren standing over him. The wood of the guitar is splintered and Darren is looking insane as he looks down at Alex.

"you won't ever touch me again," Darren said.

Alex sees Darren's eyes go wide in surprise and then there are pieces of broken pottery raining down. Darren drops falling on top of Alex. Alex is stunned for a moment. Darren's weight has pushed the air from his lungs. Looking up he sees is his mother Grace standing over him and Darren.

"Oh my god," Grace said. "Are you alright."

"Brent," Alex said struggling to push Darren off him. Alex cannot get his arm to work correctly. He can only use one of them to push Darren off. "Brent is hurt," Alex said as he finally gets free from Darren's weight.

"He's bleeding bad," Alex said after reaching Brent. Grabbing one of their discarded shirts, he started applying pressure to the cut. "He's breathing but he isn't waking up," Alex said.

Moving to the phone Grace calls for an ambulance. "he's going to be alright," Grace said.

Everything started happening fast after that. For Alex it was as though time had slowed down and then went back to normal speed.

Darren had started to come to. Alex could not help but wish it had been Darren with the more serious injury. Alex's dad and a couple of other men were ushering Darren out of the room before the boy had fully come around.

The ambulance was soon there. The EMTs set to work on Brent. In moments he was loaded onto a stretcher and being moved to the ambulance.

"What is wrong with your arm son," the red headed medic asked.

"Nothing," Alex said although he knew it was probably broken. He just wanted them to help Brent.

"Son, that doesn't look like nothing," he said. "Let me take a look."

Alex cried out in pain as the man examined his arm. "how bad is it?" Grace asked seeing her son wince in pain again.

"It's fine Mom," Alex said.

"I think its broken," the man said giving a stern look at Alex.

"I'll drive him to the hospital," Grace said. "You just take care of the other boy."

#

Alex was amazed at how cool his mother was being. She was always able to handle a crisis. He knew that later, when she was alone, she would go to pieces. "I'm sorry Mom," he told her in the car on the way to hospital.

"honey it isn't your fault," she said.

The doctor confirmed that Alex's arm was indeed broken. He sat there while they put his arm in a cast.

The entire time Alex was being treated; he was worried about Brent. He knew that Brent's parents were not going to understand anything. Alex knew that Brent's parents had never come to terms with Brent being gay. Alex could not figure out a way to keep that truth from coming out now.

Alex was walking with his mother towards Brent's room. His arm was in a cast and walking with it in a sling felt odd to the boy. He heard the voices before he and Grace reached Brent's room.

"What do you mean he was at your house with your son," Richard barked. "He left with his girlfriend."

"Oh shit," Alex thought.

"Um, he is friends with my son," Alex's dad Mitchel said.

"Who the hell is your son!" richard almost yelled.

"That is me," Alex said looking richard in the eye. "I'm Brent's friend." Alex breathed a little sigh of relief that neither richard nor Linda seemed to recognize him. "I invited Brent over for our annual Christmas party," Alex said. "I'm deeply sorry about everything. How is Brent? No one has told us." Alex looked from Richard to Linda.

"He is still unconscious," Linda said her voice soft.

"Where is his girlfriend?" Richard asked.

Both Alex's parents shot looks at Alex. He swallowed. He wanted to protect Brent. "um, she left earlier," Alex said. "She, um, wasn't feeling well. I told Brent I would give him a lift home."

Alex could see the looks his parents exchanged. He was glad they were not correcting him. He knew he would have to explain this to them later.

"That is very generous of you," Linda said.

Alex heard the loud voices coming from the other exam room. He could not hear what they were saying but the sounds were getting louder. Alex turned when the door burst open and a man rushed out.

"Mark?" Richard said recognizing the man.

"Richard!" Mark said spinning towards Richard. "What the hell! Darren just told me what happened!"

"Darren was there?" Richard said confused.

"Yes!" Mark said. "It is all sick and perverted!"

"What are you talking about?" Linda asked.

"What Darren saw," Mark said. "Didn't Brent tell you?"

"Tell us what?" Richard said.

"He is still on conscious," Linda added her voice showing her concern.

"it is all sick!" Mark barked. "Darren is being arrested and he did not do anything wrong. He was trying to protect Brent."

"Protect him?" Linda said confused.

