Chapter 12 - Receding Shadow… Kayden

 

 

***Zac***

 

       The stay at my extended family's house ended up turning out not too badly.

       Norm and I even managed to sleep in the same room, days after our fistfight. I didn’t bother him and he didn’t bother me. I knew what my relatives thought about my dad and me, and I couldn't have cared less. I was actually surprised by Uncle Terry’s and his son Julian's congenial behavior. There was definitely tension in the house, but they refused to be a part of it.

       Julian hung out with Jett, Lenne and me, instead of with Norm. Apparently, Norm had found Julian's weight gain displeasing and had given him the boot when he met up with his friends the day we went to the mall. That’s typical of a guy like Norm. I was glad to get to know at least one of my cousins better. Julian and I even exchanged e-mail addresses and made plans to hang out again before the start of the next school term. 

       After we returned to Whitby, the rest of the month went by without anything eventful happening. Scott was being as needy as I'd ever seen him. When Maya finally came back, I had Dad drop Scott off at her house to get him off my back.

       Jett and I hung out as usual, and we spent a lot of time training together. He didn't swim much, but he biked and ran hard with me. With both Dad and Jett working me non-stop, I really felt like I was getting faster.

       I didn't see much of Shin and Mai. They were off doing God knows what. Shin did surprise me with random visits. Sometimes, he trailed behind Jett and me when we went running or biking. He usually got bored, though, and took off.

       As for Lenne, I saw her almost daily. Diana often came over for whatever reason, and she always brought Lenne. They even stayed over a few times, and I enjoyed those nights. It was slowly sinking in what living with those two would be like. Diana is a great cook, and whenever she came over we always had great food.

 

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

       Finally, I would soon be reunited with Kayden. I literally hadn’t slept much the night before. We had stayed up late talking on the phone. Kayden and his two training partners were already in Ottawa. They’d finished their training and were resting at a hotel before the big tournament. I was very eager to see my baby in action. I got off the phone with Kade around two in the morning, but I couldn't sleep until around four, because I was so excited about seeing him. Just hearing his voice had sent chills through my body.

 

***  

       Quite a bunch of us got off the bus at the Ottawa station. I grabbed my rucksack and started looking around for the spot where I was to meet Kayden. I walked out into the open area and scanned for the cluster of tables that Kayden said would be there. I did see several tables, but I didn’t see Kayden.

       I saw something else, though. I tried not to act too excited, but a guy definitely caught my eye. Kayden was on my mind, but that didn't cancel out the fact that there were plenty of good-looking guys around. The afternoon sun was somewhat blinding me, but I could still make out faces

It scared me to think that maybe I was betraying Kayden a bit by looking at other guys. I guess I was being stupid, though. I had already told Kayden on the phone about the little session Jett and I shared. It was normal and all; it was just that my best friend was there with me doing the same thing I was doing. I did get quite a view of Jett, and it was a pretty cool experience. I felt all right with it, and I could almost see Kayden grinning when I was telling him about it. He wanted ALL the details.

If I was comfortable with Jett, why am I being so uptight about these guys?

       It didn't help when some guy looked me directly in the eye. I felt my face flush as I walked casually toward his location. I had to find Kayden, and the guy happened to be in the right area…

       I'm not approaching him because I think he's cute. Kayden said to meet him by the tables… I’m here to see Kayden. Gotta grab a hold of myself…

       I tried my best not to make eye contact with the guy.

       He has nice arms…

       I placed my bag in front of my crotch when I realized what was happening to me.

       I can't believe this…

       "Hey…"

       Oh, shit…gotta ignore him… Dammit, Kade, where are you?

       I passed the guy, hoping I wasn't the one he had spoken to. I began walking faster, but I could feel the guy's presence behind me. He was following me.

       Shit…

       "Hey! Wait up!" he called out. He grabbed my wrist and I freaked out.

       "Let go of me!"

       A stunned look stuck the guy’s face. He had longer hair than I was used to, but he was gorgeous.

       "Are you that cold to everyone you walk past?" The boy grinned.

       A warm feeling swam in my chest as I saw his great smile. I looked away, embarrassed. He had the same voice as Kayden. He even had his smile… I felt a bit relieved that I actually had Kayden on my mind.

       "Zac… Don't you recognize me?"

       It was as if all the activity and noise around me suddenly stopped when I looked up.

       "Oh, my God… Kayden?"

       I suddenly realized that the boy’s eyes were actually the first thing I had noticed about him. They had captivated me, but it just never hit me that they were Kayden's.

       "Well…yeah! Why are you so surprised? I told you I was picking you up. Didn't you see me?" He looked at me weirdly.

       "No… I mean, I thought you were…" I was lost for words. "God, Kayden, you've grown." I could barely contain my happiness. "I mean, when you left…"

       It wasn't so much that Kayden looked really different. In fact, he looked quite the same, just a bit more muscular, and taller, too. His height was probably what threw me off, and it had only been a month and a bit.

       He looked totally cute as he chuckled and rubbed his nose with his finger as if he was embarrassed. "Yeah, I think I've grown a lot in a month or so. Whenever I work out, all my joints feel sore. I don't look that different, do I?"

       "Uhm… no." I shook my head, still surprised. "You're just…so tall, all of a sudden. And it looks like you trained hard. Your arms look really…"

       Kayden was wearing a tank top that showed his arms really well. I thought he must have spent quite a bit of time in the sun, because he was certainly tanned.

       "Damn, Zac, you scared me. You looked at me and then quickly looked away. I thought something had happened or something." Kayden released a sigh.

       I just stared at the boy in front of me. There was so much I wanted to do to him right then.

       "I thought you were someone else, and I found you, umm, really hot..." I whispered, and then looked away.

       "Really?"

       "Yeah…"

       I looked up to see him grinning wildly.

       "Well, it's me…" Kayden beamed.

       I felt my heart beat faster.

       "Let me prove it."

       I felt gentle lips press against mine. They were Kayden's, all right. It was like someone turned a on switch in me. I suddenly got so into the kiss that Kayden had to stop me.

       "Whoa, there, Zac," he said, out of breath. "Let's go to the hotel. We're attracting a crowd."

       He was right. We had a crowd, and for the first time, I didn't feel one bit embarrassed.     

       The elevator ride was nerve wracking. There was a couple in the elevator with us and they were being a typical straight couple, holding hands and giving each other looks.

       I turned to Kayden and noticed that he was looking at them. He turned his attention to me and winked. Suddenly, I felt like I’d just met Kayden for the first time.

       I didn't know what to expect as I entered the hotel room. Kayden told me he was sharing it with his sensei and the other two students. The two boys were sitting on a couch, watching television. They turned towards us and then got up.

       "Hey, you're Zac, right?" The dark-skinned boy tilted his head as he pointed a finger at me.

       "Uh, yeah, I’m Zac Hunter. Nice to meet you guys."

       "No prob. My name's Riley " the guy said, sticking out his hand. "My homie here’s Chris."

       "Wouldn’t I have to be black to be your homie?" Chris said to him. "Finally, nice to meet you, Zac. Kayden hasn't shut up about you. It was like you were his boyfriend or something."

       I laughed nervously.

       "He is my boyfriend," Kayden said, calmly putting an arm around me.

       "What?" Chris and Riley said together.

       "Uh… this is awkward," I whispered, as both boys stared at us in disbelief.

       "I didn't tell you guys? I thought I’d mentioned it." Kayden grinned.

       "No, I think you left out that fact, Kade," Chris said, shaking his head.

       "Damn, man," Riley breathed out as he crossed his arms.

       "Do we have a problem, guys?" Kayden asked.

       I wasn't liking the sound of his voice. I didn't want to be the source of conflict among them.

       "Hey, it's your life, man," Riley said, putting up his hands defensively. "I'm just surprised, that's all. Never met a gay guy before."

       "Kade, knowing that you can kick both our asses is enough to make me keep my comments to myself," Chris said desperately, "but, I mean…just… Wow!"

       "Good, then," Kayden said neutrally.

