Chapter Four
April showers are said to bring May flowers, which are a sign of renewal and hope after a harsh winter. So, when the showers of April began to die down, the people of Minneapolis instinctively were more hopeful as the sun began to show itself, and flowers were in bloom. Hope, was such a funny concept to some people, though. For some people, who had absolutely nothing, it was difficult to have hope that someday things would be better. For people who were drowning in loneliness, it was difficult to have hope that someone would soon come along and make their life better. For someone who was unsure of who they were, it was difficult for them to have hope that they would figure it out. For someone who had an endless ocean of unadulterated rage, it was difficult to have hope that they would someday begin to feel happiness. Four boys, each finding the grasp of hope more difficult than the next. However, that May, it was easier for three of them to find the hope that they craved so desperately. The last boy, so full of rage, found himself still wanting and, there fore, decided he would hurt anyone who stepped into his path.
It was unusual for mornings into Minneapolis to be warm, but this one was. The scent of freshly blooming flowers filled the air, and left the people walking with a sense of relaxation. At James Patterson High School, the students entering the building actually wanted to be there, and were in a very peaceful mood. That was, until they heard the engine of a brand new SUV, as it sped through the parking lot of the school. The vehicle was familiar to everyone. A 2012, glossy black Range Rover with 19 inch, chrome rims and a vanity plate that read "King James"
James Diamond stopped in a parking space, not caring if his vehicle was straight or not. He flipped the engine off, and pulled the key from the ignition. His nostrils were flared in a snarl as he exited his car and began stomping toward the school. Despite the rage burning in his hazel eyes, he still looked quite perfect. His hair was slicked back, which was unusual for him. He wore a blue, double-breasted jacket over a white oxford shirt with a paisley cravat. His shapely lips were curled back in an arrogant snarl. A trembling freshman with severe acne pulled back the door for him, and quickly stepped out of the way as he strutted into the school. James didn't blink, and his focus stayed directly in front of him. Anyone who didn't move would simply get run over, he didn't give a damn. After a moment of searching, James finally found who he was looking for; the source of his anger.
"Where the hell were you?" he demanded hatefully, "I called you five times, and texted you. I wanted you to come over."
"I am so sorry, James!" Carlos Garcia hastened to apologize, "I didn't have m-"
"Didn't have you phone?" James growled, slamming his fist against the locker.
Carlos flinched, and moved his arms protectively, "I'm sorry!"
"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" James said in a low tone, anger radiating from him, "Any number of things could have happened to you."
"I was studying with Logan Mitchell." Carlos said in a half-whisper, still quite terrified of the wrath of James.
"Whatever for?" James sneered, "Isn't he that pathetic nerd, with asthma, and a staring problem?"
"He's really nice." Carlos said weakly, "He is helping with English. We are partners for the project."
"Not anymore." James said finally, "Today, you and I will go to the teacher and make her switch partners so that we can work on the project together. As for Logan Mitchell, you will never speak to him again."
"But I'm his friend!" Carlos' innocent brown eyes grew wide, "He doesn't have anyone else! He needs me."
"I don't give a damn." James said coldly, "If I see you talk to him again, I will bully him to the point of suicide. Don't test me, you know I mean it. Stay away from him, and Kendall, or I will destroy him."
"Alright." Carlos sighed, "I won't talk to him anymore."
With those words, James had squashed the hopes of Carlos. He walked away without another word, leaving Carlos to wonder why they were friends. He finished getting the books he needed for his morning classes and began walking down the hallway in deep thought. Last night he was giving Logan a kiss on the cheek, something he still didn't fully understand, and today he was expected to not speak to him again. After Logan had told him how lonely he was, and Carlos had told him that they would be friends, James expected Carlos to just abandon him. It wasn't fair. Who was James to tell him who to befriend, Carlos wondered. Of course, Carlos believed James when he told him that he would destroy Logan. There was such coldness in his voice, and James had never spoken to Carlos like that before.
"Something must be bothering him." Carlos thought as he walked into the class, "Oh well, he had decided that I'm done with Logan and so I am."
Carlos sighed again, he and Logan had made plans for that night since it was the weekend. It was going to be Logan's first sleep over, and Carlos knew that the nerdy boy was looking forward to it. Sadly, Logan was going to be very disappointed.
