Teach Me Bad - 3. Fri, Sat: Kayden

“Stop up there.” Audrey waved a finger. “No! Keep going! Go past our street.”

“Shit! Alright!” Mitch shouted and the Hummer drifted to a stop a block from Elmdale Plaza.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEP

Kayden gasped as a minivan blasted around them.

“Fucker,” Mitch hissed.

“You need to pull over. You stopped in the middle of the street!” Audrey complained as the van stopped short at the light several yards down. It made a left on red.

Mitch snorted. “What a dick.”

Kayden pressed his face into Audrey’s red shirt with a whine. He’d been listening to her and Mitch bicker the whole way. It was distressing.

“It’s okay.” Audrey spoke in whispered Korean as she rubbed Kayden’s back. “We’re almost home.”

“Ian’s going to tell on us. I know it,” Kayden hissed. “My dad will never let me leave the house again.”

“Hush,” Audrey murmured. “We weren’t gone long. It’ll be alright.”

Mitch angled the Hummer closer to the curb and Audrey threw open the door. “Call you later, Mitch,” she said as she dragged Kayden out of the car.

“Audrey!” Mitch yelled. “Wait!”

Audrey slammed the door and tugged Kayden to the sidewalk. He tripped over the curb, but Audrey yanked him along.

“You’re hurting me!” Kayden cried as the Hummer screeched away from the curb. “Slow down!”

As they reached the corner of Elmdale, Audrey let go of Kayden’s wrist and whirled around. Her red shirt was tucked into a pleated black skirt and her kitty backpack dangled from one shoulder. Her cheeks were flushed with agitation. “What the hell just happened?”

Kayden gazed at their houses at the end of the cul-de-sac as he considered what to say. He hadn’t gotten a chance to explain himself in the car. He licked his lips and his pulse quickened as the violent memory of his first kiss drifted through his mind. Kayden’s head began to spin.

“Why was Trent taking you to the house?” Audrey frowned. “What’s going on?”

Kayden groaned. “You’re going to be angry.” He crouched down on the sidewalk and covered his face.

Audrey knelt beside him and draped an arm around his shoulders. “Kayden, talk to me.”

Kayden looked up helplessly and hair fell into his eyes. He swiped it away impatiently.

Audrey watched him with a neutral expression.

“H-he doesn’t like my hair,” Kayden muttered, avoiding her stare.

Audrey laughed. “Maybe you’ll finally let us trim your bangs. Emma’s been dying to attack that mop on your head for a year now.”

Kayden ducked his head as his cheeks heated with embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” Audrey sighed. “I’m teasing you.”

Kayden took a deep breath. He peeked at Audrey through the fall of his hair. “Trent kissed me,” he whispered.

Audrey’s eyes widened.

“He kissed me twice,” Kayden said and his whole body felt light. He stood up and looked determinedly at the house. Ian’s BMW was in the driveway, in its usual place a car’s length from the garage.

Audrey got up, too. She looked at Kayden carefully. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” Kayden said dreamily. “I was going to let him copy my homework, but—”

“Kayden!” Audrey put her hands on her hips. “That’s terrible!”

“I know.” Kayden smiled.

“I don’t understand.” Audrey shook her head and her silver-streaked hair flew around her face. “How did he end up kissing you? And how did that lead to you…” Her mouth dropped open. “He was going to take advantage of you!”

Kayden huffed and shoved Audrey in the side. “Shut up!”

Audrey straightened her glasses. “He’ll hurt you, Kayden. Trent isn’t a nice person. He isn’t sweet and gentle like Jacob.”

“You don’t know him any better than I do,” Kayden grumbled.

“Yes. I do,” Audrey said as her expression darkened. “He’s worse than Mitch! Trent goes through girls like I go through socks!”

Kayden scowled. He didn’t want to think about that. He wanted to enjoy the unexpected moment. “Why did you tell Trent I’m a minor? I had my birthday in August.”

“I knew something was going on.” Audrey smirked. “I knew you were up to no-good.”

Kayden turned away as his cheeks began to burn. He started for the house. “What did you say to my brother?”

Audrey trailed a few steps behind. “Right after you called, I messaged him we were getting coffee with our group from writing class.”

Kayden pushed his hair out of his face as they got closer to the house. His heart was in his throat, but he felt like he was floating. He smiled faintly.

Audrey caught up and fell into step beside him. She looked at Kayden as they got closer to the house. “I shut my phone off. I haven’t checked if he called or not.”

Kayden’s smile fell away as they stepped into the cul-de-sac. The chihuahua at Ms. Lowey’s house yipped at them from behind the fence.

“So, what about Jacob?” Audrey asked.

Kayden scowled. “What about him?” Jacob had sat beside Kayden during lecture that afternoon. They hadn’t been able to talk much, but Jacob had walked Kayden to his next class. He’d been texting Kayden long, personal messages since yesterday, as well.

Kayden didn’t know how to handle it. He didn’t know how to turn Jacob down. No matter what he said, Jacob persisted.

“What about your date tomorrow?”

“I really don’t want to go,” Kayden said.

“Mitch said he’d do it,” Audrey grumbled. “Not that I’m looking forward to sitting through an entire football game with that jerk.”

Kayden glanced at his friend as they stopped in front of her house. When he and Ian had met Audrey that morning, at this very spot, Kayden had known something was off.

Audrey had been on her phone, which was rare, and texting at the speed of light. Her eyes were suspiciously red-rimmed, and Kayden had been concerned, but they couldn’t speak freely with Ian in the car. They’d had to wait until they were dropped at front campus.

The second they were alone, Audrey, with her phone clutched to her chest had burst into tears: “Mitch didn’t show up last night!” she blubbered. “He passed out at a party! And I know he was with another girl because she tagged him on Instagram!”

“We just need an excuse for your dad,” Audrey continued, pulling Kayden behind the thick shrubbery between their houses. “We could kill two birds with one stone. Make up a fake writing assignment, say we’re meeting our group at the library before the game starts, then get Ian to drop us off.”

“I’m serious, Audrey,” Kayden said. “I don’t like Jacob.”

Audrey sighed. “Alright. But stick to the story. We went for coffee with our peer-editing group.”

Kayden nodded and Audrey pulled him close for a hug.

“Call me later,” she whispered. “I want to hear everything that happened.”

Kayden buried his nose in Audrey’s hair. The smell was comforting and familiar.

Audrey squeezed him tight. “Ian’s going to grill you the second you walk in the door. Ready for this?”

“Not like I have a choice.”

Audrey’s tiny Shih Tzu appeared in the window. “Arrf! Arrf! Arrf!”

“Quiet, Miko!” Audrey hissed, but it did no good. The Shih Tzu’s furry white face and droopy ears shook as he continued to bark. The chihuahua across the street was egging him on. Both dogs were going nuts. “Everyone knows we’re here now!”

Kayden laughed. “Well, we tried.”

“Kayden!” Ian stood at the back gate with his arms crossed.

“I have to go,” Kayden muttered.

“I’ll see you later,” Audrey said, and her smile was encouraging.

They separated. Audrey turned for her house and Kayden’s shoulders slumped as he started down his driveway.

Ian watched him approach from the gate. “Coffee?”

“I’m sorry. We—”

Ian held up a hand and Kayden zipped his lips. He turned to go into the house and Kayden trailed after him.

Inside, Ian moved into the kitchen and sat at the island. There was a small platter of sandwiches on the countertop. They were neatly made with the crusts removed. Ian’s handiwork.

Kayden grabbed a sandwich and took a bite. He chewed slowly as Ian studied his face.

“I don’t believe you,” Ian drawled. “The two of you are up to something.”

Kayden swallowed his bite.

“I’ll keep that little stunt to myself,” Ian said somberly. “I won’t tell dad.”

Kayden let out a sigh of relief.

“I checked on Audrey’s mom when I got home, too,” Ian continued. “I don’t think Mrs. Wang knew what time it was. She was napping.”

Audrey’s mom was in the final stages of multiple sclerosis. She didn’t need a wheelchair, but she rested, a lot, and Audrey was responsible for most of the cooking and the other household chores. When she came to Kayden’s for dinner, her dad heated up a frozen meal in the microwave.

“That was nice of you,” Kayden said as he took another bite of the sandwich.

Ian splayed his fingers on the countertop and sighed. “Where were you, Kayden?”

“We went for coffee…”

Ian frowned at him. “What’s with the grass stain?”

Kayden looked down at his long, yellow shirt. It said What? on the chest and the right sleeve had a dirty-green streak on the shoulder. “I fell,” he said, tugging his shirt straight from the bottom. “It was an accident.”

Ian’s gaze dropped to Kayden’s mouth. “Why are your lips red?”

“I-I burned myself,” Kayden said awkwardly. “At the coffee shop.”

“What were you drinking?”

“A cappuccino.” Kayden turned away and went to the sink. “It was hot,” he muttered as he turned on the faucet. “Obviously.”

“You’re such a klutz,” Ian muttered under his breath. “I don’t get it. What does Audrey see in you?”

Kayden glanced at his brother’s reflection in the window as he washed his hands. He and Ian had never been close, but the glares and the sarcastic remarks were new. They’d become the norm since Ian’s failed marriage proposal and Kayden was sick of the bad blood. Ian needed to hear this.

“What do you think she sees in you, Ian?” Kayden asked as he turned from the sink.

Ian looked at him sharply.

“I don’t understand why you asked her to marry you,” Kayden said. “She can’t stand you. You know that.”

Ian glared at him. “She’s already part of the family. It’s what everyone’s expecting. One of us has to make it official.”

“And of course, it has to be you she marries,” Kayden muttered as he shrugged off his backpack and started across the room.

“I am the first born.”

Kayden dropped his bag and flopped down on the couch. “And we all know how seriously you take that position.”

