Anyway, Ruthie left and Sam came down, toting Andrew and Cherie with her little brother, Jacques and Henri. I don't even know how she got there. I certainly didn't hear her.
"Bonjour David," She said to me, brightly. I wince, because I hate the way she pronouces my name, "David," from "Dave-id" to "Da-veed." You should hear her call Sam, "Sam-u-el." It's hilarious.
"Hello Cherie," I smiled and take a sip of my milk, and add a form of greeting to the two smaller ones.
"Bonjour, David," (Same way his sister says it) Jacques said, after a brief hesitation, "C'est-"
"English, please," I interrupted, chuckling, "My French is worse than my Hebrew," I said, smiling
Jacques frowned, "Hebrew? Shalom, David, Mah slom cha?"
I laughed, "You know Hebrew, but not English?"
"Jacques knows only a little English," Cherie explained, "He's fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew, and German, but not English. Our father has never been stationed in an all English speaking country, and I only know more, because of classes in my other schools,"
"Cherie's father is a French naval admiral," Sam explained, "He's here for the moment with her family, close by to the French Embassy,"
"Cool," I said, smiling, "Cute kids, though,"
"I like them," Andrew announced, "Listen to this!" He turned to one of them and said, "Uncle David tres gros," They all giggled and I looked at Cherie who turned a little red,
"Andrew said that his uncle is very fat," She explained and Sam laughed, "I am sorry for the boys teaching him some unsatisfactory words,"
"I also learned-" Andrew added, smiling, "Uncle Sam is a piece of Mermaid,"
"Merde," Henri corrected him, and the French bots burst into laughter. I'm no dummy, and I know what Merde means! Thank you...right? But why would Andrew say that Sam's a piece of thank you? Why is Cherie dragging them out, apologizing? Ohhh!
"So thats two fathers who don't like me and two fathers that think I'm up to something," Sam said, sitting down, smiling wanly
"Oh, Keegan came by," I told him
"I know," He said, smiling, "We're going out tomorrow. If Keegan's uncomfortable dating me, than I seriously won't attempt to continue any more of a relationship with her," Sam shrugged,
"Sam," I said, warily, standing up, shaking, "I met a boy," Why did I say that? I meant to say something regarding Keegan!
"You like him?" Sam asked
"Yeah," I admitted, smiling,
"Okay," Sam laughed and hugged me, "Will I see him in church tomorrow? I'm going with Keegan before I meet up with Lilly. What's his name? Does he go to our school?"
"Hold up, Mr. Questions," I laughed, "His name is Cain Morgan. He goes to St. Clark Prep. You know, the boys school? He lives a few houses down,"
"Jack Morgan's brother?" Sam asked, "The one that likes Ruthie?"
"No longer," I admitted, "Ruthie's involved with someone named Chad,"
"The British dude she broke up with?"
"No, Chas was the Canadian dude that cheated on her. Chad is the British dude with three kids, one of which the age she was when she fell in love with Martin," I explained in my smartass voice, even though I knew as much about Ruthie as Sam did a few hours ago.
"Never listen to Dad!" Sam smacked himself on the forehead and I laughed. We really were twins.
"Merde!" Sam muttered, taking a seat next to me, "I thought Martin was thinking about a relationship with Ruthie?" He took an Oreo and ate half of it before dunking it for the first time. I do it the opposite way. Begin with a dunk, eat half, finish off with no dunk.
"He is, according to Aaron," I said, "But then again, Aaron hasn't proved to be the most reliable source,"
"When's Martin coming exactly?" Sam asked and I had to shrug. Because I really didn't know.
"Did you hear that Mom's throwing an impromptu family dinner tomorrow night to get everyone's secrets out in the open?" Sam asked, "I'm seriously thinking of telling her mine,"
"What?" I turned so quickly, my head hurt, "Even the researching polygamy online?"
"Well, maybe not that bit," Sam admitted, "But it's not like I'm running an escort service!"
"Like Simon?" I asked
"Daddy was an escort?" Andrew asked, "What's that?"
"A person that gets paid to go out with girls," Sam explained, "Now, kiddo, you know not a word of what we discuss is to be spoken to other people,"
"Don't worry, I only tell David the secrets," Andrew took a cookie, as if to prove his point.