"Yes," Mark said. "He was being assaulted."

"What?" Richard said.

"Darren attacked him," Alex said not believing that Darren would say he was trying to protect Brent.

"You need to keep your voice down," a nurse said looking at Mark and Richard.

"Darren attacked Brent," Alex repeated.

"Darren was protecting Brent," mark said looking daggers at Alex. "Darren walked in on Brent being sexually assaulted."

For Alex it was as though every other sound in the emergency room went silent. He would swear he could hear only the sounds of the beeping machines.

"That is not true," Alex said. "Darren attacked Brent."

"Bullshit," Mark barked at Alex. "Were you there?"

"Yes," Alex said, "and Darren attacked us."

"You were the one forcing yourself on Brent," Mark said pointing at Alex.

"No!" Alex said his voice echoing in the small space. He felt his mother place a hand on his good arm.

"Darren come here," Mark said. He moved back into the room and in a moment returned with Darren. His head was bandaged but he seemed perfectly alert. "Is this him?" Mark asked.

"Yeah," Darren said. "Arrest him. He was raping Brent. He was raping my best friend."

"No!" Alex heled stepping closer to Darren. "You are fucking crazy. You attacked us."

"He's a pervert!" Darren said. "He's the one that should be arrested. Just ask Brent."

"You're fucking lying," Alex yelled taking several steps towards Darren. "You know you attacked us."

"I pulled him off Brent," Darren said. "I got there just in time."

Alex now saw the cops coming from Darren's room. He was sure they had already been told this version of the events.

"I think you are going to have to come with us," the taller officer said.

"This is ridiculous," Grace said. "My son was attacked by that boy. He is a menace and should be locked away." She moved putting herself between the officer and her son. The officer was over a foot taller than her but she glared daggers at him. In some way she made herself appear taller than the officer.

"I'm sorry," the officer said. "I am going to have to have him come with me for questioning."

"Are you arresting him?" Grace asked.

"Not at this time," the shorter stockier officer said. "We just need to get statements from everyone."

Holding her head high Grace met the looks of both policemen. "Then you will need my statement as well," she said. "We will both meet you at the station."

"Mom," Alex began.

"it is alright honey," she said placing a reassuring hand on her son's arm. "it will all get straightened out."

"You stay away from my son," Richard warn when Alex was turning to ask about Brent. "Just stay away from him."

"Go on to the station," Mitchel said. "I'll call our attorney. He will meet you there. Do not say anything until he gets there. I'll follow with Jenny so she can tell you what happened."

#

"Mom," Alex said in the car on the way to the station, "about what Darren said."

"I know that boy is a liar," Grace said her voice cold. "I know my son and you would not force anyone to do something like that."

"I didn't Mom," Alex said.

"Then there is nothing to worry about," Grace said. "There is nothing wrong with boys making out."

Alex did not know how to tell her that they were a little past making out. He could feel his face growing warm and was glad the car was dark. He could not tell his Mom that he had been performing oral sex on Brent.

Alex was placed in a different room than his mother. He did not know how he was going to answer the cop's questions. He could not let them know that Brent was gay. Should he tell them he had been forcing Brent. Would that help Brent with his parents.

The night seemed to drag on and on as Alex sat there. He could feel the sweat running down his back as he was waiting. He wanted this nightmare to be over.

At long last the door opened and the short stocky officer came in with Alex's attorney. "Would you like to make a statement," the officer said.

"I," was all Alex could say before he was cut off by the attorney.

"He has nothing to say," the attorney said. "The accusations are groundless. You have two other I witnesses that saw both my client and his friend being attacked. He does not need to corroborate anything."

"You can come clean now," the cop said ignoring the attorney and looking directly into Alex's brown eyes.

"Darren attacked us," Alex said.

"There just what Grace Caldwell and jenny Caldwell said," The attorney said.

"Were you having sex with Brent Watson?" the cop asked.

"He does not need to answer that," The attorney said.

"Were you forcing yourself on Brent Watson?" the cop asked.

Alex hesitated. Did he say he was forcing Brent? Did he lie to protect Brent? He glanced at his attorney.

"You have no reason to hold him," the attorney said. "Do I need to call the DA?" he asked. "Maybe we need to wake up judge Kelly and see what he thinks of you harassing this young man."

