Disaster Vacation

[scains]

Okay well this is something I have been working on - it's not the usual kind of story that I see and read here but hopefully it will be well received.

PART 1

The birds twittered as they flew on overhead and the smell of the flowers that adorned the outside of the apartment building was not strong enough to overpower the stench of the city.

Barry walked by, not even noticing the birds or the flowers; having lived in the city his entire life he didn’t appreciate any of these things and besides, he was way too excited looking forward to the next few weeks.

He reached the iron gates that were locked, looked about for the buzzer and called up to flat three.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s Baz. Wanna let me in?” Barry always called himself Baz – it was an image thing.

“Sure Barry, I’ll let Ben know you’re on your way up.” The voice replied as the gates unlocked. Barry pushed them open, they squeaked loudly; in need of an oil.

“Thanks Emilie, see you in a second.”

Barry walked up to the second floor and found number three. He hesitated before knocking.

“She’s your best friends’ girl.” he told himself. “Your best friends’ girl.” He continued to mutter under his breath.

He lifted his hand and rapped his knuckles against the door three times. There was a scuffling from inside the apartment.

“Come on, Ben. Go and get the door. He’s your friend.”

“Emilie, don’t make a big deal out of it; I’m watching something on the box. You’re already on your feet.”

“Oh this is ridiculous.” Emilie said, Barry heard her voice getting louder as she approached the door. “Anyone would think you don’t want him to come on this vacation with us!” She pulled the door open and there she was, a blonde angel, standing in front of him. What he would give to just rip her clothes off right then and there.

“Barry!” Emilie scolded while still smiling. “I’m up here.” She pointed to her face and Barry noticed that he had been looking somewhere inappropriate.

“Sorry Emilie, just got a bit distracted there; it has been a long time since I seen you.” Emilie continued to smile and planted a big kiss on Barry’s cheek and received one herself.

“It’s quite alright; it’s nice to see you too.” She held him at arm’s length. “Come and see Ben.”

They walked over to where Ben was sat in front of the television.

“The sooner we go on vacation and away from that bloody thing the better!” Emilie joked.

“So, have we decided where we’re going yet? I mean we’re leaving in a couple of days. We should probably get a move on right?” Barry scratched his hairless chest which was on show with his shirt that was unbuttoned quite a way down.

“Well that’s why we’ve invited you today.” Ben replied not taking his eyes from the television screen. The football was on.

“If I was with you, I wouldn’t be watching the football.” Barry whispered to Emilie who giggled.

“We are going to Kevin’s place to discuss the trip. Did you have an idea of where you want to go?”

Barry stood there gawping. Kevin? Kevin was coming on the trip with them?

“Emilie, you never told me that Kevin was coming with us.”

“What? This whole trip was his idea. He didn’t actually invite you along but he doesn’t mind… why, is it a problem if he comes too?”

Barry shook his head and quickly cleared his throat.

“No, course not.”

“Barry, Kevin’s gay. He’s not some mass rapist you know?” Emilie fixed a smile on her face; she didn’t like homophobia in any sense of the word.

“Yeah, I know. He just, makes me uncomfortable.”

Emilie turned away from him. “Shall we get going then, he lives just across the hall; not far.”

“Emilie, I’m watching the game. Can we wait till it’s finished?” Ben said not moving an inch. Emilie stood in front of the screen blocking his view.

“Yeah, let’s wait for the game to finish.” Barry agreed dropping down onto the couch next to Ben.

“Guys! Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep them waiting. This is our trip too, remember? Do you want them to decide where we’re going without us?”


“Thank God that semester’s over!” Leona said slumping down onto the couch. “I don’t think I could bear coming back next year. At least we have this holiday to look forward to.”

Kevin stoked the fire, the heating was off in the apartment block and he hadn’t called the landlord to come and fix it yet.

“Yeah, but why on earth did your sister have to invite Barry along with us? I thought she didn’t even like him?”

Leona sat up and patted the empty seat next to her. Kevin sat down.

“I know he gave you a hard time in high school, but it has been two years since you last saw each other. Can’t you look past all of that shit that happened back then? I think Emilie does like him; he’s far too charming. Plus he distracts her from Ben, who, may I say is being a total jerk lately.”

Kevin sighed. “It’s not that he was a dick to me in high school… stuff happened back then…”

“Between you and Barry? Oh my God! No way!” Leona giggled in shock; she could hardly believe what she was hearing. “But Barry is way too much of a ladies’ man!”


“So you’re saying I’m lying?”

“No! I’m just shocked that’s all… things are going to be awkward huh? Things were awkward enough with Em going off with Ben for make out sessions. You never know maybe something will happen between you two on this trip. He’s not that bad, you know?”

“Nothing is going to happen on this trip. He never spoke to me again, I… did stuff to him and he has ignored me since.” Kevin bowed his head. “It would be so much easier and far more relaxing if it was just you and me, you know?”

The hallway was bare and unattractive thanks to the grey walls and grey floor. The temperature was a lot colder than it was outside where the sun was shining.


“So which door is it?” Barry joked before rapping his knuckles on number two directly opposite Emily and Ben’s apartment. “This must be cosy living directly across from your sister and her gay best friend.”

“Leona doesn’t live with Kevin, Baz; she lives next door to him.” Emilie laughed.

“Still, you don’t get much time away from each other then?”

“Baz what are you on about? Leona’s always with Kevin and I’m always with Ben. I hardly ever see her.”

“Not that it bothers you I expect.” Barry joked. “How did she become your sister again? Who’s the adopted one?”

Emilie looked shocked and quickly punched Barry on the arm.

“She’s adopted, but she’s still my sister.”

“I know, I know. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Barry apologised.


Leona and Kevin were still sat on the couch gossiping when they heard the door knock.

“That’ll be Em, Ben and Barry.” Leona said twisting her neck to look at her best friend. “Don’t worry it won’t be as bad as you think.”

Kevin just looked at her. “You know this isn’t going to be good Leona. Stop pretending.” He got up to open the door and let the others in.


A few minutes later and everyone was sat down, either on the couch or on the floor, except for Barry who was rooting through the refrigerator for something to eat.

Emilie, who was sat on the floor, was the first to speak regarding the ideas for the trip.

“So, Kevin, since this was your idea do you have an idea where you want to go?”

Kevin looked taken aback. “Er, no. I didn’t want to decide where we should go; I thought it should be a group decision.”

“And you would be right, Kevin.” Ben said patting him on the knee. “Since we are all going on this trip we should all have some say in where we want to go; even if nobody agrees.”

“Well, alright then, Ben. Where do you want to go?” Emilie asked, clearly irritated. It was the first thing he had said all day that was actually rational and it annoyed her more than anything else.

“I know where he wants to go.” Barry said through a mouthful of chips dragging one of the kitchen chairs with him and sitting on it. “He wants to go somewhere warm and sunny where we can laze about on the beach all day and watch girls in their skimpy bikini’s walking by. And I agree with that one so there’s two votes.”

Leona laughed and turned her head away before rolling her eyes. “As much as I like surfing, Barry…”

“Baz, with a ‘zed.’” Barry corrected.

“Alright… Baz. I couldn’t help but think that that was your idea of a vacation and not Ben’s. I mean, when he has my sister he has no reason to want to look at girls in skimpy bikini’s… besides her of course.”

Barry continued to munch on his chips and didn’t say anything else.

“Thanks, Leona. You’re right, I’d rather have a vacation where we all stay together the entire time; make it a trip to remember.” Leona smiled; she’d just thought of something brilliant.

“I agree. What if…” She continued, getting excited. “…we rented a cottage somewhere and had a really great time there. Drinking, messing about – don’t forget we can go for walks in the hills and whatever. It would be an amazing trip.” Kevin, who was still sat next to her let a small smile play across his lips – that was exactly what he had been hoping they would decide to do the entire time.

Emilie actually grinned, quickly brushing her golden hair out of her eyes. “I like it! I’m going to get looking for cottages straight away. This is so exciting!” It was apparently so exciting that she forgot all of her annoyances with Ben. “Thanks Ben that was such a good idea. This summer is going to be unforgettable.”

“You got that right.” Barry mumbled from behind her. “Unforgettable because it was such a boring vacation.”

“Right so we need a cottage for five of us, that’ll be four bedrooms.” He winked at Emilie. “Unless anyone has someone extra they want to bring along?” Nobody said anything so he continued. “Can you look for the perfect place Em?”

“Sure, it should be easy!” She grinned.

“Good, and we need somebody to get all the booze and somebody to do the driving. The way I see it we have two drivers, so two cars. That’ll make travelling easier. And means that one car can carry the booze and the other can carry our things. I’ll drive one of them, Kevin do you want to drive the other?”

“Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. If Barry and Emilie go in your car, I can take Leona and push the back seats down to fit all of our gear in and then you can take the drink?” Kevin replied leaning forward.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. So now we have all that sorted it’s all down to you Emilie to book the perfect cottage.”

“I’m on it.” Emilie stood up quickly said goodbye and ran across the hall to browse on the internet.


“Right.” Barry said, standing up from his chair. “Now that we have this lame vacation sorted I have some things I need to be getting on with.”

Leona looked up at him, trying to ignore his exposed chest. “Nobody is forcing you to come with us Barry. You know you can always back out if you want to.”

Barry’s eyes darted to Kevin and then back to Leona. “No, I’m in. Perhaps it could turn out to be more fun than it sounds.”

“Good. Because you’re getting the booze! We’ll give you a list of the stuff we like and the money. You are responsible. Don’t screw us over. This stuff has to last two weeks.”

Barry snorted as Leona pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and began to scribble things down. “Sounds like you don’t trust me.”

Leona just looked up at him with her eyebrows raised.

 

[scains]

PART 2

“Right.” Ben said, standing up and stretching his legs out. “I’m going to go back across the hall and help Emilie. Feel free to have a look yourself too.” He said waving as he made his way to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Leona leaned back on the sofa and looked back.

“Yeah, I’m so excited!”

“Me too, right I’ll be off then.” Ben still stood in front of the door not even reaching for the handle; it looked like he was trying to decide something.

“Alright see you later I’m going to help Kevin clean up.” Leona replied, turning back around as Kevin stood up to stoke the fire once more.

“See you Kevin.”

“Yeah, 'bye Ben.” Kevin said as he pushed the poker into the glowing embers and threw on another log.


“So?” Leona asked as Kevin sat down next to her.

“So what?” Kevin avoided her gaze.

“So it’s not going to be a bad trip after all is it? We all got on great then. Besides, Barry likes you.” Kevin snorted.

“Don’t be silly Leona, if he liked me he would’ve spoken to me after I… whatever. I don’t care I’m not interested anyway.” He said folding his arms defensively.

“So, you won’t mind if me and him hook up on this vacation?”

Kevin’s neck cracked as his head spun round to look at her his eyes widened in shock.

“Leona, you hate him… How are you supposed to hook up?”

“At least I know it makes you jealous!” She grinned flashing her sparkling white teeth.

“Jealous? I’m not jealous!” Kevin scoffed. “Do what you want, I don’t care.”


Leona grabbed Kevin’s hand and dragged him off of the couch.

“What’re you doing?!” He asked as he was pulled to his feet.

