Tales of the Underground: Crestfallen - 33. Family

I woke up the next morning more scared than confident. What the hell did I do last night? What the hell got into me? As I went to pull the covers off my bed pain shot through my left hand. ”Motherfucker!” I yelped lightly grabbing onto it. Like a wounded animal I kept my hand to my side, and hid it from anyone I came across.

I cautiously made my down the stairs, slowly peeking around the corner. “Don’t worry he left for work already.” Brooke offered, eating her breakfast “He wasn’t mad though, if anything he looked proud.”

“Great.” I grunted, keeping my head down.

She tried to get me to sit next to her, but I hung near the steps “Why are you beating yourself up over this? You did what we’ve dreamed of for years?”

I shook my head but didn’t say anything. Have I dreamed of sticking up to my Dad? Of course! But as I looked down at my swollen hand I couldn’t help but be filled with shame…so that’s what I’m capable of? I wasn’t even going that hard…what happens if I ever fully lose control? I kept to myself for the rest of the morning, and let out an involuntary groan as I saw Jayden leaning against my locker.

“Hey” He greeted with a smile “I know you usually visit me, but today I figured why not flip the script?”

“Hey J” I let out, trying to open my locker with my right hand.

“Whats the matter?” he poked “Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?”

“Something like that” I muttered, finally getting the lock undone.

“What is that like your favorite saying?” he observed. I sighed and fumbled around as I tried to get books into my bag without using my left hand. Finally he reached in and did it for me “Aidan, what’s going on?”

I finally looked over at him, and our eyes connected “It’s just a shitty day.”

“Whys that?” he asked with curious eyes.

I shut my locker, and slid down onto the floor, for a second I thought about telling him…coming clean about it all, but images of Eli’s scars flashed in my mind. I shook my head and made a face “Just is.”

“Oh come on.” He encouraged with a smile “What’s the point of having a…boyfriend….if you can’t vent about how bad life can get.”

“I just…” I shook my head thinking it over “I got in a fight with my dad last night.”

Concern overtook the smile on his face as he slid down next to me. “A fight fight?”

“No” I shook “Just a verbal one…but for a split second…I thought it was going to be more.”

He put down his hand to secretly hold mine, but I winced in pain “What was that?”

“Nothing” I grunted, trying to hide my injury. Once more he reached out, except this time he grabbed it with some force “Mother fucker Jayden!” I quietly yelped, lightly holding the injured hand “Why would you do that?”

“Because it’s the only way to get through to your hard head!” he teased “What did you do to your hand? Is that what caused the fight? Is that what the fight was about? “Did that happen in the fight? But you said it didn’t get physical?” A million questioned swarmed his mind, and panic started to settle in “Ma ka ra? Ta gid li! Leh hee pah gah?”

“Jayden!” I nudged, I couldn’t help but laugh as I realized that he was so freaked out he changed languages “Ranting in a language I don’t speak isn’t going to help.”

“Sorry” he mumbled “I didn’t even realize I was doing it.”

I laughed once more, as his face turned red “You really speak Hebrew that well?”

“Well yeah.” he sheepishly answered “I speak more Hebrew to my parents than English. At first they did it just to teach me the basics, that way I could pass all the courses at Synagogue, then they realized that I was actually pretty good at it.” He look over at me, and made a face “Wait a minute! You’re distracting me! Aidan what happened?”

I returned the look. “It’s just a fighting injury J, it’s really nothing to worry about.” I eased up, as his soft brown eyes went to work on me “I was punching the bag for too long and I guess I aggravated something.”

He nodded, relaxing a bit “Well why don’t you go get help?”

I shook my head “No”

“Aidan! You need to go show a doctor or something.” He insisted

“No way.” I laughed “I’m not going to get poked by any needles.” He quickly reached out and poked my hand once more “Jayden!”

“I’m going to keep doing that until it get fixed.” He shrugged

“Why did I have to go and fall for you?” I teased

He stuck out his tongue “Because your stupid. So what was the fight about?”

“You” I muttered.

“What?” he squeaked out, starting to get serious.

I leaned into him, and let my weight rest on him “Not so much about you, just about when I can hang out with you or whatever.”

“And?” he quietly peeped

“I can hang out with you whenever I want, and have you over whenever I’m not fighting or at practice.” I shrugged.

Confusion swarmed his freckled face “And he just accepted that?”

“No, that’s where the fight came in.” I teased “I was so mad Brooke had to stop me from packing a bag.”

“I don’t want to be the one who…”

“Don’t worry about it.” I interrupted “There’s a lot more between me and my dad than my friends. This is just the one I couldn’t sacrifice anymore…the one I can’t live without.”

