The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are completely coincidental. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you leave now. The author maintains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written consent from the author. Write Bobby at brokendreamboi@yahoo.com with your comments.
A Life So Changed 01
"My name is Kevin Scavo and I am an alcoholic."
"Hello Kevin," the group of six or seven replied. They all had their different stories. Some were there because of alcohol. Some were there because of physical abuse. Some were there because of drugs. I was there because I have the same problems. Only ten times worse.
"So Kevin how old are you?" Tamara, the group leader, asked me. She seemed like a typical therapist. A yellow notepad and a pen were in her hands ready to write and be written on.
"I'm sixteen," I said.
"When did you start drinking?"
"Just last year,"
"Do you have any other problems or bad habits?" she asked.
After a long pause I replied, "Yeah, I'm depressed. I use a razor blade to get rid of the feelings I get. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder. And I used to do many drugs; anything I could get my hands on."
"Do your parents know about these things?"
"No," I dully said, looking down at my feet.
"Did you come here on your own or did someone convince you?"
"Both," I replied, looking back at her for only a brief moment. "My boyfriend wanted me to heal and get better." I waited for everyone's reaction after I said "boyfriend", but to my surprise no one's expressions changed. Even Tamara had the same warm smile on.
"So, you're gay?" she asked me while writing on her notepad.
"Yes, I am gay."
"Do your parents know that?"
"Oh yeah, they do." My face turned red and I could feel my eyes flush with water. Tamara noticed this and stopped writing. My eyes found their way to her eyes once again, but then quickly back down to the floor.
"I take it that they do not like it?"
"No they don't," Tears started to drop from my slightly swollen eyes. "I guess you could say they're part of my problems."
I could feel Tamara's stare on me. Forgetting about one important hidden secret I took off my jacket. I liked my jacket; it was a dark green, soft, and it had fake fur on the hood lining. Underneath I was wearing a tight, black shirt of a band. It was quite warm in the room. Even if it is forty degrees I can still get warm quite quickly.
"Kevin how did you get those bruises on your arms? And your neck?" Tamara asked, stunned at my sudden unpleasant appearance.
My eyes shot back up at her and then I started to cry. Silence filled the room except for my gentle sobbing.
When I didn't answer after a few minutes Tamara asked another question. "Did your parents do that?"
"Just my dad. My mom doesn't hit that hard." I cried. A woman next to me tried to comfort me, but I jumped as I saw her hand coming.
"It's all right Kevin," Tamara said gently.
More tears fell from my face and as I went to wipe them away I forgot about something else, something even more secretive. I suddenly shouted in pain as I wiped away the tears falling down the left side if my face, but I also wiped away cover up.
"Kevin..." Tamara trailed off in horror. I realized I was busted. Everyone's eyes were locked on my face. They were staring at the large black and bluish bruise on my left cheek.
"...your father did that?" a stunned Tamara asked.
"Yeah, this is his work." I sobbed.
"Let me get this straight. Your father abuses you because you're gay?" she asked.
"He hits me because I'm gay. He hits me because I have embarrassed and disgraced the family. He hits me because my mom wanted grandchildren."
"Do they realize there is adoption?"
"Yeah, but they `wouldn't be the same'."
"How often does he do this to you?"
"However often I come home. I usually just stay with my boyfriend and his parents. These bruises just happened yesterday. These have hurt the worst though. I haven't slept in a couple days."
"Tell you what Kevin, why don't you go ahead and come back next Friday? That way you can get some rest and heal up." Tamara said kindly.
"Sure, I'll see you next week then. Bye everyone." I said before I put my jacket back on carefully then walked out of the room.
"Hey babe, how'd it go?" my boyfriend asked.
"Fine, just fine," I replied. He saddened at the sight of my face. "It's okay Jared."
He gave me a weak smile and then we walked hand-in-hand outside. We were walking to his house in silence. His house is pretty far away from downtown where we were, but we both wanted to spend time with each other. Finally he broke the silence.
"Kevin are you are all right?" he asked worriedly.
