Kayden
by Ryan Keith
Chapter 9 - Caught
By the time Maya and I returned, Kayden and Alicia were quietly studying. I dropped the cans of pop onto my bed and Maya passed around two bags of chips we had brought from the kitchen. With little more than a few words, we all began to study again. There really was no comfortable position on the floor. The best way for me was leaning against a wall with my knees propped up to support my textbook. Every so often, I would look towards Kayden and see him looking too serious. I would stare at him until he looked up at me and smiled. I would quickly turn away, embarrassed. I didn't understand why I felt embarrassed looking at him. I knew he liked me, and I knew I liked him. It was just that the moment he looked up, I would lose all my nerve, and would look away like I was scared of getting caught. Each time Kayden caught me, his grin seemed to get larger. The words in the textbook no longer held any meaning.
“Zac, is there something wrong?” Maya asked while I stared blankly at the ceiling.
Maya was propped on her hands and knees with a genuine look of concern on her face. I don't know if it was her intent, but the way she was positioned on the floor was, well, hot! I know that if I was straight, nothing understandable would have come out of my mouth.
“Not really. Well, actually, everything. Nothing is sinking in,” I complained.
“Well, let me explain it to you then,” said an eager voice.
Alicia jumped in front of Maya, making her cleavage a little too noticeable. The way she presented herself made me wonder if Alicia was wearing a bra. Sometimes women are so confusing. Alicia isn't as graceful as Maya, but she's good looking, I guess.
Maya smiled warmly behind Alicia before nodding her head in approval and returning to her spot on the bed.
Alicia tried explaining to me the concepts we had discussed in class, and they started sinking in a bit. I turned to Kayden, who was staring at us with a blank look. He didn't look angry; he didn't look happy. He didn't look anything. He just kept his eyes glued to mine, and I found myself wondering if he was all right.
“Are you listening, Zac? This doesn't work if you don't listen,” Alicia scolded him.
“Yeah, sorry,” he replied sheepishly.
“Well, let's take a break, shall we?” Maya suggested. “It's been over an hour and I feel a bit tired of studying.”
I watched as Alicia turned and gave Maya a cold look. It was well hidden from Zac.
"Yeah, I need a break," replied Zac.
All too soon, Alicia turned back to the boy she hoped to conquer.
“We should take a break. We need to, like, rest a bit. Too much studying will make our brains all smushy-`n'-gushy,” Alicia claimed. She made a stupid childish face that I guess was supposed to look cute. Hell, I felt like beating her with a piece of wood that had a rusty nail in it.
She made it seem like it was her idea. She really pisses me off. And what the hell is smushy-`n'-gushy? What the fuck does she think this is? Sesame-fuckin'-street?
“Great idea, Alicia. I could use a break,” I answered.
I tried to offer a real smile. I guess they all took it, because they just nodded their heads.
“So, what kind of music do you listen to, Maya?” I asked. “I saw that Nirvana CD in your locker the other day.”
Maya closed her book and brushed back a few stands of hair that had fallen in front of her face. “Well, I listen to everything, mostly. I really love the song 'Come As You Are' by Nirvana. But I also listen to some alternative, and rock. I like a lot of the old rock stuff, like Hendrix.” She hesitated a moment, and said, “I also like a lot of instrumental.”
I was flabbergasted. I didn't expect a response like that. She never struck me as a rock fan. I'm into the old stuff, too.
Maya seemed so natural it was like she didn't even try, but she shone like a bright light.
“Music bores me,” Alicia nagged. “I, like, never know what those people are trying to say. I especially hate anything acoustic. Guitar players are, like, so lame. Right, Zac?”
That was the response I was looking for. It took all my willpower to keep a straight face. Maya looked a bit offended, but her expression was more one of pity. It was like she felt sorry for Alicia's inability to appreciate talent.
Zac was a little more blunt than I had expected. “Actually, I don't agree. I guess you must think I'm pretty lame, or did you not notice my acoustic propped up by my door?”
It took all I was to hold in my grin. I didn't want to act suspicious, now did I?
“I'm not that good, but I still try my best,” Zac said, a bit saddened.