A smile overtook his face as he heard me words “I love you.” He quietly pushed out.

“Love you too” I uttered, as the bell finally rang to push us on our way.

“Get help for your hand!” he screamed, walking down the hallway.

I rolled my eyes and slowly made my way to class. Every time I went to take notes I was met with pain shooting up and down my arm. I did my best to hide the pain but my teacher saw right through my façade.

“Mr. Taylor.” She called out “What seems to be the problem with you?”

“Nothing, I’m fine.” I lied, faking a smile

“If you lie to me you’ll be spending lunch in detention.” She lectured

I sighed, knowing I couldn’t win this discussion “It’s really nothing, I just hurt my hand.”

“Then go to the nurse, and make it fast.” She ordered.

“I’m a wrestler; can I go to the trainer’s office instead?” I pleaded

She thought the question over in her head “If you think they can help you more than yes, but make it quick, there’s a lot to class today.”

I nodded, and hastily made my exit from the room. I thought about skipping the rest of class, but as the pain in my hand grew I remorsefully made my way to the trainer.

“Hey can I help you?” The medical trainer offered “This office is for athletes…”

“I’m a varsity wrestler.” I let out, frustrated that my titles didn’t match my appearance.

He scanned me up and down “Sorry, you must be that freshman…what’s your name…uhm….Aidan!”

“Yeah, that’s me.” I sighed.

“Well what’s the issue today Aidan?”

“I messed up my hand pretty bad training last night. I was just using tape and hitting a pretty new bag” I lied.

“Well as you probably know, hitting a new bag is hard if you haven’t broken it in yet.” He felt over my hand, and I winced in pain “The good news is you don’t have a boxer’s fracture…you probably have too good of form to ever get that nonsense, but it does seem like you have some sort of sprain. Based on your reaction I’m willing to bet you have a partially torn ligament in your middle finger.” He pulled open a drawer and pulled out a small brace “Why don’t you check in with me in a week and if you don’t feel better by then, we’ll talk about getting X-rays.”

“A week?” I desperately let out

“Yup, a whole week without going to practice…think of it as a break.” He reached out and placed the brace which locked together two of my fingers.

“How am I going to stay in shape?” I uttered, with a racing mind.

“You can still go for runs, and work out your core and lower body, just no upper body work, and absolutely no throwing punches. Besides one week off isn’t going to get you out of shape.” He lectured “That’s your dominant hand right?”

“Yeah, I’m a lefty” I exhaled, trying to take in all the information.

“Welp you’ll have to get notes from friends in your classes, because you’re not to use that hand at all you understand?”

“Yes sir.” I muttered, trying not to show disappointment.

“Good, I’ll see you in a week, if the pain gets worse you know where to find me.”

“Thank you.” I sighed, making my way out of the small room. I felt my mood begin to mellow out as I looked down at my braced hand. What am I going to do without fighting? Can I really do this for a week? I sat through my next few classes, barely even paying attention. My teachers took one good look at my hand and got the hint. A few kids in each class let me take pictures of their notes. With each kid that handed me their notebook I started to feel better. They said it was their way to pay me back for taking care of bullies…but I don’t need payback, I shut down bullies because it’s the right things to do…and that’s the only damn reason I’ll ever need. I caught a glimpse of myself in one of the classroom mirrors and remember what I stood for…remembered who I was. I felt my mind rewire and change, I’m sorry for what I did last night, but I don’t regret it. I did what I had to…I fought to protect the ones I care about…that’s something I’ll always do.

I made my way down to the lunchroom with a light smile on my face, I wasn’t necessarily happy, but I wasn’t sad either…I just well…was

“I’m happy to see you smiling.” Jayden nudged, as I took my seat “and look at that! You saw someone about your hand!”

“It wasn’t exactly my choice.” I mumbled

“Well I’m glad you went.” He supported, discreetly rubbing my back.

“What’d you do to it?” Henry interrupted, with food falling out of his mouth.

I extended it out for he and Ivy to see “Punching bag finally got the better of me. Trainer said I must’ve weakened a ligament fighting or something, and last night pushed it over the edge.” I lied “I can’t really do much for a whole week!”

“You can hang out with me more.” Jayden offered.

I looked over, and my small smile grew a bit wider “What if I don’t want to?”

“Hey!” he giggled “You can come over for dinner tomorrow night!”

“If I have to” I fake groaned, acting like it was inconvenience.

“Mamzer” he let out with emphasis.

Henry shot me a weird look then looked at Ivy who shrugged “He’s been doing this all week.” I explained. I turned towards Jayden who was laughing to himself “Stop speaking Hebrew!” He flashed a proud smile, and stuck out his tongue “What did you even say?”

