Change is Good - 13. Chapter 13 - The Curtain Has Fallen

Chapter 13: The Curtain Has Fallen

*Alex*

Waking up the following morning, I go over the previous night’s events in my head, and the thing that troubles me most was what happened to Austin. Rolling over I prop myself up on one elbow and just watched Shawn sleep there peacefully, this whole thing involves two people who were once very close to him, so I know this has to be getting to him more than he is letting on. Slipping out of bed I make my way down the hall to the guest room to check in to see how Austin is doing.

“Hey there how are you feeling this morning?”

“Like I got hit by a bus, I wanted to say thank you for taking care of me, I know I haven’t been the best person to you. You are the last person I would expect to help me out.”

“Regardless of some of the things you may have done in the past, I don’t believe anyone deserves to be hurt the way you have, speaking of which. Do you have any idea who might have done this to you?”

“I’m not entirely sure, it was dark and everything happened so fast I don’t really remember much of the night to be completely honest with you.”

I could see from the look on his face that perhaps there is more to all of this than I’m currently aware of.

“I see, well hopefully we can find out more about what happened when you are feeling better, but for now just get some rest. We can take you home if you would feel more comfortable in your own space.”

“If it’s no trouble for you guys, I would like to stay here a little longer.”

Before heading downstairs I poked my head back into Shawn’s room to see if he had gotten up. Surprised to find the room empty, I assume he was either in the bathroom, or has made his way downstairs already. Not seeing him anywhere in the kitchen, I busy myself with the task of making breakfast for everyone. I enjoyed cooking, and it tends to give me the time to not think about everything going on in my head.

“Shame what happened to Austin, don’t you think?”

Startled, I looked up to see Mark leaning against the wall in just his boxers. Looking at him I can see where his cocky exterior comes from. Mark is definitely a jock with a well-built body, being about the same height as Shawn. It is easy to see how those two used to be such good friends. Give him a better attitude and he would make a nice boyfriend for any guy or girl.

“I may not be best friends with Austin, but I don’t wish that upon anyone.” Turning my attention back to the task I nearly drop everything when I feel Mark’s chest press against my back, an obvious hard on pressed against my butt. “I think you should go and put some clothes on, I don’t appreciate you this close in my personal space.” Nervously I pushed my way past Mark hoping that he wouldn’t make this a difficult day.

“Are you sure that’s what you really want?”

“Positive, now if you would excuse yourself from the kitchen you are just in my way.”

Surprisingly he left without another word, even though I still trust him about as far as I can throw him. Moments later Shawn appears around the corner, walking up behind me and kissing me on the cheek, now this is something I could get use to every morning.

“Well, something smells good, and I don’t mean the bacon.” Kissing his way down my neck, a moan escapes as he works his hands down the back of my sweat pants.

“Stop that before you start something that you know we can’t finish.”

“And why exactly would we not be able to finish?”

“Because in case you have forgotten we have guest and I would rather not put on a show for either of them.” Kissing him on the nose I get back to once again trying to get breakfast out for everyone.

*Shawn*

As Alex begins setting the table, I take the plate he made for Austin up to the guest room so that he doesn’t have to make his way downstairs to eat with us. “Knock Knock, hey there Alex made you something to eat.”

“He really is amazing isn’t he?”

“Yes, he is I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Austin looks down at the plate of food that I placed before him, no longer looking up at me. “I’m sorry for what happened, back then and here. I know we can never have anything like that but, I would like it if we could be friends.”

“I’ll be honest with you, that won’t be an easy thing for me to do especially after everything that has transpired, but Alex seems willing to look past your faults so for him I’ll make my best effort. I promise you nothing, I just want you to know that from the start.”

“Thank you Shawn there really isn’t much more that I could ask for, but can I ask you something?”

“Sure go ahead.”

“Why is Mark here?”

“Honestly I don’t really know, and I’m not too happy about it. He will even be going to school with us during the upcoming school year.”

I could see Austin visibly cringe at the thought of being in the same school as Mark, which left me wondering what really happened between the two of them after I left. “Austin has something happened between you and Mark?”

“Why would you ask that?” he looks up at me with a panic stricken look on his face and that was all I needed to know that something did indeed happen, even if he isn’t willing to tell me himself.

“Just a feeling I had, but if I’m mistaken I’m sorry for making assumptions. Well enjoy your breakfast I need to get back down to Alex.”

For the next few weeks things actually settled down, Austin went back home shortly after he recovered, and Mark left with his parents as well after they had returned from their outings with my folks. Things actually seemed like they were going back to normal, I was with Alex whenever we could get away, and though he constantly put up a fight about me spending money on him it always ended with me winning as he is worth every cent. However things came to a head a week before the school year was set to start.