“You’re mocking me.” Ian sounded amused. “That’s cute.”

“Audrey can’t wait to get away from this family,” Kayden said. “There’s nothing cute about it.”

Ian was silent. Kayden glanced at him over the back of the couch.

Ian was decently attractive, but he was nothing like Mitch. His face was somber, and his hair was neatly combed. He wore a white polo tucked into his black trousers and it looked like he was dressed for something special, but he wasn’t. It was Friday night and he and Kayden would be doing homework until bed.

“We’re slaves, Ian. We don’t get to make decisions about our lives,” Kayden said. “Dad dictates everything we do. Everywhere we go. Everyone we meet. It’s not fair.”

Ian stared down at his hands on the countertop.

“Audrey wants to study fashion in Paris,” Kayden said softly. “She wants adventure and romance. She doesn’t want to be mom in twenty years.”

“What does that have to do with mom?” Ian clicked his tongue. “And she’s already studying fashion! If she wants to do it in Paris? Fine! We’ll go to Paris!”

“While you breathe down her neck?” Kayden shook his head. “She’s practically her dad’s second housewife. She wants a different future for herself.”

“She doesn’t have to be my housewife,” Ian hissed. “If she wants a career, we’ll work something out. I’m not dad—”

“Yes you are,” Kayden snapped. “Maybe you covered for us today, but I’m sure you had your reasons. You’ve ratted us out a million times. You love the rules.”

“I love the rules?” Ian bared his teeth. “Do you know how much pressure I’m under to be absolutely perfect?”

“Of course, I do.” Kayden rolled his eyes. “Dad’s hard on me, too.”

Ian slapped the counter with his open hand. “You have no idea what I’m talking about! Dad’s easy on you!”

“No, he isn’t!”

Ian smirked at him. “What’d you get on midterms?”

Algebra was the first subject on Kayden’s mind. “A ninety-eight—”

“Great. I got perfect grades on all my exams,” Ian said firmly. “Because if I make one single mistake, then I’m a complete failure. I’m not trying hard enough. I’m a disgrace.” His gaze was very intent. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been physically reprimanded. I cannot fail. Ever.”

Kayden frowned as a distant memory floated to the surface. When Kayden was five, he’d gotten the privilege to sit in on one of Mark’s and Ian’s advanced Korean lessons. Mark had been quick to correct Ian’s mispronunciations with the rod, a long thin stick the size of a ruler. He’d crack Ian on the knuckles with it, which Ian would take in stride, but when it was Kayden’s turn and he’d misspoken, Mark had whacked him on the knuckles and Kayden had promptly burst into tears.

Kayden had forgotten about that. Cho had immediately whisked him away and it hadn’t happened again. To Kayden, anyway.

“You have no idea how lucky you are,” Ian said angrily. “Dad makes me work a hundred times harder than you. I don’t have time to play around and be silly. I have to be responsible. It’s burned into my brain. And you and Audrey have always hated me for it. You think I’m icky.”

Kayden fought down a smile at the childish nickname. "We were just kids, Ian.”

“Nothing’s changed,” Ian grumbled. “I’m always the odd man out. No matter how hard I try, I can never join your awesome fan club.”

“Fan club?” Kayden laughed nervously.

“You’re the one Audrey likes. You’re the cute one. You’re fun and nice…and a total disaster.” Ian smiled and Kayden returned it faintly. “I just…” Ian looked away. “I wish I could figure out how to win her over.”

“Ian,” Kayden started softly. “We’re not in love. Audrey and I made it up… to make everyone else happy.”

“I kind of figured.” Ian gave him a look. “To be honest, I always suspected you were gay.”

Kayden blinked at him in surprise.

“Audrey’s helping you cover it up. Isn’t she?” Ian asked. “That’s sweet of her.”

Kayden shrugged and looked away.

“Dad will disown you if he finds out,” Ian said softly, and Kayden cringed inside. “You should keep it a secret for as long as you can.”

“I know.”

Ian stood up slowly. “I’ve got to get started on my homework.”

Kayden watched his brother make his way out of the kitchen. He listened to Ian’s footsteps on the stairs, then heard his door shut upstairs. Kayden sat in the quiet living room for a few moments, not sure how to feel.

So, Ian knew Kayden’s secret now. But maybe he’d always known, like Audrey…

He pulled his backpack onto the couch beside him and got out his phone. It was still off from earlier and Kayden smiled faintly. The second Trent had walked into the classroom, his eyes had been on Kayden. Trent had overpowered him with ease and had stolen a little piece of his innocence forever.

Kayden had imagined kissing Trent many times since the beginning of the semester, but never quite like that. There had been nothing gentle about him…Audrey was right about that part.

Trent was hard and unyielding and exciting in a way Kayden had never experienced. Seeing his huge erection had thrilled Kayden immensely, but it had also filled him with fear of the unknown.

Kayden was a virgin. He’d never even seen porn. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to satisfy Trent, and as he began to think about the obscene acts Trent might ask him to perform, Kayden’s cheeks flushed with an incredible heat.

He touched his soft lips as his hand shook with a fearful anticipation. He gasped against his delicate fingertips and his little cock perked up with interest. The tense ball of sexual frustration in his belly reminded him of the feeling he got from his favorite scary movies. He loved the tension and the build up to the jump scare. He loved feeling his heart race while he sat on the very edge of his seat, goosebumps erupting along his slender arms and legs, and the hairs on the back of his neck sticking up. And then, it was over. The movies Kayden watched usually had happy endings and Kayden liked that. He liked to snuggle under the blankets and imagine everything was alright.

The kind of anxiety Trent inspired, however, was deeper, and sticky with arousal. There was no happy ending and Kayden’s erection pulsed with insistence as his breath came hot against his fingertips. His eyes fluttered closed as he put pressure on his warm lips and imagined Trent was kissing him. He was terrified to see him. His fingers trembled with it, but they were trembling with longing, too. Kayden couldn’t wait to have Trent looming over him again. He wanted to be at his mercy.

Thump!

Kayden’s eyes snapped open. Ian was sorting through his textbooks upstairs. The sound came a second time, then a third, and Kayden blinked, totally disoriented. He was in the middle of his parents pristine living room and the feeling of arousal quickly abated. He dropped his hand and it landed on his phone in his lap.

As he came back to himself, Kayden remembered he had messages. He turned his phone on and waited for the screen to light up. Before the home screen even finished loading, a notification of 10 missed messages, and two missed calls popped up.

He checked the phone calls first.

One from Audrey and then another from Ian, moments later. Neither of them had left voicemails.

Kayden opened his messenger app next and checked Ian’s singular text.

Come home. Immediately.

Kayden sighed as he backed out. He hoped his brother would keep his promise. Audrey was going to be so upset when she found out Kayden had spilled the beans… He checked his bestie’s messages next.

What do you mean your tutoring TRENT???

Where are you guys?!!! I’m heading to the library!

WHERE ARE YOU GOING KAYDEN?!?!

The last message was a single emoji. An angry, red face.

Kayden smiled. Audrey always had his back… Once he explained to her how much he wanted another of Trent’s kisses, she’d help him figure everything out. Kayden couldn’t wait to call her later.

So, that was five missed messages accounted for. Kayden grudgingly backed out of Audrey’s messages and tapped into Jacob’s. He scrolled up a bit because there was a lot of text and there was more above it. Jacob’s entire life story.

A boy from the picturesque town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Jacob had lived a charmed life. He’d never had to hide his sexuality. He’d come out to his parents when he was twelve and they’d been loving and supportive. The other guys at school had come around in time because he was good at sports, pleasant with everyone, and crazy smart. When high school started, Jacob had joined every team they had. Football, basketball, swimming, track, he did it all. Jacob’s grades were excellent, he was a star in every sport he attempted, and his classmates had voted him homecoming king. He was perfect.

But Kayden couldn’t stand him. He hated Jacob’s perfection. It made him nervous and every time Jacob sat beside him in class and now, hassled him with endless questions about his life through text, Kayden felt like he was under scrutiny.

Jacob pitied Kayden. He felt bad Kayden couldn’t come out to his parents, had no friends beside Audrey, and that he was totally inexperienced in love. He’d given Kayden a hug when he’d explained how much he absolutely hated the hospital and wanted desperately to change his major.

Jacob was such a nice guy with all his pity, but Kayden didn’t like the way it felt. Jacob’s pity made him feel small.

Kayden’s hair fell into his face as he checked the first message. It had come in at the beginning of algebra class.

I loved Peter, but we knew it wasn’t meant to be. We wanted different things. He’d dreamed about being in the air force since he was a kid, but that’s not the kind of life I want. I’m a hometown boy. I want to open a practice back in Carmel. I want to build a life there, where my parents live, and where I have friends. Last we talked Peter was off to Texas for basic training. I’m couldn’t be happier for him.

Kayden forgot he’d asked about Jacob’s first boyfriend, another perfect part of his life. They’d met in their sophomore year and dated until graduation when they’d amicably split to pursue their different careers. Kayden wasn’t really that interested, but he’d been keeping Jacob talking so he didn’t have to answer any more questions. Thirty minutes had passed with no reply before Jacob sent another message.

Kayden? I’m not upsetting you am I? Peter and I are through. We talked about it months in advance and came to a mutual agreement. This wasn’t something that just happened. We knew we were going our separate ways and enjoyed our senior year together. I’m ready to move on.

Another message arrived, five minutes after the last.

I guess you’re still in class. Text me when you get out. I’m dying to know what kind of plan you and Audrey think up to get to the game tomorrow 😊

Kayden had turned his phone off after that and the next two texts had the same timestamp. Three minutes ago. It was correlated to the moment Kayden had turned his phone on again, so he had no idea how much time had passed between the next two messages.

Kayden? I upset you. You stopped replying after I mentioned Peter.

And then.

Kayden. Please. Talk to me.

