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

Travers:

"Are you sure he's gonna be okay?" I asked.

"He only has a small concussion and a few bruises. He was extremely lucky considering he was hit head-on." Jared explained.

I sighed relief. "Thank God," I sat back in the chair next to Tyler. He has been knocked out for the past day. Jared said that he doped him up so he wouldn't feel any pain. He even said that the bruising is already going down. "Jared, I need to talk to you about something, but I want to wait until after I get to talk to Tyler about it."

He gave me a curious look. "All right, bud, but it may be a lot longer. He's on some major pain meds."

"That's okay, I can wait." And so I did for the next seven hours. All the while I've been thinking of the right things to say to Tyler, to everyone, but sorry just doesn't seem to justify my actions over the past few weeks. The person I owed the biggest apology is definitely Tyler though. Around eight o'clock he woke up, and I was right by his side when he did.

"Hi, Tyler," I softly said.

"Are you okay?" he asked. How unselfish of him to ask me, the person who isn't in a hospital bed, how I am.

"Yeah, I'm much better now." I smiled.

He smiled in reply. "Good,"

"Tyler, there are so many things that I want to tell you." I began. The tears were already beginning to form in my eyes. "I want you to know how sorry I am for everything. I'm sorry for ever back-talking you, yelling at you, getting annoyed at you, everything." The dam burst, releasing several tears down my cheeks. "I realize what a rotten little brat I was and I just want you to know how sorry I am. I promise to stop smoking and drinking and doing drugs and have casual sex. I know you love me and I love you too. I'm sorry that it took so long for me to realize it."

"Isn't this scene familiar? You were in a bed a while ago and said almost the exact same things you're saying now. How do I know that you aren't just going to turn around and lash out again?" Tyler questioned me. I didn't feel hurt by his words at all because I knew he had a good reason to suspect that of me.

"Because when I saw you hanging upside-down in the Murano I didn't think about my safety at that point. I knew I was all right because I could think straight and feel everything scratch that I got. But you weren't moving. At that point in my life I realize that no one could ever love me as much or the way that you do." I explained. My words this time were true and accurate.

"All right," Tyler said easily. "I forgive you."

I began to cry hysterically. I jumped up from my seat and threw my arms around him as best I could. He was trying to calm me down by rubbing my hair and telling me everything would be all right. Jared came in after hearing all the fuss, but left when he saw that we were both crying.

"I promise you I'll be a better son, Tyler."

"You're already doing it, Travers."

I cried. "I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, son."

* * * *

Tyler:

I wasn't sure if I could believe Travers or not, but the way he said his words and the look on his face convinced me for the time being. Only time will be able to tell if he'll keep true to his promise.

After our tear fest was over, Jared came back in the room and checked up on me. I actually felt no pain. Well, maybe a throbbing headache, but nothing I couldn't handle. He gave me some pain pills then said he had to go.

"You know, Travers, I'm not exactly the only one you owe an apology to." I spoke up.

He nodded. "No, I know. I have a whole list of people I need to apologize to. Jared is next, then Zac, then Keegan, and then I really need to apologize to Trevor."

Hearing that name caused me to wince. "Travers, when you two were a little item, did he ever mention anything about his home life?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, on Friday when I was walking from my car I saw Trevor being yelled at by his father. I have reason to suspect that he might be abused."

"Hmm," Travers chimed. "He never told me anything like that, but there was something odd about him. Every time I would...um...caress his back he would break contact really fast."

"Damn, I hope it wasn't because he was beaten. I need to go straight to the principal tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, what is it?"

"Tomorrow is Tuesday," Travers stated.

"Oh, God damn it! I have got to stop missing work!" I groaned loudly.

"It's not like you can help it. I guess you are like an unlucky magnet."

"Gee, you're such a big help." I sarcastically laughed.

Jared came to pick Travers up around ten so they could go home. He informed me that I would be able to leave tomorrow assuming I could function properly. I was ready to bust out of there at that exact moment, but figured it'd probably be best to wait anyways.

* * * *

Travers:

Driving home alone with Jared was definitely awkward. The guilt I was still feeling about everything that I've done was overwhelming me. I may have been a monster to Tyler, but I...raped Jared.

"Um, I was going to wait, but now seems like a fine time since we're alone." I started. Jared glanced at me expectantly. "I want to apologize for what I did to you." My expectations for him to say "I forgive you" are quite small, however.

"I just want to know one thing." Jared said.

"Yeah?"

"Why did you do it?"

"Honestly, I don't know why. It would be a lie to say that I wasn't on something that may have inhibited my state of mind."

"So you were on something then." he said in more of a statement than a question.

