4.11 The Art of Communication

"Aren't you going to answer that?" the boy asked as he brought his dishes over to the sink. He washed his bowl, averting his eyes from the ever growing pile of dirty dishes that Indira managed to ignore.

Indira glanced at her phone frowning seeing her mother's number flash on her screen. Briefly she wondered if her mom was calling to apologize. She should Indira thought after the way they treated her. How could they ignore her ideas and opinions? She knew she wasn't their favorite child. It still didn't give them the right to be so spiteful towards her.

"Why don't you talk to them?" he asked sitting down at the table sipping his coffee.

"I don't have anything to say to them," she mumbled munching on her toast.

"How about saying your sorry?" he suggested.

Glancing up her nostrils flaring "me apologize to them whatever for?" She continued to expound upon all the reasons why they owed her an apology. How they were in the wrong.

He let her words roll over him. When silence fell he knew it was his turn to say something. It was a deliberate ploy she used when she felt argumentative. She'd purposely leave her sentiment's hanging for him to rebuff her. Standing he took his cup to the sink repeating the process of cleaning it like the bowl before. With his back to her he said "your the one who moved out because you called them immature and an embarrassment. I believe you said they were standing in your way of accomplishing your goals. Why on earth can you believe they owe you an apology? If I ever spoke to my parents like that they'd disown me."

She scowled at him as she walked towards him to dump her dirty dishes on top of the other dishes waiting to be washed. "By now they should have realized how right I am in my observations and be begging me to come home to help them with the much needed changes they need to make. Changes that need to be made if I'm ever to make it big in my career."

"What career?" he asked leaning against the counter "You've been here a month and you haven't made an attempt to get a job."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm still in college. When I have my degree I'll get the job of my dreams, one I deserve." She turned walking from the room.

"You still owe me for last months rent and rent is due again in a couple of days" he called after  her.

She stopped making a show of turning around to glare at him. "What's your point?"

"This is the real world," he crossed his arms staring at her "either you pay your half of the expenses or you can get the hell out." He pushed off the counter striding towards her "and do the damn dishes."

He brushed against her as he strode from the room. She refused to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging him. Who did he think he was? How dare he tell her what to do? Not even her parents had the gull to talk to her like that. She was still daddy's little princess despite their current misunderstanding.

Turning she left the kitchen and dirty dishes behind. Sooner or later he'd give in and do the dishes himself. Money for rent was another thing. She had money in savings. She didn't intend to dip into that unless it was absolutely necessary. Rent wasn't it, at least not yet. She could go without paying for another month maybe two. What was he going to do? Kick her out. Not likely. All she'd have to do was turn on the water works and he'd be putty in her hands. No worries.

Sitting in the living room she turned the TV on. She couldn't stand the quiet especially when her mind was in such a whirl. Picking up the paper she glanced at the help wanted ads. How could he suggest she reduce herself and get one of these demeaning jobs? Not one was suitable for someone with her pedigree. She'd die of embarrassment to list them on her resume. She tossed the paper aside disgusted. No she'd just have to ride this out. School would be starting soon anyway. Then she'd be back in the dorm receiving regular checks from her dad to cover all of her expenses. She couldn't wait to be far away from her roommates disapproving glares.

Adjusting his tie Randy surveyed his image in the mirror. He looked presentable. The image of someone on his way to the top. If he did well on today's presentation he could receive the promotion to junior assistant manager. He could tell the shrew of a possible job opening in his firm. Shaking is head at his image in the mirror he thought better of it. It was bad enough having to share a house with the princess led alone having to see her face everyday at his place of employment.

Skipping down the stairs he found her spread out on the couch in front of the TV. "If your not careful you're going to become a frumpy old cow" he told her as he opened the front door. He didn't bother to look behind him. He knew if looks could kill he'd be dead. Just like he'd die of shock if he came home to find the dishes washed and the sink empty. He couldn't wait for school to start again. They'd be back in the dorm and all he'd have to do was make sure he avoided coming into contact with her.

They were almost out of clean dishes. Which didn't concern him much. He had an extra set in his room. He'd wash what he used and take them back to his room. Indira could eat off the floor for all he cared. He would not clean up after her. He could be just as stubborn as her if he needed to be.

An idea occurred to him that brought a smile to his face. He wondered what she would do if he took a picture of her mess and posted it to Simbook. Everything she did was focused on image. Would she want her future employers knowing how lazy she was? Probably not. The more he thought about it the more he liked it.

The only downside if he were to through with it would be his death. It might be worth it even then. At least he'd die happy.

***

"No answer," Caleb said watching Drew nod sadly. He pulled her close "it's her choice if she wants to talk to us or not."

"I know," Drew sniffed "I just wish I knew what we did to make her hate us so much."

