Part 6: After the trip
Knock!! Knock!!
Someone was knocking at the bedroom door and I jumped up immediately. It's Uncle Rich.
"Boys! Time to get up. We have to leave!" he said.
"Er......We'll be downstairs in a minute" I replied hesitantly.
"Okay!"
Phew! I was shocked and scared. I didn't know if we'd locked the door last night. What would happen if Dan's father came in and saw us lying in each other arms? I did not dare to imagine. Anyway, after the wakeup call, my sleepiness flew away, but the man next to me was still sleeping as if in a coma.
"Wake up Lazy!" I shook his arms.
No answer.
"Dan! Wake up!" I pushed his body.
Still. No response.
"Sleepy head! If you still don't wake up, I'll bite you." But I still received no answer. Oh no! I was worried and pushed Dan harder. "Dan wake up!" I could start to feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I was so scared that I almost cried. I put my finger between his upper lip and his nose, to check if he was still breathing. Suddenly, I felt his soft lips kiss my finger, and then I heard someone giggle, Dan finally opened his eyes. Once again he played a trick on me.
"Oh very funny. Bastard!" I clenched my fist and tried to beat his chest.
He held my fist, still giggling and asked, "Did I scare you?"
I didn't say anything. It's not funny to pretend to be dead and I definitely hated his trick.
I gave him a blank facial expression in return, and looked away as my eyes were still watery.
Finally my stupid boyfriend realized that his trick had upset and scared me, he sat up and pulled at my arms. Even though I tried to swing his hands away, I failed and fell into his embrace. Dan touched my left cheek gently. He buried his head into my nape and whispered,
"Sorry love! I am too naughty."
Did he just call me love?! I was delighted and my anger flew away. However, I decided not to let it go so easily and I remained silent, pretending that I was still mad. You know! It's not the first time he made fun of me. He had to pay for being naughty.
"Jimmy honey! Please forgive me!" Dan pleaded.
"You are too naughty and you should be punished". I said with a flat, teacher-like tone.
I could see Dan was a bit shocked, he hesitated a few seconds and answered,
"I will take your punishment as long as you are not mad."
"Really?" I smiled coyly.
"Really." He crossed his fingers.
"Okay! I will forgive you this time, but no more tricks about death."
Knowing that I was not mad anymore, Dan leaned closer and our lips locked. I thought I was too stupid to reject my love's kissing me yesterday. Morning breath was not that bad. After a night of sleep, I couldn't smell any more mint scent, but a very lovable boy scent, a scent that belonged only to my Dan, a scent that he wouldn't share with any others but me.
When we kissed, both of us closed our eyes. I put my left arm behind on his nape, drew him closer, and meanwhile, my right hand was stroking his back. I unconsciously bent my knees and put them behind his butt. Then I heard Dan sigh. I guess his body was a lot warmed than the others as I could feel that my freezing hands were gradually warmed on his skin. Suddenly, I came up an interesting idea and I grinned. Dan broke our kiss and asked,
"What?!" He looked puzzled.
"I have just come up an idea about how to punish you." I smiled evilly.
"Now?! In the middle of our kissing?"
"Nah, I need to prepare."
I saw Dan raise his eyebrows because he was curious. He was wondering what would I do to him. However, his thought was cut by my action. I held his left hand, spread his fingers and then I sucked his thumb.
Obviously Dan was surprised as his body jumped, he watched me intently and his ears turned red.
In fact he was not the only person blushed. I blushed crimson because what I did was embarrassing. However, I intend to cheer him up and amaze him, I wouldn't quit easily.
"Shall we continue? I asked coyly and licked my lips.
Dan opened his mouth, tried to utter but he failed. He then cleared his throat but before he could manage to answer, I pulled his arms and our lips locked again.
Once again the chime downstairs reminded us it's time to go home. Dan suggested I take a shower first and meanwhile he would pack and tidy up the room. His efficiency amazed me because when I left the bathroom, the bedroom was clean and I saw Dan as he zipped up my bag. He was so kind to pack my luggage and of course I wouldn't forget to show my gratitude.
"Thank you honey! You are so sweet!"
Dan just smiled shyly, patted my butt and went into the bathroom. My boyfriend is so unpredictable. When he is sweet, he can be very sweet. When he is bad, he becomes a pervert!
When we went downstairs, our families had finished packing. Dad would drive the ladies and Tommy, while Uncle Rich would drive the heavy luggage and us home.
The plan pleased me. Though Dan and I didn't live far away, we wouldn't be able to stay together 24-7 since the trip was over.
We were all quiet in the car on the way home. I guess Uncle Rich didn't talk because he needed to concentrate and drive safely. Dan looked tired and sometimes I saw him nap. I was just not in the mood to talk, as the idea of separation upset me. Also I was lost in my own thoughts. Memories and feelings of the past three days were dangling in my head. I kept repeating the scenes in my mind, trying to make all the things that happened in the last three days, both the happy and the sad, become part of my permanent memories. I was amazed! Could you believe, what started as a horrible trip finally turned out to be a honeymoon. Well! It's not really a honeymoon, but I was definitely as happy as a groom.
