Hey guys and girls, A new short (long) story. It's an AU set in the time before the Civil war in America.
I hope that you like it. Disclaimer: they (Nsync) weren't born then! Thanks to Ath for the beta and Jaxx for sticking by me. Feedback can be send to alecsandria@yahoo.com
Joshua Chasez walked through the empty streets of the town he hadn't visited in months. The death of his father had let him in mourning and suddenly the landowner of one of the biggest plantations in the area. Joshua had needed time to adjust to the new title, and the summer had passed before he knew it. His sister had urged him to go into town today. Joshua pulled the collar of his overcoat a bit higher to cover his neck from the freezing wind that November brought. Joshua could already smell the snow in the air and he shivered. It was going to be a cold winter. Joshua started to worry about the horses and the stables. He hoped that they were warm enough with this blazing wind. Joshua walked past the barbershop and was surprised to see it completely empty. He frowned and continued to walk past empty shops. He was just about to wonder out loud why the town was empty when he heard the cries of pain and laughter. Joshua cringed; it was the annual labour market where people could buy new, mostly black, workers for the fields. Joshua called it a slave market and refused to take part in it. He only had free workers on his plantation. They used to be slaves but stayed after his father had set them all free. Joshua didn't believe in slavery, unlike many others. He believed that every man was a free man and had a right to go wherever he pleased. Joshua turned another corner and found himself at the marketplace. A massive crowed had gathered in front of a temporary stage that the woodsman had quickly put together for this annual gathering. A few people looked over their shoulders and the whispers started.
`It's the young master Chasez.'
The crowd parted to let him through as people took off their hats to pay him respect. Joshua felt very uncomfortable and wanted to leave, but his sister would be furious if he returned home so quickly. He greeted a few people with a slight nod of his head. Making his way through the crowd he ended up right in front of the stage. There were only a few people on it; Louis, the foreman of a plantation on the other side of town, two slaves and the auction master. Joshua looked at the two slaves. One of them was a strong, well built black man who kept his head down. The other was a young, white male who held his head up high. His blue eyes didn't seem to see the crowd in front of him as he stared at something in the distance.
Louis grabbed the thin cotton shirt that the white boy was wearing and pulled him to the edge of the stage.
`We have an unruly white slave here. Very rare. He needs a strong master who will teach him how to obey.' Louis took out his whip and smacked the young boy on his back. He didn't even flinch.
Several people in the crowd started to yell out the amounts they were willing to pay for the slave and Joshua shook his head in disgust. He recognised the voices of those who were bidding, and he knew that the boy would be dead before the end of the winter if any of them won him.
`I'll pay you twenty silver pieces.' His clear voice was audible for the auction master only.
The man raised his eyebrows and Joshua nodded. He stepped a little closer to the stage and looked at the young boy. He was shivering but still held his head up high. He only wore a thin cotton shirt and pants. His shoes were nothing more than leather soles with some straps to keep them under his feet. `Can you please step a little closer?' Joshua asked.
The boy didn't move but Louis raised his arm and smacked the boy with his whip. The boy yelped and fell to his knees. His eyes locked with Joshua's and a flash of pain was visible before that emotionless stare returned. Joshua reached out and touched a shivering arm. He gently squeezed the young man and looked at Louis.
He is mine now Louis, and I don't like my staff to be whipped.' Joshua's voice was strong and filled with disgust. He reached inside his pocket and paid the twenty silver pieces and turned back to the young boy. He was still sitting on his knees with his hands behind his back. Come on. It's not far to my carriage.'
The boy struggled to get up and would have fallen if Joshua hadn't supported him with his hand. The boy shot him a glance of confusion before he pulled his arm free.
`I'm sorry Master. I don't want...'
The boy didn't know what to say and bowed his head for the first time. His whole body tensed up as he clearly waited to be spanked again. Joshua took a deep breath and forced himself not to cry out in frustration. He had heard the slight French accent in the voice of the boy.
`Please don't call me Master. Call me Sir if you want to but Joshua will be fine too.'
The boy raised his head in confusion and stared at the man in front of him. `Thank you Sir.'
Joshua quickly guided the trembling boy through the crowd to his carriage. He had a spare coat in the carriage and he was eager to wrap the boy into it so that he would stop his shivering. **
The ride home was a silent one. The boy had wrapped himself in the spare coat Joshua had given him and sat quietly in a corner staring at the scenery. Joshua studied him but something didn't make sense. He hadn't seen a white slave in years. He had seen some half bloods but that was when he was younger. This boy didn't look like a half blood to Joshua. He had certain flair in the way he put on the coat, and he sat like a perfect gentlemen. His previous owner must have been a good one. Joshua wondered how the boy ended up being sold in public. The carriage rattled over the roads towards the estate. Joshua saw a surprised look in the boy's eyes when he saw the estate. The Chasez estate was an impressive manor. The front was lined with pillars creating a porch where the Chasez family had spent many pleasant evenings. Grass and fields, where in the summer grain grew, surrounded the house, and in the winter horses could walk freely if the weather permitted it. Joshua loved arriving at the house. It made him feel proud. It was all his now. His sister Heather was engaged to be married and he had lost his mother to the flu epidemic years ago. Tyler, his younger brother, was at the military academy and Joshua didn't expect to see him home any time soon.
