Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:47:39 -0800 (PST) From: Joey Young Subject: Untitled Love Story, Chapter 5 Usual disclaimers apply. This is a complete work of fiction. All rights reserved by the author. If you are underage, object to gay erotic fiction, or it's illegal where you are, please leave now. Send all comments to Joey Young at untitledlovestory23@yahoo.com Author's note: This chapter is shorter than my last one but, will hopefully carry the same weight as the last chapter. So, enjoy. -Joey Young Untitled Love Story Chapter 5 I turned around and saw that it was Alley Kensington. She was not alone. Flanking her sides were two broad shouldered muscular boys. They wore sinister sneers and held guarded stances. I could tell they were her brothers by their similar hair color and obvious features. They flexed menacingly and I noticed the cords of muscle coil in their arms. My voice left me and I gulped nervously. One of the boys smiled at my uneasiness. "Alley?" I asked my voice wavered fretfully. "What are you doing here?" She smiled calmly and clasped her hands behind her back, like a little girl ashamed of her actions. "Just exacting some revenge," she replied sweetly. I looked at her perplexed, which only made her smile widen. Suddenly it dawned on me. The only reason she meant revenge was because Drew broke up with her. I gulped again. This time cold sweat lined my forehead and fear instantly filled my veins. I had the sudden urge to run. "I don't understand? Revenge?" I lied innocently and glanced at the two menacing boys standing behind her. "Oh, don't play stupid, you little bitch," she hissed with rage. "I saw the way Drew was all over you." This time her voice rippled in fury, making her face distort disgustingly. "You're the reason why he broke up with me." I felt an unnatural chill inch down my spine and slowly I took a step back. I watched the boys as I slowly moved back, but they were watching me too. The one that smiled at my unease slowly shook his head, making me stop in my tracks. "I knew it was your bag in his truck, but I told myself that it couldn't be possible," she continued oblivious to my little maneuver and glared at me balefully. "Then Drew became defensive and protective, saying it was nothing. But I could see there was something going on, so I watched him after that." One of the boys caught my attention again, when they shifted restlessly and glanced back at the door. The other one didn't even register his fear, and continuously watched my every move. I moved my eyes back to Alley just as she walked up to stand in front of me. She eyed me speculatively and circled around my frozen stance. She wasn't afraid of me probably because she knew her brothers would protect her. She continued to assess me like I was a puzzle still unfinished. "Drew was distraught after I found your bag," she said in a detached tone and circled me once more. "He was empty inside that much I could tell, but he wouldn't tell me why." She paused just in front of me and clasped her hands back behind her. She stared me down before continuing. "What I don't understand is the appeal," she whispered low enough only for my ears. "What is so great about you?" Her face was suddenly confused and sad. Her eyes glazed over and a mask of vulnerability passed over her face. I felt that sudden feeling of guilt I felt when Drew told me he had broken up with her and I spoke. "He said you didn't care," I replied in a calming voice and reached out to console her. In an instant I felt the sharp heat of pain lash across my face, making my head reel back. I gasped in shock and grabbed my face. Her hand was still outstretched and she had an amused sneer on her face. The boys behind her snickered with pleasure. I backed away and felt the trickle of fear sneak back into my chest. "Oh, I don't," she said calmly and started to walk back to her brothers, "I just don't like losing, especially to a little fag like you." I flinched at the venom in her words. "You don't have to do this, were just friends," I replied lamely and saw the two boys shift their shoulders in anticipation. "Sure," she replied icily, "but pretty soon everyone will know, and they'll be happy I knocked some sense into you." At her words the two muscled boys stepped forward and began to stalk my every move. Run, my mind told me fleetingly. I listened and turned to sprint down the back of the theatre. My legs moved stiffly, but I pushed them single mindedly to freedom. I only made it a few feet before one of the boys had me by the ankle. They grabbed it and forcefully jerked me off my feet. I quickly placed my hands out to cushion my fall, making the heels of my hands burn on the hard cement. I hissed in pain. Scraps of skin peeled off my palm, leaving it raw and red. The boy's hand was still around my ankle as I tried