Making Friends
Ok, so I wasn't exactly in a good position when Kyle's mom cried out. I was on the can with no TP and who was gonna get me some with her screaming? What I used goes with me to the grave, and I don't think she'll miss it anyway. Although I AM surprised it flushed.
I burst upstairs as Kyle's dad was letting the ambulance crew through he door. I saw Kyle sweating and wracked with uncontrolled shaking, and then I was shunted aside as the crew worked to stabilize him, and then got him out the door. Kyle's mom rode with him and his dad left right behind the ambulance. They forgot I was here! And what just happened? Everything had happened so fast, my legs felt weak, much like my father would describe the shaking in his legs after a close call on the road where he needed to pull over and just breathe for a moment.
My paralysis was broken by the thought that Sheila should be told. Ten o'clock or not she took my call with concern.
"Which hospital did they take him to?"
"I don't know, they just left here and I didn't see and..What's wrong with him?" I cried out.
"He never told you? Oh wow. Well, I guess he had his reasons, which are out the window now. Kyle has Epilepsy. He hasn't had a seizure in about two years, not since Toby Maia's birthday party."
"What happened to him there?"
"Well, that seizure was really bad and, well, he lost control of his body."
"Oh god, poor Kyle."
"That wasn't the worst of it. They made fun of him and kids threw shit at him. Nobody would even hang with him after that. It crushed him."
I remained silent as her words sunk into me. I could sympathize with the loneliness, even identify with it. I couldn't believe people could be so cruel as to try and crush another person who was just different from them.
"Um, so I'll call his folks in the morning and see where he is and pick you up about ten, ok?"
"Yeah, ok. I'm gonna lock up here and head for home."
"Ok. You going to be alright?"
"Yeah, thanks. You?"
"Yes, definitely. See you in the AM."
"Night."
I walked about the house turning off lights and straightening up since they had left in such a rush. I went up into Kyle's room and just stared at the bed picturing his struggling body in my mind, feeling the humiliation and terrible loneliness that he must feel when he wakes up. This was why he was nervous sometimes, and probably why he had accepted me so well. He had been on the outside himself. I left a note for his folks to please call me in the morning and tell me where he was and that the doors were locked so they could go straight to bed without worry. Then I let myself out and walked home.
I was up early and ready to leave by nine. At twenty after Kyle's dad called and began apologizing for leaving me behind, and then told me Kyle was in room 302 at Mercy hospital.
At precisely ten Sheila pulled up in her mothers sedan and we headed off to the hospital. I had dealt with a few emotions in the past few hours, not having slept well the night before, and I realized that while I loved Kyle and was attracted to him that had all changed and I really saw the person he was, and loved him all the more. However my prevailing emotion right now was a mixture of jealousy and fear. I was jealous of Sheila's freedom to drive, and at the same time was tremendously afraid of her freedom to drive. She was a lunatic! Charles Manson in a Buick.
She made meaningless small talk in the car and I was far too concerned for my life to do more than nod in the appropriate spots. I don't even think she noticed. We parked, or rather gracefully slid into a spot if you prefer, and proceeded to room 302.
Kyle looked worn but otherwise was in good spirits, and genuinely glad to see us. Sheila made all the boo hoo's the scene called for, and after declaring her undying care for him went to go get coffee from the basement cafeteria as she had skipped it this morning, she was so nervous.
As soon as she left Kyle began to fidget and I noticed the sweat on his brow. He looked at me fearfully and whispered... something. I asked him to repeat himself and he motioned me in closer.
"I have to share a secret with you." He said quietly.
"Ok, anything man."
He moistened his lips and rolled his eyes fearfully before bringing them to rest with mine.
"I see dead people."
"What?"
"I see, oh man you should see your face!"
I stood for a moment with my mouth open until the fact that he was joking washed over me.
"You Bastard! I was actually worried about you, you shit!"
He laughed so hard tears began to roll from his eyes and I couldn't help but join him. The laughter felt good and was just tapering off when Sheila walked in with her coffee. She stopped dead at the sight of us and suddenly I felt like a small child again trapped in school or church, anywhere that you weren't supposed to laugh. And then began to giggle. And so did Kyle, and within seconds we were laughing like loons again. All Sheila could do was watch and smile wondering what was so funny, but equally sure she'd have to get one of us alone to find out.
I stepped outside under the guise of going to the bathroom in order to give them some time alone and ran right into Kyle's dad.