The carriage stopped and Joshua awoke from his thoughts. He opened the door and stepped outside. He thanked the driver and waited for the boy to come out as well. `You can leave the coat on. Come on.' He urged.
The boy climbed out of the carriage with a serious look on his face. He looked around for a minute and than his eyes locked with Joshua's again. Instantly the boy looked away, blushing slightly.
Joshua placed a hand on his shoulder and the boy jumped.
`Relax, let's go inside.'
Joshua led the way inside and took off his coat and hat.
`Heather?' His voice echoed through the hall.
`I'm coming.'
Joshua looked to his right and saw his sister sitting in the sunroom with her patchwork. She placed it beside her and got up. Joshua smiled at her and waited for her to come into the hall.
`My, Joshua, you didn't tell me that you were bringing someone home.'
Heather eyed the boy up and down.
`I didn't plan to. They were selling him.'
Heather gasped. `Oh my.'
`Marie? George?' Hollered JC.
The kitchen door flew open and the plump cook, her hands and hair covered in flour, glared at him. `Master Joshua, there is no need to yell.'
Joshua laughed and kissed Marie on her check, flour tickling his nose. `Can you give my friend some soup please?'
He turned to the man that had appeared from the back of the house.
`George, can you please make a hot bath in my room and bring the boy upstairs when he is done?'
Both servants nodded and Joshua went upstairs, followed by his sister.
** `Who is he Joshua?' His sister asked as soon as they were alone in his room.
I don't know Heather.' Joshua said. I honestly don't know.'
Heather sat down on the bed. `You bought him?'
Joshua nodded. `I looked at him and he looked so proud standing there. He wasn't like all the other slaves, he isn't built like them. I couldn't let him die at the hands of some brute living in town.'
Heather sighed. `We don't keep slaves here.'
Joshua raised his hands in frustration. `I know that. I'll set him free after he has had a bath and a meal. I couldn't let him...'
Heather placed a small hand on her brother's arm. `I know Joshua. I couldn't have either.'
Heather softly kissed him and left the room. *** Joshua was left with his thoughts, and his mind wandered off to the young boy downstairs. He must have been about eighteen or nineteen, Joshua decided, and again Joshua wondered how he had ended up in a public sale.
Suddenly he heard splashes of water and he smiled. The boy must have made it to the bath. He rose from the chair he had sunk into and walked to the small room next to the bedroom where his bath was.
The boy stood beside the bath and splashed around with his hand.
`You are allowed to take a bath.' Said Joshua and the boy jumped a bit into the air.
`I'm sorry Sir. I...'
`Listen, I don't own you. I believe that people can't own other people. Everyone that is working here on the plantation or in this house is free to go whenever he or she wants to. After you have had your bath you are free to go. I'll give you a letter that will state exactly the same thing.'
The boy looked at Joshua with his big blue eyes. `I'd love to take a bath Sir but I can't.'
Joshua stepped a little closer. `Tell me your name first boy. I need it for the papers.'
`My name is Justín.' The young blonde pronounced it the French way.
`Justin, do you have a last name?'
The blue eyes clouded and he shook his head. `I cannot remember Sir.'
Joshua gently smiled. `That's ok. Just take your bath.'
`I may need your help Sir. I cannot take off my clothes.'
Joshua frowned at Justin. The younger man unbuttoned his shirt and turned around. He slowly lowered the shirt and angry red and infected welts were revealed. `My shirt is stuck. I tried to take it off before.'
Joshua reached out and touched a nearly healed welt and heard Justin hiss. He tried to pull the shirt from one of the welts but it started bleeding. Joshua tried to be as gentle as he could but the shirt was truly stuck onto the infected wounds.
`Maybe you can soak in the water.'
Justin turned back to Joshua.
`I don't want to be a bother. I'll leave right now.'
Joshua grabbed his arm.
`Don't leave. I want someone to look at your back. It is just your back, right?'
Joshua swallowed away the rising bile as Justin shook his head.
`The back of my legs and my...' The blonde turned his head in shame.
`It is ok. I'll ask George to call the doctor. He will be able...'
Joshua never finished his sentence as Justin started to sway on his legs. He caught the younger man right before he could fall on the ground. Joshua lifted him in his arms and carried him to his bedroom. `George?' He hollered.
`Yes, Master Joshua?' George instantly entered the room.