"We didn't do anything," Caleb told her firmly "we haven't done anything but love her and give her everything she ever needed or wanted."

"Maybe we should have made her work for the things she wanted..."

"She'd still feel like the world owed her something. Indira feels entitled to everything and thinks she deserves it for very little effort on her part. Hopefully this jaunt into the real world will help adjust her thinking." He sighed wearily "I just wish she'd talk to us. Let us know whether she's planning on going to school this fall or not."

"When is the tuition due?" Drew asked moving to stand by the window.

"Next week" he replied "they won't give me another extension. If she doesn't return my calls by then she'll have to figure something out if she hasn't already."

"You know she probably expects us to pay for it..."

"I know. That's the problem. She has to learn to appreciate the things she has. She can't go around disrespecting us and expecting us to fall all over ourselves to please her. No" he shook his head "it's time she grows up."

Taking his hand as he came along side her Drew sighed "you know I'll support you no matter what."

"I know," he turned to gaze into her eyes "when she finds out I didn't send the check she's going to be livid..."

Shrugging Drew reached up to stroke his cheek "let her. It's time she learns not to bite the hand that feeds her."

"Is that why I'm missing a couple of fingers?" he quipped smiling down at her.

"Where?" she asked "I'll kiss it and make it better." Her lips grazed his knuckles.

***

"What do you think?" Charlie asked watching Andrew's face closely "do you like it?"

Surveying the room a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "It's not the color we decided on" he took a step closer to Charlie slipping an arm around the other man's waist "but I like it." 

"Like it enough to live here?" Charlie asked a slight lilt in his voice indicating he was teasing him.

Pulling away Andrew lost his smile "I'm not...I mean...I" he slammed his mouth shut afraid of saying too much. Afraid to ruin whatever he and Charlie had together.

"Hey what's the matter?" Charlie asked following Andrew down the stairs into the garage.

"Don't you think we're moving too fast?" Andrew asked arms crossed shoulders hunched.

"I didn't mean now," Charlie moved away from him to lean against the side of a car "eventually I hope you will want to live with me."

"You do?" the look of surprise upon Andrew's face was enough for Charlie to chuckle in amusement.

"I do," he said in mock seriousness "when the time is right. We're both only nineteen. We have plenty of time to figure things out." He pushed off the car "I didn't mean to make you feel pressured."

Looking down his toes kicking at the floor "I knew you were teasing. I could hear it in your voice. I...I panicked." Sighing he hugged himself "I'm sorry."

Sensing there was more to it then he was letting on. Charlie took a step forward "it's because of him isn't it?"

Andrew nodded swallowing hard half turning away from the sympathetic look upon Charlies face "I overreacted. I'm sorry."

It had been a month since the incident in the hardware store. He tried to be understanding and patient. At times he felt he was the one being punished. He was finding it increasingly more difficult to hide his growing frustration at the way Andrew would flinch from his touch or cower when he happened to disagree with him.

"It's not you," Andrew said turning to face him "it's not entirely him either." He couldn't bring himself to say Blake's name. He could only refer to him as 'him'. A nameless entity something that couldn't hurt him. If only that were true he thought.

"Can you talk to me about it?" Charlie asked standing still not wanting to make Andrew feel cornered or trapped. "Help me to understand what's going on inside you."

Nodding Andrew opened the door into the backyard. Charlie followed and silently sat beside him in the grass. Pulling at the green blades Andrew remained silent for several minutes before sighing. "Do you ever feel like your life is careening out of control?"

Snorting Charlie nodded "ever since I lost my dad."

Silence fell between them once again. "I'm sorry," Andrew muttered "I didn't mean to bring up bad feelings." He moved to get up.

Charlie put out a hand to stop him "it's ok" he said quietly "I'm coming to terms with it. But this isn't about me."

"I know" he replied his voice barely above a whisper "I hate the feeling of being out of control." He wrung his hands together looking away "that's not exactly it. It's more like I'm afraid of being controlled."

"I don't want to control you" Charlie affirmed "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."

"I overreacted," he mumbled obviously hoping Charlie would drop the subject. 

Reaching over Charlie caressed his cheek "why? Why did you overreact. What were you feeling at that moment. I want to help you."

Andrew leaned into Charlie drawing comfort from his proximity. "I know you'd never hurt me," he said instead of responding to Charlie's request. Charlie remained silent sensing there was more. He put an arm around Andrew hoping he would open up and tell him what was running through his mind.

"I..." his voice choked as he cast his mind back to the moment he freaked. "It's not the thought of moving in with you. I'd like that someday."

His confession brought a smile to Charlies lips brightening his eyes.

