November, 18th.
Matt was still at the Moore hospital, still being evaluated. But his progress was progressing quite nicely. Dr. Dave Williams even thinks that if Matt continues on this path, that Matt could possibly get released earlier then they first predicted. Maybe, a month sooner, and Matt was happy for that news. Because he missed his brother, he hadn't seen Jeff since that day Jeff told him he was coming here, Matt was mad at him for making that decision, but he now knew that it was for the best, his best interest at heart. Matt really didn't need any distractions while being here. He needed to fully reimburse himself in the treatment if he really wanted to get better, and that is what Matt's been doing. And surprisingly, Matt was actually enjoying being here, now. Not having that stress weighing on him anymore, it was like a burden was lifted, A weight off his shoulders. He even had made some friends, here. Some of the people actually weren't all that bad, just people who struggled with depression and none of them really seemed crazy to him. Just troubled with things, like Matt was. There even was one girl who Matt was very attracted too. Her name was Amy. They had only known each other about a mouth. Matt saw her when she was first admitted.
And a few days after that, he saw her again. This time it was in the T.V. room. She was sitting down on a chair, near the window, looking outside. He stared at her from acrossed the room. And he leaned over to Betty, one of the head nurses who was standing near-by handing out meds. - "Who is that?." - Betty looks over Matt's shoulder, slightly. And gazed around the room. "Who, Matthew?." - "The girl sitting over by the window, the new girl. She's got red hair, a dragon tattoo on her arm. You don't see her?." - Matt leans in to Betty, and whispers. "Don't tell me, I'm seeing someone who's not there?." Betty smiles, and lightly pats Matt on the back of his shoulder. - "No, I see who your referring too. She's there alright. Her name is Amy Dumas. And she's looking this way, at you Matthew." Betty nods her head and Matt quickly turns around and sure enough, she was staring straight over at the two. - "She can't be looking this way at me?. Not at me?. Can she?." - Betty laughs. "I think she is, Matt. You've been standing here for the past twenty minutes staring over at her, you think she didn't notice it?." - "Well, I never saw her look my way, before now?." Matt explains. - "Why don't you go talk to her, Matthew." Betty nudges Matt, gently. Pushing him a few feet away from her. "Go on." - "You won't be mad if I do?." - "Why would I be, Matt?." Betty asks. "Because I thought you liked me?." - "I like everyone here, Matt. It's my job to make everyone calm and relaxed. Being nice is just me being nice." - Matt looked down at the floor. He felt kind of hurt by that, he really did kind of like her, and thinking that she liked him too was nice. Now here he finds out, he was wrong. She didn't like him at all.
"Your adorable, Matt. Very cute. But I have a husband at home, seven years." She holds up her hand to wedding band glimmering in the sunlight. - "Oh, how could I not have ever noticed that before?." - "It doesn't matter now, anyways, Matt. I think you have someone else you like?. Am I right?." - You are, I do like her. Amy is her name?." Matt asks again, wanting to be sure. - Betty smiles. "Yes, and she's coming over here."
Matt looks around, and sure enough. Amy was walking right over. She was rubbing her arm. And looking down towards the floor. When she reached them, she stopped and stood beside Matt. But she wasn't focused on Matt. She was looking directly at Betty, the nurse.
"Excuse me, but is this medicine have any side-effects. Like itchy skin?. My arm feels like it's on fire, right now. And I really don't like it."
Betty looks over towards Matt, momentarily. Before she turns her attention to Amy. "Well, let us go in the back-room. And we'll have a look at it. I'm sure it's fine, though." Amy turned to Matt, just for a second before leaving. Matt stumbled backwards, just slightly. He didn't say anything. Just stared at her eyes. And then she was out of his view. Walking behind Betty. And away from Matt. She hadn't said anything to him, either. And Matt stood there watching her until she disappeared in the back somewhere. He exhaled deeply, and proceeded to go to his room for the rest of the evening. He laid down on his bed, thinking of her. Envisioning those eyes. Her lips, and her firey hair. She was beautiful. He would get another chance to see her, and that next time that he did. He actually spoke something. And surprise. They began spending alot of time together. They quickly fell for one another. Matt wasn't so sure if it was a good idea. But he couldn't help it. She captivated his core. His every being. He couldn't stop it. And it seemed that she felt the same. He actually dreaded leaving the hospital more and more, now. Because, he didn't want to leave her, here, alone. And he didn't want to be away from her.
