The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are entirely fortuitous. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at this address with your comments.

Yesterday with Brett was one of the best days of my life minus the whole bathroom incident. The way we hung out it made it seem like we've been friends forever. The question he asked me has been haunting me since I walked inside my house after hr dropped me off. I do want to be boyfriends, but the small factor that he's the President's son is kind of throwing me off. I should be concentrating on my English class right now, but Brett is pulling my concentration. Just the mere thought of his voice sets me free.

For me, high school is like an escape from the world. Sure, there's homework and some stress, but for the most part it's better than my house in so many different ways. First, and the most important, is that there's no alcoholic mother. Well, really there's only that good thing. I mean, I'm still not liked in high school. I get picked on a lot by the larger guys and like at home I'm mostly ignored unless I'm seen so I try to stay as invisible as possible 24/7.

The bell rang and all the students rushed out of the classroom. Sixth period ended so that means everyone gets to go home. I on the other hand go to the library to do all my homework in peace and quiet. If I were to go home to do it, my mom would be too distractive for me to finish it.

I found a table in the far corner of the library and began on my math homework. I've always been really smart in school with math being my strongest subject. Several people from my class have asked me for help with their homework. All the times this has happened, I've felt so wanted. Once the tutoring sessions were over, however, I went back to being an invisible person. The thought has crossed my mind that I'm just being used for my smarts. This, however, is perfectly okay with me. At least I'm wanted for an hour or two.

Four o'clock rolled around eventually. The librarians said the library was closing and I needed to leave. I finished most of my homework, but I still need to do some reading. Oh, well, I can just do that tonight.

When I got home, I saw my mom's car in the driveway. With all the caution in the world, I tiptoed inside and snuck into my room. Only minutes after entering my room, she decided to hassle me.

"I have a friend coming over in a couple of hours. When he gets here, don't you even think about leaving this room! If you even open your door, I will beat you so hard, Tanner! Is that understood?" mom yelled.

I avoided eye contact with her. "Yes, I understand."

"Good," She walked out of my room, leaving me to fend for dinner myself. That comes as no surprise though.

Knowing all too well that she is serious about me not showing my face when her "friend" comes over, I knew I needed to head out and get dinner now. On the way home today I found some change on the ground. I now have enough for at least a small bag of nuts or something similar.

I rounded the corner of the liquor store to find Brett sitting on a brick ledge with two bags of food and two drinks. His face lit up as he saw me walking towards him. I couldn't help but show the same enthusiasm.

"Hey there," Brett said happily. "I brought you some dinner."

"Why? And how did you know I'd be here?" I questioned him.

"Well," he started, extending his left arm. He looked at his watch and smiled. "It's not five-thirty yet so I figured you wouldn't be set inside yet. I thought you could use some dinner." Brett handed me a bag of food.

"Thanks, Brett," I gushed, digging into the bag for my food. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing great," he replied. He took his glasses off and set them aside.

"Oh, my God, what happened to your eye?" I asked.

"Well, one of those guys yesterday got one good hit in."

"Speaking of that, did your dad hear about it?"

"Yes, he did. The scene has been all over the news. People are claiming it was a terrorist attack." Brett said humorously.

I buried my face in my hands and mumbled, "I'm so sorry about that."

"Hey, it's not your fault, Tanner. You didn't do anything to them, right?"

"Right," I sighed, wiping my eyes.

"Exactly. They were just two losers who had nothing better to do in their lives other than torment someone smaller than they are." Brett rested an arm over my shoulders and squeezed me gently. "So, don't you worry about anything."

I smiled gently. "Thanks, Brett."

"So, moving on from that topic, I want to learn more about you." he said. "I feel like I know a lot about you, but when I really think about it there's not too much I know."

"Well, um, when I get out of high school I would love to go to college, but that's not really something I can afford right now. Once I can go I want to work my way towards becoming a dental hygienist, though."

"Hmm, I've never been a big fan of dentistry. Whenever I go I always choke on those dumb x-ray things."

I chuckled. "But that's why I want to become a hygienist!"

"To choke people?"

I laughed harder. "No, to show people that dentists aren't all that bad. I'll be so gentle and easy with them that they'll not be so terrified about coming back the next time."

"Well, that's really cool, Tanner. At least you have a goal to work towards."

