Zac and Kayden

by Ryan Keith

Chapter 4 - Fall Is the Season for Sowing

            “Emerson!”

            Jett turned and spotted his coach heading towards him as he was on his way to the change room after evening practice. His jersey was drenched with sweat. The energy level he had felt during practice began to drop as he noticed his coach’s serious expression.

            “Coach, what’s up?”

            “You tell me. What’s up with Brad?”

            “What do you mean?” A stricken look crossed Jett’s face. “What about that guy?”

            “You’re the team captain, son. You should be keeping your boys in check. You two appear to be good friends. What’s happened to him? Why is he skipping practices?”

            Jett bit his lower lip as he tried to make up something. “I’m not sure, Coach. Maybe he’s not feeling well or something.”

            “Well, you go to the same school. Do me a favor and find out what that slacker’s been up to. The last thing I need is for him to be out of shape!”

            “Yes, sir.”

            The coach stood still as he watched Jett. Uncomfortable under his coach’s stern glare, Jett began to sweat even more. “Something else, Coach?”

            “You’re good with people. There’s a boy who’s coming here to Whitby for a week. I want you to go out with him. Show him a good time,” the coach said calmly.

            The colour drained from Jett’s face as a thousand thoughts ran through his mind. Coach wants me to take a guy out on a date?   

            “He’s going to be competing in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. You know of it, right?”

Scenarios flashed through Jett’s mind. Coach seems cool about it, but what would the rest of the team think…would they be cool? Wait… he can’t know…it’s impossible…unless… He wondered if his coach knew his most guarded secret.

            When Jett didn’t respond, the older man’s brows rose. “Emerson! You there? I asked you if you know what it is!”      

            “Yeah, Coach. It’s an international hockey tournament that’s held here in Canada. Some players on those teams eventually get picked for U-18 and National Junior teams.”

            “Good. Now, I want you to get close to this guy, all right?”
            “Close?” Jett swallowed, his palms sweaty.

            “Yeah, real close! Pick at his mind, ask him for some tips. I want you to get down with him; find out as much as you can. You get to know him inside and out. Hell, you should even know if he prefers boxers or briefs, or nothing at all, by the end of the night! You can learn a lot from just talking to that type of guy. He might have a word or two that could help you boost your game.”

            Jett just stared dumbly at his coach.

            “Damn it, Emerson, where the hell is your head? Why are you looking at me like a dumb kid?”

            “Sorry, Coach.” Jett stiffened his back. “Show him around. Pick his brain. Got it!”
            “Good. He flies in Wednesday. You can meet him Thursday on the ice. I hear he loves everything hockey. You two will get along just fine.”

            “Got it, Coach… Is there anything else?”

            The coach’s brows were scrunched up, as if he was thinking. “Yeah, get some sleep. You’re acting like an airhead today.”

            The coach walked away, towards the change room.

            Jett stood for a minute trying to better understand his assignment. Know if he prefers boxers or briefs?

***

            The hallways were empty as Brad walked briskly into the school building. He was tired and didn’t want to be at school, but he knew he’d be in trouble if he skipped the whole day and his sister was called. That was the only reason he showed up. If he tried faking illness, his sister would soon be at his residence making sure he was sick.

            He headed towards the main office to get a late slip. Letting a yawn claim him, he reached for the door handle and started in. His body halted instantly as he collided with another body. Whoever it was, Brad knew he was huge, because he didn’t feel the person move as his own body pressed against him.

            “Do you mind getting out of…” Brad’s speech was suddenly cut short when he saw who it was.

            “Watch where you’re going, asshole,” Ted spat.

            Brad was about to challenge him when someone approached Ted from behind. “Get to class, Ted. This better not happen again. I’m tired of covering for your ass,” Jett’s deep voice commanded.

            “Yes, Captain.” Ted sneered at Brad as he pushed past him.

            Brad was surprised at how his heartbeat kicked up a notch as Jett’s figure appeared.

            If Jett was surprised to see Brad, he didn’t show it. Brad stared at Jett while holding the door, neither moving forward nor walking away.

            What do I…

            Before Brad could finish that thought, Jett walked past him, the papers in his hands seeming to be more interesting than Brad.

            Brad stood frozen, unable to turn around and watch Jett. In fact, he couldn’t even stare ahead. His mind felt like jelly as he savored the chills that were running through his body since Jett had walked past him. He recognized the subtle, masculine scent that always trailed behind Jett.

            “Are you coming in?” the secretary asked, leaning on the counter and staring at Brad.

            Brad raised his head and walked in, shaking off the temporary, Jett-induced paralysis.

***

            “Phil, you need to eat more, man.” Joe poked at his friend’s ribs as they walked along.

            “I’m eating just fine!” Phil fired back. “Since when is my nutrition such a big deal to you?”

            “You need to bulk up to protect yourself. You got a lot of game with that brain of yours. You should grab a bit of gym time once in a while. Might give you a chance to tap some hunky ass,” Joe said, winking.

“My sex life has nothing to do with you!”

            Joe’s grin widened at his small friend’s temper. He instinctively reached out and messed with Phil’s hair. Even though he was straight, he could recognize that Phil was as cute as a button, especially when he was embarrassed. “You’re blushing!”

            As he tried to get away from Joe’s reach, Phil attempted to change the direction of the conversation. “There’s more to an argument than bearing arms. The greatest wars were diverted, thanks to mediators and peacekeepers.”

            “Yeah? What wars?” Joe asked as they approached a crowd of teens.

            “The ones that failed to happen. Those wars have no names, but they could well have been as brutal as any conflicts in history.”

            Joe thought about Phil’s words as he followed the smaller boy into the crowd. Whoa! Joe thought.

            Joe and Phil were slowed by the crowd, but they soon found a clear space where two students stood facing each other. Jett bumped into Joe from behind when Joe stopped abruptly.

            A frightened teen stepped back from Brad, who aimed his growl at the boy who had just stepped on his shoes.

            “I- I’m so sorry! I didn’t see you there,” the kid squeaked. It wasn’t lost on Brad that the boy was visibly shaking.

            “These are expensive shoes!” Brad growled as he pointed at a black mark on one of his white sneakers. “These were two hundred and fifty dollars! You ruined them! What are you going to do about it?” Brad yelled.

            Several more students joined the crowd. The victim’s friends were cowering away from the intimidating presence of Brad.

            “You can’t wash these things! And wiping the mark will smudge it! You piece of shit! You’re going to buy me new ones!”

            “Dude, I don’t have that kind of money. I said I’m sorry. If you want, you can have my shoes…”

            “Why the hell would I want that cheap Wal-mart brand?”

            “They look better…” the boy mumbled.

            Brad advanced on the boy, who was stepping backwards looking for any possible help.

            “Stop it!”

            Brad froze at the sound of Phil’s voice. There was something distinct and unique about that voice. In a crowded room, people who knew him could pick out Phil’s voice over various conversations. The moment Brad heard Phil’s command, an explanation began working in his head. He wanted the boy to understand why he was upset. He thought he had a reason to be upset. But then, the sight of Jett behind Phil suddenly turned Brad even more sour.

            “Don’t be such an ass, Brad,” Joe said, shaking his head. “They’re just shoes. If you don’t want to ruin them, don’t wear them.”

            Brad didn’t even notice Joe. He only saw Phil and Jett. The sight of the larger boy aggravated him.

            “Why don’t you mind your own business?” Brad said to Phil, venomously. “You don’t even know what happened and you’ve already judged me. Who the hell do you think you are?”

            “I didn’t accuse you of anything,” Phil replied swiftly and calmly. “But this guy apologized, and you seem to be the one who won’t drop it. Just leave him alone.”

            “Oh, fuck off,” Brad shot out at him. His anger was directed at Phil, but his eyes were on Jett. “You’re just like Zac and the rest of his clique. You think you’re better than everyone else and you come off as some tragic hero. Looks like you fit the glove quite well. You have no right telling me what to do”

            “Hey, now, you’re just trying to start something, aren’t you?” PHIL stepped towards Brad and crossed his arms.       

            By that time, the frightened boy had calmed down enough to speak up. “It was my fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going. I’m so sorry.”

            At that point, no one even heard the boy. The focus was on Phil, Brad, Joe and Jett.

            “I don't belong to anyone's clique,” Phil said calmly as he stared into Brad’s eyes. “I’m just speaking to you as a student at this school. I don't like bullies, Brad. I can't fight, but I can try to stop you. Whatever that may amount to, it’ll be better than doing nothing.”

            Before Brad could say anything, Jett and Joe stepped over behind Phil.

            “If you’re looking for a fight, Brad…” Joe began.

            Jett just stood silently, looking at Brad, his head shaking slightly as a show of his disgust.

            Something cold crept over Brad’s chest. He couldn’t describe it, but he knew he had to get out of there. “Whatever!” he growled, before turning and walking away.

            The three stood still as the crowd started to disperse. Brad’s victim stood in awe as Phil released a sigh of relief. “Don’t let him bother you. He has a lot on his mind.”

            “Yeah, he’s worried ‘bout looking pretty and shit. He probably was being an airhead and wasn’t watching where he was going.” Joe laughed at his own comment.

            “But it really was my fault! I was fooling around and bumping into people, with my friends. We were just joking around, but we didn’t mean to start anything…”

            “You might have been at fault, but he was trying to pick a fight,” Jett said. “And you apologized. Not many people do that. You’ll go far with that sort of courtesy.”

            The kid’s eyes seemed to brighten up as he acknowledged Jett’s words. He blushed and mumbled his thanks before heading off with his friends.

            “Brad’s mighty moody suddenly, isn’t he? A bit more queeny than usual?” Joe smirked.

            Jett shoved his hands in his pockets and turned to leave. Phil watched the larger boy walk away.

            “You do realize that even if Jett and I took Brad on…he could have whipped us good,” Joe said to Phil. “I sense something’s up. What’s with Jett?”

            “Everyone has their issues.” Phil smiled dismissively at Joe. “You should worry about your own.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “I mean you’re sort of avoiding your girlfriend. She’s starting to harass me for it.” Phil smiled.

            Joe stood dumbfounded as Phil followed Jett towards their lockers. “Whoa!” Joe stood amazed as he watched the smaller boy. “Hey, wait up! Phil! Biceps!”

            “Biceps?” Phil turned to Joe.

