Shades of Gray - 17. Chapter 17

Kaleb pulled onto the cobblestone driveway and parked. He wasn't even out of the car when he noticed his mother coming out to greet him.

"The 'Prodigal Son,' returns.” She smiled while welcoming him with open arms.

"Hi, Mom." Kaleb waved before reaching inside the car and grabbing his 'Spider Man', backpack.

"Come here..." She summoned while pulling him into her bosom and giving him a tight squeeze.

"Mom?!" Kaleb objected as he twisted from her grasp, but not before she pressed her cherry red covered lips to his cheek.

"Ewww..." He frowned. Using the palm of his hand, he inadvertently smeared lipstick down the side of his face. "You've got to stop doing that, Mom." He chastised as he slung his backpack over his shoulder. "I'm getting too old for that."

"You'll never be too old for your mother's love or kisses." She reminded him in a motherly tone. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and guided him toward the house. "You haven't been home in such a long time I almost forget you lived here." She said only half teasing. Kaleb winced at her comment, but offered no reply as he followed her inside.

"Are you staying home tonight?" She asked her voice hopeful as she closed the door behind them.

"Ummm...I think so." Kaleb answered while heading toward the spiral marble staircase.

"Wonderful." Helen clasped her hands together in delight. "I'll have Hannah set your plate."

"Have her set an extra plate. I want to invite Chase over for dinner too...if that's okay." His voice trailed off in the distance. Helen twisted her lips disapprovingly as she choked out the word.

"Fine..." Like Chase, she too was learning to pick her battles where her son was concerned. She was quickly learning that Chase was whom her son wanted, and if she wanted to stay in Kaleb's good graces, she would have to accept him. It didn't mean she had to like it...or him for that matter.

Kaleb stepped inside his room tossing his backpack on the bed. He kicked off his shoes and turned on the lights before plopping down on the bed as well. A contented smile crossed his lips as he unzipped his bag and pulled on the signed lease agreement. He was getting his own apartment. As he flipped through the contract, he wondered if he should paint the bedroom pink or leave it white. "Hummm....” He sighed and set the paper aside before reaching in his bag and pulling out a second document. He squinted as he tried to understand the jargon typed on the page. It was all 'Greek,' to him. That was where his boyfriend would come in.

He pressed his lips together as he reached in his bag once again, this time he pulled out his cell phone, scanned the contacts, and pressed talk. He adjusted the pillows against the headboard and relaxed into them as he waited patiently.

~*~*~

"Wow...so you haven't heard from him since this morning, huh?" Carter questioned in disbelief while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"No..." Chase sighed dejectedly. "He was really upset this morning, he even turned down sex." He volunteered in a dazed stupor. "He never turns down sex." He stressed in bemusement. He was so lost in thought he didn't notice the grimace plastered on his brother's face. "The boy is insatiable...I mean." He rambled through an expressive sigh. He combed his fingers through his dark auburn hair as his mind drifted. The sound of Carter clearing his throat lured him back into the present.

"Ahem...” Carter eyed him quizzically. "Listen, lil brother, I dig that you and Kaleb have a healthy sex life, really I do... but I'm starting to get a visual here and it ain’t pretty." He stated as he shook his head discouragingly.

"Oh...yeah..." Chase laughed shyly. "Sorry about that." He cleared his throat before speaking again. "As I was saying, this thing with Lilly is catching him in a bad way and I don't know what to do about it."

"What can you do?" Carter shrugged.

"I guess he'll get over it in time." He expressed, giving his brother a hopeful glance. "I mean, he has the other kids at the daycare that need him and Darla keeps him pretty busy..."

Carter agreed with a slow nod. Both brothers stared off in the distance, each one’s mind wondering about the situation. Though his brother was hopeful, Carter didn't share his optimism.

Chase's phone vibrated on the table, startling them out of their thoughts. All eyes were on the jumping phone, each one anticipating Kaleb's picture to appear on the screen.

