Chapter 13

Avery slumped down on his bed after fixing his father dinner and completing the laundry and ironing that his father had let build up while he was 'away'. He was exhausted, his back aching, pain still shot up his spine when he sat down, and his throat was sore.

His father had pretty much left him alone after getting back from Degasio's this morning, so Avery was grateful for the reprieve. They'd only been home for a couple hours, and his dad had fallen asleep on the couch. Avery closed his door almost all the way, leaving it cracked enough so he'd hear his father if he came up the creaky stairs. He pulled his knees up to his chest as he slipped his phone out from under his bed where he'd left it to charge as soon as he'd gotten home. His chest swelled to see messages from Matt. As well as several missed calls... which was odd for Matt. He never called--it was almost as if he knew his dad didn't like it.

Hey there. Hope u r feeling better. Saw ur dad again last night, he said u had the flu again.

Hey again. Just checking on u. Let me know how ur doing.

The next message seemed odd, urgent even. Hey, tried calling several times last night. I'm worried. Got call from EMS asking if u had called them...

Oh, crap. The cops or someone had called Matt about his call. They must have checked who the phone was registered to and called him to check on me. Fuck.

Aves, pls call asap. I know ur dad said u were ok and just had flu...has something happened? R u ok?

Okay, I'm coming over since ur not answering. That one had been sent around midnight.

Oh, shit. Had Matt come to his house? Had he asked his dad about the phone call? No, wait, he couldn't have. If he had, his dad would have said something about that.

That was the last text message, though. He didn't know what Matt might have done.

He quickly thumbed to the voice mails.

"Avery, what the hell is going on? I got a call from EMS saying you called them, that you were in shock or something. Is your dad with you? Did he take you to the hospital? Call me ASAP."

"Aves, it's been hours. No one was at your house when I went by last night or this morning. I hope that means your dad took you to the hospital."

Crap. He'd come by the house already at least twice. His dad must have stayed at a hotel near Mr. Delgasio's last night or he'd have been home when Matt came by. And wouldn't that have just been fucking great.

"Just checked with the hospital, and they didn't have any record of you being there. Did you go to a clinic? Your doctor? God, Aves, please, please, call me."

Avery almost cried at the desperation in Matt's voice. He clutched the phone tightly, wishing he had the nerve to just tell Matt everything.

"I've been worried sick all day. First day at work, and I can't think about anything but you. I'm coming by again as soon as I get off work. Hoping to see that you are okay."

Avery's eyes shot to the clock. 2:30 pm. Shit, Matt got off at 3:00. If he showed up here, asking his dad what was wrong....

He quickly clicked back to the text messaging.

Hey, Matt. I'm ok. I promise. I'm home, still sick with flu. Sorry, forgot 2 charge phone last nite.

Avery hesitated. He needed to somehow explain the EMS call. What the hell could he say to explain his incoherent call to 911? Shit. He dropped his head back on the headboard. Then suddenly a thought hit him.

Took too much of the cold med. Made me feel dizzy and sick and out of it. Dad was out at store and I panicked, that's all. I'm fine now.

He hit send, praying to God that Matt accepted that explanation. It seemed weak, but Matt had seen him sick before and knew how out of it he could get.

He slumped back on his bed, his heart pounding a mile a minute wondering what would happen if Matt came over. He'd ask his dad about the phone call for sure, and then his dad would know he had a phone. He just knew he'd end up in the basement, and he wasn't sure he could handle that right now.

The vibrating of the phone in his hand shocked the hell out of him so much that he dropped it on the bed. For being on silent, that damn buzz from the vibration sure seemed really fucking loud.

He grabbed it up with a panicked look at the door, sure his father had to have heard it. It vibrated again, and he noticed it was Matt. Shit.

He raced to the door, listening for his father, sighing when he heard the man snoring. He often did snore when he drank too much.

A quick calming breath, and he was able to answer the phone before it went to voice mail again.

"Hello?"

"Avery, oh thank God!" Matt's relief was almost heartbreaking. "Are you okay? Fuck, I was so freaking worried about you--"

"I'm better," Avery said softly, making sure to keep his voice down. "I'm sorry I worried you. I didn't realize the phone had died. I just put it on the charger and got your messages."

"What happened last night?" Matt was obviously still worried as he fired off questions. "Why didn't you tell me you were back in town? Did your dad have to take you to the hospital?"