Andrew's forehead creased in worry as he struggled to explain what he was thinking and feeling at that moment. "I...." he turned to look up into Charlies eyes "I don't want you to think you did anything wrong. I could tell you were teasing." He took a deep breath "I overreacted. I felt like I did when I had been kidnapped. I had no choice. I had to do what I was told." He buried his face in Charlies shoulder "I felt like that with Blake. Like I had no choice." Breathing deeply he mumbled "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" Charlie asked pulling him close wishing he could wrap Andrew in a protective bubble where no one could hurt him. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"But I have," he cried pulling away from Charlie's comforting embrace "I lumped you in with my kidnapper and Blake. You're nothing like them." 

"You can't help how you feel," Charlie soothed "I'm not mad or upset. You had a knee jerk reaction to what you thought I was saying."

"I don't understand," Andrew said sitting up staring at Charlie.

"Just think about it," Charlie urged nuzzling into him "when you were five or six someone took you from your home. You had no choice. You had to listen to him or suffer the consequences." Andrew nodded recalling how he had been slapped to make him stop crying. "Then Blake tried to make you go with him from the hardware store. Hitting you because you refused to obey him. I could see how that could bring you right back to being that scared little boy again."

He stopped to tenderly wipe the tears that formed and ran down Andrew's cheeks. "Then when I indicated you'd live with me I think it brought you right back to being taken from your family."

"I'm sorry," Andrew said once again "you deserve someone better than me."

"Don't say that," Charlie cried as Andrew got to his feet.

"I'm broken."

Charlie caught his arm before he could run away "you're not some toy to be discarded when it grows old or broken. You're so much more than that."

"I am?" he asked looking up at Charlie in wonder  "even when I freak out?"

"Even when," Charlie pulled him close squeezing him tight "I promise to be patient if you promise to talk to me. Tell me when I do something that triggers you."

"I'll try," he promised "I don't always know what bothers me until it does."

"I guess I'll have to be on my toes from now on," Charlie said with a smile.

"Maybe with shoes on ready to catch me when I run," Andrew said looking up eyes bright.

"Do you plan on running?" Charlie asked raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe" he replied as he pulled away from him.

"Hey" Charlie called as Andrew took off running across the lawn.

"Catch me if you can," he shouted back laughing.

After chasing Andrew around the yard for a half an hour Charlie managed to tackle him to the ground. Breathing hard he said "I caught you."

Struggling beneath him "I let you."

"Liar," he leaned forward hypnotized by Andrews full soft lips mere inches from his own.

"Kiss him already" Emmaline called from her bedroom window.

"I think I will" he murmured moments before bringing his lips down to Andrew's. It felt so right to be holding his love in his arms, pressing his lips up against his. Their mutual desire intensified their kiss until they pulled away from each other gasping for breath. "I love you" they said together.

4.10 Complications and Promises

Struggling against him Andrew brought his hands up to Blake's toned chest. He pushed against  him but the more he pushed the more Blake pulled him closer. He tried to move his mouth away from the crushing kiss Blake was forcing upon him. The more he struggled the more insistent Blake became bringing a hand up behind Andrew's head so that he couldn't move away.

Lungs burning Andrew didn't know how much longer he could fight off Blake's advances. He couldn't believe the guy was doing this to him in an aisle of a busy hardware store. Blake's crushing weight was alleviated when he was grabbed from behind. Upon his sudden release Andrew slumped to the floor gasping for air. A pair of jean clad legs stepped into his field of vision causing him to tense. "Are you alright?" a voice asked in equal parts concern and anger.

Nodding he gasped for air. He never realized that being kissed against his will could leave you with burning aching lungs, a racing heart and legs so weak he couldn't stand.

"Come on let's get out of here," the voice said reaching down to help him up.

"Charlie," he choked feeling somewhat lightheaded from the ordeal he just went through. His eyes grew large as he looked behind his savior "watch out" he screamed as a force knocked into Charlie sending him sprawling.

Blake stood panting over them while Charlie shook his head stunned from the impact into the metal shelves behind him. Breathing hard Blake turned to Andrew and roughly dragged him to his feet.
"You're coming with me."

Eyes wide staring Andrew turned to Charlie as he leaned weakly against the shelf. Blood seeping through his fingers from a gash on his cheek. "Charlie" Andrew mumbled trying to break free from the man's grip on his arm. Instead of loosening the pressure increased as Blake relentlessly dragged him forward oblivious to the gaping horrified stares of the curious onlookers. A couple of burly middle aged men blocked one end of the aisle, arms crossed muscles bulging. "We've called the police," one of the men informed them.

The shock of their announcement was enough of a surprise for Blake's grip to loosen enough for Andrew to pull free and run back to Charlie. It was a stupid error in judgement he soon realized as a fist collided with his nose. He fell backwards as a weight landed heavily upon his chest. Several blows later Andrew lay still on the cold, dirty tile of the hardware store. A female voice speaking above him saying "he's coming to."