       "Kayden, don’t be such a bully," I said, turning to him. He just looked at me sheepishly. I looked at the two boys and said, "Kayden wasn't threatening you guys. He's just a bit of a hothead sometimes."

       "Yeah, well, your hotheaded boy friend can also kick ass," Chris chuckled. "It really isn't a problem, though. We’re just surprised. Like Riley, I’ve never known a gay guy. At least, I don’t think so. It's just slow to sink in and shit."

       I liked both Riley and Chris. Chris seemed to be the joking type, like Scott. I was glad Kayden had been hanging around those two.

       "So, we cool?" Riley asked, lifting his fist to Kayden.

       "Yeah, we cool." Kayden smiled and knuckled fists.

       "So that's why you wanted an extra room!" Chris slapped his hands together. "You dog!"

       I blushed and Kayden laughed out loud.

       "Listen, yo," Riley laughed, "I'm cool with you two and all, but we won't have to be hearing things we don't want to, will we?"

       "The walls are pretty solid," Kayden said, without a hint of humor.

       I felt my face melting off while Chris and Riley just laughed loudly.

       Just then, an old man walked out of what I assumed was the washroom. "Kayden, is this your friend?" the Japanese man asked, smiling.

       "Yeah, this is Zac," Kayden said, releasing his arm from around me.

       "I see, I see. I'm Mr. Kaede. Nice to meet you." He nodded and looked at Kayden. "Kayden, you should get Zac's bags to your room. We are all hungry."

       I turned to Kayden and he grinned at me.

       "We already ate, actually," Kayden lied. "Sorry. I got hungry."

       "I see." Mr. Kaede nodded. "Okay, boys, we can go eat, now."

       "Damn, we waited a whole hour, you ass," Chris said as he picked up his shoes.

       "Have fun, guys," I told them as they headed out the door.

       Chris was the last one to leave. Before he closed the door, he stuck his head back in. "Remember, dudes, use protection."

       I nearly choked, but Kayden just laughed.

       "How can you laugh?"

       "That guy is all jokes," Kayden said as he grinned widely. "Now, let's put your bags away."

       Kayden led me into his room and closed the door. The moment it was shut, I eagerly wrapped my arms around him, but he pushed me back slightly and started unbuttoning my shirt. I don't know what came over me, but I pushed him over and pinned him on the floor.

       I could see that Kade was as surprised as I was. I was breathing hard as he watched me with his cool eyes. I'd been waiting for that moment and it had finally come.

I closed my eyes as I lowered my mouth to Kayden's neck. I could feel the pulse in his neck as I gave it little kisses all over. I smiled as I felt him swallow, thrilled at how I was making him feel. I looked up at his closed eyes and then grabbed the back of his head and claimed his lips with my own.

       Suddenly, we heard what sounded like someone clearing their throat. I turned towards the door to see Mr. Kaede looking downwards with a fist close to his mouth.

       "Ah, Kayden, sorry to bother you and your…friend…but, do you have the other card key? The boys might be going out after dinner."

       Before I could even get off of Kayden, he had flipped me over and was kneeling in front of his sensei. He offered him the card as if he was offering up a sword in some Japanese movie. I didn't know what to do, so I knelt as well.

       How the hell can Kade do this so easily?

       Mr. Kaede looked at us as he took the card key. "Maybe I'll take a walk after dinner. I also probably won't be back until later tonight."

       I wanted to cover my face in embarrassment, but Instead, I turned to Kayden and noticed that he was definitely showing a shade of red.

       Mr. Kaede nodded his head and shut the door.

       "Oh, God…" Kayden whispered.

       "You okay?" I asked.

       He turned to me, looking really cute, all flustered.

       "It feels like I was just caught by my dad or something," he mumbled.

       "Aww," I hummed, "come here. Let me make things all better."

       In an instant, the inhibited Kayden was gone, replaced by a boy with sharp, sexy eyes.

      

***Kayden***

 

       "Kayden," Kaede Sensei whispered, "you are very quiet, today."

       "I'm just a bit tired, Sensei."

       I didn't look at him, but I knew he could read me like a book. He was right up there with Zac's dad in being able to see through me. I hated it, but at the same time, because of it, I felt like he knew what I was going through.

       "Your heart is weary," Kaede Sensei pointed out as he turned his attention back to the fight before us.

       I didn't respond. He was right. Spending more than a month away from Zac had made me lonely on an entirely new level. Zac was back with me, and all was good, but I remembered the dreams I’d had when he wasn't there. I didn’t know if it was because of the nearness of the anniversary of Rick’s death that I had been having nightmares of losing those close to me. Maybe it was because Zac had been near me that I hadn’t had them as bad during June and April.

If it hadn’t been for Mr. Kaede, Chris and Riley, I wouldn't have been able to take it. With Zac so far away, the nightmares were more pronounced. What kept me going was knowing that I was going to be back with Zac. I felt my shadow slowly creeping up on me, and I couldn't get away from it.

       "You need to clear your mind, Kayden," Mr. Kaede said. "Try to meditate."

       "Sensei, I really don't think… "

       "You must meditate to calm your heart. Close your eyes and focus on what is in front of your fists. Focus on what lies before you, Kayden." The resolve in his eyes told me I wouldn't be able to fool him.

       The reason I hate to meditate is that it’s like having daydreaming nightmares in which I remember stuff.     

       "Kayden…" Sensei said warningly.

       "All right." I caved in and closed my eyes. "Just for a few minutes. Tell me when it's my turn."

       I closed my eyes and tried to block out the shouts and cheers that echoed around me.      This is stupid. This never calms me down. It just throws me off balance.

       Before I knew it, I was lost in a sea of silence….

 

~~~~~~~

       It happened so fast that I didn't even recognize the familiar hallway as it appeared to me. Then, with a jolt, it all came back. I was back home, the home I had destroyed. I felt my presence in the room, but I wasn't really there. It was as if I was witnessing my life with full awareness.

       No…anywhere but here!

       My parents were in the living room with the Bennett family. I had just entered the house. I was a younger me, in grade 7.

I've changed so much since then. The childlike smile plastered to that young boy’s face will be forever lost. The innocence in his eyes will be torn away when the hardships come. I feel sorry for the child, the young Kayden who will face nothing but pain in the next few years.

       I was confused as to why our neighbors, the Bennetts, were in our living room, and why Mrs. Bennett was crying in my mother's arms.

       I watched my young, innocent likeness climb the stairs and wave at his father from the overhead hallway that had an open view of the living room. His father acknowledged him with a nod and pointed in the direction of the boy’s room, clearly indicating that he wanted him to go into it and close the door.

       Why didn't I just do as I was told?

       I saw young Kayden head to his room and open the door and pause as he held the door handle. I remembered the exact thoughts that were going through the youth's mind. His curiosity about the adult discussion was more than the carefree boy could handle. He closed the door without entering. He crouched and headed towards the railing, where the voices were more audible.

       "Our society is in chaos if people like that can simply get away with such things!" Mrs. Bennett bellowed.

       "But it's not only him," Mr. Bennett joined in. "The priest was right. All of them. Every one of them is going to hell!"

       I can't bear to look at the young boy’s face, but I have no choice. I watch as the dark shadow grips the heart of my younger self. His trembling fingers move along his arms until he wraps himself in his own embrace.

       "Society is to blame," Mr. Bennett continues. "They should all be tagged or something. It's sickening. Walking around and spreading AIDS. Not to mention the way they corrupt the young."

       The anger I felt when I was that younger boy is just as strong as I’m forced to witness the events that changed his life. It had been only last year for that youth that he realized he might be gay. He knew at that age what it meant, and he was scared. The Bennetts’ parish was a different one than his own, but news spread quickly about the priest who bashed gay people.

       I watch as the young boy’s head raises slightly, a glimmer of hope in his eyes, and I remember the exact thoughts that surfaced in that young mind.

       "Mom and dad aren't like that! They don't…"

       The young boy’s face is shattered by the sweet voice of his mother. "You can't give yourself over to hate, Mary," she says. "God will judge them, not us."

I felt like screaming as I watched my younger self fall into despair. I recalled the shortness of breath, the tears streaking down my face, the denial that echoed in my heart.

“It’s a shame we live in a world where their type can go unnoticed. It’s hard to tell who somebody is. We can’t really prepare for it, and there is also the…” the boy’s father was saying. The boy couldn't fathom the rest of the words. His mind wouldn't let him. Feeling destroyed, he crawled back towards his bedroom, praying for his hands to stop trembling as he quietly opened the door and went in. When he did, he lost all composure and fell to his knees with his head forward and hands scraping at the carpet. The silent screams came like roars of rage and strife.

I continued to watch as my likeness exhausted himself with pain-filled sobs. Each wrecking thought was clear in my head; the same thoughts that were going through the youth. It seemed that hours had passed when his door was finally opened. His mother's face came into clear view. Her gentle eyes, her serene face, her smile. The softness vanished when she found him crumpled on the floor with tears still flooding his eyes.

       "Baby, what's wrong?" Expressions of worry and anxiety replaced her kind features. I remembered not being able to move, too weak to shake her off.

       I don’t want to see this!

       I recalled the fury that was in me as my mother tried to help me up. So much anger for one child to ever have to bear.

       "Andrew!" she called out. "Andrew, hurry! Something's wrong with Kayden. Kayden, baby, what's wrong?"
       Stop this… Please!

       I watch as my father's figure runs into the room. I hear myself whisper in a barely audible voice, "Don’t look down on me. I hate…"

       The room spun and I blacked out.

 