"I'm sorry. It was stupid," he said. "We got back a couple days ago," he lied, "but I've had the flu really bad, and I've been out of it. I'm sorry I didn't text more. I barely remember texting you last night," he lied again but needed to maintain his deception. He had to convince Matt it was all a mistake or his dad would completely lose it if Matt came around asking questions. "I forgot I'd already taken a dose of the cold med and took a second one. It made me feel really sick and dizzy and everything. And dad hadn't gotten back yet... and I panicked. It felt like I couldn't breathe, so I called 911. But dad got home, and I hung up on them before really telling them anything but my name."

He took a deep breath. Was that too much? Was he rambling on and on and giving away his lie? Oh, God, please, Matt, just believe me...

"Oh," was all Matt said for several long seconds. Then he could hear Matt taking a deep breath. "Jeez, Avery, you scared the shit out of me. Fuck, I was this close to calling the cops to find you. Wouldn't I have looked like an idiot, you just being sick and all?"

Avery felt his body go ice cold. He'd almost called the cops? Shit, shit, shit.

"Are you sure you're fine? Did your dad take you to a doctor? Overdosing like that--"

"Yeah, that's where we were last night. He took me to an urgent care over in Flagston." Hopefully, Matt would believe that since they didn't have an urgent care in Euphoria since it was so small, and that would explain why they weren't home when he tried to come by last night.

"Why didn't he just take you to the ER?"

Damn it, Matt. Quit asking fucking questions! "Costs more, and I was already feeling better. But he still just wanted to make sure I was okay." Talk about a big lie!

"Oh, okay," Matt finally sounded resigned to the fact that it was just a huge mistake. And then Matt seemed to remember something, "Okay, that explains why you weren't home last night, what about this morning?"

Of course, Matt would pick apart his story... "I dunno. Dad had an early meeting, and I guess I was just too tired after being up so late to hear the door. I'm sorry. I think I slept until about ten."

"So you're really okay?" Matt asked again.

This time Avery chuckled a bit. "Yes, I'm better. Just need a couple more days rest. I should be back at school Monday. Maybe we can meet up?"

"Yeah, of course." And Avery was glad to hear the excited tinge to Matt's voice. He hoped the promise of meeting after school on Monday would alleviate some of Matt's fears and get him to relax. And not call the cops or something else equally likely to get the hell beat out of his already tender back.

"Good," Avery yawned, feigning the tiredness that his 'illness' brought on. "I'm going to try to sleep some more now."

"Oh, okay." And of course Matt sounded disappointed.

"Matt?"

"I was just sort of hoping to come over and see you, that's all. Just to... you know, make sure."

Avery could just imagine the hang-dog puppy look that Matt would have on his face right now, and he wished he could just say yes. But that would be a disaster. "I'd like to see you too, but I don't want to get you sick too. And I really am tired." Okay, so that last bit wasn't a lie.

"Alright, alright, I get the hint," Matt chuckled. "I'll see you Monday. But, I still expect a text each night, at least, to let me know you are okay. Otherwise, I'm calling those cops."

Avery knew Matt was teasing, but he couldn't help the clench in his stomach at the thought of the police showing up and asking his dad a bunch of questions.

"Okay, fair enough," Avery agreed.

"And you better call or text Erin," Matt added, "I think I freaked her out this morning when I told her about EMS calling me and then not being able to reach you last night."

"Yeah, I think I have a couple texts from her. Haven't read them yet, though. I'll text her now before I take a nap."

"Good, see you later, Aves. Take it easy."

"Bye, Matt."

Avery waited until Matt had disconnected, just staring at the phone. The pounding of his heart was slowly subsiding as it sank in that he'd just diverted a major disaster. By lying his ass off but still... hopefully no beatings.

A quick check of texts showed a couple worried messages from Erin as well. It was a little amusing to think that Erin would text him even though she knew that he hadn't responded to any of Matt's texts or calls. Did she think he'd been ignoring just Matt? Did she think he hadn't received Matt's messages but somehow hers would magically get through? He smiled at the obvious concern in the messages.

Hey, Avery, Matt's sorta worried about you. Something about a call from EMS? Not sure what he's rambling about but give him a call. OK?

Yeah, now he's really freaked out. He called saying he went to your house this morning and no one was home. Please call one of us ASAP.

Avery quickly typed in a message, letting her know he was fine, just had the flu, and had talked to Matt already. He said he was going to sleep, so he was turning off the phone for a while.

He didn't want her trying to call him too. He'd already been on the phone much longer than he'd expected and knew he was pushing his luck.