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In another part of the school, the hope that the Spring season brought had not yet been killed as two boys sat together in a classroom, discussing the various events that had taken place the day before. With each sentence that each boy spoke, the other was left in complete shock. They knew nothing of the conversation that had transpired between Carlos and James, so it was their belief that progress was being made.
"He was so freaked out!" Kendall laughed, "I think he genuinely enjoyed it."
"You actually grinded James Diamond!" Logan gaped, "That is the second most unbelievable thing in the entire world!"
"Second?" Kendall raised an eyebrow, "What's the first?"
"Carlos kissed my cheek last night." Logan confessed, blushing to his roots, "It was when he was leaving. Before that, we almost kissed on the lips."
"What the fuck!" Kendall exclaimed, "You and Carlos? He isn't straight?"
"I have no idea." Logan furrowed his brow, "He could be, and was just being friendly. That would make sense."
"Or maybe he totally likes you." Kendall smiled, "I think we should test him tonight!"
"No!" Logan's eyes grew wide, "Tonight is my first sleep over and I want it to be perfect. I don't want Carlos to get scared and want to leave."
"If you want." Kendall chuckled, "You two would be such a cute couple."
"Well I doubt it will ever happen." Logan frowned, "He doesn't like me. Though, he did seem kind of sad when he thought I didn't invite him to my birthday party."
"Birthday party?" Kendall shot Logan a look of confusion, "When was your birthday?"
"Actually, it was yesterday." Logan revealed, "I just turned 16."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Kendall looked offended, "I thought we were getting to be friends!"
"We are!" Logan looked hurt, "I'm sorry, Kendall. I'm not used to anyone caring. Not even my parents."
"It's cool." Kendall said, still looking sad, "Did you at least get any presents?"
"My parent's bought me a car." Logan stated, "Maybe I can take you home today."
"I'll text my mom and tell her." Kendall replied, "What kind of car was it?"
"I don't know," Logan thought for a minute, "like a Porsche boxster or something. It's a convertible."
"Seriously? Kendall looked shocked, "How are you not jumping for joy? That's like a $100,000 car! Not to mention that it's so hot!"
"I may be a genius," Logan quipped, "but I have zero knowledge when it comes to cars. I like it though; it's fun to drive."
"I bet Carlos would love it too." Kendall smirked, "Maybe you should offer to drive him to my house today?"
"Do you think he would say yes?" Logan wondered, "He does have a nice car of his own."
"True," Kendall agreed, "but not even James Diamond has a car as nice as yours!"
"Great." Logan rolled his eyes, "Just what I need is the attention of James Diamond. He hates when people have better things than he does."
"He probably isn't used to it." Kendall replied.
"I don't care." Logan sighed, "I just don't want anything to do with him. I know you like him, but he is so evil."
"Maybe I can change that," Kendall grinned, "when he is my lover."
"When pigs fly!" Logan laughed, the sound being drowned out by the impossibly loud ringing of the bell.
Their first class of the day was over, and it was time to join Carlos and James in Advanced English. The two boys rose from their desks, and followed the herd of students into the hallway. They remained silent as they walked, each thinking of the respective boy that had captured their attention.
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Carlos was still depressed as he walked into the English class. He still couldn't believe that James was demanding he stop talking to Logan when he was really starting to love having him as a friend. Logan had been so real, honest, and kind to him when most people were obsessed with the income of his parents, the clothes he wore, or the car he drove. None of that mattered to Logan, and it really endeared him to Carlos. Sadly, the friendship was over before it had begun. Carlos made his way to his desk, feeling like James had dropped a 200 pound weight on him.
Logan, Kendall, and James, had not yet arrived so Carlos sat alone. He big brown eyes weren't focused on anything, because the focus was entirely on the battle going on in his head. Part of the reason that Carlos had gained such a huge popularity was because of James' following. Of course, the other reason was his hockey skills and James was the King of the team. Part of Carlos wanted, so badly, to tell James to fuck off and run to Logan but another part of him knew that the consequences of hurting James could be disastrous. Carlos would lose all his friends, and be bullied horribly. That, he felt he could handle because he had Kendall and Logan. He would have to leave the hockey team, which would disappoint his father. That would be harder to handle. Worst of all, it would make Logan a target for James. Logan couldn't handle James at his worst, and it wasn't worth it to Carlos. Logan was the best guy he had ever known, and Carlos hated the thought of anything horrible befalling his new best friend.