“Bastard” he laughed.

Henry eagerly popped up “Wait I want to learn how to curse in another language! Tell me how to say tits!”

“Henry!” I reprimanded.

I could see the gears turning in Jayden’s head “I don’t think I know how to say that…boobs is tzi-tzi, if you want that.”

I rolled my eyes and stared Henry down “Stop perverting my boyfriend!”

Henry started laughing along with Jayden “Hey, he’s the one who knows the words!”

I looked to Jayden and faked an angry face “Ohel Hara”

“What did you call me now?” I sighed, trying to look disappointed

“Shit eater” he giggled, making Ivy and Henry laugh along with him.

“What the hell is happening today?” I questioned, trying to keep a straight face.

“I’m just in a good mood.” Jayden shrugged

Ivy looked at me and raised an eye brow “Why’s that?”

“Things just seem to be clicking lately.” I looked at him and shifted my mouth “Well besides your hand.” He quickly excused “But I don’t know, I just have a good feeling.”

“Are you about to kiss Aidan again? Because I didn’t sign up for this.” Henry quickly spat, turning away.

“No” he laughed “I won’t kiss Aidan again.”

“Like hell you won’t” I muttered starting to eat my food.

Jayden laid his head against my shoulder “Yeah, what are you gonna do about it tough guy?” I rolled my eyes and tried to ignore him “No more kisses for you.” He decided

Ivy scrunched her face and smiled “He really gets like this?”

“Unfortunately” I sighed, pushing his head off of me “He’s a handful.” He nodded his head to my words “Congratulations on finally meeting the real Jayden Sanders.”

“Well I mean don’t you guys have days where you’re just full of energy. Look at Aidan! He’s pretty much like that every day!” Jayden defended

“I guess” Ivy shrugged “But I can’t really say I’ve seen anyone as hyper as you are.”

“It’s like you store up your happiness and just use it all on one day.” Henry analyzed

I made a serious face, and gave Henry a real disapproving look this time “It’s okay” he urged, bumping me “I’ve been told it before, I have high highs and low lows, It’s no big secret.”

I looked over at him and took a breath “You had to pick today to have a high high?”

“Hey I don’t choose it” he laughed “Besides one of us has to cheer the other up, it’s just the way we are I guess.”

“I love you” I giggled, as I looked at his smile

“Woh!” Henry shouted “Woh! Woh!” Ivy elbowed him to shut up “No, no, Ivy he said love!”

“So what!” She reprimanded “Let them do what they want!”

“We’ve been saying it since Tuesday.” I teased

“Oh my god, you two are gonna get married before we even finish high school!” he yelled

Jayden’s eyes connected with mine “I do have the money for it.”

“I’ve always wanted a nice big wedding” he joked, looking towards Henry.

“You two are sick! Both of you! Sick in the head!” He yelped, trying to fathom what was happening “High school is for like hooking up, not finding permanent relationships!”

I looked towards Ivy, but she just laughed “I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, I don’t get the point in wasting time with hook ups…the real thing…it just feels so much better.”

Henry’s eyes began to bulge “Then you two have done it?”

Jayden’s face turned bright red, and his energy level seemed to lower “No!” I quickly replied “I meant love as the real thing!”

“Well you’ll already saying love, so when is the real fun going to happen.” He quickly taunted.

I unloaded a kick into his leg and stared him dead in the eyes “Henry!” I barked

Henry immediately bent down and start rubbing his leg “Why do you always have to do that?” he cried out, trying to calm down the pain.

“It’s alright, he’s just kidding.” Jayden let out, trying to play it off as a joke .

Ivy made eye contact with me and swayed her head “He deserved that” I said sticking to my guns.

She nodded her head “I just thought he would’ve learned by now.”

“Oh no! Everything’s fine!” Henry whined looking for attention “My legs just bleeding after a black belt kicked me, but no it’s fine!”

“Hey you know where the line is.” I exhaled.

“Yeah yeah” he moaned as the bell finally rang.

“See you in history J?” he nodded and returned the smile.

I swear my next few classes couldn’t go by fast enough. I guess I just needed to be next to Jayden, if anything just to get to see that bright smile on his face. It’s a rare sight, but boy it could light up even the darkest corners of this earth.

As I finally walked into history Mr. Jones got one look at my hand and made a face “What? Did the punching bag hit back this time? Or did Jayden take another swing at you?”

“The former” I sighed sitting down.

He leaned back against his desk “So how’d you really do it?”

“No seriously” I smiled “I guess I just overworked the ligament, and it’s had enough.”

“If only you studied as much as you trained.” Mr. Jones’ teased causing Jayden to laugh “What are you laughing about Mr. Sanders, it seems you’ll be the one responsible for his notes.”

