Date: Fri, 8 Jul 2011 13:16:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Joey Young Subject: Untitled Love Story, Chapter 15 Usual Disclaimers Apply. Author's Note: I'll make this quick. So I've been telling a few of my readers about my two other projects. One still in development and one just finished. Well I have good news for all my fans out there who ask if I have other stories or series. Well now I do or am about too. Hahahaha. But I digress. So, anyways I have a little treat for you at the end of this chapter. Please feel free to enjoy it and comment on it at untitledlovestory23@yahoo.com In the meantime, enjoy the latest chapter in the Untitled Love Story series. -Joey Young Untitled Love Story Chapter 15 The news of my possible curing treatment was heard by everyone that I ever cared about. And I had been in the hospital countlessly for the past couple of weeks getting tested and given certain medications and treatments. Dr. Peters was determined to help me with my illness, although he warned me not to get my hopes up. "You have already experienced the latent effects of the cancer, so positive results are rare," he told me one day, after I had a bloody nose. "But you could be one of those rare few." And I had held onto that hope for the past few weeks. And today was the day. The day for me to find out if there was still more time for me to get better. I was nervous as I entered his office which over looked the parking lot of the hospital. He was sitting in his chair facing away from me, looking at some charts. I cleared my throat to get his attention, which it did. "Caleb," he exclaimed and turned in his chair. "Please sit. Would you like some water?" I shook my head and took a seat in one of the two chairs placed in front of his desk. "Does my mom know about this meeting?" I asked fearfully as he rummaged in a filing cabinet, probably looking for my files. "Oh no, that's up too you whether she knows or not," he replied as he bent his head over the filing cabinet. "Patient confidentially clause, as you know." I nodded with a sigh of relief. He stood up then and peered into a folder, before closing the filing cabinet. He slowly placed the file onto the table and grabbed the bridge of his nose with a sigh. I stared at him, already knowing what the tests came back as. Instantly my anxiousness dissipated and I went into a calm equilibrium. "Cale," he breathed already using the nickname everyone used for me. I stopped him then by placing my hand up for him to stop. "Is it that bad?" I asked as he placed both hands on his desk and stared at me. "Worse," he replied solemnly. "The treatments would stifle the side effects but wouldn't shrink the cancer. I'm afraid you chose to take act a little too late." I stared at him in disbelief. Was he chastising me? "If we had treated it months ago, we would have better results," he continued oblivious to my rising anger. "Treatments now would be useless. Sort of like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound." I stood up then and glared at him. "So what was all the theatrics for?" I replied with a hint of sarcasm. "A little show to get my hopes up. I thought you said you found a new solution?" "If I remember correctly, Trudy said that, not me," he replied calmly, which only fueled my anger. "Well why didn't you correct her, if you knew it wasn't that easy?" "I thought it was best to keep her hopeful, rather than crushing her efforts." "So that's it? I'm screwed, good luck?" "Well not necessarily. I could give you medicine to combat the side effects, much stronger than the ones Dr. Cater gave you. I could also research extensively for trial surgeries. But I can't do much about the cancer spreading throughout your trachea." My head swam with blurring speed and I clutched his desk in an effort to control my dizzying thoughts. He moved to grab me, but I pulled away and glared at him. "Don't touch me," I hissed, which made him frown. "I'm sorry, Caleb," he said as he rounded the desk. "But I knew this was the only solution. . . ." "NO!" I yelled, feeling a stream of fresh tears running down my face. "No. I will not give up." "And you shouldn't," he said kindly as I lashed out at him. "But you must also prepare for the worst. I'm not trying to hurt you Caleb, but it's the nature of my craft. . . . Death isn't something you can run from. Its unavoidable." "YES, BUT YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STALL IT!" I yelled as I slammed my fist into his chest. "You. . . .have. . . .the. . . .power." My blows barely even fazed him and before long he held my wrists against his chest. Hot tears of anger and disappointment washed over my face and stained his lab coat. "You're dying, Caleb," he stated evenly. "I'm sorry." I sniffed loudly and pushed away from him. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, that's all I hear," I replied disdainfully. "I see it in their eyes when I go to school and I see it in my families. But I want more than I'm sorry's. I want answers. Solutions. I want freedom from this disease. I don't want pity or sorrow." I turned back to look at him and locked eyes with him. "So this is what we're going to do," I said becoming serious. "We tell no one. Not even my mom. To them I'm getting better. To them I'm not dying. But they won't know and we won't tell them. What happens in this office stays in the office, until we find a new solution." He stared at me like I was crazy but kept his mouth shut. "And I'll need those medicines to keep up the charade," I said addressing his fearful face. "Okay?" Slowly he nodded as if the whole situation wasn't real. "Promise me," I said with forced kindness. "Please William. It would only hurt them more if they knew and you know that. . . . Just until we find a new plan. Promise me." "I promise," he whispered as he moved back to his desk. "Thank you," I replied slowly turning to the door. I left his office. The last thing I saw was his back as he faced the window, in deep contemplation. ~*~ I breathed deeply before entering my house. The first few days were crucial. I had to keep up the charade as long as I could. I hated