Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:48:19 -0500 From: Kit Darling Subject: A Rose Among Thorns Part 8 *DISCLAIMER* This story contains depictions of male on male, graphic sexual interactions. The characters are high school aged and sometimes have unsafe sex. ALWAYS USE A CONDOM! This is a complete work of fiction and any similarities to persons or events is purely coincidental. All Rights Reserved to the Author. Please do not post this story on any other domain without specific permission from the author. Enjoy the story and any feedback is welcome. Remember that Nifty needs your generous donations to continue on, Dears. So make sure to toss a few dollars their way so they can keep tossing great stories your way. Love ya! CHAPTER 8 Sunday is always such a cruel day. Most people say it's Monday and others say Wednesday is the worst, but my opinion has always been that Sunday is a sick joke. For starters, you have to go to church in the morning before its even noon. You have to go and listen to the pastor retell a story from the Bible that you've heard a trillion times. Only a handful of stores are even open on Sundays in Moon Valley. So there's almost nothing to do. And it bears the sick reality that the next day you have school. I thought Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest but instead it's the day of wake up early and be bored. Today, in particular, I didn't want to be in church, as it was the day before my birthday. Of course, I looked on point and I took satisfaction in the fact that Blake couldn't keep his lusty eyes off of me. I just would have much rather been doing something else. Finally we were dismissed and Mom grabbed my hand, "So what kind of cake do you want tomorrow?" "Mom, you know what I like," I said rolling my eyes and smiling at her. Yellow cake with chocolate frosting had always been my all-time favorite cake. I asked for it every year but Mom always asked to make sure my mind hadn't changed. "I can't wait to give you your present," she said, giving my hand a squeeze before letting go of it and going over to chat with Dianne. I stood and waited for my parents to be ready to go, Tommy was out on the swing set playing with Julie, Blake's younger sister, and Dad was talking to Pastor Smith and Mr. Donaldson about fishing. "You look so tasty in that outfit," Blake whispered before nonchalantly pinching my butt. I yelped a little and then giggled. My face was red. "Can't you do something more productive like start an avalanche or something?" I joked back at him. "Why do you have to be dating that tool bag? We would be perfect. You're pretty; I'm cute. We'd make a pretty cute couple, don't ya think?" Blake wondered trying to caress my forearm inconspicuously. "Because... what Logan and I have is... complicated," I replied vaguely. Honestly it was. I never knew where we really stood. One minute he'd be kissing me and making me feel stuff and the next he was cold as ice, making me think he didn't like me at all. Blake smiled sadly at the ground. "I just wish I'd gotten to you sooner, Corrigan. You deserve the moon and he's only giving you a pebble," I sometimes wished that circumstances were different too. I wished I never had a doubt in my mind. Why did I have to have so much in common with Blake? Why couldn't he just remain the dirt bag loser he was in my mind before he came along and proved himself? My life was turning into some run of the mill young adult fiction with a few R rated scenes. I walked outside into one of the last pretty days before the chill of winter set in. Blake followed me. "What would it take to convince you to leave Logan and be with me?" he asked as we walked under the huge oak trees in the courtyard of the church. I reached up and ran my fingers through some Spanish moss and looked at him. The sun was hitting Blake's face just right. He had such a handsome face. His chin was perfectly chiseled, his features were so symmetrical. His eyes would shame the bluest parts of the ocean. I wanted him as much as he wanted me, but I also wanted Logan and I know it's stupid, but I still wanted Nolan above all. I put my palm on his chest when we were out of view from the church. His hand came to rest on mine and he put it on his cheek. His face was so warm and soft under my fingertips. I looked up, tilting my chin so I could see him this close. He was so damn tall. His eyes were closed. He placed his other hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I wanted to pull away. I wanted so badly to just walk away and never have this problem again. He made me feel so special. On tip toes, I kissed him. He kissed me back but it was something so different than ever before. It