Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2001 04:23:31 +0000 From: Jessica Haynes Subject: My Only Love, Chapter 11 My Only Love Chapter 11 Author's note: I want to send my heartfelt condolences to those of you who had loved ones in New York and DC last week. In times like these, we all need to band together as one people, and fight to overcome these acts of cowardice. I urge everyone to get involved, to donate blood, time or money to the rescue efforts. Every little bit helps. You can make a difference! Due to all that has happened in the last week or so, this chapter is a little later than I had hoped. But here it is, finally, and I want to apologize for the delay. The next chapter probably won't be out for a while, as I have just started college. But I will make the chapters longer to make up for it. Be sure to send me an e-mail telling me what you think of my story. My e-mail is gibsongirl101@hotmail.com Now, for the disclaimers. Don't read this if you are too young where you live, or if you are offended by stories featuring gay characters. Also, the town in which this story is set is completely in my imagination, as are ALL the characters. If there is any resemblance to persons living or dead, it is pure coincidence. Now, get ready for chapter 11 in the lives of Chris and Eric. Chris: Everything was subdued at school the next day. Even though no one had liked Justin, it was still so sad that he was dead. The halls seemed empty without him. His only two friends walked around the hall like a part of them were missing. And perhaps it was. Justin had been their leader, and they had done what he told them to. Now they wandered around the hall without a purpose. As for myself, I felt guilty that I had never seen how much pain Justin had been through. He had always just been a bully to me, one who deserved only my scorn. But who had I been to judge him. "Everyone seems so sad," Eric said, voicing my thoughts. "I know. It's hard when a classmate dies, especially when all the clues point to a suicide." I was quiet for a moment, and then I said, "I keep thinking about that note and what he said about me. How could I have not known that he was in-love with me. Am I dense or something?" "How could you have known, Chris? He was always an ass to you, and for that matter to everyone. He was like an overgrown playground bully, and no one saw past that. So stop blaming yourself, because it is not your fault." Eric said forcefully. I turned to him and saw the love in his beautiful eyes and couldn't help but give him a quick thank-you kiss. "Thanks little buddy. You always know what to say to make me feel better." Eric returned my kiss quickly, and then pulled away. Although we were not ashamed of our love, we didn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable with us making out in the hallway. I squeezed his hand and silently promised him more later with my eyes. "Hi Chris, Eric." Caitlin said as she came up behind us, and threw her arms around my waist. She had always been a demonstrative person, and very affectionate. I gave her a quick hug hello and then let go of her. She gave Eric a quick hug too. "Hey, Caitlin, we have something that we want to tell you." Eric said. At first I was confused and then I remembered about the bet. "Yeah, what is it?" "Well, you probably guessed yesterday that both Mac and Kyle were throwing themselves at your feet." Eric began. "No, really? I hadn't noticed." Caitlin said with a straight face, but soon dissolved into giggles. "Yes, well, after you left, they started arguing about who would get you to date them first, and well..." Eric paused not sure how to continue. "Let me guess, the argument turned into a bet about which one of them would go out with me first." Caitlin asked. "Yeah, how did you know?" I asked. "Because I know how a guy's mind works. Your sex isn't all that complicated. Their thoughts generally focus on sex, money, food and sports." Caitlin laughed and said, "Well. I will just have to give those two a run for their money. This could be fun." With a toss of her strawberry blonde hair, Caitlin waved good-bye and sashayed down the hall. Eric and I laughed and I said, "Those two are going to regret playing with that one. Before the week is over, she'll have them both on their knees." "I know that's where I want to be right now." Eric said, smiling sexily. I laughed and said, "After school, my house?" I could feel myself growing hard at the thought of Eric's mouth on me, and my mouth on him. "You bet, stud. I can't wait." The bell rang then and we had to separate to go to our different classes. The teachers didn't even try to teach that day, as they knew that we wouldn't be paying attention. The school held open counseling for the students if they needed to talk. I didn't know of any one went, but it is a standard operation when a student dies. The day dragged on and on, but finally I was able to meet up with Eric, Kyle and Mac after school. Football practice had been cancelled, so we went to the burger joint to get something