Chapter 4 – Riding

Sid put the rest of his things in his bag. He was going to leave soon anyway. He said goodbye to Chandler and tried not to let on that anything out of the ordinary was going on. On the way over to the Camden's house, he thought about what he was going to do. Chandler had told him all about the Camden's in his letters. He had recognized Lucy. He had wondered what Simon looked like. Chandler had no idea Sid was gay, and Sid wasn't about to let the Associate Minister in on this anytime soon. Chandler didn't say what Simon looked like, presumably because he had been seeing Roxanne, so was straight. He wouldn't notice the things Sid looked for, and was so happy to have seen last night. The way his hair brushed across his forehead, his deep eyes and his square, perfect jaw line.

That made him sound like all he cared about looks. It was a big part. Sid spent much of his time making himself look good. He had built up strong biceps, they looked good when he grasps the motorcycle's handlebars. He looked young for his age, while his twin looked older.

Sid was almost to the Camden's and still thinking about what he was going to do. What he and Simon were going to do. Would they be able to pull something like that off? Would Simon really want to come with him? Would he really want Simon to come with him? No time for unanswerable questions, he had to think of what they were going to do…

Back at the Camden household, Annie was just standing up when Simon came bursting back into his room nearly knocking her over again. He found a bag in his closet and shoved a few seemingly random objects of clothing into it. "Where are you going?"

At first Simon didn't want to answer what he thought was such an obvious question. "With Sid, of course. Where the hell else would I go?"

Annie was surprised at this for several reasons. Had Simon even met Sid? Had she? Had she agreed to let Simon go with Sid? Had she agreed to let Simon go anywhere while on restriction? But most importantly, what was he talking about? "Watch your language, young man. What are you talking about? Why would you go anywhere, with anyone?"

This actually surprised Simon. How could he have been so stupid? She didn't suspect he was going against their beliefs. She didn't suspect he was planning on running away. She didn't suspect anything. "Oh, sorry mom. But Sid said he would take me for a ride on his motorcycle." He had to think fast, "is that okay?"

"It most certainly is not. They are dangerous. You could be killed. And you are still on restriction."

"But mom, he is only here a few days. I may never have another chance." By now, Simon was relieved that his secret wasn't out, but was starting to have a hard time coming up with a good story for his mom. Camden's are not good at lying…or keeping secrets. All he knew was that he had to tell Sid about this before anyone else talked to him.

"Okay then, I'll go tell him that I can't." Simon went downstairs and out the door. Sid was just pulling up when Simon got to the end of the driveway.

"Hey, jump on…where's your bag?" Sid was in a hurry to get out of there. He was in no position to face any of the other Camden's.

"No…well it's weird. I was packing a bag when my mom asked where I was going. I said with you and she was surprised. She doesn't suspect anything. The twins didn't say who I was kissing last night. I told her I wanted to take a ride on your motorcycle. She said no, so you should leave. I mean, I need time to be mad at her for not letting me. But when can I see you again?" Simon blurted this all out as Sid sat on his motorcycle with a very questioning look on his face.

"Isn't she going to wonder why you were packing a bag?"

"Oh…"