Brandon and Eric - 2. Chapter Two: Not Alone

Chapter two: Not Alone

The sound of my damn alarm awakens me, while I'm in the midst of a hot dream featuring Eric. Groggily, I open my eyes. I stretch, before I hit something, or rather someone.

I almost forget, Lucas spent the night.

Since I'm not alone, I can't take care of my morning wood in bed, which is a big downer. Instead, I do so during my shower. Once I finish my morning absolutions, I select my day's clothes.

"Hey, Bran, thanks for letting me crash here and vent last night, none of my so called friends would: You showed me you're a true buddy!"

Turning, I see sincerity in his demeanor. I'm delighted, because I want us to become close pals. In addition, I feel our identical looks, and our gestures, aren't merely coincidental, which can only strengthen the growing bond between us. So, I remark,

"No problem, Dude, that's what buds are for. At least, it's how they portray it in movies, right?"

We laugh: Oh, damn, even our responses are exactly the same!

"Lucas, you have time to shower, if you want. You'll find everything you need in my closet."

"Thanks, Bro, I'll be back in a flash."

In the meantime, I dress. Unlike yesterday, I pay attention to my appearance, now that I care, what Eric and my other kick-ass friends think. Finally, I comb my hair and pull it back into a pony tail.

As I finish, Lucas returns with a towel wrapped around his midriff. He heads right to my closet, where he pulls out an all black outfit.

Noticing a change in my attire , he states with a smile,

"Looking good, Bro!"

His remark sends a chill down my spine.

Dropping the towel, I observe his junk is exactly like mine. However, he seems a little leaner, a bit more defined. If our hair styles were the same, we would pass as identical twins!

When he bends over, I see he has my bubble butt!

Once he puts on my stuff, we make our way to the kitchen, where we find my mother on the phone. When she sees Lucas, she turns pale, while dropping the phone.

Shocked, I give her a reassuring hug, before I say.

"Good morning, Mom: Meet Lucas, my new friend from school. He spent the night."

"Hello, Ma'am, you have a great son, he's also an awesome friend. He helped me overcome a rough patch yesterday."

"Good morning, Boys. Brandon, I am so sorry, I got home so late last night. I wanted to hear about your first day, It is so nice to meet you, Lucas, I would like to get together with your parents, soon."

"Well, actually, Ma'am, it's only Dad and me. I never met my birth mother, while my step mom divorced my father, when I was five."

"Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. Please, Lucas, call me Diana. Also, I want you to feel welcome here: My son may spend anytime with you he wants. However, I have one request."

"Which is?"

"Watch out for my baby boy!"

I turn three shades of red, right then and there!

"Mom!"

"Yes, Ma'am, you have my word. I will quard him, as if he were my own brother."

"I must leave, so I wish you two a great day. I hope to be home earlier tonight: Brandon, I love you."

With that said, Mom hugs, plus kisses, us.

Turning, I see a sad look on my friend's face, but he quickly masks it.

We grab our bags and head to the park. On the way, the two of us chat about our pasts.

My friend tells me about his dad,, how he came out to him the year before. His father took his revelation in stride.

Arriving, we meet up with the others, then we walk to school. On the way, Luke continues to speak to me,

"So, Bran, you agree there is more to our looks than mere coincidence. And the fact, we are spitting images of my Dad, suggests must be related!"

"Yeah! I'm sure our rents know what that connection is."

We continue on our way in deep thought, until Vynse and Nathan jokingly state in unison,

"Look at the black twins!"

"You should talk, Vampire in the night!" Lucas retorts.

"Oh shut the hell up, Lucas had a rough night, so he stayed with me,"

"Hey, Scare Crow: It's cool, you were there for Lucky Luc. See, that makes you a great buddy to have in someone's corner, even if you refuse to bed them!" Vynse said with a wink ,while patting me on the shoulder.

The next thing I know, someone runs up. The guy pushes my double right into me. Looking around, I notice the two guys from yesterday: The kid called Neil belligerently states,

"What the fuck, Lucas, why are your hanging with this fag, and his nerdy friends! You didn't even try to help get us out of detention by speaking with your dad yesterday. The kid is such a loser: I know I will make his life a living hell,."

Every word, which leaves the bully's mouth, fuels the anger building within Lucas. The next thing I know, my friend punches Neil so hard, the blowhard falls to the ground.