            “Yeah. I have a new nickname for Jett. He’s got to have the biggest biceps ever!” The two finally caught up to Jett, who was still silent.

            “He might not appreciate that, Joe.” Phil looked warily at his friend.

            “But it’s a compliment! Ain’t it, Biceps? Look! He’s always trying to hide ’em, but the sleeves of his shirt keep riding up and exposing them.” Joe chuckled as he elbowed Jett.

            Jett frowned and didn’t reply. Joe and Phil watched him walk away, pulling on the sleeves of his school uniform golf shirt to cover his upper arms.

***

            “Hey! Why don’t we hang out tonight? You know, something low key? Get some pizza and chill at Zac’s house,” Scott suggested to his three friends.

            Jett, Shin and Zac turned to Scott with surprised looks on their faces.

            “What?” Scott said.

            Zac looked at Jett, who shrugged.

            “You sure? No Maya?” Jett asked.

            The week at school had been marked by tension at the gang’s table. There had never been such tension in all the time their group had been together, and most of it centered on Scott and Maya.

            “Not really.” Scott chuckled as he scratched the side of his head. “She has things to do, right? I’m not going to pout because of it. If she wants to busy herself with school stuff, let her.”

            Jett turned to Zac, whose turn it was to shrug.

            “I mean, hell, who cares if I never see her, as long as she gets to do what SHE wants, right?” Scott said bitterly.

            Zac sighed as the group of four boys walked the hallway.

            Maya’s involvement in the student council was the source of Scott’s anger. The school hosted a number of activities for students, such as dances and workshops, and the gang all enjoyed them. But Scott had to wait continually after school for Maya to finish at her council meetings. He felt he was seeing less and less of his girlfriend. His recent outburst in the cafeteria had earned him the silent treatment from Maya as she left the table.

            “I mean, if she can go off and do her own thing, I should too, right?”

            “It’s not like she doesn’t want to see you,” Zac tried to explain. “But the University Info Session planning is eating up all of her time.”

            “And why the hell is our high school hosting this stupid university session, anyways?” Scott complained. “There are two other high schools in Whitby that could do it.”

            “Ask the principal,” Zac said. “We should definitely go, by the way. It’s our final year next year, you know. This’ll give us a good idea of what each school has to offer. There’s going to be over fifty universities and colleges represented.”

            “And where the hell are they going to fit that many sessions? People will only be able to go to like three or four, max!” Scott groused.

            “Where’s Maya when you need her? I swear, you bitch more than Lenne does,” Jett said, grinning.

            “Oooo…” Zac’s eyes glowed as he spun to face Jett. “I’m telling her you said that.”

            “I have no fear… my BEST friend wouldn’t even consider selling me out.” Jett grinned.

            Zac nodded his head. “Touché.”

            Jett shrugged and put an arm around Scott. “I like the sound of that, actually. Getting together, I mean. We haven’t had a guys’ night in…ages!”

            “Then let’s do it. No girls tonight, okay?” Scott said.

            “Okay.” Zac looked around for any reactions. His gaze fell on Shin, who was clicking at his cell phone.

            “Shin? Can you do a Friday night without Mai?” Jett asked.

            “Yeah, whatever,” Shin said absently. “She’s going to her aunt’s or something.”          As he closed his phone, his smile exploded. “I’m for it. I’ll bring some games.”

            “I’ll bring the alcohol,” Jett volunteered.

            “I’ll get some movies,” Zac said.

            “Great! We got ourselves a good night!”

            Shin, Jett and Zac all stared at Scott.

            “What?”

            “What are you doing for it? Fuckin’ leach.” Shin grinned.

            Jett cracked his knuckles. “Four starving teens… So much to drink, but no food.”

            “Come on, it was my idea!” Scott whined.

Zac raised an eyebrow.           

            “I’ll order the damn pizza,” Scott mumbled. “I was pretty sure it was Shin’s turn this time.”

            “Quit bitchin’, bitch!” Shin grinned once more.

            “Can I kick his ass?” Scott asked, looking at Jett and Zac.

            “Sure!” they both replied.

            Scott approached Shin with a glimmer in his eye. Shin’s hands shot up into a protective position. Zac and Jett stepped aside as their two friends wrestled.

            “It’s going to be hard to keep it a guys’ night when it’s Lenne’s house, too.”

            “I’ll talk to her. She’s great at keeping secrets, you know. She won’t bother us if I do a little begging,” Zac said. “She’s been awesome. I tell her things I’m thinking about and need guidance in. She never tells me what to do. She makes me think, even when it sounds like she’s grilling me. She actually just hears me out.”

            “I could have done that,” Jett said.

            “No, you couldn’t have, because sometimes it’s been about you.” Zac turned to Jett.

            “What?”

            They heard a thud and turned to see Shin with his arms crossed, grinning. Scott lay on his back with the air knocked out of him.

            “Nice, Scott, you really are his bitch…” Jett smiled.

            Scott banged his hand on the floor while he slowly recovered his breath.

            “It’s not a big deal,” Zac told Jett. “I think sometimes Kayden is jealous of you. We’re pretty damn close, you and I, like brothers.”

            “You mean with what happened in the summer?” Jett whispered.

            Zac nodded. “It’s not a big deal, Jett. Kayden seems to think he’s overly possessive sometimes, and that causes him to pull away. I think he just needs encouragement to realize that he doesn’t need to hover around me to get my attention.”

            “Yeah, he just needs to whip his dick out and wave it at you.”

            Zac rolled his eyes, but laughed.

            “Well, I was sort of thinking more of…um…what you and I did,” Jett said, as he turned red.

            “It’s something I shared with my best friend,” Zac told him.

            “It still seems…I don’t know… Wrong?”

            “Don’t worry about it. This is why I didn’t come to you.”

            Jett nodded as Zac approached Scott and helped him up.

            “Thanks,” Scott groaned.

            “Scott, you know you can’t take Shin down.” Zac said, smiling at Scott.

            “It’s my off day,” Scott shot back.

            “It’s always your off day!” Jett snorted.

            “Screw you, Emerson!”

            “Hinting something? You crossing over, Scott?” Jett laughed loud.

            “Huh?”
            Zac chuckled while Shin released a hearty laugh.

            “Fuck all of you!” Scott crossed his arms over his chest.

            “Language, Scott.” Mai popped up behind Shin. “You never know who’s listening.”

            “Mai!” Shin smiled.

            “Hey, baby!” She gave Shin a quick peck on the lips.

            Jett noticed Lenne and Maya approaching. Maya looked a bit apprehensive as they drew closer.

            “You need to sort things out with Maya,” Jett told Scott. Scott turned to Jett, who was already making his way towards Lenne.

            “Kilt is a bit high, don’t you think?” Jett teased.

            “Shut up, you pig,” Lenne laughed.

            Scott turned and saw Maya watching him and he headed towards her.

            “Hey!” Scott smiled and gave Maya a peck on the cheek.

            Maya smiled, but just slightly.

            “Sorry I’ve been an ass. I’m just going to chill with the guys tonight. Maybe we could probably do something tomorrow?”

            Maya nodded silently.

            Zac looked at his watch. “I’m going to go meet up with Kayden. I’ll see you guys later.” He waved and walked away.

***       

            “Hey…”

            Zac glanced to his side and saw Jett approaching.

            Jett appeared to be in deep thought as he caught up with Zac and then walked in silence beside him. Zac sensed that Jett wanted to say something. It was as if Zac understood what it meant when Jett appeared small. He knew what might be on Jett’s mind – something that had been there for the past few weeks.

            He gripped Jett’s shoulder. “You know I’m always here, right? Whenever you need an ear, you’ll have it.”

            “Not sure if you’ll like what you hear,” Jett said.

            “Maybe. But you’re my best friend and I’ll always hear you out. Even if I hate the other person. How’s Brad doing, anyways?”

            Zac grinned when he saw Jett’s surprised look.

            “I might appear clueless, but I can read my friends like a book.”

            “Since when?” Jett asked. “I mean, when did you know?”

            “When you broke up with Nikki you seemed pretty shaken up. And it was after hockey practice. You were pretty happy at school that day, before then. So whatever happened, it must have happened during or right after practice.

            “Then came the mystery girl. You kept blowing that off, almost like you knew we’d hate you for it. Meaning it was someone we knew. At first I was afraid it was Alicia. Then, over the summer – well, you know what happened. It sort of just clicked. I figured it was a guy. And the only guys our friends really don’t approve of are Ted, Brad, and Mr. Sergeant. No way in hell could it be Ted. That guy is the poster boy for homophobia. And let’s not even go there with Mr. Sergeant. It had to be Brad.”

            Jett just stared in amazement at Zac.

            “How does that make you feel?” Jett asked, suddenly worried.

            “I’m indifferent. You’re your own person, Jett. You have such a strong sense of right and wrong. I know that no one, not even Brad, could influence you to betray who you are. I know I can always depend on you to make the right choice. When I thought I had it figured out, I wasn’t afraid of losing you to Brad, because I trusted myself to trust you. I knew you wouldn’t lose yourself, and I was right.”

            Zac noticed Jett’s sad-looking smile.

            “And something tells me you said something to Brad that night that you wish you could take back,” Zac said. “But you can’t. Which is why I think Scott’s idea is something we could all definitely use. A lot has happened to me, too. Sometimes I want to take a step back and breathe. Kayden is teaching tomorrow, so I know he’ll probably not stay long. If it’s just Shin, Scott and the two of us tonight, it’ll feel just like old times. We need our own personal retreat. We’re all running from stuff.”

            “What does Shin have to run from?”

            “His grandparents are coming down sometime this month or the next.”

            “Oh… Oh, Fuck!” Jett exclaimed.

            “Yeah… Those people.” Zac shook his head.

            “Bastards…”

            “No use cursing over it. Shin doesn’t hate them.”

            “We’re sleeping over,” Jett said.

            “I know.” Zac smiled.

            “Wow, even if you’re being a cranky old bitch, you see through everything, like always.” Jett laughed.

            “Yeah, I guess…wait, what the hell do you mean, ‘cranky old bitch’?” Zac demanded.

            “Don’t deny it, man. You’ve been moody since that Kayden-Brad night. When Brad’s name is even mentioned, your mouth shuts up like a trap.”

            “I think that if I have nothing good to say about a person, I should just keep my mouth closed.” Zac smiled and added, “I’m just glad he’s staying away.”

