Kayden and Zac

by Ryan Keith

Chapter 9 - A Thin Line

I was annoyed to no end. No matter what I tried, none of my plans were working. I like to think I'm all calculating and stuff, but I was literally getting pissed off. Why did someone like Zac get a fucking guardian angel? All I want is Kayden. That's not much. There are better looking guys in the world, but Kayden is one of a kind, and I’m going to have him.

"Whoa, why you looking so pissed?" Jett asked. He’d just come out of my bathroom, wearing sweats.

Thank God for that hot beast. Having him around sure beats going to downtown Toronto to pick up guys. Unlike most guys I've been with, Jett can satisfy my needs.

We were back on talking terms, I guess. We never really got that whole March break problem solved; it was more like we just ignored it. I could see from his point of view why he'd be upset if I wasn’t using protection, but he’d completely blown it out of proportion. I was so horny that I didn't even care about the argument we’d had a few weeks earlier. My need was satisfied for the moment.

"So, you work with Kayden now, huh?" Jett asked as he relaxed into the seat next to mine.

"Yup," I said, turning to him. "You should have seen his face when he saw me at the dojo. He wasn't angry; just more surprised than anything."

Jett gave me a leveled look. "And why would I…"
"Don't get so worked up," I cut in. "I was just testing. Didn't know if you were going soft or not."

Jett was acting different. When I’d first met him, he had been really gentle and exuded a leadership quality or something. It seemed like I’d corrupted him. He was a lot more…bad.

"Well, you did come back, didn't you? I knew you couldn't stay away."
"I just came to pick up that sweater I left last time, and you jumped on me," he said hotly.

"Whatever." I shrugged. "Let's just accept that we both have needs and until we can feast on our longtime goals, we can use each other to get rid of our sexual frustration."

Jett didn't seem to be listening to me. He just wordlessly watched the television.

After a while, he started up. "Pet? What a joke! I'm not the one begging for dick!"

It sounded like he was picking a fight, so I jumped right in. "Are you saying I'm the pet?"

"Hell no!" Jett retorted contemptuously. "I actually want it to be with someone special. I'm not so cheap I’ll give it to the first guy I meet."

"You were a virgin when we first did it, though," I accused. "And the locker room isn't really special, either."

"Yeah, but I've gotten blowjobs from girls before." Jett grinned. "Shit, I can't believe I'm telling you this. If my sisters ever heard me say that, they'd wash my mouth with soap."
I was actually disappointed. For a moment, I thought I was going to explore where no man had gone before…or woman, for that matter. That would have been a treat, taking Jett's cherry.

I guess he wants to give it to Zac. What a waste. I doubt Zac could even satisfy Kayden. Poor Kayden, he must be suffering from the worst case of blue balls. I bet Zac’s holding out on him. Zac's too goody-two-shoes to even have his name mentioned in the same sentence as sex. I doubt they've even had a deep kiss, but if they have, Kayden probably doesn't know there’s better. Once he's had Brad, though, he'll keep coming back for more. Just like Jett. That’ll be the life! Having Kayden and Jett all to myself.

I sighed. "Yeah. Order some pizza, will you?"
"Pizza? Whoa! What happened to eating practically nothing?"

"I indulge myself once in a while, asshole," I shot back. "And it's not that I don't eat. I just don't eat much crap food, but pizza happens to be one thing I like."

I sat there wondering if that was what it’s like to have friends. I had been really skeptical when I came back to Whitby, but the high school is much different from the one I went to in Vancouver. No one really hung out at each other's house there, not that I knew of, anyway. All of my so-called friends only hung around me because I had money. Whenever they needed something, they came to me. Of course, everything had a price.

Whitby is different. I had never met anyone like Phil or Joe, or even Jett. It was like they treated me as a real person. Maybe people like them existed back in that brat high school, but were too intimidated by me. If this is what friends do, then I want friends. It’s going to take a long time to convince Phil and Joe that I'm not the asshole they think I am.

I avoided my friends all morning. I didn't want to deal with anything. My mom had told me that morning that she was pregnant, and truth be told, I wasn't too happy about it. I tried not to show it, but she knew. It's her life and all, but I wasn’t sure what kind of role model she was trying to be. It seemed like she was telling me it was all right to go around and…and… God!

The woman I know as my aunt is a completely different woman when she goes out with that…that man!

She’s always been careful and cautious about everything she does. She always makes sure I’m comfortable at home and worries when I stay out too late. Then she goes and does something like getting pregnant!