Jayden shrugged “I don’t mind it, frankly I think he should’ve been using them all quarter.”

I elbowed Jayden lightly “Hey watch it, you put yourself on thin ice at lunch.” Jayden sarcastically smiled and stared at me.

Mr. Jones raised his eyebrows and went to the front of the room, finally starting to teach. Class went by as fast as it possible could for being the end of the day on a Thursday. Since I couldn’t take notes I spent the majority of it messing with Jayden. I would kick his chair away from his desk, or when Mr. Jones was writing on the board I would even dare to swat the pen from his hands. He did his best to stay on task, but what can I say? Idle hands are the devils play thing. As the bell finally rang I walked Jayden to his locker.

“So I can’t go to practice today, what do you think about coming over?” I offered, with excited eyes

“I can’t” he shook “I tutor kids on Thursdays.”

I shot him a confused look “What?”

“Hey you’re not the only one who does stuff outside of school.” He laughed “I help out with the Bar Mitzvah classes and stuff.”

“Oh come one! You can miss one day right?” I pleaded.

“No Aidan.” he laughed “Besides you’re coming over tomorrow for dinner, in fact since you don’t have practice, how about you just take the bus with me? We can hang out all Friday afternoon and evening.”

“Fine” I dejectedly groaned “But you owe me.”

“We’ll see about that!” I heard him laugh as I began to walk away.

I quickly packed my bags, and found Perry’s car in the lot. He shot me a weird look as I got into the car, but as I explained to him the brace on my hand he seemed to understand everything. Brooke tried to talk to me on the car ride home, but I flat out wasn’t interested. As we finally pulled into the driveway, and walked into the house I was shocked to find my mom sitting in the living room.

“Hey guys!” she called out “Hey Aidan don’t you have that fighting thing after school?”

“Yeah but” I held up my hand showing the braced fingers “I messed up my ligaments or something.”

She cringed as she heard my explanation “Yikes, that can’t be fun. I was actually just at vineyard vines for you, there are a ton of bags in your room. Maybe that’ll cheer you up!”

“Get me anything?” Brooke piped in

“Brooke please, I’m talking to Aidan right now. Besides their clothes, they just don’t fit you right.” She quietly jabbed, taking a shot at Brooke.

Brooke rolled her eyes and walked towards the stairs “Of course not” I heard her mutter

“But anyway honey, I figured you needed new clothing, I mean just look how you’re dressed. How old are those Jordans?” She questioned

“Just like a few months.” I uttered looking down at them.

“Aidan! They’re too old for you to wear! You’re the heir to your dad’s company and fortune, you need to start acting like it!” she lectured

I moved my mouth from side to side tired of their pressure “I’ll go order new ones”

“That’s a lot better!” she let out “Speaking of your father, I think you owe him an apology.”

I leaned back and groaned “I’m not doing it.”

“I heard the way you spoke to him last night! That’s not how we raised you!” Her tone grew stricter as she spoke. I bit my tongue and pouted “Besides you know he’s getting his kicks from you holding a grudge. The longer you wait, the longer you’re letting him win.”

“I don’t care if he thinks he won.”

“We both know that not true.” She pushed raising an eye brow “Whatever it really doesn’t matter to me, he’ll be in meetings all night anyway, but he did tell me you have a boyfriend now.” I reached up and ran my hand across my face “Oh come on! Tell me about him!”

“Mom, you’re not even okay with me being gay.” I snapped

“Where’d you get that impression?” she asked, trying to play dumb.

I rolled my eyes “When you told me it was just a phase, and that I needed to man up!”

“Watch those eyes young man!” She cautioned “Besides that was then, you know Linda Wainright has a best friend who’s gay, and so does Barbara Hammond, boy where they green when I told them you were gay!”

I tried to hide disappointment. I’m not sure what I expected, I should’ve known the second she heard being gay was the new thing, she would come running to me. The new clothes, the trying to talk to me…I should’ve known “Don’t worry about him, we really just started seeing one another like last week.”

“Oh come on!” she encouraged “I need more details than that. Is he athletic? Wait no, you’re the athletic one in the relationship…so he must be feminine right?”

“Yes mom” I patronized “We gay men are very particular about making sure masculine men and feminine men hook up.”

“Oh see!” she waived her hand “I understand all the new age stuff!”

I hid an eye roll as she missed my sarcasm, but grunted as I realized Jayden was a bit…unathletic “He’s whatever” I shrugged “He’s in all AP classes except our history, which he probably tested out of. He’s cute, but very shy…he just is what he is.”

“Oh a smart boy!” she excitedly yelped “I knew you could pick right, so what company does his dad own? How much money does he have?”