"It's him..." Chase announced anxiously.

"I see that...." Carter laughed nodding to the phone. "Well…Get it."

"Okay...okay..." Chase rubbed his sweaty palms together as he reached for the device.

"Kaleb?" He tried keeping his voice steady. Kaleb was a grown man after all. At least that's what he kept telling everyone else. He didn't want to harrow questions at him, like...'Where have you been? What have you been doing...and why haven't you called?' No... No questions like that. They were valid ones of course, but he didn't want to sound like Helen, so the polite. "How are you?" came out instead.

"Lame...." Carter whispered through a light laugh. "Where the fuck have you been, is what you want to ask him...not how are you." He mocked before giving his brother an encouraging slap on the shoulder. Chase placed his finger to his mouth signaling his brother to keep quiet. He was sure he knew how to handle his boyfriend better than Carter did. 'You catch more bees with honey,' is what Kaleb would say.

"Uhhumm..." Chase nodded as he listened to Kaleb.

"What's he saying?" Carter questioned as he leaned closer.

"Oh, well I was busy anyway." He lied. "But I did expect a call or something." He continued, receiving thumbs up from his brother.

"Really...." He eyed Carter worriedly, "some good news, eh?" He questioned with an arched brow. "Dinner...No... No, I haven't eaten. ‘Another lie’ “Dinner with your parents sounds great." He frowned before covering the 'meat lover's' pizza that he was sharing with his brother. Carter glared, shaking his head disappointedly. Chase forced a smile and shrugged his shoulder. "Sure...I can't wait. Umhmm...see you in a couple of hours...Yes yes, 7PM sharp, I know. Love you, too. Bye."

"Way to go lil brother. Who wears the pants in your relationship?" He chuckled as he lifted the lid and grabbed a slice of pizza. He took a huge bite chewing a few times before pushing the half-eaten food into his cheek. "I forgot...” He munched hungrily. “…He does." He voiced through a boisterous laugh.

"Fuck off..." Chase rolled his eyes exasperatedly as he pushed himself from the table. "He said he has some good news he wants to share with me and his folks."

"What do you think it is?" Carter asked swallowing hard before taking another bite.

"I don't know." Chase grimaced. "I'm almost afraid to ask." He admitted, tugging on his hair as he headed down the hall.

“You leaving?”

“Yeah….” Chase sighed.

“Yum…more for me.” Carter laughed as he picked up his can of beer taking a long swig, to wash down the food. “Good Luck…”

"He's gonna be the death of me, I just know it." Chase huffed humorlessly.

Carter chuckled greedily as he shoved the half-eaten slice of pizza into his mouth, grabbed the box, and beer before heading to the living room.

~*~*~

Chase arrived a few minutes early and was greeted at the door by Horace.

He glanced at his watch before extending his hand out to greet him. “You’re getting better…” Horace laughed jokingly.

“I’m trying.” Chase replied as the two men shook hands cordially.

“It’s good to see you, Son.”

“You too, Sir.”

“Call me Horace. Sir is for business and acquaintances.” He laughed as he guided Chase toward the dining room.

“Ummm…Thank you, Sir- I mean, Horace.” Horace belted out a hardily laugh giving Chase two short pats on the back.

The table was adorned elegantly as usual with fine china and crystal, reflecting their opulent lifestyle. Helen sat at the table that was set for four, dressed in her signature, ‘Annie Hall,’ attire sipping on a glass of Merlot as she played lackadaisically with the long strand of black pearls draped around her long thin neck.

Mrs... Ummm, Helen." Chase corrected after she eyed him subtly.

"Chase...." She greeted her features void of any emotion. It was as if the garnet colored liquid in her glass was more important than his presence.

"You're looking stunning this evening as always." He complimented as he sat down across from her. Horace smiled politely as he took his seat at the head of the table. Chase understood how Jenny felt...totally insufficient where Helen was concerned. However, he wasn't going to let her Stoic composure bother him. He was quickly learning her bark was worse than her bite.

