Tales of the Underground: Crestfallen - 31. The L Word

I went to unpeel the tape from my fists, but thought of everything that had happened today. Jayden getting bullied…that deal with my father. I shook my head, walked up to the speed bag and began to train once more. Powers worthless if I’m not fast enough to use it I convinced myself. I wound up training late into the night, and even found myself oversleeping the next morning. If Perry was annoyed that he had to take me and Brooke to school separately he certainly didn’t know it.

When the lunch bell finally rang I eagerly ran down the school stairs and into the lunchroom. “Hey, where’s J?” I asked, taking my normal seat.

“He has AP testing all day. He said they’re even going to test if he should be bumped up to a higher history class.” Ivy shrugged

I tilted my head and made a face “Why didn’t he tell me?”

“It’s Jayden what did you expect?” She shrugged “I think he was worried about letting you down. Such a smart kid, and yet he’s dating you.”

I flashed her a proud grin “You’re just jealous because we originally thought he liked you.”

Ivy shook her head and rolled her eyes “Not true at all, I mean you thought that, but I always knew he liked you.”

I looked to Henry as he sat down, and my smile faded “You take care of everything?”

“Good afternoon to you too sunshine” he sarcastically greeted “but yeah, it’s handled.” He said, reaching how his hands to show his swollen knuckles “Jordan won’t be a problem for Jayden anymore.”

“That dudes a monster, how the hell did you walk away without any scratches?” Ivy questioned, with a concerned look.

“It’s simple” Henry smiled “Cheap shots to the stomach, and between the legs count the same for everyone, no matter how big you are.”

“Has the word honor ever existed in your vocabulary?” she grunted.

“Honor aint shit to bullies, why should it be when I’m standing up to one?” he argued with the smile growing.

I reached out and pounded his fists “words to live by.” I encouraged.

“Will you two ever grow up?” She groaned

“Not likely” we both let out at the same time. The rest of lunch went by just like old times. Me and my 2 best friends shooting shit, and goofing around. As much as I love having Jayden around, I’ve kinda missed these times. We speak a lot more freely… a lot more vulgar, and yet there was a part of me that felt lonely, like I was missing something. Not even history felt the same. I found myself constantly looking to my left to his empty seat. There’s no doubt about it, too much time without Jayden sucks.

“Mr. Sanders playing hooky?” Mr. Jones asked as the last bell rang.

“AP testing” I replied with a proud smile “Unfortunately he might test out of this class.”

“That’d be disappointing for the both of us, now wouldn’t it be?” Mr. Jones poked

I nodded my head slightly “You really like having him in your class don’t you?”

Mr. Jones let out a light laugh “I don’t like to play favorites, but yes, Jayden is a great student. Any teacher is lucky to have him in their class.”

“You think he could get into that fancy prep school up in West Orange?” I asked, changing the subject.

“I can’t exactly get into details about his grades with another student.” Mr. Jones explained “But I don’t see why not. Why? You sick of having him around?”

“No.” I quickly defended “It would suck if he changed schools…but I’ve heard that the kids are a lot nicer there…he wouldn’t get pushed around as much, ya know?”

“Unfortunately there are bullies at every school.” Mr. Jones pointed out “but I only know of one kid who’s brave enough to stand up to them, and he goes to school here.”

I couldn’t help but smile proudly “Thanks Mr. Jones.”

“Anytime Aidan.” He reassured “Maybe to pay you back Jayden can look into tutoring you.”

“I don’t need a tutor!” I yelped, walking towards the door.

“Your grades say otherwise!” He teased with a laugh.

Mr. Jones is that rare teacher that you only really read about in story books. The teacher that actually gets invested in your life…the one that really cares about his students and not just his paycheck. For the first time in my whole life I actually feel kinda bad about doing bad in a class. It’s weird but I don’t want to let my teacher down, I think Jayden is starting to rub off on me!

Practice went by in a flash. I can feel myself getting better, it’s been at the cost of gym time…but it’s paying off. My instincts are better…clearer. I see an opening and I have the confidence to take it. I’m not the only one to notice either, Jack and my teammates are getting excited with the possibilities. They keep telling me I’ve grown faster than any of them anticipated. It won’t be long until I earn that Jacket from Eli, and start putting up Ws.

The only downside to the day was having to take a shower in those gross school locker rooms, but what was I going to do? Go to Jayden’s smelling like shit? The boys mocked and teased me as I walked out dressed nice and preppy but I just smiled and laughed along. I couldn’t help but grow more and more nervous as we finally pulled up to the Sanders household.

“You’re going to be fine sir.” Perry encouraged.

