This story is fictional, though some events and places may be real. The characters and events surrounding them are completely fictional. This story does not, in any way, denote the sexuality or opinions of any non-fictional persons or places. This story has no bearing on the opinions of said places or known people or events. If homosexual content offends you, you might not want to read this story.
IF IT IS NOT LEGAL FOR YOU TO READ THIS STORY DO NOT DO SO. IF YOU DO, THIS SITE, OR WRITER TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY.
This story is protected by copyright. None of this story from the first chapter to the last may be copied, printed or used in any part without permission of the writer, Randy Wade.
Don't forget to visit our group! Find it at
Http://randy_wades_stories-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Worlds Apart
Chapter 2
2000
His new Mom and Dad were kind and loving people. She was a psychiatrist that worked with children. Dad was a lawyer in a big law firm. When Vadim stepped onto the plane at age ten he was scared and when he landed in Dallas Texas he was in awe. He was even more amazed at the place they called home. The house was set back from the street and had a circular drive that they pulled into. I only had one bag. So Vadim carried it into the house. The living room was so big and beautiful. It had marble floors throughout. Vadim stood there stunned.
"Mommy, Daddy!" Yelled a boy that was bigger than Vadim by two inches. Vadim watched as they hugged the boy. He had brown hair and brown eyes like his mother. The boy was told I was his brother now and his named is Mark.
"Is this him? He's puny." Said Mark looking at Vadim.
"Mark that's not nice. Now go introduce yourself to your brother." Said Nathan Lockwood, Vadim's new father.
"No. I don't want a new brother and even if I did, I don't want a puny one and with old dirty clothes." Mark yelled and ran up the circular staircase. Vadim didn't understood what the boy said, but wasn't sure what puny meant, though he had a good idea.
"I am so sorry Vadim. He will learn to love you just like we love you." Said his mother kneeling in front of him.
"Zat is good, zough it duz not matter." Vadim stated in a thick Russian accent. He looked down at his well-worn clothing. Vadim knew they were clean. He scrubbed them clean himself. He just couldn't get out the stains. They were old, though, and tight and too small for him. His shoes were worn out and had holes in the soles and were a size too big for him.
"No, it's not alright sweetheart, but we will deal with that later. Come on I'll take you up to your bedroom." Said his father.
Vadim followed him up the steps. He was careful not to touch anything. He knew from experience that if he got hand prints on anything it meant punishment. Even worse if something got broken. As they walked down the hall his father pointed out different rooms. "This one is your mothers and my bedroom. This one here is Marks." He stated, pointing to different closed doors.
"This room is your room Vadim. We didn't decorate it yet, but we can do it away you want." He said, opening the door and standing just inside.
Slowly, Vadim stepped into the room. It was so huge. They could fit lots of kids in here he guessed as he looked around the room. Father Nathan opened another door "This is your bathroom." He stated. Vadim stood there staring at him from the middle of the room. He still gripped his tattered bag that held all his belongings.
"Set down your bag Vadim and come take a look." Vadim did as he was ordered. He glanced into the bathroom through the doorway. It was a large room bigger than his small room he had shared with Dmitri when he was little he guessed. He held back tears as he thought about his brother. The room had a large tub and a shower. He saw the toilet and smiled. He stepped into it and touched it. When he was little boy they did their business in a hole behind a curtain on a raised wooden seat.
Vadim went over to the sink and turned on the faucet. He just smiled. Vadim looked up and saw himself in the mirror. He saw the scruffy little face looking back at him. He frowned and walked back into the bedroom. "Over here is the closet. We called ahead and asked Mrs. Hernandez to buy you some clothes. There's not much yet, but we'll get you all that a good looking boy like you needs." He said as he opened the sliding doors that had mirrors on it.
Vadim frowned suddenly. Now he understood everything. They wanted a boy to do things like the kids at the orphanage used to do. He avoided looking at the mirror doors. He opened his bag and took out the only shirt and pants he had owned, except those he was wearing. They are clean and neatly folded in a bundle. He carried them to the closet and placed them on a shelf.
Nathan noted the frown and change of in Vadim. "Vadim, no one here will ever hurt you or make you do anything that will not be in your best interest. We only want you to be happy." He said, kneeling in front of him. Vadim nodded slightly. Nathan wondered if he would ever see the boy smile.
This was Carla's area of expertise. They had already talked about having Vadim see a therapist. Carla knew she couldn't do it and be his mother at the same time. They had decided though to wait and see how Vadim handles everything. They hoped that if they just showed him that they would love and take care of him, he would eventually begin to come out of his shell.