Avery wasn't terribly surprised when a text came back right away. It seemed like Matt and Erin, well everyone, kept their phones on them pretty much all the time.

Good. Glad to hear it. Matt was totally freaked. See you soon! Get well!

He had almost turned off the phone when another text came through. It was Matt again. He groaned, but it was tempered with the happiness of knowing Matt cared for him.

Happy New Year, btw!

Avery blinked. It was January 1st. A new year. He wondered what this year would bring. Considering how last year ended, it wasn't looking too hopeful.

Happy New Year 2 u too, he finally texted back. Can't wait to see u Mon.

Me too. Get some rest, babe.

Avery had to reread the text again. Then smiled at the affectionate endearment before turning off the phone and slipping it into its hiding place. He pulled out his spiral notebook and began to draw.

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By the time it came for him to go back to school Monday, Avery didn't care that his father had kept him up the night before, having 'missed him'. All he wanted was to be able to see Matt again. His light in the darkness. Knowing he'd see Matt again that afternoon, kept him from shattering completely to pieces.

He had pulled a black turtleneck on with some faded, worn denim jeans. His signature hoodie hid his thinning form. His father was sitting in the kitchen when he arrived downstairs to grab some breakfast.

"You can have some oatmeal," he father stated. And Avery barely kept from rolling his eyes. Big fucking surprise.

Avery quietly prepared the thick cereal, watching his father carefully.

"Where are your braces?" his father snapped. "I want them back on. Don't want anyone to see those bruises on your arms."

Avery held back a scoff as he turned to retrieve them from upstairs. Buckling them back on felt like he was losing a part of himself, admitting that his father owned him, which he did, he supposed. After scarfing down his oatmeal, he grabbed his backpack and walked quickly to school.

He felt himself relax some as he entered the familiar halls of the school. He was probably the only student there who was actually glad to be back at school. Here, he was safe for a while.

"Avery, are you alright?" Mrs. Jones asked as he entered his first class.

Avery figured he must still look tired or something. "Uh, yeah, I'm fine," he mumbled.

He muddled through the English class, and the rest of the day. He had seen Erin in the hall, and she had waved at him enthusiastically. He gave her a quick wave back, not wanting to draw any attention to himself. All he wanted was for the day to end, so that he could see Matt again.

Erin frowned as she watched the teen make his way down the hall. He was buried in clothes that were too big again, and she thought he had to be hot. The turtleneck crept up under his chin and the hoodie camouflaged the thin body both she and Matt knew was hiding under there. She frowned slightly when she noticed Avery had on those damn leather braces. Avery brushed his hair back as he rounded the corner, and she suddenly realized how tired he looked. Man, his illness must have really taken a lot out of him. She'd have to talk to Matt, maybe he'd know more about how Avery was feeling.

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Avery had texted Matt and asked if they could meet at the park rather than the coffee shop, figuring if he didn't have to sit, he'd be less likely to give away the discomfort of his ass or irritate the healing welts on his back.

He nearly raced over to Matt when he saw him waiting on a bench.

"Hey!" Matt greeted with a wide smile, and Avery melted under the warmth of the guy's smile. I did that, I made Matt happy, he thought, and he nearly burst into tears at the thought that someone would be happy to see him.

Matt opened his arms slightly as he rose, and Avery eagerly stepped into the embrace, clutching at Matt's coat.

"I missed you," Matt whispered against the top of his head.

Avery was clinging to Matt's jacket, hiding his face so Matt wouldn't see the tears of relief flooding his eyes. "I did too."

"Gotta say, you really freaked me out on New Year's."

Avery blushed, keeping his head ducked. "I'm so sorry about that."

Matt patted his back like it was no big deal, but it obviously had been. "I just worry about you. But I guess your dad took care of you."

Avery swallowed hard and only managed to nod.

"You want to sit?" Matt asked, indicating the bench.

"No, let's walk," Avery said, slowly extricating himself from Matt's arms, letting his bangs hide his face until he could pull himself together.

Matt nodded, continuing to smile.

"So how was your Christmas?" Matt asked casually as they began to walk. "Besides being sick and all?"

Avery flinched ever so slightly; he'd had enough practice evading questions that hurt that it shouldn't have even bothered him, but it did. "Same as always," he answered evasively.

"Huh, so didn't get anything exciting?" Matt prodded.

"I got a phone," Avery grinned slyly.

Matt laughed. "I meant from your dad or from your trip."