“But I thought you hate music. That you hate guitarists,” Alicia said in a panicked voice. She turned to me looking for help. I just shrugged.
“Who did you hear that from? I love music, and I love my guitar. Sorry you can't appreciate that,” Zac answered.
I felt like she'd had enough of that for now. I should move it along.
“Ah… Maya, do you play any instruments?” I asked quickly.
She turned to me and nodded forcefully; I guess she also sensed the tenseness of the situation. “Yeah, I play the piano. I'm actually in grade 9.”
“That's so cool! Do you do recitals and stuff?” I was genuinely interested, but I also wanted to take the attention off the guitar subject before anyone realized what I'd told Alicia.
“Funny you should mention that. I have one next week. I haven't done a show this big before, so I'm pretty nervous.”
“I never knew you played. Pretty modest of you isn't it?” Zac teased. Zac doesn't strike me as someone who holds grudges. He's too kind. Already he had forgiven Alicia for that comment about guitar players.
“Oh, quiet! You didn't ask, that's all,” Maya replied.
I looked at Alicia. She had a look of hate in her eyes. She glanced between Maya and Zac before speaking out.
“You know, I'm going to be starting a cheerleading squad at school. A lot of schools have them now, and I want ours to be the best. You know, like, number one in all of Canada. I even have, like, some moves. Wanna see them, Zac?”
Zac looked at Alicia awkwardly. “Maybe later. Maya, do you think we can come to your recital? I would really like to hear you play.”
That shut Alicia up. She bit down on her lip, trying to hide her scowl.
“Sure. I'll get you and Kayden tickets. Ask Jett if he would want to come along,” Maya offered.
Zac smiled like he'd had a great thought. “I'll ask, but Jett's not the musical type. Invite him to a game if you ever ask him out to anything. He would go to that.”
Was Zac doing what I thought he was doing? I never considered it, but maybe Zac was trying to hook Jett up with Maya.
I began to realize why I like Maya so much. Never -- not once -- has she given me a bad vibe.
“What about Scott, and Shin and Mai?” I asked.
“Well, I already invited Mai, and she's bringing Shin along even if she has to dress him up for the occasion. Honestly, I don't think she would have it any other way. Mai likes doing things for Shin,” Maya sighed dreamily.
“Yeah, those two were meant for each other,” Zac agreed. “Shin would believe the moon was orange if Mai told him so. But what about Scott?”
Maya rolled her eyes and laughed. “That idiot. He wouldn't leave me alone until I invited him. He even offered to escort me there, like a gentleman. What a fool! It was a nice gesture, though.”
It confuses me to no end why Maya is so rough on Scott. They always argue, but the mere mention of Scott's name makes Maya's personality change. I guess she finds him amusing. She's more alive when Scott's around or even when he is mentioned.
“Why don't we all go out for dinner after the recital? Oh, I'm sorry Alicia; I invited everyone but didn't even ask you. Do you think you can make it to the recital?” Maya made it sound like she would really be happy for her to come.
“Sorry, I have, like, things to do.” Her reply was edgy, with a touch of haughtiness.
“Speaking of dinner, would you and Kade like to come to dinner with Alicia, Dad and me?” Zac asked, happily. “He comes home around five.”
I thought I could hear Alicia grinding her teeth, but it could have just been my imagination.
That bitch, she probably invited herself to dinner.
“Sure, I was wondering what I was going to do for dinner. My parents went to Brampton to see my aunt. What about you, Kayden?”
“You bet! Free food? I'm there,” I said enthusiastically.
After the short break, we returned to our studies. Overall, I think I benefited from that study session. I could actually remember some of the class material. I was lucky to have someone like Alicia helping me. She was really nice, but I found her a bit weird. In fact, Kayden was acting a bit weird, too. Every so often, Alicia would say something that I found offensive. I tried not to let it, but now and then I guess my anger showed, because Alicia would get all wide-eyed and look over to Kayden. Kayden would look back, and just shrug.
