Something Unexpected - 8. Chapter 8

“Pinch me, there’s a teenager awake this early on a Saturday morning.” She turned pretending to be in shock.

“Ha, I may be awake but I’m not functioning.” I mocked playfully and rolled my eyes.

“Want breakfast?” She asked as she sat down on a stool stirring her cappuccino.

“I’ll fix something later if I get hungry.” I replied taking a seat at the bar myself. There was a seat between our own stools. We weren’t a very touchy family and we liked to give one another space. Unless it’s Laura and me rough housing then anything goes.

“Is there anything wrong? I didn’t expect you to be awake this early.” Mom prodded and I shook my head.

“No I just woke up early and I hate doing that on days I don’t have to.” I answered not telling her everything I had planned today.

“Well at least you have the whole day to waste doing your teenage things. I though have to work in a little while.” Mom countered smiling.

“When is dad coming home?” I asked I wondered if she even knew when he’d turn up he’s always somewhere else and he hardly ever calls.

“It doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing him for about a month this time Andrew, I’m sorry you must miss him.” Mom soothed frowning. I didn’t miss him, I was used to him not being around. I just think its bad for my mom and dad to be always apart. They loved each other, but rarely could they be around to express it.

“So um, do any work on anymore celebrities lately?” I asked wanting to get away from in depth topics.

“How’s Jase doing?” Mom asked her own question like she hadn’t heard the one I asked her.

“I wouldn’t know how he was he hasn’t spoken to me for a week now.” I answered without thinking. I was angry with Jase it made me an open book spilling secrets to whomever happened to walk by and glance.

“Did something happen while he was here between you two?” She asked me, Laura hadn’t told her anything. The thought surprised me, but now I was about to tell on myself and it’d ruin any chance of me going out to party tonight with Chandler.

“No, nothing happened.” I answered her not knowing what the question made me think about. I hate being a teenage guy when it comes to hormones. They’re always raging. Sex and who with don’t belong in the same sentence when you’re my age. Sex and what ever happens to walk by is truer. I didn’t want to think about sex. Let alone sex with someone as forbidden as Jase. Another guy to top that.

“Then why haven’t you two stayed open and communicating?” Mom asked looking skeptical.

“I guess we didn’t hit it off. It’s not me it’s him that hasn’t called.” I countered getting desperate to end the conversation.

“You could have always called him you know.” Mom stated not knowing the story behind it. I wanted to tell her. I hated to lie to my mom, but she wouldn’t be able to take what all I had to say. I wouldn’t know what all I would have let myself tell her. I wasn’t ready to even begin to accept what thoughts lingered in the back of my mind all the time or what they meant for me. Talking to my mother has always been hard after puberty.

“I did call him, but he didn’t want to talk. He was busy or something.” I countered shrugging. Trying not to let myself become obvious that I cared. I’m not supposed to care. I was supposed to do what Chandler said and forget and have fun. The thought of doing what a complete stranger told me freaked me out, but the words were strong and what I wanted to hear at that moment. I don’t have to think clearly about things all the time. I can allow for them to become hazy and messed up. Couldn’t hurt to give in to inhibitions and pressures.

“Do you have anything planned today?” Mom asked as she finished off her cappuccino.

“Yeah I do later on, why did you have some chores or something?” I asked I was the man of the house now that dad was never around.
“Well the grass does need mowing, but call the gardener and take a load off and relax.” Mom replied standing and patting me on the shoulder. “I though have to get ready for work. Don’t let your sister sleep all day.” Mom continued and left me in the kitchen. It was still a bit too early to call the gardener to come mow the lawn. So I looked around the kitchen thinking of ways that I could pass time. Then a knock on the door surprised me. It made me jump and almost fall off the stool that I was sitting on as I wondered who would be knocking on our door before daylight. I wondered if I should grab something just in case some crazed druggie came for me as I opened the door, but I would be embarrassed if it were Evan or someone.

“Chandler what are you doing here?” I asked as I opened the door just enough for me to see and talk at the same time.

“I thought we’d make a day out of it. Since I have nothing to do and you’re up.” Chandler replied easily. I hadn’t made an effort to let him in. I was still in a state of confusion.

“How would you have known I would be awake?” I asked opening the door a little wider, but still blocking him from entering.

“I would have waked you up if you wasn’t already, but this isn’t twenty questions are you coming or not?” Chandler asked jokingly. It caused me to blush and open the door letting him in.

“Nice house.” Chandler announced as I watched as he walked around the living room.

