Chapter 8: Homecumming
Today was the day I dreaded, because it was the day I had to tell Alkibiades and the rest of house Achilles, that I would not be moving in. Everything had happened so fast. The allure of this place got to me and I had taken my friends at my own house for granted. It was clear that Dick and Steven were both against me leaving, while Javi was supportive of my choice. But Dick and Steven were correct, why was I leaving? The answer was that I quickly fell in love with everyone at house Achilles. But that came at a cost and a cost I wasn't going to make. I had to undo what I did at home and end my current relationship with House Achilles. I just hoped that we could remain friends in the end.
When I entered House Achilles, I saw Patrick sitting down on the couch. He was reading a book while drinking some lemonade. He greeted me and told me that Khauther was down in the basement working out. I decided to head down there to talk to him, to see if I could speak to Alkibiades.
In the basement, I saw Khauther on the treadmill. He noticed me immediately. I walked closer to him where he removed his head phones. He wore a pair of shorts that ended at the top of his thigh. And he was drenched in sweat.
"Hey there, Jason. Here for a work out?" he said in between breaths.
I shook my head and sat down on the bench, "No, I must speak to Alkibiades."
He noticed the worry in my voice and immediately knew something was wrong. The treadmill slowed down as he turned it off. When the track stopped moving he stepped off and sat down next to me. The towel that was hung around his shoulder was now being used to wipe the sweat of his face. "What's wrong buddy?"
"I have to tell him something."
"Whatever it is, we can get through it together."
I sighed, "I fucked up. I rushed into a mistake and hurt people because of it."
"Woah!" he said, moving closer to me, "Okay, you need to tell me what happened."
I told him what happened and the entire time he remained quiet. He wanted me to tell the whole thing. Then when I was done he took a sip of water and said, "I wish you would have said something before."
"I know, I know."
"But, don't worry about it. We just tell Alkibiades and everything will be peachy."
"Yeah, but you guys threw a party for me and you. Like I feel like I let down the house."
He nudged me in the shoulder, "Don't beat yourself up, you may not be a main member, we'll still consider you family."
I felt relieved when he said that. I had stress the entire morning thinking that I would be hated for my betrayal of them. But Khauther was so positive and it bothered me that I would spend very little time with him. It was more than the good sex, he was such a positive role model.
Khauther sent a text to Alkibiades for him to come to the house. Then the two of us stood up and went up the stairs to the kitchen. There, Khauther got something to eat while we waited for Alkibiades.
"So, what are you guys going to do about your spot?" I said, sitting on the stool.
"Don't know, from what I know, this is unprecedented. But Alkibiades is always on top of things, I'm sure he'll figure something out."
"Wish he would be on top of me," I said with a grin on my face.
Khauther let out a laugh, "Nice one."
The backdoor swung open and entered Alkibiades wearing something normal clothing. Normally, I saw him in a robe. But today, he wore black dress pants with a button up shirt that was open on the top. It was the first time I realized how thin he really was.
"Morning, Jason and Khauther," he said in his angelic voice.
"Morning, Alkibiades," Khauther and I said in unison.
"So what happened?" he said standing next to me. His hand rested on my shoulder as he shot me a warm smile.
"Well, to get to the point. I have to decline your invitation to House Achilles."
Alkibiades remained quiet for a few seconds. And I couldn't read his face. Wasn't sure if he was upset or anything. He looked at Khauther then back at me, then finally spoke, "I see. May I ask why?"
I explained to him what happened and just like Khauther he just listened. When I was done he said, "Well, it's a shame that you will not be joining us. But like Khauther told you, you're still family. I just wish you would have said something sooner."
"I'm sorry. It's just I got overwhelmed by everything here."