            Zac turned to a quiet Jett. “It’s all right, man. Do what you think is best. It’s your good judgment that makes you the dependable guy you are.”

***

            The voice of Jett’s English teacher began to fade into the background as Jett stared out into the forest. He often wondered why his school had never fenced it off. It was an area that people could, and did, sneak off to during the school day and smoke up. He remembered experimenting with his friends, and how they all regretted trying it. Thinking back to when he first saw Brad smoke up in his apartment, Jett wondered if he had overreacted to Brad’s choice of recreation. He shook his head and sat straighter in his seat. He didn’t know why he was thinking of Brad all of a sudden.

            Two figures stepped out of the woods and headed towards the school. Jett didn’t know the students, but he thought they would probably be in grade 10.

            I met Brad again last year in grade 10…second semester.

            In an attempt to turn his attention to another subject, Jett took a look at the Shakespearean play his class was reciting. As he stared at the lines, he felt his eyelids getting heavy.

            The sound of the classroom door opening drew his attention to the front of the room. He watched Brad walk in and stare around the room. The teacher seemed to be objecting, but his voice and the noise of the students faded into the background.

            Jett watched Brad walk towards him. Brad’s sly grin showed that his confidence was in high gear. Jett’s mind drew a blank as Brad shoved aside an unoccupied desk and closed in on him. In an instant, Brad was straddling Jett’s lap as he sat stunned in his chair. Almost instantaneously, the dreamlike figure’s lips were pressing against his own. It seemed forever since Jett had last felt those soft lips. Soft, yet firm enough to show experience at claiming what was his. Jett fell under Brad’s spell, with no realization of the preposterousness of the situation.

            “JETT!”

            Jett felt a rush of oxygen enter his lungs. His face felt as if it was on fire. Looking around, he realized that everyone was staring at him, his teacher included.

            “Glad to see you’re back, Mr. Emerson,” the teacher proclaimed. “Are you not feeling well? Your face is flushed. Perhaps you’re dehydrated. Go get a drink of water.”

            Jett appreciated that; he felt that he had to get out of the classroom. His chair squeaked as he moved it back. He attempted to stand, but paused when he felt a tug. He looked down and saw that he was at full mast and had snagged the edge of his desk. He also felt and saw a familiar wetness at the front of his uniform pants. The fairly thin material would leave little to the imagination.

            “I think I’m good,” he said, as he sank back into his seat.

            “Are you sure? You look almost…”

            “I said I’m fine!”

            The teacher raised an eyebrow at Jett’s sudden reaction. “All right, then. Just take it easy. Does anyone wish to continue where we left off?

            Jett brushed his hand across the front of his pants. Fucking hell, I’m leaking like a faucet! He wondered if he could make it to the washroom without being noticed.

***

            Relieved that he had avoided embarrassment, Jett sat alone in the cafeteria. Students who usually engaged him in conversation took a hint when his responses were short and restrained. He knew that he was acting unfriendly, but he felt like he’d rather be alone. The slumping mass that settled in beside him told him he wouldn’t be able to get rid of the latest disturbance that easily.

            “Shouldn’t you be in class?”

            “Meh.” Scott shrugged. “Aren’t you on split lunch? Don’t you have the second half of English right now?”

            “I don’t want to go.”

            “Good enough for me.” Scott then boasted proudly, “I’m cutting class!”

            “Oh, Mr. Kendal, you rebel,” Jett replied sarcastically. He knew what Scott was trying to do and he appreciated it.

            “So what’s up, ‘Biceps’?” Scott grinned and raised an eyebrow.

            Jett glared at his friend.

            “You’ve got to admit, it has a nice ring to it. Can I ask you something? You remember that Nikki girl you dated? Remember how you cheated on her?”

            Jett drew back defensively and didn’t reply.

            “You did it because things weren’t going anywhere with her, right?”

            “It was nothing like that.”

            “She made you feel fucking fantastic, didn’t she? The new girl, I mean.”

            Jett looked up, suddenly recalling the feeling of Brad’s body pressed against his in the locker room shower.

            “I mean, you wouldn’t have done it if Nikki was treating you like you ought to be treated, right?”

            Jett didn’t agree, but didn’t interrupt. His friend was far from done.

            “The truth is that we’re fucking hot shit around here. Sometimes those we date don’t realize it or appreciate it. It’s not like I’m sleeping around, but I’m hanging around with this other girl, see? She’s pretty fun to be around, and honestly, she’s treating me much better than Maya is with all that’s happening in her life. Hell, Maya is resembling my mom with all the activities she does!”

            Jett gave his friend a stern look. Scott seemed to be rising to Brad’s level of cockiness, and Jett was worried what disaster his own influence on his friend might brew. He tried to think of what Zac would do, but his mind was too overwhelmed by his own problems.

            “Scott… I don’t deny that what I did was wrong. But somehow I don’t regret what I did. It really made me realize how stupid I can be. Whatever game you’re playing, just be sure you know that you’re playing with people -- emotions and everything. Someone is going to get hurt. You’re going to end up having to choose between two people, and if you don’t want to end up like me, you’d best steer clear of that path.”

            Jett quickly got up and headed towards the nearest exit.

***

Brad heard the washroom door open and close as he splashed water on his face. He looked up to see Jett’s reflection in the mirror. He closed the tap and watched the water spiral into the drain. Their last encounter had ended sourly.

Brad knew that Jett would rather he have nothing further to do with him. Brad didn’t intend to, but a part of him wanted to arouse Jett’s anger. The gears in his head turned as he conjured up things to say to the boy.

“Coach is getting on my case because you keep ditching practice,” Jett said, before Brad could throw in the first word.

Forgetting his initial plans, Brad replied, “I didn’t think I was welcome. Figured it would be best if we just went our own ways… I quit karate already, and I’m thinking of dropping hockey.” Surprised by his own words, Brad was even more surprised by his anxiousness as he awaited Jett’s response

Jett simply grunted and smirked.

“What?”

            “Well, I already lied for you to the coach. Looks like I gave you more credit than you’re worth.”

            Heat rose to Brad’s cheeks “Yeah, whatever… Did I mention I’m seeing someone?”

            Jett visibly stiffened, much to Brad’s delight.

            “He’s a model. Washboard abs, a nice smile.” Brad turned to Jett’s reflection and added, “Oh, and a tight ass, too!”

            Jett didn’t waste a moment before responding. “Glad to see you’re getting around. I’m happy for you. I’m sure you two deserve each other.”

            Annoyed that his taunting words hadn’t fazed the larger boy, Brad lashed out. “Yeah, well, too bad I can’t say that about his predecessor.”

            Jett clenched his teeth. “Yeah? Funny thing, actually… I’m meeting a guy this Thursday. We’re going out to dinner. He and I seem to have a lot in common. He’s competing in the U-17 nationals. He might actually play for the National Junior Team.”

            “Well then, it seems like we’re both doing good.” Brad smiled, determined to look down on Jett.

            Jett shrugged. “Yeah, seems like it.”

            “Well, good luck to you and your guy,” Brad said as he turned toward the paper towels.

            Jett responded with equal calm. “You too.” He turned and paused as he opened the washroom door. “Too bad you’re quitting hockey.”

***

            Jett poured drinks for his friends as Shin looked for a hockey game on Zac’s television. Zac and Scott were getting up a game of pool.

            “Man, we need to do this more often. Just the guys,” Scott said.

            “Kayden’s a guy,” Shin pointed out.

            Jett noticed a guilty look in Zac’s eyes. Kayden had wanted to sleep over, too, but Zac had reminded him of the karate class he had to teach the next day. Kayden had known that Zac was right in sending him home, because the guys wouldn’t be sleeping until early morning, but Zac felt a bit sad without him around.

            Jett picked up a pillow and chucked it as hard as he could at Shin’s head.

            With a quick tilt of his head, Shin evaded the pillow. “Need to do better than that,” he said, and then laughed maniacally.

            “How the hell does he do that?” Jett said agitatedly.

            “He’s an idiot. Q.E.D.,” Scott offered.

            “Yeah? Wanna know another one of my special skills?” Shin smiled and turned to Scott. “I can tell the future.”

            “Right, Shin. And my left nut is bigger than my other two,” Scott scoffed.

            “I can. Maya’s going to break up with you… You see? I foretell the future.” Shin grinned.

            Zac slapped his forehead. Scott just stared at the floor and looked guilty. Jett picked up another pillow and whipped it at Shin’s head.

            Shin tilted his head to dodge that pillow as he said, “Told ya, Jett, you can’t…” 

*SMACK*

            “Got him!” Jett grinned evilly. “He’s faulty. There’s a half-second lag after he’s dodged a projectile.”

            Shin got up and smirked. “There are algorithms running though my head, man. It won’t work the second time. I get smarter after each experience.”

            “But he still can’t learn to keep his mouth shut,” Scott mumbled.

            “You guys,” Zac said as he jumped over the couch and landed, “are all idiots…”

            “Hahaha!” The boys turned to Scott, who was clutching his stomach as he laughed.

            Zac chuckled and turned to Shin and Jett. Scratching the back of his head, Jett released a small laugh. In an instant, Shin began cracking up. That was all it took. The four boys laughed often and hard, into the night.

            Jett heard footsteps on the stairs. He froze in his spot as the front door opened. After it closed, he stepped into the hallway. He could see Zac outside, heading for his father’s car. Jett had thought it was odd when Zac had turned down the drinks he was offered throughout the evening. Scott and Shin would be sleeping in the basement. They had been wrestling, both having had a few too many drinks. Scott had actually managed to pin Shin before they rolled over and passed out.

            When Jett heard the sound of a car driving away, he figured that Zac was feeling bad for making sure Kayden left early, and was going to make it up to him.

            Nightly booty call? Jett wondered as he went into the kitchen and flicked on the lights. He grabbed a glass and poured himself some water before sitting down on a stool at the island counter.

            Three a.m.? he thought as he stared at the wall clock. He wondered what he was doing still up.

            “Can’t sleep, big guy?”

            Jett turned and saw Lenne, in shorts and a tank top. She looked stunning with her hair tied back.

            “Anyone tell you you’re gorgeous? Not in that flashy, spoiled way. You have such classic features.”

            “Aww, that’s sweet, Jett!” Lenne grabbed a glass and filled it with water. She then sat across from the boy and smiled at him.