“I’ll go get dressed and you stay out of site I haven’t told anyone about making plans with you.” I announced, but he grabbed my arm as I turned and walked off.

“So I’m your dirty little secret?” Chandler asked then smirked not letting go of my arm.

“If my sister finds out you might be a dead little secret.” I countered, Chandler found it amusing, but when I turned he started following me. “I told you to stay here.” I spat stopping at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the bedrooms.

“It’ll be easier to hide me if I was in your room and not the living room. Seeing that I am a secret.” Chandler offered shrugging. “But if you don’t think so I’ll be in the kitchen.” Chandler continued and turned to walk into the kitchen.

“Just come on and be quiet.” I whispered as we walked up the stairs as quietly as possible. We narrowly missed my mother as I saw her walk past as I was shutting my door. Chandler was out of site or she didn’t see him or she would have commented on him being here.

“What did you have in mind to do?” I asked as I searched through my closet for clothes to wear. I had put on a t-shirt and shorts after my shower and I felt awkward changing in front of Chandler. He was walking around the room glancing at things nonchalantly like he does this every day.

“No plans just what ever I can find to get into.” Chandler replied as I found the out fit that I wanted. A dark green polo and khaki shorts with green Hawaiian sandals. Chandler was wearing a weird blue grayish colored shirt with dark faded jeans and sandals. The shirt had a red colored figure of a guy and I hadn’t really noticed until he looked me over and I took the time to really look at him as well.

“Looking good Andy. Now lets get going.” Chandler announced after grabbing me on the shoulder and turned me. My eyes followed his gaze as he glanced at my ass before putting his arm around me and walked me to my door. He let go of me after I opened it and stepped out into the hallway.

“Why’d you look at my ass?” I whispered as I tried to sneak down the stairs trying to avoid mom after I heard her making noise in the kitchen.

“I wasn’t checking you out. I was looking at the designers.” Chandler answered laughing.

“Shh!” I hissed as I hurried to the door. “Are you crazy?” I asked as I opened the door.

“Mom, Evan’s brother is here to take me, Evan, and Tim shopping leave Laura a note so she won’t be worried.” I announced. The lie caused Chandler to smile evilly and I rolled my eyes frowning.

“To answer your question, yes I am crazy.” Chandler announced as he started up his car and bolted from our driveway.

“So I should buckle up right?” I asked looking over at him as he started down the road.

“Safety first, you never know what crazy people might do.” Chandler replied smirking. I stared at him wondering what I got myself into, but I then turned and grabbed the seat belt fastening it.

“I can’t believe I’m in a car with you going who knows where right now.” I stated shaking my head.

“First step at being fun and not boring.” Chandler countered glancing at me. “I’m not that bad of a guy Andy.” Chandler continued sounding serious.

“I didn’t say you were.” I spat looking over at him. “How long have you had your license?” I asked wondering how he could and be just a sophomore.

“About a month, no I am not retarded I am a sophomore because my mom attempted to home school me and now I’m a year older than everyone else.” Chandler replied frowning.

“Have people been giving you shit about it?” I asked wondering why he was opening up to me this easily, maybe that’s just the type of guy he was. He was intriguing and refreshing.

“No, I just saw the look on your face when you asked the question and I just thought I should defend myself against your accusing facial expressions.” Chandler stated smiling then turning to me. I was blushing slightly until I noticed that Chandler wasn’t looking at where he was going.

“Look at the road you crazy fuck!” I squealed causing him to turn back to the road.

“Don’t piss yourself.” Chandler joked causing me to blush once more. “That looks fun, but have you had breakfast?” Chandler asked pointing at the mini-golf course.

“No I haven’t had breakfast.” I answered and he drove past the entrance to the course and kept going.

“I know a place that serves the best breakfasts you’ll ever have in your life.” Chandler announced as he slowed and then turned into a place called, Austin’s. I had never been here.

“Good morning sirs breakfast for two?” A waitress with the brightest smile I ever saw greeted us.

“Sit us at a booth please not at one of the small tables.” Chandler politely stated. The waitress smiled and nodded as she handed us the menus. She was tall, black, and she was the prettiest girl I had seen.

“That’s Jenike she’s an aspiring model.” Chandler announced after she walked away from us.

“How often do you come here?” I asked turning my attention back to Chandler.

“Every Saturday morning I try and make it up here.” Chandler replied leaning back casually in the booth. It had high walls that gave more privacy than expected from a restaurant.

“This place is nice.” I announced after a short pause. I noticed that Chandler stared at me a lot. He always has a curious facial expression like he was reading minds and I was not liking being his center of attention.