~~~~~~~

       I was back. Sensei was beside me but he was watching the fight in front of us. I couldn't breathe. I felt my mind wandering. It was too late; I couldn't block out the memories. They invaded my consciousness and I was powerless to stop them:

___

 

When I came to, I was on my bed, my mother resting on a chair, her head at the foot of the bed. “What happened?” was the first thing that came to my mind, but then I remembered.

My mom awoke at my stirring, and she smiled, but I gave her a neutral look.

“Do you want something, honey? Are you feeling better? Did the throwing up leave you hungry? Are you okay?” She looked at me, showing genuine concern, but I couldn’t look her squarely in the eye.

“Get out,” I whispered.

“What’s that, dear? Is there something you need?”

“I SAID GET OUT! I HATE YOU!” I yelled. I looked at her eyes then, not caring what I'd see. Shock, rejection and confusion all were there, but I was beyond care. I looked away from her.

“Please, leave me alone and get out,” I whispered.

“Honey, I’m just…”

 I cut her off. “I don’t want anything from you. Get away from me.” My words were not loud, but they were strong and deep. I didn’t care. She tried to say something, but I just kept telling her to get out, over and over. She got up, tears in her eyes, and left my room.

___

 

It happened. The same feeling that always took hold of me after meditation stirred up old memories. Everything was clearer. I heard every sound that echoed through the massive arena. I felt drops of sweat trickling down the sides of my head. I tasted something that was almost too much like blood. My eyes easily focused on my surroundings. I took a look around, feeling in control, sensing everything.   I was scared, but at the same time, I’d never felt more alive. My clenched fists trembled in anticipation of a fight and my lips curled into a smile. I feared what I must look like – a bloodthirsty maniac.

       "Good luck, Kayden," a voice whispered.

       Zac!

       It was gone. My fists weren't trembling. Cheers and other sounds that entered my ears weren't as crisp as they had been a moment before. I turned my head and scanned the crowd for that familiar voice, but I couldn't find Zac. He was somewhere in the stands, and my eyes searched eagerly for him.

       I gave up the search and stared down in front of me. I was in my kneeling stance and my hands were on my lap. My sudden thoughts of Zac had had the effect of someone spraying me with cold water. Only Zac could save me from destroying myself. Only Zac could restore my happiness.

       “You should take hold of this happiness... Because you already have Zac.”

       They were the words of Zac's father, and he had been right. I had Zac, and Zac had me.

       I felt the presence of my shadow. It lurked in my mind where only it can hide. As long as Zac has my heart, that Kayden cannot have me…

       Something clicked and I felt it. Something new. I felt a slight breeze make its way through the tent. No one else could sense its movement, but I felt it. The sounds that entered my ears were sharp and distinct. I heard the shuffling feet of two guys who sparred before me on the open mats. I could sense their movement and could anticipate the next stride. I could feel their breathing as if it were my own.

       My body was tense. I tried to loosen up by steadying my breathing and relaxing my joints as if nothing held me together. I was rewarded with a refreshing sense of rejuvenation.

       That new feeling of completeness was like nothing I’d felt before. I was completely aware of my surroundings and I was pumped and ready for anything. A feeling similar to an adrenaline rush washed over me. I felt myself smiling, feeling like a kid in a candy store. I wasn't scared; I was excited. I embraced the feelings.

       "Looks like you're ready," Kaede Sensei said. I didn't have to turn to him to know he was smiling.

       "Can hardly wait, Sensei." I grinned. If I hadn’t thought I’d look like a fool, I'd have been jumping up and down. I was so pumped up that I was annoyed at the fact I was still sitting.

       "Don’t move too much. Watch your opponent’s movements before you strike. Are you listening, Kayden?"

       I felt like laughing. I knew I was up next and Sensei was just trying to drill some last-second things into me.

       "I'll remember," I said, getting up.

       As the announcer declared the winner and announced the next fight, my first fight, I heard Sensei call out to me.

       I stepped forward and embraced the cheers. None if that mattered. I could feel Zac’s presence. I knew he was with me.

 

***Zac***

 

       Kayden would be up next, and I felt something cold grab my spine. I watched Kayden's back but couldn't get a creepy feeling out of my chest. That sickening feeling vanished as the last fight ended.

       "Good luck, Kayden," I thought, just before the feeling disappeared.

       I saw Kayden look behind him and scan the seats. I tried to grab his attention by waving my arms, but I he didn’t seem to spot me. In that instant, I knew everything was going to be all right.

       I didn't know much about that type of match. I didn't expect any hardcore fighting like I’d seen in the movies, but I was half expecting something like I had seen Kayden perform when he took down those guys in Toronto soon after we’d first met.

       It was nothing as barbaric, being more defensive than anything. It was scored on a point basis. Not any hit would do; it had to be a solid, direct hit. I was clearly confused during the first matches because the refs, or whatever they are, called points only when the crowd went “ohh”. I guess I was just a newbie at all of it.

       Kayden's match was actually not all that eventful. It wasn't boring; it was just that Kayden's opponent didn't really stand a chance against him. I felt a rush of excitement when Kayden deflected his opponent’s kick, crouched, and did a sort of sweeping motion with his leg. His opponent fell pretty hard and the crowd went wild. I was cheering like I never had. Kayden defeated his opponent 4 to 0. I obviously wasn't the only one excited by that. People cheered hard all around me.

       "There's a champion if I ever saw one," I overheard the man beside me say to his female companion.

       I just clapped even harder. Kayden's picture was on the big screen with a listing of some of his stats, such as age, location, and his sensei’s name. Each winner had a victory shot that showed light on only one side of the picture, giving him a cool, intimidating appearance. Every winner so far had had a striking picture, but when I saw Kayden's, a chill rippled through me. It showed those cool blue eyes, while a portion of his face was hidden in shadow. His picture was so hot!

       I heard some girls squeal when Kayden’s profile showed up, and a pang of jealously tore through me. I felt like giving them evil glares, but then I realized they were cheering my boyfriend.

       Another screen showed a breakdown of the tournament matches. There were thirty-two participants in Division A. It was an elimination process; winner goes on, loser is out. I saw that Kayden would have to win two matches to move on to the next day’s competition. Later that night, Division B would also have thirty-two contestants. I was wondering how far my fighter could go, and I was already proud of the fact that he had won his first match.

      There were a lot of matches, but most of them were fairly short. Kayden won his second by a score of 4 to 1. I thought his opponent in that one was scary, because it seemed like he was fighting dirty. He had gotten two calls in his first fight because of sportsmanship misconduct.