"No, I can't do that to you." Carlos said to himself, "I have to abandon you, to protect you."
"Hey!" a voice broke his thoughts, "Who are you talking to?"
Carlos turned his head to see the object his thoughts standing before him, looking like there was something completely different about him. Carlos wasn't sure what it was at first, but then he caught it. Logan Mitchell's enormous, chocolate eyes were merry, and bright, for the first time since Carlos had known him. There wasn't the trace of sadness in his smile, but a sincere joy that Carlos couldn't help but feel that he was part of. He gulped, and his face fell. If he put that joy in Logan's eyes, it would kill them both to take the joy away.
"I was just talking to myself." Carlos smiled, though sadly, "When did you get here?"
"Just now." Logan replied, sitting next to him, "How was your morning?"
"It was great." Carlos lied, "How are you?"
"I'm really great." Logan smiled, "I am really looking forward to tonight. It's going to be so fun to go to my first sleep over."
"Yeah." Carlos said absently, finding himself withdrawing within himself.
"My parents got me a car for my birthday." Logan informed him, "I don't know anything about it but Kendall says it's really nice. Do you want me to pick you up tonight?"
"Sure." Carlos said, not hearing himself speak.
He didn't realize that he had disobeyed James, and confirmed that he would in fact be at the sleep over. He didn't realize until he saw James sauntering into the room and stopping in front of him. James raised his eyebrow in disappointment, shaking Carlos to his core. It was then that it occurred to him that that he had just made plans with Logan when he was supposed to be staying away from him. Then, something happened that surprised Carlos, James' hateful look faded away and he smiled. With that dazzling smile, James made his way toward the two boys and sat next to Logan.
"Hello, Gentlemen." James smirked, "Having a good morning?"
"Yes?" Logan looked confused.
"That's wonderful." James grinned, giving Logan a smoldering look that caused the front of his khaki pants to twitch, "You're Logan Mitchell, aren't you?"
"Yes." Logan was still totally confused, "You're James Diamond."
"That's right." James giggled, causing Carlos' eyes to narrow in a confusion that matched Logan's. , "Carlos, here, tells me that you are quite intelligent."
"I guess." Logan shrugged, then looked suspicious, "Why?"
"Well," James grinned, "I could use a bit of tutoring if you wouldn't mind."
"Maybe." Logan raised an eyebrow, "What subject?"
James narrowed his eyes, and placed a hand on Logan's knee, before saying a very low, husky voice, "Anatomy."
Logan's lower lip began quivering as he struggled to control the arousal that was swelling within him. James moved his hand slightly up Logan's thigh, and gave him a squeeze before winking at him. Carlos, who had been watching with rapt attention, narrowed his eyes as well. He knew that James was doing, and it was ridiculous. He also couldn't help but notice that Logan looked like he had just had sex. Unsure why, Carlos felt himself becoming quite annoyed.
"Excuse me." he said coldly, rising from his desk and storming off, leaving a very confused Logan and amused James.
As Carlos was leaving the room, Kendall was walking in. He gave Carlos a smile, and a wave, but to his surprise, Carlos ignored him. Kendall furrowed his brow, but made his way to his desk anyway. He saw James leaning in toward Logan, and giggling, and suddenly figured out why Carlos was so annoyed. James was flirting with Logan like an anamored school girl. To Kendall's surprise, it appeared that Logan was flirting back. He felt his own annoyance rising as he sat in the seat that Carlos had abandoned.
"Hello." he said coolly, "Are you boys having fun?"
"Oh yes." James spoke up, "I am just getting to know Logan Mitchell very well. He is certainly fascinating. Wouldn't you think?"
"Absolutely." Kendall shot Logan a withering glare.
"Well, this is fun." Logan gulped, "I wonder where Carlos went."
"I am sure he will return soon." James smirked, wrapping an arm around Logan, "Until then, lets focus on us."
"Logan, maybe you should go look for Carlos." Kendall suggested.