"Mr. Montgomery, It's so nice to see you." Hannah's pleasant voice greeted as she presented him with an opened bottle of Riesling.

"Hannah, hello." Chase smiled. He leaned back allowing her to fill his glass.

"We don't get to see much of you, Kaleb either for that matter." She said as she carefully poured the wine. "Things have been pretty quiet here lately with just Mr. Fitzgerald and the Misses." She smiled kindly while setting the bottle down on the table. She placed her hands behind her back and nodded toward Helen. "Dinner is ready Ma'am."

"Good. Let's wait for my son before servicing the soup. He's late as usual." She sighed in defeat.

"Yes, ma'am." Hannah smiled as she backed out of the dining room.

Tonight's menu consisted of Creamy Cucumber, Avocado soup, followed by a mixed green salad with champagne poached pears. The entree being served... Beef Wellington with mushroom Duxelles.

"Kaleb?!" Helen called exhaustedly.

"Coming, mom!" Kaleb sang happily. "Is Chase here yet!?" A smile appeared so wide on Chase's lips; at hearing Kaleb's voice, it was almost embarrassing.

"Yes, Kaleb, I'm here.” He spoke up before Helen could answer.

"YAY!” Kaleb squealed in delight. "I'm coming!" Helen shook her head in disgust as they heard the sound of Kaleb's footsteps scurry down the stairs. "Chase!” Kaleb's eyes lit up as he entered the room.

Chase pushed himself up from his seat and greeted his boyfriend with open arms. "Hey you." He smiled as Kaleb accepted his embrace and soft kiss on the forehead. Chase placed his hands on Kaleb's shoulders holding him at arm’s length. He looked amazing. His hair, slightly damp appeared jet-black accentuating his pale blue eyes that sparkled when they met Chase's emerald green ones. He was wearing a two-piece Navy suit. He wore the jacket unbuttoned over a white dress shirt, finished off with a silk pink tie. Helen stared wide eyes, in disbelief, even Horace was pleasantly surprised. It was like pulling teeth without pliers to get their son to dress for dinner, but not tonight. Tonight he surprised them with the first of many.

"You look...incredible." Chase expressed as he eyed him from head to toe. He even noticed Kaleb had a fresh haircut. "When did you get this?" He questioned through knitted brows as his fingers played in the fine hairs that caressed Kaleb's neck.

"I got it done today." He replied as he too played in the damp curls that framed his face. "Is it too short?" He frowned.

"No... No it's perfect." Chase imposed with a smile. "It's just...I wondered, well never mind.” He covered but not before noticing the condescending smile forming on Helen's lips as she took a sip of wine. He knew exactly what was going through her mind. And for a brief moment, he wondered if she was right.

"Boys, as much as I love seeing your public display of affection, it is time for dinner." She reminded them.

"Oh yeah..." Kaleb grinned as he walked around the table and took his seat across from Chase.

"You look nice, son." Horace voiced approvingly.

"Thank you, Daddy." Kaleb smiled proudly as he settled into his seat.

"You do." Helen agreed with her husband. "To what do we owe the honors?"

"No reason. I just thought it was time I stared dressing for dinner...you know act my age." He offered. "May I have a glass of Riesling, please?"

"Ahem...” Chase cleared his throat to keep from choking. Horace didn't fare much better almost choking himself at Kaleb's request.

"As in wine?" His mother questioned incredulously.

"Yes...." He stressed as he reached the bottle. "I drink wine with Chase, all the time...."

"Once, maybe twice." Chase defended quickly upon receiving a death glare from Helen.

"Damn it; give the boy a glass of wine for goodness sake. It's no big deal. He is grown." Horace charged.

"Okaayyy..." Chase sighed as he stood up, taking the liberties to pour Kaleb a glass.

