Stay

Stay Chapter 9 by afterglow

Disclaimer: This is not wonderland. This is serious stuff. So if you feel that the tootsie fairy just whacked your butt in here, please read something else. This contains love/sexual desires between teenagers. Any similarities to certain persons are purely coincidental. And unless this kind of material offends you're crude mind, I suggest you sit back, relax and enjoy wonderland.

*** Hey guys! I'm back! I wrote this chapter as fast as I could. Hope you'd like it. Anyway there's a few more chapter before this story ends. And I'd like to say to all of you that this story would likely to have a happy ending. So stay tuned ya' all! Hey, special thanks to the people who emailed me. To Sara, the talented author of The Magic In Your Touch and all the nifty writers/readers on the chatroom, thank you for your support. Love ya' mom! ***

"Hi," a voice said from behind me.

"Hey Jarrod," I smiled up to him, "so how was the fair?"

Last night Jarrod called up and said that he and his family wanted to go to the town's fair. He said there would be rides and stuff. And Ice cream! I love ice cream. Especially the pink ones. Thinking about ice cream makes me drool.

I wanted to go. I really do. But when I opened my savings, counted every nickel and penny, I realized it was too much. I had to save up. See, I always wanted a guitar but mom couldn't always afford it. And said that she'll think about it. I never did talk to her about it after that.

"Bad. Jenny kept holding my hands and stuff. The worst part is when we rode on that Ferris wheel, yuck! She kissed me! Like a dog!"

I laughed at his expense, "Maybe she likes you."

"Eww. If all the girls in school are like her, then I'll never get a girlfriend."

Well, who wants a girlfriend anyway when you have a cool guitar, I thought.

Then Jarrod continued, "The good part is dad bought me this brand new bike! See..." and he went on and on.

It never really bothered me much but the moment he said it, the look on his face, the way he described how cool his dad was, I suddenly felt a hole in my life.

Mom used to talk about him when I was little. But then I would also notice that she would jabber like those two-am radio announcers. She would talk slow, without interest and her fists clenched. I guess she dislikes my father a lot. But I always feel that she has this need to talk about him. Not because she misses him but because she said I have to know my father.

I smiled as I recalled those times. How could he have done this to me? How could he just walk away from my life and come back like nothing happened?

God I hate him.

I felt tears rolling down my cheeks as I sobbed there in the darkness.

Then, as if my hands knew what to do, they dialed the only person who could help me right now.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

"Hello?" a groggy voice answered.

"Um, I'm sorry... I'll call back some other time..." I said but the voice stopped me.

"Edo? Is that you? Edo!" I smiled at myself as I heard Jarrod's excitement. Then, sensing my stress, "Hey, what's wrong?"

I couldn't hold back anymore and the dam just broke out. I spilled everything to him. About my father coming home. About Jed and Pat. About Trent's band. About school. About everything.

All the time I was crying like a baby but the old Jarrod was there, just listening. I knew he was a good listener. And every time I would cry it seems that he would too. Like the bond that we always had.

"Hey... about your father," he tried to formulate his words, "I never noticed it when we were little. I figured you don't want to talk about it so I didn't. But now I know it affected you so much. I'm sorry Edo... I wasn't there..."

"No! It's not your fault. It's that damn bastard!" I cringed as I noticed anger in my voice.

"Look Edo, I know it's not my business but I think you should give him a chance. At least to explain himself why he left. Maybe he's not a bad person you thought he was. Maybe he's changed."

I really tried to contain myself. I mean he doesn't even know my father. And he's supposed to take my side.

And he continued, "Maybe Edo, just for a second you could consider that he is the only parent you have left. I know it's hard to forgive but even though the world has turned upside down, he will still be your father."

Silence.

Then sensing my anger again, he quickly changed the subject, "So you're avoiding Pat and Jed, why?"

"Uh... I... look, I have to tell you something..." suddenly my mind turned autopilot.

"What?"

"I... when... when I.. when I left for Seattle," my voice shaking, "I was trying to tell you that.."

"That?"

"I... I love..." Then the memories came. The ambience. The airport. The kiss. And for as split second there I was, dreaming.

"I know Edo. I know everything," Jarrod's cool calm voice broke my reverie. He knows?

"What?.. How?.." I begin to stammer.

"I know that you're in love." In love? "I kind of figured it out." He laughed.

"Huh?"

"You know, before I left, when you saw me and Pat arguing in the hall. Then you stepped in and I... I well tried to hit you which I would never do for the rest of my life..." he choked.

"Yeah.."

"Well... when you where there defending Pat... I saw it."

"You saw what?" I said a little annoyed.

"Love. You had that different fire in your eyes. At first I just thought that you where angry at me but then when I looked deeper, I saw... well you know."