doing this again, but to tell them it was too late, would just be another blow. So, instead I'll pretend to play the healthy boy for as long as it took for Dr. Peters to find another option. Quietly I pushed the front door open and instantly heard the sound of sizzling pans and the smell of food in the air. "Mom! Dante!" I called knowing they were both here. "There in the kitchen," I heard Stacey's voice say from the couch just before she popped up holding a magazine. "I think there cooking." I smiled at her and plopped onto the couch beside her. She had her head lying over the side of the couch cushions and she held her magazine up to her face. She was wearing a pair of short shorts and a white t-shirt. Her dark hair spilled onto the floor like a black waterfall. She peered up from her magazine and arched her eyebrows in greeting. "I didn't know you were coming over," I replied as she held up the magazine for me to see. "Well you know I couldn't miss Dante's cooking," she answered as she leafed through the monotonous pamphlet. "Besides Justin went out with his basketball buddies and won't be back till dinner. . . . So where'd you go?" I smiled at her cheap attempt at getting information from me. "Nowhere, just went to see Josh," I answered vaguely. But in actuality I did. Before my meeting with Dr. Peters I visited him to see how he was coping with Jenny's death. He seemed okay, but less bubbly and more melancholy. He took her death hard and it showed on his face. During my visit he continually waved away my concerns, but sometimes he would stop and stare off into the distance. Eventually I left him to his devices and went to my meeting. I was worried about him, but felt helpless against his own self-chastising. I didn't know Stacey spoke until she flung a couch pillow at me, momentarily stunning me. "Ow, jerk," I exclaimed and threw the pillow back at her. The pillow connected with her head and had it reeling with the force. Her look of shock was unbearably funny and had me laughing. "That was not funny," she fumed as she fixed her hair. "Yeah. . . It . . . Was. . ." I replied still laughing. Suddenly I heard the kitchen door swing open. "Who's laughing like a hyena in here?" I head Dante's gruff voice ask teasingly. I turned in my seat and was immediately rewarded with a kiss. His handsome face was already at my eye level and it only took me a few inches to connect with his lips. His kiss was short and sweet. Instantly I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him. I hardly had time to see him over the past few weeks, mostly because he had basketball practice much to Justin's delight, but also because of my constant visits to the hospital. "Where have you been all my life," he asked rhetorically as he hauled me from the couch and held me in his arms. "Waiting for you to arrive," I whispered as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I smiled and kissed his soft lips again. But before long I heard my mom call him from the kitchen. "Better go before she burns the Pancetta," he said as he softly disengaged my hold. "Okay," I replied breathlessly and slipped back onto the couch. He kissed me once more before he bounded off to the kitchen disappearing behind the swinging door. I turned in my seat and saw that Stacey eyed me with a peculiar smile. I smiled timidly at her, feeling slightly self-conscious. "What?" I asked uneasily. "Nothing," she answered still smiling to herself. "Seriously, what?" I asked still pushing. "It's--it's nothing," she answered with a cheeky expression but acquiesced under my firm stare. "Okay. . . . it's just cute, you know. The two of you I mean. The look you two have when you see each other is like. . . .like. . . . I don't know how to describe it. But it's something. . . . I don't know. . . . I just think it's all very romantic." "Oh," I is all I replied, feeling somewhat humbled. "Well I'm gonna go get ready for dinner. Kay?" "Mmm-hmm," was all she mumbled as I ascended the stairs. Once in my room I threw my maroon sweater onto the nearest chair and ruffled my hair. It had gotten a little long and started to droop in my eyes a bit. I kicked my shoes off and cracked my toes as I walked into the bathroom. I flipped the lights on and blinked as my eyes adjusted to the bright lighting. I stifled a yawn as I moved to the sink to wash my face. While I waited for the water to heat up I stared at my face. My sense of shock had passed since the last few times I had seen myself. My cheeks were noticeably more sallow and had a few dark spots blooming at the base of my throat. I managed however to cover most of those spots with the right shirt and a light dusting of makeup. But at home I just pretended not to notice it and so did everybody else. With a sigh I touched the water and approved the hot current. Quickly I washed my face and cleansed my thoughts. The water easily wiped away any looks of sickness and stress. I had started to brush my soft chestnut hair, when abruptly I heard my bedroom door open and close. Still, I continued to brush my hair, feeling the bristles run along my scalp. Then I saw him just before I felt his arms wrap around me, the surprise was just the same. He smiled at my reflection and kissed my neck. "Tell me," I said as he held me around the waist and rested his chin on my shoulder. "Do I look perfect?" He smiled warmly and kissed me across my neck and up to my earlobe. Softly he placed it between his lips and pulled on it, making me shiver. "Always," he whispered as his hands slowly slid up my shirt and ran over my flat tummy. I turned then and wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him closer to me. I hoisted myself up from the floor and softly rested on the lip of the sink. He smiled and raised one eyebrow at me. Gently he ran his hand over my left thigh and hooked my leg around his back. I looked up at him and parted my lips, which always got him hard. As if on cue, I felt his dick harden against my inner thigh. He gulped, "Love, their waiting for us downstairs." Softly I moved my lips to his and pressed them oh so gently against his. "Well we'd better make it quick," I