The cop glared at the attorney. "You are free to go," the cop said. "But stay away from Brent Watson."

"That won't be an issue," the attorney said.

Alex wanted to say something but decided it was better if he kept quiet.

"Come on Mr. Caldwell," the attorney said.

Alex followed the man from the room and out to the street where his mother and Jenny were waiting. "Oh Alex," jenny said throwing her arms around Alex. "I'm so sorry."

"It isn't your fault," Alex said putting his good arm around his sister.

"We can talk in the car," Grace said. "It is chilly out here on the street."

"One thing," Alex said turning to the attorney. "What was that about staying away from Brent?"

"There will be a restraining order," the attorney said. "You are not permitted anywhere near the young man."

"But," Alex began.

"There are no buts," the attorney said. "It was one of the most efficient ways to end this mess."

"We can talk about this at home," Grace said.

Alex recognized that tone. It meant the topic was tabled for now. He knew all too well that when Grace tabled a topic it was done. He also knew that she would discuss it later. She was a lady of her word.

#

"So, you are telling me nothing is happening to Darren," Alex said standing in his father's den with his parents.

"The DA thinks he will get probation," Mitchel said.

"He broke my arm and put Brent in the hospital!" Alex said his voice growing louder.

"He says he was protecting Brent," Mitchel said.

"You don't believe that shit!" Alex said.

"Language," Grace said. "And no, we do not believe you were forcing Brent."

"But what were you thinking?" Mitchel said his voice growing louder. "The boy is only 15. You are 19."

"That's only four years," Alex said. "there are 10 years between the two of you."

"He's a Minor!" Mitchel said.

"You don't understand," Alex said his voice calmer. "Brent's parents don't accept him being gay. When I first saw him at the theater, he looked so alone. He looked like he had lost his best friend. I started out just trying to cheer him up. He looked so down. The more I got to know him, the more I liked him."

Grace and Mitchel looked at each other. They could hear the emotion in Alex's voice. They could tell he genuinely cared for Brent. Taking a deep Breath Mitchel said, "We only have your and Jenny's version of events. Until Brent regains consciousness it is just your word against Darren's."

"So, I get punished for caring about Brent," Alex said.

"Just be happy that there is not enough evidence for Brent's parents to push for attempted rape," Mitchel said. "Just do what the restraining order says and stay away from the boy."

It only took a day for Alex to be served with an official copy of the restraining order. He was not able to visit Brent in the hospital or go near Brent's house or school. "So, if I see him," Alex said tossing the document down on his dad's desk, "I should just fucking run away."

"Alexander," Grace snapped.

"Sorry," Alex said hanging his head. He knew none of this was his parents' fault.

"We know you are upset," Mitchel said. "I think this is for the best."

"I don't think any of this is the best for Brent," Alex said softly and turning he left the room.

"Do not be to hard on him," Grace said looking at her husband. "He's in love with the boy."

"He's always been difficult," Mitchell said. "He has always had to push the boundaries. I wish he were more like his sister."

"Jenny does like being Daddy's girl," Grace said. There was no jealousy or sarcasm in her voice. She was merely stating a fact. "She has always been easier than Alex," Grace continued. "He's always had a bit of a rebel streak."

"He's stubborn," Mitchell said and moving to his wife he slides his arm around her. "Just like you. I remember you pushing the boundaries."

"When my father ordered me to stay away from the older man," Grace said smiling at her husband.

"You did not listen to him," Mitchell said.

"He was wrong," Grace said. "I think you are wrong now. I saw how those two boys were looking at each other. Alex loves him and I think he loves Alex."

"When he turns eighteen," Mitchell said, "they can resume their relationship."

"You know love does not work that way," Grace said. "I'm going to go talk to him."

Mitchell watches her leave and lets out a deep breath. He knows their lives are going to be more complicated now.

#

Alex looks around the music room. He can still see Brent falling and hitting his head. He can hear Jenny screaming.

Why are you in here," Alex's mother Grace said pulling Alex's mind back from the painful memories.

"just seeing if Lita got the place cleaned up," Alex said moving to a cardboard box. He pulls back the flap and looks at the broken guitar. It was the instrument he had used to write the song for Brent. It was the guitar he was playing just before his world went crazy.

Moving to her son, Grace places a hand on his shoulder. "I know you are still hurting," she said.