“We are going to look for a decent cottage. Should be easy!”

“But isn’t that Emilie’s job?”

“We all have to stay there.” Leona said simply, tugging on his arm. “Come on, the sooner we find a place the sooner we can get going.”

Kevin wrenched his arm free from her grip.

“I can’t. You can use my PC but I have a report due in… remember?” He watched Leona’s shoulders rise up and then fall back down again as she shrugged.

“Leave it. It’s the end of the semester and you don’t need to do the extra work.” She insisted waving an airy hand.

“No, but I want to get it over with instead of worrying about it when we get back.”

Leona let her bottom lip tremble.

“Come on Kevin; allow yourself this one little indulgence. You’re always analyzing things trying to do the right thing. Well let’s have a bit of fun and you can work on your report later.”

“Oh all right, let’s take a look at these cottages then.”

Leona pulled him by the wrist into the bedroom.


“Ooh Ben, I’ve found a cottage! Come here and tell me what you think of this!” Emilie called from her seat in front of the computer screen.

“Just print it off and we’ll all discuss it together as a group. Print off all the ones you see that are nice.” Ben replied from the kitchen.

“Why can’t you just come and see it now; is it really too much to ask for you to come and look at the pc screen?” Emilie asked exasperated.

“Yes, it is. I’m making a sandwich.” Ben replied simply. “Just print it off. Why is that so difficult for you?”

“Er, because we don’t have a printer.” Emilie grumbled before bookmarking the page.


Barry sat at the bar; he was annoyed that he was going to have to spend a whole two weeks in Kevin’s company. After what happened he felt guilty for not calling him and even took to ignoring him. Seems really pathetic now; why hadn’t he just told Kevin that he was curious and wanted to experiment with his sexuality rather than lead the poor boy on?

His drink, a shot of vodka, was set down in front of him and he downed it immediately. He was going to get totally steaming drunk and then, when he woke up tomorrow morning he wouldn’t remember a thing. He ordered another.


Kevin sat in front of his computer screen in the dark; he was flicking between writing an essay he had assigned for himself and a gay forum; most of his time spent on the forum. He was far too distracted, having seen Barry earlier today, and he wanted to find out what other people’s opinions would be on the situation.

He didn’t get anything of value, mostly people mocking him for starting up another ridiculous thread about a “straight” guy. The red cross in the top right hand corner flashed as he closed the page, he tried to continue his essay but it was too hard to concentrate – seeing Barry again had really thrown him off. Instead, he picked up a book and sat on his bed trying to read.


Leona stepped out of the bathroom, a small towel wrapped in her hair and a larger one around her soaking body. Her bare feet danced across the blue carpet to a song that only she could hear, leaving small wet footprints behind her. She slumped down on the sofa and flicked on the television, namely the news. But, sure enough, nothing interesting going on there – just more about the economic nosedive. Depressing, depressing, depressing.

As she sat there ignoring the news something wild popped into her head which almost made her cry out loud. She remembered glancing at his chest earlier that day but why would she think about it now?

Getting up, she decided that she was far too tired and this is what had caused Barry’s chest to appear in her minds’ eye. She headed to the bedroom to fall asleep.


Emilie was just going to bed after a hard day of sitting on that chair looking for cottages; she had narrowed the choice down to three. Her back was sore and her eyelids were heavy. She pulled back the sheets, Ben was already in bed, and, by the sounds of it he was already asleep. The bed was nice and warm as she clambered in, she wrapped an arm around sleeping Ben but he shrugged it off. Emilie switched on the bedside light.

“Ben, wake up.” She whispered shaking him lightly. Ben breathed in heavily through his nose before his eyes flickered open.

“What?” he mumbled, still full of sleep.

“Ben, what have I done?” Emilie sat on the edge of the bed and twiddled the bed sheet between her fingers.

“What are you talking about? What time is it?” Ben asked trying to adjust his eyes to the dim light as he looked at the clock.

“You’ve been off with me for at least a week; at least have the courtesy to tell me what I’ve done wrong.” Emilie snapped.

“So you know you’ve done something wrong?” Ben asked shortly, raising his eyebrows, and turning over to go back to sleep.

“I’ll say that, in your eyes, I’ve done something wrong, sure. I don’t know what it is though.” Emilie sat with her back to him as he rolled back over to face her.

“Well, you must be feeling guilty about something.” He grunted.

“Ben, I really have no idea what you’re talking about!” Emilie said standing up and pulling on her bathrobe.

“I know, Emilie.” Ben said coldly, not taking his eyes off of her as she paced the bedroom.

“You know what?” Emilie asked, Ben stayed silent just watching her. “Ben, answer me.” She added exasperatedly.

“I know that you’re fucking pregnant! I found your pregnancy test last week. Why didn’t you tell me?” Ben roared, his cheeks flushed a deep red and his eyes were raw – Emilie could not tell whether that was from tiredness or him being upset.

“So this is why you haven’t been speaking to me.” Emilie said with relish.

“Well you haven’t been speaking to me either!”

Emilie lifted her hands to her face and began to sob.

“So, why didn’t you tell me?” Ben asked, his throat was clogging as the tears threatened to pour from his eyes “Emilie! For fucks sake answer me!”

Emilie hiccupped, and dropped her hands from her tear stricken face. “I didn’t tell you because… because I hadn’t decided what to do about it yet! I’m still at university Ben; I can’t give all that up for a baby we didn’t plan.” She crumpled and sat on the end of the bed her back heaving as more sobs escaped her.

“So you’re going to abort it just like that?” Ben asked coldly.

“I don’t know Ben, but I might not even be pregnant – you know those tests aren’t one hundred percent accurate.” Emilie pleaded.

“Don’t bullshit me Emilie, you’re pregnant and you’re going to abort it. You don’t have to lie to me anymore. I know.” Ben flicked the bedside light off and rolled over going back to sleep, leaving Emilie sitting in the dark.

 

[Autolycus]

A good start - it will interesting to see how these relationships develop at the holiday cottage.

 

[scains]

Thank you

 

[scains]

PART 3

Barry opened his eyes which stung with the harsh light that pierced through the windows. He moaned in pain as his hand flew up and clasped his forehead – last night must have been good, his head was pounding.

He sat up, still clutching his forehead and felt himself gag. He ran to the toilet to throw up.

When he came back into his bedroom he found someone lying in his bed, and it wasn’t him. She had this dazzling red hair that was cascaded all over his pillow and her naked body encased in the bed sheets. She looked so serene and he didn’t want to wake her but he didn’t even know who she was.

He shook her lightly and her eyes flickered open – those eyes! They were dark and all consuming… this woman was a beauty, but where had he found her? He looked into her eyes again and he remembered.

“Hi, I’m Paige.” She said shaking his hand.
“Barry.” He replied without even glancing in her direction, he had lost his usual cockiness and had forgotten to tell her to call him Baz.
“What are you drinking?” She asked politely, in an obvious attempt to get the conversation going.
“Vodka.”
“So, Barry, what’s got you so down in the dumps?” She was innocent, he liked that.
“Nothing worth talking about.” He replied, smiling, and took a look at her. She was gorgeous; her red hair framing that beautiful face and those eyes. The eyes that looked like they went on for miles. “You have beautiful eyes.” He said.
“Sorry, but obvious attempts at flattery don’t get you into my bed.” She giggled, before looking away and ordering a drink.

“How about my bed then?” Barry asked.
“I don’t sleep with people on a first date.” She replied quickly.
“But for me you’d make an exception, right? Besides we’re not even on a date.” He grinned sideways at her and she blushed.
“I suppose you’re right… I’ll get my jacket.”

And he had brought her back here. But had they managed to do anything? Had he shagged her brains out? He hoped he had shown her that he was all man… hopefully he hadn’t had Kevin on his mind.

“Hi, Barry.” She smiled. “Last night was amazing.” She held the covers up above her chest as she sat up.
“Paige, last night was… I wasn’t feeling myself so if anything was a bit… off, then that’s why.” Barry said nervously scratching the back of his neck.
“Barry, everything was totally on.” Paige giggled. Barry sat down on the bed beside her. “So, when is this trip, the holiday in the cottage with you and your friends?”
“Er next week… Monday next week… if we find a cottage. Why?”
“Well I need to get ready.” Paige rested her head on Barry’s shoulder and looked up at him.
“Paige, what are you talking about?” Barry asked moving away from her.
“You invited me to come with you last night, don’t you remember? We were both sat on the end of your bed and you started talking about how awkward it was going to be since you weren’t all friends and then you asked me if I wanted to come along as well.” Paige curled her knees up under her and looking at him intensely hoping he hadn’t changed his mind, or worse, didn’t remember inviting her in the first place.
“Look, Paige… it’s…”
“It’s Ok.” Paige interrupted. “You were probably out of line inviting me when they’re your friends.” Paige got out of bed and began to pick her clothes up from the floor – what little there were. Barry watched her; he had completely embarrassed her. Guilt flooded his stomach.
“Paige, look, you can come if you want. I mean, I want you to come. I’ll just let Emilie know now so that everyone is prepared Ok?” Barry asked, hoping she would say yes, but also hoping she would say no – things were weird enough as it was.
“Thanks, Barry. Of course I’ll come. If you give me your number I’ll call you Sunday night to confirm times and meeting places.”

Emilie woke up to find herself in bed with Ben. How she got there she didn’t know, she was still in her bathrobe and was lying as far away from his sleeping form as she could without falling out of the bed. She slowly lifted the covers and gently swung her legs over the side of the bed and got out without waking him. She picked up some clothes that she had left draped over the chair and exited the room quietly, closing the door behind her with the faintest click.

She let out a deep breath once she was in the safety of the living room, pulled her clothes on and raked her fingers through her hair before quickly and quietly leaving the apartment and going over the hall to Leona’s.

Leona’s eyes shot open to a loud banging on her door. She inhaled deeply, blinking profusely before bringing her hand to her face to rub the sleep from her eyes. The loud banging ensued. What time was it? Early, and that was all she could tell. More banging.
“Alright, I’m coming!” She yelled as she threw herself out of the warm and comfortable bed, placing her feet on the cold floor. Was it the landlord? She hadn’t received a notice. Pulling her bathrobe around her she stumbled to the front door and looked out of the peep hole. What did Emilie want at this time of the morning?
Leona unlocked the door and opened it.
“Em, what on earth are you doing here?” She groaned. “I was sleeping.”
“Sorry, Leona, but it’s better than me coming in at half one in the morning last night isn’t it?” Emilie’s eyes were still red and puffy from where she had been crying.
“Why, what happened?” Emilie sat down and didn’t say anything. “Em, tell me. If it’s that jerk again I am going to have to say something this time. I’m sorry but it’s just not acceptable behaviour!”
“Leona, I’m pregnant.” Emilie said. Leona stood with her mouth agape.
“I’ll make some coffee.”

Kevin sat at the table drinking a coffee. He heard the loud banging from next door but after poking his head around the door and seeing Emilie looking so upset, decided it was best if he didn’t get involved. The hot coffee burned his throat as he took a larger swig than he expected. Coughing, her got up and poured the rest of the coffee down the sink – he was only drinking it because he didn’t get much sleep. The sink gurgled as he watched the dark coffee swirl down the drain. His eyes drooped, but there was a light tap on the door.