Some of the things she would say were pretty pathetic and mean. Forgetting her insult toward my acoustic guitar, she went on to badmouth mostly everything I love. She hates dogs because they smell and are ugly, thinks romance is overrated, doesn't believe in God, and hates children. I mean, how can someone hate children? I love children. Each time I disagreed with her, her face became paler and paler. The things she likes are so superficial; she likes fur, cheerleading, boys, and shopping. We have nothing in common. She would probably have to be the last girl in the world for me to actually date her, if I were straight.
After another hour we decided to wrap things up. We packed the books and headed for the basement to relax. It was almost five-thirty when Dad called. I told him some friends were over and I wondered if we could all go out for dinner. Dad was thrilled about it and said he was coming straight home. Dad loves interacting with my friends, and he uses our style of speech. Not like the way we kids use slang all the time, but he knows the right time to say 'cool' and 'dude'. He even uses my patented 'buddy' nickname. I guess it allows him to feel young again. It's not like he's real old; I mean he's only thirty-one, and could pass for twenty-five. I'm hoping that when I get older I still look young like that.
When dad came home he introduced himself to Mai and Alicia. He knows Maya, but he doesn't see her around besides at our school. They're on friendly terms. Dad then told us he had to go take a shower, and we would leave when he was done.
I'm not sure how we came to the discussion, but we were in the basement playing pool and talking about relationships.
"Well, I'm currently working on someone. But if he doesn't pick up the signals anytime soon, I'm going to have to drop him. A girl can wait only for so long," Maya said, annoyed.
I had to chuckle at her attitude when it comes to boys. She becomes blunt when talking about her love life.
"Well, can you at least tell us who this person is?" I asked with curiosity.
Maya took a shot and scratched. She's pretty good, but she lost her concentration the moment I asked that question. "You'll have to just wait and see," she replied, giving me a nervous laugh.
"Um… what about you, Kayden, any girl catch your eye yet?" Maya asked immediately, trying to avert the focus from her.
Kayden took a sip of his pop and turned to her. "Yeah, I guess you can say I'm also working on someone."
He turned to me and gave me a wild grin. It was well hidden from the others, but I could tell he wanted to just run at me and swallow my tongue. I blushed a bit and took a chug of my pop, trying to hide my embarrassment.
"What about you, Zac?"
I don't know who asked the question, but I already knew the answer. It's the answer I give to everyone who asks me that question.
"I haven't found anyone I can say I really like. Sure, there are good-looking girls around, but I haven't found a girl I can say really attracts me," I said, with a bit of acting on my part.
"It's okay, hon," Maya chipped in, "you'll find someone."
"Well, I just broke up with my boyfriend a while ago. The prick was, like, so aggressive. I couldn't handle him. All he could do was think with his equipment," Alicia spoke up.
I had heard about her past relationship. The guy had tried to have sex with her but she refused. He dumped her.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find someone nice," I assured her.
"I think I already have," she smiled.
"Cool, good luck with him," I offered. The guy better be nothing less than a millionaire; someone like Alicia wouldn't settle for anything less than the moon for a rock on her engagement ring.
Her smile faded and she looked a bit out of it, and I thought I saw her mouth twitch.
The mention of Alicia's ex-boyfriend sparked a new conversation. It was Maya who spoke next, and I'd never seen her so angry.
"Some guys make me sick. They talk about women like objects. Sorry, Zac, Kayden, I know you two aren't like that, but some guys think life is all about dominating women. Haven't you heard some of the rude things Scott says? It disgusts me sometimes. Then again, most guys are like that; he just seems to be honest about it."
I had no idea Maya knew that part of Scott. Scott does talk shit a lot. He talks about which girls are hot, who he would sleep with, and who wants him. Although Maya is never around when he says those things, Scott must have let a few things slip around her. I made a mental note to talk to Scott about his manners. It's better if I do it rather than let Jett find out and do it for me.
"Alicia, you better find someone who will respect you. Nothing good comes from the type of guys like your ex-boyfriend," Maya said angrily.
"Yeah, I know. Everything is about sex. I don't plan to have sex until my wedding night. It'll be more special that way. I don't want to get pregnant during high school. And all those guys are the same. They get girls pregnant and claim the child isn't theirs. How convenient! They have the rest of their lives in front of them, so they don't want to be burdened with children."
I felt a pang of anger hit me. Calm down, Zac. Don't let her get to you. Don't think about it.