"I said I'm fine. Why?" I asked.
"It's just you're really quiet. Are you cold? You look cold. Do you want my jacket?"
"Jared," I let out a small giggle, "I'm fine, really."
"Well if you get cold just let me know."
I smiled to my boyfriend. He has treated me so good since we got together three months ago. For the first time in my life I felt truly loved. My parents haven't ever been very parent-like. They've always been too busy with their jobs. Money was the backbone of the family. Of course, whatever I wanted I could have. But that all changed eight months ago when they found out I was gay. My father started to beat me and make harsh rules. My mother hit me whenever I did something even slightly wrong, or greatly right. They took away my things; my things that I earned: my car, my laptop, my mp3 player. Everything. Since I was gay they said I deserved nothing. But luckily they didn't start charging me rent.
One more week and it'll be Christmas. Well, in three more days it will be one more week. It's Friday night and already it's not that great. Of course, as long as I have Jared next to me I'm happy. I pulled our interlocked hands up and kissed his. A few people that were walking by gave us a disgusted look.
"You sure are getting more daring." Jared smiled.
"You were okay with that right? If you don't want to do anything in public like that then I'll understand because-"
"Kevin," he said, stopping me from over-worrying, "it's fine, really."
He stopped walking and pulled d me in front of him. Then he leaned in slowly and our lips met. We have been going out for three months, but have done nothing more than holding hands, hugging, and kissing-no tongue. Both of us were new to the whole gay scene.
Jared slowly pulled back and looked into my eyes and said softly, "I love you Kevin. I would do anything for you."
That brought me on the verge of more tears. I hugged him tightly and laid my head on his shoulder. He hugged me back, gently rubbing my hair.
"I'll never let you go Kevin, that I can promise you."
I lifted my head up and kissed him. After a little while of standing in the cold, dark weather he said something.
"Say, how about we go grab a bite to eat?"
I just nodded. We held hands again as we walked to a little café.
After we finished eating, Jared wanted to do some window shopping which reminded me that I still haven't gotten him a present. I got kind of laid off a few weeks ago. Since my parents won't give me money anymore and I have to get a new plan; which I'm already thinking of.
"Oh, Kevin look at that necklace!" Jared said excitedly. "It is so pretty!"
"That is nice babe." I said. He continued to walk, but I stalled and looked at the price tag: eight hundred dollars. Damn, even if I got a job there's no way I'd be able to afford the necklace by Christmas. Then again, the plan that I've been thinking of just might be crazy and stupid enough to work.
"Um, Jared?" I asked hesitantly.
"Yeah Kev?" he smiled at me.
"Will you," I let out a small sigh and rolled my eyes, "take me home, please?"
He just looked at me sadly. I knew he though he did something wrong, and I hated when he felt like that.
"Did I do something wrong?" he quickly asked. See, told you.
"No, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just tired is all." I let out a fake yawn. Actually, truth be told I was tired, but that wasn't enough to stop me from hanging out with my boyfriend.
"Well all right, I'll call Latifah." Jared said sadly. I didn't want to leave him, but if I wanted to carry out my plan then I had to hurry before a certain someone came home.
I sat on a nearby bench waiting for Jared to end his phone call with his family's personal limo driver. Jared never really liked getting a ride in the limo, but I really wanted to tonight because I loved them. I felt special in them. Finally he flipped his phone off and sat next to me. But not literally. He actually sat pretty far apart from me. I knew he was upset, but I was doing this for him. I was going through with this crazy plan for him. I'm quitting my past times for him. How could he be so ungrateful?
"Are you mad at me?" I asked suddenly, afraid of what he'd say.
"No." he replied flatly.
"I know you think-"
Jared cut me off, "I said I wasn't mad at you."
I looked away from him and down to the ground, something I was quite used to. Luckily, Latifah pulled up a few seconds later. On the way to my house it was silent in the limo. Wild thoughts ran through my mind: why is Jared being like this, is he mad at me that badly, will he break up with me? I had to stop thinking like this or else I'd start to cry. Lately that seems all I do is cry. It's hard for me anymore. Jared is my rock, my boyfriend. He's the one I can go to when I'm having troubles. He's the one who has helped me without even knowing it. He's the one I loved.
