Unbreakable Faith - 17. Chapter 17

Unbreakable Faith

Chapter 17

After being poked and prodded for three hours in the hospital on Monday morning, Ian, still drowsy from the sedation wasn’t up to going back to school. Greta didn’t argue, in fact she probably would have argued if he had wanted to go back as she could see just by his eyes how very sleepy he was.

Once they got back home Ian went straight to his bedroom and was asleep within minutes. It was nearly two o’clock when Greta saw him wandering back down the stairs his hair ruffled from sleep and pillow creases along the side of his face.

She grinned at his rumpled appearance. “Looks like you had a good sleep.”

He looked up at her and smiled. “I did thanks,” he said as he sat down on the opposite side from where she was sitting at the table with her checkbook open in front of her and a pile of bills just to the right of it.

“You want a sandwich? You slept through lunch but you still have four hours until dinner, so you should have something.”

Ian nodded and stood back up taking the opportunity to stretch out his arms. “I can make it. I know where everything is by now.”

She smiled even though his was back to her, again amazed at how well he’d blended into their family. Seeing him standing in the kitchen just seemed so natural, like he’d been there 16 years not a mere few weeks. In the few weeks they had known him she’d seen so many changes. The most prevalent being his increasing ease at being in their home. He seemed to grow as comfortable with being there as quickly as they had become comfortable with having him there. She could sense every day that he became more confident that they genuinely did like him and that he didn’t have to constantly watch his back in fear of being in trouble. He seemed to hold himself differently too, he no longer seemed to cower, at least when he was with them.

She found when he carried himself with a little confidence and dressed like a normal teenage boy should, that he was a very attractive young man. Something that made him and Nathan being together make a bit more sense. She felt silly feeling that way as she knew for certain that looks didn’t make a relationship. But she also knew how teenage boys were. Nathan, she thought, was one of the nicest looking boys she’d ever come across. And that put together with his wealth, personality and charm she just couldn’t seem to fathom what he’d see in first impressions with Ian.

Not that she had thought Ian was ugly in any sense of the term, it was just that back when Nathan had met Ian, Ian was shy and awkward, wore clothes that most popular kids would certainly consider geeky and hadn’t been able to look anyone in the eye. It had made her worry that Nathan was after something from Ian. That he wasn’t ‘in love’ as much as teenage boys could be. But after seeing them together for three weekends and a couple weeknights she had as little doubt in Nathan’s intentions as Ian did.

The boy she’d come to discover would bend over backwards to please Ian, and would gladly give up his own life to save Ian’s if it ever came right down to it. Simply in the way she’d seen the boy looking at her new son she’d known that what made Ian so special had shined through to Nathan too. That Nathan loved and cared for Ian every bit as much as she did. A love she was certain would help Ian continue to grow stronger and more confident. A love that she felt would get the couple through anything that life may throw their way in the future.

Ian returned to the table, setting down a plate loaded up with chips and a turkey sandwich and sat down across from Greta again.

“So we talked a bit about your birthday last week at the doctor’s. It’s only a couple weeks away now. What do you say we talk more about your party?” She suggested folding up her checkbook and setting the pile of envelopes all full of checks to be mailed on the shelf near the table, to be taken out to the mailbox later.

Ian’s eyes lit up. He still couldn’t believe he was finally going to get to have a birthday party. He’d never even been to a birthday party, let alone had one. He’d been invited to several when he was in elementary school but after not being allowed to go to any of them for a few years the other kids had given up asking him. He couldn’t imagine their surprise when he was actually the one handing out invitations.

Greta grabbed the notebook she’d been figuring out her budget in and turned it to an empty page. “Do you want a big party with a lot of people and snacks and stuff to eat or do you want a smaller party with a few close friends and a big fancy dinner.”

He looked up at her his first thought going to her needs. “What’s easier for you?”

“Either one is easy for me Ian. You pick what you want, try not to think about anyone else here for a few minutes.” She grinned humorously at him. “I know that’s hard for you but just give it a shot.”

