William's Love - 34. Chapter 34

Day 2 - Without Liam - Cont

“Will?” Liam asked, “Honey, you couldn’t have done anything differently. We’re lucky it wasn’t Cash as well. Please don’t work yourself up until we know more.”

“I’m so sorry, if anything happens to her I’ll never forgive myself.” I cried into the phone.

“Aw! Babe, I’ll come home?” Liam croaked into the phone.

“NO! There’s nothing you can do. You can’t miss out on this opportunity.” I told him.

“There’s nothing more important to me than my family Will, I don’t want you upset like you are, and I’m not there,” Liam growled at me.

“I didn’t mean it like that Liam, but you coming home isn’t going to change anything. Let me call you in the morning when I hear from the vet, and we’ll talk about it then.” I said sadly.

“Okay, I’ll talk to you then, I love you,” Liam said flatly.

“Love you too. Liam?”

“Yeah?” He answered quietly.

“I miss you,” I mumbled before I sobbed away from the phone and disconnecting the call.

<>-<>-<>

Day 3 - Without Liam

I flicked the switch on the coffee maker in Dad’s kitchen. I didn't get much sleep last night and gave up at about five am and went for a run ending up here. I filled a water bowl for Cash and put it on the floor on top of a dishtowel. He’s slobbery after a run, more water ends up outside the bowl than in his mouth. Pulling out a mug, I heard Dad’s bedroom door open, so I grabbed another cup. I could hear Papi talking, “How would I know where he is, maybe he’s sleeping Liam like I should… Never mind he’s here in the kitchen making coffee and about to make me toast to go with it.” Papi said, “Yes Liam, I’ll call you later, you photographers and your ridiculous hours.”

“Will, love, what are you doing here so early?” He leaned down and scratched Cash behind the ear, looking around, “Where’s C.C?”

“She’s at the vet's,” I answered quietly.

“What? Why? Is she sick?” Papi asked.

“She got bitten by a snake yesterday, they gave her the antivenom, now we’re just waiting to see if she’ll make it. They gave her 30% chance of survival. I’m waiting for them to call me to let me know how she is. I was told they’d call if there were any change through the night. So far nothing, I’m trying to take it as no news is good news.” I acted on auto-pilot while making the coffees and waiting for the toast to pop. “What did Liam want?”

“He couldn’t get hold of you, he was worried, just wanted me to go and check on you. Did you know Liam knows how to use the F-Word? – Very well,” Papi sat at the breakfast table watching me.

The toast popped, I flung it on to a plate so as not to burn my fingers. I buttered it and put it in front of Papi, then got his jam from the fridge and put it on the table, bringing both our mugs with me.

“I brought your paper in,” I gave it to him and concentrated on my coffee.

We sat in silence, while we drank our morning cup of wake up juice, Papi read the paper and ate his toast. I stood, while I swallowed my last mouthful of coffee, moving closer to the dishwasher to clear my cup. I did the same with Cash’s water bowl.

“I’ll see you later Papi, thanks for the coffee. Sorry, Liam woke you. Come on Cash.” I said clicking my fingers for him to follow.

“Did you want me to drive you home Will, you look exhausted,” Papi asked.

“Nope, we’ll be okay. I’ll call you later.” I said leaving.

“All right, take it easy. Call Liam when you get a chance.” He told me.

<>-<>-<>

I hopped in the shower with Cash, he’d decided to run and jump in the puddles left by the rain showers we’d had through the night on the way home from Dad’s. I was drying Cash with a towel and could hear my phone ring, so I ran for the phone and missed the call. Looking at the number it was the vet, even though they weren’t open yet. I rang the number back, and Stephen answered.

“Hello,”

“I just missed a call, it’s Will Blundell-Sands, is C.C. okay? Tell me she’s okay.” I said frantically.

“Will it’s Stephen, I can’t tell you much, but she’s improved overnight. The vet will be here in a couple of hours, and he’ll be able to tell you more. I thought I’d let you know she’s doing okay, you probably didn’t get much sleep last night.” Stephen said sincerely.

“Thanks, Stephen,” I sighed with relief, “I’ve already had Liam trying to hunt me down to find out what’s happening. So that’s something I guess. Thank you for staying and looking after her. Do you think the vet will let me come see her today.”

“Not usually, but I’ll try for you Will.” He said in earnest.

