Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:52:52 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tiffani Chin <eliteecrew@verizon.net>
Subject: Jumping over my Mountain, Chapter 18

Disclaimer: This story is copy right protected. Please do not post it on
any other website. If you are not 18 or male on male action offends you, do
not continue further. Email me at EliteECrew@verizon.net for feedback


Hey everyone, I just wanted to say that I've been working steadily on
finishing the series. I've made it to Chapter 26 and my goal is to finish
the story completely or at least come close to it by Sunday, when I leave
for Florida for a week and then when I get back, I'll be starting school
within a few days. I'm going to post a little more frequently while I
continue to write, just so there is some continuity and it flows better for
the readers. I don't mind comments or questions, whether they are negative
or positive, but if the comments are negative, I ask that you wait until
the series is done to mention it. Otherwise I might lose my writing
momentum and I just want to finish this before the school year starts,
since chances of me having time to write will be rare. On another note, my
original outline called for 25 chapters, but as I wrote, I added more plot
lines and the details stretched it out longer, so it might end up being
close to 30 chapters. Anyway, thanks for reading and being patient, and
thanks to everyone who has emailed me thus far. I appreciate it. Peace.




Jumping Over My Mountain, Chapter 18



***Helaku's Point of View***


I headed to the top floor where my Uncle's office was. He had called me in
minutes before telling me he needed to see me right away.

I was curious and I hurriedly made my way to his office.

I stepped inside and saw my Uncle fidgeting at his desk, rubbing his light
brown hair nervously.

He looked up at me, his bright blue eyes piercing into me.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Helaku, I'm an uncle, well, besides an uncle to you, I'm a new uncle to a
new baby, and you're an older brother!" he said excitedly.

I frowned and it took me a few minutes to process what he was saying
because he was talking so fast.

Then my eyes widened with realization and I did a little jump.

"Sheryl had the baby!" I exclaimed, "Ohmigod!"

I just stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" I asked.

"A girl!" my uncle said smiling widely, "Why don't you go down to the
hospital and visit them?"

I nodded and headed to the door and then turned abruptly back in.

"And you can bring Bryce along," my uncle said smiling knowingly.

I felt a little surprised. I had told my Uncle I was gay but I never told
him about Bryce, but I guess my Uncle was able to pick up on the looks we
were always shooting each other.

I smiled in return, "Thanks! I'll see you tomorrow!"

I ran back down to my floor and burst into Bryce's cubicle.

He looked at me, his blue eyes wide at my flushed appearance.

"Hela, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," I said, "But Sheryl had the baby. We have to go see my Dad at
the hospital now!" and I reached for his arm.

"I can't leave," Bryce said haltingly.

I nodded, "Yeah you can, my Uncle said so and no I didn't tell him about
you but he figured it out, and you know he's ok with it so don't let it
bother you, ok? Now let's go!" I rambled off and pulled him into a standing
position.

When we got to the hospital, my Dad was waiting for us at the main
entrance. Apparently my Uncle had given him the heads up and my Dad
embraced me as soon as he saw us.

"Congratulations," I said smiling, hugging him tightly.

"Can we see Sheryl and?" I trailed off not knowing the name of the new baby
girl.

"Madeline," my Dad finished smiling broadly.

"Madeline McAdams, that sounds beautiful," Bryce input and my Dad smiled at
him, embracing him as well.

"Come, come and see her," my Dad said excitedly leading us to the baby
area, "Sheryl is resting right now."

He pointed to the far right and I saw my baby sister all bundled up in pink
blankets and I immediately felt love for the little baby.

She was so tiny and small, sleeping soundly, her tiny little head off to
the side.

"Little Madeline," I whispered staring at the sleeping baby.



***Zeke's Point of View***


"Hey, is everything ok with you? I haven't seen you in awhile?" I asked
Callum when I ran into him in Zen's apartment building.

Callum looked slightly downcast and glanced up at me, "Yeah, I've been
ok. Just busy."

I eyed him suspiciously, not buying it, "Are you sure? You seem kind of
down."

Callum was still silent, looking lost in his thoughts.

"You can tell me Callum. I thought we were buds," I said smiling slightly.

Callum finally looked up at me, "Yeah we are," he said softly, "buds."

"So then spill!" I encouraged, punching him playfully.

He took a deep breath and then trained his eyes on me, "When you were with
Skyler," he began hesitantly and I frowned, waiting for what he was going
to say next.

"It surprised me," he finished carefully and my frown deepened.

"Surprised you?"

"Not in a bad way!" he added quickly, "well that's not true, in a good and
bad way I guess."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Well, I'm gay too and I liked you since the beginning. I mean you're cute
and really nice," Callum said avoiding my eyes, "but I wasn't sure if you
were gay and I figured you weren't and didn't have a chance whatsoever. But
then when your boyfriend visited that weekend, I realized you were gay
which is a good thing, but that I also had no chance with you and it bummed
me out."

I looked away from him not knowing how to answer.

"I'm sorry Callum," I finally said.

He smiled sadly, "It's ok. It's not your fault. I mean you found someone
you love. I can tell by how you look at each other."

I smiled, "Yeah."

Callum sighed and looked away, "I still like you though."

I fidgeted awkwardly, "Um, ok, do you want to try to still be friends?"

Callum looked at me and smiled faintly, "Yeah, I'd like that."

So even though I knew he liked me we still spent time together, sometimes
as a large group or sometimes just the two of us.

