Chapter 25- Settling in and exploring
Tommy took a step into the apartment and despite how bare the entire place was he smiled and mumbled, "Thanks Dad."
Stu smiled down at his son and led him further into the apartment, "You're welcome. It's not much but it's what I could afford." He said with smile.
Tommy looked around before going into his chosen room.
"There are two bedrooms. One for you and one Dil... Just in case." Stu said as Tommy looked at his room.
Tommy smiled at his dad, "It's perfect. Thanks for doing this for us." He said before the mention of Dil reminded him that he should text his younger brother.
"I um… didn't pack much but I can wash it." Tommy mused, more to himself as he pulled out his phone and told Dil what had happened.
Tommy's phone:
To Dil
Hey bro. Just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm fine and that I got kicked out but dad has bought an apartment for us to use. Tell Chuckie for me?
From Dil
Wow. Ma kicked you out? : ( That's actually really sad. Glad that Da's as cool as always. I'll come and visit as soon as I can! I'll let Chuckie know.
To Dil
Yeah. : ( I've got to go, need to get settled in, if you come over, try and bring some of my stuff… please?
Tommy smiled and put his phone away before his brother had a chance to reply, he had to get settled in.
Stu smiled at the tiny smile on Tommy's face, "Lets get you unpacked bud." He said and pulled the suitcase into Tommy's room.
"Yeah, let's get down to business." Tommy joked as he unzipped the case and started putting the clothes into the in built cupboard, hanging up his nice stuff and school uniform and folding all the other stuff.
His dad grabbed his toiletries and took them to the bathroom, within 15 minutes the entire bag was empty.
"All done." He said with a smile and sat down on the basic bed that his dad had obviously bought, had delivered and put together as fast as possible.
"I should probably get going, sorry Tommy. Stay safe, I'll come and check up on you soon." Stu said feeling like his wife was probably getting suspicious of him hot just dumping Tommy at a hotel or something.
"It's okay Dad. Thanks for everything." Tommy said as he pulled his father into a tight hug.
"It's no problem kiddo." Stu said as he hugged his son back tightly before kissing his forehead and then pulling away and opening the door, "Be safe. I'll see you later son."
Tommy waved as his father left before closing the door and going and sitting on the lounge. It was like his dad had gotten the bare necessities when he'd found out that his son's were at least a little bit homosexual.
Tommy sighed and let his head fall back against the lounge, a tear leaking from his eye, his mum… his own mother… h-hated him. He couldn't even think that without a stutter.
He curled up into a ball and let himself cry, spending his first night in this apartment crying himself to sleep on the couch, not seeing the texts from his friends and even his mother, telling him how much of a disgrace he was.
That's what he woke up to in the morning, more hate from his mother and texts from his friends, cousin and brother asking if he was okay.
He sent a mass text to his brother and friends.
Tommy's phone:
To Dil, Phil, Chuckie, Lil, Kimi, Angelica.
Hey guys, a lot happened last night, I no longer live at home but I'll see you all at school on Monday.
After that he turned off his phones screen and with a stretch, got off the couch. Heading to the bathroom, trying out the shower and stuff for the first time.
Tommy hummed as he showered, trying not to think as he used the soap to clean himself, realizing he had no shampoo or anything he mentally put that on his shopping list.
After a while Tommy climbed out of the shower and got dressed, deciding to go and explore his new neighborhood, so after grabbing his wallet and keys off of the table, he left, not checking the kitchen where his dad had actually left a keycard for his new bank account.
Tommy kept a smile plastered on his face as he walked around, finding his local supermarket and café as he explored, he distracted himself, not wanting to break into tears again, he put on a brave face, smiling and nodding at each person that he passed.
There weren't many people about today so he was a little surprised when he collided with someone when turning the corner, falling over and landing with them on top of him.
"I'm so sorry." Tommy said realising that he'd pulled them down cause by trying to stay upright he'd accidentally grabbed their shirt.
"Tommy… Pickles?" Said the 'stranger', recognizing the other from a very long time ago while he stood up.
"That's me." Tommy said, looking confused, not recognizing the other.
"It's me…" The stranger said, seeing the confusion on the others face, "Justin. We went to Daycare together." He said with a smile as he helped the other male to his feet.