to eat. We ate quietly, each having too much on our minds to talk out loud. After we ate, Kyle and Mac said they were going to the gym, and invited us along, but I didn't want to work out today, so Eric and I declined and went to my house. My parent's weren't home, so we had the place to ourselves. We decided to go up to my room and watch a movie. I put on "Shakespeare In Love", which is Eric's all-time, feel good movie. I don't know why, since it doesn't have a real happy ending, romantically speaking. We cuddled on my bed, laughing together, and kissing ever so often. Soon, I had lost interest in the movie, and was concentrating on kissing the side of Eric's neck, right below his ear. I had learned quickly that this is one of Eric's biggest erogenous zones. He loved it when I sucked gently on the skin right below his ears. He was moaning, and leaning his head over to the side so I could have better access. His attention left the movie completely and he turned his head to meet me in a long, passionate, open-mouthed kiss. My tongue invaded his mouth, and he sucked on it. This drives me wild, and I was kissing him harder than ever. His lips trailed over my neck, and his hands wandered under my shirt to lightly stroke my nipples. His hands trailed lower, and I removed my shirt, so his tongue could more easily access my chest. His hands wandered lower, and started to un-zip my jeans. I lifted my hips to help him pull my jeans off. His mouth had followed his hands, and I knew what would happen next. My eyes drifted shut in sublime surrender. Eric looked up at me, and the lowered his head. I opened my eyes, to see his tongue dart out of his mouth and... "BRRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGGG!" The phone was ringing. It rang several more times before I drifted back from my haze of pleasure. I groaned in frustration and reached around Eric for the phone. "What?" I growled. "Umm...Chris?" a quiet voice came over the line. "Davy?" I asked, a little confused. Davy had never called me at home before. I knew then that something had to be wrong. "Is this a bad time? Because I can call back." It sounded as if he had been crying. I sat up and Eric quietly got up to turn the movie off. "No, Davy. It is not a bad time. Is something wrong?" "I need you." Davy said, his voice trembling. "Can you come get me?" "I'll be right there. Are you at home?" I asked, pulling on my pants while holding onto the phone. "Yes. Can you come quick?" Davy asked. It took me about 10 minutes to get across town, but Davy's foster parents live about 15 minutes outside of town. But I figured I could get there in 10 if I sped the whole way. "Davy, stay calm. Eric and I will be there in 10 minutes, ok?' "Ok." "Ok then, I'm going to hang-up now." "NO!" Davy screamed. "Davy, if I don't hang up, I can't come to get you." I said softly. "But I don't want to be alone." I thought for a minute and then came up with an idea. "Davy, I'm going to put Eric on. You remember him, right. He was with my yesterday, remember? He'll talk to you until I get there, ok?' "Ok. That would be ok." Davy said. "I'm going to put him on now, ok?" "Ok. Hurry, ok, Chris? " "Ok, here's Eric." I handed the phone to Eric, and quickly put my shirt on. "Hi Davy, you hang in there, ok buddy, and Chris will be there before you know it." I pulled on my sneakers, grabbed my keys, and ran down the stairs. I was in the car and speeding towards Davy's house quicker than a New York minute. I drove recklessly on the way to Davy's. I was lucky I wasn't picked up for speeding. Although that may have been good, because then I could have told someone that I thought Davy was in danger. I reached Davy's house in less than 10 minutes, and jumped out the door, almost before I had the car in park. I didn't bother to close the door, but just rushed into the house. "Davy!' I called. "Davy, where are you?" There was no answer. I ran through the house, and found him in the living room floor, lying on his back. I could hear Eric's voice screaming through the phone beside him. I knelt down by Davy's side and I gasped in dismay when I saw his face. Both eyes were beginning to swell, and his bottom lip was splayed open, still dripping blood on his chin. I felt tears on my face and didn't try to wipe them away. I felt for the little boy's pulse. It was weak, but steady. I sighed in relief. Eric's voice was still coming over the phone, and I picked it up. "Eric, Davy is fine, I think. He just passed out. I am going to take him to the emergency room and get him checked out. I think that his foster parents beat him. Will you call my parents and ask them to meet me there? I think that Davy is going to need some support." I paused. "And, I need you too." "Of course I will. I'll meet you at the ER. Be careful, ok, Chris? I love you." Eric said, and hung up before I could reply. I started to pick Davy up, and then I thought better. What if the beating had been in other places than his face? I lifted his shirt up, and sure enough there were bruises that looked as if they