Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:48:40 -0500 From: James Heady Subject: The Wounds Within My Heart--Book 3--Chapter 16 The Wounds Within My Heart By James Disclaimer This is a story which deals with sexual and romantic situations between teenaged boys. This story will at times deal with situations concerning rape, child abuse, Racism, Ableism, suicide and other dark subject matter. If you're not of the legal age to read such material, or if you're disturbed by this type of story, then please back out now. also, please remember to donate to Nifty, as it's your donations that keep this and other stories on the site free to the public. Finally, if you like this story and haven't done this already, sneak into my E-mail address jamesheady1985@gmail.com's house. Once inside, get its iPod and replace all the songs on it with elevator music versions of each one. Thanks once again to my editor K. who continues to do a really amazing job at editing for this story. I really appreciated your efforts on the last chapter, and I'm sure you'll do well with them on this one too. This story wouldn't be what it is without you. Thank you. The Wounds Within My Heart Chapter 16 Nohea I chased after Triston as he ran towards the restroom. It was night now on that Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Pietro had been gone for a few hours now. It was almost 8:00 P.M., and Dad asked if I could help Triston with his shower while he got some work done in his home office along with cleaning up from that night's dinner. I agreed, but that was easier said than done. Sometimes Triston would wait until either dad or I let him know it was time to get his shower, and he would run as we would walk with him to the restroom. We would catch up to him as he ran from his room to the restroom. After that, he would slip past us and run towards another part of the hall waiting for us to come up to him. He would run from us again, then the cycle would repeat a couple more times. He started doing that with dad when he first came to live with him, then he started it with me, careful to keep us away from the stair case which I appreciated. After another repetition of this, Triston would stop and walk back to the restroom with who ever was helping him with his shower. As I caught up with Triston a fourth time, we were at his bedroom door at this point. He turned laughing and put his arms around me. I hugged him back, and we just stood like that for a moment. He then separated from me and took my hand. He tugged gently, and we headed in the direction of the restroom. "It's about time you got on with it," I said, smiling as we entered the room and I got the water adjusted for him. Triston removed his towel and after hanging it up, he got in the shower. It didn't take long, and he was finishing with washing his legs and feet. I got his towel, and waited for him to shut off the water. I then heard him laughing and heard the shower curtain move slightly. "No, you're not flicking water at me," I said laughing. "I thought we got that straightened out days ago." I said that with mock sternness in my voice. Triston laughed then exited the shower. He dried off, then handed back the towel. I hung it up and we left the restroom once he was dressed. "Well, I'd say this shower went a little faster this time around," I said smiling. He laughed, then after taking my hand, we went into his room where he brushed his hair before following me back into my room. I sat down at my desk and checked my phone for messages, and Triston got on my bed where he laid down on it. "You can use the bed spread if you'd like," I said as I opened a message from Alex. "Thanks," Triston typed then got under the covers. Sometimes Triston liked to come in my room after his shower and hang out until it was time for him to get to bed. It was always nice having him there keeping me company, and I knew he really enjoyed it as well. Getting back to the message from Alex, I read it. He was asking about how my day had been going, and then asked if I was looking forward to the up-coming holiday. I responded that I was, and that I hoped to see him sometime over the holiday break. He said that he hoped the same. Alex and Pietro were getting along really well since they met, which I was really glad to see. They were basically brothers as well as best friends, and Alex was really supportive of both Pietro and I as a couple. At that time, I wasn't sure if Alex was like either of us. We hadn't talked much about girls he liked. He didn't say much about it, and I just figured that if or when he met a girl he liked, that he would bring it up. After Alex and I wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving, I put my phone back into sleep mode then set it back down on my desk. Getting up from my chair, I went over to my bed where Triston lay. "Can I lay down here beside you?" I asked. He scooted closer to the wall against the bed's side, and I lay down, getting under the covers with him. He snuggled against me, and I held him as he rested his head on my chest. We lay like that for a while, and after I felt myself drifting off, I opened my eyes and sat up. Triston shifted then sat up as well. It was almost 10:00 P.M. at that point, and Triston let me know he was ready to get to bed. We would be getting up early the next morning so we all