"Thank you, daddy." Kaleb smiled smugly at his mother. "And thank you, Chase." He tilted his head slightly as he admired the handsome man.

"You're welcome." Chase smiled as Kaleb's hand grazed his gingerly.

"Phffff..." Helen frowned and rolled her eyes at her husband. Chase took his seat and saluted his boyfriend before bringing his own glass to his lips.

"Are we ready, Sir?" Hannah asked even as she served Horace his soup.

While engaging in casual conversation over dinner, Horace and Chase delved into the topic of Politics. Though Chase was liberal with his views, they managed to respect each other stance and disagree, agreeably.

The fact that her husband was enjoying the debate, and Chase's company, Helen sensed he was fond of the young man and approved of his and Kaleb's relationship. Unfortunately, she would never share his sentiments.

She sipped on her second glass of wine observing her son. She watched as Kaleb gazed dreamily at Chase. It was as if the words he spoke dripped off his lips like honey and her son was the bee. The fact that he was practically drooling made her ill.

The sound of Kaleb's voice demanding their attention pulled her from her trance like state. "I have some news." He announced eyeing each one of them. Excitement was evident in his tone as he bounced excitedly in his chair while clapping his hands together eagerly trying to contain himself, but failing miserably.

"What is it dear?" His mother asked unfazed by his excitement as she placed her glass to her lips.

"Shit..." Chase sighed under his breath. They had made it half way through the evening, and Chase had hoped his handsome boyfriend would have forgotten his little announcement, but with no such luck. He inhaled deeply attempting to brace himself as he and Horace gave Kaleb their undivided attention.

"I got an apartment today..." He beamed brightly. "I'm moving out.” He smiled around the table waiting for congratulations.

Chase released the breath he was holding, breathing a sigh of relief. It wasn't as bad as he feared, though the thought crossed his mind once more. Did he agree with Helen, was getting Kaleb a car a bad idea? Did he indeed have too much freedom?

"What!?" Helen demanded. "You're doing what?"

"Calm down, Helen." Horace encouraged keeping his voice calm. “And let the boy speak.”

"Calm down!? I will not calm down!" She spat jumping to her feet. She slammed her glass down so hard it almost shattered. "This is all your fault." She hissed, pointing an accusing finger at Chase.

"Wait!" Chase tried to explain.

"Mom!?" Kaleb winced at the sharp tone in his mother's voice.

"What!?" She yelled with a sharp twist of the neck.

“It’s not Chase’s fault.” Kaleb tried to explain.

“I had no idea.” Chase defended. “I’m just as surprised by the news as you are.”

“I knew getting him that car would cause trouble!” She fumed angrily.

“Mom…you can’t talk to my boyfriend like that!” Kaleb ran to be by Chase's side defending him against his mother’s malicious attack.

“I can talk to him anyway I damn well please!” She shouted.

“Calm down.” Horace encouraged as he stood to his feet. “I’m sure we can discuss this reasonably.”

The conversation escalated quickly. Each one yelling over the other. Accusations flew through the air loudly, crashing against one another like brash cymbals, yet falling on deaf ears.

“That’s enough!?” Horace stated as he made his way around the table to where the three were standing. “I said that’s enough, Helen! Stop it!” His anger evident in his tone. “I SAID ENOUGH!” He yelled reaching a breaking point. Though met with resistance everyone settled down immediately.

“This is totally ridiculous!” Horace expressed as he glared at each one of them, his eyes resting on his wife. “Now, if everyone would sit down.” He said through clenched teeth. Helen opened her mouth to speak, but thought better when he eyed her sternly indicating he was serious.

She quietly sat down as her husband made his way back to the head of the table. Chase released the hold he had on Kaleb and directed him to his seat. He took a deep breath before sitting down himself. All eyes were on Horace waiting for instructions.

He made sure he had their undivided attention before he spoke. “It’s not that deep, Helen.” He stated to his wife.