"I think Carlos can take care of himself." James countered before Logan could reply, "Maybe you should go away, Kendork."
"Hey!" Logan spoke up, "That wasn't nice."
"Sorry, babe." James grinned, causing Logan's jaw to drop at the fact that James Diamond had just called him "babe."
Kendall clenched his jaw tightly, and pulled his cell phone from his pocket. He couldn't believe that his new best friend was flirting with his crush. He scrolled through the short list of his contacts until he found the desired name. Selecting the text function, Kendall began composing his text.
What the fuck are you doing, douche. - K
Stay out of this - J
Leave him alone - K
Fuck off, poor kid - J
Since when do you like Logan? - K
You sound jealous. Especially after yesterday - J
Fuck you - K
You wish - J
You wish I wished - K
"Boys!" the teacher scolded, "Put your cell phones away, or I will take them."
The boys rolled their eyes, in sync, and shoved their cell phones into their pant pockets. Logan sat between the two of them, feeling confused and hoping nobody would notice the bulge in the front of his pants.
LINEBREAK
The heavy door of the boy's restroom swung open and slammed shut as Carlos Garcia stormed in. He braced himself against the porceline sink and gripped the edges tightly. Anger was swelling in him so quickly that he found it difficult to contain and suddenly, he let out of outraged scream.
"Damn you, James Diamond!" He growled, "You bastard!"
He couldn't believe that his best friend was being such a jerk. And even worse, he couldn't believe how naive Logan was being. James was only acting that way because he was punishing Carlos. Logan didn't see that James was just going to use him, and be done with him. James was going to take pleasure in breaking Logan's heart.
Suddenly, the door opened slightly and Carlos turned to see James walking in. James saw Carlos, looking frustrated, and grinned. His plan was working perfectly and required almost no effort. James walked over to an adjacent sink and leaned his ample buttocks against it. Carlos looked over him and narrowed his eyes.
"Now, now, Carlos." James feigned sorrow, "Didn't I warn you?"
"You're going to hurt him." Carlos said in a dark tone, "He is an innocent guy, he doesn't deserve it."
"I warned you." James said flatly, "You disobeyed me, and now he is going to pay. Only, instead of bullying him I think I will just humiliate him."
"You can't!" Carlos cried, actual tears welling in his eyes, "Damn it, James! He doesn't deserve this!"
"Well you should have fucking thought of it before!" James growled loudly, slamming a fist against the mirror and causing it to crack, "I told you that I would hurt him and you chose to not believe me. I warned you!"
"James, please!" Carlos pleaded, "Hurt me, instead!"
"What?" James paused, "You're asking me to punish you instead of him?"
"Yes." Carlos gulped, "I want to take on his punishment."
"You know what that means?" James clarified.
"Yes." Carlos frowned, "I know what you will do to me, and I accept it."
"Fine." James nodded, "You will get his punishment. To punish you, I will hurt him."
"You unimaginable bastard." Carlos hissed, "You've wanted to punish me this whole time, just for not answering my phone."
"I was worried." James elevated his chin, "You know I hate worrying."
He didn't give Carlos a chance to respond before turning on his heel and leaving Carlos alone with the knowledge that he had caused what would be the destruction of Logan Mitchell.
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By mid-afternoon, the heat of the day had increased to sweltering heights. As James Diamond followed his fellow students out of the school building, he wiped sweat from his brow and sighed. He hated sweating; it was so common. He wondered if his mother had yet invented something for sweating. Thankfully, he wasn't there to help her anymore so her attention wouldn't be focused on him. James clenched his fists as he approached his awkwardly parked car; he hated that varmint. It not for him, James' life wouldn't have been ruined. James yanked the car door open, and slammed it shut, catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His face fell, and a strange twinge took over his senses.
"I'm sorry, Carlos." James sighed, "I am so sorry, but I have to do it to him. It's for your own good."
He hated himself for going after someone that Carlos cared about, but what could he do? How could James lose someone else that he loved?