       The two rounds of Division A fights lasted four hours. I didn't stay inside the whole time. It was easy to predict when certain fights were going to happen, so I went to grab some fresh air and do a little gift shopping. I bought a couple of talismans, which I doubted were made in Japan like the salesman said, but they were still pretty cool.

       The arena started to clear out after the second round of fights. Kayden had a 2 and 0 record, and the championship would be decided the next day. I didn’t know how far my baby could take it, but I was secretly hoping he'd be champion.

       "You were awesome!" I told Kade when I saw him.

       He just grinned at me and put his hands on his hips. "I guess they went all right." 

       "Are you kidding me?" I shot at him. "You won those fights easily. That last guy was sorta playing dirty, though."

       "If the judges don’t say anything, then it's legal," Kayden said with a knowing smile.

       "Still, he pissed me off." I turned to him and asked, "Where's your sensei?"

       "He has to stay for Chris’s and Riley's competitions. Riley is doing weapons and Chris is doing katas," Kayden explained.

       I just nodded. I didn't really care. All I was concerned about was one thing.

       "So, until tomorrow we're free to do whatever?" I asked happily.

       "Yup, what do you want to do?"

       "I don't care. I just want to be with you," I said honestly.

       "Oh, look who's corny!" Kayden accused.

       "Hey, if you wanna go around by yourself, be my guest," I challenged him.

       He just grinned at me and made a hot suggestion. "How about we go back to the hotel, we shower, do something nasty, and then go eat."

       "Do what?" I asked, laughing.

       Kayden answered by planting a kiss on me. I instantly became aware that he had been sweating, when I felt the moisture from his face touch me. It didn't bother me; it made him even sexier. I would be pretty upset if Kayden ever tried to cover up his scent with any sort of fragrance. I enjoy his smell; it’s like someone has just baked a fresh batch of cookies.

       Kayden’s tongue tried to invade my mouth, but I pulled away when I heard a gasp. My attention focused on two girls, as well as several others who were watching us.

       "Jeez, you really make a mess of things, don't you?" I asked.

       "We're both out, Zac. It doesn't make a difference, right? I couldn't care less if these people see us kissing. They all saw me fight, so they pretty much know what I'm capable of doing."

Kayden smiled mysteriously at me, his cool gaze nearly wiping me off my feet. I realized that the boy in front of me was hardly a boy, anymore. He was starting to become really mature, but I was still a boy.

       "Do you find me good looking?" I asked.

       "You look fucking hot," Kayden responded without a thought.

       I felt myself blush momentarily.

       "You don't think I look like a kid?"

       I noticed several people still looking our way, including the two girls. I wished we were having the conversation in a private place, but I needed to know the answer.

       "You don't see it, do you?" Kayden said, touching my waist.

       "See what?"

       "We've been apart for about a month and a half, Zac. You say I've grown, but you don't realize you have, too."

       "No, I haven't."

       Kayden touched my arm in a very sensual manner. "You might not see it because you see yourself every day in the mirror, but you've really toned well. You must have trained quite a bit. You got a wicked tan, too."

       "Well the triathlon is in a few weeks."

       A worried look crossed Kayden's face. "Am I holding you back by asking you to come here?"

       "No worries man, I’m on vacation. Dad said I should relax sometimes, anyway. You see more results when you give your body some time to rest. You should know that. And don't switch the subject. How can I have grown? I'm the same height as I was last year."

       Kayden tapped the top of my head. "Well, I'd say you’ve grown maybe an inch."  

       I jabbed his ribs with my finger, but he didn't flinch. If he had done that to me, I might have kicked him as a reaction.

       His grin washed away my senseless worries. "Even if you haven't been growing a lot in height," he cast his eyes to my pants and then back to my eyes, "I know somewhere else you've been growing."

       I couldn't get over some of the sappy things that could leave Kayden's mouth. They were corny as hell, but the fact that I felt a flush of heat wrap around me told me they were effective.

       "All right," I said, "let's go back to the hotel."

 

***  

       The second day was almost the same as the first. Kayden won his first two fights easily. The crowd cheered for him as loudly as I did. It was hard to realize that he was my little fighter. No one there knew Kayden like I did, because I know certain little things about him no one else knows. I feel like those little things make him mine.

       Kayden's third opponent scared me. Like Kayden, he had almost a perfect cumulative score. Not only that, he was big; not fat, but muscular. It was hard to believe the boy was only sixteen. I was worried how the match would play out. I looked up at their images on the giant screen. I saw the boy say something to Kayden, who nodded almost suspiciously. The boy said something else and a grin grew on Kayden's face. That was followed by a wink from Kayden. I felt a pang of jealously strike me. It almost looked like Kayden was flirting with the guy, the way they were both smiling.

       They bowed and got into ready position.

       In an instant after the ref guy started the match, the feeling of jealously vanished as the big guy lunged at Kayden with a right punch. I held my breath. I could see the surprised look on Kayden's face as he barely dodged it and tried to return his own. His opponent grabbed Kayden’s fist and held his arm. I knew what was going to happen next, and my heart fell as the boy turned around, still grasping Kayden's arm, and threw him over his shoulder.

The entire arena exploded into cheers as Kayden's opponent got the point.   They got back into ready position. When the match restarted, Kayden lunged. I thought he was going to do the same thing the larger boy had done, but the boy threw his fist and Kayden sidestepped just in time, sending a jab right into his opponent's side.

      It was a clean hit and it earned him a point. The larger boy knocked his fists together as if calling Kayden on. I looked up at the large screen and saw that Kayden was grinning.

       Then, they both flew at each other, exchanging fists. Kayden grabbed the boy's punches and gave his own, as his opponent did the same. Their feet shuffled fast, making the fight seem like a dance. After a while, though, it looked like Kayden messed up when throwing one of his punches. His opponent deflected it with his open left hand, causing Kayden to sway forward. The boy easily tripped him.

       "Fucking hell," I swore under my breath.

       A boy close to me clapped his hands hard while the crowd cheered. He turned to me and gave me a cold glare, then turned his attention back to the match. I was angry; it was like the boy wanted Kayden to lose.

       A sudden thought occurred to me and I turned back to the boy. The crowd cheered again. I had missed it; Kayden had been hit again, making the score 3 to 1 in favour of his opponent. The boy near me cheered as if he enjoyed seeing Kayden fall. Again, he turned and gave me a smug smile.

       That boy saw me kissing Kayden. He must have assumed we’re gay. He probably hates gays.

       I was suddenly scared. Maybe we were too open in public. That thought made me angry, but at the same time I desperately wanted Kayden to win.

       Pride filled me as he managed to score two more points. Each time he got a point, I turned to the boy near me and smiled in a gloating fashion. He just turned his attention back to the ring.

       You better not lose to him, Kayden.

       The entire crowd was roaring, as always when the fighters were almost on par with each other. I felt a bit angry, though. While I was having my own glaring battle with homophobe boy, Kayden was enjoying his battle, all smiles.

       When I get my hands on you…

       My thoughts were suspended when the two lunged at each other. I held my breath as hits that I thought would earn points, in fact didn't.

       Kayden made a move, flying forward to punch. It happened all too fast; his opponent side stepped, making Kayden go right past him. In one flawless effort, his opponent brought his elbow back enough to strike Kayden in the back. I clenched my fists, hoping that one wouldn’t be counted as a point, but it was. Kayden lost, 4 to 3.

       I felt a sort of pressure descend on me. The crowd exploded in cheers and deep down even I knew it was a valid blow. I tried not to look at the boy, but found myself already finding his eyes. A smug smile was on his face. I’d had enough. I got up to move elsewhere.

 

***

       "Hey!" Kayden greeted me, all smiles.

       "Congratulations," I said to him as he made his way over to me.

       He had won third place overall in the tournament. Kayden had fought five matches, and third place and onwards were awarded based on cumulative scores.

