Puppy for Sale - 18. Life in the Fast Lane

Trying to walk back to my class, I was a quivering, zoned out lump of jelly. I was coming to terms with the fact that I had just lost my virginity, and I wondered for brief moments if it was real. I felt amazing. I felt alive, but most of all, I felt satisfied.

Walking along the quiet corridors, I could feel Hunter's cum starting to seep out of me, and I wondered if I should have gone to the toilet first before trying to sit through half a lesson with his gloop inside me. God, I was now infatuated with him; that much was clear. His image was in my mind, alive, bright and colourful as I replayed our sexual event over and over, trying to remember every detail as much as I could.

Since discovering I was into people of the same sex, I thought about whom I wanted to end up with. Okay, so it wasn't like I had many people to choose from in the real world, but in my thoughts, I had this person that although I couldn't imagine directly, knew existed. It was always someone strong and powerful. Not just powerful in the physical sense, but personality as well. Hunter, in contrast to Dave, was precisely that. Not the whining little boy Dave had turned out to be. I wanted to be dominated, looked after, and defended.

I wanted my Alpha Male!

"Mr Stibbings, just where on earth have you been?" Mr Dawson called to me along the corridor near my next lesson. "Your teacher said you didn't turn up for your class; he and your brother were worried about you."

"Uh…erm, yeah, sorry sir, I had problems."

"Problems Jensen, what kind of problems?"

Think quickly, Puppy!

"Erm, well, you know, those kinds of problems… in the stomach kind of problems. I was in the bathroom."

"Oh," he said, looking at my lower torso. "You mean you have stomach cramps, yes?"

"Yes Sir, that's right, I'm sorry I didn't tell anyone, I just had to get to the toilet quickly, you know? Kind of embarrassing, really," I declared, probably trying too hard to sound ill.

"Hmm, so do you need to go home?"

"No, no Sir, I think I'll be fine."

"Are you sure? Your legs are trembling, Jensen."

Yeah, that's because I just got the shit fucked out of me in a cupboard, I thought.

"Yeah, just feeling a bit washed out, Sir. So I'll be getting to class now then?"

"Yes, indeed. Well, I'll come with you and let your teacher know the circumstances; at least that way, he won't penalise you and ask questions in front of the class."

"Thank you, Sir, that's kind of you."

As we approached the door, I tried to lock my eyes on Steven, who immediately glared at me through the glass window. Mr Dawson opened the door, and the whole class went quiet, looking at me in the process. I felt like a tiny mouse all of a sudden, but then remembered this little slice of embarrassment was worth it, seeing as I just got the hottest sex of my life… maybe!

Mr Dawson motioned for Mr Clayton to come outside. "Continue with your assignments, class. I will be two minutes," my teacher said to the expectant pupils sitting at their desks, all still staring right at me. Mr Clayton stepped outside into the empty corridor and closed the door.

"Sir, I-"

"You may be new to the school Jensen, but this better be good!"

"I'll help out here, Mr Clayton… Jensen was indisposed in the boys’ toilets for a while with stomach cramps and couldn’t alert anyone. I hope you can overlook his tardiness under the circumstances?"

"Hmm, well, I think I can do that, seeing as you have the excuse you do. Thank you, Mr Dawson, I'll take it from here. Okay, Jensen, into class and take out your books."

"Yes, Sir, and thank you. I apologise for being so late."

I opened the door, and once again, the class fell quiet as they studied me like some lab rat, wondering what had been said outside. After all, they didn't know why I was late. I knew, and that took some of the pain out of doing the walk of shame. Steven looked angry... even a little concerned, judging by the expression on his face as I sat down next to him.

"Where in holy fuck have you been?" he snarled quietly.

"If I told you, you wouldn't believe me," I replied, leaning back in my chair and smiling dreamily. Steven just stared at me, wondering where my newfound face of attitude had come from. Right now, I didn't care about anything; I felt that relaxed and content. Why? Because I had just had the hottest and most pleasurable experience in my short life, with the hottest guy bar none. Okay, so maybe he wasn't the hottest guy in the school, that award went to a guy I found out to be called Justin King, but still, Hunter was fucking good looking.

"Jensen, are you gonna tell me what is going on?"

"Are you worried or just being nosy?"

"Both!" He replied, and I knew he wanted to smile at this point. So I leant in as close as I could get to Steven's ear.

"How would you say it… I just got my ass pounded proper!" I whispered. Steven's eyes went wide as he turned to look at me. I giggled.

"You mean you… in the school… I mean, here in the… get the fuck out of here?!"

"It's true, Steven, fucking hell it was amazing, it was just fucking amazing," I whispered, almost laughing.

I wanted to tell him more now I was on a roll, but Mr Clayton seemed to have finished talking to Mr Dawson and entered the class again, shutting the door. He scanned the classroom and went to sit at his desk.

"So tell me more," Steven said, making sure Clayton was not watching.

"I don't know what to say. It just happened."

"But where… where could you both do that and not be seen?"

"I dunno, it was some cupboard near the Science rooms. He just pulled me in there and went at me like a crazy person."