His bedroom was so massive that it almost felt clausterphobic. James rolled around on his King sized bed, tangling himself in satin sheets. Boredom and loneliness were battling for attention in his perfectly shaped head. James frowned, and fumbled around for his Blackberry Bold. His fingers found it not to far away and wrapped around it. He scrolled through his apps until he found BBM. He clicked it, and selected Carlos' name
Hey bud - J
He waited for the little "d" to appear but it didn't. So he said hello again, and still it didn't go through. Finding it odd, James pushed the green button that would dial Carlos' number. The call went right to voicemail and James' eyes got huge.
"He doesn't love you." a little voice in his head said, "He doesn't love you because nobody does. You are lonely, and you deserve it. Your own mother doesn't care about you. Your father left you. Carlos will too."
James sighed and, against his will, the tears began falling from his face. This was all 'his' fault. Once again, Logan Mitchell was destroying his life.
Remembering the sadness was, for James, the worst part. He thanked God that nobody saw his vulnerable side, and silently drove home by himself.
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For weaker people, destroying hope was not too difficult to do but for people with a little more strength, holding on to hope was easier; even if it was just a little sliver. A little red Yaris pulled down the black asphalt driveway and stopped just outside the four-door garage. Inside, a short young man with large muscles paused to think.
He knew that James had a nasty temper, and would do anything to get what he wanted. He also knew that crossing James meant Logan would be a target. But if Carlos were to abandon Logan, it would leave him with nobody. Despite being friends with Kendall, Carlos could tell that Logan was more attached to him and so it would hurt more if Carlos left him. Logan would be afraid to trust Kendall, and once again would be lonely.
"Damn you, James." Carlos sighed, "If you would just leave everyone alone, none of this would be happening.
He stepped out of his car, and walked around it toward his house. It was nice house, as far as houses go. It was slightly larger than Kendall's, but it didn't have a pool. It was Victorian styled, and painted white and pale blue, which were his dear Mami's favorite colors. She had come to American and been fascinated by the subtle style of the older homes and wanted that for herself; rather than the gaudy display of the opulence that a family like The Diamond's would have. Carlos frowned, wishing he could tell his mother about what was happening but he knew that it was a bad idea. There was no way she would understand. Instead, Carlos walked into the front door of his house, and walked directly to his bedroom. Logan would be there to pick him up soon and he wanted to be ready for him. For two reasons, Carlos wanted that night to be perfect for Logan. One, it was his first sleepover and his birthday. Two, he would never be speaking to Logan again and he wanted to leave him with that last memory.
"I can't fight James." Carlos said as if Logan were there, "This is the only way to protect you, Logan. I am so sorry, but I have no choice."
After a quick shower, Carlos dried off and walked into his room wearing nothing but a black towel. He looked at the clock, and knew that it wouldn't be long until Logan was there. He needed to pick out an outfit, but it couldn't just be anything. He wanted to look especially good, for Logan, since Logan seemed to like him so much. In fact, it was quite obvious to Carlos that Logan had feelings for him. Since he would be breaking his heart into tiny pieces, Carlos wanted to at least leave Logan with the memory of how good he had looked, and amazing the night was. Carlos settled on a pair of red chino pants, that were very tight fitting and displayed his very round buttocks, nicely. He slipped a body-fitting, black tank top over his muscular body and then buttoned a black, short leave shirt over it. His hair was spiked up, his lips had been covered in cherry chapstick, and he spritzed himself with his favorite Armani Code cologne. In looking at the mirror, Carlos just knew that Logan would love how he looked. By that time, Carlos' mother had announced to him that Logan had arrived, and Carlos walked down to greet him, feeling like he was walking to his death.
When Carlos opened the door, Logan's jaw dropped and he stared at Carlos without being shy about it. Carlos blushed, slightly, and looked away. He knew Logan would love his look, but he didn't anticipate that Logan would be in shock from his cuteness. Really, Carlos didn't even find himself to be that attractive but it was flattering that Logan did.
"Do you need me to wipe that drool from you lip?" Carlos asked in a playful, yet sultry, tone.
"Sorry." Logan blushed, "You look good."
"Thank you." Carlos smirked, "Are you going to be a gentleman and get my door?"
"Sure!" Logan exclaimed, rushing to the passenger door of his convertible.