He grinned back at her and thought for a minute about his choices. “I think I’d like to have a big party with snacks and stuff to eat.”

She nodded her heart filling with warmth at the sudden look of excitement that was showing up on Ian’s face.

“Okay let’s get started on the guest list then.”

“Is there a limit?” Ian asked before he started laughing.

Greta looked at him confused. “What are you laughing at?”

After a minute of self-composure Ian wiped at his tearing eyes from laughing so hard and shook his head. “Is there a limit? Get it?”

She shook her head even more confused. “No hon, I’m sorry I don’t.”

He sighed and ran his finger across the table. “I just never thought I’d have to worry about a limit. I mean two months ago I had no friends. Not one,” he emphasized holding up his hands. “And now here I am planning out a birthday party and asking how many is too many to invite. It’s just so weird.” He sighed again and shook his head. “Good but weird. It’s amazing how fast things can change.”

Greta reached over and squeezed his left hand that was now lying on the table. “No Ian you are amazing. The way you have adapted to this new life, the friends you are making, you are the amazing one here. You could be hiding in your room under your bed with the life you lead up until a couple months ago. But instead you are going out and finding your way. That’s what’s made this transition so powerful, you aren’t waiting for the world to come and find you or dig you out from your shell.”

He looked at her, confused himself now. “Why would I hide under my bed?”

She leaned a little closer to him and smiled. “Most people Ian are scared of what they don’t know. Or they get trapped in a mind set that keeps them frightened even though things have changed for them. It’s often times very difficult for the human mind to let go of the past. Now I know you haven’t fully let your past go, and neither I nor Ron want you to. There’s stuff you have to deal with there that we can work out over time. But the way you keep pushing yourself forward despite your fears and insecurities is amazing to us. You aren’t waiting around for anyone to show you the way, if you have questions you ask but that’s a necessity.”

“Should I wait around for someone to show me?” He asked still a little confused.

“No, if you did that would be fine, but what you are doing is beyond anyone’s hopes for how you would come out of this. You are going above and beyond any expectations and Ron and I couldn’t be more amazed and pleased. You show us every day just what the meaning of perseverance and strength are.” She stopped as she saw a silent tear slip down Ian’s cheek and watched him quickly wipe it away. She squeezed his hand and smiled. “I’ll stop hon, I just had to let you know in no uncertain terms just how very special you are, and it’s no surprise to me how many friends you have now.”

Ian smiled back at her, again reminded just how wonderful it was to have her as his mother now. Wishing she’d been his mom all along but knowing that wishing about the past didn’t do anyone or anything any good.

“Well first I’d say Nathan.”

Greta chuckled as she wrote Nathan’s name down on the guest list. “Really?” She asked feigning surprise.

Ian laughed and nodded. “Yeah it might be good to have him here.” He said going along with her joke. “And I’d like to invite the kids from the group home. Do you think that would be okay? Or would it look like I was rubbing it in their faces that I’m not there anymore?”

Greta shook her head as only Ian could come up with a thought like that, always being so concerned with other people’s feelings. “No I’m sure they’d all love to come to a party, it wouldn’t be rubbing anything in at all.”

Glad to hear that Ian listed off a few more names. “Mark and Luke, ohh and Raymond!” he said holding up a finger figuring Raymond probably wasn’t invited to any parties and definitely wanting him to be at his party. “And Tony! I can’t forget Tony!”

Greta chuckled again at Ian’s excitement as she wrote down all the names thinking they might be better off to have it in the church basement with the amount of people being invited, which certainly wasn’t any problem.

“What about snacks? What kind of food do you want?”

Ian shrugged not too sure what he had to choose from.

“Well how about you go shopping with me a few days before the party and you can pick out some good stuff.”

Ian’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Of course, now what kind of cake do you want?” When he didn’t answer right away she reworded the question. “What is your favorite kind of cake?”

“Well I really loved that one you made a couple weeks ago, the pink one with the white frosting.”

“The strawberry one?”

“Umm yeah probably.”