"Boys!" Annie came down, holding a basket of laundry, "Hello Andrew, sweetheart," She added to little Andrew, smiling, "Why don't you run along and watch some cartoons with Gregory and Thomas in the living room,"
Andrew nodded and walked over, keeping one hand supporting a wall.
"Gregory and Thomas are here?" Sam asked
"They came in a little before you and Sam," Annie set down the basket and began to fold, "We're having dinner with the Kinkirks tonight, and tomorrow night will be the family dinner. Mary's not feeling too well tonight," Mom looked practically giddy at the end
"So I heard," I said, "This wouldn't have anything to do with Martin coming home tomorrow?"
"No, I just miss seeing all my Camden children at the same table," Annie said, "You know Mary and Carlos couldn't make Thanksgiving, because Jenny and Freddie had chickenpox. Anyway, the Glasses are coming as well, along with Ben and his wife,"
Oh yes, I had almost forgotten about Ben Kinkirk's little secret. His wife, Claire, who everyone knew he really loved, despite the hold Mary had on him, had an advanced case of breast cancer. They only found out at a fertility clinic after trying to have a baby for about two years. Apparently, Claire had benign cancer her entire life, but as she grew, the cancer became less benign. Now, she only had about six months, if not less, to live her life.
I and Sam only knew, because we had needed a ride home from school and Ben didn't know Claire wanted to keep it a secret. She had sworn us to secrecy.
"Can I bring someone?" I asked, "Just a friend, Cain from down the street,"
"Nicky's older brother?" Annie asked, "Sure, I didn't know you two knew each other," Sam started to laugh/cough at that part.
"I'd like to bring a few friends too," Sam said
"Well, since it's a potluck," Annie said, frowning, "Invite their families and have them bring something. And I'll invite all the Morgans, David. Oh and maybe the girls from work! And your father's congregation could use a night out,"
I think Mom is starting to forget just why she was having a potluck dinner. Or maybe she wanted a large crowd for Mary to announce she had triplets and Carlos had gotten a high paying job that allowed him to spend as much time with his family as he wished (Not that the second part is actually true, but it could be).
"Where is this dinner again?" Sam asked
"At the church," Annie said, as if deciding that just this moment, "It'll fit everyone that I want to invite. Did you hear that the Petrowskis are back in town? I wonder how Paris, Vic, Peter, and Paige are doing."
"Well, Paris and Vic are getting their vows renewed at the same time Peter is going to marry his fiancée," I said, smiling, "I hear Paige is looking forward to being a flower girl,"
"How do you know that?" Annie asked
"They were telling Dad about it," Sam explained, "David and I walked in without realizing Dad was with someone. Peter and Grace told us,"
"Oh, everyone seems to be taken these days," Annie sighed, "At least there's still Martin,"
"Yeah," I said, "And Jack,"
"Jack's coming?" She asked
"You just told me to invite his family. Cain is Jack's younger brother," I explained, "And I think I heard from a little bird-" I smile at my mother's look of annoyance, "That Meredith is coming with Sandy and Aaron to the festivities,"
"How did you know that?" Annie asked, hand on hip, frowning.
I overheard it at church when someone was asking Sandy what she was doing tomorrow.
"Relax Mom," I said, smiling, "Meredith's involved with some guy named Connor,"
"David Joseph Camden," Ann-MOM (I keep forgetting not to call them Annie and Eric) said, "How many secrets are in that little head of yours?"
"As many recipes as you know," I said honestly, grinning.
She took an Oreo and left, huffing.
"I think we've aggravated Mom enough today," Sam said, taking another Oreo. I had to agree.
Dad was delivering a sermon on secrets. I could feel most of the congregation's eyes through the prickles of hair on my neck. Cain and I kept tapping each other's foot, exchanging secret smiles. Sam told me later that any idiot could see that I was gay with the way I acted around Cain.
We took up three rows now. As one of the youngest Camden kids, I sat up front with Sam, Ruthie, and Mom. Cain was next to me, and Keegan on the other side, holding mine and Sam's hand. I was a little afraid that Cain was jealous, but he seemed to be taking it all in stride. Particularly when my shoe pulled up his pant leg a little.
"Amen," My father finished, smiling and the congregation stood, expecting to go home, but he still stood there.
"What's he doing?" My mom hissed, worried.
"I also wish to end this beautiful day," Dad continued, smiling, "With a piece of very happy news concerning Annie and myself,"
"What's Dad doing?" Sam asked me and I looked straight at Ruthie, who had been sitting next to Jack. She shrugged.
