Chapter 5: "That night I saw through all the magic"
(from Death of a Hero by Alec Benjamin)
Caleb sat at one of the benches just by the front entrance and watched everyone pass him by. He waited, digging his shoes into the cobblestone walkway while looking out for Liam's Charger. He'd been greeted this morning by a text from him, feeling like he could melt into the sheets of his Queen sized bed and never solidify again. There was a quirkiness in all of Liam's actions- like he'd been doubting if what he was doing was okay. It was endearing, really, to watch this seemingly confident boy try to navigate something so foreign to him. Caleb savored every sappy act because it too was foreign to him.
He put away his books, not fooling himself by thinking he'd actually try and catch up to the readings. Truth was, he'd been distracted the entire time Liam was there. And even after he left, The Canterbury Tales was the last thing on his mind. As he sat at the newly furnished dining room table, eating a meal that didn't come out of the microwave, he wondered if this is what being normal felt like. He went to bed that night, greeted by the posters and loose furniture they'd managed to put in place and he slept- no tossing or turning required.
Caleb saw Liam walking up through the parking lot, dressed in an olive shirt that rivaled his eyes. There was this way about Liam, how he weaved through the crowds like every step was made to avoid eggshells. It was like he'd perfected the art of being invisible. That was, until he caught sight of the boy he'd thought about all night, so much so that he had to text him this morning just to get some semblance of attention. Once their eyes locked, Liam beamed, adding a new spring in his step as he parted the sea of kids surrounding him and crossed over to the tanned boy.
"Hey" Caleb said, biting on his lip to prevent the blood from rushing to his face and turning a shade of bright red.
Liam slid into the bench beside him, sheepishly wishing him a "Good Morning" as he took in the scent of vanilla he loved so much.
"How did everything go with your mom?" He asked, feeling like the few inches between them were a few inches too far.
Caleb shrugged, "It went okay. She got in early this morning and cooked up an entire storm before I even woke up." He said as he reached into his bag and fished out a sandwich bag stuffed with pancakes still hot to the touch and perfectly crisp bacon that even gave Sal a run for his money. Liam reached for the food and took a bite, rolling his eyes back and he tasted the cinnamon and maple syrup that was somehow infused into the batter.
"Once I joined her in the kitchen, she spent the first ten minutes apologizing for missing my birthday, followed by another ten minute spiel about her newest charity. Caleb let out a laugh. "After that, she finally came around to notice that the house was unpacked to which she thoroughly expressed her gratitude. She made that especially for you, by the way." He said, pointing at the half eaten breakfast that Liam had yet to devour.
"Well tell her thanks from me" Liam said as he scarfed down the rest of the food and tossed the trash into the nearby bin.
Caleb nodded as he sat back into the green bench, asking, "How was the rest of your night?"
"Good." Liam said just before meeting those warm brown eyes. He corrected, "Really good actually. I sat my mom down and came out to her." He said, inhaling the fresh morning air that filled his lungs.
"Holy shit. How'd she take it?"
"Better than I thought. She was accepting and warm and I honestly feel like I don't have anything left to hide behind anymore." Liam draped his arm over Caleb's shoulder, finally being able to touch the boy who'd took up space in his mind the entire night. "I feel free."
Caleb felt the boy's heat on his body, burning hotter than the morning sun. Those few glimpses of a relaxed Liam seemed to have won the war because he'd been seeing more of that person lately. But mostly he saw the part of Liam was slowly growing comfortable in his own skin, as if it took eighteen years for his mind to adjust to the body it was given; every stretch of skin and every desire he held.
"I'm proud of you, you know."
Liam nodded as his fingertips tapped on the boy's shoulder like piano keys. With his free hand, he grasped Caleb's chin and lightly pulled until their faces met. He inched closer so that all Caleb could smell was the spearmint that oozed off his breath that nearly masked the bitter black coffee he knew he drank like water. "Is this is okay?" He asked, softly petting that stretch of freshly shaven skin.
"More than okay." Caleb responded just before he felt their lips press. Liam's kiss was slow and gentle- no movements or tongues, just the sanctity of the moment. He was sure people could see, but all of those faces were meaningless to him. He had Caleb- the boy who looked at him like he wasn't some trash from the wrong side of the tracks. And that was enough for him.
Liam pulled away before the bell took them out of that bubble. They were exposed now, grinning like idiots with a secret that anyone nearby would know. Liam fixed himself, feeling flushed just from a simple kiss as he got on his feet.
"We still on for lunch?"
"Definitely" Caleb replied with a wide smile. He let go of his grip on the boy's wrists, letting him walk off into the main building. He pulled his head back for a second, enjoying the sun until he felt a shadow cast over his face.
"Looks like things worked out for you and Lonely Boy" said a familiar voice with an inflection and a raised eyebrow.
Caleb snickered as he stood up, "Was it that obvious?"
Alicia shook her head, sending the strands of her hair flying through the breeze. "Not to all these oblivious fucks". She got on her tip toes and rested an elbow on Caleb's shoulder, "But people watching happens to be one of my pastimes."
"It was kinda unexpected, but in a good way" he explained as they walked towards the front steps.
"Good- cause the last time we talked about him, I could barely say anything without you freaking out." Caleb turned to protest just as Alicia pursed her lips and gave him a knowing look. This girl couldn't be fooled.
"A lot happened this weekend." He said, not wanting to give away too many details. Those he wanted to keep to himself- knowing full well that he'd think about them the entire day if he could.