whispered against his soft lips, which quivered with each breathe. He sighed under my control and finally surrendered. His lips were warm against mine, creating a bright spark between us that could never be diminished. His touch left trails of heat on my bare skin as his hands explored me. They were rough with callouses, but light as a feather. His tongue tasted so sweet, especially when it touched mine. His lips were locked against mine and gave us hardly any chance to breathe. The world faded away and it was just us two. Just our bodies connected with a passionate embrace. There was no one waiting for us downstairs, just an endless moment frozen in time. Suddenly he broke away with a gasp. "I'm sorry," I exclaimed, not really knowing what I did. "Ummm, what did I do?" He sighed loudly and stepped back to the side of the doorway. It made me jump from the sink and scramble to my feet. He turned then and noticed my concern. "Love not me. . . ." he said as he avoided my gaze and before I could ask. I felt it. It trickled down my nose and I could taste it in the back of my throat. Quickly I looked away and dabbed at it profusely. The blood had a mind of its own and immediately soaked the tissue I held. Dante was a stone of silence behind me and wasn't offering much help. "Just go," I said with a hint of annoyance. "I got it." He did. The blood was weirdly clumpy with a dark maroon tinge to it. It started to scare me a little, but eventually the blood stopped flowing and the metallic taste in the back of my throat returned to normal. Again I washed my face thoroughly and changed my shirt. Hopelessly I started at my disheveled appearance and left the bathroom. Everyone was animatedly talking once I entered the kitchen, which probably meant Dante didn't tell them. I sat across from him and tried to catch his gaze but he wouldn't return it. Justin smiled at me and waved in greeting, so instead I started to talk to him, my heart starting to crack a little. ~*~ I squirmed restlessly in the sheets, hoping to find his body next to mine, but instead found emptiness. I sat up and drew the sheets around me. His clothes were still here, piled against the bed. So where was he? Silently I got up from bed and wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. The cold air bit at my toes as I descended the stairs. A light flared rapidly from the living room as I neared it. He was sitting in front of the TV on the couch watching an old home movie. It was of me and my dad building a ship in a bottle, which I totally forgot how to do. He didn't notice me until I squirmed into his arms. He started with surprise, before tightly securing his arm around me. "Dante?" I asked quietly as he stared at the TV. "Yeah, love," he replied not looking at me. "What's wrong?" I asked a little fearfully. He noticed and turned to stare at me. His smile was warm but, it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Nothing, I just couldn't sleep," he replied still guarded. "Are you sure?" I asked still pushing. Suddenly he pulled away and stood up. The swift movement made me lurch forward and tumble off the sofa. He didn't turn to help me up. Instead he grabbed the bridge of his nose and squeezed roughly. "It's the cancer," he said with anger and turned to stare at me with his gold-green eyes. "The cancer is getting worse. . . . And. . . . And things are. . . Things are changing." His words lashed at my heart and I felt it tear a little more. I blinked back tears of pain and instead began to seethe with anger. "Well there's the door, Dante," I said calmly, which had more power than actually yelling. "If you wanna go just go." I flung my hand at the door and gestured widely for him to leave. "Stop!" he hissed loudly and shifted his voice to a velvety softness. "I hate it when you do that." He sighed and plopped down on the couch. He looked up at me through his long lashes clearly apologizing. The distance between us was unbearable, but I wasn't going to be the one to run to him all the time. He seemed to understand my stubbornness and slide over on the couch. "Look, I'm sorry love," he said as he brushed my cheek with his free hand. "I know you're under a lot of pressure and I'm just making it worse." I sighed and released all my tension by slamming the pillow I held into the couch. Once the pillow was free from my grasp I turned and hugged Dante to me. His chest was hard with muscles, but that didn't stop me from hanging on. His arms immediately wound around me and tightened against my body. I could feel his muscles flex with the effort of holding me and I all I kept wishing was for him to hold me tighter. One of my hands was buried in the thicket of his hair, while the other held onto his neck. I could smell him everywhere. His strong heady scent that always followed me around. His nose was buried in the crook of my neck, where he was surely registering my scent and thinking the same things I was. "It's going to be okay, Dante, I promise," I whispered as I rested my cheek against his. He breathed heavily and pulled back a bit. "I just want to know, if you're okay?" he said as he stared into my eyes. "If you're still my Caleb." His eyes shimmered and melted a soft gold-green color like the scales of an exotic fish. "I'm still here," I whispered softly, which made his eyes completely melt with pure love. "Okay, then," he said and lifted me from the couch. "Let's go to bed." ~*~ "Merry Christmas!" Dario exclaimed excitedly as he ran into Dante's room. I groggily rubbed my eyes as I took in the sight of snow falling outside Dante's window. Dario was holding a shiny new game device that had barely reached the stores this season. He plopped down onto Dante's bean bag chair and started to prattle on about its features. Dante was still asleep next to me, his bare arm lying over my waist. I squirmed down then and stared out the window as the snow slowly drifted out of sight. This is probably the last time I'll see snow fall, I thought as the little flurries of white substance hailed from the sky. But instead of making me sad, it made me appreciate the nature of its subtle beauty and complexity