Kayden thought for a long moment, but his decision was clear. He wasn’t going to the football game tomorrow. He’d play sick if Audrey tried to force his hand.

Kayden wanted Trent and he had to tell Jacob the truth. It was the proper thing to do. He began to type.

I’m sorry. A lot of stuff happened after class. I’m home now.

Kayden hit send and took a deep breath as he set his phone on the couch. Musical chimes sounded from the speaker and Kayden jolted. A phone call. He grabbed his cell and jabbed the accept button. “Uhhh…hello?”

“Kayden.”

Kayden’s whole body tensed up. “J-Jacob!”

Jacob chuckled. “You keep forgetting to call me Jake. I told you, it’s what all my friends call me.”

“Jake.” Kayden looked around frantically. Maybe Ian was okay with the gay thing, but Kayden didn’t want to have this phone conversation in the house. “H-hold on a second,” he said softly. He pressed his phone to his chest and crept around the couch and out the back door.

He moved to the patio table and pulled out a chair. He gazed despondently into the pool as he placed the phone back to his ear. “I’m here.”

“I was getting a little worried there,” Jacob laughed. “Please tell me it wasn’t the ex-boyfriend talk that caused the two-hour delay.”

“I just checked your messages a couple minutes ago,” Kayden said.

“Oh.”

Kayden chewed his lip. He looked over the hedge at the back of Audrey’s quiet house. The large window into the kitchen was lit up from the inside. He imagined his friend was making an afternoon snack for her and her mother. He took a deep breath and began. “Jacob—”

“Jake.”

Kayden sighed. “I can’t go to the game tomorrow, Jake. I’m not coming.”

“Wow.” Jacob let out a huge breath of air. “That’s disappointing.”

“I…I’m sorry,” Kayden said. “I tried to tell you. I don’t have permission.”

“But your friend said not to worry about it! That you’d figure something out!” Jacob cried, and his voice was incredibly whiny. It was a tone Kayden hadn’t heard before and it made his cute nose wrinkle with distaste.

“Audrey isn’t coming either,” he lied. “She and her boyfriend had a fight,” he added, and that part, at least, was true.

“Oh. Well, that’s no good,” Jacob muttered. “But I was so hoping you could make it. Are you sure we can’t figure something out?”

“I-I don’t think so.”

“What are you doing right now?” Jacob asked in a rush. “I’m not busy. I could pick you up. We could grab something to eat, see a movie…”

“My brother’s here.” Kayden saw Audrey come to the window as he brushed his hair out of his face. “I can’t go out with you Jake.”

“You’re ashamed. Admit it,” Jacob scoffed. “Your brother doesn’t know your gay either. It’s a total secret.”

Audrey stood over the sink, gazing into the backyard as she washed a bowl. She looked sad. “We just talked about it today, actually,” Kayden said vaguely. “Just a couple minutes ago.”

“You did?” Jacob was stunned. “Well, that’s a good start. What gave you the courage?” he chuckled, and he sounded sure of himself when he asked: “It was me, wasn’t it?”

Audrey stepped away from the window and Kayden firmed his resolve. He wanted to get off the phone. “Somebody else kissed me today,” he said, and Jacob fell quiet. “I-I really like him, and I want to see where it goes.”

Jacob cleared his throat a couple times. “Who are you seeing?”

“A boy from my algebra class,” Kayden said simply. “It doesn’t matter who.”

“If you were interested in someone else, Kayden, you should have told me,” Jacob said harshly, and Kayden gasped.

“I-I-I didn’t—”

“I don’t believe you anyway,” Jacob snapped. “I think you’re making up fake lovers because you’re too afraid to sneak out of the house.”

“No, Jacob—”

“Jake.”

Kayden huffed. “I’m telling the truth! I’m trying to b-be nice to you and tell you I’m not interested! That’s the right thing to d-do.”

“You’re such an angel,” Jacob chuckled. “Bless your little heart.”

Kayden pouted. “I’m not lying.”

“You’re a much harder catch than I expected,” Jacob said cheerfully. “But that’s alright. I’ll take the bait. You want me to pursue you harder?”

Kayden’s mouth dropped open.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Jacob, I-I—”

“Jake.”

“Jacob…I mean, Jake.” Kayden started to hyperventilate. “I don’t…want that…this isn’t…I-I-I can’t—I can’t do this anymore!” He pulled the phone away from his face and fumbled to end the call. “Oh, shoot!” he cried as it slipped from his hand. He stretched for it, but the hard edge of his iPhone bounced off the tips of his fingers and took a dive into the pool. “Ya!”

Kayden flattened himself on his belly and dipped his hand in the water. With a moan of reluctance, he submerged his arm up to his shoulder to reach the rough bottom of the pool. He grabbed his phone and pulled it out. “Oh no,” he pouted. The screen was black and waterlogged. He sat back on his knees and drained his phone, tilting it from side to side as water dripped onto the patio. His sleeve was soaked, too, and he pushed it up his arm with a groan.

Cho’s silver Lexus glided into the driveway as Kayden half-heartedly wrung out his sleeve. Emma had Korean practice after school on Friday’s, until six, and it wasn’t even four yet. They were early and Kayden looked up in surprise.

As Cho steered around the BMW, Emma wrenched open the back door and leapt out of the van. “Raaaarrrgggh!”

The Lexus stopped on a dime. “Emma!” Cho hopped out and flew after her daughter. “Please, keep it down!” she shushed, but Emma kicked the gate open and stormed through with another unintelligible scream.

Kayden hid his phone behind his back. “Emma?”

“I hate Mr. Yoon!” Emma whirled on Kayden. “I’m never going back! Never!”

“Uhh…”

Cho rushed up and put an arm around her shoulders. “Let’s get inside.”

“Kayden can teach me Korean,” Emma poked a finger in his direction. “I’m not going back to Mr. Yoon’s smelly office!”

“Inside, please,” Cho urged, and Emma grudgingly allowed herself to be shepherded through the door and into the kitchen. Kayden got up and followed them inside. He shut the door quietly behind him as Emma went straight for the loveseat and belly-flopped on the cushions. She buried her face in the pillows and screamed her head off. Kayden slid his wet phone under some old magazines on the corner cabinet as his mother fanned her face. He didn’t want to be a bother. He’d worry about it later.

Cho grabbed a bottle of cold water from the refrigerator and took a long drink. Her face was flushed. “Emma. Please. Keep it down.”

“What’s going on?” Ian called out loudly as he stepped into the kitchen. “I could hear you from upstairs. Good show, Emma.”

Emma kicked the cushions with a horrible screeching sound and Ian curled his lip.

“She had a… incident at Mr. Yoon’s,” Cho said in breathless Korean. She set the water on the edge of the counter and clutched her chest. “He’s declined any further sessions.”

“I hate that guy!” Emma’s voice was muffled, but audible through the cushions. “He smells like cabbage!”

Ian smirked. “What kind of incident?”

“Never you mind, Ian,” Cho said shortly. “Your father’s parents will be visiting in December and we’re no longer clients of Mr. Yoon’s. He’s the best teacher in the area.”

Ian laughed as Emma screamed with frustration.

“Emma…” Cho groaned. “Please, calm down.”

“Arrrrgggh!”

Cho buried her face in her hands with a helpless cry.

Kayden stepped up beside her. “Stop it, Ian,” he said in firm Korean, putting an arm around Cho. He and his mother looked the most alike; they were the same height, a nice even 5 feet tall, and they had the same graceful frame and slender limbs. But nobody in the family had eyes like Kayden’s. His big, dreamy eyes were totally unique. They glittered with disapproval as he met his brother’s stern gaze. “You’re making it worse.”

Ian gave him a look. “She’s acting like a total brat.”

“Your father is going to be furious,” Cho said nervously.

“Mom, I can teach her,” Kayden said, glaring at his brother the whole time. “And we won’t tell dad about Mr. Yoon. Mom can pick me up from school on Friday’s and Emma and I will have a lesson at the McDonalds down the road.”

Emma sat up. “I like that idea.” Her face was streaked with tears, but she smiled. “I want Kayden to teach me.”

“As long as she’s able to hold a few basic conversations with the grandparents, your father will be pleased,” Cho said slowly.

“I can understand you just fine,” Emma muttered. “It’s my pronunciation that sucks.”

“See,” Kayden said with a grin, switching back to English with ease. “She’s halfway there. I’ll help her, mom.”

Ian scratched his chin as he considered. “We can all help. We’ll be a Korean only household until the grandparents arrive.”

“Ugh.” Emma tossed a pillow across the room.

Ian laughed. “Lazy-bones.”

“Asshole,” Emma said in perfect Korean.

Ian’s eyebrow’s shot to his hairline. “Where’d you pick that up?”

“Online,” Emma said cheerfully. She bounced off the couch, her glittery pink backpack jangling behind her. She had a plethora of colorful keychains attached to the pockets. “I’m gonna start my homework. Then, movie marathon!” She jangled out of the room, past Ian and down the hall to her bedroom.

Ian shook his head with amusement. He glanced at Cho with a faint smile. “What’s for dinner?”

Cho sighed. “Dumplings.” She took another drink of her water. “After I see to my plants,” she muttered in Korean. “They’re as parched as I am.”

Ian nodded. He glanced at Kayden once more then swept from the room.

Kayden watched his mother for a moment more as she finished her drink.

“Did you need something, Kayden?”

Kayden glanced at his phone, hidden under his mother’s old gardening magazines. “No, mother.”

Cho stepped closer and kissed him on the forehead. “You’re a good son,” she said softly, then looked down at his wet sleeve. Her brow furrowed in confusion. “What happened?”

“Oh,” Kayden looked down at his wet, grass-stained sleeve rolled up to his shoulder. “Just testing the water.”