Greta nodded finding that one a good choice. They spent the afternoon going over other details until it was time for her to start dinner. About that same time Matt arrived home and the boys were off to their room.

“So how did the doctors go?” Matt asked as he threw his jacket over his bedpost and sat down on his bed.

Ian lay down on his own bed and propped his head up with his pillows, putting his knees in the air. “Much better than last time. I don’t know what they gave me but I certainly felt relaxed.”

“Did they find anything wrong?”

Ian shook his head. “No but I guess some of the tests take a few days to get results back for. So we won’t know for sure until later in the week. How was your day?”

Matt shrugged his shoulders. “Same as always. Boring! What did you do all afternoon?”

Ian sat up clasping his hands together in his excitement. “We planned my birthday party!” he said happily “After I slept for three hours.”

Matt grinned. “Mom does the best birthday parties Ian, I’m sure it’s going to be great. Am I invited?”

Ian snorted, even though he hadn’t been on the actual guest list he knew it was a given that Matt would be there, Matt was his brother after all, he had to be there. He lay back down on the bed clasping his hands behind his head and pulling his knees back in the air. “I just love it so much here Matt. I almost think it should be illegal or something to be this happy. I know it’s not, and I’m pretty certain it’s not a sin, I just can’t get over how happy I am.”

Matt lay down on his side on his own bed and looked over at Ian. “What do you mean pretty certain it’s not a sin?”

Ian shrugged. “I don’t know it’s just kinda hard to go from a life where any type of fun is sinning to come here where everything is fun and happy and having it all be okay. I’m trying but sometimes I still get to wondering.”

“You think God didn’t want people to be happy?”

“No, but that’s what I was taught Matt. I know deep down it’s not true, I always had that feeling, but it’s hard to just disregard 15 years of learning otherwise.”

Matt nodded. “I understand Ian, for me it’s just the opposite; I can’t imagine being told God is this terrible being that wants people to suffer for him. I wasn’t taught that so I can’t even fathom how it must feel to suddenly learn it’s not true.”

“If it is true, and being this happy is a sin I’d think I would keep on sinning.” Ian’s eyes bulged out and he put his hand over his mouth unable to believe he’d just come out and said that. A statement like that at the Weaver’s would certainly get him into a HUGE heap of trouble which was why he was so surprised to just hear Matt chuckling at him from the next bed. With his hand still over his mouth and his eyes still bulging a bit he looked over at him.

“Don’t get so scared Ian you’re not going to get in trouble. You have every right to feel that way.”

Calming his raging nerves Ian nodded not sure he agreed it was right to say something like that but willing to let it go and not punish himself with the constant arguing of how the statement was wrong. If Matt said it was okay and as much as he trusted Matt he just had to take his word for it.

He sat up smiling bigger than he had all day when Nathan walked through the doorway of their room. “Hey!” he said happily as Nathan walked up to the bed and leaned over long enough to give him a big tight bear hug, something that Ian considered Nathan’s absolute specialty.

“Hey!” Nathan said right back right before he planted a quick kiss on his lips. “Don’t shoot the messenger but I brought your school work.”

Ian chuckled not caring at all about getting his schoolwork. “Why would I be mad about that?”

Nathan sat down on the edge of the bed. “Well if it were me, I wouldn’t want anyone to bring it to me, because then I wouldn’t have to do it.”

“Well you would once you got to school the next day.”

Nathan rolled his eyes as he put his arm over Ian’s shoulders, pulled him close and looked over at Matt. “Always the sensible one.” He said shaking his head.

Matt laughed as he popped a Starburst into his mouth, his usual afternoon snack. He’d grown very fond of Nathan over the last couple of weeks and saw them being good friends and a more than suitable partner for his new brother. He found him very funny yet at the same time he knew when to be serious and his first concern was always Ian and his feelings.

“Your mom said I could stay for supper.” Nathan said to Ian. “That okay with you?”

Still under his arm Ian snuggled closer to him. “Course it is silly! I do have to do my school work though; do you mind being a little bored while I do it?”