was so gentle. So warm. My knees were weak. I was breathless. "Run away with me," He whispered when he pulled back. "What does that mean?" I turned away from him and frowned. I hope he wasn't asking me to marry him or something. I was only seventeen. Eighteen tomorrow. I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. "Let's run away for a while. I never took you to my special spot that one day. It's perfect weather today. Besides, I have a birthday present for you," his eyes glittered into mine and there was no way I could refuse his offer. I forgot about Logan entirely and took Blake's outstretched hand. "I have to tell my Daddy," I said through excited giggles. "I'll call my dad and tell him to tell your parents," Blake said as we neared his car. I agreed and climbed in. Blake drove us to the edge of a giant oak tree grove. Spanish moss swayed carelessly in the wind. "Take off your shoes," Blake commanded as he kicked off his dress shoes and cuffed his khaki slacks. "Why?" I asked confused. "You can never truly experience the earth until you run on it barefoot," Blake said as he knelt before me and started untying my brown and white saddle shoes. He carefully removed my shoes and put them in his car. The grass was cool beneath my feet. Blake grabbed my hand and we started walking toward the woods. Rays of afternoon sun sparkled through the branches of the trees. The late autumn plants were still bright and strong. We walked until we came to a tiny clearing blanketed in lush green grass and delicate flowers. Blake led me to the middle and he sat. I sat down too, careful not to smash the final precious blooms of the season. I picked a few of the flowers around me and started making a flower crown. "Isn't it majestic out here?" Blake asked. Song birds serenaded us in the distance. The light breeze tickled my back. "It is," I said quietly as I concentrated on weaving together the grass and flora I'd harvested. Blake lay there, head perched on his hand. He watched me silently. I hadn't noticed until I glanced up. His face got red and he smiled. I leaned toward him and pecked his lips. I went to pull back but felt his hand on my cheek. He caressed my face and kissed me again. When he let go, I sat up straight and placed the flower crown on his head. "A crown fit for a King," I sang before putting my hand on his cheek and caressing it softly. "Ah but what is a King if he has no one to share his kingdom with?" Blake asked standing up abruptly, "May I have this dance?" He bowed and held out his hand. I put mine in his and stood. When I was seven I took ballroom dancing lessons. I was one of the better dancers in my class, but at some point I just lost interest and didn't want to go back. I was expecting Blake to just stand there and sway, but he assumed a perfect dancing stance. His left hand rested on my waist and his other gripped my left hand. With elbows out, he took the first step. Gracefully, he guided me in a flawless waltz around the green meadow. I had never been happier in my life. This moment was perfect and I wanted to pause the world and live in it forever. "A man of many talents," I said as we spun around and around. "Only when I have someone to share them with," Blake winked and we danced and danced to the songs of the birds. Eventually we stopped and lay down on the cool ground, "Blake that was so much fun." "It could be like this all the time, you know," Blake replied. I frowned as Logan came back into my mind. Shame and guilt gripped my chest and I felt horrible for what I was doing. I was leading Blake on, cheating on Logan, and worst of all, confusing myself more than I thought possible. "No it can't, Blake. I'm sorry," I said standing up and starting the walk back to his truck. He got up and followed me. "Why not?" he asked grabbing my arm and turning me around. "It's not that easy," I responded trying to free myself from his grip. "Give me one good reason. If you tell me you feel absolutely nothing for me, I'll leave you alone and you'll never have to worry about me again," he promised looking deep into my eyes. "Blake... I... I can't, I'm sorry," I pulled away and ran back to his truck. Tears rolled down my face. I had dug a hole, climbed in, buried myself, and was beginning to realize the damage I'd truly done. Blake drove me home in silence. It was awkward as hell. When he pulled up to my house he reached in the back seat and grabbed a little box wrapped in Little Mermaid birthday paper. "Happy Birthday, Corrigan," he said gruffly. I took the box and looked at him sadly before whispering thank you and getting out. I sat down on the porch and unwrapped the gift. Inside was a little cat figurine. A note was