could be ready to go over to Pietro's house. I walked into my brother's room, and dad joined us a moment later. We hugged Triston, and after returning to my own room, I hugged Dad. Then after saying goodnight and that we loved each, other I got into bed. It didn't take me long to fall fast asleep. Thanksgiving Day came upon us, cold and with what looked like a chance of either rain or snow. That's what Dad said anyway. After I showered, then dressed, I heard Dad helping Triston with his shower and his own getting dressed. Fortunately, Triston was good about getting ready quickly, and I figured that he would. He had gotten in his game of chase with me last night before his shower, so he was clearly happy. We got a quick breakfast, and with the heavy meal we would all be having later, Dad let Triston have one of his well-loved pop tarts while the two of us each had a breakfast sandwich. Once we stopped by to pick up Aunt Beth, we would be on our way to Pietro's house. I was really looking forward to that day's events. "Happy Thanksgiving," I said going up to Dad and hugging him. "I think we all have a lot for which we can be thankful." "Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving to you too," he said, hugging me for a long moment. "We really do have a lot for which to be thankful, especially one another." "Absolutely," I responded. "I'm so grateful to you that you're my dad, as well as that I'm living here with you and Triston." "I feel the same way," Dad said. "I'm truly thankful that you and Triston are here with me and that you're both my sons." Triston expressed his thankfulness by hugging both of us and it was really nice to share that moment between the three of us. It was almost time to go, and after throwing away the paper plates we used, I took Triston in to help him with his shoes. He sat down on the bed, and I held out a pair of socks. He took them making a slight disapproving sound. He made an even more disapproving sound when it came time to get his shoes on, but he got them on without any further protests. "I know you don't like that," I said touching him on the shoulder for a moment. "I'm sure they'll let you have a break if you need one at some point." He made a sound as if saying that he hoped they would, then he stood up after I tied both shoes. Once we got on our coats, we were ready to leave the house. We all arrived at Pietro's house about 20 minutes later, and we were a bit early. Everyone greeted us, and it was really nice to be there. Pietro was the last to join us, as he had finished with getting his shower and dressing. I was really glad to see him, and we hugged for a long moment. "Happy Thanksgiving," I said holding him close. "Thanks," he typed. "Happy Thanksgiving to you too." "That's really sweet," I said. We all sat in the living room for a bit after Bryan checked the turkey. Amy had checked the stuffing, then joined us. Bryan came in a moment later and it was really nice hearing about how well they were doing. Lexy said that she was really glad to be done with classes for a few days, and I said that I could imagine how she felt. Triston was sitting on my left with Pietro on my right. Every so often, Triston would type out a few things he had been doing in school, then ended it with saying that he was glad to be out of school for the Thanksgiving Break. I told him that I was glad he was as well. Pietro said that he had been counting down the days until we all would be together today, and I told him that I had been doing the same. After a little more conversation, our parents let Pietro and I know that we could spend some time together in his room if we wanted. Lexy was keeping Triston entertained with some videos on her iPad, and after making sure that he would be alright, I went into our room. "I've missed you so much," I said once I closed the door. "I know we saw each other yesterday, but still, it's good to be here with you again." "I missed you too Nohea," Pietro answered as he sat down and leaned over, kissing my cheek gently. I kissed back, then we held each other tightly for a long moment. After separating, Pietro looked deeply into my eyes, then began typing. "Have you been thinking about your surprise I have planned for you over the weekend?" he asked. "I think you're really going to love it a lot." "I've been wondering about it," I answered. "I can't wait to find out what it is. I'm guessing that it's going to be really special?" "It definitely will be special," he replied. "Nothing but the best for you, my love. Always." "That's really sweet," I responded. "I feel the same way about you too. You deserve only the best as well." "Thanks," he said. "You're welcome, my love," I replied. "You mean the world to me, and you always will. Being by your side right now means so much, and I feel so complete and whole in this moment." "I feel truly complete too babe," he answered. "Being here with you right now is so special to me. I treasure every memory you and I make, and I'll especially treasure this one too." "So will I," I said. At that point, I stood up and went over to where Pietro's music player sat on his desk. It was connected to his speakers, and I went through the songs until I found the one I wanted. I pressed play, then went over to where Pietro sat. I motioned, and he stood. "Would you like to dance?" I asked. He took hold