Kevin opened the door, expecting Emilie and Leona to be standing there, but it was Ben.
“Hey, Kevin, sorry to bother you so early in the morning… can I come in?” Kevin opened the door wider and stood back so Ben could get by. “Me and Emilie… we had a fight last night.”
“Yeah, I gathered that – saw her going to Leona’s early this morning.” Kevin replied.
“Do you mind if I talk to you about it?” Kevin’s initial though was ‘yes I do mind,’ hearing about other people’s relationship problems were really not his favourite thing to listen to. Even though they have the perfect thing someone always turns around and ruins it.
“Sure, have a seat. Do you want some coffee? I’ve already made some.”
“No. Thanks.” Ben mustered a smile. “I think it would send me to sleep. I’ve been tossing and turning all night.”
Kevin sat down next to him, and watched him intently.
“I found out she was pregnant…”
“Emilie’s pregnant?” Kevin gasped. He had not been expecting that.
“Well, I found the test last week, waited for her to tell me… hoped that she would tell me. I told her last night that I knew and she… she wants to get rid of it. I don’t know if I can let her… I know it’ll ruin her school but it’s a baby. You know?” Ben inhaled deeply. “I went off on one at her. What if she doesn’t forgive me?”
Kevin sat in silence; he honestly had no idea what to say.
“I get it, Kevin. You are better friends with Emilie than you are with me, you’re naturally going to side with her, and I just had to tell somebody. Thanks for, you know… listening.” Ben got up and slowly headed to the door with his head down.
“Yeah… no! Ben. I’m not siding with anybody.” Ben turned around. “This isn’t about sides, it’s about a life. You need to talk to Emilie – without shouting, without fighting – about this; she needs to know how you feel about it. If you think that you can bring this baby up together… then tell her you think so. You have to make sure that she doesn’t have to sacrifice her schooling – you know how important it is to her.” Ben nodded as if considering something.
“Thanks Kevin, you’ve been helpful.”
“It’s no trouble.” Kevin waved an airy hand. “I guess this means the trip is off, huh?” He joked.
“I’ll let you know.” Ben answered, smiling. He pulled Kevin into a quick hug and turned around to leave.
“Ben?” Ben turned again to face Kevin. “Just let her know you love her.”

Leona finished her coffee and put her mug down on the table.
“So you want to get rid of it and he doesn’t?”
“I don’t know what he wants.” Emilie answered exasperatedly. “He hasn’t been speaking to me.”
Leona caressed the edge of her mug with her fingers. “Well, at least we know why he has been being a jerk… but you really should have told him Emilie.” Emilie hung her head.
“I know.” She banged a fist onto the table. “I know. But what if he makes me keep it? Leona I have the rest of my life to think about here!”
Leona looked up, she couldn’t believe she was going to try and persuade her sister to have a baby. “You have the baby’s whole life to think about too…”
Emilie eyes narrowed and she stood up angrily.
“I’m not saying you should definitely have it, Emilie.” Leona said quickly. “I’m just saying you should think about this seriously, it’s not a decision you can make lightly.”
Emilie flew around.
“Don’t you think I know that? Do you think I’m fucking stupid? I am well aware, thank you very much, of the seriousness of my situation. What do you know about it anyway? You’ve never been in a relationship. The closest you’ve come to being with a guy is hugging Kevin, and he’s gay!”
Leona’s eyes burned as her cheeks flushed red.
“Well… thanks Em, t-thanks for telling me exactly what you think of me.”
“Looks like the trip is off doesn’t it?” Emilie spat.
“Sure does. Can you leave now please? I need to get dressed.”
Emilie stormed out of the apartment slamming the door behind her while Leona ran into her bedroom and collapsed on the bed in floods of tears.

 

[scains]

PART 4

After Ben had left Kevin sat on his couch mulling over everything he had advised Ben to do – all things that he, himself, would never have the courage to say to anyone, least of all Barry. That was why he was still single and the reason he and Barry were having such an awkward time of it.
“You’re such a hypocrite.” He told himself. Well, at least the vacation was cancelled now and he could stop worrying about Barry; maybe he would never see him again, again.

He stood up and turned the radiator on to see if the central heating was fixed, nope.

He went into the bedroom to put on some warmer clothes. On the floor were his notes from his unfinished essay, and a pile of dirty clothes. He picked up the clothes and dumped them into a basket before pulling the wardrobe open and picking out an outfit.

Once in warmer clothes he contemplated on calling his mother, he hadn’t spoken to her in a long time and thought that perhaps she ought to know where he was in case there was an emergency. He shrugged it off and went to light the fire.

Ben went straight back across to his and Emilie’s apartment, she wasn’t back yet. Well, he would wait for her.
“And like it or not.” He told himself. “If she wants to get rid of it, I will accept it; I love her and it’s her body and her life.”

He heard the key scratching against the lock as the key turned, the door squeaked open and Emilie walked in.

She took one look at him, scrunched up her face and made a “hurrump” sound, before dumping her keys onto the kitchen counter and going into the bedroom.

“Emilie, wait.” Ben called after her and followed her into the bedroom. She looked up at him while she fluffed the pillows with her eyebrows raised.
“What?”
“I’m sorry, Emilie.” He saw her bottom lip tremble, by the looks of things she had been crying the whole morning. He had not wanted her to feel this way. “I was wrong to treat you the way I did – I should have told you I knew as soon as I found out.”
“Ben, I…”

“Emilie, will you let me finish? I know that this baby wasn’t planned or anything, I know that it could ruin your schoolwork, and I know that we are too young to be parents.” He took a breath. “But even so, I think we could do this.” He shook his head as she raised her eyebrows. “I’m not going to force you to do anything that you don’t want, it’s your body. I just want you to know that I want what you want.”

“Ben, it’s me who should be sorry – I should have told you that I was pregnant. It’s not something a couple should keep from one another. I want us to go back to normal; I want us to be happy again. Can you forgive me?”

Ben grinned. “Only if you can forgive me…” He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to which she did not flinch or push him away. She was delicate.

Emilie lifted her chin up and looked into his eyes. “Kiss me, Ben.” And tears fell from her eyes as their lips met.

Ben pulled away. “I love you Emilie.”

Emilie pulled him back to her and they collapsed onto the bed sobbing and laughing and kissing.

Paige pushed open the door excitedly. “Mum, are you home?”
“Yes dear, we’re in the kitchen.”
“Ok, I’ll be down in a minute – I’m just going to get dressed, I have so much to tell you!” Paige dashed up the stairs and into her bedroom, pulled on some jeans and a t-shirt, pulled her hair up and dashed back down the stairs into the kitchen.

Paige’s mum, Liz, was stood over the cooker making pancakes for the little boy who was sat on the stool swinging his legs. He caught sight of Paige and flew out of the chair to give her a hug.
“You’re home!” His eyes screwed up tight as if he didn’t want to let go.
“Alright little man, you can let go now.” She looked up at her mothers back and sat down.

“Mum can you make me some of those as well?”
“Sure darling, I have enough pancake mixture. Mitch requested I do a larger mix.” Her mother said not moving an inch.
“So, guess what?”
“What?” Mitch asked, his legs still swinging under the table.

“I have been invited to go on vacation for two weeks with some friends. We leave tomorrow.” Mitch’s eyes fell and the smile dropped from his face. His legs even stopped swinging. Liz turned around and dropped some pancakes onto his plate; he picked up his fork half-heartedly and began to eat. Liz raised her eyebrows at her daughter and scolded her without saying a word. “It’s Okay Mitch; it’ll only be two weeks. And, if you like, I’ll come home early.”

Mitch started swinging his legs again and began chomping on his pancakes while Liz shook her head, she knew her daughter would not come home early and would only disappoint him again. Mitch was a good boy, but Paige was a liar when it came to him. She truly did not understand how to treat children. Giving them false hope would not make them any happier.

Emilie got out of bed and pulled some clothes on. Ben opened his eyes groggily and grinned at her.
“Where are you going?” He asked sleepily.
“Me and Leona had a fight, I’m going to apologise. It was stupid.”
Ben sat up. “D’you want me to come with you?”
“Don’t be silly Ben.” Emilie replied pulling on a shoe. “I can handle my sister, if I didn’t push her too far this time… anyway, be back a bit later.” She blew him a kiss and hurried out of the bedroom.

Leona had scrubbed her face furiously to get rid of her red eyes, and got dressed ready to go over to Kevin’s for a chat. She was furious with Emilie, how could she say those things to her after everything they had been through with each other?

Emilie knocked tentatively once on Leona’s door and then again much louder. The door was quickly pulled open. Leona gave her a sneer and went to slam the door in her face. Emilie instinctively put her hand out to stop the door.
“Leona, I’m sorry!”
“You think sorry is going to make everything better? I could have any guy I wanted if I made an effort. Men are not my life Emilie and you have known me long enough to know that! Everything you said to me earlier made me feel sick to my stomach. It showed me how different we are. I am not like you, and thank goodness for that, since you are pregnant and I’m not. No matter what you do about this baby, you’ll always have something that you’ll wish you had done differently to see how your life turned out!” Leona tried to close the door again, but Emilie stopped it again.

“You’re right Lee. You’re right.” Emilie said, pushing her way into the apartment. “If I were more like you I wouldn’t be knocked up and considering abortion… if I were like you I would be doing really well on my chosen university course. But I’m not and that’s what makes us great sisters, don’t you think?” Emilie stepped forwards. “I nearly lost Ben today. But I almost nearly lost you… and that was worse. I need my sister more than anyone in the whole world. Everything you told me this morning has gone in, I am going to take this vacation to give us time to think about it.” Emilie cocked her head to one side. “Please come with us.”

“Paige, you can’t just go on vacation because you were invited, you have responsibilities! I cannot keep doing everything for you. If you leave to go on that vacation I would prefer it if you did not come back at all. You are breaking that poor boy’s heart with all of your antics.”

Paige was in her bedroom packing two weeks worth of clothes into a bag while Liz stood behind her trying to stop her from leaving.

“Mum, listen.” Paige said, turning around. “I met this really amazing guy last night; I am just going on this vacation to get to know him better. When I come home that’ll be it. No more parties for me. I will spend time with Mitch. I promise.”

Liz shook her head. “Your promises don’t work with me like they work with him Paige. I’m your mother. If you take one step out of that front door, you won’t be coming back; you’ll never see him again.”

Paige scoffed. “I’d like to see you try and stop me.” She forcefully zipped up the bag. “I’m going to stay at Barry’s tonight; I’ll be back in two weeks. I’m going to say goodbye to Mitch and then I’m leaving.” Paige dumped the bag at the foot of her bed before heading over the hall where Mitch was playing with his toys in his room.

“Right, Mitch. Stop playing; I want you to listen to me okay? I’m going away for two weeks and I want you to be a very good boy alright? I’ll be home soon and I’ll phone every night. I love you.” Paige pulled him into a hug.