to wiggle my shoe off. I yanked against the pull lurching forward. I managed to get it off and left it in his hand. I scrambled to my knees and tried to make it down the alley, but not before the other boy had kicked me in the ribs. I screamed in pain, and clutched my side. One of the boys grabbed me from behind and yanked me off my feet by my throat. This closed off my windpipe with blinding force, stopping my scream from drawing any attention. My legs dangled uselessly beneath me as the oxygen slowly left my body. He shook my head around trying to silence me. My head began to spin uncontrollably. I was dizzy and confused, when suddenly I felt the hard plastic of a trashcan lid. It hit my back, making the last of my oxygen forcefully exhale from my lungs. I could see black spots dancing around my vision which quickly blurred my line of sight. Finally I felt the sudden rush of air return, when the other boy spoke for the first time. "Alex stop look at his nose, its bleeding." he exclaimed with fear. "Well I'm not finished with him," said the boy whose name was Alex. His hands were still wrapped around my neck. "Where's Alley?" "She left. She said we could handle it on our own," the other boy said with a note of uncertainty. I could feel the hard plastic supporting my body, but I couldn't gather my bearings. I was still trying to get oxygen back into my brain, when I felt hard, rough hands under my shirt. I flinched at the intrusion and sucked in a deep pocket of air. "Hey, Cole, feel how soft this little fag is," the one named Alex said with pleasure and roamed his hands over my hip. "He's softer than anyone I've ever been with. Maybe we could have some fun with him." I jerked in fright, when he said this and yelped for help. It was short lived. Alex's big hand immediately closed around my mouth again, and silenced my cry. I fought against his hold and scrapped at his hand. He merely lifted me up and slammed me back down again with bone shattering force. I huffed in pain and my arms crumbled at my sides. I groaned again and felt my head swivel on my shoulders. "Enough!" he yelled, spitting in my face. I didn't feel the pain until his fist connected with the same bruised ribs again. My scream was muffled by his hand and I flailed around, trying to find purchase on his skin. No luck. My hands just slipped at every attempt at grabbing him. Before I could do more, the other boy called Cole, grabbed my arms pinning them back over my head. I whimpered in pain as my ribs protested at the way they were pulled. Alex just smiled at my terrified expression. He eyed me gleefully and moved his hand up my shirt again. I saw this as an advantage and lifted my leg in a sweeping motion. I lifted it over my head and swiftly brought it down on his shoulder. I felt a sharp pain lance through my left calf, but I got the desired escape I wanted. He cursed in pain, letting my body go. This gave me time to squirm free of Cole's grasp. I twisted in his hands as he glanced worriedly at his brother. He let go unwillingly and tried to grab me again. I kicked furiously and fell onto the floor, landing on my tailbone. I cried out in pain. But this didn't stop me. I managed to get on all fours and started to move away from Alex's crumbled figure. But the leg I used to hit Alex with was useless. I tried to bend it in movement but pain shot up through my leg, making it impossible. I cussed but managed to use the other three of my legs to move. I started to crawl away down the alley. My hands were burning in protest but I was determined to get to safety. I didn't even turn around as I escaped. "Get him!" Alex yelled at Cole, which only made me more panicked and I crawled away faster. "Help! Someone please!" I managed to scream, before Cole landed on top of me. He rolled then, twisting my body over to face him. The motion took me by surprise and I couldn't find an advantage in it. My mouth opened to scream, but his fist connected with the side of my face before I could even start. Spots covered my already dizzy sight and I laid there trying to stop the spinning. I twisted to my side and tried to crawl away again, but was forcefully stopped. Cole grabbed my wrist and yanked me up from the ground. The weight of my body made my leg buckle, and I slumped into him. He got both my wrists in one hand and wrapped his arm around my waist. I struggled against his grip, kicking at the open air with my good leg, but it did nothing. He forcibly shoved me away towards the open arms of Alex. "Let's get this over with," Alex said, and roughly carried me over to the same trashcan. "No, no!" I shouted my voice to hoarse and low to carry. He didn't respond to my plea. He slammed me back onto the trashcan with enough force to leave me completely dazed. I was sure I had a concussion now. I couldn't imagine what he wanted to do, but