I shot her a strange look “Not much I don’t think. He’s not like us.”

“What do you mean he’s not like us?” she demanded “You’re dating someone in poverty?”

“No, mom he’s not poor. He just doesn’t have money the way we do.” I shook my head “It’s really no big deal.”

“Oh Aidan, I know you have a big heart…but come on now, do you really except that to work?” she discouraged “I mean you’ve gotten used to a certain level of luxury in your life…you really gonna let someone gold dig off you?”

“He’s not a gold digger!” I let out starting to get offended “He’s so smart I bet he’ll make a fortune of his own one day! And for the record I expect him to be around for a long time!”

“Ohhhh touchy” She observed with wide eyes “But very smart, seeing the potential in him. You’re gonna polish him up real nice I bet! Oh I’m excited! Maybe you’re the gold digger here!” she laughed

“Yeah sure, maybe mom.” I sighed

“Well I was thinking one of these nights we should have a dinner party, and you can bring him along.”

“You mean so you can show off your gay son to your friends?” I grumbled

“No!” she quickly spit “So I can show off my accomplished son.”

“Yeah sure whatever” I grunted, walking towards the theater.

“Okay great! I’ll keep you updated!”

I can’t believe I just walked into that…that trap! She ambushed me! How long has she been planning that? She can’t ever just be a mom! She always has something up her sleeve! I thought about Jayden’s mom and how warm and friendly she is. I wonder what it’s like to have parents like that, to have people actually involved in your life…to cheer you on because they love you, and not because they can cash in on you. I jumped into one of the big chairs, and threw on fight pass to distract my mind.

It’s funny you would think a day off would be a 15 year olds dream, but not me. This is my worst nightmare! The whole night just felt lazy, I tried to call Jayden but he was too busy to pick up, henry was with Britany and Ivy was doing…well whatever Ivy does. School the next day was just as brutal. All I could do was just sit there and watch. I never thought I would complain about not being able to take notes! Worst of all Jayden had a meeting to discuss his AP scores all afternoon! It must’ve been either really good or really bad, because he said both his parents were called in as well! He offered me a ride home with them, but I wasn’t brave enough to take. Instead I had good ol Perry drive me over.

Every now and then on the ride there Brooke would turn and make a comment about the new clothes I was wearing. I can’t blame her for taking it out on me, our parents are hard on me, but they pretend like she doesn’t even exist. “This is it?” she sneered as we pulled into the small cracked driveway.

“Watch yourself.” I warned, finally defending myself

Our eyes locked and she got the message “Whatever, I still think he’s too smart for you.” She jabbed, turning forward.

“Yeah yeah, I’ll text you when to pick me up later Perry.” I instructed

He looked at me through the rearview mirror and nodded “Have fun sir.”

I smiled, and climbed out of the car, bringing yet another bouquet of flowers. I rung the door bell and made sure to hold the flowers nice and high. Jayden appeared in the doorway and gave me a disapproving look “You’re trying way too hard.” He sighed.

“It’s good to finally get to see you too.” I shot back, resisting the urge to hug him. He led me into the kitchen, where his mom was preparing dinner, and once more I offered her the large bouquet “Hopefully you enjoy flowers ma’am” I greeted with a laugh.

“Aidan” she laughed “You really have to stop spoiling me! You never have to worry about bringing anything when you come here, you’re always welcome.”

Her light smile showed that her words were sincere “It wouldn’t feel right if I came here empty handed when you’re hard at work cooking.”

She looked over at Jayden and nodded her head “I hope you’re as polite as Aidan when you go over his house.”

“He is.” I interrupted before he could respond “My sister and butler both loved having him over.”

“Good I’m glad.” She offered, giving her son an approving look “Well Jayden, did you give Aidan the news?”

He grunted and melted into one of the kitchen chairs. “I don’t want to talk about it.” he pouted

“Hey I told you about my hand.” I encouraged. Mrs. Sanders looked down at my brace, but didn’t interrupt.

He sighed “I got a 4 in all of them except history.” He shrugged, I shot him a confused look not understanding what it meant “They’re graded on a 1-5 scale. So I did good.”

“He did excellent!” His mom exclaimed “They’re moving him up a level in all his classes except for history…but we’ll work on that, he might even graduate a year early!”

“Mom stop” he groaned.

I did my best to fight off an excited smile, but couldn’t stop myself from jumping up with excitement “That’s amazing J! I knew you were smart, but wow! You’re some type of genius!”

“I’m really not” he defended, standing up “I just don’t want to talk about it.” He shook his head and walked to his room.

His mom took a few steps toward his room, but I raised my hand “It’s okay Mrs. Sanders, I’ll handle it.”