On the other-side of town. Mark & Jeff were still being intruded on by Paul. He wanted to keep coming over, to eat dinner with. Or to just hang out. Jeff was becoming accustomed to seeing him every few days. He didn't bother him that much, at-least, not as much as he did Mark. He was getting fed up with it. First, it was Paul's car being broken down and that he wanted Mark to fix it, which he did. And still hasn't gotten paid for it. And then it was needing to borrow money. Just a few dollars, and that he would pay him back. And now, it's him coming over, every two days, sometimes, he's over here every day or more then once in a day. Spending hours on end here. And it was growing on Mark's nerves. And he wanted to know what Paul wanted. Because, he still hasn't spoke on why he's doing this, why he's here. Other-then, that he wants to rekindle him and Mark's relationship. But, let's face it, they never really had one.
So that night, he was determined to find out the real true meaning as to why Paul was coming around here for. Just out of the blue like he has. Mark confronted him, just the two of them, alone. Jeff was busy taking a shower. Paul was sitting on the couch. A bowl of popcorn in his lap. "Mark, have a seat. Your missing a good movie."
Mark stood alongside the couch. He stood there hovering over Paul. Looking down on him with menacing eyes. His arms folded acrossed his chest. "What are you doing here, Paul?. Why are you suddenly spending so much time, here?." - Paul looked up. He grabbed the bowl and leaned forward to place it on the coffee table in front of him. He then looks up at Mark. "If I'm too be honest." - " I hope that you will be, Paul." Mark replies. - "I lost my home, Mark. It was foreclosed on me. They said I stopped paying the bills. But that isn't true. I never stopped paying them." - Paul's voice was at a whisper, now. "... I just got behind on them, is all." - Mark didn't expect that. He almost felt sorry for him. Almost. "I'm sorry, Paul. I was wondering why you hadn't returned home. I know that it must be difficult for you. To be truthful to me about it."
"I knew you'd understand, Mark. That's why I came to you, and only you. I raised you since you were a little boy, your practically my own son. I knew you would understand how in tire need I am of a place to stay. And I'm so glad your allowing me this chance to rekindle our relationship. And that your allowing me to stay here, with you. And Jeffrey. I promise, I won't make much noise. It'll be like I'm not even here, most of the time. I promise you that, Mark. I do." - Mark's mouth gaped open. When the hell did we discuss this. You moving in with me, Paul. That's not gonna happen. No-way.
"Paul, I." - Paul continued his game-plan. He quickly got up, and without one word, one thought. He went up to Mark, and wrapped him up in a hug. Mark was stunned. And didn't know what to do or say. - Paul knew how to play the emotion's card. That's for sure.
"I'm glad that we discussed this, and you agree. Because, I don't know where I would have gone, if you had said no to me. I've been out of money for the past few days. And my hotel bill would be due. Where would I have gone. To a shelter. I couldn't leave my animals behind. They're like my children. I guess I just would have lived out in the street, like all those poor homeless people you see digging out of trash cans for just the slightest thing to eat. Would you force me to do that, Mark?. To live like that." - Mark and Paul were still hugging and Mark could feel the perspire on his hands. This was so weird. Paul was not a man that hugged, and neither was Mark. But Paul wouldn't let go of his grasp. Not until he knew he had rung Mark in, fully.
"...No, you would not. Because your a good man, Mark. Your parents would be so proud of how you've turned out. I know that they would be." - "...I guess you can stay, we do have one more spare bedroom." - "That's great, if I just go get my things later, I'll be set to move in."