Blinking his eyes Andrew tried to sit up despite firm hands attempting to force him back. "Just lie still," a deep comforting deep voice commanded.

"Charlie?" 

"Yeah babe it's me," he murmured "just lie there and be quiet."

Closing his eyes reassured that Charlie was nearby. As he felt himself relax he closed his eyes as images of the days events bombarded  him. Blake attacking him. Charlie hurt, bleeding. He forced his open struggling to sit up "are you alright?"

"I'm ok don't worry," Charlie assured him.

"Blake he's he's...."

"He's been arrested" Charlie informed him "he can't hurt you anymore."

"I'm sorry," he cried looking towards Charlie "I should have been able to handle things better."

"Shh it's not your fault," Charlie told him.

"But I..."

"We really need to get him to the hospital" a woman's voice interrupted them.

Hospital? Andrew's eyes flew open fright clear in his deep gray eyes "no no I'm alright."

Charlie put a reassuring hand on his shoulder "babe go to the hospital. Please. For me."

Sighing Andrew glanced up at his friend. Saw the worry in his light blue eyes "alright I'll go. For you."

***

Indira scowled at her accommodations. It had been a week since she left her parents house. A week she had put up with these squalid conditions. Some friends she had. They expected her to be thankful for this closet they dared to call a bedroom. 

She looked around her in disgust. The rusty bed frame that creaked whenever she moved. The mattress that smelled of mold and other foul things she was loathe to name. The threadbare carpet she wouldn't touch on pain of death with bare feet. 

All her possessions still occupied her luggage that served as her wardrobe. She hated this room, this house and the friends that grew more annoying by the day. How could they think she'd be happy living here under these conditions? They had the audacity to accuse her of being ungrateful. As if she was supposed to be grateful for these deplorable living conditions.

Turning from the small square that served as a poor excuse of a window. The sooner she found some place else to live the better. She couldn't take living like this any longer. Not to mention the spiteful looks her roommates have started to give her when they thought she wasn't looking. How could they expect her to keep quiet about the atrocities she had to live with?

She emerged from her room once she was positive the others had left. Not once had anyone bothered to check on her to see if she was alright or see if she wanted to go with them on any of their pointless excursions. Feeling somewhat hurt at their callous treatment of her feelings she sat at the rickety table careful not to touch the crumb ridden sticky surface. Slobs she muttered as she opened the newspaper looking at the for rent adds.

The page stuck to the table as she filled the page with angry red X's. Not one apartment was appropriate for someone with her refined standards. They were either too small, on the wrong side of town, not close by any amenities or came with built in roommates.

Scowling she pushed herself from the table leaving the paper where it stuck. She paced the dingy, dirty, fly infested kitchen. She muttered a few choice words to describe the inhabitants of this mess and walked outside ignoring the fact the last one up and out in the morning was the one who was supposed to do the cleaning. There was no way she was going to clean up after a bunch of pigs.

She pulled her phone out, found the number she wanted. Her displeasure increased as her call went to voice mail. "Call me," she barked before she crumpled to her knees.

***

Emmaline stared at her brother "what does the other guy look like?"

"Not as bad as me unfortunately," Andrew mumbled eyes fixed to the floor. His parents stood silent where they had come into the room. He knew what was coming. He felt Charlie squeeze his hand for moral support. A moment later Drew ran across the room crying "my poor baby" as she reached up to inspect the damage to his face.

"Mom" Andrew tried to turn his face away "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine," she protested touching his bruised and battered face.

Caleb came alongside his wife turning to Charlie he noted the stitches along one side of the boys face. "What happened?" he demanded.

"It's nothing," Andrew growled jerking his head free from his mom's concerned inspection. "I'm going to bed," he announced making a beeline for the stairs.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of for losing a fight," Emmaline called after him.

"It's not that," Charlie said following Andrew with his eyes "he needs time to process what happened. Leave him alone."

"I only want to help," she said ignoring him as she moved towards the stairs.

"Emmie please don't," Charlie implored her "give him some space. I'm sure he'll tell you in time."

Fine," she screamed running up the stairs. A moment later her bedroom door slammed shut.

Silence fell upon the adults still in the entry way. Charlie shuffled towards the door mumbling "goodnight."

"Son what happened?" Caleb asked halting the boy at the door.

Turning Charlie slowly turned to face them "I'm not the right person to ask."

"Did you and Andrew get into a fight?" Drew wondered aloud her tone accusatory.

"No of course not," Charlie protested "how could you even think I could hurt him like that."

"Calm down son," Caleb said his voice devoid of emotion "it's a valid question under the circumstances. You left this morning for paint and return twelve hours later both with cuts and bruises. What else are we to think?"