"Hmm..." I said

"But then I figured it out..." he continued, "The look, the way you act they're all different when he is around..."

"He?"

"Jed."

Silence.

"That's cool Edo. That's cool with me. I'm not a homophobe so you don't want to worry about me."

I tried to think. But I can't. How did he? When? Why? Where? He said the look, the way I act, is it that obvious? Am I really gay? Do I really love Jed? Urgh! God my head hurts.

"Edo! Edo!" I heard Jarrod yelling, "snap out of it!"

"Huh?" I said transfixed.

"You're doing that again."

"What?"

"The running away thing. That's why you're avoiding Jed and Pat. You know you're attracted to him but you keep on denying it."

"I'm not denying anything," I said defiantly.

"Don't you see? Your love for Jed has spilled inside of you and it changed all of us. Me, Pat and Jed. Pat became more aware of her feelings; I on the other hand have learned to value our friendship more. And Jed, well I can see now that Jed loves you more than ever. Now it's time for you to change to Edo. Stop running away."

My mind tells me to shut my ears. To not listen to what he was saying. But I guess truth came in such a surprise that I found myself crying. Crying because I knew he's right. All this time I tried to think that running away was best because it was only I who experienced the pain. And now it seems like running away only caused the pain to get worse.

"I don't know what to do Jarrod," I wailed, "I keep messing other people's lives and it's all because of me."

"Don't say that. Please don't say that. You only changed their lives for the best. But now you have to stop running away and stop eluding Pat and Jed. They're your friends. Just like I am. And they will accept you no matter what."

"So cheer up lover boy," he joked.

I laughed. I guessed I dialed the right person. And I always thought that he and I were closer than best friends. We're soul mates. He just knows how to push the right buttons.

"Well, just so you know, if you were right here, I'd kissed ya." Time to play.

"Yuck, I'd rather let you kiss Trish Payne!"

"Hey don't go judging her, okay? It's the inside the counts."

"Oh really?" he said playfully.

"The problem's what's inside of her is... a carnivorous deodorant from hell!" I cracked.

That day I woke up early. I took a long shower to the bathroom and went downstairs. From there I noticed grams sitting at the dinner table reading the daily newspaper. Taking a seat beside her, I kissed her forehead and whispered, "Morning grams."

Her wrinkled face just lit up. I guess she's a little weird out that I was in a good mood considering what happened yesterday.

"Son, your in a good mood today."

"Why shouldn't I be? Saturdays are great!" I smiled.

"Well, good. Your father thought it would be a good time to show him around town. So you two can get along together."

As soon as I heard grams said it, my jaw dropped. My father? Show him around town? What does he think he is, the royal asshole?

And that's when grams saw my irritation. Every time we would have a discussion about something I don't want, like going to the dentist, I usually close my eyes and pout my lips. She knows the routine, she keeps on convincing me while I keep on pouting. God I hate this.

"He's your father Edo, he has the right to know you. You should talk to him and catch up on old times. Oh, for heaven's sake don't pout on me young man!"

She realizes I wouldn't say a word to her until this is over.

"Now go back to your room and change. He would be here by nine."

I hissed. You think having parents is a disaster wait till you meet my grams. With her commanding voice, immense power and dangling underarm fats she could turn her false teeth into an armed boomerang.

"So..." He first spoke up.

"So" I answered with knitted eyebrows.

He breathed hard, "So..."

"So what?" I said irritated.

"So... where do you want to go?"

'Where do you want to go?' After years of my dad's absence, the first word I hear from him is 'where do you want to go?' What happened to 'Hiya son, how are you doing?' or 'How was you last Christmas? I bet your last birthday was a blast, having no friends or family members around except your grandmother' What happened to that, huh?

Every second that passes by, I resisted the urge to get coffee he's drinking a splatter all over his face. God I hate this. Good thing I dragged my sidekick.

"Where do you want to go Trent?" It was a last minute idea.

Trent looked surprised. He was so busy eating his burger that all the pickles had fallen off the table.

The three of us were in Luke's. It was grams idea to have breakfast here first since I haven't eaten yet. And yeah, Trent's here. I just kept pleading and begging him to come. I told him that I would have a hard time doing this and a friend would help me a lot. And now is the time I need that help.

"I... uh... I... I don't know." he took a big chunk. And then mumbling "mmm...msjds..dsjk."

Damn, the old 'I've got a piece in my mouth, I can't talk' trick.

"Edo, I asked you," my father said.

I just burned him with my eyes.

Silence.

Sensing my annoyance, Trent suddenly lifted his soda and 'accidentally' splashing all of its contents on his shirt.

"Oh, gee... would you look at that. My, my what big stain I have. My favorite shirt is ruined. I am devastated. And it will take a whole day to fix this. Better go home and clean it before it.. um, dries? Oh, yes dries." Trent sounded like he just rehearsed that minutes ago.