       "Sorry for the wait. They had to take pictures of the top three," Kayden said as he nodded his head to people who were congratulating him. He turned to me and studied me for a moment. "Is there something wrong?"

       I shook my head. "No, nothing's wrong."

       He didn't say anything.

       "Should we go?" I finally asked.

       He just nodded his head and said, "Follow me."

       We headed through an almost-deserted hallway, pretty much in silence. I thought it was the rear area of the arena.

       The boy with the smug smile was still on my mind. Kayden's opponent was very good, but it still pissed me off that Kayden lost. I wasn't really mad at Kayden for losing, but the boy with the annoying smile pissed me off.

       "Zac!" Kayden said loudly.

       I hadn’t even realized we were walking in an empty alley until Kayden called out to me.

       "Yeah?" I said, looking up to him.

       He just stared at me.

       I turned away, feeling like he was trying to see through me.

       "What's wrong?" Kayden asked again.

       "Noth-"

       "Don't lie to me, Zac!" he said in an icy voice.

       I looked at the boy before me. He looked scared, his eyes uncertain, his hands trembling. Even scared, he had an intimidating presence.

       I felt myself back up until I was against a wall. Kayden just watched me as I turned my head away. I didn't move an inch as he brought a hand up. He placed it against the wall beside my head as he leaned towards me. I was trapped between him and the wall.

       "Don't lie to me, please," Kayden whispered as his voice wavered.

       "I wanted you… " I paused. I suddenly realized what was wrong. My silence was scaring Kayden. "I wanted you to be number one."

       He swallowed and closed his eyes. "Did I disappoint you?"

       "No! No, never," I replied immediately. "It's just there was this guy… "

       "A guy?" Kayden asked, narrowing his eyes.

       "No, not like that," I said. "A guy was cheering each time you went down. I got this sickening feeling with him around. I wanted so much for you to win. I was praying you would win. I can't explain it…"

       "You were angry because someone wanted me to lose?"

       "I thought maybe it was because he saw us kissing. I thought maybe he hated you, because… "

       "Because we're gay?"

       I nodded my head.

       "I wanted you to win as if to prove something. I was just so angry, but I'm not angry with you."

       "Zac, there are better ways to resolve things than getting mad or fighting. Why sink to their level?"

       I shook my head. "You and my dad think so much alike it’s scary. Usually you're the one to end fights." I grabbed his hand and traced the tissue that had been injured by the knife in Toronto. "I think I'm prone to starting them…"

       Kayden laughed. "Yeah, what's with you all of a sudden? Usually you're the cool-headed one. When did you start fighting?" Kayden asked, referring to my fight with my cousin. I had told him about it over the phone and he’d almost died laughing.

       "I guess I'm changing. Is that bad?" I asked.

       "It's something I like about you. You're never afraid of change, and I'm starting to cherish that."

       Kayden had stopped shaking. He stared into my eyes and I felt myself heating up as I pulled his head towards mine.

 

***  

       Kayden said that we were going to meet his sensei, Chris and Riley at the front. I figured the reason he’d led us through the back was to avoid the crowd. I followed him to where his sensei was, while trying to avoid the people who were taking pictures. They exchanged words and then his sensei walked over to me. "I guess I'll see you both, later tonight."

       There were people trying to ask Kayden questions, but he just replied, "Sorry, I really need to go." He turned to me and said, "Let's run!" He wasn't enough of a celebrity for people to want to chase after us. He was due his fifteen minutes of fame, but he didn't want it.

 

***  

       "How about that one?" I asked, pointing to yet another restaurant.

       "There's a nicer one than that we can go to," Kayden said, hurrying along.

       I frowned, giving the small place one last look. I really wanted a place where I could get a good burger, and that one looked perfect, but Kayden kept insisting there was a better place up ahead.

       "Here we are," he announced, as we stopped in front of an Italian restaurant.

       I read the name, trying to mouth it out, but it wouldn't come.

       "You sure we can get seats? It looks packed and there's a line."
       "Don't sweat it," Kayden said, leading me to the front.  

       I looked around inside and saw that the place was pretty classy. I was getting excited, as Kayden and I had never eaten at a place like that.

       "Party of four for Mr. Luke Canta," Kayden told the maitre d’.

       "Luke Canta?" I said.

       Kayden just smiled at me and turned back to the maitre d’.

       "If you will please follow me, the other two are already here," he said, smiling.

       "Who are we meeting?"

       Kayden smiled at me and turned away. We were led to a table where some boy was sitting. Before I could ask Kayden anything, he reached out and slapped the guy's shoulder.

       "Hey, man! How's it going?"

       The boy turned around and my jaw dropped. It was the guy Kayden had lost to in the semifinals.

       "Kayden! Great to see you! And you must be the boyfriend," the guy said to me.

       I was still completely lost, but I tried to act natural.

       "Hi. My name is Zac," I said, extending my hand.    

       "Before our match, Luke invited us to dinner here. He asked if we would join him and his boyfriend," Kayden explained, turning to me. 

       I looked back and forth between Kayden and the other guy. "What?"

       "Yeah, he sorta saw us outside yesterday. He thought it would be a great idea if we all had a nice dinner together," Kayden further explained.

       "Truth is, we had made reservations for two friends who are unpredictable, and they made other plans for the night. We were stuck with a reservation for four. They would have given it away if we’d showed up for only two," the boy named Luke explained.

       "You're…umm…"

       "Gay? Very much so. Thought it would be cool to invite you two after I saw you making out. You guys have more guts than Matt and I have."

       "And you couldn't tell me?" I asked Kayden.

       "I wanted it to be a surprise." He grinned and added, “Is that okay?”

       "Well, yeah, I guess," I told him honestly. "I take it the food here is great."

       "Didn't you see the lineup outside?" Luke asked.   

       "Guys, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Matt Conner," Luke said, as he looked past us.

       I turned around to meet the boyfriend. "Hi," I said.

       I blinked and the boy did too.

       "You!" we both exclaimed.

       The guy's expression must have been a mirror image of mine. It was the boy who had smiled so smugly each time Kayden went down.

       I don't know what happened next, but suddenly we both started laughing.

       "Oh, my God," the guy said. "I really didn't expect this."

       "Do you guys know each other?" Kayden asked.

       "Something like that," I said, smiling at the guy.

       He grinned back at me. His genuine smile told me that nothing had to be explained. Both our actions during the match had been justified. It was like a silent agreement that was lost on our boyfriends, who just looked puzzled.

       "Like the big lug said, my name's Matt Conner."

       "Zac Hunter," I said, as I shook his hand.   

       After we’d settled in around the table, our conversation began to center around our sexuality. That was natural, since we had all recently come out.

       "…and my old man didn't take it well," Matt said, shrugging his shoulders. "It's not like he hates gays. He has a friend who’s gay. He's just one of those 'no son of mine is gay!' types"

       "That sucks," I whispered.

       "Yeah, well, lucky for me my mom wears the pants and the belt in the family, and she told him either he deals with it or he hits the road. God, I love my mom," Matt said cheerfully.

       Kayden and I laughed politely.

       "My parents are very liberal people. Nothing is taboo with them. They told me at a young age they didn't care if I was gay or not. Actually, I didn't know what that meant until my dad explained that if I really wanted to, I could marry my best friend," Luke said. "That’s probably why I started to explore the possibility. Marrying my best friend seemed to be a real cool idea."

       "How did your friend take it?" Kayden asked.

       "Well, at that age he thought it meant we could play together forever. I mean, we were only eight. Turned out he’s straight, but he’s still my best friend. He's how I met Matt," Luke said, putting his arm around Matt.

       I didn't know how Kayden wanted to explain us, but he spoke for himself.

       "My parents are always traveling. I hardly see them, so they don't know, but Zac's parents are cool with us."

       "So, I guess we're a bunch of happy homos, then," Matt said, winking.

       We banged the table as we laughed.

       After dinner, we exchanged e-mails and phone numbers. Luke and Matt live in a town near Ottawa, and they invited us to come back anytime. We promised to contact them if we’re ever the in the area, and asked them to do the same if they ever come down to Toronto or Whitby.