"Jensen, did… did he hurt you?"

"If he did, it was lost on me, I was too busy enjoying it… But, Steven, he made me feel things I didn't know my body could feel," I said, starting to feel horny again just thinking about what we had done.

"I don't need the graphic details, Jensen, just the details."

"Sorry, it was just so cool. It's like I wanna go drag him out of class and ask him to do it again."

Steven laughed, a little louder than he should have done.

"Mr Chase, is there a problem over there between you and your brother?"

Steven cleared his throat. "Uh, sorry, sir, we were just talking about the lesson."

"Well, keep it down. You are supposed to be studying."

"Yes Sir, sorry Sir."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Just as I was walking down the school's main entrance steps, I saw Hunter standing by the gates talking to some girl. He immediately caught sight of me and gave me the cutest
wink, as if telling me he was thinking about what had transpired earlier on. I grinned back like a Cheshire cat before walking over to him.

"Hey Jensen, this is my friend Cassy."

I smiled at the girl who was leaning against the wall. She looked me up and down without any expression and just continued to chew on her gum while brushing streaks of platinum blond hair out of the face, caused by the breeze outside.

"This the one?" she asked, tilting her head in my direction.

"Yeah, ain’t he cute?" Hunter asked, brushing my cheek with his hand.

"He's blond, HT; you don't like blonds," she remarked to him, a look of mild disgust on her face.

Hunter laughed. "I like this blond though, right Jensen?"

"I guess," I replied, feeling shy all of a sudden.

"Yeah, well, I gotta go HT. I’ll see you later. Nice to meet you, Jeston."

"Uh, it's Jensen," I said, correcting her. She just rolled her eyes, and Hunter and I watched while she walked out the gate and down the street.

Hunter turned his attention back to me. "Before you say anything, she is cool; you just gotta get to know her."

"She scares the shit out of me," I said, wearing an unimpressed look.

"Haha, I'll tell her that. She’ll love it."

"So uh, how are you… I mean, since?"

"Is this the bit where you wonder if all those rumours about me are true?" He asked, making a clicking sound with his mouth.

"What rumours?"

"Like, now I've got my way with you, I'm gonna to move on to the next person, and ignore you or something?"

"Actually, I hadn't even thought about it, but now that you mention it… are you?"

Hunter moved towards me, putting his hands on my shoulders. Then in full view of anyone who was still in the schoolyard, he planted a soft passionate kiss on my lips before pulling back and smiling."

"I'm not going anywhere, Mister!"

Hearing those words sent a rush of warm, fluffy loveliness through my body, causing me to form a goofy dazed expression. That was until I saw Steven and Dave out of the corner of my eye waiting for me, one looking suicidal and the other looking bored.

I'll let you work out who was who.

"When you two have finished, I would like to get home for dinner some time tonight," Steven barked. Hunter and I looked at each other and must have both gone red.

At least I did.

Steven grabbed hold of my arm and pulled me away from Hunter, clearly indicating that we were going. I was still smiling in a dazed-like way looking back at him grinning at me, or rather Steven's actions.

"Oh… oh Jensen, one sec, I have something for you," Hunter called back to me. I saw Dave roll his eyes as we stopped, and I was handed a key-ring with my name on it. I studied it before looking up at him.

"What is it?"

"It’s a key-ring." Hunter replied, nodding with a smile.

“What does it do?”

“Do? It does nothing. It has your name on it. I got it at the store.”

“What do I do with it?” I asked.

Hunter dropped his shoulders and looked at Steven, his hands out. “Hey Steven, help me out here, would ya?”

“It’s so you don’t forget your fucking name. Put it in your pocket, and I’ll attach it to your keys later. Now come on, let’s get home tonight, pleeeease!”

I gave Hunter a peck on the lips. "Thank-"

"Do you enjoy doing this Hunter," Dave cut over me. Steven rolled his eyes, checking his watch.

"Sorry, Dave?" Hunter asked.

"You! Why do you have to keep hanging around us, around me? You do know we have just broken up; it’s like you just want to rub my nose in it."

"Dave, he is my boyfriend. I am entitled to see him, surely?" Hunter said innocently, smirking.

"Oh God, here we go," muttered Steven.

"And you love the fact he's not mine, don't you!" He Hissed, getting right in Hunter’s face. “So come on, tell me?”

Dave gave Hunter a shove sending him stumbling backwards. Hunter just sniggered and stood there.

“Easy Dave, come on,” Steven said, pulling him back.

“It’s okay, Steven, let him have his blowout at me; it’s been brewing for ages.”

Dave gave Hunter another shove, and I went to get in the middle of them, but Steven grabbed me out of the way. Again, Hunter did nothing.

“Come on, Hunter, fucking hit me,” Dave screamed.

“Oh, you’d love that, I bet,” Hunter said calmly. “Go home, Dave. You are making a fool out of yourself.”

“I’ll go home when I’m ready, have this!” Dave threw a punch at Hunter, hitting him square on the temple. I immediately expected this to go very wrong and for Hunter to retaliate, but amazingly he didn’t.