Carlos laughed, as he had just been joking with Logan, and walked over to the car. The top was down, and Carlos looked around the car. The realization of just how nice the car was finally hit him, and this time he could himself in shock. Logan's parents had really spoiled him. Logan climbed into the passenger side and gave Carlos a crooked, yet innocent, smile, revealing perfect white teeth.
"Do you like it?" he asked sweetly, "My parent's bought it for me."
"I can't believe it!" Carlos exclaimed, "It's amazing!"
"Thanks." Logan began pulling out of Carlos' driveway, "Maybe I can take you for a ride sometime."
"I'd love that." Carlos said before realizing what he was saying.
His face fell as guilt overtook him. The rest of the ride was silent.
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For the lucky few, the hopefulness that Spring had brought had not yet been damaged or destroyed. Some people were lucky enough to keep there hope, and even cultivate it so that they had more than ever before. In a home that he couldn't believe he was living in, a young boy prepared his bedroom for the first gathering of friends he had ever had.
Kendall grabbed as many snacks as he could find, and got a few cases of soda. He hoped it would be enough for the three of them, but wasn't sure, so he ordered a couple pizza's as well. Carlos and Logan would be arriving any minute, and he wanted the night to be a fun success. Outside, the pool was glistening and begging to be swam in. In the kitchen, Kendall had a little surprise set up for Logan. The timing was perfect too because, just as Kendall's mother had put the finishing touches on the surprise, Logan's insanely expensive car was pulling down their long driveway.
Kendall rushed from his bedroom, down the stairs, and out the front door in record time. The actual arrival of the boys had caused his excitement to spike and he ran toward them. As Carlos stepped out of the car, Kendall tackled him playfully and pinned him to the car. Carlos laughed hysterically, and fought him off.
"Are you guys ready to have an awesome night?" Kendall cried, "Sleepover 2012! Yeah!"
"This is going to be great!" Logan smiled excitedly, "My first sleepover and I'm only 16!"
"That reminds me." Kendall suddenly became calm, "It would seem that you felt your new best friends didn't need to know your birthday. We just can't have that."
"I'm sorry!" Logan tried to exclaim but Kendall clamped his hand over Logan's mouth.
"It's pay back time." Kendall grinned wickedly.
Together, he and Carlos lead an increasingly worried Logan into Kendall's house and through the front hallway. Logan was suddenly terrified, the lights were all out and the house was rather dark. He wondered if Kendall had planned a mean prank to play on him, to punish and hurt him. It wouldn't be the first time that someone did that too him, but it would be the worst if his new best friends did it. Kendall turned Logan toward a door, and gave it a couple knocks. Logan held his breath as the door opened, and he was thrust into a pitch black room. By this point, he was certain that Kendall was going to do something to hurt him. Suddenly, the lights came on and Logan's eyes grew wide.
"SURPRISE!" Kendall, Carlos, Mrs. Knight, and Katie all yelled at the same time.
"Oh my..." Logan was rendered speechless.
In front of him was a table, and on the table was a birthday cake with lit candles, and two presents. Logan couldn't believe that Kendall had gone through all that trouble just to give him a proper birthday. He had been so sure that Kendall was going to hurt him but instead, he gave Logan the best surprise of his life.
"I am so stunned." Logan said with misting eyes, "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you guys, so much."
"You're welcome, sweetie." Mrs. Knight gave Logan a quick hug, and Logan felt a strange feeling.
He wasn't sure how to explain it, or even if he should, but it was certainly something he had never felt before or at least couldn't remember feeling. For the first time, Logan felt like he was hugging his own mother. Of course, Mrs. Knight was Kendall's mom, not his, but it still felt so strange. Logan turned to Kendall, who gave him a tight squeeze and then followed by Katie. Once again, he felt strangely like he was hugging his own sister. Finally, he turned to Carlos. Carlos wrapped one around Logan, and then the next. His embrace was firm, tight, and strong. He pushed his body against Logan's and rested his head on his shoulder.
"Happy birthday." Carlos whispered.
"Thank you." Logan uttered, soft enough so that only Carlos could hear it.
Finally, Carlos pulled away, leaving Logan with an empty feeling. He pushed it from his mind, and retained his smile for the first birthday party he had ever had with friends.