            “What’s going through that big head of yours?”

            “Which one?”

            “All right…awkward!” Lenne rolled her eyes.

            “Come off it. You’re just like one of the guys. You find that sort of humor priceless.”

            “Well! Are you saying I prefer slapstick humor? That I’m the kind of girl who chuckles at a dirty joke?”

            “You’re not?” Jett challenged.

            “Yeah, but you’re not supposed to know that.” Lenne smiled sweetly.

            Jett and Lenne held their stare for a moment before Jett cleared his voice.

            “Zac left. Took his dad’s car. He went to see Kayden, I think.”

            “About time. When I checked in with you guys earlier he had this look on his face. Like his head was in the clouds or something. Then I noticed Kayden wasn’t around. Those two are useless!”

            “I’d say he was lost, but yeah, I see your point.”

            “What about you? Did you speak to Zac?”
            “About what?” Jett asked, trying to sound naïve.

            “You don’t seem your usual self,” Lenne pointed out. “Something’s forced about your behavior. And Kayden is more than ever clingy to Zac and Zac isn’t put off by it at all. Shin’s behavior is weird lately, too, and Scott is…” Lenne sighed. “I hope that boy realizes he’s pushing the envelope.”

            “I didn’t realize I was bringing everyone down… I wonder if Shin and Scott realize they’re that obvious.”

            “That’s cute; you guys are so close that you’ve synchronized your depressions. Sort of the way women synchronize menstruation cycles,” Lenne joked.

            “We’re not depressed. There’s just so much…bullshit. So much happening that it’s a bit overwhelming. Everybody is sort of in their own mess right now.”

            “Tell me about it. So much drama.”

            Jett looked away. “Mind if I share a bit of mine?”

            “You sure you wouldn’t want your guy friends’ opinions instead?”

            “I’d like an unbiased opinion. And besides that, Zac told me you have a good ear.”

            “You’re quite the gentlemen, tonight. That’s the second compliment from you. Sure. Why not? Everyone seems to think of me as a help column in the newspaper.“

            “Well, this goes way back, but I cheated on Nikki…”

            “Old news, Jett.” Lenne yawned.

            “With Brad,” Jett whispered.

            Lenne paused, mid-yawn. “Ooookay... Let's back this up a bit. You're gay?”

            “No.” Jett shook his head.

            “You're straight?”

            “No...”

            “Are you out of your damn mind?” Lenne raised her eyebrows. “With Brad! Jett, what the hell were you thinking? You're Zac's friend! How can you betray Zac like that? You know what he thinks of Brad.”

            “Zac's not a problem… He already knows, I think.”

            “He does?

            “Yeah, the shit sort of hit the fan a while ago.”

“The night when Zac came home with a bruised lip!” Lenne exclaimed.

Jett nodded. “Something must have happened between Zac and Kayden after that night. Something good. I just don’t want to disturb their happiness right now with my problems.”

            “And Brad’s involved, I take it. I'm really hating him now... I already didn't like him because he thinks he's hot and everyone wants him. How can anyone love himself so much, like he does?” Lenne rolled her eyes.

            “Lenne...” Jett gave her a desperate look.

            “Yeah, okay, I get it… So you're bi, I guess?”

            “I don't know what I am, Elly.  I'm confused. I think women are pretty, sexy, and hot...”

            “You have straight tendencies. I get it.”

            “But I don't want to do anything with them.”

            “Oh, this is sooo weird.”

            Jett sighed. “But with Brad...”

            “Ugh, enough about Brad!”

            “Can you shut up so I can talk?” Jett laughed.

            Lenne zipped her mouth but then a look of surprise flashed across her face.

            “Lenne?”

            “Whoa!” she whispered.

            “What?”

            “Wait… so, since Brad is the only other one who knows about you, does that mean the incident between Zac, Brad and Kayden also involves you?”

            “Yeah,” Jett admitted. “It's complicated.”

            “All right. Go ahead, I'm all ears.”

            It took about an hour for Jett to explain what had happened between Kayden and Brad before he and Zac walked in on them at the karate dojo. He started from the beginning, with Brad’s plotting. He told Lenne about how he had tried to warn his friend and at the same time had tried to get Brad to stop. He told her of his failure to change Brad. Finally, he told her what happened at Brad’s apartment on the day of the incident with Kayden.

            Lenne stared at Jett, amazed. An enhanced sense of sympathy radiated from her expression. She placed her hands over Jett’s and locked onto his blue-eyed gaze with her own. “I’m so sorry, Jett... Is there anything I can do?”

            “Actually, to tell you the truth, I think I just wanted to get all of this off my chest. Everyone else has enough to deal with. I don’t want to saddle them with this as well. Maya would hear me out but she has her own issues with that idiot Scott. If I had told Mai, she might have scratched my eyes out before I could tell her everything. You seemed to be the only one who isn’t going crazy.”

            “Gotcha covered. You needed to vent – through me. It's cool. You get everything out?”

            “Yeah, I did. I feel better now.”

            “Good. Now, can I say something?”

            “Go ahead,” Jett answered, taking a sip from his fifth glass of water.

            “You're an enemy of all women, the way you've been treating us, Jett. Do you realize how many women you are going to hurt when they find out you're gay?“

            “I'm gay?” Jett asked, smirking.

            “Well, the way you described Brad definitely means you're gay. But think about the women!”

            “I have thought about the women, and I might be bi, ’cause I know I can do it with a guy and a…”

            “Whoa! Stop!” Lenne nearly shouted. “Honey, thanks for trusting me, but trust me when I say that I don't need to know all the details. My opinion of you has gone up and down. You’re at a high point right now. Going into your sex life will only lower that. I'm still getting used to the idea that the guy who was hitting on me constantly when we first met is really gay.”

            “Well, I think I'm bi, and I’m sorry for hassling you.” Jett crossed his arms.

            “Does it really matter? Making you straight, bi, gay or trans doesn’t change who you are. It won’t define you, unless you let it.”

            “You’re the one saying I’m gay,” Jett said, pouting.          

            “Oh, hush; that’s history.”

            “It was less than a minute ago.”

            “Moving on,” Lenne said, “the problem is that you still like Brad.”

            “What? I told you it’s over. I’m through with him.”

            “You wouldn't be in such a down state if you didn't still like him. You'd be over him and going on with your life, happy over the fact you dropped him on his sorry ass. You’d have dates lined up wanting to be held by your strong arms, and you’d be seeking out even more people. But you sit up at three-thirty in the morning and then vent for over an hour! You know why? Because you still have a thing for him.”

            Jett groaned as he lowered his head to the counter. “I was sorta worried that might be the case...”

            “Well, sorry to say it, Jett, but you're stuck. It's better for you to forget him, and you need to realize that. Nothing I say will convince you, though. This is one of those things you gotta figure out yourself.

            “Yeah... I sorta feel that way. Thanks, Lenne. You're awesome at this.”

            “Well, I’ve dealt with Zac's issues with Kayden, Kevin's issues with Zac, Diana's issues with Zac, Maya's issues with Scott, and believe it or not, I've had to help Mai with Shin. That guy is a handful. He has secrets from her. Family-related, I think.”

            “Shin? I hadn’t noticed.” Jett feigned ignorance. “Even still, you're awesome!”

            “Yeah, it's a sin. Maybe I should start charging you guys. I could be making a lot of money, you know.”

            “But you love us, so it's free of charge.”

            “Yeah, well, it's good to know that people trust me enough to listen to what I have to say.”

            “Trust. That is the most complicated word ever. It could build bridges or burn them…”

            Lenne yawned and got up. “I like to think we build bridges with trust. Even if a bridge is burned, you can always fix it. Goodnight, Jett.”

            “Goodnight, Elly.”

***       

            When the day came for Jett to meet the visiting hockey star, he was feeling somewhat nervous. He knew he wasn’t like Zac, Shin or Scott. One on one with new people was never easy for him. He felt like he needed the comfort of a few close friends around him. He knew that he had a big personality; sometimes it was too overwhelming for new people. Around his friends, he could act naturally, as the energetic boy everyone loved. On his own, he was stumped.

            The only reason Brad was able to pull one over on me that night was because he ambushed me in the locker room, Jett thought, as he opened the arena door.

            As he walked in, he noticed a boy skating around the rink with a hockey stick in hand. Jett halted and stood in awe at the fluent movement of the teen. He glided over the ice like a pro skater, yet he maintained great control over the puck he handled. In an instant, the teen shifted his momentum, lined up the puck, and shot it right into the top left corner of the net.

            Jett released a ”Wow!” in admiration. He then walked up to the home stand of the arena, where he raised his hand to wave at the boy who suddenly looked in his direction. It was the first time Jett had seen the young man’s face. It was clean-shaven and had nicely proportioned lips and nose. Like Jett’s own hair, the sides were short, but instead of spiky blond, the young man had slightly curly brown hair, which had become matted with sweat.

            As the hockey player approached, Jett could see that he was of similar build to himself and was perhaps a year older. Jett felt almost overwhelmed by respect for the teen. He knew how disciplined he had to be to sculpt his own body and to maintain it, and there was no doubt the boy in front of him did the same.

            “Hey!” the boy said as he waved.

            “Hi,” Jett replied. “I think you’re the guy Coach Istead told me about. Did you wait long?”

            “Not at all. I came early, actually. I just wanted to skate around and shoot some pucks. I was hoping you’d come a bit later.”

            Jett liked the shape of his face. Slightly square, with high cheekbones. An aura of masculinity surrounded him.

            “Well, we could chill here,” Jett offered. “I could join you on the ice, actually. Pass the puck around, stuff like that. Coach wants me to show you around, but…”

            “But you want to see how I stand against you,” the boy said, and then he smiled broadly.

            “Well, if you want to put it that way. But it’s more the other way around. I wanna see how I stack up against you!” Jett laughed.

            “The thought ran through my head the moment I saw you, too,” the boy offered. “We’re about the same size. And your coach spoke highly of you. Made me wonder what kind of guy you are. How about we shoot some puck for fun?”

            “I’m definitely up for that! I was just going to pick your brain over some dinner, but I’m not hungry. I need to work up my appetite.”

            “Buddy, I hope you know some good places. I eat like a horse, is what my mom always says.”

            Jett laughed. “My mom says the same about me.”