They recognized that he had experienced a great deal of pain and horror in his little lifetime. Exactly what no one knew. The Nun at the orphanage told them that many of the children that arrived from the Grozny area were like Vadim. They don't talk about the horror of the war. They don't forget it. It has marked many of them in their souls. She also told them Vadim acts out when he feels he is endangered. She also told them that she supposed no one would ever take him. The Nun had tears in her eyes when they arrived to pick Vadim up. "He needs love. Give him love." She told them.
"Vadim why don't you put your things where you want them." he told the boy.
Vadim nodded and pulled out the pictures he had drawn. He smiled, then frowned when he looked at the one of his family on the piece of cardboard. He placed it on the table beside the big bed so he could see it in the morning when he was told to get up. He wondered what his bedtime was when. When he was done placing his pictures mostly on the shelf. When they didn't stand up, he put them neatly side by side.
He turned and saw his father and his mother watching him. He looked down at his feet in the too large shoes. "They are real good pictures Vadim. Did you make them?' said his mother looking at the one on the nightstand.
"Yes Mizus." He said.
She sat on the bed and smiled at them. She patted the spot beside her. "Let's have a little talk honey." Vadim sat on the bed beside her. She nodded to Nathan and he smiled and left them alone.
"Sweetheart. I know this is all very upsetting to you. I understand that, to you, we are not really your mother and father. We don't want to replace them in your heart." She said tapping his chest. "We could never do that and don't want to but we hope that maybe someday you'll learn to love us like a second set of parents. I know that we already love you as if you were our own."
She looked at the green eyes looking up at her. It broke her heart. The pain and mistrust were there. She could see hope in that respect though. "Give us a chance Vadim?" she asked. She felt tears at the corners of her eyes.
"I will, Momma." Vadim said, adding the Momma. He felt she meant her words. Vadim tried to smile, but it didn't work. He felt there was nothing to really smile about. He didn't know enough about these people to feel comfortable about smiling.
She reached up and pulled him into a hug. Vadim felt the tears well up in his eyes. He willed them away. Tears are a sign of weakness. When people show tears they either pity you or they want to hurt you, he wanted neither. He did, though feel the love for him. He wanted that love, but not because she felt sorry for him that was not real love. Once the pity left so did the love. He resolved that he will earn that love from them. He wanted to love them, but he didn't know how. It was all taken away from him.
2004
Vadim sat at the counter eating his breakfast that Mrs. H had made. As usual, it was huge. He would finish it though. He had an enormous appetite. He was teased good naturally about the amount he could eat by the adults in the house and not get fat. He worked out three to four times a week. He would work out more, but his father told him not to overdo it and restricted it to every other day. He did run five miles every day though.
Over the years he had worked hard at hiding his accent. Unless he was too tired to focus on it, which exacted a little concentration at once it had become a habit. He didn't have the Texas draw that other students had. He perfected his from the countless hours he spent mimicking the people on the TV shows Vadim watched or the movies he went to see with his parents or the few friends he had. Mark had made sure he had very few friends. Mark would tell the other kids down right lies about him. After the 9/11 attacks, he started telling them that he was the son of terrorists Arabs. Most believed him partly because of his black hair and skin color.
The few who didn't and there was only four became his friends. One was Mary Kincaid, who had become his best ally. Was also her brother Todd, who was a year older than both of them. The other were twins Lisa and Lenny Green. They were the same age as Vadim. The only reason that Mark didn't pick on Mary was because her brother would beat the shit out of him. The other was because he had a crush on Lisa.
"Ready for your first day of High school Vadim?" said his Dad.
"I guess so Dad."
"I know that you're going to be on the soccer team, but have you thought more about football?" his father asked.
Dad had talked to Vadim all summer about trying out for football. He was short but fast. They had thrown the ball back and forth with Mark. Mark had a good arm and could throw the ball. Vadim caught it most times. The times he missed it was when Mark would purposely throw it so he would fall short. This, of course, never happened when his parents were around. Nothing Mark did to him ever happen when they were around.
"I'll try out Dad." He answered. He had learned to love his Mom and Dad. They may not be his actual parents but they showed him that they did care for him.
"Good that's all I need. Don't let the coach say you're too short either. That's an advantage." He said as he sipped his coffee.
Mark came into the kitchen as Vadim was finishing his breakfast. He got up to put his plate in the sink as Mark grumbled a good morning to his Dad's good morning Mark. He started eating breakfast from the plate, put in front of him. I sat down at the breakfast counter and drank the second glass of orange juice Mrs. H. Gave me. I really love orange juice. The first time I had it was here. I was astonished that anything could taste so good.
I just smiled to myself. "Why do you always smile when you eat and drink things? It makes you look stupid." Mark had asked one time after I had my first taste of Coke while we waited for the first American movie I was going to see. I learned then that I loved American Movies even though it was some silly Disney movie.
"It's something I never experienced before." I responded softly. I was still intimidated by him at that point.