Shrugging Charlie crossed his arms "anything but that."

"Fair enough," Caleb nodded "then tell us what happened."

Sighing Charlie followed the older couple into the living room. When everyone was seated, Drew gave him an expectant look prompting Charlie to say "it started off as a good day. We were discussing paint. Joking and kidding around until Blake wanted to talk to Andrew." He stopped rubbed a hand across his face "I should have went with him but someone had to stay and pay the sales clerk for the paint we just ordered." He squeezed his eyes shut hands curling into fists "I should have made them wait. I should have been there. None of this would have happened if I had been there."

***

Several hours later Indira picked up her phone "it's about time" she hissed.

"Sorry I was working."

Rolling her eyes Indira let out a dramatic sigh "I need your help" she said as if it was a given that he would drop everything to help her.

There was a long pause before the caller responded "can't your friends help you?"

"What friends?" she snorted "the living conditions are intolerable. They stuck me in a closet. They expect me to pay rent to sleep in a closet. To clean up after them. I'm not going to do that."

The caller's lips twitched with a combination of amusement and annoyance listening to her list of complaint "welcome to the real world." He held the phone from his ear as she shrieked. "what do you want me to do about it?"

"Don't be so obtuse," she snarled "have you found a roommate yet?"

"Um huh" he stuttered as he debated whether or not to lie or tell her the truth. He should never have mentioned he was looking for a roommate. "No I...I'm showing the place to someone tonight. They're real interested and will probably take it..."

"Tell whoever it is you've found someone," she told him.

"I couldn't possibly do that," he tried to think of something to say to dissuade her "why would you want to be my roommate? You don't even know my name."

"What difference does that make?" she asked "wouldn't you rather share your space with someone you know instead of a complete stranger."

He stared at the phone in his hand mouth hanging open. Who calls someone they haven't even bothered to get to know and ask to live with them? He ran a hand through his hair stalling for time. Hoping for inspiration on how to tell this most irritating of girls no. The only thing this would accomplish is make his job of watching her easier. Everything in him was screaming for him to tell her no even as he heard himself say "alright we can see how this goes."

"Great," she said "I knew I could count on you. So when will you be here to get my stuff?"

***

"He what?" Caleb growled "he assaulted my son. He's..."

"In jail," Charlie supplied "I don't think he meant for things to progress to the point he was using Andy as a punching bag but..." he shrugged "things got bad real quick."

"I'm glad you were there," Drew said coming to sit beside the young man "none of this was your fault."

"I should have gone with him," Charlie persisted "I had a bad feeling. I shouldn't have let him go alone."

"You had no way of knowing any of this would happen," she pulled him close as he broke into tears.

When Charlie calmed down Caleb put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry son. You did the best you could under the circumstances. I appreciate that. So will Andrew once he calms down."

"I know" he sat up wiping his eyes dry "he's upset right now. I just wish I didn't feel like I let him down."

"You didn't," both of Andrew's parents said simultaneously. He looked up startled "your still blaming yourself," Caleb said gently "no one here feels that way."

"Aren't I to blame?" he wondered "if I hadn't pushed him away he would never have gone out with Blake."

"Maybe," Drew replied "you can't live your life looking backwards. All of us have had to make choices. All of us have moments where we wonder what would have happened if I had taken the other road." She cupped his face in her hands "that kind of thinking will drive you crazy."

"What do I do?" he looked towards the older couple "how do I help him deal with what happened? He's so sensitive."

"Son don't let him block you out," Drew told him "he's hurting. He needs you."

"He needs me to do what?" he asked "I can't undo what happened. Blake's already in jail so I can't beat his ass. I..."

Shaking his head Caleb tried not to laugh "those are all admirable ideas but he doesn't need you to fix what happened." He looked directly into the younger man's eyes "he needs you to hold him. To tell him you love him."

"Is that all?" he looked from one adult to the other.

"It sounds easy I know," Drew looked over at Caleb "believe me it's sometimes the hardest thing to do; especially when the person who needs you the most  wants you to go away."

***

The door swung wide open "it's about time," Indira said by way of greeting. She grabbed his hand and drug him upstairs. Opening a door she pointed at the bags littering the floor. "All of this needs to go."

He stifled a sigh as he picked up a couple of bags. As she stood and watched. "You're capable of helping."

She put on a wounded expression "you don't expect me to carry all these heavy bags do you?"

"I didn't say all of them. I said help," he set the bags down by his feet. Leaning against the wall crossing his arms "if you don't help I'm not either. I'm not your best of burden."

They stared at each other neither one ready to be the first one to give in. Several minutes later Indira made a dramatic show of picking up two of the lightest and smallest bags from the floor. "Fine I'll help."

He nodded approval saying "and you'll help with each trip both here and at my place."