We saw movies and ate lunch together whenever he visited over the
weekends. It was obvious we were becoming tight friends and even Davy was
eyeing Callum suspiciously.

"I still love Skyler," I reminded Davy when I was about to see Callum.

"I'm just telling you to be careful," Davy warned, "the guy is nice, but he
has it bad for you. When guys have it bad, they don't act rationally."

I rolled my eyes, "I'll be fine Dad!" I teased and then left our room.

"Aren't there any cool guys in NY?" I asked Callum.

He smiled, "Sure, but none that I am interested in," he said staring at me
pointedly.

I swallowed and turned away briefly.

He turned serious, "I'm sorry."

I forced a smile, "That's ok."

There was an awkward silence.

"Want to see a movie?" I blurted out, figuring that we didn't have to talk
in the theater.

"Yeah."

I sighed with relief.

Thank God.


***SKYLER***



"He should be coming by about now," Davy said.

"Thanks," I said before closing my cell phone and I got out of my car and
scanned the area for Zeke.

I had come up to Boston and even though it was a two months into the
semester, I figured I could still manage my schoolwork and make time to see
Zeke. Zeke was a priority for me and I knew he missed not seeing me and I
had to try to make things better for him and show I was willing to put in
the effort for this relationship.

I finally took notice of Zeke and he was walking along with Callum.

I frowned slightly. I knew that Callum didn't even go to this school, yet
he managed to visit Zeke every single weekend, or supposedly his cousin. I
didn't care for the guy too much. He was nice enough and didn't seem to
have any ulterior motives, but I hated how he was everywhere Zeke was,
especially when I couldn't be with Zeke all the time like I wanted to.

I walked behind them, about to call out to Zeke, but suddenly Callum pushed
Zeke up against the side of the dorm building and planted a kiss on his
lips.

I could see Zeke's eyes widen as he placed his hands on Callum's chest to
try to push him off, but Callum just grabbed them and pinned them to the
wall.

I was shocked and for a second I froze, not knowing exactly what to do. I
was never in this situation before.

Well I figured Step One would be to get Callum off of my boyfriend.

I reached for Callum and literally yanked him off forcefully. So forcefully
in fact, that Callum went flying slightly into the bushes and I realized I
was breathing hard and frowning.

"Skyler!" Zeke exclaimed with round eyes as he looked to Callum and then
back at my angry __expression.

"Skyler, it's not what it looks like," Zeke tried but I didn't say
anything.

I just grabbed his arm and pulled him along with me towards the entrance of
the dorm building. I stuck my hand in the door before it fully closed and
edged the both of us inside.

I still didn't say anything as we reached his room and I banged on the
door.

Davy opened it and smiled at us, but I roughly took hold of Davy's broad
shoulders and shoved him outside.

"Sorry Davy, it's urgent, I'll explain later," I said quickly and then I
shoved Zeke inside.

I didn't mean to manhandle everyone but I was angry.

Zeke stumbled and then flopped onto his bed, looking up at me with regret
in his eyes.

"There's nothing going on between Callum and me," he started and I
interrupted him.

"You have a lot of fucking nerve giving me all that shit about how guys and
girls like me and you're always so worried I might leave you for one of
them. I always flat out turn people down, yeah, that's right, I've gotten
offers, I admit it. Surprisingly there's a huge gay population at Rutgers
but I never noticed it before! And if guys or girls get too pushy or
aggressive, I just ditch them because they're not respecting my boundaries,
but you? You hang out with someone that likes you and then let them make a
move on you?" I accused furiously.

"Jesus! What a lovely image I'll have when I head back home. I guess I'll
know what you always feel whenever I'm not around, huh?" I continued.

"Skyler," Zeke said.

"This was the first time anything has happened between you two, right?" I
demanded.

I knew they had only been hanging out for two months, but that was about
eight weekends and a lot could happen on those weekends.  I waited for his
response.

Zeke stood up, "He kissed me for the first time. I have no feelings for
him, at all! You have to believe me," he pleaded.

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Please Skyler."

"I believe you," I said quietly and I heard his audible sigh of relief.

I turned to face him, my expression serious for a change.

"I don't want you to see him anymore."

"What?" Zeke asked with shock, taking a step back.

"I don't want you to see him anymore. No more hanging out together, no more
movies, lunches, or smoking up together, ok?"

"Skyler, there's nothing-"

"I know there's nothing, but still! I have every reason to feel a little
unnerved by all this! The guy knew you had a boyfriend and a very serious
boyfriend at that. Hell he even met me and my brother! It's like he has an
insight into who I am and I'm a very real person, not just your boyfriend
in another state that is never around. And he still made a move on you!
That means he really likes you and would be willing to do anything to get
you! I don't trust him!"

"Don't you trust me?" Zeke asked with hurt in his voice.

I licked my lips with frustration, "Of course I trust you Zeke, but I don't
trust him. Don't you get it? He kissed you tonight and who knows how many
other times he'll force a kiss on you, or a blow job, or a fuck, if he gets
the chance. And let me tell you, when you're in the middle of sex and
pleasurable sex, I don't think anyone can stop it from going through," I
said staring hard at him.

Zeke swallowed hard, "But he's a good friend."

"Obviously not a good enough friend!" I argued, "If he was really a good
friend and respected you, he wouldn't have done that. He would have
controlled himself!"