`Get Joseph, tell him that it's urgent.'
`Yes Master Joshua.'
Joshua placed Justin on his stomach and went back to the bathroom to fill a bowl with warm water in an attempt to soak the shirt off the blonde's back. It was the least he could do before the doctor arrived. Joshua thanked God that he made friends with the young Italian doctor when he arrived in the small town. Justin was unconscious and Joshua stared at his face, puzzling. He spoke with a French accent and had perfect manners. There was something not right about him, but Joshua couldn't tell what it was. ** Joshua was almost finished with Justin's shirt when Joseph came in. Joshua placed the bowl and cloth on the nightstand and rose to his feet to greet his friend.
`I was playing poker Chasez. This better be important.'
Joshua smiled and hugged Joseph. `I have a patient for you. His back is severely injured. I just spent a while trying to soak his shirt off his back as it was stuck to all the wounds he had.'
Joshua stepped aside and let Joseph through. The Italian sat down on the bed and looked at Justin's bare back. `Where did you find him, and was he still awake?'
`I bought him this morning.' Said Joshua with an embarrassed blush on his cheeks.
Joseph raised his eyebrows at Joshua.
I passed the market and they were selling him.' Said Joshua. You should have seen who was trying to buy him. Those awful people should be whipped themselves. I bought him before I knew it. I'm going to set him free as soon as he is healthy enough.'
Joseph pulled the blankets away and inspected Justin's legs. `What happened to him after you bought him?'
`I sent him to the kitchen for some food and than he came upstairs for a bath and he passed out right there. I was really careful when I tried to get his shirt off. I didn't want to hurt him.'
Joshua wrung his hands together. `What can you do for him?'
Joseph placed the blankets over Justin's back and looked at Joshua. `His wounds have all been infected for some time. He must have been in horrible pain. I can clean the wounds for the time being.'
Joshua looked away when he saw the sadness in Joseph's eyes.
Joseph placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. `All we can do is pray that the Lord has mercy on him.'
Joshua bit his lip and looked at the bed again. `He doesn't deserve to die. He is so young.'
Joseph sighed. `Do you know who his parents are? A white slave is very rare.'
`I only know that his name is Justin. He pronounced it with a French accent.'
Joseph walked to the door. `I'll ask around. Maybe we can contact his family before he dies.'
** Joshua woke up in the middle of the night. He heard a loud moan coming from the bed and he jumped up. His own back screamed in agony as he had spent the night on the floor. Justin was tossing and turning in the bed. He mumbled incoherent words.
`Celine! Non Mamman.'
Joshua frowned for a second and than grabbed some paper to write down what he could understand. Justin was fluent in French and Joshua had troubles understanding the words the younger man mumbled.
At one point Justin jerked off the bed, nearly breaking his back. Joshua moved closer and carefully patted the younger man's hair. Joshua didn't want to hurt him, but it was clear that Justin had a nightmare. Joshua pushed the warm body down on the bed and touched Justin's forehead. He was burning up.
Joshua frowned. He had to wake up Heather, as she would know what to do now. He glanced outside and saw that it was still dark. Maybe he should try to get the fever down himself.
Joshua rose to his feet and got a damp cloth. He gently placed the cloth on Justin's forehead whilst muttering soothing words. It seemed to help a little as Justin eased down back on the bed and relaxed for a bit.
Joshua rubbed his eyes and dampened the cloth again. He placed it on Justin's forehead once more and sat down. He took the piece of paper and tried to make sense of what the boy had been saying.
The fact that he was fluent in French meant that he was from the Southern part of the country. A person named Celine seemed very important to him. Joshua wondered if she was his mother. Although he called out for his mother a lot too. Celine could be his sister or maybe his wife. Joshua felt a wave of sadness wash over him. Justin could be married and have a family somewhere. Joshua sighed.
The door behind him softly opened and Joseph sneaked inside. `How is he doing?' Whispered Joshua's friend.
He is still alive. He has a fever now.' Joshua turned to Joseph. Can you give me an indication on how long he will...?'
Joseph shook his head. `I can't.'
Joshua gave him the paper. `This is all I know about him. He has been delirious for the last few hours.'
Joseph quickly scanned the written words. `I may know someone that can help us. You still want to find his family?'
Joshua nodded.
Joseph took a deep breath and spoke softly. `I'll ask Christopher Kirkpatrick to find out something.'
Joshua's eyes grew big. `Kirkpatrick? No one has seen or spoken to him since his wife died all those years ago.'
Joseph stared at the ground. `I see him almost daily. I... He nearly lost his mind after losing Danielle. He just needed someone to talk to.'
Joshua heard the love filter through the soft-spoken words. `Do you think that he can help us? Him?' Joshua pointed at the bed.
Joseph raised his head and smiled. `Chris..stopher has family down south. He can combine a visit. Maybe...'