"You're going to leave? No!" I started to panic. Without him, it will be just him and me. Shit!

"Oh, but you see, favorite shirt and all. It was nice meeting you Mr. Goth," he said to my father. For a moment there I thought he just winked at him. "I am truly sorry for this Edo."

He quickly escaped through the door before I could even protest.

Damn, plan A is ruined.

"So..." the bastard started again.

"So..." I felt like dying.

"So... it's just you and me." he smiled.

Usually I'm a clam and shy person. But every time I look at my father I always see hate. It's funny how they say you can't 'hate' a person, you just get angry. How time heals all wounds. But that's all bull! And if they're in my shoes right now, they won't even know the word 'forgiveness'.

"No," I breathed.

"No?"

"No Daniel. It's just grandma and me. The time where I buried my mother, it was just grandma and I. The time when Christmas came, it was just grandma and I. The time when my birthday came, it was just grandma and I. The time when I got sick as hell and my fever won't stop, it was just grandma and I. The time when it was family day on our school, the days I ever regret, it was just grandma and I. The time when I want to die, because I thought I badly need a father in my life, it was just grandma and I."

Tears where rolling down my eyes and my voice was shaking badly. I had to let it go you know? To let it all out. He was crying too. Looking at the window.

"I want to say I'm sorry but I guess that's not enough. Look, Edo do you know why I left?"

I shrugged him off.

"It's because I was... stupid," by then he broke down, "Your mother, god bless her soul, knew that I was a..." he paused for a moment to look at my eyes, "homosexual."

I almost fell out off my seat. He's gay?

"I don't know how she did it but she found out. I tried to explain to her but she said that if I ever come to our house again, she would call the police. She thinks I'm going to rape you Edo which I would never do for the rest of my life."

"Oh, so what you just gave up on me? You're too gay to fight for me?!"

"I did Edo believe me but she threatened me to tell the whole world would know. I was scared shitless. You have to understand I just lost my job and her lawyer sued me for sexually harassing a minor. I was acquitted of course but because of my sexual identity and I was ordered not to stay within 50 meters away from you until you're legal age."

His face was all red and the tears kept coming, "And there's one thing you have to know about me son. I was never a fighter. I don't like fights. I always run away. And it's not because I'm gay, it's because I'm a coward. And the one thing I'm scared shitless right now is you not ever forgiving me. I'm so sorry."

For a moment there I wanted to believe that's it's all true. I wanted to wash up all the bad memories because of just one reason... he's gay.

"Mom said that you where in LA fucking a blonde slut," I laughed sarcastically, "but she never told me you where whoring with a gay blonde bitch."

I saw him cringed at what I said, "I'm so sorry Edo. I really don't want to be gay but that's what I am."

"A fucking liar, that's who you are. Grams said that one day you where there, then the next you where gone."

"Your grandmother doesn't know about this. I think you're mom would be scared at the prospect of telling her that there's a homo lingering around her grandson."

I don't want him to be right. Because he's not. He's everything I hate in this world personified. Then for a second, I wiped my tears with my left hand and said, "This is the last time I ever want to hear your voice, you understand? If you come near me again, I will sue you myself."

And with that I stood up, took hold of the coffee he was drinking, "I should have done this a long time ago," and splattered its remains on his face.

Monday came. This is it. I have to apologize to Pat and Jed.

It's funny how my father asks for forgiveness and I can't give it to him. And right now, the tables have turned.

I never told grams what happened at Luke's but I have a feeling she knows. Because when I arrived at the house, she saw my face kept hugging me to her bosom. I wanted to tell her everything. But I guess mom's right. The idea of loosing grams, is unbearable.

Anyway, I heard some girls talking about Pat and Jed along the hallway. Looks like they're an item already. I never doubted that for a second. I understand Pat's infatuation for Jed. And I wouldn't be surprised if he we're attracted to her. Even though Trent told me Jed was gay, her golden looks and insatiable charisma would make anyone straight. Well, hell I don't even believe Jed's gay. I don't know why. Maybe it's because he was too good to be true.

So I went to the cafeteria and scanned every table. At the far right, I recognized Pat's blonde hair and Jed's red strands.

No wonder this two where rumored to be together. They're always sited at the same place with no one around.

I swiftly made it towards the end when somebody blocked my path. Hoping it was just some stupid freshman, I looked up and saw that it was Mark. A big Mark.

"Going anywhere prick?"

Well, as you may all know, Mark was my tormentor when I was little. The bully of my life. Jarrod would always save me from this asshole but I guess he after all those years, found the right moment to start it all over again.