I turned my back to him and rubbed my neck, "I stand by what I said Zeke. I
don't want you to see him anymore. I need you to do this for me, ok? I'm
not the jealous controlling type, but this guy has stepped over the limits
and I don't like him at all."

Zeke sighed and rubbed his hands over his hair, "Listen I'll just talk to
him and make it clear that if he can't control himself, we can't hang out
anymore."

I shook my head, "No, no warning. He did it already, the consequences has
to be made known. Don't see him anymore."

"I can't just do that to him!" Zeke protested.

"Why not?" I asked, my face feeling hot.

"Because I just can't!" Zeke shot back, "I never asked you to ditch any of
your friends."

"Well that's different!" I snapped.

"How, because it's you?" Zeke demanded angrily.

My mouth fell open, but I easily regained my composure, "No, not because
it's me," I said in a controlled tone, "But because none of my "friends"
ever tried to kiss me. You were worried for no reason. I, on the other
hand" I said pointing at myself, "Have a REAL reason to worry. I don't
concoct little ideas in my imagination like some people," I said
emphasizing the last word and shooting him a pointed look.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Zeke asked crossing his arms.

I tugged on the long strip of hair on the top of my head in frustration.

"It means," I said in a condescending tone, "That you think every person is
trying to get into my pants or steal me away from you, and you get all
bitchy over that. Then when I'm worried for once about a guy trying to take
you away from me, you get defensive and act like I'm the crazy one!"

"Bitchy?" Zeke asked narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, bitchy, just like a little bitch" I said my voice dripping with
disdain at this point.

I swear Zeke's face turned red with anger and a vein popped its way out of
his forehead.

"Well, Callum is my friend. He chills with me and makes me feel not so sad
when you're not around. I can't just ditch him without letting him know
anything," Zeke said stubbornly.

"Yeah, I'm sure he does everything he can to make you feel better when I'm
not around," I muttered under my breath, but Zeke caught it nonetheless and
glared at me, furiously.

We had a little staring contest for a few minutes, neither of us saying a
word.

I stared hard at Zeke, my jaw twitching and my teeth grinding together.

"Fine," I said my jaw set, "Then I'm out of here. Have a good weekend, with
Callum" and then I opened the door and slammed it behind me.


******ZEKE******

I watched Skyler leave my room and I flinched when the door shut with a
loud bang.

"Fuck!" I muttered dragging my fingers across my hair, feeling all my
energy drain right out of my body.

For some odd reason, I felt angry with myself, like I did something wrong.

This was our first real fight, but I couldn't just do what he said, without
question. I wasn`t some stupid obedient puppy dog.

I didn't want to ditch Callum just like that. Besides the fact he was
harboring a crush on me, he was a really nice person and a good friend.

Sighing loudly, I flopped onto my bed, my face nestled in my pillow.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" I cried out.

Was Skyler right? Could I trust Callum from now on not to mess up my
relationship with Skyler?

Did Callum already screw up what I had with Skyler?

Was I stupid to have argued with Skyler when some of his reasoning made
sense?

All these questions were running through my head and I actually hit my head
with my fist as if to shake all the shit out of it.

Deep down I knew parts of what Skyler was saying was true, but when he told
me not see Callum anymore, I bristled.

All these years I had had random hookups, shitty one night stands, or some
form of an abusive relationship and I wanted out of that mode. I wanted to
become a stronger person and stand up for what I believed in.

But Skyler wasn't really telling me what to do and I knew he would never
hurt me. In truth, he was probably doing what was best for OUR relationship
and his intention was not to control me.

I had something great going on with Skyler and I couldn't help feeling as
if I threw that away in some stupid petty fight.

So that's why I felt so guilty.

I knew Skyler would do just about anything for me, and I couldn't even give
him this.

Shit.

I took my phone from off my dresser and was about to call Skyler. Maybe he
hadn't made it too far and he could come back and we could discuss this.

I shook my head. I should give him time to cool off. Skyler got pretty hot
headed sometimes and I was still in a pissy, confused state of mind.

Nothing good would come out of an angry conversation. We both needed
cooling off periods.

I needed to think and clear my head. I quickly changed into some Adidas
sweats and two long sleeve shirts and headed to the gym.

Maybe I could run my troubles away on a treadmill.


******


"Dude, what happened before?" Davy asked as I walked back inside our room
at 10:30.

I had been at the gym for almost two hours. I felt mentally drained and
physically exhausted; after running an hour straight on the treadmill and
then lifting weights for 45 minutes.

I never worked out that much in my entire life before. I was kind of
regretting my decision to hit up the gym. I might have been better off
smoking up or something. At least that way I wouldn't be sore in the
morning and I`d be hallucinating happy thought by now.

"I don't want to talk about it," I said getting my shower kit.

"Skyler came all this way to see you and he looked mad pissed when he threw
me out of my room. I think I should know what happened," Davy said firmly.

I glanced at him, his face had a stony expression and I knew I couldn't
brush him off. Sighing loudly, "I'll tell you after I shower, ok?"

Davy nodded and I walked to the bathroom, my feet and heart feeling heavy.

It did feel good to wash the sweaty grime off my body though and change
into fresh clothes. It made me feel better, if only slightly.

Davy was sitting at his desk writing an email when I walked back inside our
room.

I saw him swivel in his chair when I walked in and I knew I wouldn't be
able to get out of this talk.

"Talk," Davy said in a commanding voice and I sat down at my own desk,
facing him.

"We had a fight."

Davy raised his eyebrows, "A fight?"