“Alex I don’t want to worry you or anything, but every time we come to this beach I notice this guy that seems to watch your every move.”

Alex quickly looks over in the direction I’m looking, only to let out a sigh when he notices the person that I’m talking about.

“That would be Jason, I’m not sure why he has come here, but he was the first guy that I ever had feelings for and things were actually pretty good between us until we were caught together by his jock friends.”

“Has he threatened to hurt you?” I could feel my blood begin to boil at the thought of anyone coming to bother my Alex.

“No nothing like that, we have crossed paths more than I care for. Every time it is the same thing with him, apologizing for things that had taken place back then and asking me for another chance to be together. I’m sorry I didn’t mention anything sooner, I was just hoping that he would get the message and leave things be.”

“Its ok babe, I’m not mad at you or anything, but I think we should go over and talk to him.”

“Why would you want to do that?” I could see the question in his eyes trying to figure me out.

“Well we are doing our best to give Austin a second chance, so maybe it’s just forgiveness that he seeks. I’m not saying that the two of you will become best friends, but maybe in time you can find a way to make peace with him as I have done Austin.”

“You know sometimes I hate when you are right. Even though I can’t say I’m prepared to completely forgive him for the wrongs he had done to me but, I think it is only fair to at least be the better person and at least let go of the grudge.”

“And that is why I love you.” sharing a quick kiss I grab his hand and we make our way over to Jason. Walking over to Jason, I could see him visibly tense as we got closer to him.

“Hey you must be Jason, I’m Shawn and I believe that you already know my boyfriend Alex.” Looking at the guy in front of me, his face was a mixture of disappointment and hope, an odd pairing in my opinion, but none the less at least it was better than hostility.

“Hey, and yes I’m already acquainted with Alex here. I’ve seen you guys here pretty often over the summer, and was hoping to get the chance to have a real conversation with the both of you one day soon.”

“Well there is no time like the present, don’t you agree babe?”

“Agreed, Jason, I wanted to be the one to say, that while I can’t promise that we will become instant friends but, I’m willing to let the past stay in the past and see what the future will bring; however don’t get your hopes up that we will be any more than friends and even that right now as I have said is a stretch.”

“Thank you Lex, I’m glad that you are willing to try and move on. I hope that in time we do end up as friends. I wish that there was a chance for more, but I understand where you are coming from.”

I can’t say I was too happy with the pet name, biting my tongue and keeping my thoughts to myself I did however pull Alex to me rather possessively, while giving Jason a slight glare. I think Alex caught on to what I was doing, but if he was bothered by it he didn’t say a thing and let me be, leaning closer into me.

“Well now that the air is a bit clearer around here, I hope this won’t be the last time that we run into each other on good terms.” I said to Jason as I gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“I sure hope not, especially since we will be going to the same school I’d rather us all not be enemies going into senior year.” Jason said with a nervous grin.

And there was the bombshell, making peace with this guy was one thing, but now finding out that Jason will be around constantly had me a bit worried. Even though Alex didn’t say much, he didn’t have to. I could tell just by the way he tensed up that this was something he was not ok with as well.

*Alex*

Senior year is supposedly one of the best years of your life; well let me be the first to let you know that is a lie. Not only do I have to deal with Mark on a daily basis, as he is in two of my classes, I also having swimming period with Jason, someone just please make it end.

“I’m sure everything will be just fine and if Jason or Mark try anything just let me know.” Shawn said as he squeezed my hand.

“That makes me feel better, but I wish we had more classes together.” I said leaning back into Shawn as we sat on the hood of my car.

“Maybe its better we don’t, I already can’t focus in Science and English as it is now.” Shawn laughed as he held me tighter.

The bell rings signaling the start of class, parting with a quick kiss, I can’t help but smile as I take my seat next to Tiff.

“Well aren’t you all smiles this morning, you must be enjoying your sleepovers, oh, so much these days.”

“Actually I’m quite enjoying myself if you must know and I’m doing quite well. Aside from having to deal with those other two that is drama I could go without.”

No sooner had I made a mention of Jason and Mark, they walked through the door. “I thought you had Math first period, what are you doing here?” I asked Jason, stunned to see him hanging around with Mark.

“Well Cutie, if you must know coach had both of our classes moved around starting tomorrow to set up a free period for extra conditioning after swim class.”

I could feel my face drop, I didn’t even know either of them had joined any sports teams, and it got worse with both of them now being in swim class with me, I groaned and resumed my conversation with Tiff.