of its texture. Dante's arm tightened around me, pulling me closer to his bare chest. I grabbed his arm and held it as I continued to admire the snow. Dario was still blabbering away about his gift for him to notice my lack of attention. Or so I thought. "Caleb!" he whined as he pointed at the screen. "You're not listening to me." Quickly I focused back on him and smiled in apology. "Sorry, buddy. I was just watching the snow. It's so beautiful." He stared at the snow but sniffed indifferently. "It's just snow," he said dismally. I sighed, "Yeah, it's just snow." Suddenly I felt Dante stirring beside me. Silently his arm slipped from my waist and stretched above his head as he yawned. His biceps bulged under the strain and his pecs flattened out with the stretch. He groaned and made a cute face as he cracked his toes. I smiled and slowly got up from the bed, dragging the sheet along with me. We had made love the night before and I had no pants on. But I didn't move far, before he quickly pulled me back to the bed with him. I tumbled into his chest with a breathy laugh as he held my face away from his. He smiled warmly at me and kissed me tenderly. "Mornin'," I said with a smile as he rested his hands on my butt. He squeezed enthusiastically and kissed me again. "Good morning, love," he replied and turned to his little brother who was playing his game quietly on the bean bag chair. "Merry Christmas, bro. Where's mom and dad?" "Making breakfast," he replied absently before going back to his game. Dante laughed and pointed to Dario's new gift. "I know," I replied with affection. "It's a nice gift. I'm assuming it's from you." He smiled winningly and rolled us over. He rested atop me as his hand reached beneath the bed. "That doesn't mean I forgot you," he whispered as he drew out a small red and green box with my name on it. "Merry Christmas." "You shouldn't have," I whispered in shock as I pulled the lid off. He shrugged nonchalantly. Inside there were layers of red tissue that hid a silver object that glistened dully. I slowly tore away at the paper, making sure not to ruin the gift Dante had given me. Finally the last piece of paper gone I saw it. An old fashioned oval locket that hung from a delicate chain. It looked aged and beautiful like a relic from an antique store. I stared at it mouth agape, unsure if I should touch it or not. "Go head," he urged as I gently took the locket from its bed of soft linens. It was small in my hand, maybe a little bigger than a quarter, but worth so much more. Silently I unclasped it and revealed the contents within. Inside was a picture of my family from long ago. My mom was holding a baby in her arms, while a regal handsome man held her. I recognized the glasses immediately and sighed with contentment. My father. Slowly I brought a hand up to my mouth and stifled a cry. The other picture was of me and Stacey and Justin from the night of the dance. We all smiled happily at the camera and looked majestic in our clothes. My family. Our family. I looked to Dante, who was watching my reaction. My eyes shimmered with tears that were unshed. "This is so much better than the gift I got you," I replied with a hitch in my voice that went unnoticed. "Don't worry, as long as it's from you, it won't matter," he replied, always knowing what to say. "Besides my gift didn't cost anything." "What do you mean?" I asked as I twirled the locket on its chain. "It was my grandmother's," he replied as he stared at me. "She died a few years back and bequeathed the locket to me. As a token of her love." I froze then and fiddled with the locket in my hand. "I can't take this," I said as I tried to place it back in his hand. "It wouldn't be right." "Cale, it is right. She gave it to me to express her love and I gave it to you for the same reason." "But you're not even in it." "But I am. Don't you see. . . . Whenever you look at the locket, it will always remind you of who gave it to you. Always." I sighed and finally gave up. "Thank you," I replied as a triumphant grin spread over his face. "But don't be disappointed in your gift." He chuckled lightly, "Never." We got up then and got ready, making Dario leave the room before we did. Breakfast was fantastically prepared by his parents, who made it their mission to incorporate the color green and red in everything. My mom was on her way from a late shift at the hospital and was bringing the gifts we bought. I felt content with the way things were going and for a day I forgot all about the dark future ahead of me. Instead I enjoyed my time with my family and friends. In the middle of putting the dishes away, Dante and I were interrupted by the sudden entrance of my mother and my friends. Stacey and Justin were both bundled up like my mother and were carrying the gifts my mother brought. My mom on the other hand was empty handed, save for a pie in a tin pan. Stacey immediately unloaded the gifts under the tree and huffed in relief at the freedom. My mom quickly wished me a Merry Christmas, before finding Belle to chat about the latest gossip. Stacey found me and Dante in the kitchen as we put away the last of the dishes. She was wearing an olive green sweater with a pair of black leggings hidden beneath boots made of fur. Her dark hair was tied back from her face, revealing her charcoaled eyes and bright face. "Merry Christmas, lovebirds," she exclaimed as she hugged us both and handed us little boxes. "Merry Christmas," I replied just as excited as I opened my box. Inside was a golden snowflake that had our name and the year on it. It was an ornament that marked this year as an important one. I smiled at Stacey as she gauged our reactions and immediately hugged her. She didn't know it yet, but she was already making this Christmas one I'd never forget. Just then Justin rounded the corner and found us; mid-embrace. "I see that Stacey beat me to the punch," he replied with a grin, before hugging me next. "Merry Christmas, Cale." Silently he slipped me his gift, which crinkled and was wrapped in newspaper. He stepped away then and smiled warmly at me. He was wearing a pair of dark Dickie's and a thick