Tales of the Underground: Velocity - 25. Chapter 25

Maybe Elijah finding out about the racing wasn’t such a bad thing. It was nice to have him around tonight, and he did help me keep my temper. I’ll just have to train hard to keep him safe is all.

I slept like a baby. I’m happy with how I raced tonight, and how I was able to keep my temper. Well maybe that’s more of Eli’s victory then my own. I woke up ready to take on another day. School then training then a double date, oh boy maybe I should pack some advil, this is gonna be rough. I raced ahead of my sisters eager to see if Eli could actually handle being out so late and still getting up for school. When I got to Eli’s locker I found him sitting there talking to Stephanie.

“Good morning” he shouted with a smile on his face. Fuck, he can.

I groaned “You’re so annoying” I leaned my head against his shoulder and closed my eyes.

“You’re such a baby Jamie, it’s not even that early” Stephanie said lecturing me

“This isn’t anyway to thank me for helping you get a date with Jacob” I grumbled

“That’s because Eli did almost all the work on that” Stephanie protested

“We’re a couple, which means I get 50% credit of anything he does”

“Is that how that works?” Eli said mocking me

Suddenly a few students started walking by “Hey fags, if I give you a 20 will you suck our dicks?” I opened my eyes and went to stand up but Eli grabbed onto me. They laughed and kept walking

“Calm down there tiger, you’ve already got suspended once this week” he said as I put my head back on his shoulder “We haven’t done a good job of keeping this a secret have we?”

“Nope” Stephanie began “And doing things like this are exactly why.”

“Fuck it” I said “I don’t give a shit anymore. We’re a couple and I’m done sitting by and hiding it. I want to do normal couple things like hold your hand, or kiss you without having to constantly check over my shoulder and see who’s watching.”

“You don’t mean that, you’re just frustrated “ Eli said unsure either way

“No I mean it. What do I care? They want to come fight me about it then I’ll knock out their teeth.”

“But your dad” Eli argued

My heart skipped a beat “He’ll just have to deal with it. I’m done living this part of my life in the shadows. I’m falling for you and I don’t give a shit who knows anymore.”

Eli laid his head on top of mine “You’re so impatient” he let out a nervous laugh and took a few seconds to regain his thoughts “fuck it, we’re dating”

“I’m sure this will end well” Stephanie said mocking us

The bell for classes rang and I kissed Eli goodbye, not giving a shit who was watching. Most people just ignored us and kept walking, I guess growing up in 2016 has its perks. The day progressed as normal, Eli skipped out on sitting with us for lunch, I guess he was too busy preparing Stephanie for tonight. When the final bell of the day rang my history teacher stopped me on my way to the door.

“Jamie, can we talk for a quick minute” he said patiently sitting on his desk

“If this is about me being out on Tuesday, I’m sorry, I got suspended over something stupid.” I said hoping he wasn’t mad. Mr. Jones was a nice guy and a pretty good teacher. He always gave students the best chance to pass.

“No, this isn’t about that. I just saw you in the hallway this morning and wanted to let you know that I run the LGBT+ club here at school if you’re interested.” I froze for a second “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to catch you off guard or assume anything, I just saw lying on that boys shoulder then kiss him.”

“It’s cool Mr. Jones” I said remembering the decision from this morning “that’s actually my boyfriend Eli. Maybe we’ll swing by for a meeting one day.”

“If you guys ever need anything my doors open.” He said shaking my hand

“Thanks” I said walking out the door. Maybe this won’t be as bad as I thought.

I met up with my sisters and we started biking home together.

“I heard you and Eli were smooching in the hall this morning” Jess teased

Once more my heart skipped a beat “Oh please, it was one kiss. Who cares?” I said defending it, she made a face “You’re just jealous because your brother got a boyfriend before you” I said proudly

I heard the shock of the 4 of them behind me “Did he just say boyfriend?” I heard one of them ask

“Yup!” I said loudly “and I don’t give a shit who knows or cares. It’s my business and I’m happy”

My oldest sister peddled faster and caught up to me “Well good for you. Does dad know yet?”

“No so no one tell him. I’ll tell him tonight after my date” I said with a smile

“Oh where are you guys going?” one of them asked

“To some pizza place with Jacob and Stephanie.”

“They’re so romantic, why can’t I have that” One of them asked

“Eli’s cute too, that’s not fair. Why do all the cute guys have to be gay? Like this one boy in my math class.” Another announced.

I couldn’t help but laugh, it really is true, people aren’t born hating others, they’re taught it.

When we pulled up to the house I immediately got changed into gym clothes and prepped to go train with Jax. I hopped in the car and sped off to the address. When I pulled up to the house I was surprised at how nice and pretty it was. It definitely wasn’t a place I would picture a guy like Jax living in. I mean he’s so tough and his house is so…not. I pulled into the driveway and knocked on the door. The woman he was with at the restaurant answered the door.

“Well hello there young man” she said with a smile “how can I help you?”

“Ugh I was told to meet someone here to train” I nervously squeaked out

“oh okay, one moment” she turned “Jason, stop being a bum and get off the couch, your boss is here” she yelled. I couldn’t help but laugh

Suddenly Jax appeared in the doorway “Laugh it up, in a few minutes you’re gonna be sweating your brains out”

“Sure thing Jason” I said with a smile, I turned towards his wife and shook her hand “I’m Jamie”

“Nia. It’s nice to meet you” she said with a smile “I never thought your boss would be so cute” she said tussling my hair

“He’s not my boss, he’s just the racer I guard” he sighed

“Sounds like a boss to me” I joked making Nia laugh

Jason gave me a stern look “Come on” he led me to a back room full of workout equipment and punching bags.