“Feel better,” Hunter asked, still smirking. Dave looked like he was ready to explode. I’d seen enough.

"Dave… what the fuck is wrong with you," I barked, looking at Steven to get a handle on this.

"Dave, C'mon, let's go," Steven suggested. "Jensen, catch us up, okay?"

"Yeah!" Was all i said, disgusted.

Steven took hold of Dave and led him away from us while we both looked on, wondering why he was such a dick. I think I knew why, but didn't want to feel sorry for him because things had moved on for me.

"He's got it bad for you, it seems," Hunter remarked.

“Shit, are you okay?”

“Of course, I’ve held off bigger than him.”

“Thank you for not hitting him; you had every right to defend yourself.”

“He’s only little, and besides the way I see it, he probably needed to get stuff out of his system.”

“I can’t believe you’re so calm. I’m fucking angry, and he didn’t hit me.”

Hunter shrugged. "You should get back with him. It might make him crack a smile now and again?"

I was about to launch into what the fuck mode until I saw him smirking at me, indicating he was joking.

"I'm with you, Mister! So, when can I see you again?" I asked.

"You're seeing me right now."

"You know what I mean. It’s just I don't think I can go the whole weekend without at least getting one of your kisses."

"Aww, Jensen, are you saying I kiss well?"

"I won't in case you get a big head, and anyway, what do I know? It’s not like I have been 'exposed' to anyone else to find out."

"Hmm, the fact that is true just turns me on."

"Huh?"

"The fact you're a virgin, I think that's kinda hot. On the other hand, I love the fact you are inexperienced too. It means I can teach you things you never thought possible."

I giggled. "Actually, as of today, I'm no longer a virgin."

"True enough," he grinned. "And I must say, for your first time, you took me like a champ."

"I don't know whether to be insulted or pleased by that comment. Anyway, you don't know how painful that was to start with. I had to grit my teeth. I'll have you know."

"Well, you hid it well if you were in pain."

"Only because at the same time, I was focusing on how fucking hot it was. Having you do what you did was just…." I stopped, just shaking my head and smiling, unable to finish what I wanted to say.

"You better get going; they’ll be hell to pay otherwise from your Ex-lover," Hunter teased. I just sighed.

"Yeah, I guess, I replied dreamily"

“I'll call you."

"Yes, boss," I saluted before running a finger down his jacket.

"Hunter kissed me on the lips and smiled before walking away from me. I watched him go wishing he wasn't before running as fast as I could to catch up with Dave and Steven.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

As we went in through the front door, Steven attempted to go straight upstairs before all three of us were called into the lounge by Max.

"Shit!" Steven muttered before sheepishly leading through to the room where Mum and Dad were sitting stony-faced.

"Take a seat, boys. I think we all need to have a little chat."

We all found a seat and sat in silence while dad got up and went to the window, looking out at nothing I suspected.

"I have to say I could cope with a lot of things from you boys because at your ages, some unconventional things are bound to happen, and being a teenager is never an easy time. You are argumentative, stroppy, lazy, inconsiderate and easily led at times, agreed?"

Dad turned round to see our responses. We all nodded in silence, but I did wonder why he would start a conversation off like this.

"Puppy, let's start with you. Would you say you were easily led?"

"Uh, hmm, well, I guess."

"Dave, what about you?"

"I suppose, sometimes."

"Steven?"

"Not really. I make my own mind up most of the time."

Dad chuckled. "You know, even before I asked that question, I knew how all of you were going to answer, but there is a problem. The problem seems to be that Jensen and Dave said they would be easily led, and you say you wouldn't. So it does beg the question, why I found out from your mother, Steven, that you are in possession of drugs and the other two aren't."

"Yeah, well it was-"

"QUIET!" Dad screamed at Steven, making us all flinch, including Mum. "These two I could maybe accept it, Steven, they haven't had the exposure to life you have… they could be influenced perhaps, but out of the three of you who do I find out has messed up big time?"

Steven looked at the floor. "Me?"

"Yes, Steven, You. Unlike your mother, I don't want to know why, or how, or if! All I want to know is, you haven't taken this stuff."

"I swear I haven't, dad, I swear it."

"Puppy, Dave, I am only going to ask this once, and I want a straight answer. Are either of you involved in this?"

"No, Max, I didn't know anything about it until today," Dave responded.

"Puppy?"

I shook my head.

"Steven, do you owe anybody any money for this? Are you in any kind of trouble that needs to be dealt with?"

"No, it came from Billy's brother."

"So we can destroy it?"

"Yes."

"Good."

Steven looked up at dad. "So, is that it?"

"Yes, that's it, Steven, but I want you to remember this phrase, once bitten twice shy. In other words, if I EVER find out or even smell a hint of you doing anything like this again after I have given you a second chance, you will see a side of me that will make you wish you had never been born. Now apologise to your mother for making her worry out of her mind and then get out of my sight before I change my view on this."

"I'm sorry, Mum," came a sheepish response from Steven.

"You should be Steven, and just be glad I have let your father handle this. If it were me, you would have been grounded for ten years and had your allowance stopped for just as long."