"My arm is getting better," Alex said holding up his arm that was in a cast. "The doctor said I should even be able to still play when this comes off."

"I wasn't speaking of the physical pain," she said tenderly caressing his cheek.

"Oh that," Alex said. "Well it isn't everyday a gay bashing takes place in your own house."

"Honey," she said touching his shoulder. "he won't be back to hurt you."

"Yeah," Alex said. "Because my mommy broke a priceless vase over his head."

"The only thing priceless is you and your sister," she said. "It was just the closest thing."

"I was stunned when Darren landed on me and I saw you standing behind him," Alex said. "You were like the warrior princess in your evening dress."

Alex could still see it. It had been as if Darren dropped in slow motion landing on top of Alex. He had momentarily had the air knocked from his lungs by Darren's weight.

"He looked insane," Grace said. "I thought he was going to kill you. I'm glad I heard your sister's screams and came to see what was going on up here."

"I tried to see him today," Alex said.

"Oh honey," Grace said. "you didn't."

"I did," Alex said.

"But the restraining order," Grace began.

"Is bullshit," Alex said kicking the cardboard box. He takes a deep breath. "Sorry."

"I know this is all upsetting," Grace said.

"No one saw me," Alex said. "Except for a nurse. I talked him into giving me a few minutes with Brent."

"Well, since the police are not kicking in our Dorr," Grace said her lips twitching with a smile. "I'm sure you were not seen. How is the boy?" she said more seriously.

"He looks so pale," Alex said. "He has all of these monitoring devices hooked to him and he just is lying there."

"It is his bodies way of healing," Grace said lightly touching Alex's good arm.

"What, what if he doesn't wake up?" Alex said his throat tight with emotion.

"We have to believe he will," Grace said. "He just needs time to heal."

"If, if he wakes up," Alex said. "If he wants to see me, I'm going to go to him."

"His parents have a restraining order," Grace said her voice calm.

"He needs someone on his side," Alex said. "The nurse, he promised he would call me. I gave him my cell phone number. He needs someone who understands being gay and accepts him for who he is. If he needs me, I'm going."

Grace could see the fire and caring in Alex's eyes. "I can tell you care very deeply for him," Grace said.

"Brent's parents will never understand him being gay," Alex said. "I have met his dad; he is a jackass. He will probably kick Brent out."

"I do not know how parents could do that to their child," Grace said.

"It could be me," Alex said. "If you and dad had not been so accepting."

"We love you," she said. "No matter what else, you are our son and we love you."

"I think, I think I love Brent," Alex said as a tear is escaping from his eye and travels down his cheek.

Grace tenderly brushes the tear away. "When he wakes up," Grace said her voice thick, "When he calls for you, go to him."

"What about the restraining order and dad," Alex said.

"Your father may bark a bit," Grace said. "But when it comes down to it, he will be barking for you and not against you. As far as the restraining order, it is a piece of paper. I am sure our attorney can find a way to get it lifted. We will deal with it."

"Thanks mom," Alex said hugging her. "You are the best."

Alex would call the nurse every couple of days and with his help, Alex would sneak in at night to sit with Brent. His hand felt so cold as Alex was holding it.

"You know it is sweet how you sneak in here to see him," Stewart the nurse said one night while Alex was sitting next to Brent.

"I don't know why he won't wake up," Alex said. "It did not seem like he hit his head that hard."

"With a head trauma you just never know," Stewart said.

The loud ringing of his phone awoke Alex from his sleep. He glanced around and it took him a minute to remember where he was. He grabbed the phone and saw it was Stewart. Alex's heart started racing. Maybe Brent had finally woke up. Maybe he was finally going to be able to see him and tell Brent how he felt.

He sat up in bed and answered the call. "Hey Stewart," he said what's up?"

Alex listened and felt his heart jump. "What do you mean?"

"Where?" Alex almost shouted.

"Fuck!" Alex said. "Fuck!"

"Yeah," Alex said. "Thanks Stewart." Ending the call Alex drops back on his bed. He can feel tears burning behind his eyes. He refuses to let them fall. "I will find you," he says to the dark. "I will."

Copyright 2020 by Keith yates (keith.96@att.net) all rights reserved.

No copying, reposting, or distributing is permitted without the author's written consent.