            The two stared at each other. Jett felt heat rise into his face. The boy was striking. A good personality, captivating brown eyes, and a wicked smile. Jett didn’t even need to wonder what his body looked like; he knew it was all good. He seemed to recognize a good-looking guy more easily since the summer.

            Suddenly uncomfortable with his thoughts, Jett stuck out his hand. “My name is Jett Emerson, by the way.”

            “Jett, eh?” the boy removed his glove and grabbed Jett’s hand in a firm handshake. “The name is Jaylin. Jaylin Stafford. Family calls me Jayse.”     

            Jett and Jaylin skated around and passed the puck while they discussed their hockey-playing histories. The more Jett talked with the boy, the more he liked him. He found that they were similar, yet different. While Jett often considered himself outgoing because he had many close friends, Jaylin apparently had a bunch of acquaintances, and one very close friend. Like Jett, Jaylin was close to his siblings. Jett felt that Jaylin was more reserved, but not around people who shared his passion for hockey. Jett was impressed with Jaylin. He could tell that he had parents who considered manners to be as important as education. He thought Jaylin was mature for his age.

            “I’m really glad I met you,” Jett said. “I feel like I’ve known you or something.”

            “I know what you mean. I usually find it hard to open up to people, other than my family and my closest friend. I get the feeling that you and I are similar…somehow.”

            “Yes!” Jett exclaimed. “Much better than I could say it. You read my mind.”

            “Yeah? Well, I’m about to read it again. I’m starving.” Jaylin grinned.

            “I think I found my lost twin.” Jett patted Jaylin on the shoulder as they headed to the change room.

            Jaylin didn’t hesitate as he shucked off his clothing. He grabbed a towel and draped it over his shoulder as he waited for Jett. He wasn’t shy about his equipment.

            Jett’s eyes traveled downward from Jaylin’s face to his nicely formed stomach. He was right; the boy was built similar to himself.

            “Like what you see?” Jaylin said, seeming comfortable asking the question.

            “Just realizing that even our bodies are about the same,” Jett said as he pulled off his shirt.

            “Can’t go too wrong with healthy eating and hockey,” Jaylin commented, his fingers grazing over his abs.

            When Jett dropped his boxers, Jaylin simply stared, with his mouth slightly open. “All right, your parents are obviously putting fertilizer in your food.”

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

            Two women sat outside on a patio deck. It was cold, but nothing a heavy sweater and hot coffee couldn’t ward away. In silence, they stared at the teen who sat on the patio steps, reading.

            The owner of the house turned to her cousin, who continued to stare at the boy.

            “I find it hard to believe that he doesn’t have any friends, Jane. There’s nothing wrong with him; nothing that shows, anyways. He’s courteous, soft spoken, and gentle. Are you sure it’s nothing at school?”

            The mother of the teen sighed before turning to her companion. “I tell you, it doesn’t make sense. Tyler is at the top of his class. His teachers tell me he’s very smart, but they say he keeps to himself. They haven’t seen anyone bothering him. In fact, many try to include him in their activities. I just don’t know. He’s changed a lot this year…” A small smile briefly brightened her face. “They said if Tyler could apply only a fraction of his effort to making friends, he’d be the valedictorian when he graduates. I know he can go far in life. I just wish he’d see that.” Jane lowered her voice. “He’s not bad in the looks department, either! He has his father’s jaw, for sure, but the handsome genes are obviously from my side of the family!”

            “Jane, you’re too much. I know what you mean,” the homeowner replied, taking a sip of her coffee. “I’ve never known such a timid boy. He was a funny kid when I last saw him, about ten years ago.”

            “Well, that’s why I asked him to come down here. I thought maybe getting away from school for a bit would help him connect better with me. Do you know he doesn’t plan on going to college or university? He used to talk about university non-stop. Just last week I find out he thinks it best he doesn’t go. I don’t understand what could have changed. I feel like he’s pushing me farther away. I feel horrible because it’s only his dad and him at home. I don’t get to spend much time with my Tyler…”

            “You could take some time off, couldn’t you? Maybe stay home for a bit?”

            “It’s not that easy. With Tyler’s father out of work, I’m the only one bringing money into the house. A woman in my department just took maternity leave and we’re short staffed as it is. I just can’t leave work for personal reasons right now…”

            “Alan needs to find another job,” the woman said, taking a sip of her coffee.

            “I know,” Jane replied. “But whenever I bring it up he starts shouting, and I just can’t deal with that when he’s been drinking.”

Her cousin’s eyes stared into Jane’s. “Is he violent with you?”

“Alan? He knows if he ever touched me I’d literally run him into the ground... It would be the end of that bastard if he ever touched Tyler or me. He’s really just a difficult person to deal with. I’m really worried, though. Sometimes I think Alan gets himself drunk before noon! Plus, it’s hard to find a time to talk to him when Tyler isn’t home. I don’t want him to get involved when I argue with Alan…”

            “You’re too soft on your son, Jane.”

            Tyler tried to focus on his book. He could barely hear his mother and her cousin talking about him. He tried to ignore it but his ears would pick up bits and pieces. He wished he could disappear. He knew his mother worried about him and it upset him that he was hurting her.

            “Tyler?”

            Tyler looked up from his book and smiled at his mother. Both women seemed to be looking at him with concern.

            “You’re not getting bored of that book?” his mom’s cousin asked.

            Tyler smiled politely. “I always like a good book.”

            “Well, you need some fresh air, young man,” his mom said.

            “We’re outside,” Tyler kindly pointed out.

            “Yes, well, you’ve sat out here for hours. Why don’t you stretch your legs?”

            Sensing concern in his mother’s voice, Tyler decided it was best to go out, lest he make her worry even more.

            “Well, I was thinking of going to the mall. I was hoping that would be okay,” Tyler said.

            A grand smile bloomed on his mother’s face, as if it was the best idea she’d ever heard. “Oh, good! How much do you need? You’ll need money, right?”

            “I have some cash, Mom. I worked during the summer, remember?”
            “That’s your college money, Tyler.”

            Following a smile that no one could argue with, Tyler responded, “I’m not going to college. We discussed this. I’m working with Dad after high school.”

            “Tyler…”

            “It’s still early to decide,” the cousin pointed out, sensing the tension in the air.

            Tyler didn’t respond. The truth was, a deadline was coming up at the end of the month. He decided he was better off not relating that fact.

            “It’s not like I’m going to go on a shopping spree, Mom. I just want to look around. Anyway, you should save your money for the future. You won’t be working forever.”
            Tyler’s mother bit her bottom lip. She wanted to encourage her son to take charge of his life. She saw so much potential -- a rusting tap that needed only a firm hand to get it going. Her son was too kind, too gentle, for her to play the part of the dictator. She was known for her firm word and blunt attitude, but she never showed that aspect of herself to Tyler.

            “If you do find something, let me know. I don’t mind spoiling you a bit.”

            Tyler nodded and got up to go into the house and get his wallet.

***       

            Tyler sat on the bus with no intention of heading to a mall. He had his book with him and planned on finding a quiet place to read. He looked around the bus and saw several uniformed students engaged in conversations. He was intrigued by what people his age had to say. He found their movements animated and full of energy. Silently, Tyler did his best to listen in on the conversation of three girls nearby.

            “I wouldn’t mind checking it out at all. I have nothing else to do,” one of them said.

            “We don’t graduate until next year, though. It’s sort of useless for us. And I might not even go to a college or university. I want to do an apprenticeship,” an Asian girl said.

            “Yeah, but it’s still good to get some idea of what you may expect in the coming year. You might not know where you want to go. Even if you don’t plan on going to a university or college, it’s a good info session. You shouldn’t knock your options so quickly.”

            Tyler was struck by the girl’s beauty and poise. She seemed almost princess-like.

            “Well, I guess we could go. Zac and the guys are going, right?” a pretty blond said, as she brushed her hair behind her ears.

            “Great! I’m so glad you’re all going. I was afraid I was going to be the only one in our grade!”

            “Oh, you just didn’t want to be by yourself! You have to go, don’t you?”

            “Well, the student council is hosting it for all other high schools in the area. They need all the help they can get. But I’m serious about needing to be aware of your options. It’s a good starting point, even for those who’re sure of what they want to do after school.”

            “Okay, this is my stop,” the Asian girl said as she stood up, “Let’s meet up at school at around sixish?”

            “Sounds good. I’ll see Zac when I get home and rag his ass if he tries to sneak off. He’ll bring Kayden, too.”

            The girls said their farewells as one of them stepped off the bus. In only five more minutes, another one of the girls reached her destination. Tyler was left sitting beside a girl he imagined to be the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. He knew he was gay, but he also knew that he was sitting beside an icon of modest beauty.

            “Are you coming to the open house today?” the girl asked.

            At first Tyler had thought the girl had engaged another acquaintance from her high school. The tap on his arm nearly had him jumping out of his skin.

            “I’m so sorry,” the girl said. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

            “N-not at all!” Tyler said loudly.

            The girl smiled. “I noticed you looked interested in what my friends were talking about. There’s an open house at my high school for presentations by colleges and universities from all over Canada. Even some from the States. You should come!” She passed Tyler a brochure, which he took without thinking.

            Before Tyler could refuse, the girl got up. “I hope you can make it. I’m sure you can get something from it. It’s your future, and yours alone.” In an instant she was gone.

            If there was one thing Tyler was sure of, it was that there were no coincidences in life. He looked at the brochure in his hands and felt a spark of curiosity.

***

            “I can’t believe you don’t want to go pro!” Jett said.

            “Nope. It’s not my calling,” Jaylin told him.

            “Bullshit! God made you as good as you are for no reason?” Jett grinned.

            “I sense sarcasm in your voice, Emerson. Don’t make me embarrass you. We already know who the better stick handler is between the two of us,” Jaylin joked.

            Within a few hours, Jaylin and Jett had formed a friendship that they both knew would continue way beyond their youth. Jett had never before known anyone who loved hockey as much as he did. Jaylin’s actions spoke volumes on how much he valued Jett’s company. Jaylin shared a part of his character that defined him as someone who sought solitude more often than company.

            “Are you speaking in riddles again, Stafford?” Jett winked. “We both know I have the large stick”.

            “You’re a nasty bastard, you know that?” Jaylin roared with laughter.

            “Hey, this is coming from a Sens fan,” Jett pointed out.