Joshua started smiling. `Just ask him if he can. We'll do all we can to keep him alive right?'
Joseph didn't dare put the fire out in Joshua's eyes and nodded. `Yes, we'll do all we can. But we can't change the past, Joshua.'
Joshua looked at Joseph. `I just don't want him to die without any family.' His own voice sounded so unsure.
`I know Joshua. I know.' Joseph squeezed Joshua's shoulder and left the room to see the man that he loved with all his heart.
**
Something isn't right here.' Mumbled Joshua. He looked at the other book that was spread out on the bed and sighed. I'm telling you Justin, something isn't right here.'
Joshua quickly glanced at the bed to see that Justin was still unconscious. They had managed to keep the fever down and 3 long weeks had passed. Joshua hadn't been out of the room except for when Joseph was tending to Justin's wounds. The young man could still die but each day gave Joshua new hope. His foreman came with daily updates and Joshua did as much work as he could in his room.
`See, we sold that horse for 20 silver pieces but only 10 were written down. I have to find out what happened to those 10.'
Joshua didn't expect an answer but he liked talking out loud. It made the room less eerie. Justin hadn't moved beside the occasional nightmare that he had. It was the worst moments of the day. Justin's body would jerk off the bed as he relived each moment of torture inside his unconscious mind.
Joshua shivered slightly and returned his attention to the books again. He had been neglecting his books for several months and the figures didn't seem to add up. They made a reasonable profit, enough to be able to maintain the workers they had on the field. They weren't paid much but at least they had their freedom. The elderly lived in their little houses on the estate and looked after the children while the parents worked on the field. Each worker was also able to rent a small strip of land to grow his or her own vegetables. That way Joshua could keep the prices of the horses on the same level as his neighbours otherwise; he wouldn't be able to make any profit at all.
Joshua mentally kicked himself for not paying attention to the books. His foreman hadn't been keep track of the records and had been selling Joshua's top price horses for a mere percentage of what they were really worth. Joshua frowned again and quickly checked all the numbers. Something wasn't right.
`I sold that horse for more than this.' Muttered Joshua. He raised his head again and gasped. The books on his lap slowly fell to the ground as his eyes locked with a pair of ice blue eyes. Joshua blinked again, thinking that he was dreaming. Justin's eyes fluttered close again and Joshua rose to his feet and rushed to the bed.
Just as he sat down Justin opened his eyes again. This time they were filled with fear and Justin tried to turn on his back.
No, shh, you are safe here.' Joshua placed his hand on Justin's hip and pushed him back on his stomach. The young man softly whimpered and Joshua jerked his hand back. I'm sorry.' He said with tears in his voice.
Justin closed his eyes once again and licked his lips. `Water, please?'
Joshua hurried to the jug of fresh water and poured some in a cup. He carried it back to the bed and stared at Justin. The man couldn't lie on his back and Joshua didn't know how to let him drink the water. Justin had again drifted back to sleep and Joshua placed the cup on the nightstand.
He sat down on the bed and reached out to touch Justin's cheek as he had done so many times in the past weeks. Before he could feel the soft, tender skin under his fingertips, Joshua pulled away his hand. He suddenly felt like he was trespassing across a thin line. A thin line that he had been close to crossing often at night when he sat next to Justin, watching him when he couldn't sleep. Joshua knew that he would die inside if the younger man died.
`I love you.' Whispered Joshua before rising off the bed.
He had to find Joseph to let him know that Justin had woken up for a few minutes. His heart told him not to tell Joseph. It would mean that Justin would leave as soon as he was better. But his head told him that Joseph needed to see him, or Justin could die.
Joshua opened the door to the gallery and sighed. He closed his eyes and prayed that it would take Christopher a long time to find Justin's family. Time that Joshua wanted to spend with Justin to get to know him better. To fall more in love with the man.
** `Master Joshua?'
Joshua looked up with an annoyed look in his eyes. He was in the middle of feeding Justin some soup and he didn't want to be disturbed. He frowned when he saw his foreman standing at the door. He had totally forgotten that he had asked the man to come and see him today.
`I'll be right there.'
Joshua placed the spoon back in the bowl and looked at Justin. He had fallen asleep again. Joshua tenderly wiped some soup of his face and turned to the foreman.
`Please do come in and close the door please.'
The foreman closed the door and sat down in the chair that Joshua had pushed in his direction.
`I've been keeping a close eye on the books and something is wrong. Maybe you can help me?'
The foreman shrugged and stared at Joshua.
`See, I made this deal with Mr. Richardson about Racer 17. He was to pay 20 silver pieces for it but I only see 10 written down in the books by you. Did Mr. Richardson fail to pay the correct amount?'
The foreman smiled and shook his head. `No, he paid the full 20 silver piece as agreed.'