“You’re blushing. Why?” Chandler asked amused.

“I am not blushing.” I lied which caused me to blush even more than what I was.

“Ok, stick to that story if you want to.” Chandler stated shrugging. Jenike brought us our food shortly after that and we ate and made small talk about the party mostly and how he had a blast. I didn’t let myself get annoyed when the party was mentioned even though that’s something I didn’t feel the need to talk about.

“Did you have fun, I mean before Jase got beat up?” Chandler asked before taking a bite of blueberry-covered pancakes.

“Not really Ann and Mandy were on edge and they were pissed and it wasn’t fun.” I answered honestly. I wasn’t having fun with all the drama of that night.

“Oh well I’ll make sure you have fun tonight.” Chandler announced standing and grabbing his wallet.

“I’ll pay half.” I announced standing as well.

“You better.” Chandler smirked amused. “I don’t give out freebies to everyone.” Chandler continued as we laid down the money. We gave Jenike a generous tip before we left.

“So mini-golf?” Chandler asked as we got back into the car.

“Sure.” I agreed as he drove the short distance to the course. It wasn’t my first time playing mini-golf, but that didn’t stop me from sucking. Chandler though was really good. The only thing I seemed to be good at was basketball. Anything that deals with hitting a ball with a stick was beyond me.

“No no, do you not learn?” Chandler asked laughing as he balanced himself on his golf club. “This is miniature golf you don’t have to do a full out swing, that’s how you kill unaware old ladies.” Chandler continued causing me to start laughing.

“I can’t do this at all.” I announced shaking my head. “It’s beyond me dude.” I continued walking up to retrieve my ball as it bounced off the prop guarding the hole and rolled past the tee.

“Ok here, since you won’t learn by example I’ll have to guide you.” Chandler announced putting down his club and walking over. He held out his hand and I gave him the ball then he put it on the ground. He then stepped behind me sliding his hands down both my arms and then wrapping them around my hands holding the club. I felt odd and uncomfortable having this done to me. I had seen the gesture on many romantic comedies and the thought almost made me lose my nerve, but I didn’t object. Part of me liked the touch and the feeling of Chandler. “No you’re trying to go too far back with the swing again. About right here is all you’d need.” Chandler corrected amused.

“Well I may master the swing by the end of this, but it’s a windmill how am I going to get my ball through that little hole with the fans going by?” I asked as I practiced the distance of my swing.

“That’s easy if you swing when a fan is blocking it will be gone by the time the ball gets to the entrance. A lot of people swing when the entrance is not blocked and it gets deflected.” Chandler answered letting go of me. “Now try.” Chandler continued stepping back giving me space. I then putted how I was instructed and I watched amazed as the ball went through the entrance.

“I did it!” I screeched walking around to see if my ball had went into the hole or not.

“See there it’s not impossible.” Chandler announced as he joined me. “Hole in one.” Chandler continued after bending down and grabbing my ball then handing it to me.

“Yeah and it only took you to the last hole to finally show me how instead of laugh and make fun of me.” I smirked.

“Yeah, at first it was amusing, but then I felt sorry for your ass.” Chandler retorted rolling his eyes. We had been playing for a while we had only stopped to grab a sandwich from the concession stands for lunch. It was getting late.

“Now time to head off for that party.” Chandler announced after a short pause in the action. He was staring at me intently again, but this time I was welcoming his eyes on me.

“Ok.” I replied as we walked to the desk returning our balls and clubs.

“Where is the party?” I asked walking out to his car.

“It’s um at a friend’s house. It’s not a huge party as he doesn’t have that many friends.” Chandler answered as we took off towards our town instead of some place secluded like before.

“How many people will be there?” I asked a little worried.

“Counting you six if everyone shows up.” Chandler answered he reached over and patted me on the arm a few times. “No need to get all worried I told you I’d watch out for you and I will.” Chandler continued, I watched as he patted my arms and I was trying desperately to fight back a shudder.

“Doesn’t sound like much of a party.” I announced a little more at ease.

“More like a get together of people with similar interests.” Chandler countered glancing in my direction.

“It’s nothing like a cult is it?” I asked studying him. The question made him burst out laughing.

“Are you insane or always this paranoid?” Chandler asked still amused. I didn’t find my question to be funny at all until after his reaction.

“I’m not paranoid it’s just my sister warned me about you.” I countered looking at him.

“Oh.” Chandler stated flatly. The amused expression leaving his face and it sparked my curiosity. “Your sister doesn’t like me because I embarrassed her at a party once. I was drunk and I tried to apologize to her later, but her dumb ass boyfriend wouldn’t let me finish.” Chandler continued glancing over at me.