sweater that covered him fully. He head was covered in a black beanie, but his handsome face was still evident underneath all the layers of clothing. He turned then and extended a hand to Dante. "Sorry, dude," he said to Dante as he gave him a brotherly hug. "I didn't get you a gift, but Merry Christmas, anyway." Dante laughed and shook his head, "No problem, bro. Just teach me some of those moves on the court and were even." As they laughed I quietly opened my gift. Stacey stood next to me and waited patiently as I tore away the newspaper wrapping. Inside was a family pack of Twizzler's which matched the red of the season. I sighed in complete happiness. "Oh you big softie," I said as I hugged Justin again. "I love you, you silly butthead." He chuckled softly and hugged me back. And of course Stacey couldn't resist the moment to exploit Justin's vulnerability. She joined in the hug, and mumbled unintelligibly. Justin cleared his throat and patted her head, before pulling away. I smiled at him kindly, before looking to Dante, who was staring at me lovingly. "Always and forever," Dante whispered at me as he took my hand. ~*~ My head stretched over his arm as I doodled little Christmas characters on his skin. The light from the fireplace flickered as the pen moved smoothly over his muscular arm, which had a light downing of golden hair. His left hand was securely held in mine, keeping it steady, but he didn't seem to mind the close proximity. I smiled as my drawings looked more like disfigured cartoon characters than any real thing. I looked up then and saw him smirking with amusement. His golden hair curled around his ears as he stared at me. I could feel his pulse beneath my fingertips, which was slow and steady. Every now and then his biceps would bulge as he moved to grab his champagne flute. We had been drinking the bottle since I got here. His parents were out at some Christmas party and he invited me over to celebrate. Quickly he downed the whole glass and turned his striking blue eyes back to me. His face was handsome in the fire light and I could make out the distinct hairs lining his jaw. "It's the best I could do," I said sheepishly as he slowly started to shake his head. "No, it's perfect," he replied as he glided his right hand over his drawn arm. "There's more champagne if you want some." "I think I do," I said with a little hiccup. The champagne was amazingly delicious and had my head spinning with giddy thoughts. It also had me staring at Drew's bare chest which was distracting, since he took off his jersey, which just so happened to be my Christmas present. He had offered me his lucky jersey as a token of his last year here in Taylor and the last year with me. Now he was bare chested and looked like a golden Adonis sitting beside me. I could clearly see his lean muscles in the shadowed light and the fine golden hair that trailed down to his navel, but I made myself look away before it got to intense. He poured me a glass full of champagne, while he held his. "There, is that good enough?" he asked with a purr that had my skin tingling. "Yeah," I whispered as I sipped the tantalizing liquid. I giggled as the fluid easily slid down my throat and buzzed around in my head. He stared warmly at me as I started to sink down into the cushions he had placed beside the fireplace. My legs extended outward and I melted into the soft pillows, enjoying the buzz I was getting. "I just feel so warm," I said out loud with another fit of laughter. "It's amazing what a little alcohol can do to you." Slowly I felt him rest beside me, where he leaned on his elbow. "You know you're funny when you're intoxicated," he stated easily, like it was a complement. "It's cute." "Hey, hey. Easy their Casanova," I teased as his arm slid around my belly. "Seriously, Drew." Suddenly his blue eyes zeroed in on the silver chain around my neck. The oval pendant had come loose when I had my head bent over his arm. Now it moved freely against my neck, like a silver talisman glittering in the firelight. He stared at it intently, before reaching over and touching it softly. I moved my neck a little towards him, so he could get a good look at it. "It's my Christmas gift," I answered as he stared at it questioningly. "From Dante." "Of course it is," he replied coolly as he gently released the locket. "It's just a gift," I lied brazenly. "Besides, I like your gift too." I held up his jersey which had his number written on the back, under the name Caldwell. The fabric was soft as I moved it between my fingers. Drew stared at me as I brushed the name on the back with the tips of my fingers. "It's nice, Drew, really," I said as I stared at the grey fabric, with blue lining. "It's the thought that counts. . . . I should know." He chuckled lightly and grabbed the jersey from my hands. Slowly he held it up in front of him and slowly began to unbutton it. His eyes were alight with amusement as he opened it for me to put it on. I eyed him cautiously, but agreed and slowly took off my sweater. "Okay, but it probably won't fit," I whispered as I turned around and let him slip it on me. The breezy fabric glided easily over my regular shirt, where it hung loosely on my arms and waist. It was baggy, but formed nicely around my shoulders. I tested the shirt, by stretching my arms back and forth. It had an elasticity too it and smelt like Drew, whenever I moved. Abruptly I stopped moving and noticed his hand on the small of my back. "Drew?" I stated evenly as his hand went beneath the hem of my shirt. "I thought we were keeping it casual." He sighed heavily and slid his hand farther up my shirt. "I know, I know, but your so tempting in that jersey, it's all very irresistible," he whispered softly, which only made my skin tingle. He noticed. "Well I'd better take this off then," I replied as I started to unbutton his jersey. "No, okay, okay," he acquiesced as I grabbed the first button. "Can we at least finish the rest of the champagne?" I eyed him suspiciously, but nodded in approval. "Until its empty," I warned as he filled my glass back up. "Then I need to get home before the roads turn to ice." He