            “You Torontonians are all the same, with your noses high and your egos inflated,” Jaylin joked. “When did the Leafs last bring the cup home? 1967?”

            “Have the Senators even touched it?” Jett shot back with a grin.

            The two stared at each other for a moment before bursting out in more laughter.

            “Well, if it’s not hockey, what is your calling?” Jett asked.

            “I don’t know. I want to teach. I’ve always found astronomy interesting. Maybe I’ll go into that. I definitely want to teach, though.”

            Jett groaned. “Skills are wasted on you, Stafford.”

            “The celebrity life isn’t for me,” Jaylin answered honesty. “I’d gladly trade wealth and fame for something real… Someone real.”

            “An athlete and a poet,” Jett teased. “So, is there a special woman behind the man?”

            “Only my sister, my mom and my best friend. All the women I’ll ever need.”

            “No girlfriend?”
            “Nope.”

            ”Man, that’s hard to believe.” Jett sat back and watched his new friend as Jaylin’s attention suddenly shifted away from their discussion.

            Jaylin stared past Jett, but then he returned his gaze to his companion’s eyes. They sat in a local café that was popular with the high school students.

            Jett knew that his friend couldn’t suppress teen hormones any more than he could. “Checkin’ out a girl?” Jett grinned.

            Jaylin looked hesitant, then just shrugged. "Something tells me it’s okay to let you know this… Not a girl, a guy."

            “What? You're gay?” Jett’s eyes nearly bulged.

            Amused by his friend’s reaction, but feeling the redness of his own cheeks, Jaylin nodded. “Yup.”

            “Aren't you afraid of telling me? I mean, jeez...”

            Jaylin shrugged, “At first, I was. Hell, you’re the second person I’ve come out to. But somehow I knew you’d be cool. You grabbed an eyeful of me in the locker room, so I figured it would be okay.” Jaylin broke out in a wide grin as Jett blushed. “And, well, no offense, but I'm pretty confident with my body. We're about the same mass, so it all comes down to skill and speed. And since I’m the better hockey player...”

            “Bi-atch!” Jett howled.

            The two shared a moment as several students turned towards their laughter.

            “I'm okay with the gay thing. My best friend is gay. But if you think you can best me one on one, you have another think coming.”

            “Bring it!” Jaylin challenged.

            With a smile and a bit of shyness, Jett cleared his voice. “You say you’d rather have someone real. Do I strike you as real?”

            “Definitely!”

            “Does that mean I can count this as a first date?” Jett grinned.

            Surprised by his sudden interest, Jaylin stared deeply into Jett’s blue eyes and saw the fear of rejection. “Jett…are you…”

            Jett looked sheepish and turned away. He knew he was attracted to the older teen. He wondered if he was just looking for a rebound, but he knew he really enjoyed Jaylin’s company.

“No offense, Jett, but you’re not my type,” Jaylin said, smirking. “And the fact that we’re from opposite ends of the country doesn’t help. I don’t like to commit to something I know won’t be feasible.”

            Jett understood Jaylin’s reasoning, while at the same time he couldn’t help but question his logic. It wasn’t like Jett was looking for a commitment; he just wanted something casual. Someone to take his mind off things.

I just want to have some fun. The thought rocked his mind the moment it treaded upon it. Sitting back, he stared at his hands. He was bothered by his thoughts because he knew they were unusual for him. Am I thinking like Brad thinks?

            Looking up at Jaylin, Jett felt profound respect for his slightly older peer. Being at that level of maturity was uncommon for their age group. Briefly reflecting on his actions and those of his friends, Jett wondered if he was shallow.

            “Did I hurt your pride?” Jaylin asked, showing some concern.

            “No… You just made me realize something. I envy you, Jayse.”

            Suddenly confused by Jett’s change of emphasis, Jaylin felt he should share something with his new friend. “We all pay for our mistakes. Mistakes include regrets of not living up to our potential. And the currency in which we forfeit our loss may be something we’re better off parting with.”

            Jett looked confused. “What does that mean?”

            “That depends on how you decide to interpret it.” Jaylin smiled at him.

            “You’re full of riddles, man,” Jett said. “But you’re sure an all right guy. I wasn’t serious about what I said before, about a date. It just made me think about someone I’m better off forgetting about.”

            “No one should be forgotten about. Think about it… You do that, and everything you went through goes to shit. You’d be trapped in the endless cycle of repeating that mistake,” Jaylin explained. “And, who knows, that mistake may be a good thing. Sometimes we misinterpret a start as an end. It may just be the beginning of something.”

            Jett remained quiet for a moment, contemplating Jaylin’s viewpoint. He cringed and his shoulders sagged. “You make my brain hurt.”

            “And that’s why we could never be, Jett.” Jaylin grinned. “Not entirely unlike me, you’re just an idiot jock with a big cock. And somehow I feel like neither of us would submit as the bottom in a relationship.”

            “Bottom?”

            Suddenly amused, Jaylin asked, “Are you a virgin?”

            “Nope!” Jett said proudly. “Been with both girls and guys!”

            Sighing, Jaylin mumbled, “Fuck, not one of those…”

            “Huh? You say something?” Jett inclined his head.

            “It’s nothing.” Jaylin’s words betrayed him, and he was aware of it. He was just glad his companion didn’t pick up on it. “So, now that you know what my aspirations are, what about you? Do you want to go pro?”

            “Never thought of it. I just do what my heart feels. I’m not good at planning. I can never follow a plan, no matter how simple it is. That’s how I landed where I am now. I’m glad all I lost was…never mind.” Jett tried to clear his head of thoughts of Brad. “Can you imagine if I try planning my future as I am? You can’t plan for the little things. No matter how small, those puny things change the outcome. I’m better off improvising as I play my part in this movie I call my life. I realize that now, more than ever.”

            “And you call me the poet.”

            “What?” Jett asked, genuinely confused.

            “Living every day as if it were your last…” Jaylin sighed. “You’re an enigma to me, Jett.”

            “Well, like I said, you make my head hurt with your words,” Jett countered.

            “Maybe I should try your method of playing it as it comes,” Jaylin mused. “Maybe I could acquire that carefree attitude of yours. Believe it or not, I’m actually envious of you for that.”

            ”And maybe I should view the end of a chapter in my life as the beginning of another one.” Jett grinned and added, “I get your riddles after all.”

            “No riddles, my friend, just a matter of perspective,” Jaylin responded.

            “Don’t do that shit to me.” Jett was tempted to run a hand though his gelled, spiky blond hair. “I just got your last one.”

Jaylin couldn’t hide his delight in his new friend. “You know, you should probably plan a bit for your future, Jett. Maybe not every single detail, but at least a general direction.”

“Yeah? How?”

“I know just the thing. I was reading it in your local newspaper. One sec,” Jaylin said as he got up to go to the newspaper rack. He saw a coffee-sipping patron reading the paper he wanted. After a brief conversation, Jaylin acquired the item he wanted. He then returned to the table where Jett sat, wearing a big smile.

“I usually respect a person’s desire for solitude. God knows I enjoy it more than anyone. But I thought I’d try your method of invading someone’s privacy, for once.” Lifting the local newspaper, Jaylin ginned. “Not only did I get the paper, but I got his name and number.”

“Nice, but what’s The Whitby Times got to do with planning my future?”

Jaylin answered Jett by opening the paper to the article of interest. “There’s a university and college open house nearby. We should go!”

***

            There were more students than usual on the public bus, late in the afternoon on a weekday. Zac figured that he and Kayden shared the other riders’ destination.

            “It’s going to be packed,” Kayden pointed out. “If all these kids are going to our school for the open house, then we probably can expect students from all over Durham Region.”

            “Guess it’s a pretty important event, after all,” Zac commented. “When I told Dad I was going, he started telling me which schools I should look into. Diana finally pulled him away. She seems to have more sense than he does, sometimes.”

            “You like her,” Kayden teased.

            “One more word from you and I’ll tell Diana that this mark on my neck is not an insect bite,” Zac warned. At first, Zac had been annoyed at the hickey his boyfriend had left on his neck, but then he accepted it as a trophy.

            Kayden recalled the subtle way Diana had pulled him away from everyone one day and exchanged a few words with him. 

            “She doesn’t like me, I swear!” Kayden told his boyfriend.

            “You’ve left a pretty good impression on her so far,” Zac said sarcastically. “Let’s see, you had a drunken girl hanging onto you the first time you met her at my party, you drive a bike, and you punched me. You’re giving her hints that you may tend to be of a violent nature.”

            “I didn’t punch you on purpose!” Kayden argued. Zac enjoyed the slight draining of colour from his boyfriend’s face. Even as fearless as Kayden might seem, Zac knew how to press the right buttons.

            Zac’s attention was drawn to a boy who stood at the front of the bus, furiously digging in his pockets, looking for what Zac guessed was change for his fare. The bus had already left the stop and was well on its way to the next destination. The boy was turning as white as a ghost.

            Seeing that Zac’s attention had been drawn away, Kayden turned towards Zac’s focus. “He looks troubled.”

            “He’s from out of town,” Zac pointed out.

            “How do you know?”

            Giving a pat to Kayden’s leg, Zac stood. “I can just tell.”

            As he made his way to the front, Zac realized that the boy was indeed in a panic because he couldn’t pay the fare.

            Zac put some change into the coin drop and turned to the driver. “You know better than to scare him, Ben.”

            “You boys always take my fun away,” the driver grumbled.

            “You never change, do you?” Zac laughed.

            “As long as I continue to drive this cursed route, hell no!”

            Turning to the boy who seemed too shocked to realize what had transpired, Zac tilted his head. “Come on, man. He’s just giving you a hard time. And don’t worry about paying me back. It’s on me.”

            Zac walked back to where Kayden sat grinning at him. As Zac sat down, Kayden whispered, “Always watching out for the little man, aren’t you?”

            “I didn’t really need to. Ben would have let him ride, regardless.”

            “He’s so bitter every afternoon. He should work mornings if he hates nights so much,” Kayden commented.

            “Nah, he loves it. He tells me it’s his fave-”

            Zac noticed that Kayden was looking past him. He turned and saw the boy whose fare he’d paid standing in an awkward posture. The boy tried looking at anything except Zac’s eyes.

            “Hi,” Zac greeted him.

            “T-thanks…” Tyler whispered.

