“I don’t know what to say.” Liam toyed with the edge of the hand towel that was on the table. His father had always been a man of few words and here he’d spoken a novel.
“Nothing to say. We thought putting down stakes here would keep you safe from the evils that can be found in the city. We now realize we’ve kept you from what the world is really about.”
“It’s not been all bad, Dad. I’ve had good friends and can be outside after dark. Cody’s told me that in some places in Chicago, you don’t dare be outside after the sun goes down. I’ve felt safe here. And loved.”
Steven gave Liam a small smile. “I’m happy you can still see the positive in life.”
“I know it’s not going to be all roses and there’s a lot going against me. But I thank you both for trying to understand me and my feelings.”
Sarah grasped Liam’s hand, then Stephen’s. “We’re a family, through many trials and tribulations. Now, let’s pray and eat because I’m starved, and it’s getting cold!”
Both Stephen and Liam laughed. The mood had certainly changed in the Hartley household and the remainder of the breakfast conversation turned to the hanging of Christmas decorations. There were still things to be hashed out, previously taboo subjects to be discussed, but for now, they were going to decorate every square inch of the house.
LIAM PLOPPED down on his bed, exhausted from going up and down the ladder to string lights and then lugging the eight-foot Christmas tree and all the decorations out of the attic. He knew his mom liked to go all out for the holidays and to tell the truth, he loved how the house looked after their hard work. If only they could invent a self-stringing light strand.
He was just about to drift off when his laptop pinged. He rolled off his bed and grabbed his laptop, resettling on his bed before he opened his program. Cody’s face came into view. “Hi.”
“Hi back. How’re you doing today?”
“I had a very enlightening conversation with my dad at breakfast. Then we all three spent the day decorating. It’s like the North Pole exploded in here.”
“Mom did some of her decorating last week. I like turning off the main lights and staring at the Christmas tree’s colored lights.”
“I hear ya. Really like this time of year.”
“So, your parents?”
“Surprisingly cool. I was shocked, really. My dad explained a lot to me about his beliefs. We’re checking out the Methodist church tomorrow. I know Matt goes to that church. I just don’t know how he’s going to react. If he follows the Methodist doctrine, people like me—um, us, are welcomed. Just no gay marriages, for now.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“I’d like to learn more about the Methodists. Not sure I want to convert, not sure about the whole Christian thing. I’ve been really thinking about Wicca, trying to do the positive energy thing.”
“Mom would love to talk to you more about it, if you want.”
“Maybe I will.”
There was a long pause before Cody spoke up. “You wanna go out? We don’t have to sneak around as much now.”
“Where would we go? The diner’s probably out. I mean, I doubt anyone will do us harm in that public of a place, but we’d be stared at and get lousy service.”
“The mall just opened up. We could go see a movie. No one’s going to stare at us in the dark.”
Liam nodded. “That’d be nice.”
“How’re you feeling?”
Liam shrugged. “Tired. Emotionally drained.”
“The lip?”
“Healing. Don’t really think about it unless I try to eat or drink.” Liam cocked his head. “Has Hannah talked to you? Or is she going along with the majority …?”
“You worried about her?”
“Kinda. I mean yeah, we well, used her. It wasn’t fair to her.”
“I shouldn’t have led her on like that. I should have nipped it in the bud.”
“No, we agreed to play it straight. I just couldn’t keep up my end of the deal.”
“Water under the bridge. She did say hi to me a couple of days ago. Not much more than that, but her eyes kinda told me she forgave me. She probably has to go along with the majority to keep her head cheerleader position.” Cody sat up in his chair. “So, you want to hit the mall?”
Liam sighed. “I’ll ask about going out tomorrow. They were cool with the movie, but I’m not sure how they’ll act if I ask to go out on what’s essentially a date. Although, not sure what they’ll say or what curfew they’ll give me, knowing I’m going out with you and how we feel about each other.”