"First off, Ass Hole, his sexuality is no business of yours! He's my pal, they all are. As of yesterday, we are through, so back the hell off: In simple words, even you can understand, leave me alone, and make sure you stay the hell away from my brother!"

The last remark catches me by surprise.

Meanwhile, the two cowards turn tail and run off. However, I realize this dispute is far from over.

"Dude, are you alright?"

"Yeah, Bran, I'm fine, I made your mom a promise, which I intend to keep. I know for sure, that bastard is still out to get you. So, please be careful. where you go. Make certain you travel in the company of others, especially at night. I don't want anything bad happen to you."

"Hey, does anyone know why Eric never showed up? I expected him to be the first one here."

I hear someone honking at us. Therefor, I turn in the direction of the car: I immediately notice, Paul motioning us to come over.

We approach his fire-engine red, convertible Mustang. He then declares,

"Hey, Dudes, hop in, I'll give you a ride to school. Queen Bee went with JJ!"

Naturally, Lover Boi makes sure, I sit up front. The other guys climb in the back.

As we drive off, I notice Paul's bare leg keeps brushing up against mine, The minute he makes contact, I get hard, Glancing down at my crotch, Lover Boi smiles mischievously, then touches my thigh. I stare at him, Suddenly I feel the boy rubbing my crotch.

Warning signals go off in my head, which paralyze me. To regain control, I conjure up images of Eric, they give me strength to push his hand away, Next, I realize he took mine to rub his crotch. I pull it a way, as we enter the Senior's parking lot.

Once the vehicle stops, those in back get out. However, we remain seated. A few seconds pass, before I speak, using every fiber of my being,

"Paul, I like Eric: I want to be with him, so stop coming onto me!"

"Fuck, Dude, I am sorry, however I find you so fuckin hot! It never occurred to me, you had something going with Eric. No worries, my loss is his gain, I will try to keep my hands to myself. However, if he ever hurts you, or breaks your heart, I will rip him apart, and then you shall be mine!"

I rejoin the others. We have a lot of time to kill before homeroom, so Lucas and I decide to see his dad. We want to let him know, his son is okay, and we are at school.

Approaching the principal's office, we hear,

"Oh, Boys, just the two I wanted to see. I am glad you are fine!"

"You mean both of us?" I ask, feeling a little surprised.

"Well, Lucas sounded upset, when he spoke to me last night. He explained, he went over to your place, and you helped him calm down. Thank you! My son is free to stay with you any weekend he wants, and he may spend time with you, whenever he wishes. Further, you are always welcome at our home."

"Thank you, Sir. I'm glad, I was of help."

"Okay, Boys, have a good day."

We return to the others. By then, Jean and JJ joined them. The two look very happy together. I notice her boyfriend fits in with the 'Brat Pack'.

"So, Queen Bee, how long have you been a couple: Inquiring minds want to know!" Vynse asks.

"We met during the summer, Vampire. We lucked out, he goes to our school!"

At that moment, Eric arrives. He looks like hell, as if he were up all night, wrestling someone and lost.

My heart goes out to him, I hope he tells me what happened.

As I turn to Lucas, I see him stare at Drew: He is the guy with whom his ex boyfriend cheated.

To comfort my pal, I put my arm around his shoulder. In response, he smiles back at me.

"Look what we have here, a fag and a bitch!"

Once again, that hated voice intrudes on us, sending shocks through my spine.

"What the fuck do you want!" Nathan snarls.

"Oh, not much, Nate. However, you might not wish to hang with the freak: He's queer!"

"You Dumb Shit, enough! Since yesterday, you have been a total prick to my friend, Brandon. He is one of the coolest dudes on this planet, so back the hell off, before I kick your ass!"

At that moment, Lucas walks up to him and his cronies, adding,

"I will only say this only once, so pay attention, you Ass Wipe! Stop your uncalled for attacks. I don't know what your problem is, but if you have one, take it up with me, leave my friend Brandon alone, understand?! If you decide to continue, my sole purpose in life shall be to create a living hell on earth for you! Now, get lost, Douche Bag!"

Just as I think peace is restored. JJ walks towards Neil, Nathan and Lucas. Arriving, he whistles sharply. In response, five guys appear

Now, I get seriously scared. Asking myself,

"What sort of dude is Jean's boyfriend?"

At that very instance, JJ proudly proclaims,

"Okay, Punk, Brandon is my girl's best bro. My boys and I are watching out for him. You make any more trouble, I'll insure it's your last time. Do I make myself clear, Dude?!"

