True Blue

by Connie Bailey

  “Okay,” Heydn said slowly. “Is it very far out of the way?”

  “No. You could walk from her house to a bus stop, but they only run once every hour at this time of night. I figured since you’re doing a favor, you could take a cab instead of waiting around.”

  “Thanks. Who’s got the keys?”

  Allerton reached into his trousers pocket and handed Heydn a set of keys. “It’s the green Jag,” he said. “You can drive a stick, right?”

  “No problem. See you at school.”

  “Take your time. Wind the Jag out a little. Just make sure it’s there by six.” Allerton gave Heydn directions, and Heydn said goodnight. Heydn had been driving for about twenty minutes and thoroughly enjoying the experience when he saw the lights of a police car in the rearview mirror. Dutifully, he pulled onto the shoulder and waited for the officer to come to the window. He took out his wallet and felt a twinge of nerves when he saw that his license wasn’t there. He was looking in the glove box for the registration when the patrolman harshly ordered him out of the car. Alarmed by the man’s tone, Heydn got out, leaving the door open.

  “Was I speeding?” he asked.

  “Were you speeding?” the officer said. “No, I don’t believe so. But if I’d just stolen a car, I wouldn’t call attention to myself either.”

  “I didn’t steal this car.”

  “Well, somebody did. The owner reported it stolen just about an hour ago.”

  “That’s impossible. It was sitting in my friend’s driveway an hour ago.”

  “What’s your friend’s address?”

  “I don’t know exactly,” Heydn said. “I know how that sounds, but I was at a party at a house I’ve never been to before.”

  “And that’s where you stole the car.”

  “No! A friend asked me to drive it home because she was too drunk.”

  “That’s a good one. Thieves usually say they borrowed the car from a cousin.”

  “I’m not a car thief.”

  “You’ve got no ID and you’re driving a car reported stolen. That makes you a suspect in my book.”

  “Just call Bennie’s house and ask for…. Shit, they’re probably already on the bus. That doesn’t matter; I have Allerton’s cell number. Just call him and he’ll tell you…”

  “Son, you can call anybody you want as soon as we get to the jail.”

  “Jail! You’re taking me to jail?”

  “Where did you think we were going? The prom?”

  “But I didn’t steal this car.”

  “Then you’ll get a chance to prove it. Do I have to cuff you?”

  “No, sir.”

  “All right then. Just climb in the backseat there and I’ll be right with you.” The officer called for a tow truck and drove Heydn to the county lockup. Heydn was booked, which was a much longer process than shown on television, and put in a cell by himself. After a little while, someone came and took him to a phone. He called Allerton’s cell and told him the whole story. Allerton told him not to worry and hung up.

  “Was that Case?” Logan asked, as he opened the door of the dorm for Allerton.

  “Yeah,” Allerton smirked. “He’s sitting in a county jail cell right now.”

  “Good one, Allie. Reporting Bennie’s dad’s car stolen was brilliant. Case’ll miss the meet in the morning, and Coach will have to drop his ranking.”

  “Case is getting too cocky, but this should knock him down a peg or two.”

  “You think he’s in the cell with some big, hairy ex-con?”

  “I hope so. Case is a punk.”

  “Fuckin’ A. Why do you even pretend to be his friend?”

  “Why not? If people think you like them, they’ll be less likely to expect an attack.”

  “That makes sense. I still think he’s a fag.”

  “You think everyone’s a fag.”

  “You know, they say that one in eleven guys is a homo.”

  “They? Well, it must be true then. Let’s see; how many guys are there at Acton? Around three hundred, right? How many homos is that?”

  “I’m not good at math.”

  “That’s what accountants are for. So did you decide whether you’re coming with me for Thanksgiving or spending it porking Bennie? I’m leaving right after the meet.”

  “Bennie wants me to go to her grandmother’s in Miami. She’ll pitch a bitch if I don’t.”

  “Then you’d better go,” Allerton said as they reached the end of the hall. “Hey, Morehouse! What are you doing here?”

