Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:59:00 +0000 From: EntirelyAwesome Subject: Convincing Cade - Chapter Four Disclaimer: The following is a work of fiction; this story may depict sexual acts between adolescent boys. If reading such a story is illegal where you reside, please do not read any farther. This work of fiction belongs to the author and should not be re-posted or reproduced without his permission. Generous donations from readers like you support this amazing platform, please consider contributing to Nifty: http://donate.nifty.org/ *** Convincing Cade - Chapter Four *** Ashton leapt to his feet as the luxury SUV pulled into the driveway--he had been eagerly anticipating Cade's return home and was so excited to see him, he could no longer wait inside the house. As soon as Cade stepped out of the car, Ashton gave him a warm, full-body, welcome-home hug and a sweet kiss on the cheek. Cade returned the hug and held onto the boy a bit longer than he had anticipated, "I'm really glad to see you, Ashton." "I missed you last night and I'm so happy you're back home," Ashton was almost giddy being back in Cade's arms. When the boys separated, Ashton looked at Cade's flushed face, he noticed for the first time, it looked like he had been recently crying, "What's the matter...you okay...?" "I'm find...let me get my bag and we can talk inside." Cade said his goodbye's to Ben's parents, he hugged and thanked them for bringing him home. Ben had decided to stay home, thinking it might be better if he didn't go with them because he didn't want to make things any more awkward for Cade. Once inside, Cade greeted his foster parents then asked if he and Ashton could be excused before walking to his bedroom, firmly holding on to Ashton's hand. "What's going on...what's the matter?" Ashton asked once Cade close the bedroom door, curious to know why his boyfriend was behaving so strangely. He placed his bag on the bed and removed his shoes, "Is it okay if we sit and talk for a minute?" Cade sat on one of the bean bag chairs and motioned for Ashton have a seat on the remaining bag. Both boys wore worried expressions on their faces as Cade again took Ashton's hand in his and forced himself to start the most difficult conversation he had ever had in his relatively short life. "Ashton, you know how I feel about you...and that will never change, not ever. You make me so happy and I look forward to being with you every single day...," he paused for a moment, determined not to cry, "I love you so much...and I know you love me. I just...I just don't want that to ever change." Ashton grew even more concern as he looked at Cade's troubled face, "I do love you, you know I do...but, what's going on? Did something happen to you? Please, tell me..." Cade knew he couldn't procrastinate any longer, he took in a deep breath--exhaled--then said, "Ben's parents want to adopt me." *** "What...? What do you mean...? They can't adopt you 'cause you live here...with us..." Ashton asked, anxious and confused. "Being a foster kid isn't the same as being legally adopted. I love living here with you, mom, and dad...but, I've always wanted to be adopted, for as long as I can remember. Every kid wants a family to belong to...it's the only thing all of us fosters really want, just to belong somewhere and to be safe...that's it." Ashton was near tears, he was genuinely frightened, "But you belong here...with me...we are your family. Dad said he would never send you away...I don't understand, you're scaring me..." Cade pulled Ashton's small frame into his lap and held him. He could feel the boy's body trembling in his arms as tears formed in his pretty eyes. "Don't cry, Ashton, you'll make me feel worse than I already do," Cade held him close to provide some comfort to the boy--and to himself. "I...I don't understand...did I do something wrong...? Why does everyone want to leave me behind...? First my big brother...now you..." Tears streamed down Ashton's cute face as he openly wept. Cade could no longer control his own tears as he sat with the boy he loved, knowing nothing was going to be the same between them ever again--and he felt horrible. *** Cade couldn't sleep that night as he lay alone in his bed. Ashton had refused to stay with him and Cade understood why, the boy was just too sad and hurt to sleep in the same room. It was the first time Ashton had voluntarily chose to sleep alone since they had met. He knew Ashton was feeling betrayed by the one person he loved and trusted the most--and Cade also knew the boy had every right to feel those emotions. His mind returned to how he had felt as an 11-year-old boy, waking up in the group home the following day after being sent away from the closest thing he had ever known to being part of a real family. Cade had missed his foster parents and brother so much he refused to eat for days. But mostly, he felt the hurt and shame of being caught doing naked stuff with Ben. He had blamed himself, even though it was usually Ben who initiated their sex play. But he also never thought--in a million years--they would ever send him away simply for being a bad little boy. *** Being unable to sleep, Cade made his way downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of warm milk--he had read online that it can help you get to sleep. He sat at the counter in his underwear with his glass of milk and tried to make sense of everything that was happening to him when he heard someone walking down the stairs. He instantly hoped it was Ashton. "I thought I heard someone down here." "Oh, hi mom...did I wake you?" "No, not really...what's the matter, can't sleep?" "Nah, too much to think about...I can't turn off my brain tonight." "Worried about Ashton?" "Yeah, he's so upset. I keep hoping I'm making the right decision about the adoption." She took seat on the barstool next to him and held his hand, "Don't worry too terribly much about Ash. His ego is a little injured right now, but he will be fine. He was the same way after his big brother left to join the military after graduation. He wears his heart on his sleeve and it is easily bruised. He loves his big brother...and he loves you. He'll eventually get over it and will be back to his normal, happy-go-lucky self in no time." "Maybe...but, what about you and dad? I feel awful about leaving after you both have been so nice to me." "Listen, your dad and I only want what's best for you and for you to be happy. If this is what you want, we'll support you 100 percent. We know this must have been a difficult decision for you, especially since you and Ashy are so close. You must have your reasons and we won't stand