attached that read: "I'm like cat here. A no name slob. We belong to nobody, and nobody belongs to us." I smiled as I read the line from "Breakfast at Tiffany's" again. He was always so sweet and thoughtful. Light flooded the porch when Mom opened the front door. "What's the problem, Bambino?" Mom used to call me that when I was little. It means baby in Italian. "Nothing," she'd never understand. She was so judgmental. It was hard enough to tell her I was gay but to now tell her that I have feelings for someone other than my boyfriend? I mean, for all intents and purposes, Mom thought that I was in love with Logan. Honestly, she'd rejoice if she knew I was falling for the preacher's son. She'd beg me to dump my sinful Wiccan and date the saintly Baptist. "It doesn't seem like nothing," Mom said putting a kind hand on my knee. "I promise, I'm fine," I smiled at her and stood up, "I'm gonna go to bed. Love you Mommy." "Love you too, Corrigan. Sleep well. My little baby is gonna be eighteen tomorrow. You are growing up so fast and I could honestly not be any more proud of you," she ruffled my hair and hugged me and I went upstairs. I laid down on my bed and thought myself to sleep. Tommy woke me the next morning by jumping up and down on my bed, singing Happy Birthday. Mom and Dad entered carrying a tray with an obnoxiously large pile of pancakes smothered in whipped cream, brown sugar, pecans, and banana slices. Banana's Foster Pancakes. My FAVORITE. My eyes turned into hearts and I inhaled the pancakes before the song was even over. "Happy Birthday, Cori," Mom said sitting down next to me, "Do you want your presents tonight or this morning?" "Hmm, let me think," I had a chin on my hand, "this morning!" "Oh goody!" Mom said before clapping her hands. Dad left the room and brought back three boxes. "The biggest one is from me," Tommy said proudly. I took the smallest one and opened it. Inside were a pair of combat boots with floral lining. They were cute as heck! "I love them!" I said excitedly. "Oh thank God, I tried to channel my inner Corrigan when I went looking for shoes," Dad said with a sigh of relief. I opened Mom's gift next. It was the big comfy sweater I'd been coveting from polyvore.com. It had a pretty fox on it and three buttons on the left shoulder. It was the reason I'd made my own fox sweater. You know, the one I told you about in chapter one? In that moment I became an anime character and slithered into the sweater excitedly. "I love it, Mom!" I basically screamed. I hugged her tight and snuggled deeper into my new sweater. "Now open my gift!" Tommy said, losing his patience. "Okay, okay, don't get your undies in a twist," I said before grabbing the gift and tearing it open. Inside the package was a ton of classic movies; "Paris When It Sizzles", "Strangers on a Train", "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte". All of my favorite actors and actresses; Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Bette Davis, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant. "Thank you so much, Tommy!" I winked at Mom and Dad when Tommy gave me a satisfied nod. "I have to get dressed for school!" I said when I looked at the clock and realized how late it was. My parents and brother left and I shut the door behind them. I pulled my nightshirt off and put the sweater back on. I stepped into a pair of skinny jeans and the new boots from Dad. I combed my hair quickly and grabbed my backpack just as I heard Logan honk from the driveway. "Thanks for everything, you guys!" I shouted as I raced out the door. Logan was standing in front of his truck. He was leaning against it and when I left the house, he stood up straight and ran a nervous hand through his hair. It was slicked back. He kind of looked like a really well dressed James Dean. He had on a plaid button up tucked into a nice pair of jeans and a dark-blue, fitted blazer. In his left hand he held a bouquet of African Daisies. My favorites. "Happy Birthday," Logan said nervously. He leaned down and kissed me. His mouth quivered. I put a hand on his shoulder and threw my opposite arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He seemed to loosen up and the kiss became more natural. I pulled away and took the flowers. I inhaled their sweet scent, "They are gorgeous," I said. I ran them up to the house and put them on the entry way table telling mom to put them in a vase for me. I came back out and Logan was at my side of the truck. He opened the door and I climbed in. He went to his door and got in. "So what's up with all the chivalry?" I asked running a hand through his styled hair. "I have a surprise for you at lunch time," Logan said happily. His