Dad laughed, "As you can tell, my family is probably trying to figure out what I'm going to say," The congregation chuckled and we fell silent, not a buzz could be heard.
"On June first, the date which my youngest sons, Sam and David both graduate from their high school, with full ride scholarships to some nice colleges" My father looked at Sam and I smiling. I swear I could see tears falling down his cheeks, "I plan to step down as minister of Glenoak Community Church and my daughter, Lucy will take over as full time minister,"
Wait. I knew all that, but I didn't really think it was much of a secret.
"Annie and I have plans to move into Glenoak Grace Halfway Homes, so Annie can continue her work with these girls and I will have free time to attempt another novel," Dad smiled, "Perhaps this one will get published!" The congregation laughed and Dad continued.
"As for our house, which many of you may have come to think of as your second home in some point of your life, Lucy is planning to move in there with her kids and my son, Simon will move into hers and Kevin's house that they currently occupy," Dad smiled, "I look forward to being with my wife down there as a member of the congregation, looking up to my daughter. I will also try to stay involved in the church dynamic and Dr. Chandler Hampton is also coming back to help Lucy run the church,"
Wow. Dad's more ingenious then I thought. He knows that Lucy is while loved, doesn't always have the best ideas for everyone. Chandler should help her balance that out.
"Uh, there is also a potluck dinner at church tonight," Dad smiled, "It is mandatory for all Camden offspring, and we encourage the rest of you to come and bring some food! Lucy, if you will?" Dad motioned for Lucy to take the ending prayer.
Cain and I stood by the entrance of the church talking. I was thinking of that scene in Brokeback Mountain where the gorgeous Ennis Del Mar grabs equally handsome Jack Twist and starts making out with him in a frenzy. I didn't want to do that with Cain. Well, I did, but I didn't want to violate his space.
"Thinking of PDA?" Cain asked, grinning and I looked at him, surprised. He laughed, "David, I have three little brothers that have that look whenever they see one of Dad's Playboys," He was sitting on the cement three foot fence that separates the stairs from the ground. His hair was blowing lightly in the wind and I sat next to him, not breaking our look.
"Gross," I mumbled, looking straight at him, he doing the same. We were leaning in, closer and closer.
Then why Gregory and Monica had to choose that moment to start fighting in front of me, I don't know. We had attracted an audience, I guess. Cain leaned back farther and sighed. I felt like killing Gregory for putting grass down Monica's dress.
Kevin came and settled their fight. I could tell that he wasn't getting a lot of sleep and he looked a little unhappy.
"How's the hotel bed, Kevin?" I asked, smiling, "I've never liked the mattresses at Holiday Inn,"
Kevin just looked at me, "Don't tell anyone, Sam,"
"I'm David," I corrected him. It was a first to be called Sam by a person that had known me since I was two.
"I'm sorry, David," Kevin sighed, "I've just been taking graveyard shifts down at the station and I'm just tired,"
"This is Cain," I said, and Cain held out his hand. I didn't realize until that moment that I didn't know just what we were.
"Friends?" Cain mumbled, "Or something more?"
"I like the title of boyfriend," I teased him, "Is that okay?"
"Call me that, but tell them first," Cain warned, "It's better to be honest then not saying anything,"
"Nice to know someone was listening to my sermon," Dad came up, smiling, "Eric Camden," He said to Cain
"Cain Morgan," He smiled, and looked at me, "David, I'll be at dinner with Jack and the family," He nodded and left.
"Poor kid," My dad said, "His family has him at this boarding school that specializes in turning same sex orientated children into heterosexuals. From what I've heard, Cain's been 'cured',"
"Really?" I asked, thinking of our footsie session
"Yes, that's why he's home. Well that and that he's planning to go to college soon after spending some time with his family,"
"He's a nice kid," I said
"Yes, and I do like his family, but not their opinions on certain subjects," Eric sighed and pat David on the shoulder, "It's nice that you're befriending him, David,"
"Yeah, nice," I croaked. Now I was afraid that Dad might treat me the same way.
The potluck dinner was just that. A mass of pots. It was set up in the yard joining Kevin's to my property. (An incident involving Thomas and Topher resulted in the fence falling down. Since then, we haven't bothered to put it back up.) Everyone was standing around laughing and kids of all ages chasing each other, screaming unintelligible words to the adult mind.