After cake was eaten, and a significant period of time had passed, the boys decided it was time for a swim. They changed, quickly, into swimming trunks and ran for the pool. For the next three hours, the boys laughed and swam and played around, having the best time they had all had in months, or ever. By ten, they decided it was time to head off to Kendall's room.
"This has been the best day." Kendall mused, leaning back on his bed.
"I think this is the best sleep over I have ever been to!" Logan smiled, a genuine and happy smile.
"This day has been perfect." Carlos agreed, sitting next to Logan on the floor.
For the first time that day, Carlos wasn't thinking of James and his ridiculous demands. He wasn't thinking of the pain that Logan would have to endure. He wasn't thinking of how much he would hate himself for leaving Logan. He was simply thinking that he was with his two real friends and he loved them both so much. Carlos began to wonder if there was a way around everything that had been happening, but couldn't think of one. He knew that if he didn't obey James, James would rip Logan apart until there weren't any pieces of him left. Carlos pushed it from his mind, this was going to be the best time Logan had ever had.
A few hours later, they decided to get some sleep. After a day of swimming, eating, playing video games, and talking, they were pretty wiped out. Not wanting his guests to sleep on the floor, Kendall lead them to a guest room where there was a king sized bed that wasn't being used.
"You two don't mind sharing do you?" he asked with an pseudo-innocent smile.
"I don't mind." Carlos said simply, trying to hide his amusement.
"Y-yeah." Logan stammered, his face growing hot.
"Well, goodnight then." Kendall smiled and closed the door.
Carlos walked around to the other side of the bed, and pulled back the covers. Logan pulled the covers back on his side, and they climbed into the bed at the same time. Each boy had a nice bed at their own homes, but that bed was the epitome of comfort. It felt like they was laying on a cloud. They layed silently in the bed, a considerable space between them. Logan wondered if maybe he should say something, but remained silent. Carlos stared at the back of Logan's head, thinking that he had to cap the night off perfectly. He knew what he needed to do, it would just take a lot of courage to do it.
"Logan?" Carlos half-whispered, "Are you awake still?"
"Yeah." Logan replied, leaning over to see that Carlos was suddenly a lot closer.
"Come here." Carlos whispered, reaching out a muscular arm for Logan's scrawny body and pulling him closer like Logan weight nothing.
Logan gulped, his nerves rising as he felt Carlos pull his body against his own. Carlos maneuvered his other arm so that both were around Logan's lower back, and Logan had no choice but to do the same with his arms around Carlos' upper body. Their was no space between their torsos, and their legs were entwined.
"Did you have a good day?" Carlos asked, his voice quiet.
"It was amazing." Logan replied, "I couldn't have asked for a better birthday."
"I didn't know Kendall was planning this," Carlos began, "or I would have gotten you something."
"You didn't have to." Logan smiled, "Just being here was enough."
"Still," Carlos insisted, "I think I can give you something that I know you want."
"What?" Logan furrowed his brow in confusion.
"This." Carlos said, pausing.
His arms tightened around Logan's body and, instinctively Logan's arms did the same. Carlos' sweet brown eyes looked into Logan's big chocolate ones, and Carlos could feel his heart beat increasing. He took a deep breath, and decided it was now or never. Logan knew what Carlos was about to do, but his mind wouldn't let him believe it. Carlos leaned into Logan, brushing his soft lips with his own. Logan moved his legs so that they were closer to Carlos, and then Carlos softly planted a chaste kiss on Logan's lips before deepening the kiss and moving his hands so that they roamed Logan's small back. Logan's eyes fluttered shut, and he began responding to the kiss by mimicking Carlos' movements. He felt Carlos' tongue gliding across his lower lip, and he opened his mouth to grant entrance. Their tongues collided, gently; wrapping around each other as the kiss grew deeper and deeper.
After several minutes, the kiss broke apart and the boys were sent reeling back to reality. They had nothing to say as they struggled to catch their breaths; each knew why Carlos had just done that. Still, Logan was in awe by his first kiss and that night he fell asleep in the strong, safe arms of the boy he had come to fall in love with. Carlos could hear the soft snores emitting from Logan, and wrapped his arms tighter around him. He knew that, despite his conflict, there was no way he would ever leave the sweet boy laying in his arms.
-Chapter End-
WHAT DID YOU THINK?