"Who does, at our age?” Alicia continued. “All guys would choose to abandon the mother and child. Some guys say they wouldn't, but it's all talk. I know they wouldn't want to be burdened. My cousin was left with a child. If I was a guy I would… I mean…"
A thousand thoughts surfaced in my mind. Alicia doesn't now what she's talking about. What does she know? Mom abandoned Dad and me; she wanted to kill me. I hate her!
"Why don't you just shut up, because you don't know what the fuck you're saying!" I yelled.
Cruel words. Words I've never said to anybody came flooding out in a torrent. That was the only way I could express my anger.
"Who do you think came down here and introduced himself? That's my dad! Does he look fucking forty?"
I didn't wait for Alicia to reply. "He's thirty-one. Do the fucking math; he was sixteen when I was born. He's the one you hate, right? So what? He was a teen. But look at me: I'm here. He took the responsibility and raised me. And what about that bitch who gave birth to me? Have you seen her? 'Cause I sure as hell haven't! Abortion was her solution. How convenient. Some women can just have abortions and think nothing of it."
"Zac," Maya started, but I kept going.
"She wanted to abort me! Who the fuck are you to judge someone like my dad? Don't compare him to the trash you date. You're just like her. You'd get an abortion the moment you found out you were carrying a child."
A firm hand grabbed my shoulder. I spun around immediately and slapped the hand away. I was too angry to understand what was happening. Words I couldn't even register were flying out of my mouth. All I knew was that they were not nice words.
I finally realized who I was yelling at. The look I received from him made me feel guilty, afraid, ashamed, and sad. I buried my face into my father's chest. The wetness around my eyes told me I was crying. A pair or strong arms enveloped me as I continued to slowly return to normal breathing.
"Guys, can I have a minute alone with Zac? I put out some snacks in the kitchen; help yourselves. We'll be up in a minute," Dad said patiently to my friends.
I wanted to tell them I was sorry for yelling. I wanted to apologize to Alicia for my behavior. I suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed about how I had dealt with the situation. I didn't realize I was alone with my dad until I heard him speak up. I pulled away to look at him.
"Zac, I'm really sorry, son. I didn't realize this was hurting you so much. I didn't realize you were holding in all that anger. You don't need it anymore. If you're angry at the woman who gave birth to you, then tell me; tell me about your anger."
The anger was gone, replaced with shame.
"I want to be able to share your pain. I also hated Diana for wanting to abort you. I know you don't want to hear this, but she didn't have much of a choice. I can't tell you more now, because you're too angry."
Dad's arms squeezed me tighter. "When you're ready to hear the truth, tell me, and I'll share how wonderful a person she was."
Nothing Dad said was hostile. I didn't react to anything, either. I hated that woman, Diana. Yet something in my father's tone made me realize that perhaps I was missing a big piece of the puzzle. I hated myself for losing my cool. I had never lashed out like that at anyone. I felt like there was a monster hidden inside of me who was full of hate. I wanted it to go away.
"Dad? Is it because I hate that… woman… is that the reason I'm gay?" I asked suddenly. It was a question I had been afraid to ask for years. I had thought perhaps my hatred for my mother made me less attracted to the opposite sex.
"I don't know, Zac. But it doesn't matter. You'll find happiness, gay or straight. You're a good person, and I love you for who you are. There's someone upstairs who has fallen in love with you. Would you have it any other way?" Dad asked me, ruffling my hair.
I smiled a bit. "No, I guess not."
"I never knew about Zac's mother," Maya began. "It's so wrong that women think killing life is the solution to their problems."
I had to agree; there are alternatives. "I didn't know about his mother, either. Zac never talks about her around me. I figured she wasn't in the picture, but I didn't know it was this bad."
Alicia seemed the least concerned. "Yeah, but he didn't have to, like, freak out at me like that. That was so pathetic. It's not like I was the one who wanted to abort him. And what was with those tears? He's not, like, the guy I imagined him to be."
"Well, what you said didn't really help. How can you be so insensitive? Zac is really hurting," Maya said in a sharp tone.