“I don’t want you to go.” Mitch sobbed into her shoulder. “Why can’t you stay?”
“I’m sorry Mitch, but this’ll be the last time okay.” Paige choked; her tears were stinging her eyes. “When I get home I will spend every day with you, I promise. Okay? I promise.”
“Okay, mummy.”
“Make sure you tell grandma to make you pancakes every morning until I come home.”
Mitch grinned.

Paige left his room and ran straight into her mother who held her bag. Paige took it from her.
“Thanks mum. See you in two weeks.”
She received a glare, a glare which, had she been a few years younger, she would have been terrified of.
“I warned you Paige, you take one step out of that door and you’ll…”
“Save it mum. He’s my son. You think you’ll be able to keep me away from him?” Paige rolled her eyes. “I’ll be home in two weeks, and I’ll be spending time with my son.”

Liz held her arms apart.
“Why in two weeks? What will happen during these two weeks that will make you want to spend more time with your son? You never want to spend time with him. What will make things change?”

“Because… I promised him!”
“Oh, you promised him? You promise him a lot of things. Never do your promises mean anything – I will protect him from you Paige. You’ll break his heart. He’ll never trust anyone if you keep treating him this way.” Liz folded her arms as her daughter stepped menacingly forward.

“I’m his mother. I’ll get a lawyer… If you try to keep me from my son, I’ll get a lawyer.” Paige turned her back on her mother and left the house.

Kevin looked away from his pc screen as Leona burst into his bedroom.
“Oh good, you’re not asleep. Come on, we’re all in the living room waiting for you. Emilie found a cottage.”
Kevin blinked. “How did you get in?”
“I opened the door and stepped inside. Now get off that darned computer and come and chat with us!” She pulled him up off the seat.
“We’re still going on this vacation?”
“Err, d’uh! Of course we are still going, what on earth would have made you think otherwise.”
Kevin knotted his eyebrows. “Never mind.” He said while shaking his head.

“Right, so.” Emilie began when they were all sat down. “I’ve found a really nice cottage just by the sea…”
“Sorry to interrupt, Emilie.” Kevin said “But I have already booked a cottage. I know, it’s totally wrong of me and I should have asked you first.” He continued, hanging his head.
“Too right it was wrong of you! What if none of us like it?” Emilie spat angrily.
“Well, I couldn’t sleep last night so I got busy arranging things… and then, this morning when I found out you and Ben had had an argument… I assumed that the vacation was cancelled. So I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t have time to cancel the booking yet. I still can, only if you want to leave tomorrow it’s unlikely anyone will take a booking today. I was surprised I managed to book last night.” He finished looking warily around at everybody.

Leona patted him on the back. “Nice one Kevin.” She turned to Emilie and Ben smiling. “Look at it this way; we definitely have a place to stay. There’s no last minute rushing around and finding the best of the worst places at the last minute.”
“I guess, well we had better get packing the bags.” Ben said. “You gave Barry the list of drink didn’t you Leona?”
Leona rolled her eyes. “You know I did, but I’m not sure Barry can read.”
They all laughed.

 

[scains]

PART 5

BANG! Kevin woke with a start. “What was that?” he thought groggily, his eyes still full of sleep. BANG! He pushed himself out of the bed ready to fight the burglar, if it was a burglar they were pretty rubbish… robbing a house in broad daylight, who’d have thought it?

He opened his bedroom door, just a crack, there was no-one there. He hurried over to the fire and picked up a poker from the companion set, ready to attack if someone burst out on him.

BANG! Kevin nearly jumped out of his skin and swung the poker around wildly. “Who’s there?” He called out. BANG! Suddenly he realised, the sound was not coming from inside his apartment but from the one next door, Leona’s.

He hurried out into the hallway, the poker still in his hand, if Leona was being robbed while he could stop it he would never forgive himself. He stood outside the door and listened, there was a lot of shuffling about. He knocked and there was a pause. BANG! And silence.

The door opened and a red faced, puffed out Leona was stood there smiling at him.
“Sorry, did I wake you?” She asked.
Kevin walked inside. “Yeah you did, I thought you had a burglar… well I thought I had a burglar. What were you doing?”
Leona shrugged. “Nothing.”
“You have a guy here don’t you?” Kevin laughed.
“Don’t be absurd, Kevin! Of course I don’t. I was just… packing.”

Kevin walked in further and had a look around. “Do you mind if I go in here?” He asked, pointing to her bedroom.
“No.” She replied simply.
“Ok, so he isn’t in your bedroom… perhaps he is in the bathroom? Is he cute?” Kevin teased.
“Kevin! There’s no guy here.” Leona said, hitting him playfully on the arm. “I was trying to get my suitcase out by the front but it’s too heavy to move by myself. Do you want to help me?”

“You really want to get going don’t you?” Kevin said, holding one end of the suitcase. He waited for Leona to get the other end. “Leona… I’m helping you not doing it for you!”
“Oh right!” Leona quickly hurried round and held the other end.
“Ready? One, two, three… lift.” They both lifted the case and began to carry it over to the door. “Bloody hell, Leona! What do you have in here?” Kevin gasped as he heaved his end as fast as he could over to the door.
“Just… stuff…” She replied.

“I have something to confess.” She said as they were almost to the door. “I phoned your parents last night.” Kevin dropped the suitcase on his foot and howled in pain. “I told them where we were going and I gave them the phone number of the cottage in case of an emergency.”
“Any emergency they have is no concern of mine.” Kevin replied coldly. “I can’t believe you did that Leona. You know how I feel about my parents and you know, exactly, how they feel about me and my… sexuality.”
Leona bit her bottom lip. “I know Kevin, but there might not be any emergency and then you have nothing to worry about. You might change your mind if something were to happen… now let’s just get this suitcase by the door.”

“Get it there by yourself.”
“Kevin!” Leona whined. “I know I shouldn’t interfere with your family affairs, but your mum wants to get to know you. She told me on the phone that she regrets what happened, so I told her what we were doing. I’m sorry Kevin.”
Kevin spun around. “My mother has been calling you?”
“Yes.” Leona nodded. “All the time, to make sure you are Ok and to catch up on what you are doing.”

Kevin picked up the suitcase and carried it, awkwardly, to the door by himself.
“Thanks Kevin.” Leona said. She quickly hugged him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it before, but she didn’t want you to know until you were ready to forgive her and go home.”
“I’m not going home.” Kevin said stiffly. “I’m going on vacation with you.”
“I know, Kevin.” Leona said softly. “Do you want me to help you with your bag now?”
“No thanks, I want to be alone.” He answered, pulling away. “Just get ready and I’ll meet you out front in an hour.”

Barry knocked on Lynn’s bedroom door. “Lynn, are you awake? I want to talk with you.”
There was a groan and then some muffled footsteps and the door opened. “Barry it’s far too early, go back to sleep.”
Barry stood there defiantly making sure she didn’t close the door on him.
“Oh all right, come in.”

“Lynn you’re the only one who knows about what went on between me and Kevin in High school…”
“You mean I’m the only one who knows that you’re gay? Yeah, so why are you bringing girls home?” She enquired.
“I’m not gay Lynn.” Barry said folding his arms and not meeting her eyes.
“You’re still denying it? You let Kevin touch you where only you have touched. You told me that you had never had a girl do it to you before so why are you still lying to yourself? Dump that redhead and find Kevin. I bet he hasn’t forgotten it.” She laughed aloud.

“Lynn, could you keep your voice down a bit? I don’t want anyone to hear what we’re talking about. I’m not in denial, I want to get married and have children…”
“That’s just you being brainwashed by the ideals of society; you can have all of those things even if you are gay, you know?”
“I can’t have biological children Lynn, they won’t be mine.”
“It’s not the blood that runs in their veins that decides that Barry, it’s the love that is shared between the parent and the child. And being gay isn’t a choice… you were born this way. There is nothing you can do about it anyway. You aren’t worried about what mum and dad will say are you? You know they would accept you for who you are; they always have. And your friends won’t mind – they’re friends with Kevin aren’t they?”

“That’s different.” Barry replied shaking his head with tears in his eyes.
Lynn moved closer when she noticed that her older brother was crying. “How is it different?” She asked softly.
“Kevin has always been gay; he has always been ‘out’ to everyone. There was no secrecy…” he looked at her sideways. “…about being curious.”

Lynn shook her head.
Barry got up. “I have some things to do, thanks for the chat Lynn.” He left the room, and Lynn covered herself back up and went to sleep.

Ben looked across at his beautiful girlfriend as they cuddled up on the sofa. “You know I love you don’t you?” He asked her, looking into her beautiful blue eyes.
“Yes, and you know I love you.” She replied kissing him.

“Oh!” She cried, clutching her stomach.
“What is it?” Ben asked standing up with a panicked look in his eyes.
“I think I’m going to be sick!” Emilie said running to the bathroom.

“Well that was romantic.” Ben said when she came back. “Was it the love talk? Or the kiss that did it?” He asked coldly.
“Ben, it was morning sickness!” Emilie said desperately.
He let out a laugh. “Had you going there didn’t I?” He tickled her and pulled her into a hug.

Paige awoke and stretched out expecting Barry’s warm body to be lying next to her, but the sheets were cold. She sat up confused. It was normal for the guy not to be there the next morning if it were in her house, but not in his own.

She left his room and went into the hallway dressed only in her underwear. There were voices downstairs, but only those of Barry’s parents. She went over to Lynn’s bedroom door and knocked.

“Yes?” Lynn asked when she had opened the door and had finished looking Paige up and down.
“Do you know where Barry is?” Paige asked. “I woke up and can’t find him.”
“He said he had to do some stuff, maybe he left you a note or a message with my parents or something…” Lynn shrugged. “But, if you’re going to speak to my parents I’d get dressed, they’re a couple of prudes.” Lynn shut the door.

Kevin was in his bedroom shoving things angrily into his bag. His mother was calling Leona to find out more about him… what had Leona told her? Why wasn’t his mother calling him instead? If she wanted him to forgive her she was going to have to make more of an effort.

He dumped his bag by the front door and scribbled a letter of complaint to the landlord about the central heating still not being fixed, put it in an envelope, picked up his bag and went downstairs to post his letter.

He put his bag in the car and waited for everyone else to come down and for Barry to turn up.

Paige left the bedroom, dressed, and went downstairs into the living room where Eve and John were sitting. She was watching the television and he was reading a book.
“Hi.” Paige announced herself scratching the back of her neck. “Barry didn’t happen to say where he was going did he?” She asked.

Eve looked up at her and smiled. “He said he forgot to pick up the alcohol for the vacation and that you’re just to head to the meeting point yourself and he’ll meet you there. You look nice.”
“Ok, thanks, Mrs. Ryder. I’ll head there now, I’ll see you sometime…”
“Yes, it was lovely to meet you Paige.”

Paige left the house muttering under her breath. Why had Barry not taken her with him? What an embarrassing morning. She would be having words.

“Trust Barry to be late.” Leona said, her arms folded as she paced up and down the sidewalk. “I mean, we leave him to get the alcohol and he turns up late… that’s if he turns up at all…” She said with a snort.

“He’ll be here Leona, don’t worry.” Ben said. “He’s probably just been held up by something at home. I trust Barry – besides he wants to go on this vacation more than you know.”