I wasn't too angry. I knew she was happier. During the time I've lived with her, it seems like she’s was just been living for me. Everything has always seemed to center around me, and I began to wonder if she really enjoyed my company that much. I love her and all, but she hasn’t really made many friends in Whitby.

But then, I did something like bring her to that Kevin guy. All of a sudden, she's singing in the morning, glowing like a high school girl, and talking the ear off me. And about time! I loved the old Diana who was like a mom, but I love the new one even more. Now she’s like an older sister. She’s so much more fun and exciting. I guess it was just a shocker when she did something I'd never expect.

When I found out she’s Zac's mom, I was starting to wonder if it was right to call her Mom anymore. For a long time, she felt like a mom, but I had to face the truth. She isn’t my mom. She’s Diana, my aunt and my guardian. I want to love her for who she is, not for being my mother's shadow.

I think the night I talked with Zac was when I finally came to that understanding. I was just happy that she was happy. It was like she had started living for something else, instead of just for me, and that felt good.

I couldn't stay away from our group forever; I knew that. But I also knew that the moment Zac and I saw each other we'd be at each other's throat, trying to blame the other parent instead of our own. Naturally, Mai found me during lunch.

"Come on, Lenne," Mai said, sliding beside me. "Stop being so secretive. I know. Zac told everyone. You should have seen him, though; he was so mad."

"Fault? God, you and Zac really are cousins. Why do you both keep thinking it's someone's fault?"

"It's just that…"
"A new baby is supposed to be a cause for happiness, not depression. I mean, the adults seem happy, so why aren't you guys?"

"It's not like they're still in high school. They're adults, and both of them have respectable jobs!"

"But my aunt’s going to stop working so she can take care of that baby when it's born!"

It hit me that she hadn’t seemed one bit upset. In fact, she was happy. The happiest I've ever seen her.

"Fucking finally! Now that I’ve gotten through to you, let's pray Kayden's done the same for Zac. I swear, you guys are so alike it's scary."

I felt myself smiling. Despite my relationship with Zac, I realized I really do care about him. We’re cousins, and before long, we’re going to be living together. I was hoping maybe that would finally bring us closer. Mai was right, if they’re happy, Zac and I should be happy for them.

Kayden walked into the cafeteria with Zac in tow. I looked at him and he looked at me. We shyly turned away from each other. It was going to take some getting used to, but it was going to be great, nonetheless.

That was the end of it. My last fight with Zac had lasted a week and a bit. This one lasted maybe four hours, and no words were exchanged. Friends are priceless.

Our final project for the communications class was a success. We ended up being the last team to show their video, but it was worth the wait. I'd say the effort we put into ours surpassed everyone else’s. We had everything. It was Kayden's idea to do a commercial about a game. He had a vision for re-enacting certain aspects of a game and making it into a commercial, with real game footage and great music clipped into it.

"I can't believe he chewed us out for that!" Scott said angrily as we left the class.

"I told you guys we shouldn't have recorded parts of it in school," Kayden said. "Just be glad he didn't suspend any of us."

"I guess so. I should start studying for the test I have on Friday. I don't think Mr. Sergeant likes me,” I said.

"I don't think it's possible for him to like anyone," Kayden stated. "For a while, I thought he was okay. I even thought he was funny, at the beginning. He's secretly out to get me, though."

I knew that was true enough for Zac, too. I've seen the glare he gets from Mr. Sergeant when he walks me to class sometimes.

Jett, Shin and Scott, who were talking about other things, turned in our direction.

"Wow, you're starting to sound like Maya," Jett joked, smacking Scott’s back. "Let loose for a bit. We’re only grade in 10. I'll go, Zac."

"And I'll go. You still have my game," Shin said, pointing at Zac. "I want it back!"

"I guess I can study later tonight. That's all I have to do…study," I told Zac.

I couldn't believe that woman. We just got out of class and she was already packed and ready to head home.

Maya looked all of us over and nodded. "Yeah, not a prob. But while they're going to have fun, I'm going to be working on my homework. And you said yesterday that we were going to study after school today."

"You know," Zac cut in, "engineers are known to procrastinate. They study best at night."

"All right, let's go. My test isn't until Wednesday, and my friends come first," Scott announced.

"I knew you'd say that," Maya said, smiling angelically. "Let's wait for Mai, she wants to come along."

"Well, it's pretty obvious that you're upset with your dad," Maya said, rolling her eyes. "I knew you'd want us to come over so you wouldn't have to deal with him, or something. Shin and Jett already explained it all to me."

"Who knows, maybe we can both be mad at your dad," I said as we started to walk.

"Anyone else thinking this is déjà vu? Better be careful, guys," Kayden said, glancing between Scott and Shin.