“Whom have I pissed off to end up in these situations?”

“Don’t worry about it too much, besides lover boy won’t let anything happen to you.”

The remainder of the day was indeed uneventful, with the exception of English and Science where Shawn found it amusing to discreetly run his fingers down my pants. We were nearing the end of the period and I leaned forward to stretch a bit, Shawn took that time to reach in and actually make contact with my hole, my first reaction was to let out a soft groan, which unfortunately wasn’t soft enough as Mr. Harris looked up from his desk.

“Alex? Is everything ok?”

“Yes sir, just needed that stretch more than I realized.” My face was hot from embarrassment as Shawn sat behind me suppressing his laughter. Sitting back in my seat I turned to Shawn glaring at him before slapping his hand away as he once again began to inch it closer to me. “Keep it up Mr. and I will cut you off for a week.”

“Aww, babe you wouldn’t do that.” he pouted.

“Try me and find out.” I responded with a sly grin, knowing full well I would not be able to keep my hands off of him for very long.

“Ok class, you have your assignments and our chapter 4 test is next week, so with that being said class is dismissed, I will see you guys tomorrow,”

“Why the gloom and doom looks Alex?”

“I didn’t mention it before, but now both Jason and Mark are in my swim period starting tomorrow, so I’ll have to see them both.” I sighed letting out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

“What! Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“Because, there is nothing my knight in shining armor can do about it, and I didn’t want you to get all worked up like you are now. Changing the topic have you seen Austin around yet?”

“Now that you mention it, I haven’t really seen him since the school year started. I know he is still here I see his car in the parking lot every so often.”

“That’s weird, I actually hope that he is ok. We haven’t really spoken to him much after the incident during the summer.”

“Oh, don’t forget we did promise to help Tiffany get things setup for her start of the school year bash tonight.”

“Urrgh, did we really promise to setup and go to this thing? How does she manage to get me to agree to this stuff?”

“I think she just has a way with words, plus she plays the best friend card quite often with you two.”

This year Tiffany has designated herself the party queen, so any excuse she can find to throw a party she will. This year her parents gave her access to the beach house so she has been taking her newfound assets with such grace. Tossing my things in the backseat of my car we drove back to Shawn’s place to have some alone time before we had to be at the beach house.

*Shawn*

Getting things set up for the party was a lot easier than originally anticipated, seeing as Justin had done a great deal of work himself. He was likely trying to earn points with Tiffany, and that appeared to sit quite well with Alex. It was just after eight when people started arriving, with drinks flowing freely and the music playing through the speakers, the larger rooms soon became dance spots. I had just gotten a drink for Alex and myself when I bumped into Mark coming in with Jason.

“Didn’t expect to see you here, I did not even know you were invited.”

“And why shouldn’t I be, I go to school with all you just like everyone else, and I’m sure it is no big deal bringing Jason along.”

“I sure it’s all fine, but remember we all came here to have a good time, don’t start any shit tonight because I have no tolerance for any of it.”

Walking away I found Justin seated on the couch near the back wall.

“Do I even need to ask where our better halves have gone?” Justin laughed as I placed the drinks down and took a seat next to him.

“You know those two, get them in a place with music and we cease to exist, good thing Alex is gay and I’m not the jealous type.”

Justin and I continued to chat while keeping an eye on Alex and Tiffany who were having the time of their lives and seemed to be the center of attention, when Jason came over to us.

“Mind if I have a seat?”

“No not at all, this is Justin, Tiffany’s boyfriend and quarterback of our school football team.”

“I believe we met briefly while I was talking to the coach.”

“Yea, it was an in and out type deal, but I heard you held your own out there on the field in your old school. Why did you stop playing?”

“I couldn’t stand the person I had become, and the people I had hurt along the way.” I notice him stare off where Alex was dancing with Tiffany in a way that required me to adjust my jeans. “He looks happy, I didn’t think I would get the chance to see him smile like that again.”

“I think you can thank Tiffany and Shawn for that, before those two came into his life, he was quiet and just seemed to fade into the background.” Justin replied before taking a sip from his cup.

“Alex was always like that, he always tried very hard to flow through without creating any ripples. For the most part he was very good at it, but the times when he would let someone in, it was like being with a whole different person. I had the chance to see it but it wasn’t for very long.”

For most of the conversation I just remained quiet, partly because I was learning more about Alex and partly because I couldn’t quite figure out what Jason’s angle was. It was quite clear that he is still hung up on Alex, but would he respect what Alex and I had or did he have other intentions.