"Yeah."

"About what? You guys don't fight."

I smiled half heartedly, "Well, there's always a first time for
everything."

"What happened?" Davy asked in a gentler tone.

I rubbed my hand over my face, "Skyler was getting out of his car as I was
walking over here, and Callum was with me."

"Uh-oh," Davy said as if he could sense what was coming, which made me feel
like an even bigger idiot or jerk for blowing up at Skyler.

Obviously Davy agreed with Skyler that Callum was trouble.

How come I couldn't see it?

Was I fucking blind or something?

"Ok, and then Callum suddenly, without any warning, threw me against the
wall and kissed me," I went on.

Davy's eyes widened and he gasped, "Holy shit."

"I know."

"And Skyler saw it?" Davy asked stating the obvious, but for some reason
felt compelled to ask it anyway.

"Yeah."

"Did you try to fight him off?" Davy questioned.

"Of course!" I said a bit defensively.

Davy held up his hands in a neutral manner, "Just had to ask man."

"He caught me by surprise. By the time I gathered my wits he was full blown
kissing me. And when I tried to fight him off, I didn't have enough
leverage to do so," I explained and Davy nodded.

I studied Davy, "You didn't think I would have returned his kiss, did you?"
I asked curiously.

Davy shrugged, "No, not really. I know you love Skyler, I can tell by how
you both act when you're together," he said shaking his head, "But then I
know how sad and lonely you get when Sky isn't around and I see how Callum
cheers you up. So I don't know if you were developing some sort of feelings
for Callum or he was just your crutch while Skyler was away or maybe you
enjoyed his attention."

"Enjoyed his attention?" I asked shocked.

"I didn't mean it like that," Davy said leaning back in his chair, "I just
meant that it feels nice to be liked and have someone flirting with you or
showering you with attention. So basically what I'm saying is that while
Skyler can't provide that for you when he's back in Jersey, Callum is a
substitute for those good feelings, you know?"

I stared at Davy blankly.

"But I know you love Skyler," he added.

"I do," I said confidently, "And Callum is just a friend," I said looking
him straight in the eye.

"I believe you," Davy said sincerely and I nodded in satisfaction.

"So what was the fight about then? Callum kissing you?" Davy asked.

"Well it was definitely a major part of it," I said, "Skyler said he didn't
want me to see Callum anymore, at all. And I said I couldn't do that to
Callum and I wanted to at least talk with Callum and tell him to back
off. But Skyler said he didn't trust Callum and was worried Callum might
seduce me into doing something more or some shit like that."

"Then that argument turned into something more where we compared who got
more jealous and clingy and he basically called me a bitch."

Davy smirked at that.

"What?" I demanded testily.

"Nothing dude," Davy said covering his mouth.

"You think I'm bitchy?" I asked.

"No, I just found it funny. Him calling you a bitch."

I rolled my eyes, "Glad my life is a source of entertainment to you. Thanks
a lot roomie."

Davy chuckled, "Sorry, sorry."

"Anyway," I said narrowing my eyes at Davy as he continued to smile, "I
wouldn't give in and Skyler just left."

Davy stayed silent and just looked at me as if thinking about something.

"What?" I asked impatiently.

"You don't think Skyler had any reason to worry?" Davy asked carefully.

I hesitated, "No."

Davy shot me a "You're full of shit" look.

"You, my man, are too trusting and have way too much faith in people," Davy
said and he held up his hand when I opened my mouth to protest, "But I
think Skyler was right. Callum has a big crush on you and kissed you
knowing you were taken. It's like he doesn't care you have a boyfriend, he
just wants you nonetheless. And even I don't trust a guy like that."

I fell silent thinking over his words.

Damn it!

He was saying exactly what I was thinking, causing me even more guilt.

BITCH!!!!

"Everyone could see that Callum was trouble, not in a bad way, he's not
some violent maniac or a stalker, but he likes you Zeke. He gets those
lovesick puppy eyes when he's with you. And you're the only one that
couldn't see it," Davy finished and he left me with those words running
through my head as he turned back to his laptop and continued with his
email.

I made a mistake.

Now it was up to me to fix it.


******


"Skyler, pick up the phone," I said as I got his voicemail for the tenth
time.

I groaned and shut the phone.

He was avoiding me. Skyler always had his phone on him and usually got back
to me on either phone calls or texts pretty soon.

The fact that his calls were going directly to voicemail was probably
because of me and I felt this gnawing desperation in my gut.

I needed to talk to him and explain everything, but I couldn't do that if
he wouldn't return my calls.

This was worse than I thought.

I needed to talk things over with him before the weekend was up, because I
couldn't ditch my classes to see him until the following weekend.

That would mean an entire week of feeling worried and stressed over this
whole thing.

I was tempted to throw my phone onto the ground, but that wouldn't
accomplish anything.

Grinding my teeth, I stuck my phone inside my jean pocket and continued
walking. I didn't feel like sitting around and thinking nonstop about what
happened. I was antsy and jittery. I had to be on the move. Hence the
walking.

"Zeke!"

I turned my head and saw Callum running up to me.

I shut my eyes, I really didn't need this right now.

I turned on my heel and attempted to keep walking, but unfortunately,
Callum wasn't going to leave me alone.

"Zeke, wait!"

I felt a hand on my arm and I was pulled to a stop, facing Callum. I took a
step back to distance ourselves. I didn't want to be near him at the
moment. I partly blamed him for the large shit pile I was in.