I couldn't believe he’d said that. I knew Mai and Shin were sexually active, because Mai had told me. I saw the eyes of all the others open in shock and, from the guys, admiration.

Poor Maya looked so embarrassed. I put an arm around her. "Don't worry. We're among friends. I don't think Scott has it in him, anyways. Can you imagine what your brother might do to him if he got you pregnant?"

That brought her smile out. We both laughed as the guys were bickering about who would be the last one of them to remain a virgin.

"I've never gone all the way with a woman, either," Jett announced, almost proudly. "No worries, Scott."

"Really?" I looked at Jett approvingly. "Such a ladies’ man, Jett. Girls find that hot!"

Zac and Kayden turned away from each other, both looking bashful. That was cute.

"I'm doomed," Scott whispered. "I'm going to be the last of us guys to have sex. Shin was the first… I can’t believe it."

I didn't want to tell him we were heading to Zac's house without inviting him, but I couldn't invite someone else to Zac's house.

The look that crossed Phil's face was a mix of happiness and confusion. It was a messed-up look.

"Uh, I have a lot of work to do, man," Phil answered unsteadily. "Maybe another time."

"Yeah, sure, no prob. Oh, by the way, I was wondering if I can photocopy the first page of your math notes from this morning. I was working on something else," Zac said.

"Cool," Zac nodded. "Guys, I just need to go copy something. I'll meet you out front, okay?"

Everyone nodded or agreed in one form or another, letting Phil and Zac take off.

I watched Zac walking alongside Phil. "Zac is such a nice guy, isn’t he? I guess Kevin raised him right. That new baby is going to be such an angel."

As I walked away from the crowd, Phil hesitantly followed me. I turned around to watch him and noticed he nearly jumped back at my sudden movement.

He blushed, and I realized that he looked kinda cute in a geekish sort of way. With some physical buildup and a bit more sun, he could be a really good-looking guy.

"When you approached me before, I thought you were trying to threaten me or something," I explained. "I didn't realize…" I paused. "I'm sorry I snapped at you the way I did. I can’t know where you're coming from, but I do know that losing someone that important to you must have been really hard."

Phil's eyes suddenly went dull, as if he’d heard that a million times from other people.

"I guess this Zeke means as much to you as Kayden means to me. Your hunch was right. Kayden and I are gay."

"No, wait!" I reached out to grab his shoulder just as he turned back around to face me. The result was that I knocked his glasses aside and poked him in the eye.

"Agh!" he gasped in a very startled manner as he fell backwards onto the ground.

I crouched down to see if he was okay. "Oh, jeez, man, I am so sorry. I didn't mean…"

            "No! It's not all right, dude. Man, I just poked you in the eye! How can you be okay with that?"
            Phil looked at me, covering one eye with his hand. "It was an accident, right? You didn't mean to poke my eye out."
            When I noticed he was smiling, I knew he was okay.

"Dammit, man, don't act so scared around me," I told him, shaking my head. “Come on."

I opened my hand to him to help him up. He seemed hesitant at first so I just grabbed him and pulled him up.

"Listen, buddy," I said calmly, "I obviously didn't realize the complexity of the situation, so let me try to defuse it, okay?"

"All right... Uh, what were we talking about?" I was just kidding, but I had to get him laughing. It worked, and the situation didn't seem so awkward anymore.

"Ah, yeah. No one knows about us except our close friends and Brad, but we didn't come out to Brad intentionally. I'm a bit uncomfortable with people knowing right now, so I'm just keeping it a secret among friends."

"And I guess when you approached me with all those questions about Kayden and stuff, I thought you were, like, someone who was trying to blackmail me or something. I didn't realize that you, uh, that you…"

"It's really all right, Zac." Phil smiled brightly at me. "I'm not that crushed. I found you attractive and began wondering whether you were or not." He was avoiding the word 'gay' altogether.

"I was just thinking a moment ago that if you changed your look and stuff, you'd be really good looking. I'm sure you'd attract a lot of guys. Now that you're out, they'll be approaching you with confidence."

"No, I mean it! And if anyone ever gives you shit, you tell me, okay? If people know that guys like Jett and me have your back, then they won't mess with you."

Phil sighed. "You guys are just…so amazing. You don't know how much this means to me. Thanks, Zac. I haven't gotten much crap from people. Just a few snickers here and there. Joe's been a real sport about it. He told me pretty much the same thing you did."
I had totally forgotten about Joe.

It was like a bulb went on over Phil's head. "I knew you guys were holding hands, but Joe told me I was seeing things. And after I came out, I told him about, umm, my crush on you. He told me to forget about it. I guess he knew you were taken."