       "So, did you enjoy yourself?" Kayden asked during the cab ride to the hotel.

       "That Matt is something else. He's hilarious. That was a good call, babe," I said, leaning against him.

       I noticed the cab driver watching us in the rearview mirror.

       "Glad you liked it. What was up with you and Matt at the beginning? I figure Luke is asking his boyfriend the same thing right about now," Kayden said, also noticing the driver’s watchful eye.

       The driver knew we were watching him, and he simply nodded, smiled, and turned back to the road.

       Kayden turned to me and winked, before pressing his lips to mine. When he pulled back, it took us a moment to realize we were going much slower than we had been. The driver was watching us, and he had a smile plastered on his face. Our speed picked up again.

       Kayden winked again and I shook my head at his cheesiness.

       "So, what's up with you and Matt?"

       "He was that guy near me who kept cheering when you went down," I explained.

       "Ah, the possible homophobe, right?"

       "That's the one," I said. "Guess it clicked the moment we saw each other with the second- and third-place National Martial Artists. Neither of you stood a chance against that Lee what's-his-name."

       "Small world, huh?" Kayden put his arm around me and again I leaned in on him.

       "Yup!"

       "Guess we’ll have a little welcoming committee when we get home tomorrow."

       "Yeah, and back to training every day, for me," I groaned.

       "How about I train with you? The running part, anyways. I suck at swimming and I don't have a bicycle."

       "You can borrow someone's bike."

       "You just don't want to suffer by yourself, do you?" Kayden said, a cute dimple showing beside his lopsided smirk.

       "You suggested it," I accused. "But, if you don't do it, I won't see much of you because of my job and swimming. I'm on a tight schedule," I joked.

       "Fine, I'll train with you, but I'm going at my pace. You gotta leave me behind if I hold you back," Kayden groaned.

       "You're so cute when you whine."

       "You're so uncute when you make me do these things."

 

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

       Like the calm before a storm, the days leading up to Dad and Diana’s wedding were like indications of the chaos coming.

       First was when Grandma practically moved in. She brought a truck with her that was loaded with all sorts of things. When Dad asked what all of it was, she told him the pre-wedding party would be at our house. Dad and Diana had no say in it, since Grams already had it organized. She then showed dad her version of the guest list she’d already sent out. It included Dad’s and Diana's guests and my friends, and a lot of other people, too. They were mostly friends and acquaintances that Grandma keeps in touch with through her groups and charities. I didn't see the entire list, but I was half wondering if our prime minister was coming. I slowly began to see Grandma from Dad's perspective. Most the time while Grams and Dad argued, Gramps and I played chess, cards or even my PS2. Diana even got pulled into their arguments. Grams prevailed whenever Diana was involved, by crying and winning over her through guilt.

       Grandma thought she could organize things in our backyard, but it's fairly small. When she realized she couldn't fit as many people as she’d hoped, she nearly freaked out. It was lucky for her that Scott's dad was around at that time; he offered his backyard for the pre-wedding party. Dad was totally turned off by that idea, but after Grams talked to Scott's mom, Jett's mom, and Shin's mom, she managed to recruit more women to her side, including Diana. Dad could whine all he wanted, but it didn't change the fact that Grandma was going to have the wedding her way.

       The pre-wedding party was pretty formal. I greeted guests as I was supposed to, and introduced myself as the groom's son. It was the truth, and I enjoyed some of the reactions I got. Grandma placed me on a pedestal in everyone's minds by the way she described me. Even I was impressed.

       "Zac is a top grade student and a swimmer. He's won many competitions and I'm sure will be offered some sort of scholarship for swimming. He also competes in triathlons. That's biking, swimming and running, all in one!" she'd comment with enthusiasm. "He's such an angel, and I'm sure he'll be a better man than his father. An engineer he may be, but as stubborn as my husband. Why, just last week…"

       That was Grandma. Master of speech.

       Then there was Norm, who for some reason brought three of his friends. It was cool, though. Julian, who was easily accepted by my friends, showed up with a friend as well. For his reasons alone, Scott hated Norm the moment he saw him. Shin didn't really care much, but we sort of kept away from the Norm crew. We drank a bit, but kept it minimal. The last thing we wanted to do was puke in front of the guests and our parents. That reasoning was lost on Norm, though. He ended up drinking so much that he puked in Scott's mom's rose bed, and would have fallen into it if his friends hadn’t grabbed him.

 

***

       The wedding day was gorgeous. Our house was used as the men’s change room.

       "Small house, Zac," Norm said when he saw me.

       "Do the math, moron. Why would two people need anything bigger than a three bedroom house…dumbass," Scott shot back as he popped out of nowhere.

       "Yeah, well, if his dad had the money he'd be able to hire a maid or something," Norm returned, off edge.

       "Listen to you," Scott said, shaking his head in outrage. "Why the fuck would he need a maid? Zac and his dad can wipe their own asses, let alone clean up after themselves. Rich brats like you make me sick. Next thing you know you'll be begging your daddy for a car."

       "He has one, I believe," Jett said, poking his head out of my bathroom door while adjusting his tie. Just as fast as he’d appeared, he disappeared back into the washroom.

       "Scott, man, ease up." I began to laugh. Norm had started it, but even I knew he’d had enough.

       "No," Scott shot back at me. "These stupid rich brats have too much money. Because of that, they barely get by in school and have almost no ambition."

       I could see why Scott hated rich kids. Like him, several of his cousins are also rich, but only he wants to accomplish things for himself. He never asks his parents for more than the clothes on his back. Everything he has he worked for. Jett, Shin and I are witnesses to that.

       "At least I have a car," Norm said smugly. "Better than Zac’s old man's shit box."

       Dad's Accord was nothing like that. It wasn't a luxury car or a sport's car, but it was great, overall.

       "Oh, let me guess. BMW?" Scott crossed his arms in disgust.

       Norm just gave him a blank look.

       Scott shook his head. "This is gold. Rich brat gets a BMW, how typical. You think you're so badass because you have an expensive car. Its automatic, too, isn't it? You go with all your ‘cool’ friends and hang out by Tim Hortons, thinking you’re hardcore racers or something. While you’re wasting money like toilet paper there are kids dying all over the world! What are you doing for this planet you’re going to inherit? Leeching off mommy and daddy all your life?"

       Norm just stayed quiet, which was a good move. Scott was too fast for him, and it wasn't like he could talk down to Scott. Scott could have anything Norm had, if he wanted it. I guess he was still pissed because Norm had puked in his mom's flowers. Or, maybe because Scott is very active with international organizations, he just had little patience with Norm’s pettiness. Sometimes he and his mom get into arguments about businesses running in other countries, but that’s normal for them. Scott actually has some things to be proud of, but I doubt the same could be said for Norm.

       "What's going on here?" Dad said, entering my room.

       "Nothing, Mr. Hunter," Scott said. "Just talking about cars, you know? Big day today, huh? You ready to take the plunge?"

       Dad raised an eyebrow at us while I pretended to button up the sleeves of my shirt. Norm took the opportunity to walk out of the room.

       "You still don't get it, Scotty," Dad said, smiling. "You don't say Mr. Hunter unless you know you’ve done something wrong."

       "Guess I'm caught," Scott said, winking at my dad. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"

       Dad rolled his eyes and walked back out of the room.

       Scott turned to me and smiled. "What?"

       "Don’t you realize that what you say about Norm applies to all of your cousins as well?"

       "Yeah, but it's the truth. Nothing wrong with using the money you have, but I hate punks who think they can talk trash to my friends because they have it. You know I didn’t mean any of that shit I said about rich people. My cousins don’t do shit either, but I like them. They’re nice people, at least."

       "I know, man." I put an arm around Scott and brought him closer.

 

***  

The wedding went off without incident. It was the typical 'rich' wedding, paid for by Grandma and Grandpa. Being a member of high society, Gramps knew the right people to organize a wedding at short notice. Grams is a master at events, and at her only son’s wedding she truly shined. The location wasn’t a church, but rather a courtyard rich with flower arrangements and green grass.