“Thanks. Maybe you should go and get some sleep yourself.” I told him, he sounded tired and I felt a little guilty he’d stayed with my C.C. for no pay.

“I wish,” he chuckled, “I start my work day in an hour and a half, doesn’t seem any point.”

“Well, thanks again, we appreciate it,” I told him, that tasted like vinegar coming out of my mouth. I’m finding it hard to not like him. He’s not at all what I expected, I want to hate him for what he did to Liam. The knowledge that Liam has forgiven him makes it more difficult.

I dialed Liam's number, “Hello Babe, where were you? How come you didn’t pick up? I’ve been going out of my mind, I was ready to pack and fly home.”

“Well now you won’t have to bother, Stephen just rang, he said she’s made it through the night. The vet doesn’t start for a couple of hours and will probably have more information for me. I’m going to ask if they’ll let me see her, I can tell you more then.” I repeated what been said.

“That’s a relief. Are you doing okay Babe?” he asked.

“Yep, I’m fine. I’ll talk to you later, love you,”

“Love you too,” Liam said sadly.

<>-<>-<>

I was laying in bed, trying to get some kind of rest. But my mind won’t turn off. I hate this kind of waiting, the vet should have gotten to work at least an hour ago. I want to ring, I should ring, but I don’t want to pester them. Fuck it, I’m going to ring.

“Yeah, um… hello, this is Will Blundell-Sands, I was just wondering how C.C. is?” I asked the receptionist.

“Oh hi, let me see if the Vet is available, he should be finishing up with a patient.” The woman said and put me on hold. I hate hold music, especially the chimed mimicking of recent pop hits.

“Mr. Blundell-Sands?” The Vet from yesterday asked.

“How is she, please tell me I used up my miracle for this year on C.C?” I asked.

The guy chuckled, “It seems you may have, she’s doing a lot better than I expected. I’m cautiously optimistic about her outcome. According to the notes, Stephen has given me, there has even been a vast improvement since you spoke with him this morning. We are giving her fluids, if she eats and drinks by herself and passes her bowels, you’ll be able to take her home tomorrow morning.”

“Thank God, I was scared we’d lose her,” I said with relief.

“C.C.’s not out of the woods yet, as I said I’m cautiously optimistic.” The vet repeated.

“Am I able to come and sit with her?” hearing the desperation in my own voice made me a little foolish, I know it sounds crazy, but she’s my furbaby. C.C. is our family, mine, Liam, and Cash.

“I would love to say yes, but we really don’t have space, and I’m not sure our insurance would allow it. But feel free to call and check on her throughout the day, if it helps keep your mind at ease. I will contact you later in the day and let you know how she’s progressing. Honestly Will, I really do think everything will be okay.” The vet said.

“Thank you, thank you so much. Umm…”

“Is there something else I can help you with?” he asked.

“If I were to pay for Stephen’s wages for last night would you pay him?” I asked I know this is petty, but I really don’t want to owe him any favors. On the other hand, he has to be struggling, and that doesn’t seem fair either.

To: Liam, Dad, Papi

I looked at the time, I only have an hour before I have to be at the shelter to practice baseball with the kids. At least there’s time for a quick sandwich. Seb and Beau were eating a sandwich.

“Hey,” I said pulling the fixings out of the refrigerator.

“Hey,” Seb answered with a mouthful.

“Dad said you wanted to talk to Liam and me about something,” I inquired.

“Oh, yeah. I was wondering if you guys mind me living here until next year. I’m going to go back to college when you all go, and I need to save as much as possible.” He told me.

“Really? What are you going to study?”

“Architecture,” he smiled.

“That’s cool, I’ll talk to Liam, but I can’t imagine it would be a problem. You’re fine Seb, just keep that boyfriend of yours in line.” I chuckled.

Seb looked at Beau lovingly, “I’ll give it a try, but he’s a handful.”

Beau flicked me the middle finger. “See what I mean,” I said shaking my head and sitting down with my sandwich. “You guys look loved up, I’m guessing everything going well?”

“I love him,” Beau signed.

I smiled at him, “It shows,” I signed back, “I’m glad you’re happy, and everything has worked out for you guys. I know I was a pain at first, but I was worried it would be hard with the age difference. But I guess you showed me.” I chuckled.