Nathan started to shake his head when Matt spoke up again. “He doesn’t have to be bored. You can play on the computer.” He said pointing over to it on the desk. “There’s games there or you can go online just don’t go anywhere bad ‘cause my parents track it.”

Nathan laughed as he had no intention of going to any bad sites in a preacher’s house, he may on occasion visit some sites that would be unacceptable at his own home but knew better than to do it there, or even tell anyone there about the sites he went to. Not that the sites were evil or anything, just sites he knew the Delmar’s and especially Ian probably wouldn’t approve of. He didn’t know of many teenage boys that never looked at a bit of porn, in fact he figured even Matt must on occasion so he didn’t feel too guilty for keeping that small tidbit of information to himself.

He stood up from the bed and situated himself in front of the computer choosing a game to play that he had at home, making sure to keep the volume low as both Matt and Ian did their homework on their beds behind him. He never would have guessed a month ago that he would be spending so many evening’s at a preacher’s house. More so never would have guessed that he’d enjoy it so much.

Certainly Ian was a major part of that enjoyment but he also really liked the rest of the Delmar’s, Matt especially. He loved to sit and watch a movie with them or have an evening card game. He hadn’t realized it before but his nights had been pretty lonely, usually he’d either gone out with friends to some crappy restaurant or stayed home by himself. On the few occasions his mother did arrive home at a decent hour she was usually too tired to cook a good meal, so most nights he was home he found himself eating boxed macaroni and cheese. He didn’t begrudge his mother one bit for that, she worked very hard and he mostly felt sorry that she didn’t have enough time to herself. But after spending so many evenings with the Delmar’s he had to admit it was much nicer to have the family all home and together than to sit around a lonely house not knowing what to do with himself.

Going to the grocery store with Greta was an entirely different experience for Ian than going with Mrs. Weaver. Instead of having to stand dutifully by the cart not saying a word and having no input on what was bought he was continually asked if he thought something would be good or if he would like something that looked good as they passed by it.

At about halfway through the store when he was reluctant to say yes to anything, Greta stopped the cart and pulled it to the side of the aisle. She took his arm and pulled him closer to her not wanting anyone to over hear them and spoke quietly. “Honey if you don’t say what you want I’m not going to know the food you’d like at your party. I don’t want to make the decisions on it for you. It’s your party; you should be the one who gets to decide.”

Ian looked up at her tilting his head to one side thinking for a moment she was upset with him. “I’m sorry.”

She smiled at him and ran her hand through his hair. “There’s nothing to be sorry about hon, I’m just telling you, I want you to pick the stuff, don’t be shy.”

He nodded looking around the aisle they were in. “It’s not just shyness.”

“What else is it?”

He looked down at the floor and she could see his ears turning red, telling her he was embarrassed. “It’s okay you can tell me.”

Looking back up at her his eyes big and dark he took a deep breath. “I don’t know what people are supposed to eat at parties; I’ve never been to one.”

He sounded and looked so full of shame she wanted to take him into her arms and hold him for an eternity, knowing though that, that would probably embarrass him even more in the middle of a grocery store she merely put her hand on his cheek and gave him an extra reassuring smile.

“Well then it would make sense you’re not sure what to get. Let’s rethink our plan of action here okay?” She felt a little better when he smiled at her and continued. “I’ll make suggestions on what is good to have at parties and you let me know if you think it’s a good idea too.”

He smiled again; nodding as he indeed thought that was a very good idea and was fully relieved she understood why he’d been reserved. He hadn’t wanted her to feel like he wasn’t interested in the party. He was, he was more excited about that, than about anything else he could ever remember.

Now that they had a new plan in place they walked back to the beginning of the store and started through the fruit section again. “Most kids like to eat the junk food at parties but it’s always good to have at least a few healthy things around. What are you favorite fruits?”

Ian looked over the vast array of choices. “Well I really like bananas, and grapes.”

Greta nodded very pleased he was being more responsive now that she’d adjusted their shopping procedure a bit. “Do you have a preference between red or green grapes?”

“No, but I really don’t like the ones with seeds.” He said standing beside her over a large bin of grapes with the red ones on one side and the green on the other.