Steven got up and left the room with Dave and me making a run for it as well. I didn't like seeing Dad angry, and I'm sure Dave didn't either.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Upstairs, Dave was laying into me about Hunter... AGAIN, and for the moment, I was just listening while he got it off his chest. It was pointless arguing with someone like Dave because of how his mind worked. I knew in a way that I should have been a little more discreet in how I went about things with Hunter, but this did all happen a little faster than I expected. If I was honest, not faster than I wanted. If I were to be truthful with myself again, I have to admit that I liked Hunter the moment I laid eyes on him; maybe not consciously at first sight, but certainly after sitting with him that morning on my first day at school.

"And another thing, tell him to stop crawling all over you when you are with us. I know he does it to wind me up."

"Dave, I don't think that's the case," I said calmly. "But I will tell him he needs to ease off when you are around. Look, I don't want to upset you any more than it appears I have, but I want to be able to see my boyfriend before and after school."

"Don't say that word when you speak of him. It screws me up!"

"What word?" I asked, raising a brow.

"Fucking boyfriend, why do you have to use that word?"

I sighed, not getting the big issue. "Because that's what he is, perhaps?"

"Guys, guys, can I just step in here. Firstly you both sound like a couple of nagging old women, so shut the fuck up. Secondly, Jensen, I know you are new to all this, but for me… as an outsider looking in, you haven't particularly been considerate with Dave's feelings since you both broke up, which surprises me when I think of the person you were when we first met."

"Are you saying I've changed?"

"He's changing you, that's clear!" Dave answered before Steven had a chance.

I reeled back and frowned. "Is that what you both think… I've changed?"

"A little, I guess," Steven declared.

"Look, I know it's probably hard for you to both understand, but from where I came from, life was within a building, and now just because I am finding out what the outside world is like you think that's a bad thing? So maybe I should just continue to lock myself away and carry on like I'm still at Greenstone. Would that make you guys happy?"

"No one is saying that dickhead, chill out."

"Well, that's what it feels like. I am sorry we are no longer together, Dave, I really am, but you know the reasons why, and you need to get over that. I am also sorry that I happened to find someone else so quickly after we broke up. I didn't plan it. What I'm not sorry for is trying to make the most of my life now that I have the freedom to do so. And I’m glad I don't feel like the drugged up scared little boy I was when I first got here because, to be frank, that was a shit existence when I look back."

"Have you finished?" Steven barked.

"Yes… yes, I have."

"Good, so shut up and listen… in fact, both of you listen. Dave, Jensen is with Hunter, that's a fact that is not going to go away, and in a way, Jensen is right. You need to get over that. But, Jensen, while Dave is dealing with this, you need to make room for him to do that, and if it means Hunter and you are not drooling over each other while Dave is around, then maybe that would be a compromise you would consider."

"Okay, I accept that no problem," I said. "But I want something too. Dave, whatever your feelings towards Hunter, I want you to stop badmouthing him in front of me. Firstly, I don't want to hear you say those things about him, and second, I don't think it's fair to keep blaming him because you and me broke up. As I said to you from the very start, he did not play a part in that happening."

"Whatever, Jensen, but I still don't like him."

"Why? Because he's with me, or because he's not with you… or is it because I'm not with you, and he is."

"Pfft, I don't want him; he's not my type at all."

"Hmm, so the other two options then… well, as I said, I can't help the reality of what has happened."

"Okay, guys, let's cut the bullshit now and stick to what we agreed."

"Fine with me," I huffed.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The evening was shit. Steven didn’t really have much to say, making it awkward in the bedroom as the three of us watched TV. So I was pleased when it got to around eleven, and Steven said he was going to bed.

“I think I’ll look to go home soon,” Dave announced out of the blue.

“You know you don’t have to do that, Dave,” replied Steven, getting undressed.

“This whole thing is not working anymore. And you know… well, as me and Jensen aren’t together, it’s not great for any of us lately, is it?”

“Steven’s right, Dave. You being here is to give you some space away from your Mum. If you could just accept things have moved on, there is no problem, really. I have no desire to keep arguing.”

“Oh, so that’s okay then,” Dave responded, huffing.

I sighed. “All I’m saying is that we could all get on perfectly well if you didn’t feel the need to have a go at me every time Hunter pisses you off.”

“I can’t move on just like that. Seeing you every day, sleeping in the same room… don’t you know how abnormal that is when you have broken up with someone?”

“No, Dave, I don’t. I’ve never been in this situation before.”

“Steven?” Dave said, looking over at him.

Steven got under his covers. “Hey, don’t get me involved. I’ve said all I have to say.”

“Well, it fucking hurts anyway, so yeah, I’ve made up my mind; I’m going to go home at the weekend.”

I shrugged. “If that’s what you want.”

“You don’t even care, do you, Jensen?”

I took off my jeans and sat down on my bed. “I did care, Dave. I think I still would have, deeply. But you have turned into a very unattractive person recently, and I have just become numb to your drama. I am so sorry things are not great at home. I am so sorry things didn’t work out between us. Perhaps you need to see Dr Listern for some therapy,” I finished, a bored look on my face.