“Don’t worry Will, you weren’t the only one. But we’re happy, and I really don’t give a shit about anyone else's opinion. It’s our relationship, we’ll deal with things as they come.” Seb frowned.

“As a recently married seventeen-year-old, I hear ya. And I’m sorry I stuck my nose in your business.” I apologized again.

“We’re good Will, I like that Beau has a friend that cares that much.”

“My concern isn’t only for Beau, Seb. You’re both loved around here. I don’t want to see either of you hurt,” I said, “I better head out, I’ll see you guys later. I’ll think about tonight, but don’t wait on me, I don’t really feel up to it.”

“Take it easy shit-head,” Seb said laughing, this time I flipped them the bird.

<>-<>-<>

The security guy checked my ID, then let me through. That’s good because it means Derek’s probably isn’t around and I won’t have to deal with him. I walked through to the common area, Jason was sitting over at the books shelves just staring out the window. Making my way over to him, I noticed he’d been crying. I gently sat down next to him, Cash sat in front of Jason's chair, putting his head on the troubled boy's lap. Jason smiled sadly at him and scratched the friendly dog behind the ears.

“Hey Jason, buddy what’s wrong?” I asked quietly, he wiped his eyes and looked at me for a second then turned his gaze to his knees that were hanging over the chair.

“Umm… nothing, I’ll be okay.” He said sadly.

“You can talk to me, I’ll never judge you I promise you that. But maybe I can help.” I said.

“I don’t think you can, nobody can.” He said as tears fell involuntarily from his eyes and he wiped them away angrily.

“Well, let's see?” I asked, and tapped his shoe.

Jason took a deep, shaky breath, then sighed, “Derek organized a mediation between my parents and me. They didn’t even bother showing up. The mediator called them, and they basically told him to fuck off and hung up on him.”

“Oh Jason, that’s awful,” I said empathetically, “I’m so sorry you have to go through this.”

“I don’t know why I’m so upset,” he laughed without any humor in it, “I should have known better than to think they’d show up in the first place.” He wiped more tears away.

“You had hope, Jason, there’s nothing wrong with that. How old are you now?”

“Seventeen,” he answered, “I’ll be eighteen, December 7^th.”

“Bullshit!” I chuckled.

His face turned to one of surprise, not expecting my reaction, “I’m not bullshitting you,” he said confused.

“That’s my birthday, I’ll be eighteen too. We’ll have to have a party together.”

Jason scoffed, “Who would I invite? I don’t have anybody.”

“That’s not true, I know it’s not the same as having your parents. But you have Lee, he thinks you’re the ants pants. There are Derek and Theo. I know Theo is really fond of you, he wouldn’t shut up about how great you were when we had the baseball game. Derek fights for you every single day. And if I didn’t like hanging out with you, I wouldn’t come around, would I?” I asked him.

Jason looked down while he fiddled with his fingers, “No I guess not.”

“What about friends at school?”

“I stopped going I fell too far behind,” poor kid.

We were silent for a little while, my mind going ten to the dozen. He needs help, I can’t let Jason give up on himself. Kat is starting summer school classes for a few subjects she wasn’t able to complete because of being on bed rest and giving birth. I wonder if Jason, could do the same and he could come with us next year. That way we could all help him, make sure he keeps up and gets through.

“How much school did you actually miss?” I asked him.

“I don’t know. I didn’t go for about the last six weeks, but I fell behind before that.” He played with a loose thread on his pants.

“If I come pick you up tomorrow will you go with me to speak to some people about what we can do to fix it. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, you’ll have to put in the work, no-one can do that for you. But the effort you put in when we practice baseball, I’m positive you’re not lazy. If you struggle with any of the work, we’ll help you, get you a tutor or if any of us can help we will.” I said.

Jason didn’t say anything, his brain was ticking over, I could almost hear his brain at war with the rest of him.

“Come on, let’s go and take out your frustration on a baseball. Go wash your face, grab a bottle of water, get one for me too, I’m lazy, I’ll grab the others, and they can help me set up.” I chuckled.

Jason was fighting a smile as he dragged himself out of the chair and started off toward the restroom with Cash in tow.

“Jase?”

“Yeah?” He turned back to me.

“Want some advice from one surly seventeen-year-old to another surly seventeen-year-old?”

“Okay?”