"What about you? What does the President's son want to do?"

"The President's son no longer wants that title." Brett spoke with a hint of sadness. I could tell he was about to get personal. "I mean, it has its perks for sure, but having to always go to fundraisers and events and conferences, it just gets annoying especially since I'm just a kid still, kind of anyways."

"So, what would you rather be?"

"Don't laugh at me, but my dream is to become a cruise ship captain. I've always wanted to just be out in the open sea for days. Nothing is out there but water and crisp air. It's just the ultimate bliss, or at least in my mind it is."

"Wow, that's an interesting choice. That'd be a pretty cool job. I don't think I could drive such a gigantic thing, though."

"Yeah, I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks." Brett laughed.

The two of us continued talking about our lives. I tried to stay mostly away from mine, but occasionally I'd be trapped and I'd have to spill my story. Brett was very patient and reassuring, though, as he continuously rubbed my back.

An hour had passed and I suddenly realized mom's male friend is probably already at the house. Great, I have nothing to do for another few hours until him and my mom are done fucking. When that time comes, I can quickly slip into my room without being seen at all.

"Tanner!" Brett said loudly.

"Huh? What?"

"I've been talking to you for five minutes." he laughed. "You've been staring into space though."

"Oh, sorry," I said. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking you if you've thought about us yet." Brett almost whispered.

I stared into his eyes and thought of us. I'm still clueless as to why he'd even remotely like me in the least. He must have some kind of sympathy for me. Yeah, that's it. This whole thing is a charity case. Of course, if it were a charity case I seriously doubt he'd be doing all of this stuff for me. I'm not even able to do anything in return so there's no way this is a charity case.

"I'm still not sure, Brett." The words came out of my mouth before I even realized what I said. In my heart, I want to say yes because Brett is such an amazing person. My mind is just screaming no, though.

"Okay, that's fine. It has only been one day anyways." Brett looked at his watch, then he looked back up at me. "This really sucks, but I have to go home now, Tanner."

"Aww, that's okay. I should be...heading back, too." My mom's man is definitely there by now so there's no way I could sneak in.

"I'm going out on a limb here, but you wouldn't want to hang out at my house would you?" Brett asked like a little kid afraid he'd get scolded. His facial expression was to die for.

"You mean The White House?" I nervously asked.

"Yeah, but if you're not comfortable then I totally understand." he quickly blurted out.

"Well, I guess I could hang out for a few." I said, again without realizing what I had agreed to.

"Awesome!"

The two of us threw our trash away, then hopped in the car. On the way to his, um, house, we talked some more, but for the most part I was silent. My nerves were heating up. The thought of being inside of the most known house in the world is driving me insane. And as if that wasn't bad enough I'm going to be meeting his parents! They're probably going to laugh at me or be uncomfortable in my presence. Brett will probably ask if he can keep me like I'm some stray puppy he found in the streets. No, Brett wouldn't do that. He's a great person and it's very obvious by the way he's treating me.

Niles pulled up into a driveway at a security station. They checked the car out before approving our entrance. Some guy opened our door for us and welcomed Brett home. He kind of gave me an uneasy glance like I was holding a weapon or something.

Brett led me inside of the massive house. Security had to pat us down, but once that was over Brett was ushering me through hallways that were longer than a freaking football field it seemed. I'm probably over exaggerating though because of my nerves I don't even know how long the hallways actually were. Oh, my God, now I'm rambling!

The interior of The White House was far beyond what I expected. The image of what it's been portrayed as in the movies is kind of what it's like, but in person it is so much nicer. Like the movies, there are people walking around everywhere, mostly security. There are various decorations scattered throughout the hallways and open areas. Flowers are a very common thing that I noticed. It's probably Brett's mothers' taste. The nice interior surrounding me has made my nerves even more skittish.

Brett suddenly stopped and looked at me. "Do you want to meet my dad? You don't have to if you don't want to."

"U-uh, I'm not su-"

Before I could completely answer him, a voice boomed from down the hall. "Brett!" A man came walking down the hall with authority glowing from him. I instantly knew who the man was.

"Sorry," Brett whispered faintly.

"Well, you're twenty minutes late. I almost began to worry." President Malcolm said.

"I'm sorry, dad," Brett said. "This is my friend Tanner."