"What do you want?" I asked, the irritation evident in my voice.

Callum licked his lips and his eyes darted nervously, "I just wanted to say
I was sorry for last night."

"Well you should be," I said hugging myself.

"I know, but I couldn't control myself. I just needed to kiss you, just
once, just to know what it would feel like" he said desperately and I
glared at him.

"Well your stupid desire might have cost me my boyfriend, and I'll never be
able to forgive you or get over it if Skyler and I broke up," I snapped
turning around abruptly.

The thought of me and Skyler breaking up was making me sick. I think I was
about to vomit.

Callum walked alongside me, "I'm sorry. I could talk to him for you, if you
like."

I stopped in my tracks, "No thanks Callum. You would only cause more
trouble."

Callum stayed silent, looking at the ground, seeming lost and I felt a pang
of sympathy.

"Listen," I began gently, "I don't think we should hang out so much for
awhile."

His eyes snapped up to meet mine, "What?" he asked in shock.

"I just think we should spend some time apart, take a little break, until I
can fix things with Skyler," I said keeping my voice even.

"Zeke, I promise, I promise I won't try anything ever again," Callum said
frantically.

I shook my head, "It's not that, I just need to be away from you for
awhile. When I see you, I'm reminded of what caused my fight with Skyler
and then I get angry at myself for being, I don't know, a bitch about the
whole thing and now, well, I can't handle all this, ok? I need to get
Skyler to talk to me! I can`t even get him to fucking take my call!"

Callum stepped back from the volume of the force of my words and the pain
etched in my strangled voice.

"Zeke, I-"

"I'm sorry Callum. You were a good friend. Just, can you just, leave me
alone, for now, ok?" I asked staring at him directly in the eye and then I
slowly walked away.

This time he didn't follow me.



*******SKYLER*********



"Skyler, are you ok?" Crew asked frowning at me as he picked up another
slice of pizza.

I turned to him and nodded, not really registering the question.

I was pissed at the whole Zeke situation and it was still bothering me even
as Storm and I hosted our weekly lunch.

An entire week had passed and our fight wasn't resolved yet. I guess that
just goes to show that both Zeke and I were stubborn mother fuckers.

Neither of us wanted to cave.

Plus I was just annoyed by everything and even when Zeke called me all
week, I just wasn't in the mood to talk and rehash everything out again.

I was a little sick of babying Zeke. Reassuring him when he got jealous or
clingy when girls or guys gave me attention. And I was sick of him being
oblivious or uncaring of my feelings when I got worried about guys hitting
on him!

I trusted him completely, but I didn't trust Callum and I didn't want Zeke
to accidentally get roped into something that could ruin us.

Did that make me a bad boyfriend?

"Are you sure?" Crew continued, "You're awfully quiet and you're, like,
never quiet," he pressed.

"Crew, I'm fine really," I answered taking a long drink of soda so I didn't
have to talk anymore.

There was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," I said eagerly getting up. Crew's stares were bothering me
and I didn't feel like talking about my relationship troubles when I hadn't
thought everything through yet.

"Hey Hela, Bryce what took you oldies such a long time? You live two
floors-" I stopped mid sentence when I opened the door, realizing that it
was not Bryce or Hela, but Zeke.

A very sorry and flushed looking Zeke with dark eye circles.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, harsher than I meant to, "Aren`t you
supposed to be hanging out with a certain friend?" I asked in a sarcastic
tone.

Zeke flinched and was silent as he shuffled around nervously.

Zeke looked downcast and glanced at my arm blocking the entrance.  "Can we
talk? Can I come in?"

"No," I said and his face fell before he looked confused as I shuffled him
out into the hall way and closed the door behind me.

"I don't want those nosy bastards listening in," I explained and then
looked at him, crossing my arms, "So, what's up?" I asked flippantly.

"Skyler," Zeke said after a long, drawn out pause. I instantly felt my
resistance crumbling as I heard his small, unsure tone.

I could tell by his appearance how much our fight had affected him as well.

Sighing heavily I leaned forward and pulled him into my arms, hugging him
tightly to me.

I felt him exhale and fall into me, his lips resting on my neck.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"I'm sorry, too, for giving you an ultimatum or an order, but I'm still not
sorry for telling you not to see Callum," I said into his ear quietly.

I felt him nodding against me, "I know. I thought about it and I could
understand where you were coming from. It just took me a while to realize
it. If the situation were reversed, I would ask you to do the same and I
know you would."

"I would," I affirmed, "For you."

"I know Skyler, I know. I'm sorry for not agreeing right away," he said
sniffling, "I love you Skyler and I won't see Callum anymore because you
were right. He really likes me and wants to be with me and he doesn't
respect me and my relationship with you, so I shouldn't hang around people
like that."

I rubbed his back, hugging him more tightly.

"Thank you baby."

"I thought we were over," he mumbled, "And I felt terrible. You wouldn't
return my calls. I just had to come see you."

"We weren't over Zeke, I was just upset," I assured him, "I wanted some
space."

"It still scared me, the thought of not being with you. I'll do anything,"
Zeke said his voice cracking slightly.

I kissed his head, his forehead, his cheek, and then finally his lips when
he tilted his head.

"Oh jeez, what is with you two!"

I looked up and saw Bryce shaking his head while Hela was smiling.

"Why are you two out here instead of in there?" Hela asked, "And what's up
Zeke?"