I opened the passenger door and took a deep breathe “What if I say the wrong thing?”

“Sir, you’ve been through the best etiquette classes in the world. Your father has given you an odd upbringing, but he has made sure you always put your best foot forward.” Perry reached over and fixed the shoulders of my polo “They’re going to swear they’re eating with royalty.”

I turned back and smiled “Thank you Perry.”

“Of course sir” he nodded “That’s what I’m here for.”

My nerves calmed down with every step I took. I was raised for moments like this, why the hell am I nervous? I rang the bell, and proudly held the bouquet of flowers Perry picked up for me.

“Aidan!” Mrs. Sanders greeted “I’m so glad you could make it sweetie.”

“Of course ma’am.” I smiled, taking a step into the house “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I reached out and extended the flowers “These are for you, a thank you for having me.”

“They’re beautiful, thank you Aidan!” Her warm smile made me feel stupid for ever being nervous about coming over.

“So you made it.” I heard the small familiar voice call out.

“I made it.” I confirmed with a laugh.

A small grin grew in the corner of his face “Come on, dinner’s almost ready.” As always Jayden was dressed in a band shirt, with skinny jeans on.

“What were you avoiding me today?” I teased taking a seat at the table next to him. “How did the testing go?”

“You were the one who was late this morning.” He pointed out “But it went fine”

“Oh come on!” I exhaled “I’m gonna need much more detail than that!”

“He’s been refusing to share all evening.” Mrs. Sanders added, walking into the small room.

I looked over at him, and felt nerves beat in my heart “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“It is what it is.” He shrugged “We don’t need to harp on it all night.”

His mom looked at me from behind him and made a face “That means he did good.” She mouthed

I secretly nudged his foot with mine, getting him to laugh “Why do you look so serious tonight?”

He shrugged, and I nudged him once more “I’m not!” he yelped, trying to hide laughter “I guess it’s just been a long day.”

“Well schools over, and the weeks almost halfway through.” I encouraged “We’re practically at the weekend already!”

“So you’re a glass half full kind of guy Aidan?” His mom asked, starting to pull out plates.

“Yes ma’am” I answered, starting to stand up “Do you need any help setting the table?”

“No, please relax you’re our guest.” She comforted “But good, we could use that attitude around here.”

I nodded and went to sit, but quickly popped back up as Jayden’s dad entered the room. “It’s good to see you again sir.” I greeted extending my hand.

He looked at my hand for a second, before reaching out and shaking it “You too Aidan.” He looked at Jayden than me, as he sat down at the head of the table “You two look tired as all hell.”

“We are” Jayden groaned.

I looked over at him and smiled “No, we’re ready for another 3 great days of school aren’t we?” I teased

“Boy, how you two are becoming such good friends is beyond me.” Mr. Sanders laughed “You couldn’t be more night and day.”

“Opposites attract.” I smiled.

“So they say.” He replied, making eye contact “If it’s not too personal, may I ask how you got all those scars?”

I did my best to relax, while still looking proper “Not too personal at all sir.” I responded “They didn’t tell you?” I looked back towards Jayden and he shook his head no. I turned back towards his dad and made eye contact “I’m an MMA fighter, and a varsity wrestler.” I proudly answered.

“You any good?” he poked

“Yes sir.” I tried to hide my pride, but couldn’t keep it down “I have an 0-1 wrestling record, but I’m about 35-0 in the cage. I have a black belt in kickboxing, a red arm band in Muay Thai and I plan to start Jiu Jitsu as soon as I finish Muay Thai. I train day in and day out, but I love every second of it.”

He nodded his head “Leave it to Robert Taylor’s son to be so accomplished. So then what’s the end game? Doesn’t sound like you’ll exactly be taking an office job at dad’s company.”

I saw Mrs. Sanders shoot him a dirty look to watch how he spoke, but pretended not to. “Most likely not sir.” I laughed “I’d love to fight in the UFC given the chance, but if that doesn’t pan out I’d like to go to West Point and become a Marine.”

“You just can’t stay out of danger can you?” I heard Jayden sigh from behind me.

“I guess not.” I turned and smiled “I’ll be okay though, I usually am.”

“You seem like a proud boy Aidan.” Mr. Sanders remarked, as Mrs. Sanders pulled out dinner.

“I am sir. I don’t like to brag or anything, but I can’t help but carry myself with some pride. I guess I’m like my father in that way.”

“Mmm” Mr Taylor nodded “Yetzer Hara” Mrs. Sanders stare grew stricter as she heard him speak Hebrew.