Steven frowned at me. “No need for that, Puppy!”

“I’m serious, I think. Perhaps you do need to see someone Dave, no?”

“For what?”

“I dunno, extreme jealousy, anger management, delusion?”

“Puppy, for fuck sake, Bro. Just leave it alone.” Steven rebuked me.

“I’m going to sleep downstairs tonight. See you, Steven, sleep well.”

Dave grabbed a few things from our bedroom and disappeared, closing the door. I gave Steven my best 'what the fuck' look and got into bed, taking my t-shirt off.”

“You know, you really didn’t have to poke the bear Puppy; you make yours, and my life hard.”

“I’ve had to put up with his shit for ages now. Even after all he has done to me… to Hunter, and you’re still defending him. He’s turning into a nutcase Steven.”

Steven gave me a sideways glance. “I would have thought you of all people would not use that word to describe anyone with issues, huh?”

“When the fuck did you become all righteous?”

“When the fuck did you become a cocky little wanker?”

“Am I, though?”

“Sometimes.”

“Well, I don’t mean to be.”

“Look, while Dave is here, just avoid inflaming his anger, okay. He’ll be gone soon, and then you can say what you like but just remember he has probably had as much of a hard life as you have.”

“Fine, I’ll keep my head down.”

“On Hunter’s co....”

“STEVEN!” Susan bellowed through the closed door. “I can hear you. Do not use such vulgar words.”

I giggled through my pillow I was now holding over my mouth. “You can’t stay out of trouble lately, can you?” I whispered.

Steven shook his head, smiling. “It’s always fucking me that gets caught with everything!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two Days Later

I waited at the lounge window for Hunter and his brother to pick me up. Even though I didn't know exactly what I was going to be seeing, the thought of spending a day with Hunter away from school filled me with such excitement I could hardly keep still.

"He's late," I declared, looking at the lounge wall clock. I began to pace.

"What time did he say he would be here?" Mum asked, grouping together some socks as she sat on the floor.

"Ten o'clock."

Mum looked at the clock. "Oh Puppy, it's just gone; calm down," she chuckled.

"Maybe he's changed his mind about me going. Do you think I should call him?"

"And why would he do that?" she asked, looking at me smirking. "I need to meet this boy; he seems to have quite an influence on you."

"Oh Mum, he's so nice, really nice… do I look okay? I mean, do these jeans go okay with this top? I thought about wearing sweatpants, Hunter says he likes sweatpants, but I think maybe that's too scruffy. Maybe I should change."

"OH MY GOD, Puppy, you look fine!" Mum was now really giggling, and although it was at my expense, it was infectious.

"I'm really sad, aren't I." I shook my head.

"Just chill, it's not what you wear Puppy, it’s what's inside he should be interested in, and I can see the attraction."

"Thanks, and yeah, you're right. I just want to make a good impression, you know; Hunter has never seen me out of uniform before."

"I'm sure you will, and will you come away from that window? The neighbours will think we have a stalker."

"Sorry, maybe I should wait outside."

"Puppy, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, mum, what?"

"Do you think Hunter knows how to work a doorbell?" she asked, her face serious.

"Well, I'm not sure. I mean, he must have one right, or rather his parents. Oh, now I'm not sure; what if he doesn't?"

"Puppy, I'm playing with you, just get over here and sit your bum down on that seat."

I did as she asked as much as I didn't want to. I was nervous and had buckets of energy that I felt needed releasing. I thought about going up to see Steven and Dave but realised they had gone out to catch an early movie. Usually, Steven would have some smart comment to make me feel at ease, but right now, all I had was mum, and she wasn't trained in 'Steven speak'.

On the subject of Dave, it felt like he was finally starting to come to terms with the fact Hunter and I were an item, and it pleased me that was the case, with him even remarking that he hoped I had a good time. Despite Dave being the way he was, which was very annoying from time to time, I wanted nothing more than for him to be happy. Dave being happy meant I could finally relax and be a hundred per cent happy myself. There was still a long way to go, but progress was being made, and that was good enough for me. He had indeed followed through with his threat to go home and Max was due to drop him off after he had packed later today. I was looking forward to getting our room back and being able to make my bed neatly without Dave's camp bed being in the way.

I heard a horn sound outside and almost went flying over the laundry basket as I clambered to get off the seat. I went to the window seeing a beat up old brown car parked across our driveway. Mum came up behind me and looked out too, a suspicious look on her face.

"My God, that thing looks like a death trap," she said, tutting.

"The car?"

"Yes, the car, Puppy, look at it. I hope it at least has seat belts."

"Maybe it's the one Hunter's brother is using to race in," I mused as I saw Hunter getting out of the car. He was wearing some kind of shiny black armless pufferjacket and beige jeans, and man did he look good! "Oh my God, he's coming to the door," I squealed.

"Funny, that's what people usually do, Puppy. So go and answer it… oh and invite him in. I want to see what company you are keeping."

"Arrrhhh Mum, please don't embarrass me. Steven warned me about this."