“Are you sure?” concern gripped her face “He’s a bit complicated when he gets like this.”

“Don’t worry” I gently smiled “I think I learned how to break through to him.” She nodded and I made my way into the small room. Jayden was sitting on his bed with his head in his hands, just contemplating it all. “What’s the matter love?”

“Can we just do that thing where we don’t talk and you let me lay on you for a while?” he asked, not bothering to move his hands.

I walked over and sat down next to him “Not until you tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing” he muttered, just like he always did when he got like this.

“Whats the point of having a boyfriend if you can’t vent about how bad life can get?” I mocked, recalling the words he had used yesterday morning.

“How long have you been waiting to use that?” he teased, finally look over at me.

“Ever since you said it.” I lightly laughed

“I just…what if I don’t meet my parents expectations? What if….what if I fail?” Insecurity and doubt filled his eyes as he spoke.

“You know I wonder the same thing every single time I step into the octagon.” I confessed, trying to keep eye contact.

Skepticism filled his light brown eyes “No you don’t, you’re just patronizing me.”

“I ready do.” I let my head rest against his shoulder “Every. Single. Time.” I emphasized “But then I look around…I remember how far I’ve come, and I realize what I can do, that I can handle whatever gets thrown my way…that I’ve been training my ass off for these moments.” A smile started to cross my face “You’re no different. I watch you work your ass off in class. You even study during lunch! Whats the worst that happens? You get moved down to a lower level AP? Well you’ll still be in AP classes ya dunce!”

He giggled a bit relaxing “You really think I can handle it?”

“I know you can” I supported “You’re the smarted person I’ve ever met…your creative…and so hard working. I wish I had your brain.”

“It’s overworked and underpaid” he mumbled

“And yet still so beautiful.” I encouraged “Try the new classes? Please, for me? I promise neither me nor your parents will hold it against you if you want to switch back down.”

“Fine” he agreed as though he was at gun point “you’re annoying.”

“Yes, I am, but It’s only because I love you.” I giggled.

He let out a deep breath “I love you too”

“And I know you bombed the AP history test to stay with me.” I let out, growing serious again “You can’t let me hold you back J.”

“You’re inured, you can’t pass without my notes.” He teased

“Jayden, retake it” I urged, with a strict voice.

“I can’t just retake AP tests.” He laughed “The next time I can take it is in the spring.”

I moved my head towards his his and lightly bumped him with it “Then in the spring, you’re going to seriously retake it.”

“Fine” he groaned “But for now…I just want to stay with you. All my other classes…they’re gone hard ya know? Maybe I just want to take an easy one with my boyfriend.”

“Hey that class isn’t easy!” I laughed, easing back up

He let his head rest against mine “Man, it’s gonna be the last class we ever take together isn’t it?”

“I think so.” I giggled “But hey. Maybe I’ll do really good in a class or something and get…” before I could even finish my sentence Jayden burst out laughing “Oh gee thanks!”

“No..I…” he let out between breaths “I’m sorry” he breathed, still laughing.

“No please, keep it up.” I teased standing up “I’m sure gym class goes great for you.”

“It…it..doesn’t” he exhaled, starting to relax “but it can’t be any worse than you in an AP class!” he yelped, starting into laughing fit once again. A short laugh escaped my lips, and I made my way to the door “W-wait no!”

“I’ll be right back.” I comforted “I left my phone in the kitchen, but if you don’t stop laughing I’m gonna hit you.”

He stuck out his tongue, but kept laughing anyway. I quickly made my way into the kitchen, phone in pocket, looking to accomplish my real job. “Hey Mrs. Sanders” I offered.

The concern from before grew on her face “It’s okay, I’ll go talk to him.”

“Oh no, he’s doing better.” As she heard my words, she couldn’t help but sit down in relief. I pointed towards his room, as his faint laughter bled through the thin walls.

“You boys really get each other don’t you?” She smiled.

I calmly took the seat across from her “Yes ma’am.” I bit my lip and thought over my words for a few seconds “I know it’s not really my place to say…but I promised him we wouldn’t pressure him too hard…and that if he hates it, or is doing bad he can go back to his normal AP classes.”

She thought over my deal with him “That sounds fair.” She finally let out “I mean he’ll be in 1^st year history, 3^rd year AP math, and 2^nd year AP everything else! Me and his father will understand if he wants to go down a level, I promise.” I tried to hold back a smile, and nodded “You’re really that happy for him, aren’t you?”

“Yes ma’am” I confirmed “Well…I guess I’m just really proud of him more than anything. He’s just so smart, ya know?”

“Trust me, I know” she laughed.