Hela looked slightly confused with Zeke's presence, since Zeke didn't come
back on weekends, usually.

Zeke waved to Hela.

I waved them away, "Get inside and eat. We're busy," I said and Bryce and
Hela laughed as they walked inside my apartment.

"Want some pizza, since you're here?" I asked Zeke nipping at his ear,
still holding him in my arms.

"Mm, later," Zeke said smiling as he leaned in for another kiss, "Much
later."

"Sounds good to me," I murmured as I sucked on his tongue passionately,
running my hands up and down his back.



********BRYCE*******



"I want a baby," I announced to Hela as Hela bounced Maddy on his knee.

We were at his parents house, babysitting Madeline while Hela's Dad worked
at the office and Sheryl was still resting.

"What?" Hela asked shocked.

"Don't you want a baby?"

"Um I hadn't put too much thought into it since I realized I was gay. I
mean, neither of us have the right equipment."

I chuckled, "That's true, but we could always adopt."

"Well, I think it's a little too soon to be thinking about that," Hela
said.

I frowned, "What, you don't visualize having a family with me in the
future?"

Hela looked at me, "Of course I see a future between us but we're still
young Bryce. I never considered having to take care of a baby full time
yet. I enjoy having our alone time and babysitting isn't the same as having
our own, you know. This Maddy here," Hela said kissing his sister, "Can be
handed off every night, but our baby can't."

"True," I agreed nodding.

"Besides we can't have sex as often if we had a baby, and you know how
often we do it," Hela said.

I rolled my eyes, "We can manage."

Hela sat on the couch, cradling Madeline delicately in his arms. I stared
at him with a faint smile on my lips as I watched how careful and loving he
was with his baby sister. There was nothing sexier than a gorgeous strong
man like Hela showing his soft side with a baby.

He looked up and caught my stare, "What?"

I shook my head and sat beside him, "So when do you think you'll be ready
for a baby?"

Hela looked shocked, "I don't know Bryce. I'm still young. I really hadn't
thought that far ahead."

"You'd be a great Dad," I said softly.

"When did this baby fever come about?" he asked curiously.

I shrugged, "I don't know," I replied honestly, "I know that I love you, I
want to be with you, and I want us to have a family and everything."

Hela smiled lovingly at me and touched my cheek with his free hand, "I love
you, too and I do want a family too, but not now. Now I kind of just want
to enjoy having you and being with you. Then when we're, I don't know, more
settled or something, we can think about having a baby," he grinned
suddenly and lifted Madeline so she was looking at me, "For now, we
practice with this little girl," and he kissed her cheek, fluffing her
dusting of dark brown hair.

I smiled, "Ok, just as long as we think about it and that it's a
possibility for our future."

"Of course, I love you," Hela said as he leaned in to kiss me.  As I
deepened the kiss and ran my hand underneath his shirt to pull him closer
to me, I felt Madeline stirring in his arms and then she began to cry.

The shrillness of her cries broke our embrace and ruined the mood.

I reluctantly broke away and watched as Hela attended to his sister.

Perhaps Hela was right about waiting for a baby.



**********SKYLER*********



"Hey honey, I didn't know you were coming home this weekend," Mom said as
she greeted me when I entered the kitchen.

"Well I have something to talk to you about," I announced and she looked at
me curiously.

"Oh yeah, what is that?"

After Zeke's last visit, our relationship was stronger than ever even if I
didn't particularly trust his friend choices, but what was I gonna do about
it?

And we discussed more of our future plans and I decided that since it was
early November, it would be a good time to discuss some potential trip to
California over winter break with my Mom. But first I had to break my plans
to her and gauge her reaction.

"After I graduate, Zeke and I want to move out to San Francisco, so I was
wondering if you would fly out with us over winter break to look at some
property," I said easily.

My Mom's eyes widened.

Ok, there was no easy way to blurt that out, except to tell it like it
is. So I did.

"Wait, you and Zeke want to move?"

"Well, did you expect us to live in Jersey for the rest of our lives?"

"No, but California? That's so far," she sputtered.

I smiled at my Mom.

"Aw, Mom, I'll miss you too," I said sitting down at the kitchen table.

"But, California? That's a big move."

"Yeah," I agreed, "But I want a change of scenery. It would be nice to kind
of be on my own. We'll get jobs out there. And I think it's better to buy
some property and if you and Dad cosign the mortgage, Zeke and I can pay
you back. Plus, I have about twenty grand in savings that can hold me and
Zeke off for awhile, for I don't know, groceries or something."

Mom was silent for a bit and she appeared to be thinking a bit.

"Well buying property is a better investment," she said thoughtfully, "At
least that way, you're getting something out of it, and we can afford it,"
she murmured to herself.

She looked at me, "This is curve ball, Skyler. I didn't even realize you
were thinking of moving."

"I know Mom, but I really love Zeke. I really, really do. And it would be
nice to have a place of our own and a life of our own."

She smiled at me and ruffled my hair, "I'm glad honey. I do want you to be
independent and on your own. And it's even better that you found someone to
be with, but it's never easy letting go of your baby."

I shot her a look and she laughed.

"You'll be forty Sky, and you'll still be my baby," she said and I sighed.

"So, what's the verdict? Will you come with me and Zeke to San Francisco
this winter to look at some real estate?"

She paused, "Yeah, I will. San Francisco is a rather nice area to live
in. I could imagine you there. Have you told Storm about this?"

I shook my head, "I guess it never really came up."