The neighborhood increasingly became familiar. The rich-class style of homes became increasingly well-known. My parents did make quite a bit of money, but our house was nothing compared to Jared's house.
Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks. I'm coming home to an empty house-hopefully-and at the risk of getting...disciplined. I can't believe he's acting like this. This "plan" is for his Christmas present.
"Well I'll call you tomorrow I guess." I said, turning away from him so he wouldn't see the pain he caused me in such a short time. I got out of the limo, waiting for a response, but nothing.
"Kevin wait!" he shouted after I closed the door and began to walk away to my old life.
"What Jared?" I coldly asked, trying my best not to make eye contact with him. Of course, that's always easier said than done. Not looking into those sapphire eyes proved to be difficult.
"I'm sorry babe, I really am sorry." he almost cried out. "I just don't understand why you want to come here."
I kept the same sad face on as I turned to him. He looked even more hurt that I was crying. "I said you didn't do anything wrong Jared. Maybe I just wanted to come home."
"I know, I know, but...no you're right. I'm sorry, again. Especially for making those tears fall down your beautiful face." he said as he wiped away a stray tear from my cheek being careful of my bruise. "I just get too worried about you here." Jared started to pout.
"Oh Jared," I cooed. "I'll be fine." I wrapped him in my arms. He let out a big sigh.
"But look at your arms and your neck...and your face."
I pulled back from him with a questioning look. "What's wrong with my face?"
He smiled and said, "Nothing, it's perfect."
His sapphire blue eyes lovingly looked into my green eyes. I had to barely look up at him. Jared is about five foot eleven and I'm only five foot seven. He's a swimmer so he has a nice build, not that that matters. My body was just skinny, period. But not too skinny considering I eat a lot. And of course, Jared says that he doesn't care about my body, he loves my personality much more.
"Well I guess I should let-" I started, but he put a finger on my lips, tracing the outline with his thumb. He trailed down my body and then back up to my face. His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me eve closer to him than we already were. Ever so gently he leaned in, our lips met with almost an electric touch. I parted my lips slightly and he moved his tongue into my mouth. I opened it more until I was returning his kiss. My eyes shut almost automatically as I shared the most tender kiss with my boyfriend.
"Wow," I almost said in a whisper.
"Yeah, wow," he said dreamily. But it only lasted a minute before he let out a long, sad sigh.
"What's wrong babe?" I asked even though I already knew the answer.
"I don't want you here Kevin. I really don't want you here." he sadly let out. He began to cry again; I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"Jared please, I'm staying here tonight for you."
"What?"
"Yeah, but I can't tell you anymore."
"Well, all right, but you'd better call me tomorrow so I know things are okay." he ordered.
I lifted my hand to my head in a salute and said, "Aye, Chief!"
"I love you Kevin." Jared whispered. He leaned into me and we shared our last kiss for the next few days. I moved back, needing him to go before my parents got home. He took the hint, hopefully good, and sat in the limo giving me a saddened smile as he shut the door.
I watched as they quickly drove off. "I love you too Jared."
No one, not even our numerous maids were home. Perfect. I went upstairs to my room and thought about getting out of my tight pants, but then decided against it. Instead I jumped on my bed and reached under to retrieve a small black box. It had all of my most personal items in it. Suddenly I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I prayed to God in my mind that it wasn't my parents. And much to my surprise it wasn't.
"Hello Mr. Scavo," Xiao-Me asked me. Xiao-Me was our head maid. She took care of the more complex tasks around the house. Five years it has been since we hired her, or my parents hired her I mean. "How are we tonight?"