“Snitch!” I heard Jayden playfully accuse as he entered the kitchen “What happened to “I forgot my phone.” he mocked

I stood up, and stuck out my tongue “Let’s go Einstein.” I teased pushing him back towards his room. I looked back and nodded towards Mrs. Sanders, she returned it with an emotional smile.

“You know why I had to…” I began, as he shut his bedroom door. Before I could even finish he jumped on me.

“You said you were proud of me.” He exhaled, with foggy eyes

“Yeah…” I let out not sure what was happening “but didn’t I like just say that to you before.”

“That’s different.” He sniffled, as his head rested on my shoulder “That time you didn’t say it to me…you didn’t even know I was listening…you were bragging about me.”

“Well yeah” I shyly smiled “I love you.”

I heard his breath start to grow heavier as he tried to calm himself down “I just really thought you were saying things to be nice…to make the sad kid feel better.”

“Jayden.” I sighed starting to fix his hair “Everything I say to you…I mean every word of it. I am proud of you.” I repeated slowly

His head shook on my shoulder “You really trust my mom huh?”

“Yeah” I quietly admitted.

‘Then…maybe…maybe I should tell them tonight during dinner…tell them about us.” He nervously said, whipping the tears from his eyes.

I pulled him closer “If you really want to…then I’m here with you…through it all.”

“Okay.” He sheepishly agreed “I’ll tell them tonight.”

“I can’t believe you thought I was just trying to make the sad kid feel better.” I repeated. He shrugged “I’m really just doing it to get in your pants, duh.”

He giggled, and shook his head “way to ruin the moment.” He teased

“It was that easy to ruin it?” I taunted, rubbing his back.

“Yup, now Its gone forever.” He laughed, easing up. I took a breath, and before I could help it, lightly slapped him on the butt “Hey!” he jumped “now you’re just being fresh!” He let me go and fell back on his bed.

“Sorry” I sighed “I couldn’t help myself” I fell back near him, and he planted a meaningful kiss on my lips

“That’s because I have you wrapped around my finger.” He teased with a smile. He laid his head on my chest like he had been waiting for all day. “Finally.” He exhaled.

The next hour or two went by fast. For the most part we let the quiet do the talking, and even fell asleep for a while. Everything just felt right…I felt at peace, I guess we both did. When his mom knocked on his door to let us now dinner was almost ready, he shot off the bed so fast I thought he was going to rip the carpet underneath.

“Smooth J” I giggled as he struggled to keep his balance. He reached out, and I grabbed his hand to steady him. I stood up and pulled him in “You sure you’re ready to do this?”

“No.” he admitted “But I’ll have you by my side…and this is as ready as I’ll ever be.”

I let him go, and nodded. He led us out into the tight kitchen, and we took seats next to each other.

“Hey Mr. Sanders” I greed, shaking his hand

“Hey Aidan.” He smiled “So I hear you and Jayden made a peace offering.” I shifted my mouth, trying to think of what he meant “About the advanced classes.” He smiled

“Oh yeah…well he’s too smart to not take the chance.” I responded, smiling at Jayden. He smiled back, and bumped me with his shoulder.

“Good negotiating skill, I should’ve expected that from a Taylor.” He complimented, seeming a lot more friendly then interrogative today.

“Well, it was really my first time trying that. I tend to use fists more than words.” I joked, and he politely laughed back.

Jayden bumped me once more “It’s because you don’t know many words.”

“Jayden astorf!” his mother corrected, in hidden words

“What?” Jayden shrugged “I’m just goofing around.” His mother gave him an evil eye and he turned towards me “Slicha Aiden.” I lightly shrugged as our eyes connected “Sorry” he explained

“It’s okay” I bumped back.

I saw the gears in Jayden’s head turn as he thought over the situation “How long until dinners actually ready?” he quickly asked.

“Another 5 to 10 minutes.” He mother shrugged, looking back at the oven.

“Well” I saw nerves flood him as he contemplating sharing our secret. He looked back at me then them, and I saw indecision start to win. I bumped him with my knee, applying some light pressure. “Can we talk?”

“Sure” Mr. Sanders replied not suspecting anything out of the ordinary “Anything you want to discuss.”

“Well yeah.” Jayden’s voice began to grow sheepish and shaky. His mom took a seat as she grew worried about what he would say “Well…I…okay.” He breathed. I looked over at him and our eyes connected, I smiled showing support and it reflected on his face “Mom and dad” he began “You guys know…you well know…” they both looked on, understanding their sons struggle with words “I’m different than most kids.” He finally let out, completing his thought “I’ve always been” he shrugged. Mr. Sanders looked at his wife, and a confused unspoken conversation took place “well look, I’m happy lately.”