"Things, what things?." - "Things from my old house. I got them shipped here, about a week ago. My animals, too." - "Well, I don't know if I have the room for your belongings. I mean, the small things, you can bring. Your clothes and such. But..." - "Don't worry about that, my clothes is pretty much all I own, now. My furniture was also seized and sold by the bank." - "I'm sorry about that, really."
Paul wasn't lying. At first, when he was coming up with a wasn't gonna confess about his house being seized. It was shameful. But, after thinking on it some-more. On how he could get Mark to allow him to stay. He realized, that he had the perfect plan, all along. If only he would tell the truth. And that's what he's doing. He didn't even have to come up with anything. He had everything he needed, already. And this way, he could get in the house, get the evidence he needed and his problems would be over. He would have a house, and land paid for in full. All he needed was Mark and Jeff gone. And that was due in short time. He just needed one picture of the two of them together. Just one is all that it took. And Paul would be set for life. A house, land and money. What more could Paul need. He would find enjoyment out of seeing Mark suffer, anyways. Mark deserved time in prison. He forced Paul to be in one for years. Having to take care of a selfish, spoiled, ungrateful bastard like him for years. And then to have Mark just run out on him, when Paul needed him the most. He hoped Mark wouldn't ever forget it.
November, 23rd.
Paul had been staying with them now, fully for four days. And Jeff and Mark had been forced to be in separate rooms. Jeff wasn't at all happy about it, but neither was Mark. He missed the warmth of Jeff's body during the cold frigid nights. He missed hearing his soft breaths. He just missed being with Jeff, alone. They had not had any time together, just the two of them since Paul confessed to Mark that he had no-where to go and Mark agreed to allow him a place under his roof.
It seemed anytime they were alone, Paul would sneak up behind them. And Mark would stay clear from Jeff for the rest of the night. Even during the times that they went into town, Paul always had to tag along. Even if he really didn't need anything. And sometimes, it bugged Mark. Because, Paul would complain about how long it was taking. Or how hot it was when he was the one who would decide to stay in the car. But, Jeff would sometimes sneak a kiss from Mark during those few times, that Paul would stay out in the car during their grocery shopping. But, he usually didn't stay out there very long. Just for a mere ten or fifteen minutes before Mark and Jeff would be greeted by him yet again. Jeff was getting sick of it himself, by the time Thanksgiving day rolled around. He didn't really have much to be thankful for. He was with Mark, but neither one of them could be with the other, because of Paul always being around. So alas, they barely spent any time together. It was like they weren't even together, anymore. Jeff just wanted to be with Mark. And he didn't care if Paul saw or not. He didn't care, anymore. He wanted Mark. And he was gonna get what he wanted. Regardless.
November, 24th. - Thanksgiving -
Matt was standing by the nurse's station. Waiting to use the phone. The patients were allowed visits or if be chance that your family couldn't attend, they were allowed an hour phone-call for the day. It being a holiday. Matt was anxious to call up Jeff. To talk to him. And to introduce, Amy to his little brother. She was standing right alongside him, holding his hand, ever so gently. He really thought that Jeff would like her. They both had that do or die attitude. That spirit. Amy smiled at Matt, and Matt smiled back at her. "Your gonna love, Jeff. I just know you are." - "I'm sure I will, Matthew. He's your brother, after-all." - They both smile.
After the phone-call. Jeff walked up to Mark, who was standing over by the oven. He was observing the turkey that was cooking. "It smells wonderful in here, you two." Paul explains as he walks into the small kitchen, and to stand beside Jeff and Mark. - "How much longer do we have before the turkey is done?." Jeff asks. - "Not much longer, another hour, maybe." - "I can't wait." Paul replies.
Mark looks over to Paul, and then towards Jeff. He smiles slightly. "So how did the call go with Matthew, is he doing good?."