Cho smiled. “You have swimming trunks upstairs, Baby-Kay.” She laughed musically as she moved around him and went out back to tend to her plants.

***

Kayden got into an oversized sweatshirt and a loose pair of PJ pants at eleven and crawled straight into bed. He was exhausted. He’d spent three solid hours going over all the material they’d learned in algebra since the beginning of the semester. Then he’d spent a good forty minutes going over the next chapter, as well, anticipating Trent would ask for help the next time they met in class. Kayden wanted to be the best tutor he could be. He didn’t want Trent to be left wanting for anything.

Kayden flushed as he thought about Trent’s hazel eyes. They were the most beautiful amber-green and Kayden wanted to gaze into them forever… He pulled his knees into his chest and closed his eyes as he fantasized about the tall, caramel-skinned god from his algebra class. He was eager to see Trent again. Two more days…

Kayden’s body relaxed as he fell into unconsciousness. Slowly, his little body unfurled, and he nudged the covers off the bed. His mouth fell open, but he slept in total silence. The drapes were open, and a gentle shaft of moonlight lit Kayden’s angelic face with a pale glow.

Tap, tap, tap

Kayden jerked awake and rubbed his eyes. There was a shape in the window, and he blinked at the figure in a daze.

Trent grinned back at him.

“Trent?!” Kayden’s mouth dropped open in amazement.

Trent’s smile was devastating, and Kayden’s heart did a backflip. He had his phone in his hand and his face was lit from the screen. Kayden could see the thin scar through his right eyebrow. Trent gestured to the latch on the windowsill and Kayden lurched for the window.

“Ya!” Kayden fell out of bed like a sack of potatoes and Trent facepalmed. Kayden’s legs were tangled in the bedding and he pulled them free as he rolled onto his hands and knees. He crouched under the window, listening to the sound of the TV downstairs. Mark was watching a program…

Kayden stood as Trent watched him through the glass with amusement. Kayden hurried to lift the latch and pushed up the windowpane. “H-how did you find me?!”

“I got your address from Mitch,” Trent said coolly. “We’re going out.”

“G-going out?” Kayden stuttered. “Where?”

Trent smirked. Then he hopped down, and his face disappeared.

Kayden gasped and pushed his head out the window.

Trent had placed one of the patio chairs against the side of the house and he stood beside it in a plain white tee and dark jeans. “Climb down,” he said, sliding his phone into his back pocket. “I’ll catch you.”

Kayden looked fearfully to the left at Ian’s window. “How did you know this was m-my room?”

“I could fucking see you.” Trent rolled his eyes. “Stop asking stupid questions.”

“I c-can’t climb down there!” Kayden whined. His fingers flexed on the windowsill as he looked down. “It’s too h-high!”

Trent chuckled under his breath. “If you really want to get high, come down here and I’ll fly you to the moon.”

Kayden had no idea what that was supposed to mean, but he was intrigued. He gave in and grudgingly rested a knee on the edge of the sill. He groaned as he lifted himself onto the ledge.

“Turn around and lower yourself. I’ll grab you.”

Kayden whimpered as he planted his other knee on the windowsill and pushed up the pane with his back. It slid up silently and Kayden peered down at the patio below. It had never looked so far away. He worriedly licked his lips.

“Hurry up,” Trent growled. “I can see your dad through the window.”

The kitchen window was just below Kayden’s. Hoping Mark wouldn’t see… Kayden did a 180 so his butt stuck out the window as he gripped the sill with his little fingers. He took a deep breath and kicked his legs out. “Oh my god!” Trent grabbed him firmly around the waist and wrenched him off the windowsill. He tossed him over his broad shoulder. “Gaaah!”

“Christ, you nearly put your foot through the glass,” Trent snorted with amusement. “Your sleuthing could use some work.”

Kayden gazed through the kitchen window as Trent started for the gate. Mark was entrenched in a late-night talk show. It was after midnight.

Trent vaulted over the gate like it was nothing. His landing was rough, and it knocked the breath from Kayden’s lungs. He whimpered, “If my dad finds out I’m gone. I’m dead.”

“Your family sleeps like the dead,” Trent joked. “Nobody’s going to notice.”

Kayden chewed his lip. “But…Trent…” he moaned.

“Your girlfriend stole you away before I was finished with you,” Trent grumbled. “That’s not fair, Baby-Kay.”

Kayden whined with embarrassment.

Trent’s big truck was parked down the street on the edge of Mrs. Lowey’s lawn. “You’re still a baby, but I’m going to make you a slut, starting tonight.” He patted Kayden’s butt as they got closer. “I’ll have to come up with another name for you.”

Kayden’s eyes widened as Trent stopped beside the truck and opened the passenger door. Trent set him gently in the leather seat and Kayden gazed up at him with his dreamy eyes.

Trent brushed his hair away and Kayden moaned as his fingers ghosted across his skin. Trent smiled wickedly. “My little Kay-Slut.”

Kayden licked his bottom lip and Trent’s eyes zeroed in on his mouth.

Slowly, Trent raised Kayden’s chin as he whispered, “Do you want to be my cock-whore?”

Kayden whimpered. “I-I-I don’t know how.”

Trent laughed and then kissed Kayden softly on the lips. He pulled back with a grin. “You will soon enough. I’ll teach you how.” He slammed the door shut and walked around the front of the truck. Kayden trailed him with his eyes as his heart pounded in his chest like a drum.

Trent climbed behind the wheel and started the truck. The dashboard lit up as the engine purred below them like a sleeping beast. Trent turned on the radio and a song with a deep, resonating tone filled the cab. Kayden jumped as the bass swelled and Trent jumped in enthusiastically with the first line.

“Bitch you thirsty, please grab a Sprite

My Crips lurkin', don't die tonight

I just want to dance wit' you, baby

Just don't move too fast, I'm too crazy.”

Trent stopped abruptly and smiled. “Vince Staples. I met him once.”

“Uhhhh…”

“Cool dude,” Trent said as he pulled his phone out of his back pocket and stretched across Kayden’s lap for the glovebox. He stashed his phone inside then pulled out a gold tin the size of a deck of playing cards. The lid had a fancy embossed leaf and Kayden looked at it curiously as Trent snagged a black lighter from the compartment under the navigation screen. When he opened the tin, Kayden saw a neat row of cigarettes inside.

“Y-you smoke?” he asked shyly.

Trent pinched one of the cigarettes and stuck it between his lips. “This isn’t tobacco, Baby-Kay, this is marijuana.”

Kayden’s face drained of color as Trent struck the lighter and lit up.

“Mary-Jane, pot, dope, weed,” Trent said with a grin. Then he took a drag and the tip flamed red.

Kayden watched him in horror. “Marijuana is a gateway drug.”

Trent choked and smoke billowed around him as he began to laugh. “Did you learn that in high school?” He held the glowing cigarette between his fingers as he jeered. “That’s adorable.”

“No it isn’t! Marijuana is an illegal drug!”

Trent straightened and brought the cigarette to his mouth for a second time. He took another long pull and then grabbed the wheel as he leaned over the arm rest. He grabbed Kayden’s face in one large hand. “Open,” he growled.

“No!” Kayden cried out as Trent pushed his cheeks together, so his lips puckered. Trent forced his mouth down on Kayden’s and drove a lungful of hot drugs into his mouth. Kayden clutched Trent’s shoulders and struggled weakly as he took a hit against his will. Tears welled in his eyes and he squeezed them shut with a groan.

“Hold it in, baby.” Trent pulled back with a chuckle. “That’s good.”

Kayden held it for as long as he could, but his lungs quickly began to burn. He coughed and a wispy cloud of smoke escaped from his lips. “Oh no….” He promptly covered his mouth.

Trent laughed meanly. “You barely got any.”

“No, I can feel it,” Kayden said. He leaned back in his seat and grabbed the door handle. He took several deep breaths in a row as he looked down the street. “That’s my house, right?”

Trent followed his gaze. “Unfortunately.”

“I thought so.” Kayden nodded.

“Do it again,” Trent said as he rested his elbow on the arm rest. “So I know it’s working.” He held the cigarette between his first two fingers, poised for Kayden to take.

Kayden licked his lips as he looked deep into Trent’s hazel eyes. “What happens if I get high?”

“You’ll have an excellent time,” Trent said with a faint smile. “Your little virgin ass is going to love it.”

Kayden pulled his knees under his butt. His feet were bare, and the leather was warm against his skin. He wiggled his naked toes as he slid closer to the cigarette. “Are we going to….” His cheeks filled with an embarrassed heat. “Are we going to have sex.”

“Soon enough.” Trent’s eyes glittered with amusement. “But not tonight.”

“W-w-what are we doing tonight?”

“You’re going to suck my dick,” Trent said casually. “You’ve got a lot to learn, kiddo, puff and pass.”

Kayden looked at the burning cigarette. He had to stretch up on his knees a little, Trent held it at eye-level and their gazes met as Kayden parted his plush pink lips.

Trent placed the end against his bottom lip. “Close your mouth and suck it like a straw, but real slow or you’ll choke.”

Kayden did as Trent instructed. He closed his lips over the cigarette and sucked. Hot, piney smoke filled his mouth quickly, and he looked at Trent in a panic.

“That’s enough.” Trent pulled the cigarette away. “Suck it down and hold onto it for a couple seconds.”

Kayden sucked the smoke in deep and held it for a long moment, but his lungs were bursting for fresh air.

“Let it out, dummy,” Trent said boredly and Kayden, desperate to breathe, rushed the release.

A horrible tickling started at the back of Kayden’s throat as he pushed out a thick trail of smoke. He coughed painfully and the rest was forced out of his nose in little erratic puffs. “Gaaah!”

“Nice job.” Trent chuckled. “We’ll make a stoner out of you yet.”

Kayden glared at him. “That hurt.”

“Lots of things hurt,” Trent said. “That’s life.”