"I'm fine. How are you doing?" I replied happily, trying not to look the bit upset. Xiao-Me was oblivious to the things that happened in this house. Although, I am sort of glad. Of she knew then she'd for sure cal the police. Now, you may be thinking "well good, those bastards deserve to be sent away", however, they could send me away even faster. They know of my drug and alcohol habits. They also know I am capable of stealing. Unfortunately, I was caught by my dad at one point. We made a deal: he won't turn me in for stealing and I don't report the abuse...discipline I mean.
"I fine," she said in her poor English. If you haven't figured it out by now Xiao-Me is Chinese. "Well, I get to work now. Good night Mr. Scavo."
"Night Xiao-Me." I said as she walked away. That was a close one. Almost unknowingly I opened the small box. There it sat. The lock pick that one of my "friends" had given to me several months ago.
I grabbed it along with a small flash light and quietly walked downstairs to my dad's office. Luckily my kitchen, where Xiao-Me apparently was, was distant from dad's office. He always locked it as if it were that important. But I had no choice but to begin pushing the pick into the keyhole; I jiggled and shook until the door clicked.
Bingo. We're in.
It's been such a long time since I've been in his office. It has changed since the last time I saw it. The desk that I was familiar with was now in the left corner instead of the right. The four filing cabinets were simply moved around. And other miscellaneous items were moved around. One thing that I needed the most was hidden, out of sight. Genius me I nearly forgot where his safe was. But I was soon reminded as I turned to my right and saw that picture, that large lie on the wall. It was of my parents and I in front of our house, smiling. Such a lie. Anyways, I carefully took it off and bam. Now alls I have to do is remember...the damn code. Shit! He must have changed his safe code a hundred times by now.
"Mr. Scavo?"
"Xiao-Me!"
She looked at me with confusion showing on her face. This is it. I was busted. All this for nothing.
"What you doing?"
"Um...nothing. I was just looking for some very important paper work for...school." I said shakily. That's all I could come up with.
"In safe?"
"Like I said Xiao-Me, they are very important."
She turned the lights on, finally, and looked me over. Xiao-Me and I have always been fairly close, but could she keep this a secret?
"Well, when you find papers perhaps you leave some for my paycheck." And that was no question. I just looked at Xiao-Me and smiled, completely relived this was under the table.
"It'd be a lot easier to get to the papers if I knew the damn code." I said discouragingly.
"You didn't hear this from me, understood?" she whispered. I nodded. "Zero, one, nine, nine, seven, two, five, three, two, three, eight is his code." Without anything else said she walked out of the room. I stood there in astonishment. There had been a silent understanding between us. I felt it just as if we said it to each other.
I hurriedly typed in the code before I forgot it. How she heard it is beyond me. With an electronic whir I heard mechanisms moving about. Then it popped open with a hiss. His safe wasn't small by far. I saw money, emergency money I'm guessing, just in case the bank is closed or something, he needs extra cash right here in the house. I grabbed small wad. The tag said a thousand dollars. Perfect.
I was sitting on my bed, counting the money, just to make sure I read the tag right. Xiao-Me fixed me a late night snack. And I have to tell you, it was the best chow mein I have ever tasted in my life. I was content sitting in my bedroom. The same bedroom I'd lived in for seventeen years. The one I ran to when I was sad. The one that kept me safe when I was bleeding. But just as I was getting to comfy I heard the door front door shut. And that was the marking I had dreaded all night long.
"What are you doing home?"
"I live here remember?"
"Don't get smart with me,"
"Can you just leave me alone right now? I feel really crappy."
"Absolutely not,"
"Look, I haven't done anything wrong mom; my room is clean, nothing is misplaced, there are no weird smells."
"Stop being smart with me!"
"Or what?"
She walked over to me on my bed and yanked me up. She stared death into my eyes. I knew what was coming. All it took was one wrong move and I would be disciplined.
"Don't you dare talk to me like that."
Before I had a chance to do anything I felt it. That familiar feeling of sharp stinging on my face. I didn't look at her again. At least not until she forced me too.
"I can't wait to turn eighteen."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah, then I won't have to live with bastards like you!"