“Fuck them! Don’t let them keep you from being your best self. You’re a good person, you’re almost as handsome as me and as far as I can tell you’re intelligent. Because that’s something, they can’t take away from you. So next time it gets you down, allow yourself a ten-minute pity party. Then pull yourself together and remember, Fuck Them! You’re Awesome!” I told him harshly.

Jason threw his head back laughing loudly and walked off.

“Whoever wants to try and hit the ball further than Jason today, better be outside in two minutes,” I called out to the kids who were hanging around. I saw Jason stop for a second, he laughed louder and walked off. A bunch of the kids commenced walking out to the yard. Who knew, throw down a challenge telling a kid they can’t do something and they want to prove you wrong. Strange that. I gave them all instructions on how to set up and sent them off, while I quickly called the vet. They informed me C.C. was better and things were going well and made an appointment for me to be able to pick her up tomorrow at ten in the morning and visit with the vet.

I excitedly called Liam.

“Baby, they said C.C’s doing well, and I can pick her up in the morning.” I practically yelled down the phone in my excitement.

“That’s great Babe,” Liam laughed, “what a relief, now I hope my stomach will stop being queasy,”

“Liam, I miss you Honey, three more sleeps and you’ll be home with us where you belong.”

“I know, I miss you too, I can’t wait to get home. We need some time when I get home, at least two naked days.” He chuckled.

“I agree! Ooh! Poor Katherine having to see your saggy old man balls.”

“You’ll pay for that, my balls are gorgeous, you seem to like them.” He growled.

“I love them, bye baby, talk to you tonight, love ya.”

“Bye, love you too,”

I hung up, turned and Jason was standing right in front of me smirking.

“Not a word,” warning him pointing my finger.

“Wouldn’t dare,” he chortled putting his hands up in defense, “let's show these ass-hats how it’s done.”

“Let’s,” I said while we fist bumped.

<>-<>-<>

By the time I got home, family dinner prep was well underway. I jumped in giving a hand where I could. The last to arrive was Derek and Theo, I nodded my hello. Dinner was making its way to the dinner table, the only person missing was Liam and C.C. of course. The conversation flowed around the table, I sat and ate quietly keeping to myself.

When dinner was finished, I offered to clear the table. While cleaning the kitchen, Derek came with a wary look.

“I heard you were at the center today?” Derek asked.

I kept cleaning, “Yep,”

“Oh, okay, um… Jason said you spoke with him.”

“Yep,”

“Well, whatever you said. Thank you.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said shortly.

Coach Campbell brought some serving plates through from the dining room.

“While I have you, Coach, can you and Coach stay as well as Uncle Ian? I need your help, I’m not sure if you actually can, but I’d at least like to try.” I asked.

“Is this to do with Jason?” Derek asked.

“Maybe,”

“Can I stay I’d like to know what’s going on,”

“Please yourself,” I turned to Coach, “anything else left in the dining room?”

He looked from Derek to me, “Uh… no that’s it. I’ll send Beau in to help with the coffee’s,” I nodded my head.

<>-<>-<>

I sat at the table with five adults staring at me. Usually, I wouldn’t give a shit, but Derek being there put me off kilter. I needed to speak freely, without hurting Jason’s space at the shelter.

“Just tell us what you need, Will,” Coach Ferrige said.

“Okay, it’s about two different kids. First I need to know, what the rules are at the shelter before I continue. What would cause someone to lose their bed?” I asked Derek.

“Drugs, alcohol, fighting, violence, most everything else is a case by case basis,” He answered.

“Good, Theo, can you promise and follow through on helping me find a good place if this violates Derek’s case by case basis parameters.”

“I can try Will, but I can’t promise anything,” Theo said.

“Okay, I only need to speak to you about one kid then,” I gathered myself for a second, “What would be the chances of helping me get Stephen back to school so he could finish his senior year?” I asked.

“Are you serious?” Coach Ferrige barked, leaning onto the table, “How about we go with not freakin’ likely.”

Coach Campbell put his hand on his husband's forearm, “Cass, Honey, calm down hear Will out. There must be a good reason, he’s the last person I thought would help Stephen.”

I chortled without humor, “Trust me, this even grates me the wrong way. But he didn’t hurt Liam nor lay a hand on him. The way Liam tells it Stephen was frozen in fear the whole time. There’s also a lot more to his story than we knew. He’s happily taking his punishment without complaint, but I don’t think he deserves everything he’s been dealt.”