She nodded, "Ok, well, make the arrangements, you know flights and hotels
and once we get there, I can contact a real estate agent and we can go from
there. I'm sure we can find something," she said confidently.

"Thanks, Mom," I said bursting up to hug her.

"Maybe I'll get a bigger house there, so I can visit you," she said
smiling.

I hugged her tighter, "Yeah, we should buy enough rooms so that you can
have your very own whenever you come out."

I loved my Mom.


***********


I took a long swallow of coffee as I drove to Boston.

I finished my papers and readings remarkably fast last night and I figured
I could finish the rest on Sunday night and Monday morning if need be, but
it was common knowledge that by now, the professor didn't really quiz on
the readings like he said he would.

It was a gloomy Friday afternoon but I was making the trip out anyway, to
see Zeke.

This was senior year, the classes weren't as hard and I wanted to see Zeke
more before snowboarding season started. At that point I would have no time
to see him.

I made good time and finished the last of my cooling coffee as I parked the
car in the guest parking lot.

I knew Zeke had class and was probably getting out soon. I was early so I
dumped the empty coffee cup and threw my hood over my head as the wind
almost knocked me over.

I walked around and bumped into a familiar face.

Callum.

He looked surprised to see me and took a step back.

My facial expression didn't change much and I just stared at him, waiting
for something.

It looked like he had something to say, but it wouldn't come out.

"Hey," I said breaking the silence.

He licked his lips, "So I guess you're the reason why Zeke won't see me
anymore," he said almost bitterly.

I shrugged, "Listen I didn't really care if you hung out with Zeke and had
a crush on him, but you stepped over the line when you pinned him against
the wall and kissed him, knowing he had a serious boyfriend," I stated
matter of fact.

He frowned, "It was an impulse. I wouldn't have done it again."

"Bullshit," I scoffed, "You're lying to my face. I'm sure you would have
done something else to Zeke if you had the chance. Smoke up a little, make
the moves," I said, "I'm not dumb Callum, so don`t feed me this load of
crap, ok? It's insulting. I`m Asian, man, I was born fucking smart."

I clenched my jaw and stood my ground.

He folded his arms and after looking at me heatedly, spat out, "I hate
people like you."

I narrowed my eyes at him, "Care to elaborate?"

His brow wrinkled angrily, "You're just too perfect! Everything works out
for you, doesn't it? I know all about you. You come out, your family is so
accepting, you're super popular, smart, athletic, good looking, and on top
of that, you get the guy. Nothing bad ever happens to you, you always get
what you want. Not like the rest of us, who get kicked out of their house,
have to scrape by to get an education, all alone, by the way. What's so
great about you, huh? Why do you get everything? You have everything else,
I should have Zeke," he said furiously, "I need him more than you do!"

I stepped back, slightly shocked at the ferocity of his words.

I opened my mouth to retort, but then closed it again as I thought over my
next words while Callum tried to catch his breath after his angry rant.

After a couple minutes I decided to take a different approach to this
little situation.

One that could benefit everyone.

"Callum, I know you're not a bad guy ok? I know Zeke likes you, but only as
a friend," I said almost gently, "And I know you don't really hate me, but
you're just lashing out. I'm sorry if things didn't work out for you, but
destroying my relationship with Zeke isn't going to solve anything and it
won't make you or Zeke happy."

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Callum. Zeke and I, we have something special, ok? Say we broke up
and you got Zeke on the rebound, would you be really happy? Zeke would be
miserable and hung up on me, and you would be neglected because Zeke could
never fully love you. What I'm saying is that you deserve Zeke, sure, but
even more, you deserve a guy who can be invested with you one hundred
percent. Someone that completely loves you, who will be there for you, take
care of you and all that. And you can find that someone, but pining after
the first nice guy you meet and ruining his relationship is not the way to
do it. Zeke will only resent you for doing that," I added.

Callum was looking at his shoes. Finally he muttered, "Damn you, I hate you
even more now."

"Why, because I'm right?" I smirked.

"Now I see why everyone loves you so fucking much. Most guys would have
knocked me out by now," Callum said.

I smiled widely, "Yeah, I'm far too laid back to do that. Or lazy. My limbs
feel too heavy at this early hour."

"You're a good guy Skyler, but I still like Zeke."

I nodded, "Fair enough. Well then, I'll just have to find you someone else
to go after and latch onto," I joked, putting my arm around his shoulders.

He looked at me with surprise, "Really?"

"Yeah, I know lots of people. And you go to NYU. I go to New York all the
time. I can gather our little group and you should come along. I've even
taken my brother to a gay club before and he'd do it again for me," I said.

"Why are you doing this?" he asked curiously.

I shrugged, "Because like I said, you're not a bad guy, Callum. Just kind
of bitter and a little down. And everyone deserves to find someone and be
happy. And I also want to keep you away from Zeke," I added grinning.

Callum smiled, "Thanks, I guess. So you really mean it?"

"What?"

"Hanging out in New York?"

"Yeah, definitely, we should set it up. We have to plan in advance because
me and my brother, and Crew, and maybe even Hiro work as snowboarding
instructors, so we have to ask for a day off," I said.

Callum nodded, "Ok, that sounds good."

"Great," I answered smiling. I paused, "Uh look, I have to find Zeke.-"

He nodded and started walking in a different direction, "That's ok, I'm
going to see my cousin now anyway. See you, Skyler."