grinned widely, "Or you could always spend the night." I smiled back, "Yeah and get your ass kicked by Dante. I don't think so." Immediately his smile faded, "I could take him." I chuckled lightly and placed a hand on his arm, "Easy there. I know you can." Quickly he smiled teasingly, "Could you take me?" He crouched then like he was about to pounce, making me eye him cautiously. "Drew?" I warned with an uneasy smile. "Don't you dare." He grinned wickedly and before I knew it he pounced, laying me flat against the soft pillows. His lips found mine as he held his body a top mine, not quite resting on me, but still aligning it to mine. It was quiet for a long moment, just the thud of my heart hammering, the broken rhythm of our ragged breathing, and the whisper of our lips moving in synchronization. It was easy to forget that it was Drew I was kissing, until I opened my eyes. His were open too and he stared at me like I was the prize he most desired. Our gazes locked for a moment, his blue steely gaze poured into mine, keeping me in place. He looked at me like he could see my soul and the secrets it held in its shadows. Abruptly I pulled his face to mine again, my right hand running through his golden hair, while my left pressed against the small of his back. I could feel him pressed against me, his hidden shaft growing with excitement. His warm hands stroked my face, as a shudder rippled through him. Softly I ran my hand over his flat stomach, where I could feel the furry trail that ran to the lip of his pants. His mouth quietly moved across my chin to my neck where he suckled softly, while I breathed heavily. Carefully I pulled his face back to mine, and let the tip of my tongue press against his warm smooth lips, making him sigh. His warm delicious breath washed over me, leaving me dizzier than the champagne did. "Wait," I whispered against his warm lips. "Drew, wait!" Slowly he pulled away; a frustrated look crossed his face. "We shouldn't be doing this," I said softly, which made him growl and yank away from me. "Why do you always do that to me?" he asked with a hiss as he stood up and faced away. His muscular back moved as he put his arms behind his neck, a sign I learned to associate with frustration and controlled anger. "I'm sorry," I answered as I pulled my knees to my chest. "Maybe I should go." He turned then and stared at me with a hurt expression. I couldn't help but notice the crotch of his pants had a long bulge pressing up against it. He was still hard and it was slowly shrinking in front of me. Quickly he adjusted himself and sighed heavily. "Maybe you should," he said as he offered a hand to help me up. I took it hesitantly and he helped me to my feet. Slowly he released it and walked me to the front door. I stopped before I opened the door. "You know, you're the one who took me for granted," I said as I turned to look at him. "I was always faithful and waited for you to see me, just me. . . . I thought you would understand how it feels to love a boy. Even when they didn't love you the way you wanted." I turned the knob then and opened the front door. I stepped onto the porch and immediately wished I hadn't. The wind tore at me and chilled me to the bone, while flurries of snow cascaded from the sky. I stared in utter disbelief. Snow? Really? Like I needed another reason to make this day more awkward. Carefully I took another hesitant step out into the cold. I couldn't even see the sidewalk, let alone my car on the side of the street. "Don't be dumb, come back inside," he called as I started to walk to my car. "Shut up, I know what I'm doing," I called back as a gust of wind made me teeter on the slippery walkway. He moved then from the doorway and returned with a heavy sweater to cover his bare chest. "Come on, Cale!" he yelled as I heard him leave the front door and follow me. "It's too dangerous!" "No!" I yelled as I took a blind step into the cold snow, which was a bad idea. I slipped on the icy stone and felt my legs fly out from under me. My tailbone was the first to connect with the hard stone, before I felt my back and my head crash into the cold snow. I cried out in pain and felt the air harshly leave my lungs. Within a matter of seconds I heard Drew yell out to me. His arms found me in the white wall of falling snow. I didn't know I was laughing until Drew brought me to my chest and cradled my head between his chest and chin. The cold snow seeped through my clothes and dampened my skin. "Are you alright?!" he asked over the harsh wind. I nodded numbly as he hurriedly rushed me back inside. I was a little peeved that he safely crossed the icy walkway without slipping, but thought no more of it once we were back inside. Quickly he set me on my feet and started to rub me down with a warm blanket. My teeth chattered between my cold lips as he continued to rub my shoulders and arms. "Jesus, Cale, your lips are blue," he said as he took off my socks and shoes. "Here let me undress you." Immediately I backed away and shook my head. "Alright, you undress then," he said with a grumble. "I'm just thinking of your health." I rolled my eyes as he turned around, with his arms crossed. As I took my clothes off, I noticed he was hardly wet from the snow. Just his arms and shoulders were damp, while his hair was lanky and wet along his scalp. The bottom of his pants were also wet, but the rest of him was fine, no visible traces of snow. Instantly this made me feel absolutely stupid. He had warned me, but I hadn't listened and now I was naked and freezing, while I stood in his foyer. Silently I kicked my clothes to his feet and covered myself with his blanket. He stooped down and picked up the clothes, making sure to grab my socks. I smiled uneasily at him as my lips continued to quiver in the cold. Haphazardly he threw my clothes to the side and strode to my frozen figure. Swiftly he drew me to his warm chest and wrapped his arms around my cold shoulders. Promptly he began to rub the warmth back into my skin, with the friction of his hands. "It's better to warm you up this way," he said as he continued to rub my arms rapidly. I couldn't help