"I'm not gonna lie, but I would be lying again if I said I didn't find you attractive. And I know I shouldn't even be thinking of that, but I can't help who I find attractive."

"Travers, it's all right. I do forgive you, but you can never tell anyone about that. Even if you raped me, I can still get in some trouble."

I smiled up at him. "No problem there," I shook my head in disbelief that after everything I've done to this family they are willing to overlook it all. "Thank you for forgiving me."

The rest of the drive home was in silence. It was a little awkward still, but not as bad as before I apologized. When we pulled into the driveway I remembered that Zac and Tommy were here babysitting Keegan. I'm gonna have to apologize to Zac tonight. This'll be my third apology for the night. I think that's a record.

"Zac, can I talk to you in private, please?" I asked him once we got inside.

"Sure," he meekly spoke.

I led him into the office. He decided to stand whereas I needed to sit. "Look, I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for what happened Saturday in the pool." He just stared at me with disbelief. "And what you said about me was absolutely true. I am a real jackass for what I've done to Tyler, to everyone, but from here on out I promised Tyler and myself that I will be a better person. I've decided to give up all my old habits and really start over."

Zac seemed to be sizing me up for a second before he sat next to me and draped an arm around my shoulders, giving me a small squeeze. "All right, bud, I accept your apology. I can even understand why you did it."

"Really? Why?" I asked incredulously.

"Because I am damn good looking." Zac boasted.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, whatever!" He poked me in the ribs then ran out of the room. I chased after him and almost collided into Keegan. "Hey, can I talk to you for a second Keegan?"

"Yeah, but hurry because I gotta get back upstairs to beat Tommy. He stinks worse than Jared!"

"Hey," Jared called from the kitchen. "Nobody stinks worse than me!"

Keegan and I giggled then ran up the stairs. I cornered him in the lounge and made him sit next to me. "All right, you know I love you, right? And that I've always loved you?"

"I guess,"

"Well, I really do, Keegan. You're my only brother and I wouldn't want any other person to fill your shoes. I'm really, really, really, sorry about how I've treated you lately. I'm sorry I was stupid and decided to do something selfish instead of watching you in the arcade. I'm sorry we don't hang out like we used to. But most of all I'm sorry for being such a bad brother. Can you ever forgive me?"

Keegan had tears in his eyes when I finished. He didn't say anything. Instead, he threw his arms around my neck and held on for dear life. He began to sob and shake lightly. I thought I felt bad before, but now that I see how much I've really hurt him my guilt cannot be described. I squeezed him tight and kissed him on the neck.

"I love you, Keegan." I whispered.

"I-I love y-you, too!" he cried. We stayed in the embrace for a few more minutes before I figured he should stop crying.

"Now, go back in your room and show Tommy who rules that game."

Keegan giggled. "Everyone already knows!" He ran off to his room.

I walked downstairs and sparked up a conversation with Jared. Mostly we talked about Tyler. He told me that he'd leave first thing in the morning to pick Tyler up so he can get back to teaching permanently. I was excited for him to come home. I really wanted to earn their trust back and what better way than to spend quality time with the both of them? It was nearing eleven when I told Jared I was going to bed. He kissed me good night and told me he'd see me tomorrow afternoon.

*

When I woke up the next morning it was to the smell of waffles. I followed the scent into the kitchen where I saw Tyler cooking away. He hadn't even taken a shower yet and he was already making everyone breakfast.

"Tyler, what're you doing?" I asked him.

He jumped. "Jeez, Travers, you scared the crap out of me." he said. "I'm just making some breakfast."

"Shouldn't you be getting ready for work?" I walked up and sat on the island.

"Yeah, but you guys need some food. I'll get ready when I'm done here."

I pondered an idea for a second. "How about I take over and you go get ready?"

"What?"

"Well, you need to get ready for work." I said.

"But-"

"No 'buts'," I said, jumping off the island and take the spoon from his hand. "Now, go and get ready."

Tyler smiled at me then nodded. He went upstairs and didn't come back down for fifteen minutes. By that time, Keegan and Tommy and Zac had all wandered into the kitchen.

"Dad, you're home!" Keegan shouted. He ran and jumped into Tyler's arms.

"Ohh," Tyler groaned. "You're getting too big for this, Keeg."

"How you feeling, Tyler?" Zac asked him.

"I'm feeling great," he responded. "I just want to get to work."

I finished the waffles without burning anything which was very surprising. While everyone else ate I went to take a shower. Today's the day I'm going to apologize to Trevor and see if he'll actually want to start a relationship with me. I really do like him, but my previous personality chose only to see him as a piece of meat. No longer will I think that.