"Oh, I'm sorry Mr. Pritchard."
"No harm, no foul. Is he awake?"
"Oh, yeah. Sheila's trying to give him lip exercises right about now. Wouldn't it be embarrassing to open the door right now?"
"No, that would be impolite. If we had a camera, that would be embarrassing. Care to sit with me a minute?"
"Sure."
"I appreciate the way you handled last night, many of his so called friends wouldn't have come here today and I want you to know I admire your character."
"Um, thanks." I mumbled, embarrassed, " Kyle's a great friend, so it really didn't require any thought."
"That's what I mean, your friend came before you considered what someone else might think. That is worth commending. Enough of that, you're cheeks have gone quite rosy."
I couldn't see, but if I had to guess I would have agreed with him.
"So, you have a girlfriend yet? Eyes on anyone? Handsome fellow like you must have a few on the hook, huh?"
"Um, well no one right now. Just looking for the right one." I mumbled.
"Well, I have learned something in life, and I think you could benefit from it. You can't make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in."
I goggled at him. This must be where Kyle gets his sense of humor. He laughed at my expression and led me into the room saying something about those two coming up for air.
I knew something was up as soon as I walked in; perhaps I was just getting to know them too well. Kyle just had that look like he had one of those terrible / wonderful ideas that was apt to get me in trouble some how.
"Just, I was supposed to play basketball today, intramural team but... well I can't make it, so that puts them a player short. Mind doing me a huge favor and filling in?"
Ok, it sounded harmless enough, I admit. But that feeling wouldn't go away.
"Oh, great idea, I can drop you off if you like." This from Kyle's dad.
"You'll need my uniform, it's at home in my closet. Bring it back clean, no stains ok?" Kyle said with an evil smirk.
"I need to stop home and leave my dad a note first." What was I saying? This was a trap of some sort, but I just wasn't sure how it would spring closed on me.
"I'll run you home and then drop you at Kyle's for the uniform if Mr. Pritchard can drop you from there?" Sheila interjected.
"Boy's gonna feel like a slut being handed off from one person to the next." He laughed, " That'll give me a few minutes with my boy so it sounds good."
"Dad! Do you have to talk like that? Jeez."
"Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot there was a lady in the room!"
"Lady I'm not," she said with a laugh, "Ready?"
I nodded dumbly and she pecked Kyle on the cheek before heading out the door with me in tow.
"Hey, man my buddy Cris is expecting you. Call me later."
"So, how are you feeling today? How are those aches?"
"I'm ok, Dad. Um, I need to ask you a question."
"Ok, shoot."
"Have you ever met anyone that was, well, gay?"
"Sure, I've met quite a few happy people."
"Dad," Kyle rolled his eyes, "that's not what I meant."
"Oh, that! Well sure, a few. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I just found out someone I know is and..."
"I was wondering how long he could hide it."
"What? You knew? Why didn't you tell me! He likes me, you know." "Does that make you uncomfortable?"
"No, not really. I really like to be with him so that's not a problem. It's just that I feel bad cause he cares for me in a certain way and he just seems to want someone to do the same for him, so I'd like to help him, but that kind of matchmaking is a little tough, you know?"
"Ah, now I see. You know, you're a good kid. I know people at your age can be very close-minded to other peoples because of their ideas, actions and whatnot. When you say that it makes me believe that your mother and I did something right somewhere with you.
As for your question, just watch his back for him. And keep your ear to the ground, just like any other friend. He really isn't different from you, just likes different things."
"I'll bet he just wishes he could have a normal life just like I do." Kyle said motioning at the IV in his arm.
"Son, there is no normal life. There is just life, and you deal with it as it comes."
"So how long have you known about him?"
"Oh, at least since last summer when I used to watch your basketball games at the park."
"Huh? But Justin just got here this summer and...who are YOU talking about, Dad?"
"Justin! I thought you were talking about Casey. Justin, huh? I hadn't guessed him."
"Casey? Are you sure? Justin is playing hoop with him this afternoon!"
"Oh? Well, funny how things work sometimes, huh?" Trey Pritchard said with a sly smile.
"Dad, how much are you not telling me?"
"Who says I'm not telling something? Oh, jeez I'd better get to the house so he can borrow your uniform. Don't leave any stains, huh? Kind of puts that statement in a whole new light doesn't it?" He said smiling as he walked to the door.