“I don’t care, Will, I won’t ever forget Liam on the shower floor, beaten and bloody, left for dead.” Coach Ferrige was angry and upset at the same time.

“Coach! Trent and Gator were forcing him to do things for their protection where he lives, acts I believe are nothing short of sexual assault. That includes protecting him from his own parents. He was scared and had no-one. For his own safety, he felt he had no choice and couldn’t go against them.” I pleaded. I can’t believe I’m doing this, “Did you know he made Detective Price bring him to this house, and he apologized to Liam. I was against it, but Liam made me see it was the right thing to do for Stephen.”

Coach Ferrige leaned back and slumped in his seat arms crossed, with a sour look on his face.

“The other two got what they deserved, they’re going to jail. Hopefully for a long time. Stephen didn’t and has never laid one finger on Liam, and I’m almost certain he’s the reason they got caught. But can you honestly tell me it sits right with you that he be set back at a minimum of five years in his education? He’s now homeless, working a job for next to no pay. He wants to be a vet. I’m not happy about being the one asking for someone to help him, but I really don’t think the punishment fits the crime. Regardless of my personal feelings toward him, he is remorseful, I do believe he would never physically hurt another person.”

“Cass, come on we have to help if we can. We…” Coach Campbell started to plead Stephen’s case.

“Fine, but I don’t have to be happy about it.” Coach said.

“Uncle Ian, you’ve been awful quiet. Are you okay with this?” I asked.

“You’re something else Will, it takes a big person to have sympathy for someone that’s wronged their family so badly. If you feel this strongly, I’ll help.” Uncle Ian smiled proudly.

“We’ll talk to the Principal and get back to you Will,” Coach Campbell said.

“Thank you, if he needs to meet with her can it be after hours? I assume he can’t afford to lose any pay or risk his job at the moment.” I explained. Coach Campbell nodded yes.

“Are you okay with this Derek? He’s one of yours,”

“Is that Stephen Carter?” I nodded in confirmation, “That would actually be pretty great, he’s a nice kid, who’s was dealt the shitty parent's card.” I saw Coach Ferrige flinch and his husband soothe him into silence.

“What about the other kid, you're not going to help him now?” Derek said like the ass he is.

“Oh, I’m going to help him, but I won’t risk what he has now to do it,” I said bitterly.

“Will, Bud, give us a hypothetical, no names. Then the kid isn’t at risk.” Theo said and gave his husband a sharp look.

I sighed, “Fine, a kid was going through a lot at one time. Coming to terms with his sexuality, got kicked out of his parents home, friends turning their back on him. He fell behind in his school work, then found he couldn’t catch up nor keep up. It was too hard with everything else he was dealing with, so he stopped going. Is there a chance he could fix it with summer school, then do his senior year at our school and me and the others can help him. Or as an alternative, he can repeat his junior year, switching to our school where the chances are no-one would know he’s redoing his junior year.”

“Again Will, we’ll have to talk to the Principal and let you know. I’ll try and reach her tomorrow, the five of us, will more than likely meet to discuss it. Seeing as there is a pressing need we’ll try for tomorrow. Please don’t get your hopes up for Stephen, that one's going to be a big ask.”

“I won’t, but at least my conscience will be clear. It’s been bugging me since yesterday when I saw Stephen at the vet’s office, and it won’t go away. Did you guys want another coffee or anything?” I said.

“Nah! It’s getting late, we’d better head off. I’ll call you when we know what’s going on.” Coach Campbell said as he stood, hauling his husband to his feet.

<>-<>-<>

Later that night Liam called, I answered straight away, “Hey Baby,”

“Hello beautiful, how’s the rest of your day been?” He asked.

“I’m not sure you want to know,”

“What did you do Babe?” Liam asked.

“I kind of asked for help to get Stephen back into school,” I said cautiously.

“Really? I never expected that ” he chuckled.

“You’re not mad?” I asked.

“Not even a little bit, after what you told me last night. I feel really bad for him, it’s great that you’re trying to help him. You have my full support.” Liam said.

“Seriously? The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but I think he’s been dealt a bigger punishment than is warranted. I couldn’t leave it the way it was.”

“You have the biggest heart of anyone I know, I’m proud of you Babe.”