  Rolly closed the bathroom door behind him and edged past the other two young men. “I was walking by and I really had to take a piss.”

  “Are you sure you weren’t hiding in our john so you could get a look at our cocks?” Logan asked.

  “I have a weak bladder,” Rolly said.

  “Then get out of here before I make you piss down your leg.” Logan took a step and Rolly hurried away.

  “One in eleven, huh?” Allerton said as he watched the rapidly departing figure.

  * * * “Heydn Michael Case, you’re free to go,” said the officer who unlocked the cell door.

  “What happened?”

  “Your bail’s been paid.” “Thank you, Allie!” Heydn whispered fervently as he followed the officer and collected his belongings. Since he’d already missed the track meet, he used the hundred dollars to buy a bus ticket instead of wasting it on a cab. He arrived at campus just after lunchtime and went directly to the shower. Feeling almost normal again, he got dressed and went to find Allerton to give him his change.

  Allerton was in his room packing. “Where’s your bag?” he asked.

  “You still want me to meet your parents?”

  “Sure. We just won’t mention your criminal record.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “Don’t mention it. Now go get your shit. The car service will be here in fifteen.”

  Heydn ran back to his room and grabbed the bag he’d packed two days ago. “I didn’t even ask where we’re going,” he said when he returned.

  “Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. My sister got engaged, so we’re going to this hotel her fiancé owns on Nassau.”

  “I didn’t pack a bathing suit.”

  “Don’t sweat it. We’ll get you a pair of trunks when we get down there. There’s a Versace store right in the lobby.”

  “But the plane ticket…”

  “Hey, I invited you to spend Thanksgiving with me. It’s not your fault plans changed. If you don’t want to go, I understand, but your ticket is bought and there’s a room booked for you at the resort.”

  “The Bahamas,” Heydn mused.

  “Yeah, bro. Come on. Seize the day!”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Absolutely.” Allerton grinned as a car horn blared. “There’s our ride.”

  Heydn told himself to go with the flow and followed Allerton to the limo.

  “Whereare we going and why do we have our bags with us?” Blue asked as he followed Astor out to the deserted paddock.

  “This is where our ride is picking us up and taking us to New Hampshire.”

  Blue looked around. “Are we going by helicopter?”

  “As a matter of fact, yes, we are.”

  “That’s pretty cool.”

  “My mother doesn’t trust public transportation so we have a jet and a helicopter.”

  “She sounds interesting.”

  “You know, for a Goth you’re very diplomatic.”

  “Why does everyone think I’m a Goth?”

  “It’s probably the hair and the eyeliner.”

  “I’m so used to wearing it. Do you think I should wash it off before I meet your parents?”

  “I couldn’t care less. Just be yourself.” They heard the sound of the helicopter’s blades and the wind of its descent blew their hair into witchy tangles. The copilot hopped out and took their bags. They climbed aboard, fastened their seat belts, and the chopper rose into the sky again. Drinks were
offered from a large cooler and then the two young men sat back in the comfortable seats and watched the landscape below. Blue was disappointed when the ride was over, but stunned by the beauty of the countryside they landed in.

  “It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Astor said, after they got far enough from the helicopter. “The painter Maxfield Parrish lived not too far from here and he used these woods in a lot of his paintings.”

  “I can see why. This is a beautiful place.”

  “Come on. You can meet Mom and Dad and we can go for a swim in the lake before dinner.”

  “I don’t swim.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone knows how to swim. It’s all we do for the first nine months of our lives.”

  “Yeah, well I forgot how.”

  Astor laughed and threw an arm around Blue’s neck as they climbed the steps to the big house. “I love your sense of humor,” he said.

  “Darling!” a woman called in a faded British accent as she came out the front door and across the verandah. “It’s so good to hear you laughing.” “Brace yourself,” Astor whispered. “It’s Hurricane Lil.” Lily Bancroft Aldrich threw her arms around her tall son’s neck and kissed him on both cheeks. After a flurry of affection, she let go of Astor only to stand at his side with an arm around his waist. “And this must be your friend Blue. He looks a perfectly ordinary color to me.”