"Insensitive? Me? Never. You, my dear, are describing Kayden here," Alicia spat and turned to me in anger. "You lied to me! You set up all those games to make me look bad. What the fuck is, like, your problem?"
"You don't deserve him," I answered sourly. "Zac is a good guy, and I wouldn't be much of a friend if I let a slut like you get close to him. I'm not going to let him be used by you."
Maya was a bit confused but I think she was beginning to get the picture. "What do you mean, Kade?"
I decided to tell her; I needed an ally in this. "She wanted me to hook her up with Zac. Apparently she doesn't look good without a boyfriend. She wanted to use Zac until she found a more suitable one. But even if I hadn't done anything, Zac would have realized how twisted she is. I just saved him the trouble."
The whole time, Alicia kept her arms crossed and glared at me like I had walked over her grave. When I was done, she simply shook her head and rolled her eyes.
A look of disgust came over Maya's face. "How dare you!" she said in anger. "I won't ever forgive you if you hurt Zac. Give it up; I won't let him be fooled by you."
Alicia scoffed in amazement, "Oh, please, you're playing the game too. Why else did you come? Don't try to fool me. I know you're after Zac, but I always get what I want." Her twisted smile seemed treacherous. "Suddenly the game looks more interesting. How about we wager on who gets to him first? You're good, keeping up the innocent façade, but I won't lose to you. How about… "
*SLAP* The sound of Maya's hand making contact with Alicia's face.
"Get out!" Maya growled in anger. I had never seen her angry like that. She's rough on Scott, but there always seems to be a playful side to it. This was just pure anger.
"I don't play your games. I'm Zac's friend, and he's nothing more to me than a friend. I should have never given you a chance," Maya said behind clenched teeth. "Your ex-boyfriend dumped you because you were playing him, too. My cousin goes to Anderson High, and told me what a slut you are, but I thought he was wrong. Now I know."
Alicia was still recovering from the slap Maya laid on her. I was in awe of Maya's firmness and superiority. I had never seen a girl my age so strong willed.
"You… you bitch!" Alicia shrieked as she approached Maya.
Maya didn't even budge. "What? You want to fight me? Don't let my looks fool you. That slap was nothing. I know how to handle myself real well. I can fight, and I won't lose. Back off… now!" Maya said with an icy voice. "If you come near Zac again, I will expose you. What I say gets around in our school. I dare you to try something. If you have nothing more to say, then get out! You disgust me."
Alicia glared at Maya, but grabbed her book bag from the corner and walked to the door. She tried not to show it, but she was moving fairly fast. I guess Maya really had intimidated her.
After Alicia left, Maya fell to the floor and let out a desperate sigh.
"I thought she was going to kill me," she said with relief.
"What? Looks like you handled her pretty well," I complimented.
"Yeah, right. It was a total bluff. I couldn't beat on anyone unless they let me," she said. "We can't tell Zac about this. He would be seriously pissed at Alicia. He holds grudges like I've never seen. Mostly just ignores, but when he ignores someone, it's like the whole school ignores them, too. It's scary."
I didn't know Zac's mood influenced that many people. However, I could sort of see how everyone would support him. Someone that genuinely kind, real, and good-looking is very hard to come by. The moment I first laid eyes on him, I thought my chances were zero to none. Still, I had to take my chances, and I'm glad I did.
I nodded in agreement. "Alicia will keep away now. We'll just tell Zac she had to go home, or something."
Maya giggled, "Yeah, or something."
"Did you see her run out the door? I would too if I was chewed out by you. I've never seen you so determined and angry. You looked like a lawyer or something," I joked.
"And what about you?" she smirked. "I knew you were up to something. Starting with the question about my music. Pretty sly, yourself. Didn't know you were that kind of person. I always thought you were cool-headed and nice. You're a devil in disguise, you know that?"
"Well, I guess we discovered a little about each other today then, didn't we?" I chuckled.
"Oh, I think I gained more than you did. I didn't know you and Zac were an item," Maya said casually as she picked herself up.
My mouth was literally hanging open until Maya reached out and closed it for me.
"You wouldn't want bugs flying in there would you? And don't be so shocked. I suspected it." Maya said proudly.
"Wha… but how?" I asked in a strained voice.