knew it wasn't good. I tried to stop the alley walls from spinning but my head still swam with stars. I could feel his rough hands finding purchase on my skin again, but couldn't muster enough strength to stop him. The fight left me at the sound of his hard, horrible laugh. I whimpered in pain as Cole pulled my arms back again, making my ribs flare with intensity. My feeble attempts at breaking Cole's grasp were useless. Suddenly I heard the loud bang of a door opening near the theatre. There was the sound of scuttling feet and then the salvage of voices. "Caleb? Caleb!" I heard Dante's voice the loudest out of all of them. "Help me," I replied hoarsely and wiggled weakly. The hands that held me up immediately surrendered and I slid off the lid of the trashcan, this time staying down. There were sounds of running, but I didn't look up. I crumbled to the floor and clutched my painful ribs. I could smell the harsh metallic of my blood, but worried more about my head. I leaned against the cold metal of the trashcan and waited for someone to find me. I heard the soft footsteps of someone walking to me but didn't look up in response. I knew it was Stacey, by the smell of her perfume. She kneeled next to me and gasped at my appearance. "Caleb? Are you okay?" she asked and placed a light hand on my bruised cheek. "Ow," I protested, but heard her laugh in relief. "Justin and Dante went after those two guys," she said with certainty. "And I'm calling the police right now." "Kay," is all I said as she patted my leg and left my side to call the authorities. Moments later I heard cursing and scuffling coming from the small alleyway. I turned in that direction and opened my eyes a little. Justin had Cole by the scruff of his t-shirt which had fresh blood on it from his nose. Justin's face was hard with anger and disgust as he hauled the boy towards Stacey. He shoved the boy near the bun crates and ordered him to sit. The boy obeyed fearfully and wiped his nose hesitantly like the move would spark Justin's anger. Dante however, had thrown an unconscious Alex into the nearest garbage can without any care. He turned away from Alex and started to walk over to me. I watched as he moved to my side and kneeled next to me. He glanced at Justin. They both nodded to each other. Justin looked at my crumpled arrangement and he eyed me sadly. His face softened, before he turned back to Stacey. He kept his eyes on Cole, while he listened to her conversation. As soon as he turned away, Dante reached out to grab my hand. He had a shocked and tormented expression that contrasted with his handsome features. I placed my hand in his and squeezed gently. I smiled reassuringly at him, but he frowned in return. I tried to sit up, but he held me down. He placed a hand under my chin, pulling my face up. "Your nose is bleeding," he said and twisted my head to the side. "And there's more blood in your hair." "I hit my head pretty hard," I replied and attempted to sit up again. This time he let me, but he wrapped an arm around my back holding me up. I could see Stacey talking in a hushed tone to Justin and they would sometimes steal glances at me, but Dante remained quiet. He's probably thinking about what happened before, I thought errantly. Sure enough he spoke. "Caleb, about that girl," he said holding my gaze. "That girl wa-" "Really, Dante?" Stacey exclaimed in shock, materializing out of nowhere. "He's sitting there bleeding to death and now's the time to explain the girl?" I grimaced. Stacey always told the truth. Dante just watched my face and looked down ashamed. "Guy's stop, I think I can hear the ambulance," I said hoarsely and I could. "Here help me up." I tried standing with Dante's help, but he wasn't having that. He scooped me up as easily as picking up a bag of flour. I huffed in surprise and looked at his face but it was a blank mask. I guess Stacey's words made some impact on him. I didn't have much energy, so I just curled up in Dante's arms, resting my head on his shoulder. His muscles again reminded me of comfort. My momentary fit of pain was gone, while he held me gently. He held me as the sirens became more distinct. Every now and then he would look at me and kiss me lightly on the nose, despite my injuries. The whole time he didn't show any signs of discomfort at my weight or tried to put me down. I marveled again at how easily my head fit into the crook of his neck. I could smell the subtle hint of his skin. Warm like sunshine, masculine with sweat, and clean as rain. I inhaled deeply which drew his attention. "You alright?" he asked concerned. "I can put you down if I'm hurting you." "No," I replied quickly and snuggled into his chest. "I'm fine." He eyed me doubtfully but tightened his hold on me and kissed me on the nose again. I smiled despite the situation and laid my head on his shoulder. He