  Blue smiled hesitantly. “Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Aldrich,” he said. “And I’m very pleased to meet you,” she replied, taking one of Blue’s hands between hers. “Astor has very nice things to say about you. I’ve had a wonderful chum since I was a girl and we still correspond and meet in London twice a year. As you go through life, you’ll find there’s nothing so comforting as an old friend.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, ma’am.”

  “Oh, I do like you,” Lily said. “And you have such a sweet face.”

  “Mom.” Astor’s voice held a warning note.

  “Oh, dear, am I embarrassing you again?”

  “Of course not, but most teenage boys don’t want to hear that they look sweet.”

  “What do they want to hear, darling?”

  “I’ve always wanted to be sinister,” Blue blurted out. Lily laughed, a charming sound that made Blue glad he’d decided to come home with Astor. “I wanted to be a pirate when I was in the nursery. Do you know who you remind me of, dear? No, of course you don’t, but you look the way I imagined Peter Pan’s lost boys.”

  “I guess that’s a little better,” Astor said. “Is Dad here yet?”

  “He was delayed at the last minute. The project designer in New York needed to consult with him.”

  “Dad’s construction company is turning some old warehouses into low-cost housing,” Astor told Blue. “I’m feeling kind of hungry; how about you?”

  “I’m a little thirsty.” “Why don’t the two of you go on into the kitchen?” Lily said. “I’m going to have a lie-down before dinner, but I didn’t want to miss your arrival.” She kissed Astor on the cheek, told Blue to feel at home, and left them alone.

  “You didn’t tell her my real name?” Blue asked as they walked toward the back of the mansion.

  “Sure I did, but I also told her you preferred to be called Blue.”

  “Most adults just go ahead and call me Brooke.”

  “Mom’s a little different.” “I thought you said your parents were boring.” “You’ll see,” Astor said as he opened the doors of a huge stainless-steel refrigerator. He handed Blue a bottle of water and got one for himself. “Deviled egg?” he asked. “Or how about some crackers and cheese, or some fruit? Cook has this fridge stacked with hors d’oeuvres.”

  “Water’s fine for now.” “Let’s go down to the boathouse then. It’s my favorite place here.” Astor took an apple and led the way across the tiered expanse of rolling lawn, under majestic oaks and past natural-looking landscaping down to the shore of the lake. The boathouse was a large structure with covered slips for several boats and a large deck outfitted for entertaining. Astor pulled Blue into the small cabana and found a pair of swim trunks for him among the motley assortment of forgotten apparel. Quickly, Astor changed into a pair of baby blue board shorts and hung his clothes on a hook. “What are you waiting for?” he asked a still-clothed Blue.

  “I told you; I don’t swim.”

  “Look, if you’re embarrassed about showing your body, you don’t have to be. You look just fine without any clothes on.”

  “What kind of fish are in this lake?”

  “Well, there aren’t any sharks, I can guarantee that.”

  “What about eels?”

  “No eels.”

  Blue sighed and changed into the red and white trunks. “Are you happy now?”

  Astor put a hand on the small of Blue’s back, pulling him close. Looking into Blue’s dark eyes, Astor kissed him tenderly. “Now I’m happy,” he said. “Come on. Last one in the water owes a blow job.” Astor spun around and dashed out to the deck. After a slight hesitation, Blue followed. Astor leaped to the railing and dove cleanly into the water. Blue climbed over the wooden rail and stood at the edge, staring into the lake until Astor surfaced.

  “Come on. Get in.” Astor’s auburn hair was sticking to his face and his skin sparkled with droplets.

  “How cold is it?”

  “It’s not warm. Hang on a second and I’ll see if I can pee.”

  “Ass.” Blue chewed his lower lip for a few moments. “Honestly, I’ve always been kind of scared of any body of water bigger than a bathtub.”

  “You’re not just playing with me?” Astor swam to the ladder and started climbing up.

  “It’s stupid, I know.”

  “It’s not stupid to be scared.” Astor put an arm around Blue’s shoulders. “But it’s kind of silly to keep being afraid when it’s easy to get over it.”