The President stuck out his hand and said, "Nice to meet you, Tanner."

I nervously shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, President Malcolm."

"You're a democrat aren't you?"

"Y-yes, sir," I stuttered.

President chuckled, "Good boy."

"Dad, can we go to my room now?" Brett chimed in.

"Oh, right, go ahead, son."

"It was nice to meet you, Tanner."'

"Same, sir,"

The walk to his room was done in complete silence. Meeting his father was the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done in my life. Wouldn't you be nervous if you met the President? Not only that, but he's the father of the boy you're crushing on! Talk about being freaked out.

"Sorry that you got cornered like that, Tanner. I had no idea my dad would be so close." Brett said.

"It's, um, okay. I was so nervous." I said softly.

Brett laughed, "I could tell."

"I'm still really nervous, Brett. All of this is so new to me. I'm not used to this kind of...luxury." The pain of saying those words was almost intolerable. I feel so embarrassed about the way I am, the way I've grown up.

"Tanner, I don't want you to feel that way around me. Is there anything I can do to fix it maybe?"

"No, Brett, you are who you are." I replied bleakly. "I'm just..."

"You need to be more confident in yourself, Tanner. You're an amazing person, and not to mention a cute one as well."

"My mom hates me!" I blurted out.

"What?" Brett asked, head cocked and curious looking.

"She absolutely despises me."

"Why would you say that?"

"Because it shows by the way she treats me."

"How does she treat you?"

"What are you? Some sort of psychiatrist?" My words were aggressive sounding, but I swear I didn't mean to sound like I did.

"I'm just trying to learn about you, Tanner." Brett said calmly.

I just broke down. I started crying hysterically adding to my embarrassment. Brett didn't falter though. He walked up and wrapped me in his arms. It felt so right being in his arms at that moment. He just rubbed my back and held me. After several minutes standing like this, I decided it was time I told Brett a little about my life.

I started with when my dad left my mom and me when I was still a little, little boy. Everything went downhill when he did. My mom would leave me home alone for hours until she got home from her stripper job. Even when she was home, she was not an affectionate person.

"Brett, she even said that she hates me and that her life would be better without me! She buys no food for me, no clothes." I cried uncontrollably. Brett was still not faltering. He just continued to hold me as I laid my cards on the table.

"I'm so sorry, Tanner. I had no idea you had it so rough."

"I can't keep living like this, Brett. Tonight she told me I had to stay completely out of sight while she had a friend over and that if I even peeked out she'd beat me."

Brett suddenly got angry. "Doesn't her fucking friend know she has a son?!"

"It's a male friend, Brett. Not someone that she comes in contact with on a daily basis if you know what I mean."

"Oh," Brett sighed. "I want you to know that anytime you need someone, I want to be that person you go to."

"Really?" I asked, leaning back from him.

"I know that we're not going out...yet, and I'm sure that sounded really corny, but I really, really like you, Tanner." Brett's words were sincere and warm and made my eyes water.

"Brett... I..." I tried to speak, but I couldn't really find anything to say.

"Look, just think things over, okay? No matter what your decision, I want to keep hanging out with you. I really enjoy your company." Brett said.

"Thanks," I smiled widely.

Suddenly, Brett leaned forward and kissed me. My eyes automatically closed at feeling his lips pressed against mine. He stayed there for a few seconds before pulling away. I was shocked to say the least, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. His eyes widened and he instantly looked sorry for what he did.

"I'm so sorry, Tanner!" Brett loudly said.

"It's okay," I smiled.

"Are you sure? That wasn't out of line?"

"Nope,"

"Cool," he grinned. Brett leaned forward again, but I stopped him.

"Whoa, slow down there, cowboy." I chuckled. "I just want to hang out now, okay? I'm kind of tired and stuff."

"Okay, we can watch some TV if you'd like?" he asked. I nodded my head, then jumped up on his bed, scooting back until I was pressed against his wall.

While we were watching TV, Brett grasped my hand in his. I felt so safe at that moment it was indescribable. If this is what it feels like to be wanted by someone, then I think I can get along with all of this just fine.

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

Okay everyone, I hope you all liked chapter four! As always, feel free to write me at the e-mail address given atop every single chapter. Also feel free to join my group by clicking this link: Shades of Wisteria.

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