“Well let’s get a mix of both, be prettier that way.” She said as she filled the bag. By the time they’d reached the halfway point they’d stopped at before the cart was nearly three quarters full leaving just enough room for a few bags of chips, some stuff to make dips and some candy from the candy aisle. By the time they left the store the cart was overflowing with bags. The whole way home Ian thanked Greta in about a thousand different ways having been a bit blown over when the total had come up at the cash register. He’d even started to insist that the party be his present and she not buy him anything else but she quickly put a stop to that line of thinking, telling him that the party was merely the celebration of another year, and the presents were a gift for the person themselves reaching that other year.

The afternoon before the party, about two hours before it started, Ian was nearly bouncing off the walls in excitement. He’d run down the stairs at least three times, with three different outfits for Greta to look at to see if they were okay to wear. Despite Greta’s continual approval he still showed up about every twenty minutes with something else on.

Matt, Nathan, and Ron were all over at the church gym where they’d decided to hold the party, which Greta was a little grateful of because she knew Matt would be on the floor laughing his ass off at Ian by this time at his desire to look perfect. She knew Matt would only be laughing in good fun but still didn’t feel right about Ian being laughed at even if she found his behavior amusing herself.

She turned away from the vegetable tray that she was working on when once again she heard Ian’s voice behind her.

“I think this one is it.”

She smiled, her face filled with love seeing him in a dark green sweater and a pair of dark brown pants. His hair was gelled giving it a slightly spikey appearance and once again she couldn’t get over the handsome boy in front of her.

“Yes I agree that one is perfect.”

“Okay,” He said breathlessly, rubbing his hands together, a sure sign he was nervous.

She reached out and pulled him into a tight hug, kissing the top of his head. “I love you so much Ian, you are such a joy to have around, I thank God every day you came into our lives.”

Ian turned into her hug and wrapped his arms around the woman he loved so dearly. “I thank God every day I came into your lives too. I’m so happy I can’t even begin to describe how much.”

She squeezed him a little tighter in a hug that lasted a full minute before she released him.

He smiled up at her before he looked over the counter. “What do you want me to do?”

“Nothing! It’s your birthday you’re not supposed to work.”

“I gotta do something,” he said, his eyes pleading, “I’m so excited I gotta keep busy.”

She grinned at him figuring he was probably a hundred percent accurate in his thinking and set him to work cutting up the fruit. The time went quickly from then on, Nathan and Matt coming and going taking the food over to the gym.

At six o’clock Nathan walked through the door and up to Ian where he put his arms around him and kissed his temple. “The guests are arriving; I think the birthday boy better get over there.” He felt Ian tremble a little in his arms and he took a step back and looked at his boyfriend closely. “Are you nervous?”

Ian shrugged, “I can’t tell, I don’t know if I’m nervous or just excited.”

Nathan grinned planting another kiss in the middle of his forehead. “You look very handsome, everyone over there is your friend, there’s not a thing to worry about, you are gonna have a night you’ll always remember happily.”

Ian grinned up at him and grasped his hand tightly in his own. “Okay let’s get over there then.”

The minute Ian stepped through the church’s gymnasium door his mouth fell open. The place was filled with balloons and streamers. A large poster filled the far wall that read ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY IAN’ and a table was set up underneath it that was loaded with food. In one corner was another table that made his eyes bulge out as it was piled high with presents.

He blushed from his head straight down through his toes as everyone in the room started clapping and whistling. He didn’t let go of Nathan’s hand though until Kelly Harvey walked up to him and put her arms around him.

“Happy Birthday hon! Thanks so much for inviting us all, we wouldn’t want to miss celebrating your birthday with you.”

Ian hugged her back having fond memories of both her and her husband and wanting them at his party as badly as she apparently wanted to come. After he pulled away from the hug with her he got one from Mr. Harvey and Jeff. Next up were Pete and Jason while most of the others settled on just shaking his hand, something Ian didn’t miss that Kevin didn’t even bother to do. He didn’t care though, Kevin had come, he doubted he’d had little choice but he wasn’t about to invite everyone but him. He just hoped the guy didn’t try beating him up at his own birthday party.