but notice the damp snow heightened the smell of his body, which was masculine and sweet like sunshine. The soft hairs of his jaw scratched the side of my face as he leaned against my body. His breathes was short and deep with concentration. I wrapped my arms around his back and nestled my head into his shoulder blade. "I'm sorry," I whispered into his chest as his arms slowly stopped moving. "I didn't mean any of what I said." "Yeah, you did," he replied, with a hint of amusement in his voice. "And I deserved it, cuz your right. I started chasing you when it was already too late. Now I have to deal with the consequences of that decision." I didn't know what to say so I kept my mouth shut. "There is that better?" he asked as he stepped back, leaving more than a cold feeling behind. "Yeah," I lied as I wrapped the blanket around my cold body and cold heart. "Well I guess you're spending the night then," he said with a slight grin. "Do you need to call anyo-" But suddenly the lights went out with a loud zap. The foyer instantly dimmed to a soft glow. The fireplace still allowed a little light to filter into the room, but soon it started to get cold. I stared around in the dark, regretting the decision to come here. What would I tell Dante? "Bad luck, huh?" I heard Drew ask as he walked into the living room. "Yeah," I whispered to myself as I followed him, dragging my clothes along with me. "Real bad luck." I laid my clothes beside the fireplace as we eased back into the cushions, the cold threatening to breach us. Drew, however, bounded up the steps after realizing I was still naked. He came back with a pair of his boxers and a spare shirt he had laying around. I thanked him in relief as I slipped on the clothes beneath the blanket. The boxers fit easily, while the shirt hung loosely on my thin frame. He smiled appreciatively as I rested into the soft pillows and warmed my hands by the fire. "What time is it?" I asked as I yawned widely, feeling for the first time exhaustion. "Midnight," he replied as he glanced at the clock on the far wall. "You getting tired?" I nodded as another yawn overtook me. "But I want to warm up, before I sleep," I said as the yawns started to become progressive. "No worries," he said as he opened his arms in a clear invitation. "You can sleep with me while I keep you warm." I watched him as his arms stayed open and his smile remained kind. His arms were warm and I did like sleeping in someone's embrace. But what would this mean in the morning. "It's just cuddling," he pressed as my face betrayed my emotions. "Consider this my Christmas gift." He gestured with his hands to his chest as he made himself comfortable. Slowly I moved to his side and curled up in front of him. "Okay, but no funny business," I said as I felt his chest rest against my back. "I mean it." He chuckled amusedly and wrapped his large arms around my chest. "No funny business, I swear. Now sleep, sweetie." I rested my head alongside his bicep, which was just as comfortable as Dante's. Dante. Suddenly I felt a wave of shame wash over me. What would he say? What would I tell him? Nothing, I countered as Drew's arms tightened around me. I don't have to tell him. Besides my heart still belonged to him. Content with my judgment, I gradually began to drift asleep. My body relaxed under the warm pleasure I felt and I welcomed the growing member I felt touching my butt. This was all in the sake of keeping a friendship, which let's face it probably won't last long. So I let Drew have his moment and soon enough my breathes began to match his. I could smell his sweet breath roll over my neck as he slumbered behind me. But like the boy foolishly in love that he was, he had to drop a bombshell on me, just as things were beginning to settle down. "I love you, Cale." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And now a sneak peek of my latest creation. . . . Rare Beauty "You are a rare beauty, my dear," my mother said to me as she closed the door from the party. I had heard this since the day I had been able to understand what that meant. I was a coveted soul with much to learn about the real world. I was only revealed to the public whenever the occasion was right. Like my parents New Year's Eve party, which they held annually for their friends. But to me it was like my auctioning party. Eligible young suitors were courted every year to present my family with gifts and fine luxuries long since forgotten. My parents used my divine beauty as a way to keep their fortunes supplied, but they never named any suitors for my hand in matrimony, to say the least. Until now. "But I was just having fun," I whined as all the boys groaned at my immediate departure. "Yes, yes, that's all well and fine, but you have a duty to this family," she whispered harshly as the last of the doors closed off the sound of the party. "Your eighteenth birthday is next week and we have many suitors to interview and process." I groaned as I unbuttoned my fine tuxedo. My slim hands unclasped the buttons and pulled at my constricting tie. I shook my fair golden hair from my eyes and looked at my mom, who was busy nudging me into my room or should I say my dungeon. "Now be a good dear and stay here for a while," she said as she handed me my laptop. "Go online, watch a movie or something. . . I'll have Bonnie come in and keep you company." I sighed as she pushed me to the vanity mirror to undress. The laptop hung loosely from my hands. I flung my jacket at her, which she caught with a quick flick of her wrist. "Have her bring food," I replied, as my stomach growled for the food of the festivities. "Of course," my mom said as she fretted over my crumpled jacket. "Oh, mom," I said just before she left my side. "You will come back to countdown the new year won't you?" She stopped then and turned back slowly, "Of course dear, of course. Wouldn't miss it for the world." I knew then that she was lying. Whenever she repeated herself she was usually lying. I smiled dismally at her. "Thanks, mom," I whispered as I turned back to the vanity mirror. There was no response. Slowly with a sigh I began to take off my