"Joe's a great guy. Sounds like he's taking you under his wing." I smiled at him. It was a good thing. Joe was exactly the kind of person Phil needed to be around; it would boost his self-confidence.

"I'm surprised that he hasn’t joined your rank of friends," Phil said, fixing his glasses.

"Yeah, but you all look so right together. Everyone is envious of your friendship with one another. I know you guys are nice to everyone and stuff. It's not like you belong to a clique, but the way you guys are, around each other, people hesitate to approach you."

That was something new I had to think more about. I didn't think my friends and I were like that. Maybe we were mindlessly discriminating against other people without realizing it.

"I know. It's hard to explain. There's nothing wrong with you or your friends. You're all normal, I agree. And together, you guys show what true friendship is all about. I want something like that, and I think Joe and I could become like you guys, in time. He's such a funny guy."

"I had to speak to you, somehow, and I didn't want to embarrass you. I think I pulled it off okay."

"I hope I am. I don't like having enemies. And making an enemy of a guy who will one day build the planes I ride in is not a good idea. Oh, and I might be having a party soon. You’d better come."

I felt great! I didn't initially plan to have another party, but the thought popped into my head and it was a sure way of knowing that Phil was all right with me. He did get me thinking, though; my friends are something else.

When we got to my house, we fooled around in the basement. Maya opened up her books to start homework while Mai looked through my CD collection until she found one she liked. Eventually, she joined Maya in doing homework. Jett and Shin raided my fridge and cabinets for food to bring down, while Kayden played our copy of the commercial to show Lenne his pains. I just played pool with Scott until we got bored.

Eventually, we had all broken out the books and started on homework. I kept watching the clock on the wall, counting down until Dad would get home. When he did, he entered the basement with someone behind him.

Kayden has been around so often that Dad makes sure to cook extra, just in case he shows up.

"I don't think I can feed all of you with the food in the fridge, so how about we order pizza?"

I didn't comment. I turned my attention back to my books as I tried to ignore my dad and Diana.

"I gotta get going too, Zac," Mai said to me. "My family always eats together. You know them Asian parents."

Dad glared at me. It wasn't really a glare; it was more of a look. "Well, because of someone's big mouth, the wedding won’t be until sometime in August. Zac's grandmother made all kinds of threats of never talking to me again if we just go to City Hall and sign papers. Personally, I wouldn't mind not hearing from her, but then Zac's grandpa also said he wants to do a wedding thing."

Dad did something that totally annoyed me, for some reason. He pulled Diana close to him and smiled. "Yup. Right here with this lucky lady."

Diana just rolled her eyes, but when she saw me staring at her, she suddenly became a bit timid.

"Doesn't the church need you to wait like a year or something?" Lenne asked, sounding almost as bitter as I felt.

I turned to her and felt a connection. We both were bitter about the whole thing. I realized she was my only ally in the matter.

"Not if you know the priest. The same person who baptized Zac is doing our wedding. He knew Diana and me when we first met," Dad informed us.

"I thought we'd have dinner here, Lenne," Diana told her. "Will that be all right?"

Just then, the doorbell rang, which meant that Scott's ride was there. He would also be dropping Maya, Shin and Mai. I really didn't feel like doing homework, so I packed up as well.

With only Jett, Kayden, Lenne and me left behind, Kayden managed to pull me away and beg me to quit being so bitter. I think Jett did the same with Lenne.

I felt the chunk of pizza lodge in my throat as I tried to swallow with all my might. I began coughing and both Jett and Kayden tried to help me.

Both Kayden and Jett kept quiet and seemed a bit clueless on what to do. I could sense that neither of them was happy with Lenne and me.

"Well," Dad said, clearing his throat. "Diana and I did discuss this beforehand. We really didn't realize how strongly you both are against this. We understand, though. It's probably best if we don’t get married."

"We're not going to force you two to be happy for us, and Kevin and I would rather see you happy than miserable. We can always have split custody of our child," Diana explained.

"But, I thought you guys were against all this. Isn't this what you both want?" Dad asked me.

I turned to Lenne. I could tell even she was scared. Our parents were putting us before their own happiness.

"Dad…" I started, trying hard to piece together what I wanted to say. "I wasn't serious about not wanting you too marry her. I was being childish. It's just that… " I turned to Lenne, wondering why we were against it in the first place.

"It's just that you guys sort of overwhelmed us with all this," Lenne finished for me. "I mean, we're teens! We're not used to this many changes in such a short amount of time."

"We want this as much as you two do," I told them. "I’m sorry for acting so childish."