`Than why did you write down 10 in the books?'
The foreman rested his arms on his legs and bent forward.
`Because my family deserves that money.'
Joshua frowned and blinked in surprise.
`Your family is well looked after.'
The foreman suddenly rose to his feet and Joshua almost flinched.
`My sister would still be alive if my family was well looked after.'
`No, we always took care of your family. Always!'
Joshua felt scared with the tall man hovering over him.
`Your family took away all that we loved and cared about. My sister was happy before she moved into this house. You drained the life out of her. She was a shadow of the person she used to be and you are saying that you always took great care of my family?'
Joshua shook his head. `My father loves my mother. He told her every night. I never saw two people love each other more than them.' He whispered.
The foreman started laughing. `He loved her so much that no one ever saw her. He got her pregnant three times in a row and than she died. I don't call that love.'
Joshua shook his head. His parents had really loved each other. He was still a little child but even than he knew that what he saw was real love.
`Your father was ashamed of your mother. He always denied her even though he slept in her bed each night.'
Joshua shook his head, blinking away his tears.
`We deserve that money to make up for what your father took away from us!'
`My mother...'
Your mother was a slave and your father did everything he could to deny that. He offered me a job. A job!' Hollered the man. He killed my sister and offered me a job!'
Joshua quickly glanced at the bed to see if Justin was still sleeping and turned around looking at his uncle holding a candle stick in his hands, raised high above his head.
Everything suddenly happened really fast. His bedroom door opened and a man Joshua had never seen before entered the room. He almost instantly jumped on the foreman as Joseph entered too and grabbed Joshua by his arm to pull him away. Joshua started to tremble and he sank to his knees.
The strange man pushed Joshua's Uncle out of the bedroom right in the arms of George.
`Who... Justin...' Joshua looked from the strange man to the bed. Justin was awake and looked at him with surprised eyes.
`Who was he, Joshua?' Asked Joey in a persistent tone.
`That was my uncle.' Joshua softly said, revealing a secret from his past.
`But he is...'
`He is black I know. So was my mother. She was his sister.'
Joseph quickly exchanged glances with the man standing at the door.
`Your mother was a slave?'
Joshua nodded. `My father fell in love with a slave and she had his children. He never married her and she died years ago. I can't even remember what she looked like. We were all blessed with the light colour of our skin and the blue eyes. God knows what would have happened it would clearly show that our mother was black.'
`Your mother was a slave?' Repeated Joseph again.
Joshua rose to his feet. `Yes, Joseph, your best friend is a child of a Negro woman. You can go now. Don't worry about Justin or me. I'm sure that I can find his family too.'
Joshua walked past Joseph to the bed to check on Justin but the Italian grabbed his arm.
`I don't care if your mother or father was black or white. You are my best friend. I won't leave your side. I'm just shocked that you never trusted me enough to share that secret with me.'
Joshua shuffled on the spot and looked at Joseph.
`You know the people in this town; they don't like the coloured people. They use them as slaves, animals! How can I ever tell someone that I'm one of them.'
Joseph shook his head. `I'd never judge you on that. Now meet Christopher.'
Joseph turned and smiled at the man standing at the door.
Joshua waved his hand at him. `I'm Joshua and this is Justin.'
Joshua turned his head and looked loving at Justin. The younger man had his eyes closed again and Joshua sighed.
`I found out who he is.'
Christopher's voice was warm and strangely high. Joshua looked at him.
`Will they come and take him away?'
Christopher shrugged. `I don't know. I told them where they could find Justin and they would come to get him. That's what they said.'
Joshua bit his lip. Of course he knew that Justin's family would come to get him but deep down inside he hoped that they wouldn't.
`Did they say when?'
Christopher shook his head. `I only spoke to the brother. He was strange.'
Joshua sat down on the bed and looked at Justin.
`What can you tell me about him?'
Joseph and Christopher sat down on the chairs and Christopher ran his hands through his hair.
`He is the son of a wealthy landowner. He was abducted when he was hunting in the woods. The groups of abductors split up before they could ask for a ransom and Justin was taken across the country for weeks. One of the abductors who was caught stealing from Justin's neighbours confessed that they had taken the young boy. Justin has received several beatings a day and they later on sold him to a merchant, as they wouldn't be able to ask a ransom for him now. That was three years ago.'
Joshua gently brushed away some hair of Justin's forehead.
`He has been living as a slave for the past three years?'
Christopher nodded. `His family thought that he had died and were rather shocked to know that he was still alive.'
Justin opened his eyes and met Joshua's eyes.
Hey.' Said Joshua with a smile. Welcome back in the land of the living.'
Justin looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and fear in his eyes.
Don't worry. These are my friends.' Joshua quickly stated when he saw Justin glance over at Joseph and Christopher. They won't hurt you.' The fear subsided from Justin's eyes and he rested back in the pillows. He kept his eyes focussed on Joshua.