"Oh, he did, did he, the cheeky so and so… look, I promise to be cool, okay?" she said, waving her arms around. "I can do cool"

As the bell rang, I swallowed hard and went to the door seeing Hunter's hot body through the frosted glass. Making a quick check of myself in the mirror, I turned the lock and slowly opened the door, my legs feeling like jelly all of a sudden.

"Wow, Jensen, you look great," he said, leaning in and kissing me on the lips.

"Oh, kissing already, must be love." Mum gushed. A searing heat went to my cheeks, I wanted to die.

"Muuuum!"

"You must be Mrs C; good to meet you. I’m Hunter, or HT, whichever you prefer." Hunter held out his hand to mum and put on his best smile I imagined.

"My, quite the gentleman, you better tell me what you are hiding."

"Hiding?"

"Just kidding, why don't you come in for a few minutes? I wanna talk about that car of yours out there."

I slapped my forehead as Hunter was gestured in by mum. "I'm sorry," I whispered, as he walked past me. Hunter just grinned and went through to the lounge. I closed the door and followed.

"So, HT is it?" Mum asked in her best 'trying-to-be-cool' voice." Hunter nodded. "Is that car safe out there?"

"Hmm, well, it's a little beat up, but yeah I think it's safe."

"So where is it you are taking Puppy today?"

"Puppy?" Hunter twisted his lips. "Mrs C, we ain’t got no dog going with us, just my brother and Jensen here."

I tapped Him on the shoulder. "It's my nickname; just go with it," I said, shaking my head. Hunter just looked at me strangely and turned his attention back to Mum.

"So erm, we are going to a drag car racing event, there will be people with modified cars there racing each other."

"And this event… does it have a safety fence… I mean, you know what happened to Richard Hammond, don't you?"

"Oh, the cars we have there don't go anywhere near as fast as that, I promise you," Hunter stated, starting to laugh until he saw mum was still serious. His smile quickly evaporated from his face. Hunter cleared his throat. "It's quite safe, and I'll look after him, I promise."

"Okay, I'll hold you to that. Home no later than eleven Puppy and keep your phone on."

"Sure, I will… so can I go now?" I asked, still blushing from mum's interrogation of Hunter.

"Go, have a good time."

"Let's go, Hunter… bye Mum."

"Bye, sweetheart, and nice to meet you, Hunter."

"Nice to meet you too, Mrs C, have a nice day."

Hunter led me out to his brother's car with mum standing at the front door to see me off. It was the first time I was seeing Hunters brother, too, as I approached his side of the car. He had his window open, and I could smell the familiar aroma of weed, like what Steven had given me with Billy a while ago.

"It's gotta be Jensen, right? What a cool name. Good to meet you, bud," his brother said. He swapped the spliff over to his other hand and held out his fist. I stood there wondering what he was doing it for. "Hey, come here, little man."

"I did as he asked, and he pulled at my wrist moving me right up to the car. He then took my hand and rolled it up into a fist, just like his. Hunter just stood there grinning.

"Now we tap." He said.

"I tap my fist on yours?"

"Sure you do, it's a greeting… Hunter here says you been in a home; tough luck, eh? Guess you don't know some of the urban hellos yet?"

"I guess not," I replied timidly. I looked back at Mum, who was still standing there staring. Hunter's brother was nice to me, though, which must have been evident as she didn't look particularly concerned.

I just hoped she didn't smell that fucking weed he was smoking.

"Jensen, you gonna get in or not?" Hunter asked, holding the seat forward for me so I could get in the back. I walked around the back of the car and climbed in, tossing myself onto the back seat. Hunter threw the seat back and jumped in, slamming the tin sounding door before his Brother put the car into gear and pulled away.

"My brother here so useless at introducing dudes… I'm Taylor, made up to meet ya," he said, looking at me in the rearview mirror.

"Jensen, but you already knew that," I grinned.

"Jensen or Puppy?" Hunter chimed in, turning round to face me.

I giggled. "It was my hands and feet that did it," I said, probably a cryptic response.

"Do I wanna know?"

"It's just my hands and feet were big when I was small, and I kinda grew into them… you know, like Puppies always have big feet and then they stop growing, and the body gets bigger. So anyway, they called me Puppy at the home, and it just stuck."

"Would you like me to call you that? It is kinda cute."

"It’s cool Hunter, Jensen is fine with me. I did used to prefer Puppy, but I have met so many new people I have got used to Jensen again."

Hunter turned back to face forward, and I tried to get comfortable in the back seat, which was filled with all sorts of rubbish. On the floor down to my right was a spare car tyre, and I couldn't help but wonder if Taylor had a serious fast food addiction judging by the endless burger boxes and empty drink cups tossed all over the place.

It was then I started to study Taylor… well, the back of him anyway. I should point out that apart from being around the same size as Hunter the similarities ended there. Unlike Hunter's almost black hair, Taylor was light brown and dreadlocked, with endless ropes of matted hair coming down to his shoulders. He also seemed to have this thing some people have where they wear sunglasses when the sun isn't out. I remember that look from singers I saw on TV.

Maybe it was the fashion, I wondered.

"So, Jensen, what are you into?" Taylor asked, once again looking at me in the mirror.