“Oh that sounds like Rob he’s scatter brained and I don’t like him.” I announced, I wondered if Chandler lied or my sister was over reacting. I mean if he tried to apologize then he obviously felt sorry. There was no need to keep away from him like he was evil or something.

After a few more minutes we arrived at the house and there wasn’t many people there like Chandler had said there wouldn’t be. The house was small, but not shabby at all. It was a little ways out of town, but not in the boonies like Chandler’s cabin. We were greeted at the door by a blonde girl who kissed us both on the cheek, which freaked me out.

“Amber is too flirtatious for her own good.” Chandler announced after watching my reaction to the kiss. She was the only girl there. There were alcoholic beverages on ice everywhere. Too much for just five people to consume in one night. The three guy’s names were Sean, James, and Kurt. They were all in Chandler’s grade and Amber was Kurt’s twin sister. Pop music was blaring and they were all starting to move their bodies.

“Let’s play some poker.” Amber said as she sat down at the table shuffling the cards. Everyone joined her at the table, but no one made an attempt to get to know me. I was too afraid to get to really know them either. Only their names and that’s only because Chandler told them to me as he pointed to them.

“Everyone this is Andy Keller.” Chandler announced after we all got the poker chips separated.

“We don’t play for money since all of us except for Chandy over there is poor.” Amber announced as she started dealing the cards. “So grab a drink and get ready.” She continued. I was going to object, but a glass of beer ended up in front of me. I examined it closely and shrugged picking it up and taking a drink.

They all made small talk with me mostly about school and what grade I was in. I found out that Amber was dating James. I found out because I was sitting beside Amber and James was filling up her leg with his toes causing her to squirm and blush glaring at him from across the table. When I finished my first drink I was handed another one without question from Chandler. He nodded and smiled as he betted a few more chips.

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I asked leaning close to him and whispering, but Kurt who was sitting on the other side of Chandler heard me.

“He probably is, he hasn’t gotten any ass ever.” Kurt quipped making me laugh, but Chandler didn’t find it amusing as he glared over at Kurt. “Oh well I thought.” Kurt started, but Chandler interrupted him.

“Just shut it.” Chandler growled getting up and walking outside leaving me there at the table. I felt odd. I wasn’t supposed to know about Chandler’s non-existent sex life, but I wondered why. Kurt said ass, but you never know if that meant what I thought it meant. As far as I knew Chandler was straight he never made me feel otherwise. It wasn’t my place to try and pry information from them either. Even though I was curious as hell.

“Are you going to play or fold honey it’s your turn?” Amber asked me snapping me out of my daze.

“Oh, sorry.” I said not paying attention to my hand and betting anyway. “Should I go check on Chandler?” I asked after no one seemed to care that he was off pissed or hurt or something.

“No he’ll be fine. Just a little upset that Kurt over there just about..” Sean started but was cut off by James.

“It’s nothing just forget it everyone and play.” James stated it only peaked my curiosity to an almost uncontrollable level. I was seriously debating on whether or not to ask someone, but they wouldn’t tell me and it might piss them off. Chandler also returned from outside with a forced smile on his face.

“Well ladies look at this and cry.” Sean announced as the round of betting stopped and he showed a full house. It caused everyone to groan as he started to rake up his chips.

“Hold it, does a flush beat a full house?” I asked dumbfounded as everyone but Sean started laughing.

“Yes it does Andy.” Chandler replied patting me on the back congratulatory. I then raked in the chips that Sean forcefully swept over to my side of the table. “Well I’d love to see all you lose to Andy, but I need to be getting him home before his sister freaks.” Chandler continued which caused me to look at my watch and gasp standing. It was late and she would be worried.

“Ok, he’s here finally act surprised and not like you have been waiting here for hours.” Laura announced as she bounded over to the couch.

“I can’t believe he was this late how could Evan possibly keep him entertained this long?” Jase answered as he waited patiently for the door to open.

“Well I had a blast today thank you for everything.” I announced as Chandler parked the car.

“Hey it was nothing you were great company.” Chandler countered patting me on the leg.

“Well um see you at school.” I announced getting out of the car. Chandler surprised me when he stepped out of the car and followed me to the door. I was a little apprehensive, because Laura could see him and I don’t want to sit through an assault trial involving my sister and my new best friend.

“Um wow.” Chandler started as he stared down at his shoes.