responded by burying his head into my neck and inhaling deeply, like I did. I thought errantly at how I smelt to him, but was interrupted by the sounds of sirens down the alleyway. The ambulance found us, and so did the theatre's manager. The manager was surprised to find Dante at the center of this and wanted to talk to him. However, Dante insisted on staying with me until I left. "Sir, we need to get him in a gurney," one of the EMT's said, gesturing to the bed on wheels. I smiled warmly at him and softly kissed his cheek, "I'll be okay." He eyed me hesitantly. "Take good care of him," he replied to the EMT and leaned in to kiss me on the lips. His kiss was short and sweet, but hesitant. The EMT was slightly uncomfortable and looked away, before gesturing Dante to place me on the gurney. Dante gently laid me on the small bed and grabbed my free hand. He watched me as the EMT placed a neck-brace around my head and strapped it on my neck. He kissed my hand one more time, before the EMT quickly moved me into the ambulance. I looked for Justin and Stacey and immediately saw them making their way to Dante. Justin was towing Stacey quickly to the ambulance and had his keys in his hand. He grabbed Dante by the shoulder, startling him, and steered him away from my gaze. He handed the keys to Dante and spoke to him. I couldn't hear what was said, but Dante nodded solemnly before walking back to the theater door. Justin and Stacey watched him leave before turning back to me in the ambulance. Justin was still holding Stacey's hand and pulled on it, moving them toward the truck. The EMT saw them too and told them only family was able to ride in the truck. "We are family," Justin said with certainty. Stacey nodded next to him and smiled warmly at me. "Alright," the EMT replied and hurriedly pulled them in. Stacey and Justin moved to my side and sat. Stacey grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it, still smiling. Justin smiled too, and patted me on the shoulder. I could see his hand was still locked around Stacey's, refusing to let go. Our hands created a small circle between us and at that moment Justin was right. We were family. When we got to the hospital, it was complete chaos. The EMT's had me rushed into the hospital and onto a bed in no time. From there the doctors took over. They checked me and sent me to get x-ray's and CAT scans. Justin and Stacey left immediately to go find my mother, which only made me nervous. How would I explain this to her? But I didn't have time to deliberate before they had me in a stupid hospital gown. I was moved from room to room, through different machines, where I was poked and prodded by doctors. Finally I was moved to my hospital room and left alone. As soon as the doctors and nurses left, I went to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and sighed at my face. My whole chin and neck was laced with dried blood. I had a small bruise blooming on my cheekbone, and a slight cut on the bottom of my lip. I quickly went to work cleaning all the blood off and made myself look presentable. Halfway through my cleaning process I heard my mom in my room. I instantly felt a surge of anxiety and tried to make the injuries disappear. I cleaned around the cuts and bruises, feeling the tender spots with my fingers. Eventually I gave up and decided to confront my anxiety. My mom was in the middle of pacing the room, when I finally limped out of the bathroom. She saw me and instantly scurried over. She didn't hug me, but stood in front of me trying to find a spot not bruised, to touch. She settled for my shoulder and lightly patted it as she guided me to the bed. I smiled reassuringly at her, but she only winced grimly at my face. I was pretty sure Stacey and Justin told her everything, so I didn't bring it up. She helped me get into bed before she started to look at my charts. "Oh, Caleb," she said as she read what was written. "Mom, you don't have to do the examination," I replied calmly, "have someone else do it. Please." She looked at me quietly and nodded, trying to hold back tears. I smiled at her, but she merely left, calling out to a nurse named Joshua. I sighed and laid back into my pillows, trying to will this situation away. I didn't like it when my mom looked at me like that. She always had that look whenever I was in a hospital bed. The look of desperation and grief, like this was my last moment here. My thoughts were interrupted when my mom showed up again, "Honey, this is Joshua Wallace. He will do the examination while I check on the last of my patients, so I can go home with you." I looked up expecting an older man, who had years of experience and patience. But to my amazement it was a young guy, who looked no older than twenty. He had short dark hair that lightly matted his forehead. He had bright green eyes, which were