“Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up?”
“Nuh, I’m
good. After all, you don’t have a car, so you will probably either pick me up
in a cab or on the bus. I can do both alone just fine.” The boy on the
other line chuckled and even Teo let out a soft giggle.
“Fine then.
I’ll probably stay longer at work today so don’t wait for me, eat when you
come. I think there is some casserole left in the fridge, heat it up and-”
“Woah,
thanks mom,” he said sarcastically.
“Why do I
even bother?”
“Cause
deep down you are a big softy?”
“Bye Nick-”
“All
right, all right. I was just kidding, sheesh. What’s wrong with you lately?”
“I’m just
not in the mood for this kind of joke, ok? Listen, I got to go. If anything
occurs, call me, or text me.”
“Aye,
aye, sir!”
With hasty
moves, Teo pressed the red indicator, ending the call at once. It had already
been three weeks since the unfortunate event of the food poisoning and it was
remarkable how close these two managed to get. It was less awkward living
together, they’d eat dinner every night, joke about almost everything, and even
learn a few things more about each other. For example, Teo learned that Nick
has two siblings; indeed, there is a sister whose name is Colette and a
stepbrother that he had only seen once years ago. He wasn’t very fond of
talking about his family, yet those couple of things were enough to show Nick
trusted his roommate. On the other hand, Teo didn’t really get into details
about his parents and brother. He did let him know of course of stuff that was
vital for their little play and gave him a few tips.
As for his
parents, their stay got extended. Emilia was tired of the constant traveling,
while her husband was sick of her nagging. It was a win-win situation, but
certainly not for the two boys. Apparently, the couple wanted to fix their
relationship with their younger son, establishing a weekly dinner or outing. It
was a nightmare which inevitably turned into an unpleasant routine. The other
night was the perfect example of that. Nick was a little late due to his
classes and Teo had to sneak him inside as Emilia and Bryan had already
arrived. Pretending he was getting the trash out; he rushed the poor boy in and
locked him in the bathroom where he could change into Colette. But, in order not
to draw any suspicion on them, Teo had to go inside as well. It was a terribly
awkward moment with a naked Nick struggling to put on his stockings and dress
and Teo trying too hard not to look – out of pure curiosity of course. The
bathroom was not that big of a room so there was a little bit of touchy touch
which they didn’t talk about it at all later. Once his friend was ready, once
again Teo rushed to the couple, distracted them with a made-up story about his
work, and successfully Nick exited and entered the apartment as Colette,
without anyone suspecting anything. Once they were gone, both boys felt a huge
weight lifting off their shoulders and chests. Sleep was the easiest thing that
happened that night and thankfully it was a peaceful one.
Despite all
of this, despite the good time they were having and the laughs, Teo could sense
that something was changing. If someone had told him several months ago that
he’d become friends with the annoying boy next door and even turn into roommates
and partners in crime, he’d laugh his ass off and then head to work or play his
favorite video game. Now, it was totally different. Now, even the thought of
coming back home and spending some silly time with that kid would bring on his
softest and most honest smile. Even now, while he’s thinking of everything, a
warm sensation had embraced him. It definitely was funny how life surprised him
that way. Yes, the divorce was not a pleasant event, and neither was his
parents’ visit but how much worse could all have ended up?
“OK, time to
get to work” he whispered to himself and grabbed his jacket. Winter had arrived
for reals, the temperature had dropped radically, and even the other day snowed
a little. So, on his way to the office, he was going to grab a hot cup of
coffee, perhaps the grand size, and a piece of chocolate cake to go with it.
Even the thought of it made Teo drool. Without further ado he walked to the
front door and opened it while anticipation was levels high.
“Um, hello?”
Teo stepped back as in front of him was standing a man who was about to hit
that doorbell.
“’ Morning,
mate.” The guy greeted Teo with a nod of his head.
“Excuse me,
but who are you?” Teo’s blunt question brought laughter to the stranger who
seemed a little familiar. He was tall, with a well-built and tanned body,
wearing a white jumper, a leather jacket, and industrial pants along with black
army boots. His hush brown locks were falling to the sides of his face and his
dark eyes had a menacing glimpse upon the.
Teo could
swear he had seen him before.
“I’m just
looking for someone. A neighbor of yours,” he began explaining with his heavy
accent and voice, “you know, the boy that lives in that apartment.”
“Nick” the
man realized with a sigh.
“Nick, yeah.
You see he hasn’t returned any of my calls lately, and I’m worried.”
“Well, I’ve
been busy with work, so I haven’t really paid much attention. Now if you’ll
excuse me, I really need to get to work” Teo shrugged and walked past him, or
at least that’s what he wanted to do.
He felt a
hand on his chest, pushing him slightly to the back. Teo’s mind froze, and his
heart started beating hard. What was this guy’s problem?
“What
exactly do you think you are doing?” he pushed his hand away and looked
straight into his eyes – a quite bold move.
“As I said,
I am worried, and I was hoping that you could help me out. Last time I saw you,
you seemed like a decent guy.”
“Sorry, mate. But I rarely talk to the kid” lie number one.
“And even if I had seen him, trust me I’d be the last one to know where he’s
going and for how long” lie number two. “So, if you could excuse me, I got to
go to work.”
“Then you
wouldn’t mind me going in and searching a bit. It’s not that I don’t trust you,
but Nick happens to be quite the bloke, y’know? The bloody boy always loves to
give me some hard time.”
Before he
could even protest, Dave had already entered the apartment. Teo didn’t know
what to do; drag him out? What if he was armed? Nick was scared of him, and he
was his boyfriend. Perhaps he should call the police, but what would the
outcome be? Dave bringing his pals, ambushing him in a dark alley, and
finally, getting his revenge? His head was throbbing painfully. Or he could go
with it. After all, he’d realize that Nick wasn’t hiding anywhere and then he’d
leave, peacefully.
“Babe? I
know you are here. You don’t have to hide from me anymore!” Teo was standing
next to the door, acting all cool and tough while the stress was causing him
serious chest pains. “I’m not mad, babe. I’m just worried” the big guy was
searching for every room and every corner hoping to find his lost boyfriend.
Yet no luck. After five minutes of thorough search and loud yelling, he came
back to Theodore.
“I told you.
He is not here.”
“I had to
search; you understand. Can’t let a bitch do anything he wants” he chuckled and
patted Teo’s shoulder harshly.
“Right...”
his blood was already boiling.
“But if you
happen to see him, tell him that I’m looking for him. Remind him that I hate
waiting,” he growled at the last words and walked away waving one hand.
“Yeah, I
won’t forget to do that” Teo whispered and sighed in relief. David was bad
news and Nick had warned him in the past about him.
Maybe this time, it was Teo's turn to let know his friend that his crazed boyfriend was after him...
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