“Yeah, that eleven thirty curfew is probably gone. They’ll want you home before dark so I don’t have time to ravish you.”
Liam shook his head. “You’re evil, you know that? Besides, what makes you think I won’t ravish you?”
“We’ll ravish each other.”
“I wish I could touch you now.”
“You naked?”
“No, hang on.” Liam kicked off his boxers. “Okay.”
Cody was now on his bed, the laptop propped up with pillows. “Touch yourself and imagine it’s my hand.”
Their session that night was slow and leisurely; not even the first round was frenzied. While Liam would have preferred Cody to be right next to him, he enjoyed the sexy talk and words of love. And when they were done, he didn’t feel the need for his knife for the first time in weeks.
LIAM WAS pleasantly surprised when his parents said he could go out to the movies with Cody. They agreed to keep the eleven thirty curfew even though it was a school night. They also didn’t outright mention to keep the movie PG-13 or under, but Liam was in no mood to see something rated R right now. Mindless fun was what he needed, not something raunchy, violent, or gory. He and Cody left for their date that Sunday evening, Cody even picking Liam up at his house like a proper date.
The movie let out at ten thirty, which gave them an hour before Liam had to be home. Cody unlocked the car door. “So, you wanna head out to the Wilson’s?”
Liam’s sexy grin said it all. Luckily, the mall was on the same side of town as their private make-out place.
As they pulled out of the parking lot, Cody turned the radio down. “How’d the new church go?”
“I liked it. There was no gay bashing or fire and brimstone, nothing but openness and God’s love. From reading their webpage, they still have a long way to go, but I didn’t feel like the walls were closing in on me.”
“You said Matt goes there. Did you talk?”
“We didn’t get a chance to say much more than ‘good morning,’ but he did shake my hand and welcomed me to the church.”
“So maybe school will get better.”
Liam snorted. “Jacob goes to that church too. He was definitely not so welcoming. Neither was Coach Walker.”
“Coach?”
“Yeah, he gave me the stink-eye. Might be because of the fight and not because of the gay thing, or it could be both. Just be glad you don’t go to church.”
“I’m sorry. You going back next week?”
“I’ll keep going. I love this time of year at church. It’s all decked out, and we sing my favorite songs.” Liam turned to face Cody. “Would you want to go with me to the midnight service on Christmas Eve?”
“You sure you want me there? Aren’t you afraid I’ll burst into flames once I walk in?”
“I’m sure I want to celebrate Christmas with my boyfriend. And if anyone was going to burst into flames, that’d be me. Picking fights, being possessive, hell, being gay.”
“Yeah, about that possessive streak. I was so fucking turned on when you said ‘you’re mine’ at the banquet. Damn, the sound of those words coming from those lips.” Cody gave Liam’s hand a squeeze. “Plus you came to my rescue. My hero.”
Liam rolled his eyes. “You liked that? I thought I ended up sounding and acting like a crazed caveman.”
“Then I’ll take crazed caveman over anything else.”
<
br /> “I thought you wanted to tie me up.”
“I reconsidered.” Cody pulled off the main road and parked behind the barn. He cut the engine and twisted to face Liam. “I’d love to go to your Christmas service.”
“Awesome!” Liam launched himself at Cody.
Afterward Liam lay partially on Cody’s chest. “I’ve been thinking about spring break. I think I’m gonna ask about going to visit the colleges in Chicago. That is, if you still want to.”
“I do.”
“Well, now that my parents know and somewhat approve, I might be able to come visit on weekends and maybe for a couple of weeks this summer. We’ll make it work.”
Cody nodded, then shifted to pull up his jeans. “We’d better get going. Don’t want to be late. Things are going good.”
Liam nodded and sat up, adjusting his own jeans. “True.”
They headed back to town. Cody pulled into Liam’s driveway. He leaned over and gave Liam a good-night kiss. “I’m glad we don’t have to hide anymore.”