“But…” She attempted to speak.

“No buts.” He replied with an arched brow. “Kaleb is grown, honey.” He reminded her, his tone softening as he spoke to his wife. “He is twenty-two years…”

“I’ll be twenty-three on my birthday.” Kaleb interjected with a sharp nod of the head.

Horace smiled at his son kindly before continuing. “Yes, he will be twenty-three in January. There’s nothing wrong with him wanting to get his own apartment. You can’t baby him forever.”

“If it wasn’t for Chase getting him that car, trying to make him feel responsible.” The words fell from her mouth like venom. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation at all.”

“I beg your pardon, Helen.” Chase interrupted coming to his own defense. “I do want and feel that Kaleb is responsible. I love your son.” He admitted honestly and openly. “I wouldn’t do anything to harm him. And yes getting him the car, did afford him more freedom, but from what I see he’s not abusing it.” He defended receiving an agreeing nod from Horace and an adoring smile from Kaleb.

“First a car. Then an apartment. What’s next…a baby? I mean come on don’t you see the pattern here?”

“Yes, Dear, I see.” Horace stated. “I see our son growing up as he should be. And honestly I appreciate Chase for looking out for him.”

“Thank you.” Chase replied modestly.

“Guys…I am here. Do you mind not talking about me like I’m not?” Kaleb crossed his arms over his chest in a huff.

“He’s right.” Horace voiced respectfully, before returning his attention back to his son. “ Now about the apartment. Are you sure this is what you want to do, Son?”

“Yes…very sure.” His reply was directed at his mother.

“I think it’s great that you want your independence.” Chase stated approvingly. “What side of town is it on? I hope it’s not too far from me.”

“It’s not.” Kaleb beamed. “It’s right around the corner from you.” He added. “I didn’t want to be too far in case something happened during the night with the baby.”

“BABY?!” Helen and Horace voiced in unison their eyes wide as saucers.

“Lilly…” Chase stated more than asked, his mouth agape and surprise was written all over his face.

“Yes.” Kaleb replied happily. “I want to try and get her.”

“Lilly? Who is Lilly?” Helen questioned looking from Kaleb to Chase, then back to her son again. Horace furrowed his brows together wondering the same.

“She’s a little baby from the shelter. Her mother died and she has no one.” Kaleb explained. “Here…” He pulled out his cell phone. His wallpaper was a picture of Chase holding Lilly. “My two favorite people in the world.” He smiled as handed the phone to his mother.

“Oh my god…” Helen placed her hand to her chest exasperatedly. “It is a baby.” She sighed in disbelief. “Look Horace.” Her husband made his way over taking the phone from her hand. He sat down next to his wife as they viewed the picture together. “Is she black?” Helen whispered trying to be inconspicuous. Horace shrugged with uncertainty as he handed the phone back to Kaleb.

“So you know this baby…Lilly?” He questioned Chase.

“Well, yeah.” He nodded. “She was at the shelter with her mother, and as Kaleb stated her mom died unexpectedly.”

“Umhumm…” Kaleb agreed.

“Well. I’m sorry to hear about her mother, but, Kaleb you taking this child is absolutely out of the question.” His mother voiced sternly.

“But, why?”

“Because, son.” Horace chimed in. “You’re…you’re too young.” He stammered.

“No I’m not. Tamika was younger than me.” Kaleb countered.

“Tamika?” Helen questioned.

“That was Lilly’s mother.” Chase offered.

“And…your point?” Helen challenged.

“That I’m not too young.” Kaleb charged.

“Okay, that’s enough you two.” Horace interrupted. “Kaleb, she’s a lovely baby and I’m sure she will be taken care of, but I have to agree with your mother on this one.”

“But, Dad.” Kaleb whined.

“I’m sorry, Son.” He shrugged.

“Chase?” Kaleb eyed him looking for support. Chase sighed as he combed his fingers through his hair.