“Things hurt for a reason,” Kayden grumbled. “Because they’re bad for you.”

“Sex hurts sometimes,” Trent said easily, and he took another puff off his cigarette as he gazed out the windshield. “But it’s hella good for you. It releases endorphins and shit. Exercise does that too and that absolutely hurts if you’re doing it right. Lots of good things hurt.” A neat column of smoke slid past Trent’s lips as Kayden watched with curiosity. “Going to the dentist hurts. Deep tissue massages hurt like a mother. Plastic surgery is a bitch, too,” he sneered. “But I’ve never done that. I’ve watched my mom go through it a thousand times though.”

Kayden blinked at him in amazement. “Your mom had surgery?”

“Oh yeah. She’s had all kinds of procedures,” Trent said, his lip curling with distaste. He paused and took another hit off the cigarette then handed it to Kayden. “She gets regular Botox injections, for one,” he said as Kayden carefully took the weed from him. “She had her boobs done, twice, her nose, her chin, and a bunch of lifts and tucks to make her bikini-ready or whatever.”

“Wow.”

“She looks good,” Trent said grudgingly. “But she looked better before all the plastic.”

“My mom’s one hundred percent human,” Kayden said firmly.

Trent looked at him from the corner of his eye. “You going to smoke that or what?”

“Oh!” Kayden had the cigarette pinched between his thumb and his index finger. “I-I guess.”

“Do it like before,” Trent said. “But don’t hold it as long this time.”

Kayden gazed at Trent in wonder.

Trent’s face looked gorgeous in the glow coming from the navigation screen. “Toke up,” he said, his lip curling with mirth. “Then I’m going to take you back to my house and feed you some cock.”

Kayden closed his eyes as he pulled the weed into his body. Trent turned up the music and started singing again. His voice sent delicious chills down Kayden’s spine and his head began to spin. It felt wonderful.

“I switched the time zone, but what do I know?

Spendin' nights hitchhikin', where will I go?

I could fly home with my eyes closed

But it'd get kinda hard to see, that's no surprise though

And you could find me, I ain't hidin'

I don't move my feet when I be glidin'

I just slide in and then I roll out.”

Kayden passed the weed back and fell into his seat as the world pulsed. The houselights in the cul-de-sac glimmered like balls of magic. Kayden peered through the enchanted gloom at his parents’ house as his ears adjusted to the deep bass rumbling through the car. The lights were on in the front hall, but as he watched, they dimmed, and the house went dark.

Trent turned up the radio and Kayden flattened himself against the seat as the music swelled and crowded out his voice. “Trent?”

“Huh?”

Kayden reached blindly for the other boy. “I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?” Trent took another hit. The cigarette was getting tiny and he rolled down the window and flicked it into Mrs. Lowey’s lawn.

Kayden’s jaw dropped. “You…you can’t do that!”

“Ash my cigarette?” Trent sneered. “I don’t see why not.”

“Nobody smokes around here! They’ll know it was you!” Kayden gasped. “Then they’ll know I was smoking too.” He looked down the street at his house, cast in shadows from the ethereal glow of the houselights. “I have to go home now,” he said in a little voice. “Before my dad finds out I’m gone.”

“No.” Trent pushed the gear into drive and stepped on the gas. The wheels screeched over the pavement and Kayden was tossed back in his seat as Trent did a donut in the cul-de-sac. He sped down the street and blasted past the stop sign at the end of the road and Kayden cried out in fear as he steered sharply to the right.

“Where are we going?!” Kayden whimpered. “I have to go home!”

“Nope. We’re not doing that,” Trent growled.

“Trent!” Kayden gaped at him in horror.

“Your dad went to bed,” Trent sneered. “You’ve got bigger things to worry about. Like my dick.”

Kayden took a huge lungful of air. He took several more stabilizing breaths as he spoke. “But…Trent…I’m a good son! If I get caught…my mother will cry!”

Trent barked a laugh. “I can’t remember the last time my mother cried for me…” He looked at his reflection in the rearview mirror as they coasted down the dark street. “Maybe when I got this sewed up.” He smoothed a finger over his scar. “That must’ve been the last time.”

Kayden looked at him carefully in the dim light. “How did you get that?”

Trent smirked at him. “I don’t think your innocent mind is ready for a story like that.”

Kayden continued to hyperventilate as Trent halted at the red light on the main road. Kayden gripped the door handle and blinked across the street at the row of dark shops. “Trent…please, I’m gonna get in trouble.”

“Motherfucker,” Trent huffed. “You’re paranoid.”

“Yes!” Kayden cried. “And I need to get home!”

“We’ll go somewhere familiar,” Trent muttered as the light changed. He smiled slowly as he made a left and started for campus. “I know the perfect place.”

Kayden squirmed anxiously in his seat as the Raptor glided down the dark road. Trent’s music was deep and rhythmic, and the bass flowed under Kayden’s skin and made the little hairs on the backs of his arms stand up. He stared mindlessly at the bright lights along the way. He gazed into the headlights of the passing cars and gawked at the gas station on the corner. It was lit up like a Christmas tree. The neon billboard just before the overpass advertised the lottery in large glittering letters and they were all so brilliant. The lights pulsed with energy. They looked like they were alive.

“Trent! Where are we going?!”

“To the library,” Trent said. “Buckle your seatbelt and relax.”

Kayden fumbled with the belt. He pulled and tugged, but it was caught. “I can’t!”

Trent rolled his eyes and held the wheel straight with his knee. He reached over Kayden’s lap and pulled the belt securely into place. He buckled Kayden in and released the strap. Then he patted him condescendingly on the head. “There. All safe.”

“I don’t feel safe.” Kayden batted his hand away. “I feel like we’re going really fast.”

“That’s the weed,” Trent said calmly. “I’m barely going thirty-five.”

Kayden muttered unhappily as he peered out the window. They were on Palm Drive and tall yellow lights stood behind the trees as they swayed in an errant breeze. The light strobed in Kayden’s eyes and he shielded his face with a whine.

Trent snickered. “You’re such a pussy.”

“I’m not a p-p-p—”

“Pussy.” Trent smirked. “Have you ever said a bad word in your life?”

Kayden’s eyes bugged out of his head. “What kind of bad words?”

“Oh, I don’t know. How about fuck.”

Kayden pressed his lips into a thin line.

“What do you call your dick? A penis?” Trent chuckled.

“Of course.”

Trent laughed and laughed as they drove past the oval and made a left for the library. Kayden glared at the squat building on the moonlit hill as they approached. “You’re homeschooled, right?” Trent drawled.

“No.” Kayden furrowed his brow. “And what does profanity have to do with homeschooling?”

Trent snorted with amusement. “Why are you so…” He looked Kayden up and down. “Clueless?”

“My parents are strict,” Kayden muttered.

“Mitch said they’re from the old country.”

“My father’s from Donghae City,” Kayden said. “It’s on the coast.”

Trent pulled into the parking lot below the library and parked so they faced the dark building. The lot was dimly lit with glass orbs along the pathway. Trees lined the perimeter and the leaves cast shadows over Trent’s handsome face. Kayden unbuckled his seatbelt as he studied the boy sitting beside him.

Trent shut the car off, but the radio continued to play. He turned the music down. “Have you ever been there?”

“Donghae City? A couple times when I was little,” Kayden said in a soft voice. “But we haven’t gone in years. My dad’s too busy at the hospital.”

Trent folded his arms and leaned back against the window.

“My dad’s parents are coming in December,” Kayden said, thinking about his obligation to his little sister. “Dad’s expecting all of us to play our parts and everyone’s on edge.”

Trent curled his lip. “What do you mean?”

Kayden hesitated, but then he just blurted it out. “My dad wants everyone to be perfect. All the time. He monitors our grades. He knows all our teachers. He chooses our classes.” Kayden scowled. “He chose my major.”

Trent blinked in surprise. “What’s your major?”

“Premed,” Kayden said with a shudder. “My dad wants me to be a surgeon. Exactly like he is. But I hate the hospital.”

“Who the fuck likes the hospital?” Trent muttered.

“I was there for two weeks when I was eight,” Kayden said unhappily. “My appendix ruptured, and when they rushed me to the ER, dad stepped in and insisted on taking over as my doctor.”

“Good ole dad,” Trent sneered.

Kayden sighed. “Dad would come by once a day to check my vitals and to go over my charts, but he was all business like,” he said solemnly. “I had no visitors. I was there for fourteen days, in the worst pain of my life, totally alone.”

Trent’s eyes fell half-lidded as he listened, and Kayden took that as permission to continue. Kayden had been taught it was rude to talk about yourself endlessly and to focus on your own problems, but he found it immensely calming to talk about his dad.

“Emma was a newborn and mom was too busy to visit. Ian didn’t come either. He was busy with school or something,” Kayden muttered. “Dad tried to be nice, I guess. He’d always ask if the food was okay or if he could get me a drink, but he’d never bring it to me. He’d ask the nurse before he went to the next room and she’d bring me a cup of ice water with a crazy straw.”

“Cute.”

Kayden frowned. “I had a hundred crazy straws. I just…” He pictured himself, ten years younger, curled in his hospital bed wracked with pain as tears streamed down his face. “I just wanted a hug,” he sniffled pathetically as the gnawing feeling of loneliness returned. “I asked my dad, but he said he couldn’t because he didn’t want to cross-contaminate.”

“Wow. Harsh.”

“The nurse gave me a hug, but it wasn’t the same,” Kayden muttered. “I didn’t know her.”

“Aww, want a hug?” Trent asked as he stretched out his arms.

Kayden glared at him as a single tear tracked down his cheek.

Trent raised his eyebrows. “Oh, fuck your serious.” Kayden hid his face, but Trent leaned over the arm rest and caught his chin. “Look at me.”