She gave him a withering glare as she heard several snickers from her ex-friends gathered around enjoying the show. "Alright," she agreed through gritted teeth "just don't expect me to do dishes."

"You'll do dishes if you expect to eat off of clean plates. It's my house. My rules," he said picking up the bags "take it or leave it."

She gave him a challenging look as she said "we'll see about that but for now it'll do."

***

After talking to Andrew's parents Charlie made slow progress up the stairs. He shouldn't have let Andrew barricade himself inside his room alone. He should have followed him or at least let Emmie follow him. He should have reassured him. He brought his hand up to knock when his doubts had him hesitating. Freezing in his tracks. What's the worst thing that could happen?

That thought had him knocking, calling out "babe can I come in?"

A muffled response reached his ears. He opened the door to find Andrew lying on the bed with his back to him. "Babe I'm sorry," he said softly as he sat on the edge of the bed beside him. 

"It's not your fault" Andrew said between sniffles.

"It wasn't yours either," Charlie said lying down putting his arms around him.

"I shouldn't have let him kiss me," Andrew cried his anxiety causing his voice to raise a few octaves.

"Did you know he was going to kiss you?" Andrew shook his head in response. "Did you want him to kiss you?" again he shook his head no "Did you give him any indication that you wanted him to kiss you?"

"No" he almost shouted "I wanted him to go away. To let me go." He rolled over burying his face on Charlie's shoulder "I feel dirty. I can't get the feel of his lips off mine."

Squeezing him tight Charlie gently kissed his forehead "I love you" he said as he peppered Andrew's face with soft gentle kisses. He could taste the salt from Andrew's tears on his lips as he kissed the tears away. "I love you. I'm going to keep telling you that until all the bad memories go away." He bent down and gently lifted Andrew's face up to his before bringing his lips down to Andrews. He could feel Andrew stiffen in his arms as he kissed his soft lips "I'm going to kiss you until the only feeling you have are mine. I'm going to help you through this. I promise I'm never going to leave your side."

4.9 Figuring Things Out

The following morning Charlie and Andrew came down for breakfast everyone was waiting for them. Emmaline looked up a sparkle in her eyes and a mischievous grin upon her face. "Did you do the nasty?" she asked.

Drew and Caleb both looked up with interest despite their puffy red eyes at the thought of their son having sex in the privacy of his own room.

"I err...we um..." Andrew stammered unsure what to say or where to look as his face heated up.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Charlie asked winking at her.

"You didn't" she concluded "if you had you'd be as red as Andy." She smirked up at him "I bet you slept on the floor in that old sleeping bag like you used to."

Turning towards Andrew he shrugged "it's not use. She's too smart."

"I told you," Andrew sat down face still burning despite knowing how his sister would react.

"What am I going to do with you guys?" she asked "draw pictures?"

Andrew dropped his fork with a clatter onto his plate "Emmaline you wouldn't dare."

"Wanna bet," she challenged "better yet I could find a how to video on SimTube."

Charlie choked sending chunks of pancakes flying across the table surface. "That won't be necessary" he croaked eyes watering as he fought to clear his throat.

"Emmie" Drew chided "that's quite enough."

"I'm just trying to help," she retorted "if left up to them they'll both die virgins."

"Emmaline" Caleb's voice came out like thunder despite the amusement in his eyes "your brother's sex life is none of your concern."

"You mean lack of sex life," she snickered.

"Emmie" Caleb said "your brother will figure it out without your help."

"He's taking too long," she protested "I'm just trying to speed things along."

"Some things need to play out on their own" he told her "now leave your brother alone."

***

To her surprise the purple haired boy did not come to sit next to her on the plane. She was some what shocked to realize the depth of her disappointment when she walked past his seat in first class to reach her seat in coach. It wasn't fair that he would be sitting in comfort while she was sitting between two overweight, smelly neanderthals. 

She waved down a stewardess "is there any way I can get a seat in first class?"

"No ma'am" the stewardess said her eyes scanning the other passengers "you should have made those arrangement prior to boarding the plane." She walked off intent on finishing her preflight checklist.

Not to be deterred Indira excused herself as she attempted to gracefully step over the overweight man blacking her access to the aisle. Despite the fact she had to buck the steady flow of passengers still milling around finding seats and overhead space for bags she made her way to first class. Sitting in the empty seat next to the object of her desire she smiled saying "we meet again."

To his dismay the young man found himself looking into the expectant green eyes of a pretty girl. His hopes of having a quiet flight were quickly being dashed "I thought you were sitting back there somewhere" he jerked his head towards coach.

"Do you really think a girl like me flies coach?" she blinked her green eyes up at him. 

"She does if she wants to fly at all," the stewardess said from above her in a no nonsense tone.