I waved my hand and watched him walk away before I went towards Zeke's dorm
building.

My assumption was right; Callum was just a lonely guy and fell too easily
for the first nice gay guy he met.

I shook my head.

What a strange day and it was only 11:15.

"Skyler!" Zeke said with surprise as he opened his room door.

I pushed past him and went inside.

"Hey Davy," I said who was sitting at his lap top cranking away a paper.

"Hey Sky," he said completely engrossed in his work, not bothering to turn
around.

"Deadline," Zeke offered.

I nodded.

Zeke smiled at me and sat beside me on his bed, kissing me briefly, "So
what's up?"

"We're going to San Francisco for winter break," I said grinning widely.

Zeke looked confused, "Your mom?"

"She said she'll go with us!" I said pulling him towards me, "See, I told
you she would be cool with it."

"That's awesome!" Zeke said hugging me back, "Did you book anything yet?"

"No, I figured we could do that together," I replied.

"Good. We should start soon," Zeke said.

"Yeah, is your lap top around here or do-"

I was interrupted by my cell phone ringing.

"Hold up," I said to Zeke as I checked the caller ID.

I groaned, it was my Dad.

I rarely talked to my Dad. He was kind of a pain in the ass, and not the
good kind.

"Hey Dad," I said, forcing my voice to be neutral.

My Dad hated it when Storm or I spoke to him with an attitude.

"Skyler, your mother told me you're planning on moving?"

I sighed heavily, "Yeah, what about it?"

"I don't think it's a good idea."

"And why not?"

"Skyler, you don't even have a job lined up! What are you gonna do for
money and do you really think your relationship with Zeke is going to
last?"

"Why wouldn't it?" I demanded.

"Skyler, be serious, trying to make it on your own is going to be a huge
strain on your relationship. You're gonna be flying home as soon as things
get too difficult," my Dad said.

I fought to keep my temper under control and Zeke peered at me worriedly.

I gave him a tight smile.

"Dad, it doesn't really matter what you think, I'm doing it anyway. And Mom
has agreed to help and support me," I said emphasizing the word support,
"And I'll be fine. And if I'm not, I know I'll always have Mom."

I heard my Dad about to say something but I cut him off.

"Dad I really have to go now. I have to look up plane flights with Zeke
now. Go call Storm or something, ok?" I said in a rush before closing my
cell.

I sighed again and rubbed my head.

"Are you ok?" Zeke asked with concern. He knew how I didn't always get
along with my Dad.

I smiled at him, the tension slowly easing away, "I'm fine, just usual crap
with my Dad, but he doesn't matter," I said taking Zeke's hand and
squeezing it.

Davy headed towards us with his laptop under his arm.

He grinned, "I can finish this in the student center. Give you guys some
privacy," he said winking at us.

I laughed, "Thanks Davy!"

He waved and shut the door behind him.

Zeke was looking at me, his dark blue eyes shining.

"So want to look up some flights?" he asked me.

I shook my head and moved closer to him.

"Later," I said wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling his lips to
mine.


**********


"Hey, do you guys want to come with us?" I asked Crew and Hiro as they were
hanging out with me in my apartment.

"To San Francisco?" Crew asked.

"Yeah, why not? It could be fun," I said.

"Won't you be busy looking for a house?" Hiro asked.

"Yeah, but not all day, everyday," I pointed out.

"Sounds cool, but I don't have much money now. How about I visit when you
and Zeke officially move?" Crew suggested.

I smirked, "Fine, start saving now."

Crew opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the door
slamming.

We all turned our attention to Storm who had just walked in.  Right away I
knew something was wrong and it wasn't that weird twin sense thing.

He just looked off.

His skin was paler than usual, and his face looked shocked, stressed,
pained, and just tired.

I felt worried. Storm was always pretty put together.

"What's up?" I asked.

Storm didn't answer but he just walked over numbly to the couch and plopped
down without a word.

"Storm?" Crew said tentatively.

Silence.

"Hey Storm, what's wrong?" I asked moving closer.

He didn't look at me, I didn't know where he was looking or if he was
seeing anything at all through his blank stare.

"I fucked up, I fucked up bad," he said.

I turned my wide shocked eyes to Crew and Hiro who seemed confused and
worried.

Hiro slowly stood up and grabbed Crew's hand, "We'll see you guys
tomorrow," he said and Crew followed him to the door, looking back every
once in awhile.

Once they were gone I turned all my attention to Storm.

"What happened?" I asked.

I was afraid that he ran someone over with his car, the way he was acting.

Storm turned to me and his eyes were full of unshed tears.

My stomach clenched.

"Sky, I fucked up. I fucked up so bad," he repeated and then he dropped his
head into his hands.

I scooted closer to my brother and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Storm, what did you do?" I asked more forcefully, desperate to know what
had happened.

"Mom and Dad are gonna be so pissed," he said in a small voice.

"Why Storm, what happened?" I pressed.

"Remember over the summer?" he began.

I nodded, although I wasn't really following him.

"I had this shitty date, but then I ran into Kate?"

"Uh huh?" I prodded.

He looked at me again, sadly, "Kate's pregnant. She's been pregnant with my
child for practically three months."

My mouth dropped open with shock.

Storm continued to rub his eyes and his hair.

"Mom and Dad are gonna fucking kill me," he repeated over and over again,
rocking back and forth on the couch.

There was nothing I could do or say at the moment, so I just sat beside
him, silently giving him my support.


*****************