clothes from the party. I stared at myself while I did. For whatever reason, I never felt like I was special, not in the least. My body was perfectly normal, apart from the creamy skin and soft features. I was handsome but in a subtle way, the way an angel would look if it were human. The only thing that set me apart were the large golden eyes that stared back at me whenever I looked into a mirror. I looked at them now and frowned. The eyes were something of a mystery. I was born this way, but with no explanation. My mother liked to believe she had a fling with an angel and conceived me, but I begged to differ. The person in the mirror was frowning too, but they hardly looked upset. Not like me. Instead they looked vainly troubled. The person in the mirror wasn't me. It was a mirage. A rare creature that I hated to look at. Their lips were full and pink, frowning in slight irritation. The golden eyes were very identifiable. The nose was sharp and angular, with a fine dusting of boyish freckles, even though I hardly ever got to be in the sun. Softly I felt my cheeks and marveled at the soft complexion, which made my face endearing and handsome. My soft golden hair hung lightly against my smooth forehead, where it curved upward to be lost in the thicket on my scalp. Eventually I stood up and fully undressed myself, staring at the smooth curves of my legs and arms. The hair on my body was so soft and transparent that it made me look like I was completely smooth. I faced myself in the mirror and saw that I had no ounce of fat on my body, despite eating junk food on a regular basis. My stomach was taut with a barely formed set of abs, which disappeared to my naval. A v-shaped line dragged the eye to my groin which was fairly sized and hung limply above a pair of perfectly proportioned set of balls. Suddenly I heard my bedroom door unlock and open. Quickly I ran behind my room divider and slipped on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. With my hair rumpled beneath the quick jerky movements, I emerged from behind the silk screen. I sighed in relief. It was only Bonnie, my hired maid and only friend. She smiled easily at me as she set my tray of food near my bed. "Your mom said you were hungry," she greeted as she began to arrange my dinner. "I have roast duck, with sweet peas, and rolls. Your mom thought you would like champagne since its New Year's." At once she pulled from her apron a green bottle of bubbly liquid. I smiled as she poured me a flute of the delicious drink. "Ugh, I was having the best time, before she made me come back," I complained as I moved to my bed and plopped down. "The boys were a vivacious bunch this time. They liked to tease and touch." I laughed as I remembered a boy trying to take me to a private room to "talk". Bonnie joined in and sat on the bed with me. She liked hearing my stories of the boys that courted me, especially when they let their dicks make their decisions. "Really?" she asked as I passed her my cup of champagne. She drank freely. "Oh, yes. This crowd broke the record for most proposals," I teased as I refilled the champagne flute. "10 proposals in one night. Can you believe it? . . . . But they probably didn't even know my name." She snickered as we finished off another glass of champagne. "Awwh, Rory I'm sure they knew," she said with a giggle as the champagne started to take effect. She hiccupped loudly, which made us both laugh in huge fits. "No. . . No. . . .They didn't," I said as I tried to speak. "They kept saying baby or honey, when they didn't know what to call me." "Oh, that's not right," she whispered as she tried to catch her breath. "I know," I replied as I clutched my side. "I know." Eventually the laughs subsided and we calmed down. I fell back into the bed and stared up at the planes hanging from my bedroom ceiling. In fact I began to look about my room, realizing that in a short week I'd be leaving this place and living in a new one. An array of objects and instruments were placed around the far walls. A baby grand piano sat near the door where it stayed open for whenever I felt like playing. A huge table stood off to the far wall between my bed and the piano. A set of half assembled airplanes and crafts sat atop the flat surface, where they were left a week ago. "I'm gonna miss this place," I whispered as I stared around the room. I looked to Bonnie just as she was looking around the room. She eyed everything carefully and sighed too. Her short hair curved around her shoulders as she lay on the mattress next to me. Her slightly upturned nose moved about as she stared at my room. Her brown eyes were alight from the drink and realizing that I too would be gone. Slowly she turned back to me and smiled. Her slender body turning to face me. "Me too," she whispered. "But isn't your leaving a good thing?" "Yeah," I breathed as I turned my body to face her. "Right now it's all fun and games. But soon, very soon, I'll be leaving this place behind to live with a man who I don't even know." "You'll get to know him," she insisted as I stared into her flat brown eyes. "Yeah, but I don't want to be imprisoned in another house," I whispered back. "I want freedom. I want to drink beer in a bar, not in a kitchen. I want to run through the grass in a park, not just a small lawn. Most of all I want the choice to fall in love, rather than have it chosen for me." I leaned on my elbow and stared at her in earnest. "Don't you understand, I want free will. I want a life. A life outside the four walls of this room." She stared back in unease. "No, Mrs. Ashford wouldn't like that," she said a little worriedly. I could tell she was hesitant about my sanity. "But what if for one night I got my freedom," I continued. "If I did, that would be all that I wanted. And I would never speak of it again." "Wait," she whispered fearfully. "What are you getting at?" Quickly I sat up. "What I'm getting at is, you're my ticket out of here," I said pointing to the key around her neck. "You have the key to release me, just for one night. Right?" To Be Continued Fully, Next Week. Please Send Comments to untitledlovestory23@yahoo.com