I looked towards Jayden with curious eyes “It’s like…a Jewish blessing…kind of like good luck.” He quickly explained “Like…a may Hashem be with you…”

“Alright I get it.” I giggled, noticing how high strung Jayden was “If you don’t mind me asking what’s Hashem mean?”

Both of Jayden’s parents looked at him, wanting him to answer. “It’s Hebrew for The Name” he instructed “It’s what we use when talking about the One Above.”

“Oh okay.” I let out not quite understanding why he couldn’t just say God.

Mrs. Sanders took a seat and nudged Jayden. “Why don’t you explain to Aidan what we’re having tonight.”

“Oh okay.” He quickly let out, thinking over how to explain dinner “It’s Matzo Lasagna, so it’s like normal lasagna except with some things swapped out, obviously because we try and eat a kosher diet… I mean unless you don’t know what a kosher diet is.” He paused for half a second but didn’t bother to wait for a response “a Kosher diet is when…”

“Jayden” I giggled “I know what a Kosher Diet is. Thank you Mrs. Sanders it looks delicious.”

“Not a problem dear.” She said with a welcoming smile “I wasn’t sure what’d you’d like, but I figured this was a safe bet.”

“It’s usually eaten during Passover, so we figured it would also be a good way to introduce you to Jewish culture as well.” Mr. Sanders instructed with a more welcoming tone. “I assume your family is Christian?”

“Yes sir” I nodded “Catholic to be exact, but we’re not great at practicing it. We used to go to church when I was a kid, but times have changed I suppose.”

“Well you’re welcome to join us on Saturdays at the Synagogue if you’d ever like.” He offered, serving out dinner.

I saw Jayden’s eyes bulge so much I swore they were going to pop out of his head “Dad!” he yelped.

“What?” he asked with a laugh “There’s nothing wrong with sharing our culture.”

I reached over, and patted Jayden on the arm “It’s fine” I laughed “Perhaps one of these Saturdays I’ll come along to experience it, it can’t hurt.”

“See.” Mr. Sanders smiled “I like your attitude Aidan.”

“Thank you sir.” I smiled “I always try and keep an open mind to new things, you never know where you’re gonna find new inspiration.” Mr. Sanders exhaled a deep breathe, and I could tell my words stirred something in his head “I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?”

“No, no” Mr. Sanders comforted “You just remind me of someone I know.”

“My father?” I asked with my smile fading.

He looked from me to Jayden, and carefully thought over his answer “Yes.”

I felt the mood of the room grow a bit more serious “Well don’t worry, I’m not like him.”

“I didn’t mean it like that, there’s nothing wrong with…”

“When it comes to my father there is.” I interrupted “Don’t worry, I know the type of man he is.”

“But do you know the type of man he was?” Mr. Sanders prodded. I gave him a more curious look and he waved his hand “Forget it, that’s a conversation for another day. For now let’s just eat and give thanks.” He quickly uttered, finally following his wives’ silent commands.

The rest of dinner went by a little more smoothly. There was a lot of friendly conversation, and some more education about Jewish culture. I could tell their family was close, and proud of it.

“Do you need any help cleaning up?” I offered, as we finished eating.

“No, please Aidan! Like I said you’re our guest, relax!” she insisted “Boy, your mom must love having you around during dinner time.”

I lightly shook my head “We don’t eat dinner as a family. I don’t think I’ve even seen my mother since Sunday night.”

“Well she must be a busy woman, helping your father run his business and all.” She tried to comfort

I shifted my mouth back and forth “She doesn’t really bother with the business at all. She just shops, and goes to country clubs all day. My butler is always there though; he’s really the one who’s raising me.”

“Well he’s doing an amazing job.” She supported.

Jayden lightly tapped me on the shoulder “Come on; let’s go hang out in my room.” I nodded, and he led the way into the small room.

As soon as he shut the door behind us I reached out and grabbed onto him. “What’s the matter J?”

“Nothing.” He muttered, resting his head on my shoulder

“Come on that means something.” I let out, rubbing his back “I thought you would be excited to have me over.”

“I am.” He quickly let out “Today was just hard. Days where I just stare at words all day…it just drains my mental strength ya know?”

“Well how can I help?” I offered, letting him go.

He locked the door, and quickly threw on a vinyl before laying down on his bed, he waived me over, and I laid down on the small bed next to him. I felt the weight of his head on my chest, as he wrapped around my body. “Just be here with me.” He muttered.

I kissed the top of his head “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” I let what felt like 30 minutes pass before I finally dared to speak “So does your dad not like me?”

“What?” Jayden nervously asked looking up at me.

“I couldn’t tell…does he not like me?” I asked once more.