"I said don't fret. I don't care. In fact you guys look great together. Like those Abercrombie and Fitch models." Maya turned her head towards me and giggled. My chin had hit the floor again.
"First of all, I suspected Zac ever since grade eight. A boy like that, dateless, doesn't exist in Whitby. Plus, his closest friends, Scott, Jett, and Shin are all good looking. It's like second nature for Zac to be attracted to good-looking guys. But then again his friends are also unbelievable people. He might not be attracted only by their looks, anymore. He found something deeper hidden behind everything. Everyone who went to our elementary school knows that Zac, Jett, Scott, and Shin are like brothers." Maya let out another sigh, followed by a secret smile.
"But you can't just assume because of something like that," I said with haste. I was nervous, perhaps because I had just outted myself, or maybe I was just being stupid.
Maya giggled, sending melodies into the air. "Of course not, silly. I also noticed it when you first walked into religion class. He was totally focused on you. I had never seen him flustered like that. By then it clicked. Zac had never looked at anyone else the way he looked at you that day. And gradually, I noticed the signs."
"Signs? What signs?"
"You're really bad at this aren't you? I guess I'm just good; I see everything, Kade. I see those looks you give each other. And I saw them more than like fifty times while we were studying. Both of you! And then that little devious game you played with Alicia confirmed it."
I didn't even try to ask more; she would tell me eventually. I saw a little twinkle in her eye, like she was enjoying herself.
"Sorry to say, Kade-hon, but you were acting like a jealous girlfriend. I mean, that's probably something I would try if my boyfriend was being hit on." Maya wore a look of satisfaction. "I take it I'm right, then?"
“A jealous girlfriend?”
"Oh, don't get angry, I didn't mean it like that," Maya said in a playful voice. "I meant that you were doing things that couples usually do when they feel a threat. And I think you handled it quite well."
I just stood trying to hide my embarrassment.
"Maybe you should go into law; maybe become an interrogator or something," I joked.
"Nope, I want to go into physiology," she said proudly.
I grinned. "Well, now it's my turn. I also noticed something. Stop me at any time I'm wrong."
I told Maya a few things I had noticed, and watched her smile fade and her cheeks redden.
"And so… she just left?" I asked.
"Yeah, she said she remembered she had to cook tonight and told us to apologize for her when you came up," Maya said.
I had just walked up the stairs with my dad and noticed Maya and Kayden talking cheerfully over some chips and juice.
"She was really sorry and she said she didn't mean those things she said," Kayden mentioned.
"No, I should apologize, I was out of line, guys. Jett, Scott, and Shin know about my mom, but I should have told you guys, too."
I briefly told them about my mother. Dad went upstairs to get ready to take us out. By the time he was done, I was done. Both Maya and Kayden wore sad expressions, but I told them not to worry about it. I had to learn to live with it. I'm alive with a loving father and friends; far better off than many people.
Dinner was fantastic. We went to a great bar/restaurant called Casey's. They have great ribs and steaks. I had an enjoyable evening in the presence of Maya and Kayden. I was ecstatic that Kayden had joined us. Dad never really had gotten a chance to spend time with Kayden. I was glad Alicia hadn't come. I had a feeling she would have been saying the wrong things again, this time with my dad there.
When our meal came, I noticed Kayden whispering to Maya. She looked up at me and smiled before nodding to Kade. I didn't think it was my business to ask what was up. If it was important, Kayden would tell me. I felt this connection with him, and I didn't feel one bit threatened by Maya. I felt like I had come to a realization today. Maya is like a sister I never had. I felt like throughout the time I've known her, she's acted as sort of an older sister. I always feel her protective-coat presence surround me whenever she's around. My group of friends is growing. I had never been really close to Mai, either, but after she started going out with Shin, she suddenly was so full of life. It was like we had all been friends to begin with. I know people envy me. I have such great friends, like some people only wish to have. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing I have it so easy. Not many people are as fortunate as me.
"Is your steak still alive, Zac? You've been staring at it like it might jump at you," the gruff voice said.
I turned to my dad and smiled. He knew I was probably just lost in thought. Maya and Zac just looked at me, both with smiles plastered across their faces. They were waiting for me.
