God's in 7th Heaven, All's Right with the World

by Cypher

Chapter Eight: Stalking

Simon straightened his shirt and looked in the mirror. Though to his family and the rest of the world he would be at the movies with a friend, to him it was a date, and he wanted to look good. Earlier Terry had called and said they would be on the motorcycle tonight, so he knew that what he was going to wear needed to match his leather jacket. Terry had also explained the importance of leather on a motorcycle. Though not as well cushioned as some things, it was a safety measure in case of an accident. Simon had turned a bit red at that, remembering the leather pants Terry had worn their first night out. He had really looked good in them.

Of course, he realized that, as a model, Terry probably looked good in just about anything. Still, that meant he wanted to look good as well. He had to be careful, though. Otherwise his family might suspect that this was a date, not just friends going out. Thankfully, Matt had to pull an emergency shift at the clinic, leaving just Ruthie and Lucy to really worry about. Mom and dad he could think up some excuse, or Terry could, but the other two were too aware of how he did things.

Pulling on his jacket, he fixed its collar and looked himself over one last time. The jeans said this was a casual event, but he wasn't sure of the shirt. It was a simple long-sleeved black shirt, but it was something he usually wore when meeting a girl, or when he was trying to meet one. Shrugging, he decided that he could use the motorcycle as an excuse and grabbed the rest of his things. It was about six, the time Terry would be swinging by. Simon checked his wallet, making sure he had enough money.

He and Terry had disagreed about who would be paying for the movie, so they made a compromise. Terry would pay for a small dinner they would have after the movie, and Simon would pay for the tickets and other stuff at the theater. It wasn't exactly what Simon wanted, but Terry insisted. Simon also decided on the movie. It was more one his style, one that supposedly had action and fighting. Granted, he had never heard of Princess Mononoke, but some of his friends had recommended it. It was also an older movie, but then again, it was an older theater that didn't always have modern shows playing.

Deciding he had everything, he left for the living room, knowing Terry would be on time, and wanting to be there to make a hasty exit and avoid his siblings.

And, exactly at six, Simon heard the doorbell. Opening it, he smiled at Terry. Terry smiled and nodded back. He was wearing normal jeans, but his leather jacket was zipped up. Terry had picked up that Simon wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Zipping up his own jacket, he glanced towards the kitchen. "Mom, dad, I'll be back by curfew."

Annie came out of the kitchen and looked at the two teens. "Okay. Are you sure it's okay to drive that thing with two people?"

Terry nodded. "Perfectly safe. I've driven my brother on it before, and he's heavier than Simon. And if my brother thought it was unsafe, he would insist on the car. Believe me."

"Well, alright. Have fun."

"We will." Simon headed out.

Terry grinned at Annie and shut the door behind him.

Lucy came up behind Annie. "Mom? I'm going to be going now."

"Alright, not too late."

"I won't." Lucy smiled and headed outside as well. Time to see if I learned anything from Matt and dad.

Terry handed a helmet to Simon and put his on. "I figured we would catch the movie first, then go for a late dinner."

Simon tightened the strap of his own helmet. "Actually, I'm pretty hungry. Could we do dinner first?"

"Of course. I found this great place, lots of privacy." Terry rested his helmet against Simon's a moment. "It's doubtful anyone we know will be there."

Simon blushed through the visor. "Sounds f-fine."

Terry chuckled and climbed onto the bike. "Think you can do it in one try this time?"

Simon shook his head. "I doubt it, but we'll see."

Lucy, sitting in a car, watched Simon mount the bike. "He must've been practicing or something." Hearing the bike rev its engine, she started her own car. "Lead the way, little brother."

Terry took off, not noticing the car that followed only minutes behind them.

~*()*~

"Aaaa."

Simon laughed and swallowed the noodles from the fork. "I can feed myself." He wiped his chin with his napkin. "Honestly. It's not like I'm a kid."

"Yeah, but I thought you might like a taste. It's great linguini."

"I'm fine, really." Simon looked around. "When you said private, you meant private."

"The booths are ridiculously tall. The only way a person can see you is if they're directly across the room." Terry grinned. "And at this hour, it's usually not too full. It's more of a lunch place, actually. But great food."