"Into?"

"Yeah, like, what do you enjoy? Apart from my brother, of course."

I coughed. "Uh, well, erm… I guess I like movies."

"Is that it?"

"Jensen has been kinda isolated Tay, lay off him."

"Hey, I'm just asking… so is Hunter here the first BF you ever had, you know, cos you were in a home?"

"Well, yeah, kinda… if you don't count a boy called Dave."

"Dave?"

"Haha, has Hunter not told you about Dave?"

"That guy needs to get laid, I swear," Hunter said, shaking his head.

"Yeah, he is kinda annoying," I agreed.

"So this dude Dave, what happened there… a shit fuck or?"

I laughed at his forthrightness. "Uh, nah, it was more his possessiveness."

"Jeez, Hail to you, man, I had women like that, bad news!"

"They are just as bad then?" I asked.

"Sure they are, in fact, worse… ever heard the saying, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?"

"No."

"Well, look it up, Jensen, my man, you'll see what I mean… or you can just watch the movie, A Woman Scorned," he sniggered.

Taylor pulled up to a set of traffic lights and lit up another joint, passing it straight to Hunter. I watched as he took it and inhaled deeply on the spliff, holding it in for a few seconds.

"You want some?" he asked in a strained voice.

I shrugged. "Why not?"

"Jesus, you're with me, and you asking the questions," he smirked before passing me the joint. As before, I coughed my lungs up on the first puff but soon learned to control it. Before long, I was starting to feel very relaxed and rather loose-tongued.

"So, does anyone else get horny smoking this stuff, or is it just me," I asked, the question feeling totally normal coming from my mouth.

"Not any more, now I smoke it just to chill out, but Jensen, I know what you are saying. When I first started smoking green, I guarantee after that first joint I would be in my room jerking off."

"Hmm, So how old are you? I’m kinda having trouble guessing," I asked Taylor as he pulled away again.

"Twenty… two weeks ago, in fact."

"Yeah, I got him a blow up doll," Hunter announced, grinning from ear to ear.

"And I put it to good use before I got a little heavy with it and it exploded winding me."

That was it; we were all now in hysterics. Hunter was rocking back and forward in his chair, laughing so much no sounds were actually coming from his mouth. I was in an equal state almost, my stomach starting to hurt. Taylor was doing big belly laughs banging on the steering wheel as we came off a slip road and onto the motorway.

"Ha-happ-happy birthday for two weeks ago," I tried to get out through my tearful laugh.

"Thanks, dude."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

A little while had passed as the car hummed along the huge road we were on, and we all started to settle down again. I felt numb from the waist down, but it was a good feeling all the same. Hunter was turning around now and again and stroking my leg as we cruised along, each time causing me to produce a stupid grin on my face.

"I hear you are taking part in this car event, Taylor?"

"That's right, man, I'm the driver in my mate's small four-man team; we are hoping for at least fourth today."

"Not hoping to win?"

"Ha, nah, we don't have that kind of budget, but for amateurs, we are pretty respected. Some teams spend ten times as much as us, and we still beat them, so if we get forth, I'll be happy."

"Cool, So how long does it last?"

"There are twelve heats. I was thinking that we might be done by six. You guys are welcome to come back to my place if you want, for a takeaway. I don't recommend eating anything at the race. It’s fucking expensive and tastes like cow shit."

"Jensen, do you wanna do that?" Hunter asked me.

"You're the boss. I’m just happy to be with you."

"You see, Tay, what did I tell you? Ain’t he sweet?"

"Haha, yeah, he's a cool guy," Taylor agreed, making me smile.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I was starting to get a feel for what this event would be like as Taylor drove his car across a bumpy muddy farmer's field, over to where lots of other cars had parked up. Judging by the amount I saw, I would have estimated there were about five thousand people here. Rows of vehicles far as the eye could see took up this makeshift parking lot.

Taylor pulled up next to a slightly smarter looking vehicle and switched off the engine. The two of them got out before Hunter pulled the seat back for me to get out myself. Stepping onto the moist mud, I felt my sneakers sink in an inch or two. I looked down, seeing wet soil surrounding my bright white footwear.

"It gets drier," Hunter remarked, looking at me looking.

"No worries, maybe I should have worn those sweatpants now," I said, as mud started flicking up onto my jeans as I walked.

"Hmmm, you should have called me and said, I would have definitely talked you into that. A pair of tight boxers as well, to show off that big old dick of yours." Hunter niggled his nose in my ear before putting his arm around my waist.

"Uh, do you think you should be doing that… I mean, it's nice and all, but what if people see?"

"So what if they do? Can’t I show off what a hot guy I'm going out with? Besides, almost all of the people here are on Ecstasy, meth, pot or drunk on booze."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I left that bit out just in case it freaked you. This is kind of a weird event."

"Weird? As in…"

"Well, they will have a few rock bands playing music over on that big stage over there," Hunter pointed. "Also, this is a place where people come to get laid, do drugs, drink loads of liquor and watch the cars race. It can get pretty messy, but I always have a good time, Annnnd, you can even have a drink yourself without the parents knowing."