`Where am I?' Asked Justin softly.
`You are in my house. You have been very ill.'
Justin struggled to sit up again.
`I'm sorry to be such a burden Sir. I'll return to the staff quarters right away.'
Joshua placed a hand on Justin's shoulder. `You have never stayed at the staff quarters. As soon as you are feeling strong enough you are free to leave.'
The words hurt Joshua deep down inside but he had made the younger man a promise before he fell ill.
Justin looked at him. `You'll release me? I have nowhere to go Sir. I can work hard and I work precise.'
The pleading tone in Justin's voice broke Joshua's heart.
`Your family is coming for you soon. You don't have to work anymore.'
Joseph saw the pain flash in Joshua's eyes when he talked to Justin.
`Let the boy rest a little more. I'd like to examine him please.'
Joshua rose to his feet and walked to the door.
`Can I offer you some coffee Christopher?'
The smaller man nodded and they both left the room.
Before they descended the stairs Christopher grabbed Joshua's arm.
`I don't like his brother. Keep an eye on the kid. He seems a good boy.'
Joshua nodded.
`Don't let go of what you really want.'
Joshua froze and looked at Christopher but the other man was already half way down the stairs.
** Joshua pushed the front door open and entered the mansion. His legs were, his arms were tired, his whole body was tired. He was hungry and all he cared for right now was a warm bath, food and his bed. He had been working all day because his uncle left after Joshua paid him a ridiculous amount of money. They weren't even able to afford that kind of payment but Joshua would have given his right arm to get rid of the man. So in the end Joshua took over his job to keep the estate in the Chasez family. It also meant that he couldn't spend as much time with Justin as he wanted. Each day was one where they waited for his family to come. Joshua's heart would stop beating each time he saw a strange carriage come to their mansion.
`Oh Justin, that was beautiful.' His sister's cheerful voice drifted from the sunny room. Joshua wiped the sweat of his forehead and walked to the room.
His sister was sitting on the settee and Justin sat at her feet. He was holding a French poetry book.
Joshua.' His sister exclaimed and clapped her hands. Justin just read a poem. He can do it so well.'
Joshua forced a smile on his face. Justin was very comfortable at Heather's feet and a pang of jealously swept through JC's body.
`I'm sure that Justin is very good at reading French poetry. I'm tired. I'm going to bed.'
Joshua wanted to walk away but the hurt looks on both Heather and Justin's face stopped him. Joshua ran a hand over his face.
`I'm sorry. It's been a long day.'
`Would you care for some supper?' Heather stared at him with large blue eyes. Joshua knew that she had blinked away the tears that had welled up.
`I'll ask Marie to make me some soup. Please excuse me for a moment while I go and freshen up a little.'
Justin gave him a small smile and Joshua left the room.
** Joshua quickly changed his clothes and freshened up a little. He rubbed his eyes to wake up a little. He stared longingly at his bed but opened the door to leave the room. The sound of cheerful laughter from downstairs drifted in the hallway. Joshua felt his heart tighten a little. Justin was laughing and happy when he was with his sister but as soon as he would walk into the room Justin would go silent and stare at his hands. Joshua had tried to explain numerous times that he wasn't Justin's master and that his family would come very soon.
Joshua descended the stairs and walked into the room. The laughter instantly stopped and Justin's gaze was on his hands again. Joshua sighed and sat down on the chair that was once his fathers. George came out of the kitchen with a bowl of soup and Joshua's stomach growled with happiness. Joshua closed his eyes to enjoy the first few sips of the best soup in town.
His eyes fluttered open again and he saw that both Heather and Justin were staring at him.
`What?' He snapped.
Justin blushed and looked away and Heather's eyes filled with tears.
`Nothing Joshua. Justin and I have been practising some poetry. I wanted to read it out to you but you are very weary. I bid you goodnight.'
Heather gracefully rose to her feet and made her way out of the room.
Heather, please...' Joshua placed the bowl on the small table next to him and rubbed his face. Please, forgive me for my harsh words. I'm very tired.'
Heather lingered in the doorway and looked at him. Joshua raised his head and smiled apologetic at his sister.
Heather gave him a little smile and sat down on the sofa again.
Justin had followed it all with big eyes and Heather patted his shoulder. `Joshua can be a little mean but he never means it.'
Joshua emptied his bowl and took a deep breath. `Now, what have you been practising all day while I was working in the fields?'
Justin blushed a deeper shade of pink and raised the small book he was holding in his hands.
`I've taught Ms. Chasez some poetry.'
Oh Justin.' Giggled Heather. Ms. Chasez. Please do call me Heather.'
Justin looked at Heather and gave her a heart-warming smile. Joshua's heart stopped beating for just a little while and his breath was caught in his throat. Justin was beautiful when he really smiled.