"Where do you find these places?" Simon cut into his lasagna.

"I'm a model, so every now and then the higher ups take us out to eat. Someplace that DOESN'T have lobster." He winked at Simon. "Though I know a great place for that, too."

"Man, how'd you become a model?"
"Mom, actually."
"Really?" Simon sipped his water. "Why?"
"Well, the way Jordon was growing, he was becoming the 'serious' brother. She decided I should be the wild one. I think she was trying to relive some of her youth, too. So, she got me into modeling when I was seven. My sensei thought it was a great way to teach me of responsibility and the work world. She's also the one that insisted I learn to ride a motorcycle."

Simon shook his head. "Man, your mom is really something. When do I get to meet her?"

"I'm holding out on that. Don't want to scare you or your family away."

Simon crossed his arms. "What, think I can't handle it?"

"Simon, I'm her son and I can barely handle it. She's very, very intense. It doesn't help she's so young."

"How old is she?"

Terry took another bite of noodles and ate them, closing his eyes a minute. He swallowed. "Well, I'm seventeen, Jordon is twenty-two, let's see. Thirty-seven."

Simon did some math in his head and coughed. "She was sixteen?!"

"Fifteen, actually." Terry drank his soda. "She was in high school, and dad was guest lecturing, and boom, they hit it off. She was pregnant a month later and they got married."

"She was a teenager. Wow...my mom would kill Lucy or Mary, and dad would kill the guy."

"You think that's bad? Dad was forty-three at the time."

Simon's eyes widened and stared at Terry. He felt his mouth open and shut a couple times, but he couldn't seem to get anything out.

"I know, I know, in America that would be considered statutory rape. That's why he took her to Japan. Older men marrying younger women, yes even that much younger, is socially acceptable. She got her GED when Jordon was two, and then right before she had me, she entered Stanford to become a reporter."

"Forty-three? That would make him over sixty now!"

"He just had his sixty-sixth birthday." Terry tilted his head. "You okay? You look a bit pale."

"It's just, I mean, forty-three?" Simon shook his head. "It's a bit too much for me."
"Look at it this way: love knows no boundaries, be it age or sex."

Simon looked away. That was one reason he was with Terry. Love did know no boundaries.

"If it makes you feel better, though, even I think it's a bit disturbing. I'm just not one to criticize." Terry patted Simon's shoulder. "Simon?"

Simon looked back at Terry. "Just thinking. That's...it's a lot to digest about one family. One weird family."

Terry shrugged. "Jordon and I got used to it. Besides," Terry smirked, "as I've said before, your family seems weird to me."

Simon smiled. "Sometimes they seem weird to me too."

"Now, we'd better hurry if we want to catch the movie."

Simon looked at his watch. "You're right." Simon took a couple more bites of his food.

Terry simply put on his jacket, catching the attention of their waiter.
~*()*~
Lucy shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. After she had seen Simon enter the restaurant, she left to grab a bite to eat at a nearby hamburger joint. After eating, she huddled in her car, watching the entrance of the restaurant. Dax must be paying. Even Simon can't afford this. She suspected that the two boys were actually meeting girls, but something was nagging in the back of her mind, telling her it wasn't as obvious as that. But what could it be?

She sat up a bit as her prey exited the building. Thinking for a moment, she got out of the car. They might think the car is familiar, but if I'm in it, they'll know what's going on. Locking the door, she hid by a tree.

"That was too much, Terry. Really. You shouldn't spoil me."

"I don't mind spoiling you. Besides, who else would I spend money on?" Terry grabbed Simon's arm and pulled him to the side of the restaurant, into its shadow.

"What? Something wrong?"

Terry looked around, then leaned forward and kissed Simon. Simon tensed a moment, then closed his eyes and returned it, wrapping an arm around Terry's waist.

On one level Lucy knew her mouth was open, that she was staring, and that she had stepped out from behind her hiding place. These realizations, however, were overridden by all other aspects of her mind, running through emotions from shock to anger to uncertainty. It was like stepping in when her parents had sex. It was horrible and she wanted to leave, but she couldn't pull her eyes away.

Terry pulled away and smiled at Simon. "Just wanted to do that before we had to behave ourselves again."