Emilie was sat on a suitcase outside Kevin’s car, she was sighing exasperatedly. “You do know that I would like to get to the cottage at some point today? If Barry isn’t here in five minutes we should just leave without him.”
A couple of people walked by, looking at the group of friends with interest.

“Who is that?” Ben asked, clearly impressed with what he was seeing.
They all looked up, a girl; a redhead pulling a suitcase behind her was approaching them.
“I have no idea…” Kevin said craning his neck to get a better view.

Paige fixed a smile on her face as she saw that all eyes were on her. Barry wasn’t there yet, just typical. Well, at least they all knew she was coming.

“Have you ever seen her before?” Emilie asked.
“Perhaps she’s Barry’s sister, just come to drop of his luggage while he deals with whatever he has to deal with?” Leona added reasonably.
“Or maybe, she is coming with us.” Ben said enthusiastically.
Kevin slammed the car door, clearly annoyed. “Well, it looks like we have an extra one.” He sighed as the smiling girl came into clear sight.

Paige watched them all stand up as she approached and she picked up her pace – she felt uneasy with them all watching her.

She held up her hand and waved. They all slowly waved back at her. “Thank God.” She thought. “They were expecting me.”

“Hi.” She said when she reached them. “I’m Paige, but you must already know that.” She added with a giggle. “You must be Ben.” She said pointing at Ben, who nodded. “And you must be Leona?”
Leona frowned. “Yes.” She snapped.
“And Emilie?”
Emilie nodded.
“And… oh, I never could remember – Barry has told me a hundred times… ah, Kevin!” She finished eagerly.
“That’s right!” Kevin said patronisingly.

She looked around at them all again, Ben was looking at her eagerly, which she found a little weird but charming at the same time. Emilie just looked a little surprised to see her. Leona, well she just seemed to be frowning. And Kevin was giving her the worst look she had ever been given. The she realised, Barry hadn’t told them.

Ill just post it anyway with the title. If a mod wants to help out here then I won't object

PART 5 - 2 of 2

Barry still hadn’t shown up and the awkward silences were getting lengthier and lengthier. Paige felt that she needed to back her corner.
“I’m sorry.” She said. Everyone else looked up at her surprised. “Barry told me that you all knew I was coming. I had no idea that you would be clueless as to my arrival. Barry and I have been getting along great in the short time we have known each other and I would rather not pass up on this opportunity to get to know his friends.”
“Wait until you get to know the real Barry.” Kevin snorted. “Come on; let’s get all this stuff in the car.”

Emilie walked up to Paige with a sympathetic look on her face. “I have no idea what’s going on with everyone – they wouldn’t normally act like this around one of Barry’s girlfriends. Just ignore them, you’ll be travelling with Ben, Barry and I.”
Paige forced a smile. Ben gave her a sly wink.

Once the entirety of the luggage had been forced into the boot of Kevin’s car, he and Leona sat in the driver and passenger seats respectively.

Emilie, Ben and Paige sat in Ben’s car and waited for Barry to arrive so that they could load the drink into the car and get going.

Finally, after a fair few minutes of waiting, Barry’s car appeared on the horizon.

Ben and Kevin jumped out of the cars to help Barry unload his own. Barry and Kevin’s eyes met awkwardly and Kevin threw him a disgusted look before turning to walk away.
“Er… Kevin?”
Kevin span back around, surprised.
“It’ll be safe to leave my car here won’t it?” Barry asked looking pointedly at the car park.
“I leave my car here all the time don’t I?” Kevin answered with his nose in the air.

“What did he say?” Leona asked cautiously when Kevin had sat back in the driver’s seat.
“Oh, nothing important. Can you believe he brought a girl that none of us know on holiday? This is supposed to be a friend thing.” He snarled, shrugging his shoulders.
Leona looked out of the window and said nothing.
“Are we going anytime today?” Kevin roared banging his palms against the steering wheel. “Ah, Finally!” He yelled as the car in front began to slowly lurch forwards.

Paige leaned over in the back seat and snarled in Barry’s ear so that Ben and Emilie could not hear.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell your friends I was coming.”
Barry just gave her an apologetic look. “I didn’t know how.”
Paige folded her arms and looked out of the window.

“You know, I’ve been thinking…” Leona began. “I think I recognise Barry’s new girlfriend from somewhere. In fact, I know I’ve seen her before.” She added as if saying it aloud confirmed her suspicion.
“I think you’re talking rubbish.” Kevin replied as he indicated and pulled into a different lane.
“Kevin, I’m being serious. I know her from somewhere.”
“If you know her then surely I know her?” He asked.
“Exactly.”
“Well, I don’t.” He replied. “Know her, I mean. I’ve never seen her before.”
“I think your jealousy is blinding you, Kevin.”
Kevin’s head spun around so fast that Leona was surprised his neck didn’t snap.
“Jealousy?!” He asked incredulously. “What jealousy? Of Paige?” He guffawed.
Leona nodded. “It’s understandable, you know, it’s natural that you would want to have some time to get to know Barry again, maybe form a relationship.”
Kevin grunted.

“You’re going the wrong way.” Emilie’s sing song voice rang out.
“No I’m not Emilie, and, if I am, it’s your fault; you’re the one with the map.”
“And I’m telling you you’re going the wrong way, and, since I’m the one with the map you should trust me.” She reached up and nibbled his ear. The car swerved, but Ben managed to control it and set it back on its path.
“Oh, wait, we are going the right way. I had the map the wrong way.” She let out a long, low giggle.

“I seriously hope we are going to get there soon.” Barry mumbled from the back seat. “I don’t know how much more of these two I can take. It’s fine in the open, but this is such a confined space. And I’d rather have less of the near death experiences too.” He added, raising his voice at the end.

Paige refused to laugh, still annoyed at him for letting her walk into an ambush.

They arrived at the cottage as the sun hung low in the sky, its brilliant pink and orange light poking through the tops of the trees.

“Jesus Christ Kevin! I know we had a cottage but I had no idea it would be as amazing as this at such short notice!”
“Makes you wonder why it wasn’t snapped up doesn’t it?” Kevin asked eerily.
Leona gave him a light dig in the arm. “You always need to find something wrong don’t you?”

Kevin got out of the car and walked around to the back and began to unload everybody’s luggage onto the damp grass, which had been, surprisingly, cut back and the grounds were very well taken care of.

Ben and Barry got out of the car and stretched their legs out and quickly began unloading the drink and the rest of the luggage.

The girls were already up at the front door, looking up at excitedly as it towered over them, although the trees loomed even higher.

“Welcome.” A voice said. “My name is Bella and I am caretaker of the house and grounds. I live in the little annex at the back of the house; so, if you need anything don’t hesitate to call me. I’m sure you will enjoy your stay here.” She dug her hand into her pocket. “I guess all that is left to say is; here is the key, take care of it for two weeks. Enjoy.”

Leona forced the key into the lock, her hand shaking with excitement; she couldn’t wait to see what it looked like on the inside. The door opened and everyone gasped – the house was lavishly decorated throughout. The centrepiece of it all was the main stairwell which wound up the left side of the living room and over the arch which led to the kitchen.

Barry headed straight for the kitchen, which was directly in front of them through the door under the main stairwell, to dump the bags of alcohol onto the counter. He was quickly followed by Emilie who began to unpack them and stock up the fridge while cracking open a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka.
“Who wants a drink?” She called out.

2 hours later…

Paige was sat on Barry’s knee, all of her annoyances clearly washed away by the amount of alcohol she had consumed. She had her head resting on his shoulder and kept leaning up to nibble on his earlobe which seemed to make him stiffen and become rather uncomfortable, Kevin noticed.

Kevin was sitting in an armchair just a little out of the way of everyone else; his eyes were fixed on Barry, his drink in his hand rarely moving to his lips. He furrowed his eyebrows as Paige took Barry’s hand and began to run her fingers along his palm. Barry glanced up quickly, his eyes met Kevin’s, and pulled his hand away before standing up.

“I’m going to get some more drinks, anybody want one?” He asked looking at Kevin pointedly.
“I’ll help you.” Kevin said in reply standing up awkwardly and getting everyone’s orders.
They walked to the kitchen together.

Barry turned to Kevin as soon as they were out of earshot.
“Look, Kevin, you can’t keep doing this.”
“Doing what?” Kevin replied innocently, puffing out his chest and leaning in.
“Oh, great, you’re drunk. Look, you’re making me uncomfortable when you keep looking at me like that.”
Kevin laughed. “Seems to me that it was Paige who was making you uncomfortable.”
“Only because you kept staring.” Barry fumed. “I’m with Paige now Kevin, so you need to get over whatever fantasy it is that you have. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry for that, and I’m sorry if I have given you reason to believe that something could happen. It can’t. I couldn’t hurt Paige like that.”

“Why are you deluding yourself?” Kevin blurted out. “You can have me right now. I’m yours. You’ve only known Paige a few days; you aren’t anything serious; I’m sure she would understand.” Kevin clutched his stomach. “Ohmigod, I think I’m going to be sick.” He gasped.

Meanwhile…

“I take it Barry and Kevin have a bit of history.” Paige asked as they waited on their drinks.
Leona snorted. “History, I think, would be a bit of an understatement.”
“Yeah.” Emilie interrupted. “Barry bullied Kevin in high school.”
Leona laughed out loud now. “And as if that was the end of it!”

Ben looked at Leona confused but quickly looked at Paige and saw the same look he expressed on her face. He patted her on the shoulder.
“Best not to dwell on it.” He slurred. “It’s probably nothing.” He leaned on her and inhaled her gorgeous smell. “Your hair is really beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Paige replied, embarrassed, pulling her hair back away from him and eyeing Emilie cautiously.

“Guys, I need your help. Kevin just threw up all over me and passed out.” Barry called as he came back into the room.
“Looks like someone had too much to drink!” Ben laughed as he quickly got up and went to help Barry carry Kevin up to bed.

When they were gone Paige leaned forward to talk to Leona while Emilie fiddled with the CD player, pretending not to be listening.
“What did you mean? What went on between Barry and Kevin? Does it explain Kevin’s hostility towards me?”
Leona laughed hysterically. “I would think so! You see – hold on, did Kevin just pass out?”
“Er, yeah.” Paige replied her eyebrows rose slightly.
“I’d best get up and lie with him.”

“Ew!” Emilie interrupted. “He will smell of sick!”
“Emilie, he’s my best friend. Wouldn’t you do the same for Ben?” She paused. “Actually don’t answer that.” She added, getting up from the floor.

When she reached the landing Ben was just going back down the stairs.
“I think it’s time we all went to bed.” He said. Leona nodded.

Leona was just about to go into Kevin’s room when she heard the muffled voices of Kevin and Barry. She turned around to go to her own room when the door was pulled open and Barry was stood there startled by her presence.
“I can’t do it anymore Leona, he is unbelievable!” He said angrily.
“He is wasted Barry. Can’t you two just make up in the morning?”
“Leona. I need your help. Can we talk?”

“Just one more song!” Emilie whined. “I don’t want to go to bed yet.”
“You shouldn’t be this difficult Emilie; you haven’t even had a drop to drink.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m having fun, besides it was nice of you to help me not drink.” She added sarcastically. She quickly turned the music up full blast.