"He's doing great, he's really positive. He says, that the doctor thinks he's almost ready to return home. And that he's saying that once he does get released, that he wants to try community collage. I am a little concerned on the fact that he's meet someone in there, and their dating." - "Who, not that Betty nurse?. I hope it ain't her." - Jeff shakes his head. "No, it ain't her. It's some girl named, Amy. I talked to her, she sounded nice. But I just don't think he's ready yet." - "I'm sure, he'll be fine." Mark places a soft hand to Jeff's shoulder. But only for a second. Before he takes it off, again. And proceeds to check the turkey, again.
"Who is Matt?." - Paul asks. "He's my brother." Jeff responds. - "He doesn't stay here, too. Does he?. I'm not taking up his room?." - "No, he doesn't. Your okay." Jeff replies. - "Oh, good."
Jeff, Mark and Paul sat at the table. The centerpiece was a beautifully whole cooked turkey. The fragrance from it was filling up the house. And it had to be driving the poor dogs outside crazy because they kept whimpering and whining, aswell as scratching. Mark promised that they'd get some scrapes later. That until then they'd just have to wait.
Just then, Paul grasped Mark's hand. "I think we should say a prayer of thanks. Don't you, Mark?." - "Oh, of course."
Jeff smiled, grabbed Marks' hand gently. Then regretfully, he grabbed Paul's. - "Jeff, why don't you start off. Please, if you may?."
"Sure, Paul. I'd be glad, too." - "I'm thankful for the time that I've shared here, at this house. With Mark." Jeff looks at Mark and blushes just slightly. "I don't think he knows how much he's changed my life. And how much him being here for me, means to me. I'm thankful for god allowing us the chance to meet. And how beautiful he's made my life become. I'm thankful for all of that. And this wonderful meal, too."
"Well put, Jeff." Paul explains. - "Thank you." - "Yes, I really liked it, Jeff. It was very poetic." - "Oh, please." Jeff whispers, trying not to blush again. - "How about you, Mark." - "Oh, I don't know what to say. I guess I'm just thankful of being here, with you all." - "Oh, come on. You can do better then that, Mark." Jeff chimes in. - "Yes, you can. You remember when you were a child. How much your mother liked hearing a thanksgiving prayer. She would have made you say something a little bit more meaniful then that, if she was here, Mark." Paul explains.
Jeff looked at Paul and then back to Mark. He could see Mark was getting mad. And he was. Mark was rolling his hands into fists underneath the table. "Please, don't bring my mother into this, Paul. I'm trying to have a nice day. Your not helping." - "I was just saying that you could try a little harder." - "Well, you know what. I don't care. This is my house, your at my dinner table, eating my dinner. I think I can say a prayer however the hell I want, too. In my own DAMN HOUSE!." Mark yells, slamming his fist down on the table. He looked at Paul. His eyes glaring through him. Paul looked down. And whispered. "I think I may not be wanted here, maybe, I should go." Paul gets up but without furthering the wound. "But your parents wouldn't agree with your behavior. Throwing me out of the house, when I have no-where else to go too." - Mark had his arm down on the table and his head was resting on that arm. "Wait, Paul." He whispers. Holding his head up. "Stay, please. I'm sorry, I should not have lost my temper. It's just been a long day for me." - "Well, are you sure?." - Mark nods his head. "I'm sure, Paul. I am."
"Have a seat, so we can begin eating. Before the food gets cold."
TBC
I am sorry that this isn't what I promised last chapter. It being Jeff's birthday. But that will come, either in the next chapter or the one after that. I forgot about the holidays and I of course want to write something about them. So expect to see something to do with Christmas in the next chapter. And if that chapter is short enough, I'll write Jeff's bd in that one but if it's long like this one is, then it'll be the next chapter. And I do expect to write some bd sex. So I hope everyone will enjoy that, in-less you don't want to see that?. Let me know. Sorry for how long it's taken me to get this written.
Shout-outs
MissBrianna: Thanks, I'm happy your still reading!. :) I hope you like this chapter. And, hopefully, next chapter I can write Jeff's birthday. After I mention their Christmas celebration. Is there any thing you want to see them do together?.