"Yeah. But listen, Brandon, you better watch your back: This ain't over!"

What a wonderful day, this has turned into: Not!

I haven't even arrived at my homeroom. I don't understand, how I got to this point. I never once acted gay, maybe I should become invisible. At the very least, I must be extra careful.

Just as I feel the walls close in, a smiling Jean approaches. She hugs me, before she says,

"Sweetie, you're not alone, we are looking out for you!"

Her encouragement calms me down.

My mood improves, as I recall my growing circle of friends. I remind myself, prior to yesterday, I had none. Better yet, is my budding relationship with Eric. I decide I over reacted, therefore I drop my resolution to hide how I act.

During first period, my thoughts center on my blond muscular idol. I hope I don't lose him, before we get to know each other.

The next several classes drag by.

Lunchtime finally arrives, so we head for the cafeteria. Once we get our food, we go sit at the same table, which we adopt as ours. While we eat, we continue our chats from the previous day. Once we exhaust that topic, our discussions degenerate into joking and small talk.

I notice an extreme change in Eric's behavior: He sits away from me. he refuses to look in my direction, and his attention is riveted on the blonde bimbo, Kara.

The bitch wraps her arms around my boyfriend, next she plants a kiss on his cheek, while practically sitting in his lap! I become angry with both. Then, I hear her say,

"Oh, Eric, Baby, where have you been? I attempted to talk to you since yesterday, we only have science together. But, don't worry, I spoke with the teacher: She might switch our places, so we can sit together. If not, I will tell my dad!"

"Uh, Eric, what is going on?"

"I'm sorry, Brandon, meet Kara."

"Yeah, I know whom she is. But, I don't understand your change in attitude towards me, so please explain!"

The girl and I stare at each other, causing me to realize, we are at war.

I can't believe, I' having these overwhelming thoughts of jealousy.

"Oh, Brandon, Eric is my boyfriend!"

"Not on your life: You never were, nor will you ever be! The truth is, my father hates the real me. I'm sure you understand, what I mean. He tried to fix me up with Kara, so I'll go down his planned straight and narrow path."

Kids start to run around us, as if the school was on fire, disrupting our discussion.

I think,

'Oh great, just the excitement I need!"

Curiosity got the better of us, so we decide to find out what happened.

Approaching a large group of students, we hear people yell,

"Fight!"

As we reach the source, we see Neil punching someone.

Without thinking, I jump in to stop him from hitting his target. Instead, his blow lands on my chest. I feel like Superman, a plus for being taller than the bully.

The victim, an attractive, ripped teen, is tall, maybe six feet, with beautiful emerald green eyes, plus short spiked blond hair.

With his larger build, I find its hard to comprehend, why he didn't fight back.

Neil boasts,

"Oh look here, it's the fag, seems I scored a two-fer!"

At that moment, Nathan runs up, knocking the ruffian down onto his ass.

"I warned you, now I must whip you!"

I grab Nathan to stop him, explaining,

"My friend, enough fighting has already occurred. I don't want you to get into trouble!"

"Screw that, Bran, the bitch needs to be taken down several notches before, he hurts someone!"

"Stop this insanity!" I scream to the crowd.

I look over at Neil's intended victim. I realize the boy remains silent, in fact he appears scared out of his mind. Thus, I ask,

"Are you okay?"

I get no response.

Meanwhile, Eric comes up to me. As I start to reiterate, Principal Reynolds approaches, then states,

"Neil, Brandon, Nathan: What's your name, Son?"

Again not a word, so I suggest,

"Wait, let me try, Sir."

Slowly, I inch closer to him, while I ask,

"My name is Brandon, what is yours?"

He looks, acting as if he doesn't understand. I repeat myself, but mouthing my words more distinctly. Finally, he answers slowly, while signing,

"My name is Aaron Kennedy."

I realize the boy is deaf, therefore I query,

"Do you need me to speak slowly, for you to understand me?"

"Yes, please: I read lips, since I can't hear." he '.

"Keep your eyes on me, that way, you will comprehend my words."

I turn to the principal, explaining,

"Sir, I am not sure what caused the fight. I accidentally became involved."

At this point, he interrupts,

"Of all the students, I never expected you to get embroiled in a brawl. You sorely disappoint me."