"Oh, Tyler, I almost forgot. My mom wants to know if you'd like to have dinner tonight. She said it's the least she could do for you since you gave us all that money." Zac said.

"I told you boys that it was a scholastic donation. There is no need to thank me." Tyler said selfishly.

"Okay, so, I'll tell mom you're coming. Be there at five and try not to be late. I'll send you directions later." Zac said quickly. "Gotta go, bye!" Tommy and him ran out of the kitchen before Tyler cold interject.

Tyler laughed and shook his head. "So, you ready?"

"Yeah, just have to grab my backpack." I ran back into my room and grabbed my backpack and phone. You just can't live without a cell phone anymore.

Tyler first dropped Keegan off then drove us to the high school. Along the way, he made some small talk with me. He casually mentioned how much grading he needed to start and to just go straight to his class after school let out. I told him I'd be there, but a little late if Trevor didn't want to talk to me any other time during the day.

*

You know the feeling you get when there's only seconds left of the final class of the day? I had that feeling only twenty times worse. All day I have not been able to find Trevor at all. I guess he has ESP and senses that I want to talk to him so he's avoiding me. Yes, I am kidding.

The bell finally rang. I casually walked around campus watching the other students go wild. What were they so damn thrilled about? They're just gonna have to go though the same thing tomorrow and the next and the next day. Bunch of freaking retards if you ask me. Trevor was still elusive to me.

"Hello, Travers," the principal said to me.

Ah, crap. "Hi,"

"I believe you owe me a thank you." he smirked.

"For what?"

"For allowing you back into my school before your suspension was over."

I sighed and decided to just suck up my pride. "Thank you for cutting my suspension short, sir."

He looked me over then smiled. "Just don't smoke here again and you and I won't have any problems."

"Yes, sir,"

"Now, run along."

"Bye, sir." I walked away feeling ashamed. I do feel really stupid for smoking at school, but what's done is done. At least my suspension was cut short. I'm sure Tyler had something to with that.

I spotted Trevor sitting alone outside the school. He was probably waiting for his dad, but I guess I'm about to find out anyways.

"Hi, Trevor,"

He sharply looked up at me. "What do you want?" I could see the hurt in his eyes.

"I want to talk to you about some things." I softly said.

"If it's about sex, Travers, I am so not in the mood." Trevor coldly replied.

"It sort of is about sex," He shot me an evil glare. "But it's not what you're thinking."

"Then what is it? I'm not in a good mood." I could've sworn I saw tears in his eyes, but he turned his head away from me.

I sat next to him. "I want to apologize for what I did to you. I'm so sorry that I used you. I'm so sorry that I said all those cruel things to you. I know this probably doesn't justify my actions at all, but I don't know how else to try for your forgiveness." He continued to look away from me. "I also want to tell you that I've decided to get cleaned up for good. And I was wondering if you wanted to try again?" I waited for his response, but he was still looking away from me. I placed my hand on his leg. I felt him tremble under my touch.

Trevor sniffled. "You hurt me so bad, Travers." He looked at me through his tear-filled eyes. "You don't even know how bad you hurt me."

"You're right, I don't know, but I'd like to know so that I can fix it." I said gently.

"I was falling in love with you, Travers. I saw past your faults and your attitude and I saw what an amazing person you were. How do I know this isn't just some attempt to try and have sex with me again?"

This was a good point, and I didn't know how to answer that. Instead of answering, though, I leaned in close to him and placed my lips on top of his. My eyes seemed to close on their own as I fell into a deep kiss with Trevor. When I pulled back, more tears were falling from his eyes. I wiped most of them away and smiled.

"I promise you that I'll change. And I promise you that this isn't some desperate attempt."

He breathed a sigh of relief and finally smiled. "So you really want to try again?"

"Absolutely," I said with my own smile.

"Great,"

"In fact, will you have dinner with me Friday night?" I asked before I had a chance to really think about it. It's not that I didn't want to have dinner with him, but I had to make sure things were okay with Tyler.

He thought for a second. "Yeah, I'd love to have dinner with you."

"Great," I said.

Trevor looked down the street then stood up. "My dad's here so I'll see you later."

I stood as well. "Can I call you tonight?"

"Sure," he said awkwardly. Just then his dad came pulling up. I've never met him before and I'm assuming there's a reason for that. "Bye, Travers."

"Bye." I softly said. He got in the car then it sped off. His dad at least has good taste in cars; he drives a Benz.

I walked to Tyler's class with a thousand things on my mind. But one thing really stood out through all of them. Things might just start to turn around in my life.

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

I hope you enjoyed chapter fourteen. As always feel free to e-mail me with any comments or questions. Also feel free to join my group at this address. Thanks!

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