Continuing his insults, "Your little savior ain't here for ya eh? Bet he just left your sorry ass to me. After years of waiting I finally have the chance to beat you to hell."

For some reason, the fear I had even when I only saw Mark's shadow when we we're kids, just wasn't there. And for some reason, I don't even feel like running away. I looked at my feet and then back at him. And soon a smile crept my face.

"What are you smiling at prick?" His anger flushed.

"I was just thinking that every time I see bullies, I always have this fear that makes me want to run as fast as I could. And now that I see you, it's gone! I have no fear anymore!"

Mark's confusion was already evident. He's mouth opened like he was going to say something but I cut him off.

"It's just so overwhelming Mark," I turned my drama skills into practice, "I... I... you have been a bully to me all those years but now you've changed," A single tear rolled from my eye, "I just want you to know that I'm very thankful for what you've done for me. You really don't know what you did." Yeah, he doesn't know all right.

I continued, "But Mark, you have done a great deal for me. You cured me. I will never want to run again in my life... Mark, your my savior."

By this time Mark was undeniably drooling to death. He doesn't even have a clue as to what I'm saying. But I guess I saw a light bulb lit above his head. My last statement must have gone through him.

He hated Jarrod at the very least. And the very main reason for that is Jarrod is the very opposite of Mark. So much as every child Mark goes after, Jarrod would always be there to rescue any kid from his clutches. But Mark's real target is me. He always wants to make my whole day miserable but being best friends with the school's superhero was enough for him to stop torturing me.

And you know what Mark really hates? It's being like Jarrod. Being the savior. I guess Mark realized this and his eyes went wide.

"Oh Mark, you're my savior" I ran to him and hug him to his chest, "You're the best bully I ever had," I said as I dashed out of there hoping no one saw my little act.

Mark just stood still trying to process with his one byte per second computer brain. I really don't like playing with Mark like that. I know his weakness and I used it against him but hey, at least I got out of there alive. And fighting your own battles takes a lot of stitches.

As soon as I got to where Jed and Pat are, they fell quite.

"Um, is this seat taken?" I inquired.

From the looks of it, Pat's mad at me. She turned away from me and bit her lips, I guess she was about to say something but kept her composure.

Jed on the other hand seemed to be happy I was there. His sexy dimples appeared when he smiled. I just retorted with a smirk.

The, as if nothing happened, Pat continued to talked to Jed. She completely ignored my presence and was asking Jed for a response. Jed looked at me, then to Pat, then at me, then at Pat.

Finally my mouth began to utter something, "Look I'm sorry Pat, Jed. I didn't mean to dodge you both. I was just sorting things out."

"Did you hear that Jed? I think I'm hearing voices," Pat replied.

"Pat I'm sorry to what I said to you. It's just that I was confused with Jarrod and all."

"There it goes again. I think I'm psychic!"

I give up. This girl is hopeless. I glanced over at Jed for help, "Jed will you please tell Pat that I'm sorry."

Jed gave me a reaffirming smile, "Pat, Edo says he's sorry."

"Shh... you can hear it too? Well tell the spirit whatever unfinished business he has, he can talk to his friends"

"Tell her that my friends won't even talk to me," Jed repeated what I said to Pat.

"Well tell him that if he hadn't been such a baby and told his friends to just bugger off instead of being avoided for three weeks, he wouldn't have this conversation with Madame Pat."

I smiled, "Tell her that I was a baby. I'm sorry. And even though I'm a spirit, could still posses her to screw Mr. Krauss, which she always dreamed of. And finally tell her... that I love her for being a true friend."

"Ah! I give up you two! The both of you make up now." Jed declared.

"I'm sorry Edo. I know you think of me only as a blonde dumb popular bitch but I come to think that you're my only true friend. All those popular girls only have themselves to worry about. But you're different Edo. I don't know why, maybe because when you speak I always see that fire in your eyes. But one thing is for sure, this time, you gonna have to stick with me."

"I'm the one who has to say sorry. I guess it's just like an early mid life crisis I'm dealing with. but whatever it is, I was wrong to ever think that I could handle it by myself like I always do. Because now, I have a friend like you. Wow, that sound like a rhyme."

With tears rolling Pat's cheek she quickly stood up and buried her face on my neck.

"Hey, I want a hug too." Jed whined as I invited him to join in.

I guess at that moment that's all I ever wanted in the world. With my new friends back, I'm the happiest man in the world, I wouldn't want anything more.

*** Whoosh. Will Edo find happiness at last? Will Pat and Jed be together at the end? Will Edo's dad return for some coffee splashing? Where is Trish hiding all this time? Do you really like Trish? (of course you do, you're the one who ogled at her in the library, remember?) So many questions, so little time. STAY tuned. STAY cool.

*afterglow PS. I know my ending sucks so please just bear with me.