“Same here, but I don’t want to flaunt anything.” Liam gave him one more kiss, then popped out of the car. “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Liam shut the car door and jogged inside.
“THAT YOU, Liam?” His mother called out from the living room.
“Yeah, it’s me.” He hung his coat up by the door. He made his way to his mother, who sat on the couch watching the late news with his father. “You guys are up late.”
“Got caught up in a movie, then decided to watch the news. How was your date?” Liam’s mom twisted around to look at Liam.
Liam’s shoes suddenly got very fascinating. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for his parents to actually say the word “dating.”
“We had a good time. Thank you for letting me go.”
“You are welcome. Cody is a nice young man. But I—” Sarah looked over at Steven, who nodded to her. “Please sit down.”
Liam paused, then sat down in the overstuffed chair next to them.
“Look, I know your father had the sex talk with you—”
Liam wanted the floor to open up and swallow him.
“—and we wanted to make sure you’re being safe. We know we don’t have to worry about pregnancy, but there are other things to consider. STDs for one—”
“Cody’s clean.” Once the words were out of his mouth, his mind hesitated. They never had “the talk.” Cody had been with a girl before. But Cody wouldn’t put him in any danger, would he?
Liam’s father spoke up. “I’m sure he is. We just want to make sure you’re aware of any potential risks.”
Liam couldn’t look him in the eye. “I’m aware.”
Sarah put her hand over Liam’s. “I’d hope you’d still follow the doctrine of no sex before marriage. But I know that can be a little unrealistic.”
“Mom, we haven’t had sex.”
“Well, that’s good to know. But if things change—”
“I know what to do. I swear, I plan on being just as careful as I would if I was dating a girl.”
“All right, then. I think that alleviates our fears. Shall we go to bed, dear?” Liam’s father stood up and offered his hand to Sarah.
“Have a good night.” Sarah kissed Liam’s cheek.
“Night, Mom, Dad.” Once they were up the stairs, he sank back into his chair. He knew they cared about him, they wanted him to be safe and healthy, but he in no way wanted to explain anything about his sexual acts with Cody.
Chapter Fourteen
THE LAST two weeks of school seemed to fly by with the added plus of no more fights. Everyone seemed to ignore Liam and Cody, giving them a wide berth. Liam knew he could deal with it while Cody was there, but what was going to happen after Cody left and it was just him, Liam, the town’s token outed gay?
The semester ended with Liam receiving three As and three Bs, keeping his GPA in a very nice spot. If he buckled down during the spring semester and brought at least two of those Bs to an A, he’d be sitting pretty with his GPA and a possible scholarship. He was determined not to jeopardize his chances for a good college up north, closer to Cody.
Christmas Eve had arrived. Cody and Liam pulled up to the church’s parking lot. They had followed Liam’s parents there and all four met up at the sidewalk. Steven took Sarah’s hand. Liam looked at Cody, who shrugged, and grasped Liam’s hand. Liam noticed a couple of dirty looks their way, but no one said anything. They sat down in a pew and no one made a move to get away from them. Liam hoped it was a sign that his town was becoming a little bit enlightened.
The service was absolutely beautiful. The overhead lights were off, the only light coming from the Christmas decorations and lit candles. The pastor read the nativity story, then preached that Jesus loved everyone, from the prostitute to the leper. Liam felt included for the first time in his life. He felt more complete, more at peace, and when Cody took his hand and gave it a squeeze, it made all the difference. He could do this. He could live in this town for another year and a half and then go off to college.
IT WAS Christmas Day, and Liam was dreading it. Cody would be gone in a little more than a week, and the time was going by way too fast. They had just finished a huge Christmas brunch, then opened presents. Liam got new jeans and hiking boots from his dad and two books from his wish list and a gift card to the comic book store from his mom. He had no idea what Cody had gotten him; he was going over to Cody’s place later. His gift to Cody sat underneath the tree.