“Right, I’m going up to bed.” Paige shouted over the music. “See you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight Paige.” Ben said leaning over and kissing her on the cheek. He received a glare from Emilie for that.

Kevin sat up in bed. The loud thumping music had awoken him. How long had he been asleep? He didn’t even remember getting into bed.
He put his feet on the floor, the room was spinning.

He opened the door and his eyes stung as they adjusted to the light.
When he was able to focus, he got the biggest shock of his life. Leona was stood outside her bedroom door in her pyjamas… in the arms of a shirtless Barry.
Kevin’s eyes flew in the direction of the stairs where a red head just peeked out over the top step, completely still.






Not a lot really happens but I thought it might explain a couple of circumstances.

 

[scains]

PART 6

Ben woke up, his mouth was slightly dry from dehydration and his head twinged a little. He reached across the bed looking to snuggle up with Emilie in the early morning. She wasn’t there. He sat up quickly and pulled himself out of the tangle of bedsheets and pulled a pair of underpants on.

“Emilie?” He called as he pulled open the door to the en-suite, it was empty.

He walked out into the hallway and caught sight of her looking tired and irritable making her way toward him.
“Emilie, are you alright, why are you out of bed so early?”
“I’m not.” She replied simply. “I haven’t been to bed yet.”
Ben raised his eyebrows in surprise. “That was rather silly.”
“Was it?” She asked, her temper rising. “Was it really so silly of me not to want to sleep in the same bed as you when you were throwing yourself all over Paige last night?”

“Emilie, I was drunk…”
Emilie cut him off. “That’s every man’s excuse. I’m pregnant with your child. Your child that you want me to have and you show me how dedicated you are to our family by getting pissed and flirting with that slut right in front of me?” Emilie tried to storm past him into the bedroom but he held out his arm to stop her.

“Emilie. Listen to me. Now, when I’m sober. This is when I am myself; we all do silly things when we are drunk, right? Right now I can think of nothing but how much I love you and want to be with you.”
“So what your saying is when you are drunk, you forget about us?”
Ben started to nod. “Wha- no! Of course not, it’s just I forget myself…”
Emilie interrupted again. “Do you think you would ever forgive me if I got drunk and forgot myself and threw myself all over Barry? No, I didn’t think so.”

Ben forced a laugh. “Of course I wouldn’t, he’s my best friend and he has had a crush on you since we were younger.”
“Yeah, well maybe I picked the wrong guy.” Emilie snarled. Finally, she looked coldly into Ben’s eyes and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

Ben turned around, furious with himself, and stopped short when he saw Barry in front of him rubbing sleep out of his eyes.
“Wha’s going on?” he asked tiredly.
“Nothing.” Ben replied quietly and walked away.

Barry walked over the hall to Leona’s room and knocked on the door.
“You up?” He called through the door.
A muffled reply came through the door and Barry went inside.

“Leona?” He said when he had reached the foot of her bed. She looked sleepily up at him. “What did I tell you last night?”

FLASHBACK
“Leona. I need your help. Can we talk?”
Leona opened her bedroom door and beckoned for Barry to follow her in.

“First can I just ask you to take your shirt off, you have Kevin’s sick all over it?” Leona asked.
“Oh, uh sure.” Barry replied and pulled his shirt over his head. Leona sat on the end of her bed.
“What do you need my help with?” She asked, slurring slightly, leaning forward trying to be flirty.

“Well, Kevin actually.” Barry replied uneasily. “You know him better than most people right?” He continued.
“Of course.” Leona said disappointed. “But hold on, do you mind if I change into something more comfortable first?” Barry looked at her jeans and her lumpy sweatshirt but did not say anything, just nodded.
“Thanks.” Leona pulled the lumpy sweatshirt over her head and pulled a tight t-shirt from her suitcase and put it on, she peeled her jeans off and went to sit back next to Barry, who shifted uncomfortably away from her.

“So you need help with Kevin?” She pressed.
“I knew it was a mistake to invite Paige along… it just made things so much more complicated.” Barry complained. “I invited her when I was drunk, it’s a shame she remembered the next morning. When I’m drunk I do really stupid things – what I mean is that I over analyse things when I’m drunk; first there was the Paige thing, I invited her so that I wouldn’t have to face Kevin alone – I would have a reason for ignoring him. Now, tonight, I mean, I wanted to tell Kevin everything I was feeling, but I’m with Paige just now… what am I supposed to do?” Leona said nothing but just stared intently into Barry’s eyes. “Uhh, Leona?”

“Oh, sorry!” Leona exclaimed. “I think I know what you mean, but what is it you want to tell Kevin?” She crossed her right leg over her left and leaned in closer so that she was inched away from his face.
“I want to tell Kevin that I want to give it a go with him. I have had this thing for him ever since High school, you know, when he gave me my first experience. But now, now I’m deluding myself that Paige and I are an item when we are clearly not just so that I stay away from him. I need your help. You know him best, what should I do so that he understands?” Leona looked dejectedly at him.
“I don’t know.” she replied. An idea formed into her mind and she decided to push her boundaries and try something outrageous.

She put her hand on Barry’s knee and lifted her eyes up to look at him. “You should try… this.” She leaned in and pressed her lips against his.
“Leona!” Barry gasped turning his head this way and that to get her off of him. “What’re you doing? I just told you I’m gay!” He cried pushing her away from him.
“I don’t think so.” Leona said climbing on top of him. “You managed to impress Paige, that’s why she’s still here.” Barry braced his forearm against Leona’s collarbone and held her away so that he could crawl out from underneath her.
“You should get some rest!” He gasped quickly as he made a run for the door.

“Wait, Barry, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” Leona burst into tears. Barry stopped with his hand on the door knob and looked back. Leona had curled up into the foetal position and was sobbing into her bed sheets. He almost walked out of the bedroom, fearing that she may be tricking him into coming back, but he turned around and wrapped an arm around her.
“Leona are you alright?” He asked her softly.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, it was just something that Emilie said to me when I was trying to give her advice about Ben. Something about me never having a guy, except a gay one.” She let out a sudden laugh. “And that’s even funnier now isn’t it!” She sniffed.

“She was out of order.” Barry said simply.
“You want my advice?” Leona asked him suddenly. “Just tell Kevin how you feel. Trust me, he won’t say no. I’m surprised he hasn’t been throwing himself all over you.”
Barry smiled grimly. “Yeah, thanks Leona.”

Leona followed him out into the hall. “I’m sorry Barry; I won’t ever do anything like that again!” She laughed a little.
“It’s Ok, thanks a lot for the chat. Now just to break it off with Paige. Eek.” Barry pulled Leona into a hug. “Don’t listen to your sister; she’s the one with problems.” He added motioning a baby bump with his hand. Leona grinned.
“Goodnight Barry.”

PRESENT

“Okay. So last night was embarrassing for the both of us.” Barry said simply.
“Yeah, I guess.” Leona replied scratching her head. “Have you seen Kevin yet?” She asked eagerly.
“Er, no. I haven’t spoken to Paige yet either.”
“Well whenever you feel like you can do it, you should. You’re only denying yourself the happiness you deserve by pretending to be something your not.” Leona smiled.

“Did you invite me on this vacation to humiliate me?” Paige spat as she sat at the kitchen table eating breakfast cereal. Barry had just walked in and Paige was furious. Ben was rooting around in the fridge trying to ignore what he was hearing.
“What?” Barry asked confused.
“Well, when I was walking up the stairs to go to bed last night there you were with Leona, and a little close for my liking too!” She lifted a spoonful of cereal to her lips. “Well?” She spat.

“What do you want me to say Paige?” Barry said quickly, thinking even more quickly for him, he added. “To tell you that nothing happened?”
“So you’re admitting that something did happen.” She inclined her head toward him and met his gaze with a steely glare.
“Yes, I had a bit to drink and something happened.” He replied coldly.
“I admire your honesty, but I haven’t forgiven you… yet?” She said looking away again.

Barry raised his eyebrows. “What?” He asked bewildered.
“Well you’ll have to make it up to me somehow.” She winked at him. “Where shall we do it?”
“Do what?” Barry asked cautiously.
“Isn’t it obvious? Don’t you remember the night we met? You were really something.” There was something in her voice which wasn’t trustworthy, Barry noted.

“Paige, I don’t want to have sex with you again… ever.”
Paige opened her eyes wide in mock surprise. “Really? This doesn’t have anything to do with Kevin does it?”
“What? How does Kevin fit into this?” Barry asked.
“Oh, only the fact that the whole time we were in the midst of “doing it” you kept saying his name.” Paige grinned, an evil flash of white teeth.

Barry was speechless. Ben closed the fridge door.
“You’re gay?” He asked.
“You knew… wait, I never invited you on this vacation did I?” Barry asked with sudden enlightenment. “Why did you force yourself on me, on my friends?”
“Now isn’t that the most interesting part?” She asked herself. “I thought that your friends had the right to know that you were a… fag!” She spat. “I knew that the only way you would tell them was to force you into a corner. I’m surprised at how quickly you cracked though; I thought you would last much longer.” She raised an eyebrow. “The more interesting thing is that Kevin, who you have been lusting after, was coming on this vacation too. That was a twist I didn’t see coming. However welcome.” She eyed Barry with distaste. “And now, everyone is going to find out what you are and I, for one, hope that they are as disappointed as your parents were when I told them. I wouldn’t expect a warm welcome when you get back.”

“You’re sick.” Barry had been thinking them, but the words weren’t coming from his mouth, they were coming from Ben’s. “You’re a faggot?” He spat at Barry. Barry was unable to say anything. Ben stormed from the kitchen without looking back.

“See? I told you they wouldn’t take it well.” Paige said triumphantly.

 

[King08]

Wow didn't see that twist coming.

 

[gaytxn09]

Wow...neither did I! Paige is a royal bitch.

 

[DonQuixote]

Scains,
This is a serious piece of work! You must have been a man possessed to post chapter upon chapter!

I'm not quite sure how to describe it -- it is powerful, the characters by and large very realistic. The angst is powerful.

I think we'd all like to hang Paige by her toes for the way she treats her son and now Barry. I am surprised by Ben's reaction -- they being best friends and all, but I guess Barry did an exceptional job of masking this particular aspect of his personality from Ben all these years, even with Kevin and one of the ladies being fully aware of it.

It's major piece of literature even though it's only six chapters in, so far.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[scains]

PART 7

“Kevin, you up yet?” Leona tapped on the door. “My god, you were so wasted last night. You threw up all over yourself.” She knocked louder. “Kevin, you in there?”
The door was suddenly thrown open as a fully dressed Kevin stormed out past her and went to head downstairs.

“Hey, Kevin, stop.” She called after him. “What’s the matter?”
“You’re the matter.” He replied coldly, slowly turning to face her.
Leona sighed. “What have I done?” She asked with false exasperation.
“As if you don’t know. You were the one who convinced me that this would be a good vacation even if Barry was tagging along with your sisters boyfriend.”
“And what makes you think it isn’t?”
“How about the fact that you only wanted to come on this vacation to sleep with Barry? Hell, it was probably you who invited him in the first place.”