of my shoulders, and I wrapped my arms around his torso. I had put on what we both thought of as our song, which was, "I Will Come to You," by Hanson. It was the song we had listened to at the dance at the School for the Blind a couple of months ago. "This song says perfectly how I feel about you," I said, looking up at Pietro, my face just inches away from his. He made a happy sound, then leaned down pressing his lips tenderly to mine. I kissed back, then rested my head on his chest as we continued slow-dancing to the song. After it was over, Pietro took my hand and we went back to the bed. I sat down, and once he was seated, Pietro took me in his arms once again. We just sat there with me leaning against him as he held me. I loved his smell, and the calmness about him. His strong arms held me, and I felt so safe, cared for and loved in that moment. "I could sit like this forever," I said softly. Pietro kissed the top of my head, then breathed in clearly loving the smell of my hair. He then kissed the top of my head again and we continued to sit there, holding each other for what seemed like ages. After what seemed like forever, I heard a knock at the door. It was Amy announcing that there were some snacks we could have. When I checked my phone's clock, I couldn't believe that it was almost 12:00 P.M. It seemed like we all had only arrived to their house only moments ago. I thanked Amy, then turned to my lover. "Aside from what I know, you'd really like a snack right now. Would you like to go and check out what they have?" I asked smiling. Pietro laughed, then typed that he would like to go out and get something to snack on. "I know you're wanting the same thing though," he went on. "I figured you did," I replied as we laughed then stood up. Amy made some cheese spread from a cheese ball, and there were crackers. There were also tortilla chips, salsa and many chicken tenders that could be dipped in either blue cheese or hot sauce. There was also a vegetable plate that had green peppers, red peppers, carrots, black olives and hot peppers. In the middle of the plate was a container of Ranch Dressing. After Dad helped with making plates for Triston, Pietro and I, we all went into the living room. Everyone else was there too, and I was glad to see that they were all enjoying themselves. Aunt Beth was saying how good everything was, and she thanked Amy and Bryan for including her in our get-together that day. "I'm glad you came with us," I said. "We certainly couldn't have you being alone at your house on Thanksgiving." "That really means a lot," Aunt Beth said as she and I hugged. "I probably would have gone to one of the Thanksgiving meals put on by one of the restaurants if I didn't have your dad or you guys to invite me to be with all of you." With a couple of exceptions of a few friends Aunt Beth would get together with from time to time, she really didn't have anyone besides Dad, Triston and myself. I thought about that sometimes, and how sad that was that she hardly had anyone around her. She hadn't talked about anyone that she was seeing, and when I asked about it a while back, she sounded uncomfortable talking about it, so I dropped the subject. I just hoped that she could find someone with whom she could start a family, and thus widen her circle of those who loved her. I got a little more food when Bryan offered to get any of us seconds. Once I sat back down, Triston moved closer to me. He was doing well throughout the visit, and his mood improved even more when Bryan and Amy told him that he could take off his shoes and socks while he was there. Most of us did the same, and I was glad to see how happy Triston was to be more comfortable. As I sat there, Triston tapped my left arm. I turned to him, and he moved to put something in my hand. It was his share of black olives. "Oh, okay," I said. "Did you like any of those that you had?" "The texture bothers me," he replied. "I'll take them," I said. "Thanks." "You're welcome," he responded. Pietro and I shared the olives Triston gave to me, and they were good. Green Olives though were my first choice. After Pietro and I finished our snacks, I went into the kitchen and threw away our plates. I returned to the couch, and Dad was talking with Lexy concerning something about Triston. Triston was sitting there beside me with his head turned in the direction of the TV. It was playing one of the annual dog shows they showed around that time of year. "Those are some really cute dogs," Pietro typed, then described a couple of them. One was a Black Lab, the second a Jack Rustle and the third was a Golden Retriever. "I like how the Jack Rustle has its left ear sticking out to the side with the other ear hanging down," Pietro went on. "Does it really?" I asked amazed. "Yeah," Triston answered. "It must be trying to capture every detail," I said. Dad was continuing to talk about whatever it was he was saying about Triston, then I heard him say what I knew Triston didn't like to hear. "Yeah, we get them clipped every so often," Dad said. Triston made a firm disapproving sound then went over to where Dad sat. The other thing Triston absolutely hated was to have his nails clipped, especially his finger nails. Before I came to live with the two of them, Dad would have to get Aunt Beth over to the house. She would have to press down on Triston's