Liam was putting the last Christmas dish away when his mother came into the kitchen.
“You heading over to Cody’s?”
“If you’ll take me. Otherwise, I can ask Cody to come get me.”
Sarah picked up her keys from the table. “Here. Drive yourself. You haven’t had much practice and this being Christmas, there’s not much traffic.”
“You want me to drive your car?” Liam couldn’t quite comprehend what his mother was saying.
“Well, I’d offer your father’s car, but it’s blocked in by mine.”
“I can drive, by myself, over to Cody’s?”
“You do have a license, do you not? You passed your driving test, and you’ve been driving around with your father. I think you’re responsible enough to drive the few blocks over to Cody’s. No speeding and wear your seat belt.”
Liam took the keys from his mother. “Of course.”
Sarah kissed him on the cheek. “Have a good time. Don’t overstay your welcome.”
“I won’t. Thanks, Mom!” Liam hung the kitchen towel over the chair and grabbed his jacket. He got halfway to the car when he ran back inside to grab Cody’s gift. He was so surprised with the first solo driving gig, he almost forgot.
The Williams’s house was a madhouse of activity when Liam arrived. Kelly was darting from one present to another, playing with her new doll, then off to draw on her new art easel, then over to her new sing-a-long CD and back to her doll, never stopping for longer than a few minutes. Marissa was in the kitchen rolling out dough for a pie and Cody’s dad, Jason, was in his den watching a basketball game. Cody was in front of the TV, playing a new video game he’d gotten. Liam came up behind him and gave him a hug and a kiss.
“Got some good loot?”
“You bet. Two new video games, a DVD, new sweater and a gift card to the comic book store.”
“I got a gift card too. We’ll have to go scope out some new comics.”
Liam pulled Cody’s gift from behind his back and handed it to him. “Merry Christmas.”
Cody paused the game and took the box. He reached over to the lone gift remaining underneath his Christmas tree and handed it to Liam. “For you. I hope it’s not too corny.”
Liam sat down next to Cody and opened the small box. It held a heart, broken in two, each half on a necklace. He pulled them out of the box. “I don’t understand.”
Cody took one necklace from Liam and put it around Liam’s neck. “It’s a sweetheart
necklace. You have one half, I have the other. When we’re together, the heart is back in one piece.”
Liam took the remaining necklace and put it around Cody’s neck. “It’s perfect. I love it. Now, open mine.”
Cody ripped the paper off the large box to uncover a small, leather artist’s portfolio. He ran his fingers over the embossed initials. “This is too much.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t drain my bank account. I got a little extra money doing leaf removal this fall. It’s… it’s something you can use, right?”
“Of course! I’ve got some pictures to put in it right now. Page one will be the picture of us.”
Kelly came over and handed Liam a book. “Santa brought it. Read to me?”
Liam smiled at Cody, then Kelly, and started to read. It seemed life was finally falling into place.
“HAPPY NEW Year.” Cody kissed Liam as the clock counted down to zero.
“I don’t feel so happy.”
“Don’t. We’ve got plans. This isn’t good-bye.”
“I just don’t know what I’m going to do without you. Without seeing you almost every day.” Liam laid his head down on Cody’s chest. He’d been given permission to stay over at Cody’s so he could count down the New Year with Cody. They’d been parked at their special spot most of the evening, alternating between talk and pleasure.
“I’m going to miss you. Hell, I’m even going to miss this town. Well, this spot and the campsite.”
“What time do you have to leave tomorrow?”
“Around three.”
“Think you have room in your luggage for me?”
Cody squeezed him. “I’d put you in my duffel in a heartbeat if I thought I could get away with it. Besides, what about your parents?”
“I’d miss them, sure, but this—” He took in a deep breath. “This is what I need more than anything.”
“You never know what may come at school. I was a transfer kid, so….”
“What the hell?” Liam propped up to glare at Cody. “You want to see other people?”
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