I waited patiently with my not-so-patient father. It was only when the music began playing and everyone was rising that Dad calmed down.

I elbowed him and he turned to me.

“What?”

“I’m really happy for you, Dad,” I whispered.

If he had smiled any wider, he’d have split his lips. He put an arm around me and gave me a quick squeeze. I knew that everyone saw that, but I didn’t feel one bit embarrassed. My dad was getting married… to my mom. She really was that. Of the women dad had me meet, Diana was the only one I actually felt a connection with, even though our initial meeting was a bit dramatic.

There was a line of flower girls and maidens of the bride. Lenne walked at the end, smiling her smile that hid her sharp tongue. I was lucky to be up there with my friends’ fathers. Scott’s and Shin’s dads were up at the altar with us, as well as Dad’s cousin Bill and cousin-in-law Terry.

Diana was escorted to Dad by an older man who smiled warmly at him before kissing Diana on the cheek. The man was Diana’s father, who had adopted her from a foster home when she was young. He had flown in from Ottawa to be at his adopted daughter’s wedding. He seemed like a nice man.

As the old man took a seat, the music stopped and the ceremony began. Within thirty minutes, Dad and Diana were known as Mr. Kevin Hunter and Mrs. Diana Hunter.

 

***

The hours before the wedding reception seemed to fly by quickly. My friends and I, Mai and Maya included, ended up going to grab some subs at a nearby shop. We didn’t have to show up at the hall for the reception until five, so we had some time to do nothing. We spent it showing Julian around Toronto. Norm took off with his friends after the wedding. His dad tried to warn him that the bus system is a bit complicated, but he ignored him. We ended up at Hillcrest Mall, not really caring where we went, but wanting to be someplace with air conditioning. The result was that a lot curious people wondered why a bunch of teens were walking through a mall in suits and dresses. We didn’t mind, and Julian seemed to enjoy himself. I was really starting to like him. He even apologized for helping Norm treat me like crap when we were younger. Even if his mom hates Dad and me, his dad, Uncle Terry, actually likes us.

 

***

       Because of the buses, we were late getting to the reception. Uncle Bill and Aunt Silvia were at the front scowling at us.

       “How can you dare be late for your father’s wedding reception!” Bill scolded, shaking his head as we entered the hall. “No respect at all!”
       “Oh, hush, Billy,” Grams said, appearing out of nowhere. “Speak for your own child. He isn’t here, either, and it’s not like all the guests have arrived yet. Now, ladies, it’s time to head to the washroom to powder your noses.”

       Mai started to object, because she hates the concept of makeup and says she uses only a bit of feminine skin products, but Lenne hushed her up and scooted her along.

       “Zac, you might not like this, but you need to sit at the front table with the groomsmen and the maidens. You won’t be able to sit with your friends, tonight,” Grandma said.

       “It’s okay, Grams, I won’t die,” I joked.

       Jett and Kayden chuckled beside me as Grams walked off, shaking her head.

       “So, where is that little runt?” Scott said annoyingly to Uncle Bill.

       Uncle Bill had actually been friendly with Scott’s father, and probably knew the rich from the rich. I guess Scott knew his dad had an upper hand or something, when Uncle Bill and Aunt Silvia just walked away silently.

       “And you say Norm is bad?” Shin smiled at Scott.

       Scott grinned and shrugged his shoulders.

“Let’s take our seats,” Jett said. “Zac, after dinner, come find us. This thing shouldn’t take more that two hours, including the speeches.”

My boyfriend nudged my arm. “You ready to give your speech?”

I grinned sheepishly. “Actually, I forgot and left it at home, and I’ve been trying to remember parts of it for the past few hours. I think I can wing it.”

“Hahaha!” Shin laughed happily. “I’ve got my video camera. I’m gonna capture your screwup!”

“Just when have I ever screwed up a speech?” I asked him.

“We’ll see. I’ll try to make you screw up.”

I turned to Scott and nodded my head, and he smacked Shin over the head.

 

***Lenne***

 

       When Grandma Vicky called me up to say something, I nearly choked. I had thought Zac would be first, and I was still eating. I had never gone first, and I knew I was going to freeze up.

       I got up, taking my time, and walked towards Zac’s grandma. She smiled at me and handed me the mike.

       I took it and turned to face the crowd, my heart beating in my ears.

       I heard a whistle and looked to the table where my friends were. Mai was standing, waving at me and showing her perfect smile. That was enough to calm me a bit. I cleared my throat.

       “My Aunt Diana is the person I aspire to be! People see us together and think I’m her younger sister.” I paused for effect and then continued. “That’s not very far from the truth. Like a sister, she has shared her heart with me by telling me her dreams, her fears, her hopes. And, like a sister, she’s guided me, supported me… and even eaten my cooking. And I’ve cooked meals that would make dogs cry.”

       The crowd laughed at the joke and I watched the tears fall from my aunt’s eyes as she covered her laugh. “She is the closest family I have. She’s shown me love like I had thought only existed in fairy tales, and now she’s found her own prince charming.”

       I turned to Zac’s dad, who started grinning the moment I made eye contact. “I’ll be honest. Kevin, I don’t like you.” I didn’t mean it to be a joke, but laugher exploded and made me have to pause before I could continue. “But, I don’t dislike you as much as I did before. You seemed to be the type that Diana had always warned me about, but love works in mysterious ways. The brightest smiles I’ve seen from her have come after her dates with you. I can’t spend all night threatening you, to make sure you treat her with all the love and respect she deserves.”

       That brought more laughs.

       “So, the only warning I’ll give you is this one. If you ever come home and see me making dinner, that’ll mean you screwed up. It won’t take an engineer to figure that out. Just know how to fix it.”

It didn’t seem like people would stop laughing but finally they did.

“You two are perfect for each other. Two idiots lost in love.” It was picking up again, but I raised my voice over the chuckles. “Yours is a love that spans over sixteen years. I am happy for both of you. Be happy.”

I sat down and everyone stood up clapping. I was happy for my aunt, and my tears were proof of that.

 

***Diana***

 

       I had given up all hope of finding the true man for me. I had once known it was Kevin, but when baby Zac left my arms, I thought I had lost Kevin as well. For years I wondered why I was trying so hard. Why did I finish high school? Why did I go to university? Why did I become a doctor? A part of me just wanted to die, but the stronger part held on to something. Hope, love, faith. Call it what you will, but something deep within always pulled me up when I fell, and urged me to persevere. I had to see Zac again.

       The first time I felt myself truly smile again was when I found Lenne. She looked like Julie had looked at her age. I almost called out Julie’s name when I saw Lenne in that hospital bed. I decided that day to live my life for her. I never meant it as a way to atone for my sins, yet as the days wore on, I couldn’t help but feel that way. I kept it to myself and allowed Lenne to live the life she deserved.

       Then, Lenne brought Zac home and showed him that photograph. It was like someone took every emotion and shoved it down my throat. Yet the one emotion I felt above all others was happiness and pride – This boy is my son!

       It wasn’t long until Kevin came back into my life, and time started ticking again. I realized it wasn’t too late to find happiness. Kevin is my soul mate. I accepted it at the age of fifteen when he said to me, “My name isn’t Zac. It’s Kevin. Wanna go on a date?” He’s cocky, straightforward, childish, yet at the same time the sweetest man I’ve ever known. 

       Zac stood up as his grandmother passed the mike to him. He looked eager to say something. He walked towards us and stopped right behind me. I can’t understand these youths. At their age, I would have been scared to speak in front of all of those people. Both Lenne and Zac are extraordinary teens.

       “This is really cliché, but I’ve literally known the groom all my life. What can I say? While Lenne had the luxury of an ‘older sister’, I was stuck with a ten-year-old in an adult’s body.”

       The guests were shouting enthusiastically with great humor, giving my husband teasing looks. They knew his son was as sharp as he was.