"Mom! Randy called me an egg face!" one little girl was screaming
"Mom! Monica's sitting on me again!" Another boy, Gregory, yelled. Gregory and Monica have never gotten along the most out of all of Lucy's kids. Sometimes I think that even Lucy would love to just gag both of them once in a while. What's odd is that as much as they fight with each other, they are the closest of all the kids-including the twins, Thomas and Topher.
"Greggie," Lucy pecked him on the cheek, smiling tightly, "Forgive your sister and go play with the other kids,"
Gregory scowled and walked away, unhappy at the lack of attention he was getting from Lucy. Lucy was talking to Mary, who had a slight bump that she was covering via a Glenoak Community College sweater. I also noticed that Lucy was drinking a martini and glancing at a haggard Kevin on the other side of the crowd, with guilt in her eyes.
"David," Cain smiled and I caught my breath before returning it, laughing. We sat down and Sam came by, grinning. He was sipping from a glass bottle that had the paper ripped off. Frowning, I grabbed it from him, to smell-
"Root beer, you idiot," Sam said, laughing, "I wouldn't drink right under Mom and Pop's noses," He looked at Cain, "You must be Davie's little boyfriend. I'm Sam, his smarter twin brother who has problems committing to one girl,"
"I heard about that," Cain said, "You're a pretty popular fellow at my school,"
"Oh yeah?" Sam grinned, "Davie, I like this guy,"
"Stop calling me Davie, Sammy," I warned him, "Mom's been giggling every time she sees Mary. I'm just worried about what she'll do when she discovers the multiple babies and Carlos' lack of a job,"
"Not just Mary," Sam said, "Martin too. He comes home two hours ago and Mom's practically shoving Ruthie and him at Dad,"
"Hello men," Ruthie smiled, holding the elbow of a taller fellow. Much taller, actually, being about a foot above Ruthie's lithe frame. He was holding a beer and seemed to have eyes only for her. A handsome fellow, I decided.
"'Ello mates," He greeted, showing his white teeth,
Wow. Really handsome if you count the teeth and accent. A British accent does make all the difference!
"This is Jean-Luc Chadley," Ruthie explained, giggling, "Just call him Chad,"
"French name, for a British man," Cain said
"That's why I go by my last," Chad said, "My British mates aren't too fond of the French crowd. Most think my parents were deranged and named me Chad Chadley. Haven't got the heart to correct the poor blokes,"
"Well, that's Sam," Ruthie explained, "He's drinking root beer right," She took his bottle from him to smell it
"Yes!" Sam said, "Has everyone but Dad and Mom caught me?"
"No, but you seem like the type," Ruthie said smiling, "Wonderful to know that my baby brother might possibly be drinking like a fish,"
"I'm watching him," I said to calm her, "I'm David, and this is my very good friend, Cain Morgan," I explained, shaking hands with the man. Firm handshake, a nice, tanned look to him. Wonder how he looks-DAVID!
"That's my boys," Chad said suddenly, pointing them out, "The tiny one throwing sand at the other tiny one is Caleb. The one running after the girl with the braids is Noah, and the one that's talking up the pretty girl is Joshua," He said frowning
"That pretty girl is actually my girlfriend," Sam said cheerfully, "Cherie and the other tiny little boy is our nephew Andrew,"
"Tiny Forrest Gump?" He asked, looking at Ruthie who nodded, chuckling at his use of words.
"David!" Someone yelled, his voice booming. That voice being all too familiar. Coach Martin.
"Trouble approaches," Cain mumbles and I cough out a laugh.
Sure enough, Martin came up, looking no worse for wear, "David, Sam-" He smiled and did a double take at Sam's drink, "Is Sam drinking?"
"Root beer," I said before Sam could make a comment about how everyone doesn't trust him.
He laughed nervously and glanced at Ruthie who only had eyes for Mr. Hottie-British-With-3-Kids.
"Oh!" I said, "Martin, this is Cain Morgan, my very good friend," I said
"How good a friend?" Sam said smiling so obviously that I kicked him in the shins. "Ow!" He mumbled and stuck his tongue out.
"And Ruthie's very good friend, Chad," I added over Sam's moans of pain. Cain and I were holding hands under the table. That was the highlight of that moment for me, even though Martin looking all awkward in front of Ruthie and almost hubby Chad and Sam groaning in pain are close seconds.