shoulders at certain moments while Dad trimmed his finger nails. It wasn't so bad for his toe nails, but he still didn't like it. "Hey, it's alright," Dad said as Triston stood with his face just inches from his looking intently at him making a couple more discontented sounds. "I was just saying that we sometimes have to trim your nails. We don't have to do it now, and we won't do it tonight." With me being at the house now, I would help doing with Triston what Aunt Beth had been doing. It helped to keep him calm while Dad did his trim-up. We went through all this a few days ago, so I figured that Triston still had the event fresh in his mind. Triston still stood there, then after looking into Dad's face for another moment, he hugged him then returned to sit beside me. "I guess you told him," I said as we laughed. "As long as we're not doing that again anytime soon," Triston responded. After a little more time spent in the living room, Amy announced about 20 minutes later that everything was ready. I was definitely hungry, and everyone else said the same. We all went into the kitchen, and after making sure the table was set, we all sat down. "I really do appreciate you inviting us over," Dad said. "You're all a really nice and loving family. I'm really grateful for how kind you all are towards Nohea. I'm also truly thankful that I met you Lexy, and that we were able to get Nohea and Pietro reconnected again. Finally, I'm thankful for my two sons, and for you Beth. You've been there for me through it all, and you've been a really amazing friend and big sister. I'll always be grateful to you." Everyone else went around, and they all said that they were grateful for all of us, and for each other. Triston said that he was thankful for our dad, Pietro and I, as well as grateful that we were all in his life. We told him that we all felt the same way, then it was Pietro's turn to speak. "I'm truly grateful to all of you for taking me in," he began. "You've all shown me what a real and true family is like. You've shown me the love that few other people in my life before ever did. Your love and support is something for which I am, and will always be grateful. Finally, I'm thankful for you Nohea. I'm thankful for your friendship, as well as for the chance we got to be able to meet and become best friends then boyfriends. Your friendship, support, love and kindness mean more to me than I could ever put into words. I'm grateful for them and for you. I always will be." "Thank you," I said and hugged him. "That means everything to hear you say that. I'm grateful for knowing all of you, and thankful that you guys allowed me to reconnect with Pietro. It means everything that you all welcomed me into your family, along with allowing me to get to know you guys. I'm also thankful for you Dad, as well as Triston and Aunt Beth. I really didn't have a good example of what a healthy and loving family was before coming to live with you. When I came to live with you, and saw the love all of you had to give it meant a lot to see that. I truly feel the love, support and kindness all of you had and continue to have that you give to me every day. I'll never forget that, and I'll always be grateful for it and for all of you." I'm thankful for you Pietro, and I always will be. Your love, friendship and support are something for which I'll always be grateful. I'm grateful for the time we've shared first as friends, then as boyfriends. I truly can't wait to experience all the new memories we make together going forward." He and I hugged once again, then it was time to eat. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and stuffing. There was also rolls along with cranberry sauce. For dessert, there were brownies, various kinds of cookies including Sugar, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter. We also had Cherry, Apple and Pumpkin Pie. It was all really good, and we all definitely had seconds. Once we finished eating, we all went back into the living room and hung out for a little while longer. It was a really nice day that Thanksgiving, and it seemed like time really sped by. Then it was time for everyone to be leaving. Triston and I thanked everyone, and we both hugged Pietro, with he and I sharing a long hug as well as a couple of tender kisses. "Happy Thanksgiving my love," I said as we hugged tightly. "Thank you, my sweet heart," Pietro answered when I let him go so he could type. "Happy Thanksgiving to you too. It was a really nice day." "It absolutely was," I responded. After saying goodbye to everyone else, we were out the door and back in the car. Aunt Beth would be staying with us that night, and I was glad about that. As we drove home, I leaned back against the back seat as Triston leaned against me fast asleep. I held him as we rode along in silence, truly glad how nice of a Thanksgiving Day that had been. Author's Notes So there you have it, Nohea's Thanksgiving Day shared with his and Pietro's families. I hope everyone likes how that turned out. In the next chapter, I'll be dealing with Pietro's surprise for Nohea. I'm sure you're all wondering what it is, and I hope all of you like how it turns out. Having said all that, I hope you're all doing well, and that you had a really nice Thanksgiving though I'm several days late with this chapter. I'll see everyone in Chapter 17.