Simon blushed lightly and looked at Terry. "I-" His eyes glanced over Terry's shoulder and he froze. "I...I...oh God."

Terry frowned, confused a moment. Then he realized Simon was staring at something. "What?" Turning around, he saw what Simon did: Lucy Camden, staring at them in complete shock. "Oh no." Pushing Simon back a bit, he ran towards Lucy.

Lucy kept her eyes on Simon, not even realizing Terry was coming towards her until he was nearly on top of her. Snapping out of it, she turned to run for the car. Terry was faster and grabbed her arm. "Let go!" She struggled a bit.

Terry tightened his grip and pulled her around, looking her in the eyes. "Calm down! And what are you doing here?"

"You kissed my brother! Is that the secret? Is that why you can't go out with me?" Lucy pulled her arm out of Terry's grip and glared at him. "I can't believe you. You...you..."

Terry sighed. "Don't complete that sentence." Glancing around, he spotted Lucy's car. Nodding, he grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards it. "Let's talk."

"Let go of me! I don't want to be near you! And I'm taking Simon with me!"

"Simon's old enough to decide who he wants to be with." Looking Lucy over, Terry pried Lucy's other hand open and retrieved the keys.

"Hey!"

"Sorry." Unlocking the car, he pushed her in and followed, locking the doors. "Look-"

"What did you do to Simon? Why were you two kissing? He's not like that! That's a sin, a perversion!"

"And that's what he is. He's gay. So am I."

Lucy stared at Terry, stunned momentarily at the open confession. "No he's not! Change him back!"

Rubbing his face, Terry sighed. "Lucy, I've been told how you react, so I'm going to be blunt. Shut up and listen."

"Make me!"

Terry grabbed her wrist and applied some pressure. His voice was completely serious. "That's a phrase you never want to use with me."

Lucy winced and tugged her arm. She felt relieved when Terry released her wrist and she rubbed it, looking at him with a mixture of fear and anger. "Who are you?"

"I'm the same Terry Dax you've known since you met me."

"He's not gay!"

"Yes, he is, and has been for a long time. I realized it a long time ago, along with the fact that in some places, you can't openly admit that. Glen Oak is one of them."

"Then what'd you do to Simon? He certainly wasn't gay before you arrived."

"Homosexuality isn't a choice, Lucy." Terry looked her in the eyes. "We're born a certain way, and discover our way later. Simon was merely imitating his brother and following societal standards." Terry ran a hand through his hair. "Didn't you notice how he was becoming more secluded and brooding before I arrived?"

Lucy looked out the windshield a moment. "So? What does that prove?"

"He was questioning his sexual orientation when I met him. Rather than having it be suppressed or some worse form of action, I helped him realize what he was feeling, make peace with it."

"That still doesn't make him gay." Lucy looked at Terry. "Just because you talked to him and kissed him doesn't make him gay. He could be confused."

"He's admitted he's not sure he's gay, but he wants to experiment, to see if it feels right. Coming from your family, I think I can understand his fears of going to you guys about this. That's why he wanted it to be a secret. He's afraid of what has happened here." Terry looked at the roof of the car. "Lucy, I know you had a crush on me."

Lucy turned her nose up slightly. "Yeah, so? I don't any more."

"That's because you know the truth. But before, to you and hundreds of teen girls, I'm the hottest thing on this planet. Fantasy is one thing." Terry leaned back. "Reality is something entirely different. Just because I entered your life did not automatically mean I was interested in you, or that we would go out." He sighed. "Simon was the one I was attracted to. But you were nice, and I figured we could be friends. That eventually I could tell you, even if Simon decided he was straight."

Lucy blinked. "Tell me? You mean after you strung me along for years?"

"I would not 'string you along.' I would make it clear that it would be a platonic relationship. No ifs, ands, or buts. Being gay isn't exactly easy, you know. I've lost really great friends because they found out that I'm only slightly different, but to them that makes all the difference." He looked at Lucy. "I was hoping you would, having known me long enough, would understand that just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'm a different person. I'm exactly the same guy with one minor difference, and in today's world, I'd think something like that would be rather unimportant."