“I agree with your parents, Baby.” Chase conceded.

“Finally!” Helen sighed throwing her hands up in the air.

“But I don’t understand.” Kaleb stated sadly.

“That’s exactly why you’re not ready for a child.” His mother charged. “You don’t understand.”

“That’s not fair, Mom.”

“What’s not fair?” She questioned. “That you’re not mentally capable of caring for a baby?” She started in a condescending tone.

“Helen?!” Horace chided.

“What? You know as well as I do, Kaleb is mentally incapable of taking care of a child. He can barely take care of himself.”

“But I can. I do…I did.” Kaleb defended. “Don’t I Chase?”

“For the record, Helen.” He squinted taken aback by her statement. “He’s totally capable of taking care of a child, mentally and emotionally.” He stressed adamantly, coming to his boyfriend's defense. “He took care of her the whole time we had her. Not to mention he takes care of the all children at the shelter. He’s actually very good with her.” He had to admit.

“See, Mom. Chase thinks I can do it.” Kaleb smirked as he crossed his arms over his chest impudently.

“Wait a minute.” Chase held up his finger suggesting he had more to add. “I said you are mentally and emotionally capable of caring for Lilly and I meant that. That doesn’t mean I think you should take on that burden of responsibility right now.”

“What!?” Kaleb questioned, looking a little shocked and crestfallen at his boyfriend’s statement. Helen smiled victoriously as she reached for her wine glass.

“But…but.” Kaleb pouted and his lips quivered. “I thought you were on my side.” He stated heartbroken as the tears filling his eyes threatened to fall.

“I am on your side.” He reached out to take Kaleb’s hand. Kaleb pulled away as if he had been touched by something hot.

“No you’re not! You’re on her side!” He pointed to his mother as he pushed himself up from the table.

“That’s not true and you know it!” Chase replied mimicking Kaleb’s movements, standing to his feet as well. He hurried around the table to grab Kaleb before he rushed out of the dining room.

“I’ll do it myself.” Kaleb cried as he ran out.

“KALEB?!” Chase called as he attempted to run after him. He felt a firm grip on his arm pulling him back.

“Let him go son.” Horace suggested.

“But..but!” Chase objected frantically.

“He’s upset right now. Trust me on this.” He eyed Chase. “He’s not going to talk or listen to you…not right now.”

“You don’t understand.” Chase exclaimed. His eyes were wide and his voice was filled with desperation. “He’s got to know…I’m always on his side.”

“He won’t understand…” Horace repeated flatly. “He has to process things at his own speed. You can’t rush him into any conclusion. He just won’t understand it.” He tried to explain. Helen sat back, never uttering a word. Even a stranger on the outside looking in could see she was enjoying the disconnect between Kaleb and Chase.

“You love my son, I can tell.” Horace forced a smile. “And he loves you. Let him be tonight. He’s like his mom, he’s also…Stubborn.” Helen frowned at the accusation, crossing her arms over her chest. Horace eyed his wife knowingly before turning his attention back to Chase. “He’s not going to talk to you, until he’s ready.”

“But….” Chase objected.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he stays here tonight. I know he’s upset and so are you.”

“This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“I know, Son.” Horace agreed apologetically. “Go home. Clear your head and talk to him in the morning.” He suggested.

“I don’t know.” Chase sighed allowing Horace to lead him toward the door. “It just doesn’t feel right. I don't like leaving things unresolved, especially with him.”

“I know…” Horace caressed Chase’s shoulder. “You can straighten this out tomorrow.”

“Okaayyy.” Chase sighed. He was so distraught; he didn’t even say good-bye to Helen. Horace closed the door behind Chase and sighed heavily. He knew his son and this was a part of it. Sometimes he understood him and sometimes, he didn't, but he loved him all the time. He also knew it would take a special person to handle him. He liked Chase… a lot, and he hoped Chase was that person.

TBC....