"Mark looked over at me smiling as I drank the juice. He frowned and muttered something. "What was that son?" asked Dad looking at Mark.
"Nothing Daddy." He said smiling.
"Okay, well you two get ready for school. Make sure you have everything you need in your backpacks."
"My Backpack is beside the door Dad." Vadim said, pointing to his backpack by the garage door.
"Good, get your backpack Mark. We really need to get a move on. Can't be late for your first day of High School." Dad said downing the rest of his coffee. Mark looked daggers at Vadim. Vadim for his part, didn't notice him.
The first few weeks at school went as they normally did for Vadim. He was good in all his subjects, except History. Especially when it came to American history. Not growing up in America, he hadn't that advantage of learning the basics. He also tried out for the football team. Coach Arnold at first was hesitant about trying him out. But Vadim convinced him to allow him to try out. When the Varsity Quarterback tossed the ball long and hard Vadim ran. He jumped up and caught hold of it. They threw it a few more times, each time Vadim caught the ball.
"Be here every day after last class son. I don't take to lateness either. Have your parents read and sign this permission slip?" he said handing me the paper. Mark had also made the team. Only after Vadim asked the coach to let him play.
Vadim had made first string. Mark had made second string as a tackle. This of course Mark was not happy about. He would circulate the rumors again about Vadim being Islamic. Mark went on about how Vadim pretended to go to church but would pray every night while facing west. Vadim, had no idea Mark was circulating this rumor. He just took his teammate's coldness in stride.
After the first game they were all in the shower. Vadim was joking with the only guy who talked to him a black guy named Kelly Harrison. "Bro that Hail Mary they tried at the end was stupid bro. They were down by fourteen yo."
"They should have tried a Hail Mohammed." Said a guy from the corner named Ned Sparky. Everyone called him Sparky though.
"Yo bro, no making fun of my man's beliefs." said Kelly.
"Hell man the only reason he playing is because my man Mark here begged the coach to let Vadim play." Said Sparky. Sparky was a big guy and was the first string linebacker. "Besides, he a Muslim. How do we know he ain't some terrorist bomber?"
"Simply because he is Muslim doesn't make him a terrorist bro." said Kelly.
"I am not Muslim." Vadim yelled and stormed out of the locker room shower. He knew where it started. He didn't bother wrapping his towel around him as he stormed over to Mark. "You're actually still telling people that I am a Muslim? I thought that shit ended when we grew up."
"Fuck off Vadim. You're nothing but a charity case." He said pushing Vadim backward. Out of instinct than anger Vadim swung and hit Mark squarely on the jaw. Knocking him down.
Vadim turned around and stormed off to his locker. He quickly dressed. He was about to put on the last of his clothes, his shirt when he heard the coach yell "Vadim, the OFFICE NOW."
He threw his shirt down on the bench and stormed into the coach's office. He didn't try to show anything but anger as he walked past Coach Arnold holding the door. He stood there and waited for the coach to come in. Vadim was really pissed off. Same as always Mark was going to get away with it. Just like he did in the past. Just like he did with his parents.
"Sit." The coach barked. Vadim plopped down and crossed his arms. He didn't hide the anger.
"First off lose the attitude. You the one who caused this trouble. I understand that there's a lot of animosity towards you because of your faith." Vadim started to speak, but coach held up his hand to silence him. "You cannot go around hitting people because they tease you. I am willing to overlook it this time because it was Mark and your brother. Though I want you to go out there and apologize. I believe the Muslims believe that they should be humble when practicing your faith."
"No." Vadim yelled and stood up.
"Then you're off the team get out. I will make sure your parents know what happened here and your total disrespect for your teammates and for people of different faiths. I will also report this to the principal."
"Do what you want." Vadim yelled at the Coach as he passed him. He fought the urge to hit him. Vadim walked over to get his shirt and it was soaked. He could smell the piss. He grabbed it and threw it at the guys smirking at the end of the lockers and stormed out shirtless.
He walked out to the car where his parents were waiting and walked past them. He heard his father calling him, but he ignored him. Vadim had started to run. He didn't know where he was running to. He only went. He was so angry. Mark screwed him over again and will get away with it like he usually did. He ended up at Netherland Park near his home. He sat on the bench and tried to calm down.
He heard the cell phone go off. He saw his father's number. He quickly answered it. "Hello?"
"Vadim where are you? Are you alright?"
"I'm not hurt dad. I am just mad at myself, sir."
"Don't be. Where are you. I want to speak with you, son."
"I will come home Dad, I can run and be there in ten minutes."
"No, I'll get to you, where are you Vadim."
"At the park on a bench at the end of Polomar Lane."
"Okay Vadim. I'll meet you there in a few minutes. Vadim, I love you."
"I love you Dad." Vadim replied back. He could hear his voice cracking and felt the tears. He blocked them with ease.