"We're sorry for placing all this on you two." Diana smiled in spite of her tears. "Thank you both for understanding."

"I can't believe we pulled that off," I told Diana after the kids took off. "I almost screwed up, though."

"But they won't." I smiled, thinking. "It's so predictable how Zac thinks. Probably because I'm his father."

"Well, it's probably a good idea you guys keep all this to yourself," Jett said, striding into the kitchen. "You never know who's around the corner." He grabbed a glass and proceeded to fill it with water. He was smiling.

I was surprised to see Jett, but I kept that hidden. "I heard your giant footsteps, you big ogre, and I knew you'd be cool with it."

Diana was more worried. "Oh, Jett, please don't tell Zac or Lenne. I- I swear we didn't mean to deceive them."

I knew Jett was weak against the ladies, and Diana didn't understand how well her charm had worked on the growing boy.

He blushed and looked away. "N-no, I’m not going to tell them. It would just screw things up again. I know you guys did it for their sake. I know that more than they do."

I watched as Diana smiled at him. "Thank you, Jett. You really are a great friend to Zac and Lenne."

"Uh, yeah, well, I should get back. I'll see ya guys later." He took off to the basement.

It was pure hell. Instead of doing something fun with my friends, I was stuck with Alicia on the stupid date I’d promised her. It was going to be a simple dinner and movie, but I’d had to turn down my hot Kade for her.

I was leaning on an elbow, waiting for the food to arrive. At times like that, I'd usually be the one starting the conversation. That was the last thing I wanted to do with Alicia. She seems like a nice girl, but she really does know how to talk someone's ear off. We’ve had some differences of opinion, and I had snapped at her once, but that was long over.

"Hey, Zac?" She folded her hands and placed her chin against them. "How about we, like, go out?"

The sudden mention of steady dating caused me to spew water back into my cup, splashing some on my face.

"Then what's the problem? Like, I seriously don't think you've given me a fair chance. Lenne hogged you the whole time at the dance!"

"And I think if you give me a chance you'll see that we’re meant to be. Just a week. If you still feel nothing for me, then we'll break up!"

I knew there was no way I could make her understand. I had to resort to other means. "I don't find you attractive. I already know what you're like, and I know we’re not compatible…at all!"

"Oh, shut up!" Alicia rolled her eyes. "Do NOT give me that crap. What the hell is wrong with you? Are you, like, not normal or something?" She was looking at me like she expected an answer. "I'm practically giving myself to you, you ass!"

I sat back and looked around. Alicia's voice certainly had gotten the attention of everyone near us.

"No!" she flared through clenched teeth. "I don't know why I bother with you. You are so impossible! It's like you're a kid who'd rather play with toys than date normal people. Well, you know what?" She stood up as she grabbed her purse and jacket. "You can play your games all you want. Someone like you will be lonely forever, Zac! You make me sick!"

I looked around again and noticed young couples looking at me with amusement. I smiled back and waited for the waitress.

"No, don’t cancel it. I'll take both dinners to go." I smiled and shook my head. "I'm just glad that it's finally over. Maybe I can breathe easier, now."

I sat back and allowed myself to be on display for a few more minutes while the waitress boxed the meals. At least I can take them back to Kayden's place.

I was surprised to see Scott and Shin at Kayden's house when I got there. Mai, Lenne and Maya had gone shopping for bras or something. Whatever it was, Maya was uncomfortable with having any of the guys go with them, so they dropped them off at Kayden's house.

"Where else?" Scott answered while going through the boxes of food I’d brought. "It's either hockey, hiding out with that mystery girl, or being a slave to his sisters. I swear, that guy has as much free time as your dad."

"Shin's convinced he can mentally stop a light from changing, just in time for the car he's in to run through. Oh, and he thinks he could make it change, too, at the snap of his fingers," Scott explained while chewing on a dinner roll.

I turned to Scott, who ginned and grabbed the roll back. He then took one of the boxes, my dinner, and dipped the roll in the spaghetti sauce.

"I swear it's true. I'll show you when I get the chance, Zac," Shin said excitingly.

"It's not that," my boyfriend replied. "He's just convinced that his concentration is stronger than mine, since he does kendo."

"I am stronger!" Shin exclaimed. "Karate is more aggression-based. Kendo, you need patience and the ability to feel what's all around you."

Shin just shook his head and smiled. "You don't understand, Kayden. That’s okay; it's not important."

From the looks of it, Shin was talking to a little kid, and that was ticking Kayden off. It wasn't serious, but he was reacting similar to the way Scott acts when Shin pisses him off.