       “Let’s take a step back into yesteryear. People think my dad is mature, but they don’t live with him! Every day for months, when I came home I was bombarded with questions of the sort a teen with raging hormones would ask. ‘Did Diana call?’ ‘Should I call her?’ ‘Is it too late to call Diana?’ ‘Why are you on the phone? Diana might call!’”

       All of that was news to me, and I watched Kevin shake his head, looking utterly embarrassed.

       “All my life it’s been Dad and me.”

       I held my breath as I looked up at Zac. Why did he look so sad? I felt his hand on my shoulder. I turned to Kevin and saw him smiling at me.

       “I never thought there would be space for another person in Dad’s life. I was wrong. I didn’t have a mother, growing up.”

       Zac’s grip on my shoulder became firm. I felt it – the trust, the confirmation.

       “I didn’t think I needed one, but I was wrong. The older I get, the harder it is raising an adult on my own…”

       It was perhaps Zac’s calm face, or the way he spoke so casually. Either way, it was just too funny. Everyone was cracking up and Kevin was shaking his head at his son.

       “I just hope Diana is up to the challenge. I’ll help her out, I guess. But as far as I’m concerned, my job is done. I love you, Dad, and I’m happy for both of you.”

       I stood up instantly and gave Zac a hug. I couldn’t contain myself. “Thank you, Zac,” I whispered to him.

       Kevin stood up, too. He could deny being emotional all he wanted, but I saw the red in his eyes.

       “I love you both, really,” Zac smiled. I could tell he was trying his best to stay strong. Both Kevin and his son were on the verge of tears, but Zac was being as stubborn as his father.

       “You can cry, son. I understand,” Kevin grinned.

       “I’m good, Dad. Can I get you a napkin? Looks like you’re about to flood the hall,” Zac shot back.

       Kevin gently nudged me aside as he embraced his son with a one-arm hug around the neck. I knew he was whispering something to Zac, and Zac was nodding his head. Zac’s shoulders began shaking, and it suddenly hit me how hard it all must have been for him. Kevin was all Zac had. He must have been scared I was trying to take Kevin away from him. I wanted to reassure him by telling him nothing would change, but that wouldn’t have been realistic. All I could do was hope that the change would be good…for all of us.

       “And those were my two precious grandchildren,” Zac’s Grandma Victoria said, wiping her eyes. “They are such wonderful children. Now, I think we need some exercise after all this eating. Hey, Mr. DJ, how about some music,” she said politely into the mike.

       It was so sudden that I felt my heart leap. There was music playing and people were starting to get up. From the looks of it, everyone wanted to dance, and we would be dancing all night long.

       “Don’t go onto the dance floor just yet!” Kevin’s mom said with a calm but stern voice. “We need to give the first couple their dance.”

       All eyes were on Kevin and me. Kevin still had Zac under one arm, smiling at the crowd.

       Zac elbowed his dad and Kevin feigned injury, but then his most charming smile appeared. With an outstretched hand, he gave a slight bow. “Would the lady care to dance?”

       “Thank you, Mr. Hunter,” I said, placing my hand on his. “One dance.”

       I turned to Zac for one final look. He nodded at me and smiled. I knew everything was going to be all right.

       Guests lined the dance floor as Kevin lead me to its centre. “This feels like some sort of dream,” I told him.

       “I’ve dreamed about this moment for many nights. It’s real, Diana,” he whispered.

       The song playing was simply guitar strings. I didn’t know what song it was, as I’d never heard it before.

       Kevin is a good dancer. Still a good dancer. All the girls had loved dancing with him in high school, while I thought of him as a playboy who only cared about himself. I think it was his outgoing attitude and the way everyone knew him, or maybe just the words that came out of his mouth. He was a good student, but he had such a rebellious nature. I tried to ignore his initial pick-up lines, figuring I would just be another notch in his conquest of girls. I was determined not to fall into his trap. That was, until I found out from a friend that he’d never had a girlfriend. For six months in high school I denied him and his attempts to go on dates, until I realized that he wasn’t like the men Julie warned me about. In fact, I was the first girl he ever asked out. Girls asked him out, but he always said he had his eye on someone. I discovered after a year of dating that I was that someone. And now I was in his arms, dancing again.

       “I requested this one for us,” Kevin whispered into my ear, pulling me from my daze.

       “Oh, how romantic,” I teased.

       I felt Kevin brush the hair that had fallen to the side of my face.

       “The strands in your eyes that colour them wonderful, stop me and steal my breath,” he sang into my ear. I felt myself melting into his embrace.

       “Emeralds from mountains…”

       “My eyes are blue,” I interrupted.

       Kevin grinned at me. “Sapphires from mountains...”

       I laughed in his arms as he continued to sing, “…thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depth.”

       I pulled back and watched every curve of his face, every feature of his smile, and stared into his endless brown eyes.

       “…and tell me that we belong together. Dress it up with the trappings of love. I’ll be captivated.” At that moment he leaned in and stole a kiss. “I’ll hang from your lips instead of the gallows of heartache that hangs from above…”

       Just then, I recalled where we were. Everyone was watching us. I felt embarrassed, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from Kevin’s. His face closed towards mine as he breathed on my neck. “…and I’ll be your crying shoulder. I’ll be your love suicide…”

       My hands were cold as I tried to draw Kevin closer than he already was. That wasn’t possible, but I was afraid of waking up from a dream and having everything disappear. I wanted the moment to last forever.

       “…and I’ll be better when I’m older…”

       I smiled at the irony of that line. Those were the exact words he’d said to me that long-ago night when we’d shared his bed.

       “I’ll be the greatest fan of your life…”

       I was the one who made the move, pulling my head back and pressing my cheek lovingly against Kevin’s. Our feet stopped as our love was displayed, in the centre of the dance floor, for all to see.

 

 

END OF CHAPTER 12

 

© May 2006 by Ryan Keith        Ryan_Kayden@Rogers.com

 

 

Ry's Corner!
Hey guys, hope exams went well or go well. I did fairly well. Even though I failed an exam, I still managed to get an A in it, lol. I almost passed the exam, I got a 48, and i think only 3 passed, the highest being 55%. So yeah I'm happy. If some of you lucked out like I did, and rode the curve, then good for you :)

 
Nothing really has been happening in the past few chapters. I guess the crew is just...living I guess. Call it what you will, character development, etc, the next chapter is where I start to rock the boat :)

Thanks again to everyone who wrote to me, if you haven't heard from me yet, please hold out a bit longer, I promise to get around to your e-mail. I really like spending sometime to respond to these since a lot of you obviously put some thought into writing things to me.
I apologize for the short note during the last chapter. I was really really pushing myself to get through my exams. It's not much of an excuse, I know, but the best I can do is make up for it by working on my chapters with much more effort.

I'm currently working to finish off the last chapter of Collision, it's a Round Robin project, where different authors like myself each write chapters. I'm honoured to be the one to finish it off, so, I'm putting all my effort right now into it.

Oh! I just remembered, I'm also working on a side story, and it will be released soon after chapter 12. Aaron doesn't have it yet, so he'll have to work his magic first. It's about 1/2 done. I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but I thought I should at least update you all with what I've been working on. You guys can try to guess who the side story will be based on. It will be a regular length chapter, so I think you'll all really enjoy it. I definitely had an experience writing it.

So, I should probably wrap this up. Looks like this summer is going to be an exciting one, I hope you all have plans. I'm chillin here in my city, but there definitely be events all summer.

For now my friends, take care, and I hope you enjoyed this latest installment :)

Ry^!

 

p.s. Thanks again to Aaron for his editing 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. Thanks, also, to prestigious story sites AwesomeDude and DeweyWriter for hosting my stories.

 

 

Editor’s note:  The “Collision” round robin mystery that Ryan mentioned is hosted by several story sites, including (but possibly not limited to) AwesomeDude, CRVboy, DeweyWriter, Movie Guy and The Talon House.  Ryan wrote Chapter 9 and will contribute Chapter 16, the final chapter of the story.

 

Check out Ryan’s Yahoo! group, One Life and More