"Well, it just looks so perfect, I don't think I want to ruin it by eating it," I joked.
"Oh my God, I can't believe you said that. Be a man and eat your steak," Maya laughed.
"Yes, mother."
Dad is great at socializing, and he didn't disappoint me one bit.
"So, you guys signing up for any activities at school?" he asked.
Maya gracefully chewed and swallowed before replying, "I want to join the student council this year. They didn't do a thing for us last year, and I think we have a budget that doesn't do anything. I want high school to be a memorable time in our lives."
"That's amazing. You know, you have a certain charisma about you, Maya. When you talk, there's not a hint of hesitation or doubt. A great characteristic that politicians and lawyers need," Dad said approvingly.
"I know. Typical for a girl, she's like a rock. I mean…" A playful elbow to the side by Maya silenced Kayden.
I let out a cheerful laugh at the sight of that. Maya and Kayden get along really well. Kayden doesn't have a close friend like Jett is to me. Maybe he's found a connection with Maya. That sudden realization hit me with a tidal wave of happiness. I didn't think my smile could get any wider.
"I agree I'm not bad, but I think Kayden might have what it takes to join me," Maya said in a hopeful tone.
"Me? I'm no politician," Kayden argued.
"Come on! You're not doing anything else in school, and each grade has a boy and a girl representative," Maya pleaded.
"But I have kickboxing and karate… I don't think I'm up to the challenge…"
"Give it some thought before you say no, Kade," I said. "It might be a great way to get involved with the school, since you're new."
Kayden looked at me thoughtfully. "I'll consider it, okay?"
Dad just smiled throughout the whole ordeal.
"Are you still swimming, Zac?" my beautiful friend asked.
"Yeah, I actually have my first swim meet in October.”
Kayden chewed on some fries and suddenly asked, "You really love swimming, don't you?"
"Oh yeah. It's my life!" I answered.
Dad chuckled and everyone turned to him.
"I actually have a story of Zac's first time swimming… " He paused.
"Dad!"
"No way, Zac, just sit back and take it like a man," he joked.
Maya and Kayden listened while dad retold the story of my first swim. I just sat back and crossed my arms, looking at the table. I tried not to react, but my lips started to move on their own, and my smile was soon showing. I slowly blushed while Maya and Kayden laughed with my dad. I could feel my face melting off from the heat.
I pushed myself forward, not about to be undone. "Did I tell you guys about the one time dad brought back a girl from a date?"
Dad gave me a surprised look, and then he smiled mischievously, like he was saying "Bring it on!"
I bit my bottom lip at my dad's childish actions. This was war.
I sat on the couch and let out a sigh before stretching. With my arms stretched along the top of the couch, I threw my head back and closed my eyes. The meal had been so filling. After dinner, Dad had gotten an urgent call from work. Some fool messed up some files the day before an important meeting with administration. Dad dropped Maya off at her home, and then Kayden and me.
I didn't even hear him approach; I just felt his lips close onto mine. We shared a quiet kiss. It wasn't rough, just tender and soft. When Kayden pulled back, I opened my eyes and found him staring down at me with a cute grin. I opened my arms to him and he joined me on the couch. We snuggled together, sharing our warmth.
"I can't believe your dad is letting me stay the night. Does he know he left a child with a devil?" Kayden asked, wickedly.
I buried my face into his chest and breathed him in. I closed my eyes and reflected on the day. A sudden thought came to mind.
"Alicia acted weird today, huh?"
I felt Kade tense up.
"You were pretty weird around her, too," I said.
"How so?" Kayden asked. He sounded a bit nervous.
"Well, I don't know. It was like there was something going on between you and her. Whenever she said something she'd look at you and you'd just shrug."
"I don't like her," Kayden said flatly.
I moved off him and looked into his eyes. Still blue.
"Were you jealous?" I asked with a bit of a smile.
Kayden just looked away and remained silent.
"You don't have to be. I would never leave you. Not for a girl. I love you too much," I told him, hoping to put away his doubts.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"That I wouldn't leave you for a girl?" I asked, a bit surprised.
"No. How can you be so sure you love me?" he asked, a bit hesitantly.