`Joshua will you play the piano while I recite the poem? Please?' His sister's voice held a begging tone that Joshua hadn't been able to resist before.
Joshua got out of the chair and walked to the small piano that was once his mothers. He gently touched the shiny wood with a tender caress and sat down. He stretched his fingers and started to play a soft tune. He needed a few minutes to get the feeling back. He had last played the morning that he found Justin.
Heather started to recite the poem in a soft voice. A deeper voice joined her in a melodically tone.
Joshua closed his eyes and let the music and that voice absorb him. The tones swirled around him until they were one with him. He no longer had to think about the music, he was the music. He almost felt young again, watching his mother play the piano with so much passion that the music was heavenly.
A finger touched the skin of his hand. It moved over a little cut that ran from his thumb to his wrist. Joshua wanted to open his eyes to confirm the person touching him but the music was still inside of him. His fingers continued to play. He felt a warm thigh press against his when Justin sat down next to him on the small bench.
`You play beautifully.'
Joshua's eyes flew open and he turned to look at Justin. His eyes wandered through the room and Joshua noticed that Heather was no longer there.
`My mother taught me when I was younger.'
`Can you play something for me please?'
Joshua nodded and started playing again. Justin apparently recognised the song as he softly hummed the tune.
Joshua finished the song and turned to look at Justin. Their heads were close together. Justin's soft lips were a few inches away from his and Joshua was sure that the frantic heartbeat that he heard wasn't his own but Justin's.
Their lips met and Joshua never wanted to let go of this feeling. His senses came alive and he silently prayed for time to stop.
He softly probed at Justin's lips with his tongue, trying to gain entrance. Justin sighed into the kiss and their tongues started an erotic battle. First shy and testing but than bold and eager.
Joshua was breathless when he finally released Justin. The younger man licked his lips and slowly raised his gaze to meet Joshua's.
`I beg you pardon, Sir. I...'
Joshua silenced him by kissing him again.
Their bodies melted together as one as they made their way upstairs to the master bedroom. Joshua suddenly wasn't so tired anymore when he crawled over Justin's body. His eyes didn't want to close when he saw the blonde naked.
They took their time exploring each other's bodies. Joshua had been with another man before but never with someone that he truly and deeply loved. Joshua kissed Justin with all the love he had inside of him when he sank deep inside Justin. It was already dawn before they finally lay back panting. Justin was still inside Joshua's body as he spread out over his chest.
`Never leave me Justin. Please.'
The younger man shook his head making Joshua giggle.
`Don't let me go.' Breathed Justin.
`Never.' ** It seemed a second later that Joshua heard Joseph bang on his door.
`Joshua, wake up.'
Joseph didn't wait for an answer but entered the room. He quickly took the scene in. Justin was lying with his head on Joshua's chest and Joshua played with Justin's curls.
`Lord have mercy.' Mumbled Joseph.
`Joseph, how may I help you on this beautiful morning?' Said Joshua with a smile.
`Christopher is down stairs. He has seen the carriage of Justin's family. They are here to get Justin.'
** Joshua looked at Joseph with fear in his eyes. `His family?'
Justin whimpered beside him and muttered the same sentence with his thick French accent.
Joseph nodded. `Christopher came as fast as he could. I don't know when they will be here but Heather is in hysterics.'
Joshua threw the blankets off and rose to his feet. Joseph discreetly looked the other way as his friend put on his pants. `We have to tell them that Justin left, or maybe even died.' Said Joshua.
No!' Justin sat straight up. It's my family. I have to see them.'
Joshua's face fell but he didn't say a word. They silently got dressed and Joshua snuck a few looks Justin's way to memorize the body he only got to know last night.
**
Heather was sitting on the settee with Christopher, and the dark man jumped up when he saw Joshua and Justin. `I came as fast as I could. I'm sorry Joshua.'
Joshua ran his fingers through his hair. `We'll just have to wait and see.'
The sound of horses and a carriage riding up to the estate was heard, and Justin paled. Heather rushed to the window and peeked outside. `It's a blonde man and a young lady.' She whispered.
`Celine!' Cried Justin and ran to the front door. The rest followed him but waited in the hall.George was already there and opened the door.
`We are here to see Joshua Chasez.' Said a deep man's voice with a heavy southern accent. George opened the door a bit more and let the two people waiting outside in.
Justin instantly ran to the beautiful young woman and hugged her tightly. He started speaking in rapid French as the woman started to cry. The man gave them a disapproving look and set his green eyes on the three men waiting. `Which one of you is Joshua Chasez?'
Joshua stepped forward. `I'm Joshua Chasez.'
`How much was he?'
Joshua blinked and stared at the man. `I beg you pardon?'
`How much did you pay for the boy?'