“Thanks for inviting me man,” Raymond said excitedly as he shook his friend’s hand. “This looks like an awesome party.”

Ian grinned at him getting the feeling that Raymond was almost as excited as he was about the party. “I’m glad you could come, and it does look like an awesome party!” he said happily as he retook Nathan’s hand, figuring he’d shaken everyone but Kevin’s hand in the room and figuring that was just not going to happen.

As the crowd dispersed around him Ian eyes fell on Tony all dressed up complete with a tie, waiting patiently, being patient something Ian had never seen him be before, and smiling up at him brilliantly. Seeing Ian was now free of everyone else Tony leapt right up into his arms wrapping his little arms tightly around Ian’s neck.

“Happy Birthday Ian!” he nearly screamed in Ian’s ear.

Ian hugged him tightly back his love for the little boy consuming him.

“My birthday’s in a couple months, mom told me, I’m gonna have a big party too! You come Ian? You promise?”

Ian smiled at him as Tony pulled back so he could look him in the face.

“I promise Tony I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

Tony’s face lit up brilliantly before he wiggled around to get down and took off running across the room towards the food.

Ian and Nathan were at the food table themselves when Mark and Jason stepped up beside them. “Man where’s the closet?” Mark asked.

Ian looked at him confused, about to answer when Nathan reached over his shoulder and smacked Mark in the chest. “There’s no making out at this party you perv.”

Ian looked from Nathan to Mark shaking his head in the process. “I don’t get it,” he said shrugging.

“They were looking for a closet so they could hide in it and make out.” Nathan explained.

Ian’s mouth dropped open as he looked back at Mark. “You can’t do that! This is part of a church.”

“What!” Mark asked feigning innocence. “People make out in churches all the time. At every single wedding.”

Ian thought on that for a minute then laughed and shook his head. “That’s not making out that’s just a kiss!”

Mark and Jason both slumped their shoulders in their best imitation of a full blown pout, grabbed each other’s hands and turned and walked off leaving Nathan and Ian laughing at the defeated retreating figures.

They’d just finished downing their plates of food when Ron’s voice bellowed through the gym.

“It’s time for some games everyone! First we need to pick teams. Since its Ian’s birthday he’ll be a team captain and he gets to choose who the other team captain will be. So everyone line up.”

Once everyone was in a line Ian moved out in front of it having been instructed to pick the other team captain. Knowing he wanted Nathan on his team and not opposed to him, same as Matt he ruled those two out and looked over the line. “Hmmm I’ll choose Raymond!” He figured that’d be the next best choice. Even though Raymond had recently made a couple of friends that Ian had seen him eating with at lunch he still figured he was probably one of those that always got picked last. Ian figured this way he wouldn’t have to worry about it and thought that he’d get the most enjoyment out of being a captain.

The thrilled look on Raymond’s face as he ran out of the line and stood beside him told him he’d made the right decision.

Ian got to pick first and of course picked Nathan and by the time all the guests had been picked was pleased he had Nathan, Matt, Jeff, Mark, Tony Jason and Pete on his team. They’d played three games and were just starting a third when Ian heard someone swearing and looked around the room.

Not much to his surprise he saw Kevin’s mouth was the one behind all the swearing. The rest of the gymnasium quieted and everyone’s attention was focusing on Kevin.

“This is so stupid,” said Kevin, just shy of yelling, once everyone was looking at him. “It’s like a five year old’s party.”

Flushing with anger that the party his family had worked so hard on was being bashed by Kevin, Ian wasn’t about to let him say anymore. He took several steps across the room so he was face to face with the other boy who glared at him and opened his mouth to say more.

Ian held up his hand. “Don’t!” he said as forcefully as anyone had ever heard him speak. “Don’t you ruin this party, everyone else is having fun and if you can’t manage to stop being a jerk for a few hours then you don’t have to stay.”