Keegan, I spotted her out of the corner of my eye. She was talking to two other girls from Sam and mine's school, laughing
"David, Sam," Mom walked up to us, smiling. Her precious Ruthie and Martin were together and as far as she was concerned, Sam and I could ruin it.
"I'm going to go talk to Cherie," Sam said, leaving. At least Sam was smart enough to know when to leave. I noticed that Ruthie and Chad were no longer holding hands.
"I'm going to check up on Joshua," Chad mumbled, walking away. Mom looked at me expectantly.
"This is Cain," I said, putting an arm over Cain. He moved his hand over to my thigh. Oh God. One...Two...Three...
"One of the Morgan boys, huh?" She asked
Four...Five...Six...
Cain nodded, "Yes ma'am. Potluck looks good,"
"Well, why don't you and David go get one of my dishes from the kitchen?" She asked, "I forgot to put it out earlier,"
Forgot, my ass.
"Sure Mom," I said, mouthing 'sorry' to Ruthie and walking away with Cain.
The kitchen was empty and against my better judgement-in my defense, the 'forgotten dish' was on the bottom shelf and Cain was leaning down, so I could see just how well his pants fit him. Sigh. Anyway, no one was around, so I took the dish from Cain and walked him against the kitchen window.
Cain, to my surprise, was grinning.
"I've been waiting for you to take the first step, Davie,"
"God," I said, my breath ragged all of a sudden, "If you weren't so handsome, I'd deck you for calling me Davie,"
"It's cute," Cain whispered, leaning in as well, "Just like you," And with that, our mouths crashed
Five blissful minutes passed, both of us equally into this heavy make-out session. Cain was waving his hands through my hair and my hands were somewhere on his back and lower-well you get my point.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Came from the door. Cain and I both jumped to separate sides of the room, freaked out. The person who had discovered us-
"Keegan," I mumbled, looking down. Cain was as well.
Keegan was looking down too, "Oh. I'll just go," She walked away and for some reason, I felt a urging to go get her,"
"She is cute," Cain said, playing with my hair, "Maybe I'll have to rethink this whole bisexual thing,"
"I like you just the way you are," I said, smiling
"David," Cain kissed me on the cheek, "I think you owe it to yourself to at least explain everything to her,"
"Everything everything?" I asked
"No," He said, "Just with you,"
"Fine," I sighed, "She's cute huh?"
"Definite potential," Cain agreed, laughing, "If it makes you feel better, my family doesn't know that I've suffered a relapse and gone back to being gay. Well, except Jack,"
"Why are you so cute?" I said, smiling, "Let's get out of here before I lose my sanity again,"
Keegan was talking to Sam. When she spotted me, she looked at Sam, said something and then kissed him. I saw that Mom was watching as well as a great deal of other people who had aww-ed over naked baby pictures of Sam and me in the tub.
When the blatant make out ended, as a sort of showing to me at where I now stood, everyone clapped and Sam turned a deep cherry red. I could see the other girls in the background growing horns and glaring at Keegan.
I walked over, nonetheless. Sam seemed a little out of it.
"David," He grinned, "That girl knows how to make a man feel go-ood!"
"Come with me, Sam," Cain said, laughing, "I'll get you a nice cold water,"
They walked away and Keegan looked down again.
"Decided not to tell him, huh?" I asked
"Not like I have a chance with the cuter twin," She said, looking at me, "I really thought I felt something between us, David,"
"I'm not gay," I said softly and she laughed
"I'd hate to see your idea of gay,"
"I'm batting for both sides," I said in the same hushed tone, "Bisexual, I think is the more understood term,"
"Oh," She nodded, "So he's-" She looked at him
"Gay, yeah," I said, smiling, "Doesn't mind my quirks, but his one fault is that he does go to school so far away. And he's going to college here, while I'm at Princeton,"
"Princeton?" Keegan asked, "I got accepted into Princeton. Don't know if I'll go,"
"Another offer?" I asked
She nodded, "Stanford and NYU,"
I nodded, "For what it's worth, Keegan," I said, "I hope you pick the right college for you,"
"Me too," She said, looking at me, "David, let's always be friends, yeah?"
"Friends," I smiled and hugged her, giving Cain the thumbs-up.
"Everyone! Everyone!" Annie yelled, jumping up and down in joy, "Mary and Carlos have some news!"