After another terrifying ride back to my house I decided to walk to Kyle's, that way I could think in peace. Fearing for your life tends to be a distraction to a logical train of thought. I knew Kyle was up to something, but what?
Mr. Pritchard was already home when I got there and I let myself in through the back door.
"Hey, better get into that uniform, you'll be late!" He called out.
"Ok, I'm going." I called back. I went into Kyle's room and crossed over to his closet. Hanging neatly was a medium blue jersey with gold script and a matching set of shorts. I changed quickly, thrilling for a moment at the feel of his clothes on me. But it was short lived as reality reared its ugly head and reminded me that he was taken. Oh, well I could still enjoy this, right? Kyle's dad called again and I headed out to the car with my sneakers untied.
"Coupla good kids on this team, I think you'll have a few more friends when you get done today."
"Oh? That would be cool. Give me something to do so I don't feel like a third wheel with those two lovebirds."
"Doesn't it make you sick sometimes? I know it does me. I ought to start necking with his mother in front of them and see what he thinks about that then. Maybe feel her up or something? What do you think?"
"I think...that would be a riot." I said smiling.
"Me too." He replied with a grin. "You know what Kyle is up to, don't you?"
"Um, not really. I mean I know he's up to something." Where was this going?
"Ah, well let me fill you in. Kyle doesn't do well against this team, and these are also his best buddies. So he is introducing you with out having to be sociable. Smart, huh?"
"Oh, yeah." Not what I expected. I think Kyle was up to something more than that, but I couldn't be sure. Whatever it was, it was harmless I'm sure. Really.
Kyle's dad said he would pick me up when the game was over, just to give him a call. I walked into the school gym and immediately picked out my team amongst the mix of jerseys.
I started across the court and was suddenly stopped by an imposing figure. I mumbled an apology and went to move around him only to have my path blocked again. I looked up in frustration and then in horror at my heckler. It was the guy who wanted to rearrange Kyle's face at the basketball courts on the day we met.
"Hey, dickface. Where's your boyfriend? I ought to just fuckin' kill you right here." He said taking a half step closer and bumping his chest into mine, glaring down at me.
"Hey, Carlisle, got a problem?" Came a question from behind the ox.
He turned to face another blue-outfitted player, slim with dirty blond hair cut in a bowl with a good tan going, and another player at his elbow who was..Breathtaking. Brown hair with light streaks that highlighted the hazel color of his eyes, well tanned to a light brown, flawless skin and toned muscle showing through his tank top and his exposed arms.
"Fuck is it to you?" Carlisle responded.
"Cause that there is my teammate and I really would hate to beat your ass now. It's more fun on the court."
"The fuck you will, I'll bitch slap all three of you right here."
"Yeah, yeah. You said you'd get your license first time up, too. How much damage did you cause that parked car anyway?" Blondie countered.
Carlisle turned quickly, going red, and stalked off towards the red team across the floor.
The hazel-eyed one called out, "Jimmy, does this mean we aren't friends anymore? I just don't think I could take that!"
Jimmy Carlisle raised his middle finger as he retreated across the court.
"Uh, thanks. I thought I was gonna get my ass beat there." I said.
"Nah, he's a pussy. Justin, right?" Blondie asked, extending his hand, "I'm Cris, Kyle told me you were coming. He also said you suck, but I figure you just can't be worse than he is."
I laughed as I took the offered hand, "I don't know I'm sort of streaky. Sometimes I suck a little, sometimes a lot!"
This drew smiles, and would you look at that one! Absolutely killer smile!
"This doofus is Casey Mitchell, and I'll introduce you to the other guys. We really appreciate you playing, we would have had to forfeit to those chumps."
Casey, what a name I thought as we shook hands. His skin was silky smooth and dry to the touch, and his voice was indefinable. It just caused ripples of pleasure across my eardrums and down in to my being. And all he said to me was.'hi'!
We walked to our bench and I was introduced to the crew- Blair at strong forward, and Grant at small forward, I would play shooting guard, Cris was center, and Casey was point guard. They were all good people, I sensed that and felt safe, relaxed even. They joked and fooled around and included me like I had always been there with them. Blair was a muscular fellow with the first few wisps of facial hair showing, wide bodied but balanced. Grant was smaller, light blond hair and slate gray eyes that seemed to sparkle with laughter. Casey seemed to be keeping his distance, so I screwed up my courage and went over to him.