"We're meeting them at Maya's house," Scott said, looking at his watch. "Shin, we should start heading there now."

"Splitting up," Scott answered. "Maya wants me to hang a bit at her place. Mai and Shin are going somewhere else. We'll send Lenne here if she has nowhere else to go."

"Fine. Tell her to come over when she's done at Maya's. We'll watch a movie or something."

Scott had eaten half of my dinner before he took off with Shin. I turned to Kayden and he smiled. "Didn't think your date would be over so soon."

"Alicia wants us to date seriously. I said ‘no’, and she stormed out on me. I don't regret it. It got me back here earlier."

"It's good. Hurry with dinner so we can have some dessert."
It was corny, and I laughed, but sure enough, I did eat faster.

We were lying in Kayden's bed and he was twirling my hair in his fingers. My usually short, spiked hair had grown longer. I really needed a haircut.

I sighed. After several moments, something that I’d been wondering about for some time popped into my head. "Hey, why did you start doing karate?"

"I'll always remember. It was a late afternoon and I was walking home from school. Both my parents were working late, so I just walked home. There was this kid who was always teased at school. These bullies in my grade were picking on him and I saw them push him down. Usually there would be a teacher nearby who I could tell and make them stop. But it was after school and there were no adults around."

Kayden seemed upset as he told me the story. I remained quiet but watched his face carefully.

"I tried to stop them, but I was too weak. They ended up kicking my ass, too. The kid I tried to protect blamed me afterwards. He said they beat him more since I tried to protect him. He said he hated me."

"But it was my fault that he was hurt even more. If I had been stronger, I would have been able to protect him."

"But instead of just watching on the sidelines, you stood up for him. Even if at the time he didn’t understand, I'm sure deep down he was grateful."

Kayden smiled at me. "Thanks, Zac. I realized I couldn't help anyone as long as I was weak. I wanted to learn how to fight. So, I asked my parents, and my father introduced me to his friend who owned a karate dojo. I trained under him."

"I had a few scuffles with them. I walked away with bruises and cuts, but I wasn't the worst looking at the end of the fights." Kayden's smile plastered his face.

I felt so proud of Kayden. Even as a child, he had had a sense of pride and justice.

"My sensei used to tell me that the martial arts are a weapon, but a weapon to protect those important to us. That instead of being a sword, we are to use it as a shield to protect our loved ones and ourselves. I keep his words in my heart, even now."

"But, I have used it to hurt people, like Ted. I'm not proud of that, Zac."
"It's all right. That's history." I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of Kayden.

I was yawning as I noticed a girl approach us. We were doing drama activities in random groups. I was with Brad and a guy named George, who is a pretty funny guy when he's not angry.

"Have you guys seen Zac?" the girl asked when she reached us. "He's supposed to be in my group."

I hadn’t seen Zac that morning, but Kayden had told me he had early swim practice.

"He probably slept in," I told the girl. "I would, but my parents are always on my ass."

"Zac?" George said, turning his attention from Brad to the girl. "He's going to be late. Swim practice. My tier finished up early, but he had to stay behind."

The moment was ruined by an annoying scoff from Brad. "Surprised that guy can even swim, with all that air in his head."

I usually don’t comment when people insult my friends. I suddenly smiled, though. I couldn't help it. It was too funny.

George apparently didn't appreciate it, though. "Oh, so you saying you could do better?"

"Well, I'm not on the swim team or anything, but I could probably beat your time, too, if I got serious about it," Brad said, staring mockingly at George.

I stayed quiet, but I could tell that George wasn't going to leave it at that. Even the girl seemed to be annoyed at Brad.

"You're so full of yourself, you know that, Brad?" George raised his voice. "I remember way back when you swam with a t-shirt on. I mean, you were so fat you didn't even need a life jacket."

Brad's smile faded instantly. George was treading on something I knew Brad wasn't too keen on remembering.

The girl who had approached us appeared to enjoy the news quite a bit. "Oh, really?"

I noticed several people were close by as George went on. "Yeah, really. Brad was just a spoiled brat that no one wanted to be around.”

George looked at Brad and continued; “I don't even know why Zac stuck up for you when he did. If it was up to me, I'd have let those guys kick your whiney ass. It might have taught you a lesson."
"Wait, what's all this about?" another guy poked in.

By then, half the class was listening in, the other half being directed by the teacher at the other side of the large classroom.

"Hey, anyone else notice Brad being really mean to Zac? What's up with that?" I heard someone say behind me.

Brad was getting the worst kind of attention, the judgmental kind. His classmates were talking about him, and it was a little harsher than idle criticism.