"Well," Avery shifted uncomfortably, "Dad and I don't really do much for Christmas, ever since mom left."

"Oh," Matt seemed to not know what to say, worried that he'd brought up bad memories. "I'm sorry."

Avery shrugged. "It's okay. Dad just, well, you know," he mumbled evasively, figuring Matt would make his own conclusions about him and his dad still being emotional about his mom's abandonment.

And Matt was nodding understandingly. "Yeah, I do," he said, then brightened and reached into his jacket. "I got you something."

Avery stared at him slack-jawed. "No, you shouldn't--"

But Matt just beamed and handed him an oblong box. "Merry Christmas."

Avery was shaking his head, refusing to touch it, shoving both hands deep into his hoodie pocket. "No, I can't. You already gave me the phone, I--"

"Avery," Matt said softly, seeing the panic start to flood the boy's eyes. "It's okay. I wanted to. Please take it."

Avery reluctantly pulled his hands out of his shirt's pockets and took the small box. Unwrapping it carefully, he was stunned to see a new set of drawing pencils. His eyes shot up to the sapphire eyes smiling down at him.

"You like them?" Matt asked hopefully.

"Yeah," Avery croaked out. "Thank you."

He stared down at them for a long time. It had been forever since he'd received a gift that truly meant something, that wasn't a bribe to keep quiet. And now he'd received two of them.

"But, I, uh, I don't have anything for you," Avery stammered.

Matt smiled, slowly embracing the smaller teen. "Just being with you is a gift in itself."

Fuck, Avery thought, as he leaned into the massive strength of the other teen. Why couldn't he just stay here forever?

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"So how is Avery?" Erin asked him when he got home and they were all sitting down at the table for dinner.

Matt grinned at her forwardness. "He was good. A little tired looking, but he seemed okay."

"Avery?" his mom questioned, "That's the guy you've been seeing, right?"

Matt rolled his eyes. God, he felt like a little kid again. While he loved his mom and sister, he couldn't wait to find an apartment and be on his own. He had avoided freaking her out when he'd panicked over Avery that night. Fortunately, she'd still been sleeping that morning, so she hadn't seen his frazzled state. Only his sister had.

"Yes, mom," he said, glaring at his sister. "Avery is the guy I met about a month ago. I couldn't really see him though until I'd finished working at the school."

"Where does he live?"

"On the other side of town. His dad is a realtor and on the town council or something."

"Really? Which one?"

"Carl Greene," Matt supplied.

His mom's brows furrowed. "Greene, hmm." Her face suddenly lightened as recognition dawned. "Oh, I know him, well, vaguely anyway. I heard his wife ran off, leaving him to raise his eleven year old son by himself." She sighed. "Poor man, trying to take care of a kid on his own like that. Martha says he's just the most devoted father ever."

Matt shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really know the man, and Avery doesn't really talk about his dad. Think maybe he still misses his mom."

His mom patted his hand understandingly. "Well, now the poor boy has you," she beamed.

And Matt practically choked on his mashed potatoes at his mother's blunt comment.

"Soooo," his sister jumped in, "have you kissed him yet?"

His mom's mouth dropped open at her daughter's brash question, and Matt felt himself flush bright red.

"It's none of your business," he growled.

She smirked. "I take that as a yes."

Matt just rolled his eyes and ignored her.

"I saw him today in the halls," she continued. "He looked pretty tired. Is he still sick from the holiday?"

Matt shook his head. "No, he seemed okay today."

Erin turned up her nose. "I wish he'd wear the T-shirt we bought him. He always wears those ridiculously baggy clothes. And now he's wearing turtlenecks too. He's going to disappear in all those layers."

Matt nodded. He'd thought the same thing. Matt couldn't wait until spring when Avery was sure to wear T-shirts. He secretly crushed his desire to brush his fingers over the bare skin. Just touching his face and neck had set him aflame, and he couldn't imagine what he'd feel if he could brush his hands up his arms or skim his bare back.

"I'm sure it's just because he doesn't like to be cold," Matt reasoned.

Erin shrugged. "I guess, but I wish he hadn't put those stupid braces back on."

Matt laughed as his mother frowned. "I know, but he sees them as part of his style, just like all that make-up is a part of yours."

Erin stuck her tongue out at him.

"Now, children," their mom warned playfully.

And Matt couldn't wait to get away from the table and the third degree from both the females in his life. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough. He was looking forward to seeing Avery at the coffee shop after work.