"Excuse me," Indira scowled up at the annoying woman.

"I need  you to take your assigned seat," the stewardess said her gaze and tone unmoved by the girls attitude.

"I don't see why I can't just sit here," Indira told her settling into the seat "no one else will be sitting here.  Unless you're planning on opening the door again."

Crossing her arms the stewardess repeated "seat changes must be made prior to boarding. Please take your assigned seat." While she was talking an older man exited the cock pit and approached whispering in her ear. "But sir this passenger belongs in coach.."

"The captain is ready to take off" the co-pilot repeated "you can't expect him to delay take off because of one passenger in the wrong seat."

"Understood sir," the stewardess acknowledged turning to Indira "you'll need to pay for the upgrade in seating once we land." Her voice stiff with ill disguised anger.

Smiling smugly Indira turned to to  her companion "See I always get my way."

***

"Boys if your not busy we'd like to talk to you," Caleb said approaching them as they cleaned up the breakfast dishes.

"Sure dad, what about?" Andrew asked closing the dishwasher.

"Just come into the living room when you're done," Caleb told them as he left.

"Should I be concerned?" Charlie asked as he wiped the counter clean.

"Why should you be?" Andrew asked attempting to give the impression of nonchalance .

"You don't think they're upset that we spent the night together?" Charlie asked brows knitting together.

"We didn't do anything wrong," Andrew shrugged "I guess they want to set some ground rules thanks to Emmie's little comments at breakfast."

"I was really hoping to get her to think we had really done something," Charlie  laughed "but she saw right through me."

"The little shyster knew exactly what she was doing," Andrew shook his head fondly.

"She's too smart for her own good," Charlie agreed "to be honest though I wouldn't have come here if it weren't for her." He moved closer to Andrew taking his hand and tilting his chin up to gaze into his grey eyes "we owe her our thanks."

Heart pounding an uneven rhythm Andrew dropped his eyes, focusing on Charlies soft full lips. Memories of how those lips felt pressed against his the night before invaded his senses. His skin tingled where Charlies fingers touched his. Running his tongue across his bottom lip Andrew leaned in close to Charlie....

"Kiss him already," Emmaline's voice broke the daze he was in.

"Why I ought to...." Andrew yelled after her as she vanished out the door on her way to the pool.

"We should see what your parents want," Charlie told him when he moved to follow the girl.

Hearing the worry in Charlie's tone Andrew turned to follow him from the room asking "what's wrong?"

"Maybe they aren't as open to our relationship as we thought," Charlie said "maybe what happened with Indira made them change their minds."

Shaking his head Andrew asserted "that's not it. I'm positive." Taking Charlie's hand "there's only way to find out. Let's go and hear what the have to say."

***

They walked into the living room hand in hand. Drew to turned to Caleb with a smile "I told you they were together."

"Is there a problem with us being together?" Charlie asked. He tried to keep the worry from his voice. From the exchange of glances he knew he hadn't been successful.

Clearing his throat Caleb leaned forward looking at each of the boys in turn. He read a mixture of fear, worry and embarrassment in their eyes. Smiling he sat back hoping to put them at ease. "You're not in trouble. We just want to talk. To know what you're intentions are."

"Our intentions," they repeated together exchanging glances "we just um uh figuring things out," Andrew muttered attempting to put into words his feelings and failing. All he was sure about was he must sound as confused as he felt. 

Turning to his wife Caleb chuckled a little "they sound like us when we first realized we had feelings for each other." 

Nodding she leaned into him but addressed her words to the two boys sitting across from them. "It's ok not to know or understand what your feelings are. It's natural to feel somewhat dazed and confused."

"We want to assure you that you're not alone. We're here to help you. If you need someone to talk to...."

"We promise we'll listen," patting Caleb's hand she continued "also we promise not to tell you what to do. I can't promise we won't slip. We only want what's best for you."

Both boys nodded in unison unsure what else was expected. "Charlie, Drew and I both want you to know how sorry we are about your dad. Zayne was a good man and I'm sure he'd be proud of the man you turned out to be."

"I'm not so sure about that," Charlie muttered under his breath.

Caleb threw him a piercing gaze "son take it from me there's very little a child can do to disappoint their parents." Drew squeezed his hand with a iron grip which didn't go unnoticed by Andrew.

"What did you want to tell us?" he asked hoping that Charlie wasn't correct in his assumptions that it had anything to do with Indira's actions the night before. Did they want him to move out?

"We aren't trying to push you," Drew said glancing at her husband who nodded before she continued "but we would like to offer Charlie a place to live."

"We know how difficult it is to start out without support of parents. We want to help as much as you'll let us," Caleb added.

"As you know Andrew we have have that unused apartment over the garage," she smiled at them "if you want to fix it up Charlie, you're more than welcome to stay there."