"Wow, sounds like fun."

"It is, but I have promised your mum I would look after you, so we might just have the one drink, which Taylor can get for us, but that's it."

"So, how long has your brother been coming here?" I asked, spotting Taylor now way up ahead. But then Hunter and I were walking quite slowly.

"It's held twice a year. He first came here when he was seventeen. That's when he first got invited to be on the race team. They used to come here to do drugs and drink with his friends, but on the second event, he got talking to a friend of a friend who was in one of the teams and used some of the money he had saved while working to buy a small stake in it."

"And the rest…."

"They say is History, exactly! C'mon, let’s catch him up."

Hunter and I made our way down a grassy hill and positioned ourselves in front of a tall wire fence. Over in the distance, there was a long tarmac road that went on forever in a straight line over in the distance. At one end, there were around thirty weird and odd looking cars all parked up with guys in different colour bibs all talking and mingling around the various vehicles.

I was just about to ask Hunter if his brother was with them when one of the rock bands he had mentioned sprung into life, making the crowd scream and cheer.

"This is the time things start heating up," Hunter shouted, rocking his head to the beat of the music, smiling.

"Do you guys want me to get you a drink?" Taylor yelled, coming up behind us.

"What?" Hunter asked, pushing his earlobe outwards.

"I SAID, DO YOU GUYS WANT ME TO GET YOU A DRINK?"

"Oh yes, please, anything will do, but not beer. Is that okay, Jensen?"

I just nodded, never having experienced anything like this before.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Hunter led me along the metal fence we were at until we reached the start of the makeshift drag track. Then, with our drinks in hand, we swigged back on them, waiting for a glimpse of Taylor getting ready for his turn to race.

I looked at Hunter for a brief moment, captivated by his dark complexion, rich with expression and thought. Every time I caught sight of him lately felt like I was falling deeper and deeper for this enigma. Wild dark eyes were luring against a soft, welcoming face, complete with the most perfect chin that sat totally in-line with the rest of his features.

I sighed!

"What?" he mouthed, catching me staring. I leaned in against him, putting my face to his ear.

"I think I might be falling in love," I announced.

"What a lucky guy. Do I know him?"

Hunter started to laugh, and I punched him on the arm with him, feigning pain and shock.

"Don't make fun of me; it was tough to admit that." I retaliated, grinning.

"Why?"

"Because it's like admitting a weakness somehow. I dunno, it's quite hard to explain."

"Weakness, is that a problem? I told you, I'm going to look after you; the last person you should worry about looking weak in front of is me."

"I know, and I hope you mean it. I guess it's like having a fortress that's the enemy thinks is impenetrable, but by telling you I might be falling in love is like telling the enemy where the weak part in the wall is."

Hunter smirked. "So, now I'm the enemy, and I'm looking for a weak point in your fortress?"

"Grrr, You are purposely trying to make me squirm over this, aren't you?"

"Haha, no, of course not, but you are winning the contest of trying to explain how you feel in the most complicated way. So let me see if I can help you."

"How?"

"By telling you this… Jensen, I AM in love with you and have been for a while. End of story!"

With that, and almost as if to seal his sincerity, he pulled me into him and placed the gentlest of kisses on my lips. So soft and slow that when he pulled away, it felt like his lips were tugging mine as they tried to separate.

"So it's official?" I asked.

"Official?"

"Yeah, I really am a lovesick puppy!"

"Oh, that is so bad, Jensen!"

"Anyway, moving on, what car does your brother drive in…."

I didn't get the chance to say anymore as Hunter took me in his arms and gave me the warmest of hugs. I felt safe in his strong arms as they wrapped around me. I nestled my head in his neck, thinking how protected I felt amongst the loud music, cars and colossal crowd all screaming around us.

I knew from that very moment I would remember this day for the rest of my life no matter what happened. Being here at this great open party with all these people… with Hunter, I realised something that probably had not occurred to me in such clarity before.

He was mine.

Finally, I found happiness in everything it felt—my family, friends, and now my boyfriend. Along the way, I had also learned so much, about life, about the world, and now I was starting to learn about love. There were times when I thought about giving up on life, once even sailing close to doing just that, but as I looked into Hunter's eyes, I was glad I hung on. The huge mountain that I had once stood at the bottom of was conquered at last.

I was even due to see Cindy again for the first time since our brief encounter at Burger King, and it was an event I was so looking forward to. It would be a mighty reunion, and I couldn't help get a tingling inside when I thought about her chilling in my kitchen just chatting, like the old days. Of course, we had lots to catch up on, and we were going to make the most of it. Steven also seemed excited, which didn't take a lot of brainpower to work out why. I had a feeling she was going to have him under her thumb within her first visit.

Now THAT I was looking forward to seeing.

It suddenly occurred to me I had everything I wanted and needed, and while I stood there in my boyfriend's arms, I closed my eyes for just a second and said the first prayer of my life. I thanked God for giving me a second chance at life, asked of him one more thing, and that was to take down that sign in the window.

This Puppy was no longer for sale!

 

~~~ The End ~~~