“Hey, that’s not fair and you know very well that it’s not true either.”
“Oh, so it’s not true that you and Barry had sex last night.” Kevin demanded furiously.
“Of course not, I know you like him, and you should know I wouldn’t do that to you.” Leona tried to reach for him to comfort him but he pulled away.

“I saw you… with him. Why are you lying about this?”
“I’m not lying. I don’t lie. I’ll admit that I tried to seduce him but he refused me. He wanted…”
“I don’t care what he wanted Leona! You just told me you wouldn’t hurt me and yet you tried to last night!”
Leona’s face crumpled. “I’m trying to be honest with you Kevin.” Her breath caught in her throat making her choke over a sob.

“I don’t believe anything you say, so you can just forget it.” Kevin spat.
“Fine, I don’t feel obligated to tell you what Barry told me in confidence anyway… at least, I don’t anymore.” Leona spun on her heel and hurried back to her bedroom.

Downstairs, Barry was eyeing Paige furiously.
“What?” She demanded in a deep voice.
“Why?” Barry stammered, his bottom lip trembling.
“Why?” Paige scoffed. “I’ll tell you why, you sick bastard. Have you thought about the hurt you are causing to the people around you?”

“I’m gay Paige; I’m not a murderer, rapist or paedophile.” Barry collapsed into a dining chair, his head in his arms.
“I’m not talking about you being gay, well, I am. But I want you to be honest about it. I outed you because you weren’t being honest with yourself or anyone else. What about me? What if I had been an innocent girl who had no idea of your sexuality? What if I had been secretly planning our wedding as young girls are prone to doing when they fall in love for the first time? What then?” She looked down at him expectantly placing her hand on the cold, glass table.

Barry looked up; a tear drop streaking down his cheek. “I don’t know.” He replied pathetically.
“How many girls would there have been? How many hearts would you have broken before you began pursuing people you could fall in love with? Look,” Paige said placing a hand on his cheek. “I’m doing this to protect women, but it also helps you on your way too. You don’t have to worry about announcing yourself anymore. I’ve done it. You can just live your life now.” Paige started to walk away.

“You make me sick.” Barry shouted after her, finding the strength to stand up. She revolved slowly on the spot and lifted her face inquisitively. “My best friend from since before I can remember now hates me because of what you told him about me!”
Paige shrugged. “That’s his prerogative.”
“How can you say that? He wouldn’t need to feel this way had you let me tell him in my own time. I was only just coming to terms with it myself.” Barry yelled, his voice was growing louder as he grew more hysterical.

“Pfft. You have been coming to terms with it since you let Kevin suck you off that time in the boys’ locker rooms in High School. So don’t kid yourself.” Paige turned to leave once more but changed her mind and turned around again. “And I make you sick?” She spat. “You make me sick. Kevin’s a nice guy and you used him. All the girls you’ve picked up for one night stands… you think you’re the victim here? Well I don’t. And I don’t think anyone else does either.”

The phone rang and Barry ran to pick it up.

“I want you to get out of here. You’ve done what needed to be done and I don’t want you to be here when it happens.” Bella tried to explain to her son.
Jamie looked up at her shocked. “Mum, I can’t leave you here alone. You know what’ll happen!”
“Which is exactly why I want you out of here.” Bella lifted a hand and placed it on the side of Jamie’s face. “You know what your father is coming here for… and you know that once he is finished he can’t have either of us here in case the police come asking questions.”

“Come with me.” Jamie begged. “We’ll leave together and he’ll never find us.”
Bella just shook her head. “I need to stay here; I don’t have room for our guests to get suspicious. I’m the caretaker remember… imagine how strange it would be if I just disappeared. No, I have to stay here.” Bella stated firmly.

“He’s going to be here any minute.” Bella added breathlessly before walking over to an overhead kitchen cupboard and pulling out a small metal tin. “I want you to have this.” She said handing it over to him. “It’s all I have; a little money I saved up. I want you to have it… you need to make sure that he never finds you. And don’t breathe a word of this to anybody, do you hear? Not a word.”
Jamie nodded reluctantly, his shaking hands curling around the metal tin. “I’ll leave.” He said, finally. “I love you, mom. Be careful.” A lone tear rolled down his cheek.

Bella smiled grimly. “Goodbye Jamie.”
He stood there watching his mother, reluctant to leave.
“Go!”
“Leona?” Ben called through the door before knocking. “Are you in there?”
A muffed “Yes” came from the bedroom.
“Well, can we talk? I need some advice.”
Leona pulled the door open and stood with one hand on her hip.
“Is it about you and Emilie again?” She scolded, rolling her eyes. “For goodness sake! How many times am I going to have to fix things between you two?”
Ben stayed silent.
“You’d best come in then, hadn’t you?” Leona said finally stepping back to let him pass.

“It’s not actually about me and Emilie, well, it sorta is, but I want to ask you about something else first.”
He didn’t elaborate so Leona pushed him. “Well, what is it?” She asked firmly.
“How did you feel… well, when Kevin told you he was gay?”
Leona laughed. “I was a bit gutted actually; I sort of had a crush on him…” She broke off then and looked at him seriously. “You had better not be coming out to me Ben, or I’ll kick your ass! You just got my sister pregnant…”
“That’s not what it is.” Ben laughed. “Not at all. I just found out that Barry is, you know, queer.”
Leona frowned. “Don’t use words like that, they’re hurtful.” She scolded. “So he told you, huh?”
“You knew?” Ben asked, shocked, his voice reaching a strangely high pitch.
“Yes, I knew, he told me last night.”
“He told you himself?” Ben asked incredulously.
“Yes. Why, how did he tell you?”
“He didn’t. Paige outed him in the kitchen just now. But why would he tell you and not me, I’ve been his best friend for years?” He continued, his eyes tracing a shape in the carpet.
“I was coming onto him… wait, what? Paige outed her boyfriend? How does that make sense?”
“Trust me, there was a lot going on down there that I didn’t want to be a part of. I left after she told me.”
Leona slapped him across the face. Hard. “You did what?” She cried furiously. “Do you have any idea how he must be feeling after this? He wasn’t ready to tell you, clearly, and she just told you the biggest secret he could have possibly kept from you and you walk away? No wonder he never told you!” Her nostrils flared as she looked at him expectantly.
“W-what should I do?” He stammered.
“Er, go and fucking apologise. He’s your best friend!”
Ben stood up and quickly left the room.
“The thing about me and Emilie…”
“It can wait.” Leona replied sternly while she ushered him out of the room.

“Kevin!”
Kevin sat up straight on his bed; he had been sulking after his disagreement with Leona. Was that Barry calling his name?
“Kevin, there’s a phone call for you. I think it’s your dad.”
It was definitely Barry, but what on earth was his father doing calling him at the cottage? He stood up, still dressed in his pyjamas and ran down the stairs and toward Barry who was holding the phone out to him, avoiding his gaze, Kevin noted.
Kevin took the receiver with a quiet “thanks” and as Barry walked away Kevin caught a whiff of him and his knees went weak. He smelled sweet, and yet, unwashed. It was intoxicating.
“Hello?” He squeaked down the phone.
“Kevin? Is that really you?”
“Hi dad, yes it’s me.” Kevin replied coldly.
“Kevin, I’m sorry for the way your mother reacted, I had no idea she was going to be so against the idea of you being gay. I wish I could have predicted it, but you know you’re mother.”
“I know it’s not your fault dad.” Kevin replied softly and close to tears.
“I miss you. And so does your mother. We want to see you.”
“We?” Kevin asked suspiciously.
“We both want you to come home, your mother wants to put things right.”
“I don’t know, dad, it’s not going to be easy to forgive her. She downright disowned me when I told her.”
“Now you know that’s not true.” Daniel interjected sternly. “She didn’t approve of your lifestyle and you ignored each other for weeks and weeks until you went to university and then you had nothing more to do with us. But none of that matters now because your mother is trying her best to understand and be more accepting of the way you live your life. She wants you back in her life, Kev?”
“Alright dad.” Kevin replied. “I’ll come home; I’ll pack my stuff up and come home. I’ve had trouble with Leona anyway; we aren’t exactly on speaking terms at the moment.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too dad. I’ll leave tonight and see you soon.” Kevin set the receiver down and let out a sigh. This was going to be painful.

 

[DonQuixote]

Scains,
Thank you for another powerful chapter - the "morning after" the destruction, as people try to sort through the rubble and piece back their lives into some semblance of what it was -- only it will never be the same.

Maybe, Just Maybe, they have a chance for it to be better??

Thank you for sharing this with us. I greatly appreciate your efforts.

 

[DonQuixote]

This is to all the other reader's of this great story - there are almost 1200 views as of this post, but I am only Post# 13 between Scains & me.

Please, open up to this good author - he has worked hard for all of us; give back a little in written appreciation. He has MORE than Earned it.

Thanks,

 

[gaytxn09]

Great update! I'm glad this story is back. I hope Barry and Kevin make things right before Kevin leaves!

 

[Endlessnight500]

WOW. Talk about Drama! I'm Hooked! This is the first I have read this and i read all the way thru. Now I'm sad to be at the end because it means I have to wait for more. Keep it up. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

 

[harry113]

This is a fantastic story. Thank you scains.
Some separators between the scenes would help for clarity.
Please continue
Harry

 

[scains]

Scains,
Thank you for another powerful chapter - the "morning after" the destruction, as people try to sort through the rubble and piece back their lives into some semblance of what it was -- only it will never be the same.

Maybe, Just Maybe, they have a chance for it to be better??

Thank you for sharing this with us. I greatly appreciate your efforts.

Thank You for reading! I greatly appreciate you reading it and sparing even more time to leave me some feedback afterward. It does make me feel warm inside.
I don't know why this part took so long to write but I got halfway through and stopped for a while, dunno what happened but I'm back on track now as you'll see a little while later

This is to all the other reader's of this great story - there are almost 1200 views as of this post, but I am only Post# 13 between Scains & me.

Please, open up to this good author - he has worked hard for all of us; give back a little in written appreciation. He has MORE than Earned it.

Thanks,

It's really not neccessary - people will leave feedback when they have something to say. But thanks for the effort. And the compliment!

Great update! I'm glad this story is back. I hope Barry and Kevin make things right before Kevin leaves!

Just think of it like the story was never gone - bloody hell it's never out of my head!

WOW. Talk about Drama! I'm Hooked! This is the first I have read this and i read all the way thru. Now I'm sad to be at the end because it means I have to wait for more. Keep it up. I'm looking forward to the next installment!

That must have taken you a while to wade through it all, but thanks for the time! The next installment is on the horizon. Give me half hour to finish it and (maybe) do some touch-ups.

This is a fantastic story. Thank you scains.
Some separators between the scenes would help for clarity.
Please continue
Harry

Thanks, I realised after posting and reading it through that I had made it unclear at a certain point in the story what was going on. And then I jumbled dialogue from that paragraph into another. Whoops! Forgive me!!!