I saw the gears turn in Jayden’s head “He likes you, you’re just different from what he’s used to I guess. Plus he works for your dad or whatever, so that complicates things. Trust me, if he didn’t like you, you would know.”

“Good, because I think I’m falling hard for his kid.” I teased

I heard a quiet laugh escape Jayden’s lips. “Yeah well his kids falling hard for you too.” Jayden moved up slightly, and planted a kiss on my lips, except this time he held it a lot deeper and longer than we were used to.

“Woh” I involuntarily let out, as he pulled away “that was…was that…woh.”

I leaned in and kissed him once more. “Alright, that’s all you get” he laughed, returning his head to my chest.

“You started that…you let me do that…woh” I let out still shocked.

“Well yeah.” he sheepishly giggled “I know I’m shy and all, but…wait I don’t have to explain it to you!”

“Who the hell else are you going to explain it to?” I laughed, shaking him. He shook his head and giggled some more “Oh come on tell me!” Jayden pushed his mouth close and refused to share “Oooo Jayden’s having dirty thoughts about me.” I provoked.

“No, they’re not like that!” he quickly defended “I just really like kissing you.” He sighed, finally easing up “Promise you won’t tell anyone what I say next?”

“I won’t” I laughed “I don’t like talking about this type of stuff with anyone else.”

“Okay, so you helped me realize I’m a guy…then you helped me realize I like guys and girls, but out of everyone you’re the first person I’ve ever started to like on that level.”

“What level?” I innocently poked, our eyes connected and I suddenly understood what he meant “Ohhhhhh that level.”

“Alright not that high a level.” Jayden giggled “You just…I just...you’re the first person I appreciate certain things about…and the first person I’ve ever wanted to kiss like that…you’re just helping me grow, and I want to show you that.”

I laughed and held him tightly “Jayden, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to to show me you’re growing. I mean I can see it in the way you carry yourself.”

“But you like stuff like that.” He answered, not sure what to say.

I slowly started to run my hand through his hair “Yeah I do…I could kiss you all day.” I admitted “but if you don’t like it, if you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to.”

“I understand.” Jayden nodded “but for the record I really wanted to do that.” He laughed

“So you really like girls?” I nervously pressed, slightly changing the subject

“Some” I felt him shrug “I guess I’m bi.” He let out another small laugh “Don’t look so worried, like I said, you’re the only person I’ve ever liked this much.”

“I better be!” I yelped “If it helps, you’re the only person I really trust.”

“Really?” he excitedly asked “What about like Brooke and Perry?”

“I trust them a little but, I don’t know. I mean Perry does work for my dad, and Brooke is his daughter, so it’s like, how much can I really trust them, ya know?” I felt him nod once more “But you, you’re not connected to that at all, you won’t hurt me.”

“Is it too soon to say love?” Jayden nervously asked.

“Yes” I giggled “but there’s no other word to describe how I’m feeling.”

“Me neither.” He laughed beginning to shake slightly.

“Hey J?”

He braced, knowing what was coming “Yeah?”

“I love you.” I exhaled

Our eyes met, and I could tell there was no going back. I’ve only known him for a month now, and even though we’ve only been dating for 2 weeks…love just feels right. We laid together for another hour before I finally got up to go. Jayden offered to walk me to the door, but I refused. He’s had a long day, it’s better to just let him rest. As I walked into their living room I saw his dad relaxing in a big reclining chair.

I extended my hand once more “Thank you for having me over sir.”

He shook and our eyes connected “It was nice to have you.”

I felt a weird bravery fill my heart, and remembered what I had just confessed to Jayden an hour ago. “Sir, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I truly do mean it when I saw I’m not like my father.”

He nodded and thought it over “I understand what you’re saying…maybe one day we should sit down and talk about who he was when I first met him.”

“I would like that.” I smiled.

“Just promise me one thing.” I nodded, and he carefully chose his words “If you’re going to be Jayden’s best friend…be there for him no matter what.”

“I will be.” I slowly began to understand why Mr. Sanders had been grilling me for most of the night “You’re worried I don’t understand him…and I guess I don’t….not fully anyway, but I know that there will be days like Sunday where he can’t stop laughing, and day’s like today, where he’s a zombie. I promise I’ll be there for him through it all”

A smile grew on Mr. Sander’s face as he heard my words. “You’re an interesting person Aidan Taylor.”

“So I’ve been told.” I smiled, shaking his hand one more time.

Walking out of their house that night, I felt a weight get lifted off my shoulders. I have no doubt they’ll welcome our relationship with open arms. Well when Jayden is ready anyway.