I placed my head on his lap and he gently brushed my cheek.
"I don't know. Its like, when you're around, everything is much clearer. I've never felt this way about anyone before. When you're around I feel complete. Sometimes I just want to grab you and kiss you in the hall, but I can't. I want to make you happy. I feel things I've never felt before just by being near you. I know I love you," I said.
I wasn't embarrassed. I didn't feel like I had to be. Without realizing it, I shared my mind with Kayden. I told him exactly how I felt about him. I hoped he felt the same way about me, and I sort of knew he did feel that way.
"I love you, too," he said firmly. "I've never been so attracted to anyone my entire life. I want to tell you everything about myself, but…. And I want to know everything about you. I want to spend every waking moment near you, and every night by your side. Sometimes I lay in bed unable to sleep. I think about you, and I force myself to sleep. Every night I'm tempted to run here to your house and climb in your window just to see you sleeping. I love you, Zac."
I sat up and shared an intimate kiss with him. This time, our mouths fought. Both of us were forceful. Suddenly it was like we both totally agreed on something, because we just kissed deeply. Our tongues danced as we shared our souls.
After what seemed to be an eternity, we broke our kiss. I stretched myself out on the couch, my head in Kade's lap. He brushed my face with his soft hands. I felt like I wanted to do something for him. He reached for the remote and clicked the television on. We were on the first floor in a small television room Dad had set up. For a few minutes we stared at the screen. My mind didn't register what was on the screen. I was totally focused on Kayden.
It felt so right, so I made my move. I turned my head and stared at Kayden and his stomach. I moved my hand to his side, then brushed his chest slowly. He looked down at me with lust-filled eyes. I reached down and put my hand under his shirt. I felt his stomach and made my way to his chest. I then lifted his shirt and exposed his stomach to my face. It was cute. I moved forward and kissed his bellybutton. An innie. I heard Kayden moan and knew I was doing something right.
I sat up and looked into my love's eyes. He was just staring at me. I could feel him lusting for me, as I lusted for him. I smiled and reached for his belt. I stared deep into his eyes, looking for any sign of refusal. As I fumbled with the belt I felt his hands close over mine, his eyes never averting from my own.
"You don't need to do this for me. I don't want to force you to do anything you're not ready for," he said in a sweet, gentle voice.
I felt my heart beat faster. If anything, he made me realize I was doing what I wanted. I wanted this, and his effort to stop me made me want him more.
I smiled and said, "You're not forcing me to do anything. I want to do this. I've wanted to do this ever since I met you. I love you, Kayden." I moved forward and kissed him again. I pulled my face to his ear. "Now relax, and shut up."
"I love you," he whispered.
"I know."
Time disappeared. It was just Kayden and me. We were in a world in our own. I had never felt so strongly about anyone in my life. I just wanted to treat him right. I didn't care about anything else at that moment. I just wanted to make him feel good. I think I did good.
I heard some rustling and I opened my eyes slowly. I suddenly remembered where I was. I was lying on the couch, Kayden's powerful arm over me pulling me close to his semi-naked body. His shirt was flung to the floor, as well as his pants. His boxer briefs were still on, and he was breathing lightly onto my neck. I was still fully clothed, and smiled a bit at what I had done. I felt really special. I'd never felt so much love from or for someone.
As I came to, I looked towards the entrance to the room. My smile faded into horror. I wasn't ready for what I saw. Surprise masked his face. I didn't know what to think. What did he think?
My voice trembled as I slowly got up. Kayden released me in his sleep and turned away from me.
"Scott... what are you doing here?"
I want to thank my friends Eddie and Aaron for their editing of this chapter. Aaron is the youngest crewmember at www.themailcrew.com, which is a great site created by teens for teens.
© 2004 Ryan Keith
E-mail is always appreciated. It gives me feedback on how many people are reading my story.^^ Wouldn't want to write a story no one is reading. Anyways, have a great summer. Special thanks to Aaron and The Mail crew. Thanks so much, guys, I really appreciate it, and to my other buddy, Eddie.^^ Their comments and help have made this chapter possible.^^
Copyright 2004 Ryan Keith