"Well what about the Bible, huh? It says homosexuality is wrong." Lucy nodded.

Terry shook his head. "In the old school of thinking." He paused a moment, the chuckled.

"What? You find this funny?"

"No, but Simon and I had a very similar discussion when he was trying to understand how one could be religious and gay."

Lucy frowned. "You can be?"

"Yeah, actually, you can. Simon draws comfort from the Bible and God. If he thought God condemned gays, he wouldn't even be experimenting, no matter what his feelings. You and I both know that."

Lucy looked at the floor, thinking. "I still don't like this."

"Well, rather than seeing a movie, why don't we all go to my house and Simon and I can talk to you about it, maybe help you understand why he's trying this."

Lucy looked at him. "I could just drive off and tell everyone."

"Are you so upset that you'd destroy your brother's life?"

Lucy shook her head. "No."

Terry patted her shoulder. "Then why don't you follow Simon and I." Terry blinked. "Simon?" He looked around. "Oh no."

Lucy looked around as well. "Where's Simon?"

"I thought he followed me and was waiting outside the car." Terry dropped the keys in Lucy's hand and got out of the car, looking around. With no other clues, he headed for the shadow of the building again.

Lucy looked at the keys. He trusts me enough to give me the keys and leave. She looked after Terry, watching him run for the spot he and Simon had kissed. Closing her hand around the keys, she got out and locked the door. If Simon's not there, I should help find him. It's my fault. She ran after the male model.

Terry looked around in the shadow, before he spotted Simon leaning against the wall, hugging his knees. Terry knelt and looked at him. "Simon?"

"My life's over. Lucy'll tell everyone, and they'll hate me." Simon shook his head. "I can't believe this. My own sister is going to tell the world. I won't even be able to show my face at school."

Terry sighed and worked his arms around the blond teen. He scraped his knuckles a bit against the wall, but eventually he was able to pull him into a hug. Simon resisted a little, but in the end he just let Terry hug him. It was a bit of comfort.

"Simon?"

Simon flinched, not even looking towards his sister's voice.

Terry glanced at Lucy, giving her a pleading look.

Lucy nodded and knelt next to Terry. "Simon, look. Terry, he," she looked at Terry a moment, "he talked to me a bit. Why don't we do what he suggests, go to his house and discuss it."

"Why? You'll still tell someone because you can't understand."

Lucy thought for a moment. "Maybe I can't understand now, but if you can explain it, maybe I eventually will understand. And if you don't want me to tell anyone, I can do that."

Simon let out a short laugh. "Sure."

Terry squeezed Simon's shoulder. "Hey, she's making an effort, Simon. Give her the benefit of the doubt."

"Why?"

"Because she's your sister, and she loves you. Now come on, we can go to the movies any time. Let's go to my house and talk. Help her understand your feelings and fears."

Simon sighed. A few minutes later, though, he pushed against the arms and started standing.

Terry stood as well, helping him up.

Lucy watched them, examining the look on Terry's face. He truly does care. But...is this Simon?

"Go ride with Lucy. You don't have to talk or anything, but I'd feel better if you two had a chance to talk alone."

Simon nodded slightly, not even looking up from the ground.

Lucy could see some tear stains on his cheeks, despite his lack of eye contact. She knew her brother. "Hey, come on, Simon. I am giving you a chance to explain. Matt would just go ballistic."

Simon's shoulders slumped.

Terry headed for the car, an arm around Simon's upper body. "Lucy?"

Lucy looked up at Terry. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry. About the hand."

Lucy looked at her wrist and noticed a small bruise forming. "I guess I had it coming. I wasn't going to listen the way I was going off."

"I'll look at it when we get to my house." Terry let go of Simon and looked at Lucy. "I'm on the motorcycle, but then again, you know what it looks like. You did follow us, after all."

Lucy's face flushed a bit and she unlocked the doors. "Yeah."

Terry patted Simon's back. "I'll see you shortly Simon, okay?"

"Yeah." Simon opened the door and got into the back seat, facing away from the driver's seat.

Lucy climbed in while Terry headed for the bike. Starting the car, she stared at the wheel. Say something.

"Lucy, what did he mean by he was sorry?"