Kayden grudgingly looked up and his heart skipped a beat. Trent was so heartbreakingly beautiful.

“I’ll show you some love, Baby-Kay,” Trent said in a husky voice, and then he tilted Kayden’s head back with a finger and moved in close, until their lips were almost touching. He paused and looked deep into Kayden’s eyes.

Kayden nervously met his gaze. He chewed his bottom lip as his cheeks flushed with anticipation.

Trent cupped Kayden’s blushing cheek as he closed the distance between them and pressed their lips together. Kayden gasped and shyly grabbed onto his shoulders. His eyes slid closed as Trent began to plunder his inexperienced mouth.

Kayden tried to keep up with Trent’s passionate kisses, but he was totally overwhelmed. The wet smacking sound of their lips blended with music playing in the background. He looped his arms around Trent’s neck and groaned helplessly as his lips were forced to part.

Trent eased his tongue into Kayden’s mouth and stroked it along the wet little muscle within. Kayden groaned and clutched Trent’s shoulders with his trembling hands. His penis was fully erect, and he squirmed against Trent with desperation.

“Shit.” Trent pulled back with a grunt.

Kayden panted softly for breath as he gazed at him with longing.

“I hate fucking in cars,” Trent said under his breath, but then he tore his shirt over his head and tossed it in the backseat.

“W-what?” Kayden drank in the sight of Trent’s powerful chest before he worked his way down to his lean abdomen. Trent’s skin was smooth and flawless. Kayden watched his muscles flex with fascination.

Trent ignored him. He sat back as he popped his fly and tugged the zipper down. He lifted his hips and shoved his jeans down to his knees. He wasn’t wearing underwear and Trent was gloriously naked. His hard cock lay against his thigh, visibly throbbing with need and it was enormous. The bulging, dark pink head twitched with a mind of its own and Kayden’s eyes widened.

“Look what you did, Kayden,” Trent hissed as he fisted his thick, veiny cock. Slowly, he worked his fist up and down as Kayden followed the movement with his eyes. The length twitched again and a tiny bead of pre-come bubbled from the tip. “Fuck.” He tightened his grip and slid his fist up the shaft, letting the silky skin gather around the fat head. “You’re responsible for this,” he groaned. “You know that, right?

“I-I-I—”

Trent pulled the armrest up and there was a compartment inside filled with various essentials. Hand sanitizer, loose change, napkins, and a box of condoms. Kayden’s eyes got even larger.

Trent gripped the back of Kayden’s neck and pulled him across the seat. “Come here.”

Kayden groaned with discomfort as he squeezed between the gearshift and the raised armrest. He was stretched across the open compartment and the box of condoms dug into his belly.

Trent urged him closer until Kayden’s cheek rested against his thigh. Kayden’s nose was inches from Trent’s shaft and he curiously lowered his gaze.

Trent had trimmed dark hair around his cock, but his heavy balls were totally smooth. Kayden realized with a start that he’d shaved his pubic hair. He looked up at Trent from under his lashes and licked his thick bottom lip.

Trent stroked his fingers through Kayden’s hair. “Open your mouth.”

Kayden pushed his arms under his chest and lifted his head with a pitiful moan.

Trent gazed down at him. His eyes shimmered in the half-light pouring through the windshield as he moved his cock to Kayden’s mouth.

Trent’s dickhead was incredibly soft, and it glided across Kayden’s lips as it left a shiny trail of pre-come. Kayden experimentally tasted the clear juices and was surprised to find they were sweet. He savored the flavor on the tip of his tongue as Trent rubbed his pulsing cockhead around and round his parted lips.

Kayden trembled with a combination of arousal and discomfort. His little penis was hard between his legs, but the box of condoms stabbed into his belly. He rested a hand on Trent’s firm thigh and raised up so he could pull the box out of the compartment. He tossed it over his shoulder.

Trent raised an eyebrow.

“I-it was poking me,” Kayden murmured as he lay between the arm rest again and folded his legs neatly behind him.

Trent chuckled as he carded his fingers through Kayden’s hair. “Ready to suck my cock?”

Kayden nodded.

Trent pushed his dickhead against Kayden’s lips. “Be a good little slut.”

Kayden opened his mouth as Trent’s cock slid past his lips. His cockhead rested on Kayden’s little tongue and his mouth was totally full. He looked down at the thick shaft in his mouth and began to panic. There was so much more to go.

Trent chuckled. “I’ll go slow, baby,” he drawled as he stroked Kayden’s hair. “I know it’s your first time.”

Gently, Kayden touched Trent’s thigh. He could feel the muscle corded under his skin and Kayden gazed up at him with adoration.

Trent cradled his head and with a smile, he began to push. Kayden moaned as Trent’s cock slid deeper into his willing mouth, but there wasn’t any room. Trent immediately hit the back of Kayden’s throat.

“Gaaa!” Kayden yanked back. He felt like he was going to wretch.

Trent played his fingers through Kayden’s hair. “Gag-reflex,” he muttered. “You gotta swallow or you’ll yack.”

Kayden worried his bottom lip. “I-I’m sorry.”

Trent’s eyes flashed. “Ready?” Kayden parted his lips to accept Trent for a second time. As Trent slid his cock into Kayden’s hot mouth, he leaned back in his seat. “Suck it like a popsicle,” he suggested.

Kayden sucked hard on Trent’s cockhead. He sucked and sucked.

“Fuck.” Trent’s fingers flexed around his skull. “Ease up a little. Use some tongue.”

Kayden stopped sucking and slowly ran his tongue around Trent’s cockhead. It quickly got slippery with his saliva and Kayden sucked again, gently this time. He flicked his tongue against Trent’s flared urethra and tasted his sweet pre-come.

Trent groaned. “Move your head.” He added pressure to the back of Kayden’s neck. “Up and down.”

Kayden firmed his lips and let Trent urge him down his shaft. His big dickhead hit the back of Kayden’s throat again, but Kayden swallowed past it, his eyes watering as Trent pushed harder and his jaw stretched to accommodate. Another inch of Trent’s cock slid into his throat.

Trent’s hand on the back of Kayden’s neck was firm. “That’s good,” he muttered under his breath. “Keep going.”

Trent was patient as Kayden got comfortable with his mouthful. Kayden practiced his new dick sucking skills and pushed himself to swallow more. He wished he could fit more cock in his mouth. He wanted to pleasure Trent with everything he had, and Kayden breathed noisily through his nose as he pushed himself and more dick slid past his lips.

“Goddamn, your persistent,” Trent laughed. He rested his hand on Kayden’s head and watched with half lidded eyes as Kayden explored his erection with relish.

Kayden had the first half of Trent’s shaft in his mouth and he slobbered around it as he glided his head up and down. Kayden’s penis was incredibly hard, and he ground his erection into the leather seat below him as he used his lips and his tongue on Trent’s swollen cockhead. He tasted so good in his mouth, so incredibly sinful, and Kayden had never felt so naughty in his life. His cute butt wiggled with the erratic movements of his hips and his little toes curled into the soles of his feet. Kayden was so close to coming.

Trent grabbed Kayden’s head between both hands. “Oh, shit!”

Kayden glanced up in confusion.

“I’d love to watch you play with my dick all night, but I just saw a patrol car,” Trent drawled. “Come on, speed it up.” He fisted Kayden’s hair and forced him down on his dick.

Kayden gagged and tried to pull back, but Trent wouldn’t let him up.

“Swallow it, bitch,” he said casually. “I fucking knew we’d get lit up… shit!” Trent wasn’t so gentle anymore. He fisted his hand in Kayden’s hair and forced him up and down his shaft.

Kayden gagged again and swallowed rapidly around the length as it invaded his throat. Trent drove himself deeper and deeper with each thrust. His hand on Kayden’s head was unrelenting and tears leaked down Kayden’s face as his mouth was fucked.

“I don’t know…why we didn’t…go back to my place,” Trent grunted in time with the brutal face-fucking. “I bet that fucker…will be back any second now...Ah, shit!…” Trent made the sexiest noises Kayden had ever heard and he tingled all over with pride as snot and tears ran down his face. Trent seemed to be enjoying Kayden’s struggles and his sweet pre-come coated Kayden’s tongue.

Trent’s balls were getting closer and closer to Kayden’s face, though. He was getting careless and Kayden was afraid he’d choke to death if Trent got too…enthused. Kayden grabbed the root of his dick with both hands and made a barrier with his fists so Trent could thrust between his little palms. It seemed like the right thing to do. Trent grunted and ramped up his efforts. Kayden whined as his lips were smashed against his own hands, but he was able to block Trent from fully entering his throat.

Trent chuckled above him and twisted his fingers in Kayden’s hair. He cradled his head to his groin as he muttered, “Not bad for a virgin,” and the sound was deep like the bass rolling through the truck. “You’re an all-natural cock-whore, Baby-Kay.”

Kayden gasped and finally, he exploded copiously in his pajama pants. He twitched against the seat and cried out around Trent’s dick. He spasmed with the aftershocks of pleasure for the briefest of seconds as Trent affectionately stroked his hair.

“Good timing,” he grunted above Kayden. “There’s that car again, too. Goddamn campus police.”

Kayden gasped and tried to sit up, but Trent held him in place and forced his cock as far down his throat as he could.

“Mmmph!” Kayden’s feet smacked into the glass as his throat was stuffed.

Trent groaned with pleasure as Kayden’s throat clenched around his shaft. “Shit…” Semen burst from the tip of his cock and Kayden swallowed Trent’s thick ejaculate because there was nothing else he could do. He had no choice. He swallowed and drank Trent’s come until his shaft was clean again.

Trent pulled his dick out of Kayden’s mouth and tucked himself away as he sat up and yanked his jeans into place. He turned the ignition, then smacked Kayden out of the way. “Move.”