When we arrived home, I said bye to Uncle Rich and left the car. I ignored Dan on purpose. That might have been cruel, but please understand how sad I was. Yes it's just a 10minute drive or 20 minute walk between his house and mine. YET! I had to consider being alone, without him staying with me, talking to me and touching me. Any contact with him at the moment would only make my emotions collapse.
Dan called my name before I entered my house. I walked over to him with my head lowered. He leaned over his car and gave me a big hug. Unexpectedly, his embrace caught my wondering soul and I was reassured in his strong arms. I didn't know how long our hug lasted, but I just didn't want to let go. Then I head a cough from Uncle Rich and Dan released his embrace.
"Don't forget to wash your clothes and I will call you later." He said.
I just nodded.
"Okay! Talk to you later."
I stayed where I was, and waved until his car was out of sight.
When I tried to open the front door, I found that it was locked.
So I was the first one home for sure. I went to the living room, switched on the light and sat on the leather sofa. HOME!! It's a place I am always content to be. I love our furniture, all the decorations, and the picture frames on the walls and on the side tables. They represented my life growing up and I picked up a picture frame. The picture was my mum and dad smiling, looking at each other and holding hands. She was so happy that even her eyebrows smiled. I couldn't remember when was the last time she smiled like that, it may be a year or so.. Suddenly, I heard someone slam the front door; it was mum. She shouted, "Leave me alone".
I was scared and I left my seat immediately, walked to the front door and called out, "Dad? Mum?"
Mum didn't answer. Instead she rushed into her bedroom and locked the door.
I swear to God, it's the first time I saw my parents argue. Well! I didn't see them argue but Mum's reaction simply told everything. I left the living room to check where Dad was. The house was so quiet that I could only her my own footstep. I saw Dad standing in the corridor. He gave me a weak smile, shrugged his shoulders and walked towards me.
"Dad! What's wrong?" I was worried.
"Ah...it's just that I talked too much in the car and made your mum angry. Don't worry son. It will be fine." Dad ruffled my hair and walked away. My heart ached as I saw sorrow in his eyes.
Who would believe such a crappy excuse! Dad was obviously a bad liar. But I understood he was trying to comfort me, so I nodded, grabbed my bag and went to my bedroom.
Honestly, I didn't now how to re act as I had no idea what was going on. Even though Dan was my center in the last three days, love didn't make me blind. I could see Mum ignored Dad during the trip; and Dad looked miserable. Even though he pretended to be happy, he frowned all the time. As you all know, when parents argue, kids are usually the first victims. I couldn't help thinking about why they were arguing. Was it because of Mum's bad mood, or the long journey home; or did Dad do something wrong...? Oh no! Could it be a love affair? ...Dad just left. Was he going to meet his secret lover? ... Nah! Dad is a loyal, nice guy who loves his family...then could it be a problem about me? Did I do anything wrong and piss them off? ... Mum always urges me to expand my social life. Maybe I shouldn't stay at home so much. What would I do if they got a divorce! Would I become a burden? Should I live with Dad or Mum? On one hand, I would love to live with Dad, as he is my mentor who gives me advice, suggestions and instructions. On the other hand, I would love to live with Mum, as she is the one who counsels me when I'm down, who tells me HOME is where I can always feel safe.
When I thought of all this and of HOME, my whole life and body felt as if it were shattering. My knees got weak and I lowered myself and sat on my bed. For me, home simply means happiness, support, union and unconditional love. It's a place I knew I didn't need to care how I look. It's a place that I can be who I am. Now my home life was on shaky ground and I felt a sudden fear stabbing at me. I was Scared, I was lost...Scared of the unknown, lost in fear. I grasped my bag, tried to find myself some chocolate. But I found a note in my shirt pocket instead.
"Dear Jimmy,
I can't believe how lucky I am, until last night as I held you in my arms. I don't know if I am your destined one, but I will try my best to prove it.
I wish that!
When I fall asleep, you are the one who wakes me up
When I am fussy, you are the one who cheers me up.
When I am lonely, you are the one who cuddles me.
When I am naughty, you are the one who punishes me.
You are my universe and I love you.
Dan"
When I read the note, tears ran down my cheeks. My whole body trembled and I laid on my bed so that I wouldn't fall. I just couldn't believe the power of words. You know what! I could feel "love" and "need" in his words and these were exactly what I wanted, especially after the argument of my parents and the worries of being abandoned. Dan's words did bring me peace and comfort. The truth that he loves me cheered me up, yet the truth that he needs me made me as happy as a sandboy. In my fifteen years, nobody ever told me that they needed me. Dan was the first one and would probably be the only one. I felt that I was no longer a useless boy as there's a person longing for me and hoping to spend his time with me.
It's a great relief knowing that I can rely on Dan, my love. Suddenly the burden on my shoulders lifted and I felt my whole body lighten. I put Dan's note into my treasure box, placed it under my pillow and I fell asleep.
Hello I am back. I proposed to write chapter 9 during my trip but I end up started writing a new story, which is about tradition and gay love. I wonder are you interested in such kind of story and shall I post the story. =)
I would like to say THANK YOU to Oscar and Matt. They are so kind to help me proofread.
Comments and suggestions are welcome. Please send to _lapis1@excite.com
Plus a title: From hate to love
Take care,
Steve