Then, Sam jumps in,

"Sir, he isn't at fault, Neil started the fight. When he attempted to hit the defenseless kid again, Brandon blocked him, absorbing the punch instead."

I think,

'How odd for this dude to take my side, not his friend's!'

"Under the circumstance, all of those involved, follow me to my office, now!"

"Please, wait!" a new kid said, as he runs over.

He uses sign language to communicate with Aaron.

"Who are you, Son?"

"Sir, my name is Edward Grey. I'm a student here, as well as my friend's interpreter. I went to the bathroom, when I returned Aaron had disappeared."

I notice Aaron update the new guy: He points at me. Then, Edward walks over, stating,

"My buddy tells me, you stepped in to protect him: Thank you! He mentioned you took a hit in the chest. He wants to know, if you are okay."

"I'm fine."

I look over at Aaron with a smile, which he returns.

"All of you to my office, now!"

Those of us involved, follow Lucas' father, while everyone else go on to their next class.

Once we arrive, Mr Reynolds states,

"Now, Gentlemen, I will ask each of you to tell me what you saw: Let's start with you, Aaron."

"Sir, my friend can read your lips, but it will be easier, if I speak for him."

"That is fine, now please go on."

Edward begins signing,.

"He says, he was in the hallway, waiting for me outside the bathroom. Suddenly, Neil bumped into him. The kid got in his face, he seemed to be screaming. Because he spoke too fast, my friend couldn't follow. Therefore, he didn't respond. However, since the boy's angry demeanor frightened him, he walked away, with the assailant in pursuit. When the guy caught up to him, he pushed my pal against the wall, while he continued to yell and hit him. Not once did Aaron take a swing, nor defend himself! When the bully attempted to throw a second punch, someone dressed in black got in front of my buddy, taking a blow to his chest, Then, you came along, stopping the fight."

"Thank you both, please sit down. Now, Neil, it's your turn."

"Sir, I was minding my own business, when someone bumps into me. The dude never bothers to apologize. My old man told me, whenever someone makes a mistake, they better have the balls to say they're sorry!. Since he didn't, I got pissed, so I lost my cool and pushed him, slightly. He....":

"So, that gives you the right to act violently!" I jump in, before the principal cuts in,

"Let Neil finish, Brandon."

"As I said, I went to tell him, I was sorry for how I acted. Then all of a sudden, he puts his hands up, as if he intended to hit me."

"Liar: You did no such thing!"

"Brandon, I shall not tell you again, let Neil finish: One more outburst, you will receive detention!"

"Besides, Punk, you were not there at the beginning!"

"Neil, do not call anyone names, is that clear!"

"I didn't know what he was going to do: It looked as if he took a swing at me. I stepped back, causing him to crash into the wall."

"That's not true, and you know it!" Sam said, entering the office.

"Young Man, we will get to you in a minute, wait your turn."

"No, Sir, I can't stand by, while he continues to lie! Brandon was the single guy, who tried to end the attack: Now, you question him, as if he were a participant. He never swung at Neil, nor did the victim. I am so sorry, Aaron, I didn't come to your aid! I should have jumped in to stop the attack, but I was too scared. The only two, who fought were Neil and Nathan. "

Suddenly, the kid switches over to sign language, which surprises me.

"Alright, only the two, who resorted to physical violence, as well as Sam, remain here. The rest are free to leave. Since you missed most of your lunch period, I will let you remain on break, until the present period ends."

Aaron, Edward and I walk outside to get some air. A smiling happy boy approaches me to shake my hand.

He starts to talk. He speaks slowly, while he also uses of his hands.

"Thank you, Brandon, you saved my life! I can't possibly repay you!"

Grinning broadly, I calmly say,

"No sweat, that's what friends do."

He reacts by lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning, how sweet of him!

"You want us to be buddies. You know I'm deaf, I would understand, if you would rather not."

"Yeah! I could care less, you can't hear. Let me tell you, I plan to learn sign language."

Aaron's eyes begin to sparkle, which makes him more breath-takingly gorgeous.

Despite, or because of his disability, this teen is full of life. He acts like an overgrown little kid, on the one hand, yet on the other is very bright, with an incredible memory.

Turning to his buddy, I add,

"And, I would also like to be your friend, Edward. I know my other pals will warmly welcome you both!"

"Cool, I"ll teach you!"

"Awesome!"

At this moment, the three of us bond.