in your way...and besides, you've been part of their family a lot longer than you have been with us." "Then why do I feel so crappy about it? I mean, I should be happy about finally getting adopted...right?" She put her fingers through his hair, just like any mom and said, "Sometimes, the best decisions we can make for ourselves are also the toughest. Everything will turn out just as it should, sweetheart, you'll see." The pair chatted for a few more minutes before his foster mom retired back to her bed. *** Once again, Cade sat alone, contemplating his current situation. An ironic thought occurred to him--less than a year ago, he had thought of himself as `the boy no one wanted.' Now he was forced to choose between two amazing families who both unconditionally loved him. It was more than his sleep-deprived brain could process at such a late hour. He drained the remaining milk from his glass before placing it in the kitchen sink. Turning off the light, he made his way upstairs, pausing just outside of Ashton's bedroom door. He knew the boy was disappointed in him, but Cade wanted to see him--needed to see him--if only just for a few moments. Turning the door knob, he discovered the door was locked. It was locked for the first time since he had been in the house, he was devastated. Cade knew Ashton was upset with him, but the boy he loved more than anything had quite literally shut him out--the simple act felt like a dagger in his heart. "Ashton," Cade, near tears, whispered through the door, "I'm sorry...I never meant to hurt you...and I wish things could be different, I really do..." I care about you so much and I still need you in my life. No matter where I live...you'll always be my favorite person in the whole world..." He words were met with silence. Cade wasn't sure if Ashton was ignoring him or was simply asleep. "Anyway...I love you...and...I can't stand you being mad at me." Cade turned and walked back to his bedroom feeling somehow worse--if that were even possible. *** The following morning, Ashton opted to stay home from school and do remote learning instead so Cade didn't get to see him all before he walked alone to school. Determined to sever any connection with Cade, Ashton refused to accept his phone calls and text messages. He even avoided conversation with him when his parents insisted he join the family for dinner that evening. Cade was eager to see him and talk to his--boyfriend? brother? He wasn't even sure what they were anymore, but he was excited to see him. Ashton emerged from his bedroom and sat at the dinner table, avoiding eye contact with Cade. Though the situation was awkward, Cade still thought he looked so pretty and sexy, even when he was pouting. "Hey, we missed you at school today," Cade risked an attempt to start a conversation with the beautiful boy. Ashton simply ate his food and didn't respond. "Ashton, you are being rude...Cade just wants to talk to you," his mom intervened. "I'm sorry, mom...but I don't feel like talking right now. May I be excused?" "No, you may not. Finish your dinner first, then you may be excused." "Ashton, please, I didn't ask to be adopted. I didn't even know about it until just before I came home on Sunday," Cade tried to explain, "you gotta believe me." Ashton continued eating his meal until his plate was clean, without acknowledging Cade's existence, "I'm done, may I leave now, please." "Yes, son, put your dishes in the sink," his dad responded, the boy quickly did as he was told then promptly left the room and headed back upstairs. Everyone at the table heard the sound of Ashton's bedroom door slam closed. Cade felt awful and no longer had an appetite. "May I...may I also be excused, I don't really feel much like eating right now," "Cade, listen," his foster dad began, "...you just need to give him some time to work this out alone. He doesn't hate you...he loves you...it's just hard for him to deal with separation. It was the same when his big brother told him about leaving to join the Army...he didn't speak to his brother for a week. I know he's being an ass right now...and we all know how persistent he can be...but in the end, he'll come back around, you'll see. We just have to be patient for now." "Thanks, dad...but it just sucks seeing him like this." "Well, maybe you guys just need a little space. It can't be easy for either of you while he's trying to avoid you in the same house. Would you like to stay with Ben's family for a few days until things get back to normal around here?" "I...um, I dunno...do you really think it a good idea?" "Well, sometimes `absence make the heart grow fonder,' and like I said...he just needs some time." *** The following day, Cade packed his belongings and got ready to move in with Ben and his family. Ashton still refused to speak with him as he waited by the front door for Ben and his family to come pick him up. They had turned their home office into his temporary bedroom--but he knew he would likely share Ben's bed the majority of the time. "So, do you have everything you'll need?" his foster mom asked while he waited. Cade instinctively looked toward the stairs leading to the bedrooms and hoped he could at least say goodbye to Ashton. He didn't feel right about not seeing him before he left the house. "Um, yeah...I've got everything, thanks." His mom sensed his feelings and said, "Don't worry, everything will be right here waiting for you when you get back." Deep down inside, Cade knew, this was likely the last time he would ever live here in this house with them and he might never return. That's just the way things go sometimes...once you get settled somewhere, it just becomes easier to stay. Outside, a car horn honked. Cade opened the door and saw Ben walking to the front porch. "Ready to go? Need help with your bags?" Ben asked, picking up a piece of luggage. "Yeah, thanks," Cade hugged his foster parents goodbye then followed Ben to the car. Cade slid into the luxury SUV next to Ben then fastened his seat belt. As the car began pulling out of the driveway, he looked out the window toward the house and noticed Ashton's small face looking down from his bedroom window. "Wait! Stop the car! I can't do it...please, let me out." The car suddenly stopped in the driveway. Cade opened the car door and rushed back to the house--toward the boy he loved. *** End of Chapter Four To be continued in Chapter Five I remain grateful for all of your encouraging comments, thank you! --Parker Your feedback is greatly appreciated --> entirelyawesome@protonmail.com Other stories by this Nifty author: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/authors.html#entirelyawesome