hand crept over and grabbed mine and he started the vehicle. I scooted into the middle, closing the space between us, and buckled up. "I can't wait," I said as he pulled out of the driveway and took us to school. "Happy Birthday, Cori," Nolan said behind me at my locker. "Thanks, Nolan!" I said hugging him quickly. Logan hovered near by as Nolan handed me what looked like a bracelet box. Inside was a really good quality inking marker. So that I could ink my drawings. "I needed a new one!" I exclaimed gratefully. I hugged him again and he pulled back and grinned. "Now you can finally ink all those drawings of me," Nolan winked and my face burned red. "I have no clue what you're talking about," I lied. I grabbed my books and Logan's hand. All three of us walked down the hall. There was so much tension between the two of them, they really didn't like each other. "Are you coming over tonight for cake?" I asked Nolan. "I wouldn't miss it for anything. I'll see you later, pal," Nolan patted my arm and took off in the opposite direction. "I still don't know what you see in that goon," Logan snarled. "Funny, he said the same thing about you," I teased, poking him in the ribs. "Well I'm charming, and brooding, and sexy," Logan said confidently, "Nolan has the personality of a deflated balloon." "Oh hush up," I said, getting a little too defensive. I lightened my tone before I continued, "You are both very charming men. I do wonder, however, what's with the get up today?" "What ever do you mean?" Logan asked trying to sound innocent. "I mean why are you dressed so... un-you?" I gestured to the blazer. "I was..." he trailed off, looking away nervously. "C'mon, spit it out," I pressed. "I was trying to impress you. I know how much you like classic movies and the only guy who was cool enough to impersonate was James Dean. I saw him in a picture wearing something like this and I wore it for you." "You don't have to be anyone but you," I responded, "I like you just the way you are. But for the record you look really sexy today," I grinned. "Thank you," he smiled and kissed my cheek, "See you at lunch." The day seemed to be flying by. When lunch time came around I was jumping with anticipation for my surprise from Logan. "Ready?" He asked walking up to me and grabbing me around the waist. I said goodbye to the people I was chatting with and we went to his truck. "So where is this surprise?" I asked casually as he helped me into the truck. "Now it wouldn't be a surprise if you knew," Logan replied before shutting the door. He climbed in and we set off. We chatted about how our day was going so far. He pulled up to a park and grabbed my hand. He smelled so good today. "The park?" I asked suspicious of the surprise he had in store. "I have a plan, just you wait," Logan winked. He got out and went to my door to help me out too. We walked down a little path toward a gazebo covered in ivy. Charlotte stood in front of a table that was covered in fruits and cheeses and bread. "Oh it's beautiful!" I exclaimed as Logan pulled out my seat. "Thank you," he said before taking his own seat. "Joyeux anniversaire, Happy Birthday," Charlotte said. She stepped off the gazebo and took a seat in front of a harp that I hadn't noticed until just then. Wow, Logan had really gone all out for this. "I love this, Logan, you really are the best fake boyfriend a boy could ask for," I whispered `fake' so his mother wouldn't hear. "Couldn't have people thinking I was a cheap ass on my boyfriend's birthday. I got you a gift too." "You shouldn't have," I said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a little Tiffany's box. It almost looked like a ring box. My face got red. He opened it and inside was a sterling silver telephone dialer. "I watched that Audrey Hepburn movie you love and tried to find something from it that you'd like," he admitted. Logan watched one of my favorite movies just to find the perfect gift? What a sweet gesture. God, was I the biggest dick in the world? While he was out trying to find what to get me for today I was out mackin on Blake. How could anyone like me? "Thank you so much, for everything, Logan," I smiled, trying to hide the shame I felt inside. "Of course, anything for you," he sliced a piece of cheddar and held it out for me to eat. *AUTHOR'S NOTE* Hello all! I realize that in my last story I forgot to thank Robbie. He has been a gracious editor and I appreciate everything! Seriously you guys, without him, you might as well toss this story into the nearest garbage can. I love the kind words from everyone who has emailed me. I hope to keep you all entertained until the very end! Email me if you like my story, Darlings! Kisses! –Kit =^.^=