“Yes I do.” Kevin snapped right back. “I don’t have any choice in the matter. You invited the whole damn house; I don’t have any privileges of my own so I had to get dragged along too. You think I wanted to come to your stupid party. In case you forgot I HATE you!” Ian took a step back as Kevin pushed him and stormed off.

Ian couldn’t bring himself to be mad anymore. Kevin may have been talking like total jerk but Ian saw more. He saw hurt on Kevin’s face. A hurt he was all too familiar with from his own past. He turned around to go after him but Nathan was standing just behind him.

“Let him go babe, you’re right if he doesn’t want to have any fun just let him go.”

Ian shook his head. “I can’t Nathan.” He said as he squeezed his boyfriends hand then walked off to find Kevin.

He found Kevin sitting in the small alcove that was just inside the entrance to the gymnasium. He was sitting on the small bench in the room with his knees pulled up in front of him and his head down on his knees.

Ian stood in the doorway. “Kevin?”

“Go away asshole.”

His voice was congested and scratchy and Ian’s eyes widened in shock as he was sure that big tough Kevin was crying.

“I’m sorry Kevin.” Ian said refusing to leave and not talk to him even more now that he realized the guy was this upset. “It wasn’t nice of me to yell at you.”

Kevin’s head shot up, his eyes red but Ian didn’t see any visible tears. “What the fuck, why are you such a pansy? Are you Mr. Roger’s kid or something.”

Ian narrowed his eyes in confusion. “I don’t know Kevin, I was adopted, and I’m not sure who my real father is.”

Kevin snorted and rolled his eyes. “God you are so dumb sometimes. That was a joke, I was being sarcastic, Jesus.” He said clenching his fists. “Haven’t you even heard of Mr. Rogers?”

“No I don’t think so. Why, who is he?”

“He’s a kid show host.” Kevin sighed, the anger dissipating from his voice. “You really never watched him?”

Ian shook his head. “First time I watched TV was about two months ago. Honest.”

Kevin shook his head muttering, “Damn.”

“Do you really hate the party Kevin?”

The boy shrugged keeping his mouth closed.

“I’m sorry if you do, I suppose it’s not everyone’s idea of fun.”

“I know you just invited me ‘cause you had to.”

“That’s not true,” Ian said walking a little further into the room. “I wanted to invite everyone from the Harvey’s, I didn’t think twice about it.”

“Why would you want to invite me? We aren’t exactly friends. In fact I’d say we were enemies.”

“I don’t think we’re enemies, I don’t hate you, I wish you’d be a little nicer sometimes but if we all had the exact same personality the world would be a very boring place.”

Ian’s eyes got even bigger when Kevin actually laughed. “I guess you’re right about that. I don’t always mean to be such an ass; it just seems to be what I’m best at.”

Ian took a deep breath and spit out his next question. “Do you really hate me?”

Kevin looked up at him and for the first time Ian felt like he was looking at a face that didn’t hold hostility towards him. “No I don’t think so Ian, and if you repeat this to anyone I’ll punch your lights out, but honestly I think I’m just jealous of you.”

“Jealous?” Ian asked in disbelief.

“Yeah. That you can still be so perfect and happy, you should be bitter and mean, like me. It doesn’t make sense.”

“So if I was more of a jerk you might like me?”

Kevin grinned and shook his head. “I can’t even picture you being a jerk. Certainly don’t change on my account. I wouldn’t be jealous if it wasn’t a good thing.”

Ian smiled suddenly very glad he’d decided to come and talk to Kevin. “So you’ll come back to the party then?”

“I guess,” Kevin stood up and pointed his finger out at Ian. “But you better not tell anyone what I said man, I mean it, I have a reputation to keep.”

Ian smiled which quickly turned into a laugh, having a hard time believing that someone would want a reputation like that, but knowing everyone was different, he promised he’d keep the conversation they’d had to himself.

They returned to the party that, from the looks of it, had kept on going in their absence as the last of the games was just wrapping up. Next thing Ian knew he was being led to the table that was piled high with presents by Greta.