Caleb fixed them both with a firm glare "we would appreciate it if you kept you nightly activities confined over there." He grunted when Drew's elbow jabbed him in the side.

"Dad" Andrew protested "we've only ever kissed the one time."

"Ah so there was kissing," Drew gave him a knowing glance before bursting into giggles as he squirmed in his seat. 

"I'll take it sir," Charlie said hoping to put an end to the teasing.

"Great," Caleb said standing up, giving each of the boys a firm hug "welcome to the family," he said to Charlie. Turning to Andrew a wicked gleam in his eyes he said "be sure to keep the noise level down over there." He took Drew's hand before they walked from the room.

***

Turning to each other they exhaled all their pent up air. "That was worse than I imagined," Andrew said.

"They were only teasing," Charlie said with a grin "I thought it was cute."

"Ugh" Andrew groaned "can you imagine what they'll be like once we, you know...." words failed him as he looked away.

"Are you embarrassed?" Charlie asked. When Andrew nodded he asked "of me?"

"What?" Andrew's head came up staring at Charlie "of course not."

Moving closer to him Charlie asked in a low husky voice "then what is it?"

"It's just ..." he wrung his hands "you are ...." He half turned away "I've never been kissed before that night." The confession came out half strangled. After having said the words Andrew wished he could take them back. He was almost nineteen. He couldn't think of anything worse to have to admit to the one person you were falling in love with. He could only imagine what Charlie was thinking. The low rumble of laughter coming from the source of his unease was more than he could take "what's so funny?" he demanded.

"You. Us. Everything," Charlie shook his head as laughter shook his body.  "Do you think I'm anymore experienced then you?"

"Well..." he grinned sheepishly "the kiss was...wow...I thought..."

Moving closer Charlie tugged on Andrew pulling him closer "I'm glad you thought I was such a great kisser." Andrew raised his eyes opening his mouth to protest when Charlie captured his mouth with his own. "I've been wanting to do that since we were fifteen." He breathed deeply savoring the moment "I've been in love with you since the moment we met."

Heart pounding in his ears Andrew couldn't believe what he was hearing. Resting his cheek on Charlie's shoulder he never felt more loved. Not once had he felt this way with Sheree. She had been nice but something was always missing. It had hurt when she had rejected him.. Now he was thankful 

Blake had been a different story. He had been attracted to him that day on the beach. It was nothing to what he felt towards Charlie. Something was off about the guy and the way he had to control everything. Shaking his head Andrew sighed melting into Charlie's arms. 

***

A week later they were shopping at the local home depot store for paint. To cover the hideous old lady wallpaper that still clung to the walls in a last ditch effort to remain. "How about this one?" 

Charlie asked picking up a sample "Fallen Timber. This should be dark enough to cover up that awful wallpaper."

Half listening, Andrew was fingering a different sample. "I like this one, Coriander Seed."

Comparing the two Charlie frowned "there's not much difference. You pick the one you like."

"No you have to live with the color," Andrew protested bulking at making the final decision "you should choose."

"Aw isn't this cute?" a familiar voice sneered from behind them.

Startled Andrew dropped the samples he was holding. Turning he came face to face with Blake. Blake had a faint bruise on his chin, the only trace of their last encounter. "Blake," Andrew said his name with a slight quiver in his voice.

Snorting Blake took a step forward "moving kind of quick aren't you?"

"He's moving into the apartment above our garage. I'm helping...."

"Andrew that guy doesn't need an explanation," Charlie eyed the other man "we should go." Turning to the sales clerk he said "we'll take the Coriander Seed. I'll be back to pick it up in an hour." Taking Andrew's hand he said "let's go."

"Not so fast," Blake protested grabbing Andrew's other arm.

Andrew felt Charlie bristle beside him. Turning he said "I should talk to him," he added when he saw the worry in Charlies eyes as his brow's knit together "I'll be alright."

Blake flashed Charlie a triumphant smirk as he led Andrew towards an empty aisle. "I'm giving you one last chance to change your mind." He moved closer to Andrew.

Andrew stepped backwards attempting to put space between them. He bumped into the shelves behind him. "Change my mind? About what?" he asked.

"Don't be so naive. About us. About me" Blake pressed in closer until they were almost touching "I'm the only one for you."

Putting a hand up Andrew pushed against Blake's chest. "There is no us. It was one disastrous date." Merchandise clattered to the floor as he attempted to squirm away from the other man pressing against him.

"We could have been so much more if he hadn't shown up," Blake snarled leaning in close licking Andrew's face from his chin to his ear. He gripped Andrew's neck as he attempted to turn his face away "let me demonstrate what you're missing." Without further warning he brought his mouth crashing down upon Andrew's in a bruising painful kiss.