            “Don’t mention it.” Zac smiled at the boy.

            The bus turned suddenly, causing Tyler to lose his balance and topple over onto Zac. Tyler stared up at the boy who’d broken his fall, who was still smiling at him.

            “You okay?” Zac asked.

            Blushing, Tyler’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. He stared up at Zac for a short moment.

            “Do you need help getting off of my boyfriend?” Kayden asked the boy in a joking manner.

            Zac chuckled at Kayden’s joke that seemed to be completely lost on Tyler.

            Nearly jumping, Tyler straightened up, taking on a sickly pallor.

            “I- I didn’t mean to… I- I’m sorry,” Tyler sputtered, removing the hat he wore, as if to emphasize his regret. “My fault! A- all my fault.”

            “Screw off, Kade,” Zac said to his boyfriend, and then turned back to the new boy. “Sorry. He can be an ass, sometimes.”

            “I just wanted to thank you…”

            “I said, don’t mention it,” Zac chuckled. “I’m sure you’d have done the same.”

            Tyler would have liked to, if the situation were reversed, but he knew he would have been too scared to do anything. He was a bundle of nerves just trying to thank the kind stranger.

“My name is Zac and this loser is Kayden,” Zac said. “Want to take a seat?”

Tyler was lost in Zac’s eyes. Few strangers had shown him such kindness. Kayden’s intentional cough brought Tyler back to reality, and his colour began to return in the form of a blush. Awkwardly, Tyler nodded his head and sat down two seats away from Zac.

            Zac turned to Kayden and gave him a stare.

            “What?”         

            Several moments passed. Kayden smiled at Zac, who was trying hard not to notice that Tyler was staring at him.

            With a sigh, Zac turned to Tyler and saw something in his hands.

            “Going to the Post Secondary Open House?”

            Tyler looked to his hands and back up at Zac with a nod.

            “Cool, we’ll be there; it’s at our high school,” Zac said.

            Tyler stared, his mouth half open, not knowing how to carry on the conversation. He cursed at himself for being socially awkward.

 Trying to think of a topic to talk about, Zac reached for anything. “So, what universities are you interested in?”

Looking down, Tyler seemed to mumble his response. “I’m not sure if I’m going…” The end of his sentence got lost in the roar of the bus engine.

“What was that?” Zac whispered to Kayden.

“I think he said he isn’t sure yet.”         

Zac nodded and turned back to Tyler. “Yeah, we don’t know, either. We’re just checking it out.”

            Nodding in agreement, Kayden stood up. “And we’re here.”

            Tyler turned his head and felt his breathing halt. He realized that he was about to walk into a high school that was much larger than his back home. He suddenly didn’t feel well. Knowing how long it took him to fade into the background at his own school, Tyler felt intimidated just by the number of the students outside of the building.

            I should have just gone back…

            “It’s packed! There are more kids here than on a regular school day.”

            Zac and Kayden noticed that Tyler was still sitting.

            “Come on, man,” Kayden offered the boy. “You’re going to get left behind.”

            Tyler stared at Zac for a moment. He didn’t understand how someone could be nice without a hidden agenda. Why should I trust him? What if he ends up hurting me, too? Everyone has two sides to them. Even Mom does… I can’t do this!

Before Tyler could refuse, Zac had flashed a smile. A smile so clear, so transparent.

Tyler felt his feet push the floor as he stood up and stepped forward.

Let me trust… just once more…

***

Kayden was grabbed by a pair of arms that quickly surrounded him.

“You both came!” Maya said excitedly. “I’m so glad!”

“We didn’t have anything better to do,” Zac said.

“I can think of something we could be doing, and it wouldn’t involve clothes,” Kayden grumbled.

Turning red and sneaking a look at Tyler’s shocked face, Zac cracked Kayden in the ribs. “Quit joking around, you idiot.”

Laughing at her friends, Maya noticed the boy standing right behind them. “Hey! You made it!”

“Uh, hi,” Tyler whispered.         

“You’re not from around here, right? You’re in luck.” Maya’s eyes glowed. “Zac and Kayden don’t really have anything to do, so they’ll take you around.”

“What? We never agreed to that,” Kayden argued.

“Come on, Kayden. Like there’s a university that you’re dying to check on,” Zac joked. He turned to Tyler. “We were just going to jump around and check a few things out. Kayden and I can be your guides.” Trying to gauge Tyler’s reaction, Zac added, “That is, if you want us to.”

Before Tyler could answer, Maya was pushing them along and giving them a map of the exhibits. “Not up for debate. Get going. You’re holding up the line!”

Kayden was basically silent as the three boys went from classroom to classroom, where university representatives detailed the highlights of their schools. Little by little, the stranger Zac and Kayden had come to know by name began opening up to them. They learned that he was an only child, and was from the west coast. Tyler didn’t talk much about himself after describing his family. He seemed tense over the subject of his family. Something tugged at Kayden; a familiar chill seemed to run down his spine. Zac sensed that Kayden was bothered by something and attempted several times to include him in conversation Oblivious to it all, Tyler began to open up more and more.

“I’m here with my mom, actually. We’re visiting her cousin she hasn’t seen in years. We’re going back tomorrow,” Tyler told Zac, who had asked why he was in Whitby.

“So, sort of like a vacation! I guess you can catch up when you get back to school. We’d be screwed without photocopiers. Imagine having to rewrite your friends’ notes from the classes you miss.”

Tyler looked away uncomfortably. While Zac wondered if it was something he had said, Kayden finally joined in. “Do you have any friends?”

Shocked at his boyfriend’s rudeness, Zac chastened him. “Kayden!”

“No, it’s all right,” Tyler said. “I guess you could guess I don’t have many friends. Actually, I don’t have any…”

“Well, consider me one,” Zac said.

A surprised look flashed in Tyler’s eyes and he quickly looked away. Zac sensed something radiating from Tyler that resembled Phil’s admiration of him. When it had turned out that Phil actually had a crush on Zac, he had let the boy down easily without his boyfriend’s knowledge of Phil’s infatuation. Realizing what the situation might be, Zac turned to Kayden to try to see if his jealous nature was about to intrude.

Only Zac seemed aware of an awkward silence. Without another word, he directed their trio into the next classroom. Zac watched Kayden with suspicion, and Kayden returned a serious look.

Tyler’s interest in various studies appeared to increase with every classroom they visited. He asked questions and spoke out as if no longer hampered by his shy nature. It confused Zac how the boy could lose himself in his interests but then suddenly close back up when a presentation was over. Zac found Tyler fascinating. He enjoyed his new friend’s company. He was seeing a change in Tyler. He also began to get upset over Kayden’s behavior. Several times, Kayden had asked Tyler personal questions that seemed to push the boy back into his shell.

***

“I can’t believe this!” Jaylin nearly spat.

In the brief period Jett had known his new friend, he hadn’t realized that he had a short fuse when it came to equality and justice. They had just walked away from a presentation where Jaylin had left a campus ambassador speechless. Jaylin had declared that the university the young man represented promoted the collapse of society by encouraging class segregation.

“You really, uh, tore him apart…” Jett began.

“Well, I had thought they were just rumors. I mean, I thought it was fucked up when people called that one a high-society university. I thought they were just jealous because they didn’t get in,” Jaylin interrupted, while crossing his arms and causing his approachable character to appear aggressive. “'This university is just not for trash like you’… And why? Because someone didn’t dress as preppy as he did? I so wanted to wipe that smirk off his face!”

            “You did, in fact,” Jett kindly pointed out.

            “With my fist, I mean!” Jaylin said, annoyed. “Whoever heard of the notion of a university breeding arrogant lowlifes? This goes to show the reason for some of the division of class and status. Those with money are given a break while those who deserve it are given the short stick.”

“I’m sure they aren’t all like that,” Jett said, defending the university. He hated generalization, and the assumption that everyone from that university was like the campus ambassador raised a red flag in Jett’s mind.

“When you choose someone to represent your university, you do so hoping they represent every aspect of the university,” Jaylin said, pointing back to the room they’d just left. “If that fucktard is what that university believes best represents them, then like hell I’m going to associate myself with them. Fuck them…”

“I think you’re blowing this out of proportion, man. You’re jumping to conclusions.” Jett could see his friends in certain aspects of Jaylin’s personality. He had Zac’s sense of justice, Scott’s hot-headedness, and when not pissed off, Jaylin was as agreeable as Shin.

“How could you say that?” Jaylin’s eyebrows arched in a way that made Jett tense.

“Anyone ever tell you that you’re good at making friends feel small?” Jett smiled.

Jaylin’s anger dissolved. “Sorry. I know I intimidate people with my anger. It’s probably why I don’t have more friends. Only a few people I’m close to are able to defuse me. I’m a bit opinionated, I know. But hell, I call things as they are. So what!”

“Don’t worry about it, Jayse.” Jett clasped a hand over Jaylin’s shoulder and steered him towards an exit, to get some air.

Girls were swooning at the sight of Jaylin and Jett. Jett had to admit that Jaylin’s aggressive character was appealing. His eyes become so fierce, Jett thought. He had seen such eyes before. He paused in his step as the image of Brad’s penetrating eyes invaded his thoughts. An unexpected tingle traveled to his loins.

“Excuse me!”

The pair turned and Jett could sense that Jaylin’s anger was returning, doubled. Not a good time, Jett thought as the newcomer joined them.

“I’m sorry, but I felt compelled to find you and apologize for what you saw,” the campus ambassador said, folding his hands in front of his chest. Jaylin’s glare made the university representative uneasy.

“You left me speechless, because your outburst caught me off guard. That, plus I was sure you were going to deck me,” the university senior joked. When Jaylin didn’t laugh, he continued, “You walked into the middle of a situation that was uncalled for. When I told that student the university wasn’t for him, in more colorful words, I meant it as a rejection of his ideals.”

“What sort of ideals?” Jaylin cut him like a blade.

Knowing that it was going to be hard to get through to Jaylin, the university student took a straightforward approach.“ He wanted me to give him the down low on how many chicks I get to ’bang’ per semester. I tried to steer the conversation to academic matters by asking him what he wanted to study…”

Jett watched Jaylin’s brows slowly relax, and he couldn’t help but notice how quickly Jaylin’s tough façade resolved into one of a boy who knew he was going to be scolded.