"I heard that Brad was rude to the girls who paid to be with him during the dance. They were first years, and I sorta feel bad they didn't know how much of an asshole he is," I heard someone tell another girl.

Brad was glaring all around the room. I noticed him swallowing. His anger was very evident, but he was trapped. As confident and smart-mouthed as Brad can be, he couldn't evade that situation.

I felt it was my position to step in; he'd had enough. "Guys, don't say stuff like that. Gossip isn't cool."

The girl who’d just made the last comment about Brad turned to me and then looked downwards. Sometimes it pays real well to be the quiet guy when things become serious. People tend to understand, the moment they cross the line.

By then, Brad was really red in the face. "You guys just hate me because I'm gay. You're all a bunch of homophobes. Fuck all of you!"

He turned to me and shook his head. "No, fuck you, too, Shin." He paused for a moment and then laughed. "I see it now, all you guys hate me because I'm gay." He turned to the girls. "And you girls are pissed because you know you have no chance with me. You're pissed I can't even get it up for you ugly sluts."

The entire room was swept into silence. Our teacher seemed uncertain on how to react to Brad's behavior.

Brad grinned that cruel smile of his as he headed towards the center of the room. "Well, here's news for you guys. Zac’s gay, too!" He turned and looked into every person's face. I was already making my move towards him. "That's right, that ass you all admire is a fudge packer. He's a fag, just like me!"

The result of Brad's outburst had already had an effect in everyone in the room. I could see that Mrs. Reynolds was about to cry because of the crisis on her hands.

George stepped forward. He was angry, but I could tell the news got to even him. "You're just spewing shit from your mouth again. Even if it was true, it wouldn't change the fact that Zac's a more decent person than you'll ever be."

The reaction from George surprised me. I knew he wouldn't truly take Brad's word until he heard it from Zac, and his confidence in Zac had a ripple effect.

"Everyone already knows you're an asshole, Brad," one of the girls said, crossing her arms. "Quit blaming other people for your problems."

There seemed to be a mutual agreement around the room. Everyone glared at Brad. It was too much for him, and he took off. I watched him leave, and felt something icy crawl up my back. As I turned my attention towards the class, every eye was on me.

I almost swallowed my tongue when Zac showed up at that moment. He walked in like it was just a normal day. The entire class had their eyes on him. Our drama teacher had come to her senses and realized that Brad was way out of line and she had taken off after him. She had been powerless to stop Brad’s outburst, and the damage was done.

I was about to step forward when a girl suddenly pushed passed me and ran up to Zac.

"Even if it's true, I still like you, Zac," she blurted out. Zac's face went white. "If anyone says anything, I'll set them straight. I mean, I'll correct them, not set them straight... I didn't mean that…"

I don't know how Shin did it, but he managed to gather all my friends after drama class. Even though the class had promised to keep my secret, I knew that several of them really couldn't keep their mouths shut.

We walked into the cafeteria. More eyes were watching me. I knew some of my friends were missing class, because it wasn’t their lunch period, and I was grateful that they were worried about me. They formed a protective barrier around me as we walked to our table.

"Don't worry, Zac," Scott whispered, cutting his eyes across the cafeteria, "no one will dare say anything."

Several people shot up around me. Not only my friends, but I noticed George and several others from my drama class glaring around the cafeteria. Joe was speed walking through the tables trying to find out who had said it. He had been sitting with Phil, who had a torn look across his face as he watched me.

"I don't think I can do this," I told my friends. My stomach felt like it had been tossed into a paint shaker.

"You need to, Zac," Maya urged me. "You need to show your face to let people know you aren't going to shy away from any of this."

"She's right," Kayden said. "People won't let you rest if they know this bothers you."

"Believe it or not, I don't think Brad is the only person who has it out for Zac," Lenne said. I looked around and noticed how true that was. Several people were glaring at us, and others were simply laughing at us.

"You think I'm worried about people finding out?" he challenged with his voice rising.

Alarms rang in my head. "Hey, I was joking. Really, Kade. Don't take it seriously."

He just stared at me while our friends looked a bit uneasy. "No…" Kayden shook his head. "You think I'm hiding… You think I'm scared."

He pushed closer me and I was powerless to stop him. I closed my eyes, half expecting him to kiss me in front of all those people. When nothing happened, I opened my eyes and saw my friends staring past me. I turned around and saw Kayden on the stage at the end of the cafeteria. People all around were watching him. The teacher on lunch duty was making her way towards him, because the stage is off limits during lunches. I stood numbly, wondering what Kayden intended to do.

"Can I have your attention, please!" Kayden shouted to the crowd. He suddenly had everyone's attention.