shaded by his long lashes. He was exquisitely handsome, and his body was tall and lean. He extended his hand to shake. I shook it numbly and saw that he was watching me. "Hello there Caleb," he said with a deep silky voice, "your mom mentions you quite a bit. However, she never mentioned how cute you were." He turned and gave my mom a meaningful smile. I just stared dumbfounded at my mom and this nurse. Who was he to try and flirt? In front of my mom no less. My mom interrupted my momentary distraction saying to Josh, "Let me know when you're done, and please don't pick on him, he's just eighteen." "Of course Trudy," is all he said before she left. He gave me a wink and sauntered around my bed to stand on the left side. I watched as he walked with confidence and grace around my bed. I could tell that he was arrogant and self-centered, by the way he walked and the set of his jaw. I supposed all the girls swooned over him, but I only saw that as annoying and childish. "So, Caleb, let's look at your charts," he said as he flipped through the papers. "Wow. You have a bruised muscle below your back thigh, possible rib fraction, possible concussion, bruises from head to foot, and a cut on your bottom lip. It seems you've had a rough night." He smiled arrogantly at me and pulled a pack of gum out. "Gum?" he offered. I shook my head, which only made me dizzy. "Okay, then," he said seeing my dazed expression. "Let's have a look at that possible concussion." He pulled a small flashlight from his pocket and shined it in my eye. First on the left then the right. He had me do some little exercises testing my mental capabilities, before he moved on. "Now how bout that bruised muscle," he said playfully and gently lifted my left leg. I hissed in pain, and he smiled apologetically. "So Caleb your mom tells me you like to read," he said while chewing his gum and gazed off in the distance, examining my bruised leg. I winced as he touched a tender spot, "Yeah, I do. What's it to you?" He chewed his gum slowly before giving me a wide smile, showing all his teeth. I ignored him and counted the tiles on the floor of the room. "I'm just interested is all," he replied. "Got any good suggestions?" This peaked my interest, "Yeah, just one though." "Oh, yeah?" he said and flashed his teeth again. He stopped his examination and crossed his arms waiting for my answer. His muscles bulged but I ignored his attempt at flexing and answered him. "The Great Gatsby," I replied confidently and smiled. "It's my favorite book." He chewed his gum arrogantly, "Never heard of it." "Nobody has," I replied defeated and lost my interest. He continued to examine my leg by bending it at the knee, before massaging it around the bruised area. His hands however steered clear of the bruised area, which suited me just fine. He smiled again, which only added to my annoyance. He chuckled as I scowled at his smile. He continued the simple leg treatment for a while until his hand accidentally slipped further than necessary. His hand moved down my thigh just above my left cheek and I stiffened in response. His hand jerked reflexively and hit the bruised part of my thigh. "Oww, oww, oww, you jerk!" I exclaimed loudly and he dropped my leg, only adding to the pain. "Would you please stop hurting me." "I'm sorry," he replied sheepishly. For the first time, his casual air of arrogance was gone and his face was shocked. "Some nurse you are," I stated, pulling my gown back down. "Hey, I'm trying here," he replied angrily and then sighed, "I'm sorry if I hurt you. It was an accident. My hand slipped and ..." But he trailed off and blushed before looking away. I instantly felt guilty and shut my mouth. He recovered after a short while and went back to examining my bruises. He checked the cut on my lip, and added a gentle salve. He examined my neck and hissed in surprise. I didn't acknowledge his shocked reaction, so he started to examine my ribs. His fingers traced along the bruise lightly, but not actually causing any pain. It felt like hours as his hand moved this way and that way, feeling all over my ribs. His hands massaged the edges, seeing what was tender, and what was not. It wasn't until he pulled my shirt down, that he finally spoke. "You surprisingly soft for a boy," he remarked as he straightened up. "Most people have dry, scabby skin, but yours is soft and smooth." I rolled my eyes, which he seemed to ignore, "Oh, I get that all the time." He laughed at my sarcasm, but to me it was true. Dante, Drew, and even those idiots that attacked me thought so. "If you don't mind me asking, but what happened to you?" he asked with a serious expression. "Let's just say some people don't approve of my lifestyle," I answered vaguely. "Is that right?" he said with a grim smile. "Yes and they seem to think violence will make me change my mind," I