“He told me he didn’t know, and in fact didn’t really care. He was more interested in the ratio of guys to girls at the university and kept pursuing the question of how many women I take to my bed.” The guy’s hands went up defensively. “Make no mistake, it does happen from time to time, but that isn’t any of his business. His remarks were starting to give parents present the wrong idea of our university. I had to do something drastic to show them that the university isn’t some sort of giant orgy with underage drinking. I was trying to stress that students shouldn’t apply unless they have a direction they wish to strive towards. Else it would be a waste of money, most likely their parents’ money.”

The anger had completely drained from Jaylin’s face and was replaced by regret and embarrassment.

“Your statement was wonderful! Not really the point I was going for, but nevertheless it is a belief I subscribe to quite strongly. I just never heard anyone express it in such words as yours. I just wanted to let you know that.” Seeing that Jaylin no longer appeared to harbor hatred towards him, the student continued, “I’d have gone straight to the point, but under the circumstances you looked just about ready to break my spine, so I had to explain myself a bit.”

Now it was time for Jaylin to be speechless.

“Sir, you just proved my point. And your presence has confirmed several things my friend could learn from.” Jett turned to Jaylin and continued. “Dude, you just need to pull back and analyze situations.” Jett smiled at Jaylin. “Things may not be as they seem. One day, you might misunderstand a situation, and it could ruin the best thing going for you.”

***

Tyler was speechless as he and his two guides left one of the classrooms. Zac wore a smile. A presentation that would usually take fifteen minutes had stretched to nearly thirty. The university ambassador seemed to get a thrill out of Tyler’s enthusiasm and went into greater detail of his studies and university life. It had all seemed interesting to Zac, but Tyler’s eyes literally glowed like those of a boy in a candy store.

“Let’s get some air,” Zac suggested.

Tyler probably didn’t need it, but Zac did. As Tyler was finding the sessions fascinating, Zac was becoming bored. It didn’t help that Kayden was seldom speaking, but rather staring at Tyler with a suspicious eye. Zac decided to just leave it be. If he wants to act like a jealous dumbass, let him.

“I guess you know where you’re gonna go now, don’t you?” Zac asked as they stepped outside.

“Where I’d like to go.”

            “Great! So which one are you interested in?”

            “I can’t…”

            “What? Why not?” Zac asked.

            “I, uh, don’t have the money.”

            “Take OSAP,” Zac said. He knew Tyler was destined to go. He didn’t believe the boy at all; something was holding him back and Zac was determined to help. “Or whatever student assistance program you have in your province. That’s how my mom went to school. She’s a doctor now. She paid it all back, too.”

            Kayden turned to his boyfriend but didn’t say anything. He knew that Diana’s education was fully paid by her guardians, whom she later repaid, but it was a small white lie and he understood Zac’s reason for making it.

            Several times, Tyler mentioned minor obstacles, but Zac countered them all. When it seemed that Tyler had no more excuses, a defeated look shadowed his face.

            “My father…has other plans for me,” Tyler said.

            “Why don’t you tell him what you want to do?” Zac asked.          

            “He won’t let me…”

There was a moment of silence as Zac processed Tyler’s words. Before he could respond, Kayden spoke up with a smug voice. “So, your father hates you or something?”

Finally pushed beyond his patience, Zac spun to face his boyfriend. “What is your problem?”

             Kayden ignored Zac and stepped toward Tyler, who had gone completely white.

            “You’re looking for a sign, aren’t you? Something that’ll tell you what to do. Your dad has made all your choices your entire life, hasn’t he?” Kayden asked in a low voice. “If it’s a sign you want, then too bad, you’re not getting one. There are choices you’ll have to make on your own. If you want to be taken for granted, then just go home. All this is just a dream of what could be. Why did you come here, Tyler? You came here to take back what’s yours, didn’t you! Aren’t you sick of being treated the way you’ve been treated?”

            Kayden was enraged in a manner that Zac had never witnessed in him. Zac suddenly realized the reason behind his boyfriend’s behavior. Kayden was seeing Tyler as a reflection of himself. Sadness filled Zac as he realized that Kayden’s oppressor still held him back more than he would admit. Kayden obviously felt cheated and wronged. His uncle’s manipulative oppression had rivaled that of Tyler’s father. Kayden wanted to be sure Tyler knew there were always options.”

“You have no idea…” Tyler whispered. The boy’s tears confirmed that everything Kayden had said was true, and more.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Tyler. If you think it’s hopeless, then it is. I was you, once… but no more. And I’ve suffered as you have. And so what?”

Zac feared that Tyler would view himself as weak and unable to take charge of his life, as Kayden seemed to have done. Zac knew what his boyfriend wanted. Kayden could never repay his uncle for his ‘charity’.

            Kayden clenched his teeth in anger. Tyler was being used like Kayden once was. He wanted to tell Tyler things he wished someone had told him as a kid.

            “Sometimes you feel like you just want to roll over and die…to accept what life has given you. But you need to know that there are other choices. You can choose freedom. Freedom from him,” Kayden fairly spat.

            Tyler’s upper body went stiff at Kayden’s last word.

“Everyone deserves happiness,” Zac said, stepping closer to Tyler. “That includes you. If you’re not happy, the ones that care about you will never be happy, either. What Kayden is trying to say is that your life isn’t as predetermined as you think. No one should tell you what you must do with your life. You make your choices and you live with the consequences. You came here today because you aspire for more. You have the tools and you have the knowledge. What’s left is for you to take the first step.”

Tyler wiped his tears. A new resolve seem to lift his shoulders. With hesitation he turned to Kayden. “Was it worth it?”

Kayden smiled at Tyler for the first time that night and then pulled Zac close to him. “It was tough, but it was worth it.”

***

Jett walked around outside looking for people he knew. He found Zac and Kayden speaking with a boy he had never seen before.

“Hey!” Jett called out.

The three turned towards him as he approached.

Kayden felt something else about this boy named Tyler, and the arrival of Jett confirmed it. He watched Tyler gasp at the sight of the large boy. With a smile, Kayden knew that Tyler was enjoying the view of Jett’s muscular form.

“It’s Jett,” Zac pointed out.

“You’ll like him,” Kayden joked. When Tyler turned to him, Kayden winked, causing him to squirm.

“Well, I’m done for tonight,” Zac told the other two as Jett joined them. “What about you, Tyler?”

“Actually, there is one more I’d like to check out,” Tyler said.

“Go for it, man,” Zac said. “That’s why you’re here!”

“But what about you guys?” Tyler asked.

“I guess we’ll head home,” Kayden said.

Tyler’s disappointment was evident.

“We’ll see each other again,” Zac said, smiling at him.

“How do you know?”

“He just does. Don’t question my boyfriend,” Kayden joked.

Tyler laughed.

Zac raised a hand, which Tyler stared at for a moment.

“Until next time, Tyler,” Zac offered him.

Tyler awkwardly offered his hand, which Zac gripped firmly. “We will meet again, Tyler. We’ll cross paths again.”

Tyler nodded. Tears threatened to burst from his eyes, but he kept it together.

            “Thank you, Zac,” Tyler whispered.

            Tyler turned to Kayden, who nodded at him. Kayden lifted his hand and Tyler took it. After a firm shake, Kayden pulled Tyler into an embrace that one would give to a friend who needed support.

            “From here on it’s just you, Tyler. I know you can do it.”

            “I won’t forget this, Kayden… Thank you.”

            “Now get back in there,” Kayden said. “Catch that last presentation you want to see.”           

            “Who’s that?” Jett asked as he watched the boy leave.

            “A genius who will go far in life,” Zac said.

            “What about you? Why are you here? I thought you weren’t coming. You had that hockey interview thing, right?” Kayden asked.

            “Well, he led me here. Had something to teach me about planning for the future. His cab just came to pick him up.”

“Food?” Zac proposed.

“Yeah, I could go for that!” Jett announced.

***

“How would I know if your university, or any university, is for me?” a student asked the ambassador after the presentation.

With a sigh, the young man took off his glasses. “You don’t. There are many success stories out there. Some don’t complete university, but they become wealthy. I know of many who finish and become successes, and others, not so much. But it’s a journey. You never know which path you will take. Never will two people follow the same path in secondary education, even if they are majoring in the same field. To each of them the experience is different, and much more, the perception of that experience is different.”

Tyler nodded as if understanding the man’s words.

“Something spectacular happened today,” the ambassador continued. “I met a student very much like yourselves. He made a point in what he said. Too many times people limit themselves because of a society that dictates what their potential is. There are various forms of this. One extreme example is class segregation. We don’t want to admit it, but it exists. Slowly, we break these boundaries through education.”

He turned and looked directly at Tyler. “Perhaps you don’t think university life is for you, but who decides that? If you know you have the potential, then fight for it. Don’t let anyone else dictate your limits or potential.

“That wise student shared this with me: we all pay for our mistakes. Mistakes include regrets at not living up to our potential. And the currency in which we forfeit our loss may be something we’re better off parting with.”

***

Of all the encouragement Tyler was given that day, Kayden’s words struck closest to home. He had felt nervous when Kayden constantly watched him. His hunch had been correct – Kayden saw his weakness. He was grateful for the words of Kayden, Zac, and the various campus ambassadors. Kayden had exposed a hidden wound, and perhaps even reopened it. If not for Kayden, Tyler might have never recognized its existence. Zac had given Tyler a sense of hope. The words of the last campus ambassador were the catalyst that Tyler needed. He realized he had to break the cycle of oppression his father had used to hold him down.

The vibration of Tyler’s phone snapped him out of his thoughts. Upon answering it, he realized how appreciative he was of his mother.

“Tyler! Son, where are you? It’s late, and even I know the coffee shops aren’t open this late.”

“Sorry, Mom, I’m on my way back. I lost track of time.” Tyler smiled.

“Well, it’s just that I expected you back hours ago. I tried calling, but I couldn’t get through.”

“I had my phone turned off until just a few minutes ago.”

 “Mom?”

“I don’t know whether to be angry or happy. You’ve never stayed out late enough for me to even think of imposing a curfew. If this is some sort of statement, then you’ve made it. This is the first time you’ve done something like this.”

“Mom…” Tyler smiled.

“There’s something different about you. You sound different. What happened?” His mother was suddenly worried.

“I’m going to university, Mom. I want to.”

The only response Tyler heard was a distinct sound that told him his mother had dropped her phone.