"So anything I should know about these guys? Since we're sharing the backcourt and all?"
At first he looked surprised that I had spoken to him, and then his face blossomed into that smile again. Kyle who?
"Well, their backcourt is actually their weak link," he explained, "They have three guards and they are all mediocre in ball handling, but the one with the red hair is deadly from the outside- if you get him don't let him breathe."
"Ok, can the other two shoot?"
"Only when they beat off." He smirked.
The game went well for us for the first three quarters, but the end was where the trouble started. We had six minutes to go and I suddenly found myself with the ball and an open lane. I broke for the hoop, noticing Carlisle moving in to stop me. I pulled up and shot and as the ball passed into the net I felt a crushing blow to my solar plexus as Carlisle rammed into me.
I fell to the floor unable to breathe, not feeling anything but the overwhelming need to draw oxygen in to my lungs. The edge of my vision clouded and I was dimly aware of a scuffling noise nearby.
Gradually I became aware of my surroundings again and moved to sit up. A restraining hand was placed on my chest gently pushing me back down. I looked up in frustration to see Casey leaning over me in concern.
"It's cool, man. Sit tight, they want you to take your time."
"I'm ok, just got the wind knocked out of me, that's all." I said to the circle of onlookers. "What is going on, anyway?"
"Oh, just keeping those two from killing each other, I figured someone ought to watch and be sure you were ok."
"Thanks. What do you mean? Who is trying to kill who?"
"You missed it? Oh, man," he said, smile blooming again, "Cris nailed that son of a whore so bad, I think he would've broke his jaw with the first hit, if it were a solid shot. The second was straight to the bridge of the nose, ole Jimmy is gonna look like Ricky the Racoon for a while!"
"Why'd Cris do that?" I croaked.
"Why? Cause nobody messes with our friends, that's why. Kyle is kind of the ringleader here, his friends are ours, man." He smiled broadly.
"How come I didn't see any of you before today if you guys hang so much?" I asked quietly.
He laughed melodically, "What, you don't see us the six weeks you're here and you think Kyle's all yours? Fat chance!" He laughed again, " Vacation, mostly. My folks have a cabin in Tahoe and Cris went with me. Blair went to Georgia to see his sister for the summer, and Grant? Well, who knows? Out of all of us he is the least social, but still a great guy."
I leaned Back and looked up into his hazel eyes and decided that today had been a good day. Was this what Kyle had been up to? I thought so.
"What're you smiling about?" Casey asked.
"Nothing, man, nothing."
I pushed open the door to 302 at seven thirty and found Kyle alone watching the TV. A Seinfeld rerun was on and he was absorbed until he spotted me.
"Hey, how was the game."
"We won."
"Anything else happen?"
"Not really."
"What about the fight?"
I smiled, "How'd you know? And if you knew, why are you asking? Checking up on me?"
"Nooo," He smiled, "Casey stopped earlier and filled me in. He liked you, asked for your number. Hope that was ok."
My heart skipped a beat. "Casey wanted my number?"
"Yeah, I hope it was cool to give it to him?"
"Um, yeah. I guess so, he was cool."
"I get out tomorrow and mom is throwing a welcome home bash. You be there at six?"
"Me? Yeah, sure."
"You ok?"
"Huh?"
Comprehension crossed his face. " You like Casey!"
"What? I don't even know him, come off it."
"You come off it, I can see it all over your puss. Haha, that is so cool." He gave me a mock loving look, "My baby's in love."
"Piss off," I said blushing heavily, "You knew that goon Carlisle would be there. That wasn't too cool."
"I never thought He'd try something there, honest." He said, tone changing completely. Well, at least it wiped that smirk off his face.
I headed for the door.
"Hey, so you'll come tomorrow?" His voice was laced with worry now.
"Of course I will."
"Cool, You can meet my uncle Jake- he's awesome. Oh, and Casey is coming too."
I realized I was blushing again, and Kyle was smiling. My eyes opened in understanding.
"You set me up today!"
"Who, me? No. Would I do a thing like that?"
"Yes."
"Well, ok. I'll admit to hoping you met someone. I just wanted you to have a chance to be happy." He said quietly.
I walked to him and hugged him fiercely, and then gave him a peck on the forehead.
"Thanks, Kyle. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Sure man. Just? We cool?"
"Oh yeah," I smiled, "we cool."