had been made by a boot on his chest and sides. From the looks of it, he could have broken ribs, and maybe even some internal bleeding. I didn't want to risk moving him, and worsening his condition. So, I called 911, gave them the information and they promised that they would have an ambulance here in ASAP. I sat by Davy's side and gently stroked his hair as I waited for the ambulance to get there. Soon I could hear the wait of sirens as they rushed up the drive. I ran out to meet the EMT's and showed them where Davy was. I stepped back and observed as they got Davy ready to go to the ER. "Jesus!" I could hear one of the EMT's say. "Poor little guy," the other one said. Soon, they were loading Davy in the ambulance. I was told that since I was not a family member, I couldn't ride in the ambulance. "But, if Davy wakes up, I KNOW he will want me with him." I protested. The older EMT looked at Davy's frail body and then back at me. He nodded his head, and I got in the ambulance after Davy and the EMT. The other EMT got in the front, and we were soon speeding on our way to the ER. Two nurses and a doctor quickly took Davy from the ambulance and wheeled him through the doors of the ER. The EMT's told me to go to the waiting room, and as soon as something was known, a doctor or nurse would let me know. I reluctantly agreed, knowing that I would only be in the way in the ER. I sat down in a chair facing the doors, and soon saw Eric come through the doors. He saw me and came over to hug me. I leaned into his embrace, again not caring who saw me. Our feelings for each other were pure and honest, not something to be afraid of. And I needed his warmth and comfort right now. "How is Davy?" he asked. "I don't know. He might have broken ribs. But his face, god, Eric, his poor face, was battered. And it looked like someone kicked him with boots on. It was horrible." Suddenly I was sobbing my heart out, and all Eric could do was hold onto me, and rub my back. "He's going to be all right, Chris. I know it. And then he can tell us what happened." Eric said. "Oh, I know what happened. His fucking foster father beat the living hell out of him, and his wife probably watched." I said bitterly, suddenly so angry, I could hardly think straight. My parents arrived shortly after Eric, and sat down on the other side of me. My mother hugged me to her, and asked what was going on. "You remember that boy Davy who found Justin's body yesterday?" I began. "Yes. What happened?" my father asked. "Well, I think that his foster parents beat him. He called me, and said he needed me, so I rushed over to his house and found him passed out on the floor. I called 911, and here we are. Davy is in the ER right now. Someone is going to let us know what is going on in a little while. But the EMT's thought that Davy would be fine. Thank god." I said. My mother had grown pale during my speech. I knew she was as shocked I was at this act of violence against such a sweet little boy. I knew that I couldn't let it go unavenged. I had to get out of there for a while. But I wanted to be there when Davy woke up. My revenge would have to wait. I guess I would see if the old adage, "Revenge is a dish best served cold" was true. But I wouldn't wait for long. Karl Jefferson was mine. The doctor came out of the ER about 30 minutes after my parents arrived. I stood up to greet him. My mother did the same. Eric and my dad had left shortly before that to get us all some coffee. "How is he doctor?" I asked. "He'll be fine. His ribs are a little bruised, but not broken, and there was no internal bleeding that we could discern. His lip required a few stitches, and he'll most likely have a small scar, but it won't be too noticeable. It will make him a hero in class though." The doctor laughed softly for a moment. "I'm not going to lie to you. Davy is going to me in a lot of pain for a while. But there is no lasting physical damage. Mentally, it might take him a bit longer to recover." "We'll do anything to help him out, doctor. Anything." I said. "Can I see him now?" "Yes. He's still unconscious, but I think he'd feel more comfortable if he hears a familiar voice." "Ok. Thanks Doctor." I turned to my mother and asked, "Can you call the police. I want Karl Jefferson locked up as soon as it's possible." "Ok, honey. You go on back and see Davy now. Your father and I will take care of everything. DHS needs to be called as well, to inform them of the situation." "Mom, before I go back, I want to ask you something." "What is it Chris?" "I want us to adopt Davy." I said simply. "Oh, Chris. I think that would be wonderful, but it might not work out. It all depends on DHS and his biological parents." "His biological parents are dead." I told her. "Your father and I will look into it. Now, you go back and stay with Davy. I'll see if Eric can come back and sit with you." She gave me a kiss on the cheek, and went to find my father and Eric. I took a deep breath and walked back to where the doctor had gone, to see Davy. He was sleeping on his back, but as soon