 

[scains]

PART 8

Ben came down the stairs, spotted Kevin sitting alone in the living room by the phone, and veered to the left and into the kitchen where Barry was sitting at the table with his head in his hands. Ben couldn’t tell whether he was crying or not. Paige could be seen through the glass doors swimming lengths in the heated pool outside.
“Barry.” Ben said quietly stepping forward slowly. Barry grunted in response. “Barry, I’m sorry for the way I reacted… I was surprised.”
Barry snorted and stood up, tears running down his cheeks. “You were downright ignorant Ben! I mean, I know you have never been comfortable with gay people but you seemed alright with Kevin and you never used words like what you just called me.” His voice was harsh, cold and unforgiving. “Look,” he said more gently “I didn’t want you to find out this way; I wanted to somehow tell you myself. What I wanted was for me to get used to the way I live before I could share it with anyone else, especially you who should know me inside and out.” He looked down at his feet shuffling across the kitchen floor nervously. “I’m sorry for keeping it a secret for such a long time; I wish I had had the courage to tell you sooner.” Barry finished and looked up at Ben who was staring back at him confusedly.
“But you have sex with chicks. It is possible for you to be straight. You could live a normal life.” Ben persisted.
Barry lifted a hand in the air and started to walk away. “This is the ignorance I was talking about Ben.” He turned back into the kitchen. “Living a ‘normal life,’ as you call it, wouldn’t make me happy. And it would be a lie and hurtful to the people I shared it with. You understand that? I can’t pretend to be something I’m not anymore and I’m going to start to put my life back together now, starting with Kevin.”
They looked at each other for a long time, neither one saying anything. Finally, Ben broke the silence.
“Kevin, huh?” He asked.
“Yeah, Kevin.” Barry replied simply.
“How long have you known.”
“A long time, but I won’t go into the gory details. You’re probably not interested.”
“No, I want to hear all about it. Tell me everything.” Ben said earnestly.
“You sure? You promise not to freak out?”
“I promise to try.”

*​

“What did he do this time?” Leona asked as she sat down heavily at the end of the bed where Emilie was sleeping. Emilie woke with a start.
“Wha-what’s happening?” She asked groggily as she pushed her hair out of her eyes. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Leona. “If you’ve come to sort things out between me and Ben then you’d best leave now because it ain’t going to happen. He’s pushed me too far this time; blatantly flirting with Paige right in front of me… what was he thinking? No, Leona, there’s nothing you can do to fix it this time.” Emilie pulled the covers over her head dramatically and Leona rolled her eyes.
“This is what you’re falling out over? At least last time it was a lot more serious. So he flirted with Paige, you’re carrying his child…”
“Well not for much longer!” Emilie spat.
“Now, Emilie, stop being ridiculous. You know you’re going to forgive him and you know you are going to keep the baby so let’s stop pretending and get down to business. I’ll get him to apolo…” Leona stopped suddenly as Emilie sat bolt upright the covers falling off of her dishevelled head.
“You don’t get it do you? You treat me like I’m five years old Leona!”
“That’s because you act like you are.” Leona interjected. Emilie flushed beetroot, her eyes flashing furiously.
“You’re working on my last nerve.” Emilie warned. “Ben and I are through! You hear me? I’m not letting him apologise for what he did last night, and I won’t let you try and fix this. All the time, Leona, all the-fucking-time! Why do you invest so much of your time in everybody else’s relationships anyway? Is it because you don’t have one of your own? Quit trying to play match-maker with us and start sorting yourself out!” Emilie laid back down her arms pinned to her sides. “Let me go back to sleep.” She demanded. Leona took a deep breath and left the room.

*​

Downstairs, Paige pulled herself out of the pool, her soaking wet skin glimmering in the mid-morning sun as the beads of water trickled down her scantily clad body. She shivered and looked about her into the trees around her as she bent down to pick her towel up off of the grass. She wrapped it around herself quickly still looking into the trees. Something, she didn’t know what but something was making her feel anxious. All she could see was green as she cast her eyes the lengths of the tree line, nothing out of the ordinary… wait, what was that? She snapped her eyes back to the centre of the forest – was that a flash of red she just saw? No it can’t have been, she pulled the towel tighter around herself and pulled open the glass door before stepping inside, all the while keeping her eyes on the trees.

*​

“I’m going to talk to Kevin now.” Barry said, standing up as he watched Paige come in.
“Oh, all right. Thanks for telling me everything.” Ben replied. “I hope I didn’t seem too freaked out.” He winked and turned around coming face to face with Paige who he hadn’t noticed come in. “I want a word with you, Paige.”
“Hold on.” She spat as she continued to look through the glass door. “Do you see that?” she asked, grabbing Ben’s arm and pulling him up to the glass too and pointing to the centre of the tree line.
“What?” Ben asked through clenched teeth, wrenching his arm away from her.
“There. Don’t you see it?” Exasperatedly she pressed her finger right up to the glass. “In the middle, there’s something red by that tree.”
“Oh yeah, I see it. It’s you being delusional. Just like you were this morning when you tried to ruin mine and Barry’s friendship.” Ben added, turning on her.
Paige blinked. “I wasn’t trying to ruin your relationship.” She said innocently. “I was trying to solidify it. How could you be his friend if you knew nothing about him or what he wants out of life?”
Ben stayed silent unable to answer her question.
“Well he’s told me everything now.” He finally said. “I understand everything he is feeling now and I accept him. So nothing you say or do – if that was your intention – could do anything to break us apart.”
Paige smiled at him. Actually smiled; it was unnerving.

*​

“Hey Kevin.” Barry said as he walked into the living room where Kevin was still sat by the phone. “I was hoping we could have a little chat.”
Kevin looked up, not really seeing. “Sorry, can’t I have to go… pack.” He replied with his eyes glazed over; he was clearly thinking hard.
“Pack?” Barry’s eyes widened, was he going to lose Kevin before he even had him? It was now or never. “Kev…”
“My mom wants to fix things between me and her. I need to go home.” Kevin interrupted, getting out of his chair.
Barry’s heart beat faster as he panicked thinking he wouldn’t get the chance to tell Kevin how he felt, but he didn’t want to burden Kevin with anything more before he spoke with his parents. “Let me drive you.” He managed to blurt out.
“Oh, you don’t have to…” Kevin replied waving an airy hand.
“Well let me drive with you then, the rest of us aren’t going to get back with just the one car – you drop me off and I’ll take my car.”
Kevin stopped and bit his lip, considering. “Well it makes sense.” He said simply, and left the room. Barry collapsed into a chair his hands shaking nervously.

*​

“There was something there, I’m telling you!” Paige shouted furiously. “I don’t care if you don’t believe me but I think it was a person watching me in the pool!” Tears had formed in her eyes.
Ben laughed. “I’m sure there are many a number here who could be watching you!” He said sarcastically. “What with all of us being inside and the only other person in the vicinity being the caretaker woman. Sorry if this all seems a little far-fetched Paige. I won’t deny that you saw something, but to say that it was a person really is taking it too far.” The smug look on Ben’s face faltered when he saw the hurt in her eyes but she recovered quickly enough to make him second-guess whether it had been there in the first place.
“I saw someone and I want to go home.” She demanded stamping her foot.
“You’re not five years old Paige and our holiday won’t be ruined by you.” He snarled. “You need to grow up.”
“Grow up?” Paige yelled. “You have no idea what I have been through… you know nothing about me.” Tears spilled out, running down her face. “I was raped… when I was fourteen years old… and from that rape…” She stopped as she lost her voice. “From being raped.” She croaked. “I got pregnant, and I have an 8 year old boy… Sure, I’m not the best mother. In fact, I’m probably one of the worst – but don’t you pretend to know me… and don’t you pity me!” She yelled as she caught the look in his eyes. “Don’t you pity me…” she collapsed in silent sobs onto the kitchen floor.
“Paige.” Ben tried to reach for her and comfort her.
“Don’t touch me!” She slid herself across the kitchen floor and pulled herself up. “Leave me alone!” She stormed out of the kitchen and upstairs.

*​

“Are you all set?” Barry asked, poking his head around Kevin’s bedroom door.
Kevin looked up and nodded. “I sure am. Luckily I’ve only been here a day so nothing really needed to be packed.” He laughed, a little too exaggerated to be genuine.
“Right, let’s go then.” Barry picked up one of Kevin’s bags and slung it over his shoulder. “Will you be alright with that one?”
Kevin picked up his bag pointedly and nodded once. “I can manage.” They both left the room, Kevin shutting the door behind him.
“Where are you going?” Leona asked coming out of the bathroom.
“What does it matter to you?” Kevin asked coldly.
“I’m your best friend Kevin; of course it matters to me if you’re leaving.” Kevin went to say something but Leona interrupted him. “Just because we had one little falling out doesn’t mean we’re not best friends anymore Kevin.”
“I know that, I’m going home.”
“But why? If it’s because of me then I apologize, I need to start sorting myself out before I start telling you to do anything. I realise that now Kevin. Do you forgive me?” Leona pleaded.
“Of course I do, Leona.” He answered warmly. “But I’m still going home. Coming here was a mistake.” Kevin added grimly. “I’m going to see my parents. My mom wants to make it up to me… and I think I’m going to let her.”
Leona smiled, refraining from telling him ‘I told you so’ and hugged him. “Let me get my things ready and I’ll come with you.” She said eagerly.
“No offense Leona, but I’d rather do this alone.” Kevin replied, pulling himself out of her grasp. She cast a glance at Barry. “He’s just driving me there and then he’s coming back. You’re not going to miss anything, I promise. Just… have a good time.” He managed a smile and started on his way down the stairs.
Leona quickly pulled Barry to one side. “Did you tell him yet?” She demanded of him.
“I…”
“Barry, are you coming?” Kevin called up the stairs. Barry gave her a pleading look and she let him go.

Once outside Kevin flicked the boot open and dumped his bag inside waiting for Barry to catch up.
“Leona what are you doing out here?” Kevin asked as Barry dumped his bag into the boot.
“I came to see you off, wish you a safe journey and all.” She grinned waving and was roughly pushed aside as Paige shoved her out of the way.
“Wait for me!” She yelled as she came barrelling toward the car. “You need to let me come with you.” She looked pleadingly at Kevin and Barry as the boot was clicked shut.
“Sorry Paige. Barry’s just dropping me off at home and then he’s coming back.” Kevin replied walking to the drivers’ side and opening the door. Barry did the same on the passenger side.
“Then why can’t he drop me off?” She roared pulling at the door so Kevin couldn’t close it. “There’s someone in the woods!” She cried, close to tears again.
“Don’t be ridiculous Paige. There’s no-one in the woods, go have a drink and relax.” Barry said coldly, he still hadn’t forgiven her, and didn’t think he ever would, for the havoc she had caused today. Kevin pulled the car door shut and put his seat-belt on. Barry followed suit and eyed Paige furiously as she walked around to the front of the car and put her palms on the bonnet.
“You’re not going without me.” She said simply.
Kevin turned the key in the ignition. Nothing happened. He tried again. Still nothing. He tried a third time. It didn’t look like they were going anywhere.

 

[DonQuixote]

Once more into the breach! Or something like that. Mend a relationship, tense another one up a notch.

Who is that Red splotch out in the woods, and is that why the car won't start?

Scains, you continue to craft a multi-pronged head jerker of a story.

Thanks for sharing it.