That's all it took for me to earn a second slap. Thankfully both slaps were on my right cheek, the one without the bruise. But that didn't mean I didn't yelp out in pain. More footsteps were coming up the stairs, into my room.
"What's going on here?"
"Kevin tried to attack me John! If you hadn't come up here who knows what he might have done!" Then my mom ran off, closing the door behind her.
"Don't you ever even threaten your mother!" my dad screamed. Before I could even say anything he punched me, first in the stomach, which knocked the wind out of me, but also in the face.
I fell on the floor, crying, trying to catch my breath. But another hit came. Again to the stomach, but it was his foot that connected. I screamed in pain. More and more hits to every part of my body it seemed, kicks to my sides and stomach. He was on a furious streak that wouldn't let up. I couldn't breath, couldn't think, at least not about anything other than the pain.
"There, now maybe you won't be so ungrateful towards us. And if you ever threaten your mother again Kevin it will be your last." he said. It seemed like he was pleased with himself seeing me lying on the floor, crying, bleeding.
"Fuck you, you miserable...son of a bitch!" I tried my best to scream. But immediately after I said it I regretted it. This was a night I would never forget. Seeing black for the last time.
I woke up in pain, misery even. I tried standing, or at least crawling out of my room. Blood was still dripping from my mouth. My sides and stomach felt like they had been hit with a truck. My legs were weak and sore. But nothing compared to what my head felt like. I thought it was going to explode. I had to try and get to Jared's house. I knew he'd take care of me.
So I did just that. I had managed to get out the house unheard; which was amazing considering I yelped in pain every once in a while. It was extremely difficult to walk the distance I had to, but I knew I had to. Jared's house was only about seven blocks, maybe less, away from my house. But what usually took me fifteen minutes took me thirty.
And there it was. His gigantic house. The one I went to when I had problems at home. The one that was always warm and inviting.
Out in the front was a small security office located a little ways down from the entrance gate. And when I mean small I mean small. There entire house was surrounded by ten foot iron bars. To get in you had to go through security, and if you weren't on the list of guests then you had to be cleared by Jared's parents. I guess that's the way it works anyways though. I just wouldn't know about it.
Unfortunately Gus, the security guard, wasn't in his small office. I figured I'd let myself in though and use the intercom to reach Jared. I made sure the intercom was switched to Jared's room then I pushed the button and began to talk.
"Jared..." I tried, but my throat was sore and dry. My voice was raggedy and hoarse. I wouldn't be surprised if he just shut the intercom off. "Jared..." I tried again, but to no avail he didn't answer.
"...Hello?" Jared answered groggily. I felt dreadful for having to wake him, but I didn't know where else to go or what else to do.
"Jared, baby, I need you." I choked out, holding back tears.
"Kevin?" I couldn't talk anymore. My throat was on fire. "Hold on I'll be right there!"
I tried dragging myself out of the office, but I fell to the ground. My legs became too heavy. Crawling was my only option. I tried crawling to the front gate, but I had to stop half way. At least the office wasn't that far from the opening, but it sure as hell seemed like it was a mile.
"Kevin!" Jared shouted. I saw he was trying to unlock the gate, but he must have kept entering the wrong code for the gate wasn't moving. "Shit!" I stood up one last time trying to move, but I failed; falling to my knees then on my face. Again I saw Jared. Only this time he was climbing over the gate.
"Jared..." I cried.
"Kevin it's okay," he said worriedly. He rolled me over onto my back and lifted my head. "Hold on babe I'll...I'll get some help." He ran into the security office and pushed a red button. The next thing I know an alarm goes off. White lights began flashing everywhere and that damn alarm kept beeping.
"Sorry to wake you up Jared,"
"No, no don't you dare be sorry, it's all right. Just don't leave me Kevin."
"I'm sorry Jared." I said before my eye lids shut.
Finally, chapter one is done. I am sorry for the delay, but I hope you all enjoy this first chapter. Expect the next chapters sooner. Please e-mail me and join my yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Shades_of_Wisteria/. Thank you!