  Blue gave Astor an inquiring look.

  “Just get in the water with me. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. In fact, you can have a life jacket if you want.”

  “Can I go down the ladder instead of jumping?”

  Astor chuckled. “I guess it would be okay just this one time. I’ll go first.” He went down the ladder and swam away a bit, treading water and looking up at Blue. “Come on.” He held out his arms.

  Blue turned his back to the lake and put his foot on the first rung, moving slowly downward until he touched the water. Astor came closer and put a hand on the ladder.

  “Take your time,” he said. “I’m right here to catch you.”

  “I feel like such a wuss, but would you take my hand?”

  “Anytime.” Astor took Blue’s right hand and tugged gently. “Just keep climbing down until you feel yourself start to float.”

  “I had swimming lessons when I was little, but I never liked it. Something about having my head under water freaks me out. I had my fortune told once and supposedly I drowned in a past life.”

  “You’re too cute. Come here.” Astor put his arms around Blue and very gently pulled him away from the ladder. “You okay?”

  Blue nodded, holding on to Astor, trying not to clutch at him.

  “Kick your feet a little and we’ll stay up. If you go back toward shore, you’ll be able to touch bottom real fast. So you see there’s nothing to be worried about.” Astor’s arms felt incredibly warm contrasted with the chill of the lake and Blue was content to just tread water and be next to him for several long moments. He could tell Astor was angling for a kiss and tilted his head for better access. A baritone voice broke the relative silence in a warning to look out below. Immediately afterward, something big hit the water a few feet away, liberally splashing both young men. As they moved a little apart, a man’s head broke the surface a few feet away and Astor rolled his eyes.

  “Very funny, Dad.”

  “I couldn’t resist.” Mr. Aldrich shook water from his short salt-and-pepper hair. “You never heard me coming.”

  “You got us good,”
Astor said. “I’m sure you made an impression on Blue.”

  “So this is Blue.” Mr. Aldrich held out his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

  Blue let go of Astor’s arm and shook Mr. Aldrich’s hand. He found he could stay afloat on his own and tried not to think about what might be swimming around below him wondering if his toes tasted good. “Call me Avery,” Mr. Aldrich said. “And my wife prefers to be called Lily.” Blue nodded and then grabbed for the ladder when Astor dunked his dad. An aquatic wrestling match ensued, which Blue watched from the dock. Avery Aldrich’s love and pride for Astor showed clearly in his face and actions as they played. Blue put his feet in the water and was content to sit there in the pale but warm autumn sunshine and watch father and son. When a bell rang up at the house, Avery and Astor raced for the ladder and Blue climbed quickly up, but didn’t escape a soaking as the other two teamed up on him.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Astor said, throwing a towel over Blue’s head. “Mom gives Cook the day before Thanksgiving off and makes dinner herself. It’s always an adventure.”

  “You didn’t warn him before you brought him here?” Mr. Aldrich feigned shock.

  “He eats in Acton’s cafeteria, Dad. I’m sure his stomach can handle one of Mom’s creations.”

  “Don’t worry,” Astor’s father said, putting a big hand on Blue’s shoulder. “There’s a pizza place not too far away that delivers.”

  Blue smiled up at the tanned, fit man with the laugh lines around his eyes and mouth. “I’m not as picky as Astor,” he said.

  Avery Aldrich laughed heartily. “So you’ve noticed our boy’s taste for the finer things. Did you know that he refused to drink from a plastic bottle when he was a baby? They had to be glass.”

  “That’s not true,” Astor told Blue.

  Mr. Aldrich leaned toward Blue as they crossed the lawn and spoke in a confidential tone. “Can you believe the disrespect? You’d never call me a liar, would you, Blue?”

  “No, sir.” Astor shot Blue a comic look of betrayal as they bounded up the back steps. Blue grinned at his friend as he listened to Mr. Aldrich’s goofy description of what his wife might be serving for dinner. They parted in the hall and Astor gestured for Blue to follow him up to the third floor.