Kayden scrambled upright as his cheeks turned flame-red. There was a huge wet spot around his spent penis, and he looked guiltily over his shoulder as a black and white patrol car pulled into the entrance, several yards behind them. There was a set of police lights on the hood, they were dark, but the headlights up front cut through the gloom like searchlights. The car began a slow perimeter of the parking lot.

“Fuck you,” Trent sneered as he slammed the gearstick into reverse. He whipped the truck around and narrowed his eyes on the patrol car as it crawled into the far corner of the lot. He revved the engine a few times. “I’ve got a damned parking pass, fucker.” He stepped on the gas and lurched for the exit.

Kayden gasped and fumbled for the door handle, but Trent didn’t slow as they approached the exit. The truck bumped onto the street with undue force and Kayden glanced nervously over his shoulder, but the patrol car continued its slow loop of the empty lot.

Trent rolled down his window as they headed for Palm Drive. The cool breeze felt nice against Kayden’s heated skin and he smiled faintly as he looked out at the passing trees. He decided he liked sucking cock. He wanted to do it again. He was confident he could do better…would do better next time.

“You did the homework for algebra, right?” Trent asked as they coasted along. The sky was still dark, but there was just the slightest hint of deep purple along the horizon. Kayden checked the time.

“It’s five am!”

“Homework, Kayden,” Trent said through his teeth. “I know it’s early. That’s why I’m taking your little ass home.”

Kayden started to chew his lip but stopped. His lips were sore, and he realized his jaw ached. Kayden’s whole face felt well-used. “Yes. I did the homework,” he said softly.

“When we get back to your house, I’ll help you climb through the window,” Trent said with a nod. “But I want your homework. You know, for reference.”

Kayden nodded obediently. “Okay.”

Trent smoothed a hand over his face, over the thin scar through his eyebrow. It was so faint; it was easy to overlook.

Kayden couldn’t help himself. “What is that?” he asked for a second time.

Trent dropped his hand. “I don’t want to talk about it,” he said with a growl. “I already fucking said that!”

Kayden pressed his lips together with a whine.

Trent’s scar pulled into a jagged line as he spoke. “I’ll give you your homework in class on Monday. I’ll be there.” He clenched the steering wheel in a white-knuckled grip. “Since I’m on academic probation I have to go to all my classes now.”

Kayden gazed at him in astonishment. “A-academic probation?”

“It’s a bunch of bullshit,” Trent grumbled. “I’m turning your name into my advisor.” He shot Kayden a serious look. “You’re my tutor. Got that? You’re helping me with all my subjects.”

“B-but how c-can I do that? You’re a y-year ahead of me!”

“None of my classes have prerequisites,” Trent said with a laugh. “Trust me, you’re qualified.”

Kayden licked his lips. “Wh-what do I have to do?”

“Easy. I need your math homework, so we have to start meeting up the day before class.” He reached across Kayden’s lap and yanked open the glovebox. “Give me my phone,” he snapped.

Kayden reached for it immediately and Trent plucked it from his hand.

“What’s your number?”

Kayden moaned with embarrassment. “I dropped my phone in the pool after class today.”

“What?” Trent snorted with amusement. “Why?”

“I…was having an upsetting conversation and wanted to end it.”

“Well, that put an end to it all right.” Trent wedged his phone between his thighs. “Well, fuck. What’s your schedule like Tuesdays and Thursdays?”

“I’ve got class from 9 to 2,” Kayden muttered as he pulled at the stain over his groin. “With an hour for lunch between psych and ethics.” His penis was sticky and cold. It was uncomfortable.

Trent raised a curious brow. “What time’s your psych class?”

“Eleven. With Professor Barrett.”

Trent smirked. “And Marvin, the assistant.”

Kayden nodded. “Do you have that class?”

“I bought the test,” Trent said easily. “But I should probably try to show up for lecture. Sarah said she’d be checking up on my progress and she’s talking to my professors, so…”

“Audrey’s in psych, too.” Kayden could hardly contain his excitement. “We can all sit together!”

“A two-for-one deal,” Trent sneered. “Great.”

They got back to Kayden’s house in a matter of minutes. Trent parked on the edge of Mrs. Lowey’s property, a couple yards from the cul-de-sac, as Kayden sighed in relief. All the windows were dark at Kayden’s house. Everything was peaceful and quiet. Nobody had noticed his absence.

Trent shut everything off, the engine, the music, the navigation screen, and the truck went dark and totally quiet. Cool morning air streamed through Trent’s window, faintly scented with Cho’s flowers planted along the front of the house. The moment was very peaceful.

“I don’t need help through the window,” Kayden said as he gazed at his house. “I can slip through the back door if no one’s awake.”

“I still need the homework for Monday,” Trent drawled.

“Then wait for me,” Kayden said shyly. “Under my window.”

Trent nodded and opened the door. He climbed out and Kayden hurried to catch up. He shoved the door open and stretched his foot for the running board when he slipped.

“Woah!” Kayden tumbled out of his seat and fell hard on his back. “Aacck!” He blinked up at the stars through the trees overhead as pained tears collected in the corners of his eyes. “Ohhhh…that hurt.”

“Jesus Christ.” Trent’s face appeared and blocked out the stars. “They oughta get you a helmet.”

Kayden pouted, but sat up on his own, rubbing the back of his head to check for bumps.

“Come on,” Trent chuckled as he wrapped one large hand around Kayden’s arm and hauled him off the ground. He tossed Kayden over his shoulder for the second time that night and Kayden moaned with reluctance. “You’re like one of those designer dogs. You need someone to carry you around in a giant purse.”

“Trent, please,” Kayden whined. “Let me down.”

“Better let me handle the walking,” Trent said, and Kayden petulantly crossed his arms.

Trent opened the gate this time and walked through without hesitation. He went to the patio chair against the house and stepped up on the seat. Kayden gasped as Trent lifted him off his shoulder and through the window.

Kayden landed on his feet and blinked around his room in surprise.

Trent smirked at him through the window and gestured to Kayden’s bag at the foot of the bed.

“Oh! Right!” Kayden dropped to his knees and rummaged through the main pocket. The assignment was in his binder of loose-leaf paper. He pulled it out then rushed back to the window. He held it out, glancing shyly at Trent.

Trent smiled as he took Kayden’s homework. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.” Kayden fluttered his eyelashes.

“See you Monday, Kayden,” Trent said huskily, and then he stepped out of view.

Kayden moved to the window and watched Trent return the patio chair to its place by the pool, then he crept along the side of the house and slipped out the gate.

Kayden closed his window with a sigh. He went to his desk and spent a minute cleaning his sticky penis with the box of tissues. Kayden’s pants couldn’t be saved, however, and he changed into a dry pair of underwear and a new set of PJ pants. Then he climbed into bed and curled up on top of the covers.

Kayden tried to relax, but he couldn’t stop the enormous grin that blossomed on his face. He thought about Trent and his beautiful eyes as he struggled to fall back asleep. He was watching the sun peak its head over the horizon, mixing brilliant oranges and reds against the dusky blue canvas when he finally zonked out.

***

Kayden woke up well after noon and rolled out of bed in a daze. He didn’t sleep in often. He was used to rising with the sun. He was a bit disoriented by the late hour, but he was cheerful. There was a huge smile on his face as he got ready for the day. He took a quick shower and changed into an old t-shirt and shorts. He didn’t bother with shoes. He had zero plans to leave the house.

As he got dressed in his room, he heard Emma plunking around on the piano downstairs, but the house was otherwise quiet.

Kayden headed into the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. “Morning,” he said as he breezed to the pantry and browsed the selection.

Emma grunted in reply. She sat at the little electric keyboard against the wall to the half-bath. Nobody used it but Emma and she did it grudgingly. She liked music but had little interest in the classical pieces Mark had decided she would play.

Kayden grabbed a box of raisin bran. It was the only palatable choice. Everything else was loaded with sugary rainbows and chocolatey explosions. He set the box on the island. “Where is everyone?”

“Dad’s at the hospital,” Emma said as she gazed out the window. “And Mom’s running errands.”

Kayden got down a cereal bowl as he watched his sister tap F# over and over as she looked outside. Kayden moved around the kitchen island and looked out the window over the sink.

Ian and Audrey were arguing on the patio. Ian looked incredibly smug and Audrey was super pissed. He had his arms stretched out, blocking Audrey’s path to the back door while Audrey glared daggers at him from in front of the pool. She was in a pink sundress and flip-flops while Ian was in another polo shirt, a blue one today.

Kayden started for the back door. As he pushed it open, Audrey’s face lit up.

“There you are! I thought you’d fallen off the face of the earth!” she cried. “Why aren’t you answering my texts?!”

Ian rounded on Kayden with a look of annoyance, which evaporated the moment Kayden met his eyes. “Since when do you sleep in?”

Kayden shrugged. “I was up late doing homework.”

“Cool,” Ian said through his teeth. “Well, you guys know the rules. Audrey can’t come in the house when mom’s out.”

Kayden gave his brother a look, but Ian raised his eyebrows. Apparently they weren’t going to mention Ian knew about the fake-dating scheme.

“Good thing I wore my suit,” Audrey said off-handedly, and she stepped out of her sandals and pulled her sundress over her head.

Ian’s eyes widened as Audrey’s body was revealed. “When did you get that?”

Audrey was in a tiny two-piece bikini, much different from her normal one-piece. Her flat belly was exposed, and her cleavage was very prominent. Ian ogled her chest as Audrey took off her glasses and set them on the patio table. Then she strutted to the pool and dove into the water.

When Audrey came to the surface, her breasts were buoyant and glistening with water.

Ian’s mouth dropped open and Kayden elbowed him in the ribs. “Quit,” he said under his breath. “You’re drooling.”

Ian closed his mouth. “I…I’ve got work to do,” he muttered as he turned away. He went back into the house and Kayden spotted Emma in the living room window before she promptly ducked out of the way.