Edward, himself, is a handsome, strapping young lad. He stands five feet ten inches. He has curly light brown hair, that hangs down past his ears, golden brown eyes, a toned body, with a swimmer's builds. Since he wears cargo shorts, I notice his tan, sexy, runner's legs.

We go over our schedules, since today is their first day. Apparently, Aaron's parents were unsure, whether to enroll their child in a public high school. However, yesterday, Edward convinced them to let their son attend, when he volunteered to act as his interpreter..

"I didn't want to go back to my old school, I learned nothing there. I may not be able to hear, but I can function like everybody else."

They have my schedule, which delights us. We make our way to American history, our next-to-last class of the day. The teacher drones on in a boring monotone, so I'm relieved, when the bell rings.

From there, we go on to math, with Mr. Maximoff.

"I love working with numbers, it's one course, I find easy." Aaron explains.

"Well, Dude, I am happy to have your here."

"We wondered, if you're free after school, maybe we could all hang out." Edward remarks, expecting me to say no.

"Hell yeah, I'd love to!"

The teen's face lights up, the instant I reply.

Finally, the clock signals the end of our school day. I rush out of the room, make my way to my locker and get the stuff I need for the night.

Suddenly, I feel Jean tap my shoulder.

"Hey, Scarecrow, the guys want to know, if you plan to chill at my place: We can do our homework together."

"Actually, Queen Bee, I'm meeting Aaron and Edward."

"Shit, invite them along, Silly: They are part of the Brat Pack. They became members, the minute you stepped in to help the poor kid!"

"Hey, Guys, how about hanging with all of us, at Jean's. We can also do our homework, you're part of the group now."

"Cool!" Aaron replies, as Edward goes to call their parents.

When he returns, the four of us go outside, to await the others. Vynse and Lucas arrive within minutes. However, Nathan is a no show, because he has detention the rest of the week, for fighting with Neil.

Also absent, is my Eric. Looking for him, I see him lock lips with Kara, until a man in a black Mercedes pulls up for him.

Before he gets in the vehicle , I run up to my supposed boyfriend. With tears running down my face, I ask,

"What happened, why are you kissing her."

"Because of my bastard father, he doesn't want a gay son. So what you saw, was a charade to get him off my back: I am so sorry, I should have filled you in, but we never got a chance to talk. Unfortunately, for now, we can't be more than friends."

"What about yesterday, you came onto me strongly, saying you wanted us to be a couple. You convinced me of your sincerity, then you captured my heart. Next thing I know,, you decide we can't be together, because your dad doesn't like gays!"

My now ex pauses to wipe a tear from his eye, then he continues,

"If we remain together he will kick me out: I have no where else to go! My own mother won't allow me near her, let alone take me in. Therefore, I have no choice but to play along, until I find a way out. Please back me: We can be buds, but nothing more!"

"Dude, we love each other! If you continue along your present path, you'll destroy not only me, but yourself! Together, we can figure out a way to solve your dilemma. However, understand, I can't be in the same room with you every day, pretending we're simply friends!"

"And, you don't think it's killing me, I need you with me all the time, my feelings for you are overwhelming me. But, not right now!"

With those final words, the boy, who just broke my heart, wraps his arm around Kara, walks to his dad's car, gets in, and the three drive off.

Watching them disappear over the horizon, my legs collapse under me. I fall to the ground, as torrents of tears run down my face.

Then, I feel some people help me up. They put their arms around me.

Looking, I see Aaron, Jean, Edward and Lucas.

Slowly, my crying lessens, then ceases. However, I remain in a coma-like state, my only thoughts center on my utter misery: I found, then lost, in under twentyfour hours my first true love!

I remember getting in a car, the next thing I know we are in Jean's apartment.

My friends remain by my side the entire time.

Lucas lets me cry on his shoulder, as he had on mine the night before.

After what turns out to be hours, I calm down long enough to hear a knock on the door.

"Oh hello, Ms Redfield." Jean says.

My mom runs over to me, she holds me the way only a mother can.

"Oh, Sweetie, what happened?"

Once again, I break down, inconsolable, as if I am a baby.

"Please, will some one fill me in!"

"Yes, Ma'am, Bran's heart was broken." Jean answers.

My mother holds me the whole time, At least an hour passes, before I stop crying.

The rest of the night is a blur. I don't remember going home.

After I get into my bed, the only thing I recall is my broken heart.....