“And all this time I thought you did steroids” I teased

He rolled his eyes “So you’re really like this all the time? It’s not just an act to seem tough”

“Nope, I’m 100% me all the time” I smiled

“Lovely” he groaned we spent the first few minutes taking things slow, he showed me how to properly life weights and throw a punch. As we began to workout he would slowly help correct my form to make sure I was doing everything right.

“How was school today?” he grunted picking up a heavy weight

“Same old same old, decided to say fuck it and kiss Eli in the hallway today, so that was something.”

“kids today are cool with that?”

“Most” I said trying my best to keep up

“Good to hear, in my day you guys would’ve been teased mercilessly. I never got why though, there’s enough hate in the world as it is.” I nodded agreeing with him

I took a quick water break and noticed a picture of a young kid on the wall. I resumed lifting weights “I didn’t know you had a son.”

“I used to” he sighed

“Oh sorry” I said unsure how to handle the situation

“It’s alright. he passed away last year from leukemia. I picked up the gig in the underground to try and pay off the medical bills” he somberly stated

I nodded “I lost my mom to cancer a few years ago, I race for almost the same reason.” He nodded and patted me on the back “If you don’t mind me asking is that why you always get assigned to us?”

“yup” he sighed “Pit heard my story and figured I would be the most willing to do anything to protect a kid, the sick fuck”

“I hear sometimes pain brings people together and makes them stronger” I said looking over at him “maybe this is one of those times”

“Maybe” he said with a small smile. The rest of the hour and a half went by fast as he helped me push myself to my limits. As I walked to the door Nia invited me to say for dinner but I thankfully declined.

“You got a date tonight with Eli?” Jason asked

“Yup, double date with Jacob and our other friend”

“Oh that should be fun” he said with a smile

“You would think” I joked

We said our goodbyes and Jax reminded me to be back here on Monday to continue training. I got in the car, rushed home, got showered, dressed and went right back out to pick up Eli. When I pulled up I found Stephanie and Eli waiting for me at the curb.

“Jamie, are you some type of idiot?” Stephanie began “You don’t even have your license and you’re driving around and what the hell is this?” she asked pointing at the roll cage “are you so much of a child you put a jungle gym in your car.”

Eli kissed me hello “Let me worry about the license” I spit “you get mean when you’re nervous. It’s a structure thing to keep the car from falling in on itself. Your lover boy installed it for me”

She kicked the back of my seat “Don’t you dare act like this when we get him”

I turned towards Eli and opened my eyes real wide “Stephane, relax, everything will be okay” he said trying to calm her down. Eli and Stephanie spoke for the rest of the ride to Jacobs, I could tell he was trying to calm her down the best he could. As we pulled up Jacob was already sitting outside on the porch nervously waiting.

“Hey guys” he said climbing into the backseat next to Stephanie. Their eyes connected and they both blushed. Eli and I couldn’t help but laugh at how awkward they were. The ride to the pizza place was full of awkward silence, every now and then Eli would look back and try to get one of them to talk but no one was budging. When we finally got there I walked up and ordered us a pizza, Jacob ran up and tried to pay with me but I insisted besides, I owe him for being a dick this week. As we walked back to the table I bucked shoulders with him and told him to just be himself.

“Hey beautiful” I said sitting back down

“Maybe if you guys learned how to control PDA no one would know your dating” Stephanie said rolling her eyes

“I know right” Jacob shouted “They’re always touching or kissing each other, its gross”

“and have you heard the way they talk to each other, it’s like they’re 10” she continued

Me and Eli’s eyes connecting “At least they’re talking” I whispered

“And you’re lame ass jokes. They’re not that funny.” Stephanie continued

“The problem is he just doesn’t know when to stop” Jacob tacked on “You just open your mouth and shit flies out” they both started laughing

Eli put his arm around me “Stop, you guys are gonna make him cry” Eli said joining in on the laughter

I turned and gave him a fake smile “Thanks for that babe”

“Sorry, gotta keep them talking” he whispered

I leaned my forehead against his and went to kiss him but pulled away before our lips connected and stuck out my toungue “Not so fun is it” I mocked. We started elbowing one another and laughing.

“Ugh get a room” Jacob groaned making Stephanie laugh. I faced Jacob and pretended to rub my eye with my middle finger. Eli knocked his foot against mine reminding me to play nice. The rest of the night went smoothly. I got a few more jokes hurled my way but nothing I couldn’t handle. It was nice just being able to hangout, I hate to admit it but Jacob and Stephanie make a good couple, they’re both so practical and well…uptight. I dropped everyone off, and even offered Stephanie a ride back to her house but she said she didn’t want to leave her bike behind. Eli kissed me goodbye and reminded me to be at his game tomorrow afternoon. I haven’t been this excited for a hockey game in a while, but first I have bigger things to handle I thought as I pulled into the driveway next to the minivan.

I nervously walked into the house and made my way to the living room.

“Hey buddy, where did you go dressed so nice?” My dad asked

“I actually had a date” I nervously squeaked out

“Oh yeah, who with?” he asked with a smile

“Uhm Eli, Jacob and Stephanie” I quickly stated

My dad gave me a curious look “Are Jacob and Elijah a thing? I mean I knew Elijah was gay but not Jacob” my heart began to race faster and faster with each word that came out of his mouth “And I didn’t know that you and Stephanie were still a thing, I remember when she went to one of your hockey games with your number on her face.”

“actually” I could barely even hear the sound of my own voice “Jacob was with Stephanie, I was with Eli”

My dad stared at me confused

“Dad” I could feel tears starting but I pushed them back “Eli and I are dating…I’m gay”