Audrey swam closer to Kayden and grabbed onto the edge. “I hope you were ignoring me for a good reason,” she said with a glare. “Your brother was being a total jerk. Thanks a lot.”

Kayden sat on the edge and dangled his legs into the water. “I dropped my phone in the pool.”

“Again?” Audrey giggled. “What was it this time? Was the sun in your eyes?”

Kayden frowned. “Jacob was on the phone. I was trying to cancel that date,” he grumbled. “Thanks a lot.”

“I thought he was the perfect match,” Audrey huffed. “Super sorry.”

Kayden shook his head. “He’s too nice. There’s just something about him that gives me the creeps.”

“He’s not Trent, right?” Audrey rolled her eyes.

“I saw him last night,” Kayden said excitedly.

Audrey quirked an eyebrow in question.

“He came over! He helped me climb out the window and then he carried me to his truck,” Kayden gushed.

Audrey scowled. “Wonder who told him you’re address.”

“I think you have an idea,” Kayden said with a laugh.

Audrey pushed away from the edge of the pool and sprawled out on her back. The bikini was very revealing.

“Where did you get that?” Kayden asked. “I didn’t know you owned anything that…tiny.”

Audrey did a backstroke, her legs fluttering through the water. “Mitch bought it for me. There’s an amazing jacuzzi at his place.”

“We almost made it to Trent’s, but…” Kayden trampled down a smile. “We got distracted.”

Audrey lifted her bare leg in the air and pointed her toes. “Did you have sex?”

Kayden chewed his lip. “Kinda.”

“What does that mean?” Audrey muttered unhappily.

“I…” Kayden felt his face get hot. “I sucked his cock.”

“Woah.”

“It was amazing.” Kayden beamed. “We smoked weed in his truck and talked about all kinds of stuff.” His cheeks felt like they were going to break, he was smiling so hugely. “He kissed me again… A lot. And he called me baby. It was the best night of my life.”

“Guess what I did last night?” Audrey laughed humorlessly as she stared into the sky. “I broke up with Mitch.”

“Oh my god…” Kayden gasped as his bestie drifted dejectedly across the pool. “I’m so sorry. I…what happened?”

Audrey sighed heavily. “I didn’t get a chance to call him last night until late. We were going to talk about what happened the other night…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what I was expecting. I guess I wanted him to promise he’d never cheat on me again.”

Kayden pouted. “What did he say?”

Audrey stretched her arms and legs out in the water. “I called him after midnight, because that’s when my dad went to sleep,” she said. “Mitch was at another party. I know he goes to them a lot, but he told me he was hanging out with the guys and bullshitting.” Her voice broke as she continued. “He’s not hanging out with the guys. He was with another girl last night! He’s getting his rocks off!”

“Maybe it was just a party,” Kayden said softly.

“Kayden,” Audrey snapped. “I know what that asshole sounds like when he’s horny and worked up.” Her voice raised in pitch as her anger increased. “There was some girl moaning in the background when he picked up. I’m pretty sure I interrupted him mid-fuck! And when I asked who he was with, he started making up excuses and telling me he loved me…” Audrey started to sob. “And the whole time he’s talking, I could hear this girl laughing and laughing like he was a comedian!”

Kayden pushed his feet through the water. He didn’t know what to say.

Audrey started for the edge of the pool as she began to cry in earnest. She climbed out and wrapped her arms around her bare knees as she pulled them against her chest. “He’s such an asshole!” she cried.

Kayden pulled his feet out of the water and scooted closer. “Audrey…”

“I never want to see him again!” Audrey wrapped her arms around Kayden’s shoulders and cried into his t-shirt. “I hate him!”

Kayden held onto her as she soaked his clothes. He rubbed her back and tried his best to comfort her, but he couldn’t help remembering Audrey’s comment on the walk home yesterday.

“Trent goes through girls like I go through socks!”

Kayden replayed the words in his head as they sat on the patio and dried out in the blazing afternoon sun. After a while, Audrey wiped her eyes and stretched out her legs. Her toes were painted a pale pink and Kayden stretched his legs out beside her and wiggled his toes. Audrey smiled and mimicked him as she rested her head on his shoulder.

“I really wish you wouldn’t mess around with Trent,” she whispered. “He’s using you, Kayden.”

“No, he’s not,” Kayden muttered.

Audrey rolled her eyes. “He whisked you away in the middle of the night for a blowjob? How romantic.”

Kayden scowled at her. “You and Mitch do that all the time.”

Audrey shrugged. “We do other things… we did, anyway.”

Kayden sighed.

Audrey squeezed him around the middle. “So, you dropped your phone in the pool. What did Jacob say?”

“I called to turn him down,” Kayden grumbled. “And somehow he took that as a come-on. He says he’s going to pursue me harder.”

Audrey snorted with amusement. “What a guy.”

“I don’t want him, Audrey! I want Trent!”

“Okay, okay,” Audrey huffed. “But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.”

“Audrey… I think I love him.”

Audrey blinked at Kayden in surprise and then, she burst into laughter. “Oh my god, Kayden! You can’t be serious!”

“I’m so serious,” Kayden said, and he took Audrey’s hand and brought it to his chest. “I love him! Feel my heart right now. It’s racing.”

Audrey shook her head affectionately. “You’re such a little baby.”

Kayden proved her right and pouted like a petulant child. “I’m not a baby,” he grumbled as Audrey grinned at him. Kayden huffed with frustration and dropped Audrey’s hand. “I’m going inside. I’m completely drenched.”

Audrey snatched his hand back. “What do you want to do about Jacob?”

“I want him to go away!” Kayden cried. “But I have no idea how!”

Audrey took a deep breath. “I’ll skip printmaking Monday morning and sit with you in lecture.” Then her expression darkened. “I’ll explain to him in no uncertain terms to fuck off.”

Kayden blinked in surprise.

“Just wait.” Audrey smirked. “You’ll be dropping the f-bomb before long, if you keep hanging out with winners like Trent Hudson.”

Kayden ignored her. “Can you wait here while I get changed?”

“I’m going to have to,” Audrey muttered. “Ian was hemming and hawing about the rules and tormenting me about you.” She gave him an odd look. “He was really flirty, too.”

Kayden sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “I kind of let the cat out of the bag after class yesterday.”

Audrey glared at him. “What do you mean?”

“I told him the dating thing was a farce,” Kayden said grudgingly. “And Ian finished connecting the dots on his own. He knows I’m gay.”

Audrey gaped at him. “And he’s okay with that?”

“I don’t think he cares.” Kayden shrugged. “But he cares about you…” He tried to catch Audrey’s gaze, but she looked away, towards Cho’s jungle along the back gate. “Ian loves you, Audrey.”

“I’m not going to be his trophy wife,” Audrey drawled. “I’m glad he accepted that you’re gay, but I don’t want anything to do with him.”

“I told him that…” Kayden whispered.

“I want to make my own life,” Audrey spoke over him. “I want a life free of my parents, without their expectation and their rules… Just me and what I want.”

“But maybe he isn’t as icky as we thought,” Kayden said. “I mean, I thought for sure he’d turn me in to dad, but he’s supporting me. He’s keeping it a secret. When has Ian ever done that?”

Audrey shook her head. “There’s a first time for everything, I guess.” But she hardly seemed impressed.

“Emma got kicked out of Mr. Yoon’s class yesterday,” Kayden said. “And Ian’s keeping that a secret, too. I’m going to teach her Korean instead.”

“Oh, crap,” Audrey said under her breath. “Your dad would flip his lid if he found out about that. With your grandparents coming and everything...”

“Yeah,” Kayden said. “She’s still talking about that talent show before Thanksgiving, too. I feel really bad for her.”

“I don’t want to talk about sad things anymore.” Audrey laid back on the patio, so her wet, silver-streaked hair sprawled across the sun-warmed bricks. “Get changed. Let’s go for a walk.”

Kayden nodded. “I’ll be back in a second.”

When Kayden slipped back inside, both his siblings were on the couch. They’d obviously been spying, but Kayden smiled at them as he closed the back door.

Ian cleared his throat. “What are you guys up to?”

“Audrey wants to go for a walk,” Kayden said. “So I’m getting into something dry.”

Emma bounced on the cushions. “Can I come?” she asked excitedly. “I’m done practicing!”

Ian rolled his eyes. “They don’t want us tagging along, Em.”

“No! Maybe we should all go,” Kayden said cheerfully. “We could go down to the park for a while. That would be so much fun. We never do anything like that.”

Ian pursed his lips. “Won’t Audrey be upset?”

“Of course.” Kayden smirked at him. “But you’re going to be cool today. No serious topics. No rules… and cut it out with the sarcasm.”

Ian raised his chin. “I’m not sarcastic.”

Kayden rolled his eyes. “And you should change into something looser before we go. You really need to relax.”

“Now you’re trying to style me?” Ian looked him up and down with amusement. “Do you have an oversized t-shirt for me, as well?”

Kayden laughed musically as he headed through the kitchen. “Throw on one of dad’s old shirts. This is a great idea.”

Emma hopped off the couch and followed Kayden into the hall. “I stole Neil’s frisbee the other day. We should play frisbee tag at the park!”

“Go grab it.” Kayden nodded. “That sounds fun.”

Emma cheered with excitement and hurried out the front. “Meet you in the driveway!”

Kayden smiled as he took the stairs. A day in the park sounded perfect. Time in the sun, laughing and talking about pleasant things with his best-friend and his siblings, was exactly what everyone needed.

He went into the bathroom and pealed off his wet clothes as he gazed at his reflection. His hair was much too long…

“Emma’s been dying to attack that mop on your head for a year now…”

Kayden brushed his hair out of his face. Tonight, he’d let Emma get her wish. He was ready to chop his hair off. He was sick of hiding.