added cynically. His face automatically tightened with anger, "Is that what all these marks are from? Because you're gay?" I just nodded numbly. This seemed to bug him more than I thought. His hands clenched into fists and his knuckles were prominent through his skin. "Well I don't think there's anything wrong with that," he said, and gently brushed my bruised cheek. I was surprised at the gentleness, after I had seen the way his hands were clenched. I smiled timidly at him, "Josh, I have a boyfriend." At least I think I do, I thought glumly but didn't say it out loud. He grinned cockily, "The best ones always do." I felt the heat enter my cheeks, but looked away, hoping he didn't notice. "So are you gay?" I asked, keeping my gaze away from his. He chuckled, "I wouldn't say that. I like both male and female, as long as they show me a good time. I'm happy either way." I turned and glared at him, "So that's why you tried flirting with me? For a good time?" He chuckled again, showing his toothy smile, "It seemed to work." "You're an asshole," I replied and was pleased to see shock cross his face, "you think this whole little scene is sexy? That my wounds just gave you the chance to flirt? I was attacked tonight by two big idiots, who said the same exact thing. They said I was soft, too. They said they hadn't had anyone like me before. They were hoping to have a chance to feel me, while I fought for my life. And now an arrogant nurse, who's probably an intern, is using that same line, to try and flirt with me." "Disgusting," I spat at him. "Caleb, I didn't mean to-" he tried to say but I cut him off. "No you didn't mean to do anything," I finished icily, "so let's get this damn examination over with, so I can go home." Astonishment and hurt flitted across his face, but I kept my emotions centered on anger. He continued with the examination, and silently bandaged the heels of my hands. We didn't talk for the rest of the time, until another nurse showed up with my x-rays. She handed them to Josh and smiled at him too warmly. Ugh, I thought, what a bunch of idiots. Send me home already. He glanced at the different sheets of black paper, nodding to himself at every page. "You don't have any broken ribs," he said distantly. "Your nose isn't broken either, but there is-" But he broke off abruptly and squinted at the image on the glossy paper. His face betrayed his emotions and they flashed between shock and disbelief. He glanced at the page and me, repeatedly; he looked like a cartoon character. Finally, he quickly gathered up the x-rays and walked to the door. "Excuse me," he said just before leaving the room. I stared bewildered at the empty doorway, trying to figure out what just happened. I watched as he swiftly walked down the hallway out of sight. Finally, I gave up and laid back into my pillows, not wanting to get worried. I closed my eyes and thought errantly about Dante. I thought about his hesitant kiss, which left me questioning what happened at the theater. I tried to avoid thinking about the nagging questions at the back of my head, but eventually had to confront them. First off who was the girl that kissed him? I didn't want to doubt his feelings, but somehow this situation reminded me of Drew. And I didn't want to go through that again. There are only so many ways a heart could break. Second what would I tell him about my own personal situation? I knew the truth would eventually come out, but in light of today's confusion, I didn't know what the future held. Finally, my mind addressed the idea of my sickness. I didn't want to think about it much, but the idea was like a seed that sprouted in the back of my head. Even the slightest thought allowed it to grow and poison every question I had. Some part of me knew it had returned, but I fought that little part willing it to be wrong. Suddenly I felt a presence in my room. All these questions remained unanswered when I was shaken back awake by soft hands. It was my mom, and she wasn't alone. Josh and Doctor Cater stood a few steps back from her with grim faces. "Hey, mom. Where are Stace and Justin?" I asked, hoping the doctor was here to send me home. "Honey, Joshua, and Dr. Cater have something to tell us," she said with a slight shake in her voice. Oh, no, I thought. This wasn't how I was supposed to find out. Not yet. I still have a lot to do. I still wanted to finish high school. I barely got my first boyfriend or at least I think I did. I don't need this now. Please let it be a minor concussion or a broken bone. Please Dr. Cater spoke breaking my train of thought, "Caleb, we've discovered a small problem in your x-ray's. We hadn't detected it until Josh here found it." My heart stopped. I knew it. Slowly my whole world came crashing down. "Caleb, it's bad." Please send comments to untitledlovestory23@yahoo.com, thank you.