“What?” I asked amused, but before I could even begin to think at how Chandler got all shy he grabbed my waist, didn’t wait for me to start objecting. Even though I don’t think I would have as he planted a kiss right on my lips. He forced his tongue to part my lips or I accepted the intrusion I’m not sure. The kiss ended and he smiled at me. I was shocked my heart going a mile a minute not believing that what happened was real, but I liked it.

“See you at school.” Chandler whispered walking off leaving me. I then unlocked the door and entered. I took my key from the lock and closed the door not paying attention. The living room was dimly lit so I turned trying to rationalize what just happened in my head. Until a loud cough made me jump and turn around and there sat Laura and Jase on the couch looking amused. I tried not to frown, but I did and I knew they noticed.

“Jase um, what are you doing here?” I asked as I started fiddling with my keys.

“To surprise you.” Jase whispered his eyes staring right back into mine.

“Why?” I asked looking from him to the floor ashamed at what I just done. Then that’s when it occurred to me that I hadn’t done anything wrong. I didn’t even think Jase was my friend so it was stupid to feel guilty about what I had just done on the other side of my front door.

“Because I was stupid and I want to be your friend we need to talk.” Jase replied his voice was low and he spoke carefully.

“So yeah, I’m going to leave you two alone to do that.” Laura announced as she walked past me.

“Well let’s go to my room and talk then.” I offered turning to walk up to my room. I didn’t care to wait for him he knew where my room was.

“Are you not happy to see me?” Jase whispered as he shut the door behind him.

“Well no not really. Jase up until just now I thought you hated me and never wanted to see me again, fuck, you might still feel that way now. I don’t know you shut me out for a week so how am I supposed to be happy to see you?” I spat causing Jase to turn away from me.

“I’m sorry I was confused, but Laura talked to me and I want to make it up to you.” Jase offered walking over to me. I took a step back and sat down on my bed rubbing my forehead.

“It’s ok Jase really. I have a lot on my mind right now, but you said you needed to talk so I’ll listen.” I countered weakly.

“What did you and Evan do?” Jase asked changing the subject.

“I wasn’t with..” I started then trailed off stopping myself.

“Who were you with then?” Jase asked apprehensively.

“No one important.” I countered, “So tell me what you wanted to and stop stalling.” I continued offering him a weak forced smile.

“Oh, ok. Well I don’t know how to put this really, but to just tell you like I did Laura. Lucas was the guy that beat me up, but he beat me up because of something I told him.” Jase started and I turned my attention to what he had to say. “Well I told him that I was gay.” Jase continued in a whisper.

“Fucking hell!” I screeched causing Jase to jump up off the bed and start walking to the door. “No Jase it’s just well, never mind. I’m ok with you being gay I mean you hating me I couldn’t deal with, but you being gay is nothing.” I continued stopping him before he left my room upset. Jase walked over smiling at me then he sat down closer to me on the bed than he had before.

“Well there’s more I found out that I like someone a lot and I don’t know why I’m so brave all of a sudden, but I like you Andy.” Jase announced quickly and I found myself shocked once again tonight.

“More than a friend?” I whispered looking at him.

“Yeah.” Jase answered instantly.

“A week ago I would have told you the same thing, but some recent events has changed that Jase. I’m sorry I waited for you then when I realized that I was done waiting you bust right back into my life and now this. We can still be best friends Jase if you can handle that.” I announced honestly.

“Yes, I can handle that.” Jase answered smiling. I then wrapped him up and hugged him hard roughing up his hair after letting him go.

“I’ve missed you.” I whispered as I lied down on my bed. He then slid up beside me and lied down close to me.

“I’ve missed you too.” Jase offered in a voice that was forced. I knew he wanted more with me than what I could offer at the moment. Chandler had kissed me and I had liked it. It toped off the day we spent together. I was scared shitless at what all this meant from now on I wasn’t the same Andy. Knowing that I’m not the same made me wonder if my friends who I was still mad at for sucking face in front of me would continue to support me and be my friends.

“So are you spending the night then?” I asked Jase and he nodded.

“Well let’s get comfortable then.” I announced standing and removing my shorts and shirt. Leaving me in just my underwear. Jase mimicked me and we lay back down on the bed. “Are you tired or do you want to watch a movie or something?” I continued.

“Just hold me.” Jase whispered as he scooted closer to me on the bed. I then turned off my lamp and turned to meet him in the middle of my bed. I then lied on my back and grabbed his arm pulling it over my stomach. His head resting on my chest and I pulled the covers up over our bodies. I lay awake rubbing his arm with my hand until his labored breathing told me he had fallen asleep. Then I closed my eyes and did the same.