“You mean I have to open them here!” he said looking at her, his eyes fearful.

“Well yes honey, everyone wants to see what you got.”

Ian looked at the crowd that had gathered in front of the table all looking at him expectantly. His gut churned as he wasn’t so sure that he was going to like being the center of everyone’s attention. Knowing it was expected and not about to make a scene he smiled shyly at everyone and reached for the first present.

He opened present after present unable to believe the incredible amount of stuff he was getting. He opened several items of clothing from Greta and Ron. Another present was a piece of paper with writing on it that he didn’t quite understand and he looked up at her questioningly.

“It’s for driving school hon, so you can learn how to drive and get your permit and eventually get your drivers license.”

Ian’s entire face lit up as he hugged both his new parents. He hadn’t really ever considered driving at this point in his life, but now that it was a prospect in his grasp the idea left him totally thrilled.

The next present he opened was from Nathan. He was overwhelmed when he pulled out a brand new brown suede leather jacket that was just as nice as the one Nathan wore all the time, the one he’d commented on several times that he loved.

He gave Nathan a huge hug then returned to the table to where he opened Matt’s and found a box full of stuff to decorate up his side of the room with. Stuff that would make their room have more of his personality in it. Stuff Matt apparently knew him well enough to know that he’d love.

The next best present he got that evening came from Jeff. Jeff had given him a nice card along with a gift card to Dairy Queen that spilled out as he opened it, but it was what was written in the card that warmed Ian’s heart. Scrawled out on the left hand page was an address and email address.

Ian looked up over the card to Jeff’s smiling face. “You’re moving?”

Jeff nodded as he took a few steps closer to Ian. “Remember that family I told you about? The one I thought didn’t want me?”

Ian nodded.

“Well I was totally wrong, I guess I let my hurt feelings misread everything. They wanted to adopt me the whole time. They just couldn’t get all the paperwork pushed through before they moved. They didn’t want to come out and tell me what they were doing in case it fell through, but last week everything was finalized and I’m flying out there tomorrow to live with them and be their adopted son.”

Ian’s mouth fell open as he rounded the table and engulfed his very happy friend with his arms. “Oh I knew it Jeff; I knew you’d find a good family.”

“Well that made one of us.” Jeff said laughing in his arms. “I should have believed you I guess. But like I said I was too busy sulking.”

Ian stepped back and smiled at him. “Well that doesn’t matter now, I’m so happy for you!”

Jeff smiled back at him. “Me too, and I’m so happy for you too!”

Long after the party ended and most of the guests, with the exception of Nathan had left, the party was all cleaned up and Nathan took Ian’s hand and led him out into the cool starry night where they sat on the steps of the front porch of the house.

“So did you have a great night?”

Ian nodded staring up at the stars dreamily. “I sure did Nathan. You’re right; it’s one I’ll always remember.”

“Even when we’re eighty, sitting outside in our wheelchairs staring up at these same stars?”

Ian leaned into him and chuckled. “Definitely,” he said, his heart filling with even more happiness that Nathan saw them together at eighty years old.

“I love my jacket. You are so incredible, I don’t know how I got so luck…” he was cut off as Nathan put his finger to Ian’s lips.

“You’re not lucky Ian; you more than deserve everything that happens to you from now on. Don’t ever think you’re lucky, you are special and wonderful, a person so incredible everyone else pales in comparison. I am lucky to have you, not the other way around. I love you more than life itself, you make me want to get up every morning, and you make me smile every night as I go to bed and think of our day together and seeing you the next day. You are everything to me.”

Ian smiled as a tear trickled down his cheek, he didn’t understand how he was special enough to deserve a person like Nathan but he wasn’t going to argue, he was far too in love to do much questioning on it. He was happy in the knowledge that Nathan loved him and that his love for and from the Delmar’s was all he needed. He couldn’t imagine anyone having a better life than he now led.

He leaned forward and pressed his lips tightly into Nathan’s, tasting his sweet lips as Nathan’s arms swooped around him holding him in a tight hug as their lips expressed, without words, just how very much in love they were.