`I paid twenty silver pieces for him.' Stuttered Joshua.
The man reached inside his pocket and threw a velvet bag on the floor. `You will find thirty silver pieces inside. That should be sufficient to make up for the trouble he caused.'
`He never caused...' Started Joshua but the man turned around.
`Celine, stop crying. Justin, let's go. You've been a burden to these people for too long.'
Justin slowly unwrapped his arms from the woman and stared at the man. `Please, Lansten, let me say goodbye.'
Lansten shook his head. `No time for that. I have to get back. It's already taken me a week of missed business opportunities to come and get you.'
Sir?' Christopher's soft voice interrupted him. Let the boy say good bye. We've all grown fond of him while he was here.'
Lansten narrowed his eyes. `I can't believe that but sure. I'll wait.' He ended with a sigh.
Christopher took Justin by his arm and guided him into the sunroom. Joseph wrapped an arm around Heather and followed. Joshua hesitated for a second.
`Justin has never been a burden to any of us here. He is a good man.' Said Joshua in a strained voice.
Justin has been a burden all his life. We were blessed by his disappearance but once again he managed to ruin all the plans that I had for our estate. Which, if I may add, is more profitable than yours.' Lansten smirked. I asked around town this morning. I think that Justin doesn't belong with your kind.'
`My kind?' Echoed Joshua.
No slaves, free workers. You are a disgrace for the town, so I heard. I don't want Justin to be exposed to this any longer.' Lansten turned to the sunroom and hollered: Justin, get over here. We are leaving.'
`Lansten please.' Celine placed a hand on his arm but Lansten shook it off.
`We are leaving Celine.'
Justin came out of the sunroom with tears in his eyes. Joshua heard Heather sob and Joseph appeared next to Joshua.
`I don't like this Joshua. Do something.' The Italian whispered.
Joshua cleared his throat. `I don't want to accept the price you are offering me. Justin is owned by me and I have no plans to sell him.'
Lansten started laughing. `The boy is going back to his family. You can't even ask a price for a boy that wasn't a slave to begin with.'
Joshua, it's ok.' Justin made eye contact with Joshua. Lansten says that I have to go.'
`No, please Justin. Don't leave.' Begged Joshua.
Justin shook his head. `He is my older brother. I have to listen to him.'
Justin wrapped his arms around Joshua in an awkward hug. `He sold me before. He can do it again. Please, just let me go.'
Joshua froze in Justin's embrace. `I made a promise to you Justin. I always keep my promises.'
Justin shook his head. `Don't make it any harder. Forget me, forget this.' Justin pressed his lips against Joshua in a desperate kiss.
It only lasted a second before Lansten pulled Justin away. `Haven't you learned anything?' Spit the older blonde.
**
Lansten dragged Justin outside to the carriage. Celine followed with her head down, mumbling apologies in French.
Please.' Cried Joshua. Don't go, Justin. Don't.' Joseph and Christopher held his arms when Joshua tried to grab Lansten. `Justin!'
The blonde turned around and looked at Joshua with tears in his eyes. `I'm sorry.'
`You promised to never leave me.'
Lansten pushed Justin inside the carriage. `He also promised to never show up again three years ago but he did.'
Joshua closed his eyes for a second when reality suddenly dawned on him. `He was never abducted was he?'
Lansten started laughing. The boy never left the house. He was always hanging around the girls. I paid a high price so that he would disappear. But he had to get himself sold on a public market.' Lansten's face grew serious. Don't worry. You won't be seeing Justin again. I'll make sure of that.' Lansten got in the carriage and closed the door.
No!' Scream Joshua and fell to his knees. Joseph do something!'
`The driver has a gun Joshua. I want to, but I can't.'
Joshua started sobbing as the driver whipped the horses and the wheels started spinning.
**
Heather bent over her brother trying to comfort him.
`He promised to never leave me. He promised.'
He had no other choice Joshua. His brother seems to be the most evil man that I've ever met.' Heather's words of comfort didn't do much for Joshua but he patted her hand blindly. Come on Joshua. Let's get inside.'
Joseph slipped a hand under his armpit and pulled Joshua to his feet. They had turned around to enter the house when Christopher suddenly cried out. `Look, Joshua!'
Joshua turned around. Justin was running towards him down the driveway. He was shouting something that Joshua couldn't hear and he was bleeding from a wound on the side of his head.
Joshua pulled himself free from Joey and Heather and stumbled down the steps. He started running towards Justin, barely able to stay upright. Justin flung his arms around Joshua's neck causing them both to crash into the floor.
I can stay.' Justin cupped Joshua's face. Celine told me to think about where my home was now. Either I had to stay home or go back with them.' Justin kissed Joshua's trembling lips.
`I choose to stay home.'
The End. Thank you very much for reading! If you like it or hate it let me know...thanks