Lucy winced. "Well, I kinda wouldn't listen, and he grabbed my wrist to get my attention. He just bruised me a bit."

"Oh." Simon looked at his hands. "He wouldn't normally hurt you, you know. He's really not violent. But, if you had told anybody..."

Lucy buckled up and pulled out of her parking spot, noticing Terry's bike approaching. "I think I understand. He just did what he felt was necessary to protect you and your wishes." She followed the bike. "I'm sorry I followed you."

Simon nodded. "I expected it to happen sooner or later. I am glad it was you rather than Matt or dad."

"Yeah, that would've been a disaster."

Simon closed his hand. "I'll have to tell them someday."

"Well, are you sure you're gay?" She turned a corner, entering a residential area. "Dax said you were experimenting still."

"I'm sure." Simon looked out the window, watching the lights go by. "It feels too right to be wrong. I mean, when I'm with him, I feel alive, myself. I don't have to hide or pretend, I can be who I am." He finally looked in the rearview mirror. "And for the first time in months, months, Lucy, I've felt like myself. Not Simon Camden the minister's son, not Virgin Camden, and not the Bank of Simon. With him, I'm Simon. Just Simon."

Lucy pulled up to the house Terry did and parked the car, turning off the engine and turning around. "Have you told him?"

Simon shook his head. "I'm not sure how. Besides, he said to take my time. To explore."

Lucy nodded. "Alright."

Terry knocked on the window. "You two coming?"

Lucy blinked and waved. "In a minute."

Terry headed for the front door, removing his helmet.

Simon grabbed the door handle.

Lucy reached out and touched his arm. "Simon, if this is truly you...I'll try and support you."

Simon gave her a weak smile, the wiping off the tear stains on his cheeks with his hand. "Thanks." He got out.

Lucy got out as well. I'll try. No guarantees. She entered the house.

~*()*~

"So you'll read it and we can talk later?"

Lucy nodded and put the book under her arm. She had no idea Simon had been reading it for over a week. He must be really terrified of us. "Yeah, no problem."

Simon rubbed his arm, looking over another book, a Bible actually, reading some of its passages. He was lying on the couch, his back against the armrest and his knees bent, holding up the book. "Thanks, Luce."

"Well, this'll take some time to get used to. I mean, the popular Simon is gay? There's going to be a riot at your high school if the girls find out."

"Not through you, though." Terry looked at Lucy. "You understand you can't tell anyone. Not Mary, Matt, Ruthie, Eric, Annie, even a friend in another state."

Lucy waved her hand. "Yeah, I got it. Don't worry." She stood there, looking the two teens over. "You really like each other, don't you."

"I wouldn't be dating him if I didn't." Terry crossed his arms and sat by Simon's feet. Simon moved his legs up a bit, rebalancing the bible on his legs. He didn't say anything, but his face was beginning to turn red.

Lucy thought a moment. "When the time comes, would you like my help telling mom and dad?"

Simon stopped reading and looked up at Lucy. "Yeah. That, that would be nice. Thanks."

Terry nodded. "It would be a big help to have one sibling backing us up."

Lucy smiled and opened the front door. "Alright. I'll see you when you get home, Simon."

Simon nodded and turned back to his reading.

"Lucy?"

Lucy paused and looked at Terry. "Yeah?"

"Call me Terry." He smiled.

Lucy smiled back, raising her shoulders a bit. "You can call me Luce, Terry." She left shutting the door.

Simon looked over his knees at Terry. "You're letting her call you Terry?"

"We're friends, and it's a more personal address of me." He rubbed Simon's leg. "I'm hoping to be on a Terry basis with your whole family one day."

Simon frowned a bit. "I hope you can be too."

Terry stretched and stood. "We need to get going, too. Your curfew will be hitting soon."

Simon sighed. "I wish I could stay the night again."

"Not this weekend. I've got to leave at five tomorrow morning for a special shooting." He nudged Simon's legs aside and leaned forward. "But before you get home, permit me to leave you with one more pleasant memory to tide you over until next week."

Simon smiled a bit and leaned forward, initiating the kiss this time. Next week. That's right, one week at a time. I can do this. I can do this as long as he's with me every step of the way.