“We noticed” Mr. Sanders spoke trying to get Jayden to the point.

“It’s because…it’s because…because” he droned on his words, prolonging the inevitable. “Well because Aidan and I” I slowly started to notice his stutter was growing more of a defensive measure than an issue “we’re dating.” He quickly exhaled. Shock filled bother their faces as his words soaked the air “Mom…Dad…I’m bisexual.”

The second his mom heard the words she jumped out of her seat. My heart stopped as I feared the worst, but before I knew what hit me, she was wrapped around me “Oh Jayden!” she yelped “You did such a good job! Look at him!” she exclaimed “He’s so cute, and kind, and well spoken!” excitement peeked through her voice “I always knew you’d find someone worthwhile!”

I twitched uncomfortably, as she touched me “Mom!” Jayden squealed “He hates being touched!”

She threw both her hands up and took a step back “Sorry! I just got so excited!” she cried “The way he spoke about you before…he cares about you so much.” Emotion began to overwhelm her as she connected all the dots.

“So then you’ve known?” Jayden exhaled, not understanding

“No, not at all.” His mom breathed “I had no idea, but you’re so happy lately…you’re smiling and laughing…why would I ever want that to end?”

I looked over at Mr. Sanders and I could see he was still absorbing all the new information “So then. You two are a couple?” he finally spoke.

“Yes.” Jayden confirmed, still shaking with nerves

He took in a breathe and let it out. I saw conflict fight it out in his head “Aidan.”

“Yes sir.” I responded, straightening myself up.

“What’s the most important thing in life?” he asked.

I looked at Jayden then him, trying to see the trick “I…” I thought it all over “for me it’s always been my friends, they’re why I am where I am.”

Mr. Sanders glance shifted from me to Jayden, and I could tell he wasn’t buying my words. “No dad.” Jayden defended “He’s not lying…he’s not trying to trick you…he’s not telling you what you want to hear.” I could see Jayden starting to get annoyed “Do you know what all the kids say about Aidan?” His dad raised an eye brow “They say that he’s the schools hero! That he always has been! He’s been protecting them all from bullies since he learned to fight, and he never once asked them for anything in return!”

“Yeah but…” his dad began

“No, no” Jayden interrupted “I first met Aidan…I first met him when I was getting bullied.” He started to breathe heavily remembering the moment “He didn’t know me…he didn’t know what I looked like or if I was even nice! He stepped in and saved me, he stopped it before I got hurt.” Jayden looked over at me “and the next day…you wouldn’t even let me sit alone at lunch. You welcomed me like I was one of your own…without even hesitating.” He eyes shifted back towards his dad “Aidan’s not at all like you’re assuming…get to know him.”

“More like your father than you know” Mr. Sanders sighed looking at me.

“Maybe so” I said, picking my head up “but I have something he didn’t.”

Mr. Sanders’ look grew curious “What’s that?”

“Jayden.” I replied “I’m not going to pretend I knew what my dad was like when he was younger…I don’t. I have some good memories from when I was a kid, but for the most part…for the most part I’ve only known him to be cruel and demanding. I can only imagine what it’s like to work for him…but you can’t hold that against me. Life has a way of fixing what it screwed up on.”

I could tell he was understanding what I was saying “You really think you can fix where he went wrong?”

I couldn’t help but shrug my shoulders “I’m not setting out to fix his mistakes…I’m going to be my own man. I’m going to leave my own impact on the world. He chases money…I… I chase justice.”

He let out a deep sigh “Great…now we have one more kid around to worry about.” He eased up “I mean fighting…it’s just so dangerous…look at your hand.” He shifted his gaze to Jayden “We’re gonna have to get you in a first aid class.”

“Then you accept me?” Jayden eagerly let out.

“Always.” His dad confirmed

“And Aidan?” Jayden asked once more, this time showing more nerves.

His dad smiled “ Jayden, I don’t know if I’ll ever think anyone you bring home is good enough for you…but this one…he has his priorities straight.” Jayden jumped out of his chair, and excitedly hugged his father. It’s funny Mr. Sanders was a typical blue collar, gruff man, and yet he didn’t hesitate to show his son affection…not for one second. Jayden let go, and he looked to me and nodded “You understand why I’m being so hard on you, don’t you?”

I returned the nod “I understand sir, and I don’t expect it to ease up anytime soon.”

His dad let out a short laugh “I’m gonna get the better of you one of these days.”

“Not if J’s on the line.” I joked. Before I knew what hit me, Jayden wrapped himself around me.

Through it all…the clothes…the cars…the mansions…the money…none of it ever matched up to this moment. I took in a breath and lived in the moment. If this is what family is like…then it’s all I’ll ever need.