as I sat down and took his hand, his eyes opened. "You came. I knew you would." He said weakly. I looked at him and smiled. "Of course I came, Davy. How do you feel?" I asked. "I hurt. But you're here, so it's not as bad a before." He whispered. "Can you tell me who did this to you," I asked, although I knew that it could be only one person. Maybe two. "It was Mr. Jefferson. He said I deserved it for being such a nuisance yesterday." Tears started to leak from his eyes, and he looked away from me. "Davy, it was not your fault. Jefferson is a sick man." Davy still wouldn't look at me. "Davy, look at me please." He did and I said very slowly, "It...is...not...your...fault." "But he said I was a bad boy to go snooping in other people's business. But I was not snooping, was I? I was only fishing." "No, you weren't snooping. Now, you get some sleep, ok? I'll be here when you wake up. And I want you to know, that my parents are doing all they can so that when you are better, you can come home with us." "Do you really mean that? I'm going to get to come home with you? Forever?" "I hope so. Now, you get some sleep so you can get better quick. I promise to be here when you wake-up." "Ok. I love you, Chris." "And I love you, little buddy." I stayed in the room until I was sure that davy was asleep again. Then I went back out into the lobby where Eric and my parents were waiting for me. I was surprised to see Kyle, Mac, and Robby sitting with Eric. "Hey guys, what's up?" "Hey Chris. Eric called us and told us what happened." Kyle said. "Yeah, how's Davy?" Mac asked. "He'll be fine. He's a bit roughed up, but the doctors think that he should be fine." I said, and sat down next to Eric. He took my hand and rubbed the knuckles soothingly. I felt better as soon as he touched me. I guess that's the way of love, though. When the one you love is near, no matter how bad things are, you feel better. I was so lucky to have a guy like Eric who loved me. The day that I realized that I loved him too, was the best day of my life. I would always be grateful to Eric for taking that first step that day. I would never have had the courage to tell him of my feelings otherwise. "I love you, Eric." I said, softly, so no one else could hear. Not that I care if people heard, but because it was private, between the two of us. "I love you too, Chris. I'm just sorry that this happened, especially when it happened." Eric said blushing. "Me too, but now we'll have something to look forward to for next time." I said, and brought our clasped hands together to kiss his knuckles. "I'm glad that Davy is going to be all right. But what is going to happen now?" Robby asked, tearing me from my daydreams. "Well, my parents are calling DHS right now, and are going to look into getting temporary custody of him. There will probably be a trial of who did this to Davy, and then they can look into adopting him permanently." "Oh, that's wonderful. You'll finally get to have a little brother." Kyle said, knowing that having a sibling had always been a wish of mine. "Yeah, I hope it all works out all right." I said. "Do they known who did this to Davy?" Mac asked. "When I was in there, he woke up. I asked him who did this to him, and he said that it was Mr. Jefferson." "I knew it. I've never liked that guy!" Kyle exclaimed. "What's going to happen?" "Well, I know that the cops and DHS are going to have to be involved, but hopefully he'll get what's coming to him in the end." I said. "Oh, he will. Those types always get what's coming to them in the end." Mac said. "You're damn right they do. In all likeliness, Jefferson will be going away for a long time." Eric said. "I hope so. It is the least that he deserves." Robby said. My friends and I talked quietly for a while before my parents got back. From the frowns on their faces, things had not gone well. I had this queasy feeling in my stomach as I asked, "What happened?" "There is no easy way to say this, Chris," my dad began. I could tell that he was struggling to get the words out. "Just tell us already, Dad." I said. "Late this afternoon, just after you and Davy arrived at the hospital, Karl Jefferson was found dead in his bed, with a bullet hole in his forehead." "What?!" we all cried, shocked. "But, Chris, that is not the end of it." My dad said, looking even more somber. "What else could there be?" I asked. "You are their prime suspect." ************************************************************************ I know, what a shitty place to leave the story, huh? But I need to do something to keep y'all coming back for more. Don't forget to tell me what you think, ok? Here's my e-mail address again, so you don't have to scroll all the way back up to the top: gibsongirl101@hotmail.com. I tried to make this installment a little longer, so that it would make up for the long time in between chapters. I don't know when the next chapter will come out, but if you want to know ahead of time, drop me a line through e-mail. Until next time, this is Captain Kirk, signing off! (lol, just kidding!)