"As all of you are curious, I’ll tell you that the rumor you've been hearing about Zac is true."

My surroundings started to sway. I couldn't believe what Kayden was doing. I saw my friends walking towards him, and I didn’t try to stop them. I was hoping Jett or someone could do something.

"He's not the only one in this school, so everyone should just back off. If you have a problem with Zac, then you have a problem with me. And I'll kick anyone's ass who thinks they can get away with hassling my boyfriend!"

Jett took the stage. "You all know that Zac is my best friend, so if any one of you gives him problems, you’ll answer to me."

"If I hear any of you girls spread rumors that aren't true, you better watch yourself. That means you, Alicia." Lenne stared at Alicia's table, where she sat looking furious.

I had never seen Jett threaten anyone, but I knew that was what he was doing. Jett and Kayden were threatening the whole school. I noticed Maya, Scott, Shin and Mai scanning the cafeteria with sharp eyes. They were trying to distinguish friend from foe. I was stuck, unmoving, at our table. I felt several eyes on me, but it was just too much.

I heard clapping. I turned to the sound and saw Joe clapping and smiling. Beside him, Phil also started clapping. In no time, half the cafeteria was clapping. I turned to my friends and saw them all smiling at me. I was embarrassed, but I couldn't have been any prouder of them.

What a load of bullshit. Suspended for three days. It wasn’t like I was spreading rumors. It was all true. The worst of it was that my sister was called from work. She almost kicked my ass in the principal's office. I didn't hear the end of it until after we went to my place.

"Well, you're acting like one. What's with you? You're not the type to spread rumors."

"I wasn’t spreading rumors!" I shot back. "It's all true. It was pissing me off that people idolized Zac because they all thought he was straight. Everyone still treats me like shit. It's all the same, everywhere I go. People are nice to me only when they want something. Everyone hates fags."

"I don't think it's because you're gay, Brad," Kristen replied. "I'm sorry to say it, but you are one stuck up brat!"

It was useless arguing with Kristen. No matter what I said, she had something to counter it.

"You realize you've basically screwed yourself into a corner, right? That guy may get all of the attention now that he’s been outted, but you're going to be known as the person who outted him. People won't want to associate with you."

She glared at me but I shrugged it off. She grabbed her purse from the sofa. I watched her open the door and I saw Jett standing on the other side of it with a scary appearance.

My sister simply looked up at him, turned to me, and then turned back to him. "Good luck. Maybe you can get through to this idiot."

He glared at me, but I silenced him. I realized where I'd gone wrong. I had become careless. I let my guard down and I got burned. It won't happen again, though.

What’s up! Hopefully you’re not pushed into a corner like I am. I’m on my reading week. I used to think it was my version of a March Break, but…nope. Coming back, I have 4 midterms, 6 assignments (Two which are in the same class!), 1 presentation (40 min, and I’m Project Manager, so you can imagine the work load in that itself), 1 lab to write (+doing a three hour lab the Monday I get back), and let’s not forget I work part time :P

So I have a week to get the assignments and projects out of the way, but truthfully, I’m screwed. Every reading week I claim on finishing all my work, but it never happens, lol.

But enough of my life; I posted a new picture of Brad incase you guys didn’t notice. He represents more of the cocky Brad I had in mind (The people in the photos are in no way gay or straight- I just happen to depict them as characters in my stories.

This chapter is a bit normal. I guess now that Zac’s out, it makes his life more complicated. How cliché. Zac was forced with a situation most of us would have hated. Lucky for him he’s got his friends. I feel I really showed that in this chapter, so I’m quite proud of it. This one was a bit long in coming out because my writing is crap (no really!) and took me a long time to go through it and fix all the dry stuff I had originally. Let’s not forget the wonders of Aaron, he takes rocks and make em into diamonds!

Brad seems to be plotting things like usual. His plans more or less can be executed perfectly, and it seems like the ones he makes on whim (such as outing Zac) backfires on him. So here’s a challenge for you guys. Discuss (in the yahoo group I guess-http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OneLifeAndMore/) or to me in e-mail of what you think Brad’s new plot will be.

I guess there should be a prize associated with this, lol.
Fine… The one The Mail Crew and I find most creative/amusing/funny will have the next chapter of Zac and Kayden e-mailed to them, few days before the actual release. Of course no one will know who won until the next chapter is released so you guys can’t seek him/her out :P

Thanks to my editor Aaron and thanks to that gang of his at The Mail Crew for hosting my stories. They do great work, so be sure to check out their site. They’ve got awesome stories by very talented authors.