Five minutes Later, his Dad was sitting next to him. He had talked with the coach. "The coach told me what happened and about the rumor that you were Muslim again. He said someone had told the team that you were a Muslim, though no one, not even the coach would say who said it. You have to go to the principal's office on Monday for hitting Mark." Vadim nodded.
"The coach wants you to play for the team."
"I rather not, sir." Vadim said.
"I understand. What I don't see is why you hit Mark though."
Vadim looked back at him. "Because he started the rumor. He regularly tells people that I am a Muslim." Vadim yelled angrily.
"That's a big accusation Vadim to make against your brother. Can you back that up." he said frowning. He suspected as much, but needed to prove it.
"Does it matter? You wouldn't believe me because he is your real son and I am not." Vadim yelled and stood up and started to walk away from his father sitting on the bench.
Vadim was spun around when his father grabbed his arm. "You listen to me now young man. You are no less my son than mark is. I love you just as much as I love him. I know he gives you a tough time. I did not say I didn't trust you, but I need proof." He said pulling Vadim against him. For the first time in years Vadim couldn't block the tears. He cried against his father's chest.
Nothing was said to Mark when they got home. Mom had put something on the Marks black eye and sent him off to his room. She hugged Vadim and whispered she understands. She could tell though that I was still tense. "Go for a swim Sweetheart." Vadim as usual, did what he was told.
On Monday Vadim and his Dad went to the Principal's office. They listened to the coach talk about the fight and the events leading up to it. He heard the ruckus in the locker room and came out to find out of his office to see what was going on. As per the rules his door was open.
"Coach did you hear the comments being made in the shower area?" asked the principal.
"I didn't hear anything." He said.
"But you could hear the noise on the opposite side of the locker room? The shower area is closer." Said dad.
"I didn't hear anything." He repeated.
"Did you ever ask Vadim what his religious beliefs were?" Asked Dr. Gonzales.
"I didn't feel I needed to. It was told to me by someone that Vadim a Muslim."
"Coach you go to the same church as we do. Vadim and his family go there every Sunday. He was there yesterday as were you. Doesn't it appear funny that a Muslim goes to a Catholic church?" Asked Dad. Vadim smiled, he knew the coach was caught.
"Who spread the rumor's that Vadim was Muslim Coach Arnold." Asked the principal.
"Was it Mark?" asked Dad when Coach didn't answer. The coach looked downwards.
"Dr. Gonzales I want to have Mark in here please." Dad asked of the principal.
A few minutes later Mark was shown into the office. Dad didn't waste time "Mark why did you tell everyone Vadim was Muslim?" he accused more than asked. Vadim looked down to his feet and smiled. His dad once told him about the old Lawyer trick to ask a question like this in hopes they would get a confession.
"I don't know Daddy." He said after looking at the coach.
"I don't know what the schools are going to do to punish you, but I know what I am going to do when you get home." He said sternly. "Dr. Gonzales can we chalk this up as two brothers fighting?" he asked.
"Let's let it go at that. You two boys get to class. Get notes from the front."
Coach Arnold moved to a different school after the season was over. Vadim didn't play the remainder of the year, but he did play the following season for Coach Davis. He's played every game that season. He was tackled a few times, but was quick and agile enough to avert any major tackles. They suffered only three losses that year.
2006
Vadim was now at the age of sixteen, a well built, compact, five feet eight black hair green eyes and very well built hunk. The girls loved him the boys envied him. He dated regularly, but had already realized he wasn't interested in them like other boys. He dated regularly one girl named Gina. He knew that if they thought he liked boys in any way he would be beaten up. Vadim could take care of himself on a one on one against most boys, but if they ganged up on him that would be different.
He was tutored in history the ninth and tenth grades he was a quick study. He was cute, smart and was considerate of everyone his classmates, he even stepped in when a kid was being picked on. He was taking an advanced course history, of course, was not one of them. He was still on the honor society. It is now summer vacation time. He passed most of his days hanging out with his four best friends. They were the only ones he didn't have to keep his guard up with.
Mary Kincaid and Vadim were hanging out in the park. "Vadim are you gay?" she asked out of the blue.
He's always known he was gay. He simply didn't know that anyone would see it in him. "Why did you ask that."
"Because you look at boys like most girls do. It doesn't matter to me if you are. You'll always be my friend." She said kissing him on his cheek.
"Yeah, I guess I am. You're not going to tell anyone are you?"
"Nope. Come on you can buy me a hush ice-cream cone though."
Thanks for editing Rick!
For any comments, please contact me at:
randy_wades_stories@yahoogroups.com
If this story gets your interest read Hazard in the high school or rural sections.
Please donate to Nifty so we all can continue to enjoy the many wonderful stories.
http://www.nifty.org/