Chapter 8:

The choices we make Part 2:

Grinning to himself all the way home Aaron was on a high. Getting off the bus he pulled his phone out of his pocket to see if Jackson had texted. Seeing a message in his inbox he opened it.

From: Adam Received: 21 March 2010 20:34

Paddy just walked in. where r u really?

Shuddering at the message he wasn't sure how or what to reply. The euphoria of his kiss with Jackson waned now as the thoughts of what Adam might do or say were weighing heavily on him. Realising it was nearly midnight and knowing that Adam would be up in five hours he decided against texting him back until morning. He wasn't sure how that would go down but he'd think of something. Walking towards Smithy his mind spun. Adam knew he hadn't been with paddy and he wasn't sure if he really cared anymore. Jackson didn't make him feel dirty or a guilty little secret. Ok, he wasn't totally out and proud yet but he'd never be if he stayed with Adam would he? Adam would keep Scarlett on the side for as long as he could and even though he and Adam hadn't slept together yet he didn't feel right about being the other man. He hated cheaters and now here he was being one.

While pondering about what to do his phone pinged. Hoping it wasn't Adam again he was please to see Jackson's name come up.

From: Jackson Received: 21 March 2010 23:57

Had a really good time tonight. Hope we can do it again sometime

Smiling to himself he quickly replied to Jackson

To: Jackson Sent: 21 March 2010 23:58

Yeah, had a really gud time. Want 2 meet up 2moro?

Opening the front door he heard his phone ping again. Reading the text he couldn't stop the big grin from spreading across his face.

From: Jackson Received: 22 March 2010 00:02

Deffo, pub, club or dinner?

To: Jackson Sent: 22 March 2010 00:04

Dinner? I'll pay. Meet up8?

While waiting nervously for a reply Aaron started to walk up the stairs to his room. Slowly pulling his jacket from his shoulders as he walked into his bedroom he threw it on the chair and threw himself down on the bed, flipping on his bedside radio as he did, just to get some noise into the house. Holding his phone in his hand he felt the vibrations and heard the ping of a new message. Opening his phone once more he saw another message from Jackson.

From: Jackson Received: 22 March 2010 00:06

Sounds gud 2me. Where do u want 2go?

To: Jackson Sent: 22 March 2010 00:07

There's a nice Italian near Bar west, we cud meet up there first and then head 2restaurant?

From: Jackson Received: 22 March 2010 00:08

Like a proper date then?

To: Jackson Sent: 22 March 2010 00:08

Yeah, a proper date ;-)

From: Jackson Received: 22 March 2010 00:09

Cool C u 4drinks in Bar west, 7.30?

To: Jackson Sent: 22 March 2010 00:09

Deffo. C u 2moro. Nite.

From: Jackson Received: 22 March 2010 00:10

Nite

Aaron looked at the texts that he had just received and couldn't stop smiling. He had another night out with Jackson but this time it was a proper date and he was really happy about it but just then his phone rang. Assuming it was Jackson he didn't bother checking the screen to see who it was.

'Hey, couldn't wait to talk to me again?' Aaron asked smiling into the phone fully expecting to hear the deep voice of Jackson on the other end.

'Well I don't think that was for me, now was it?' came Adam's voice from his phone 'why didn't you text me back?'

'I thought you would be in bed. It's late' Aaron replied.

'So where were you?' Adam asked annoyance tingeing his voice.

'Was out with mates, met them in town' Aaron replied desperately trying to come up with a decent story. He just hoped Adam wouldn't ask too many questions or delve too deep into what he said.

'Oh, who? Anyone I know?' Adam enquired.

'Don't think so. Paul and John from college.' Aaron randomly pulled names from the air as a Beatles track came on the radio.

'Oh, never heard of em. They straight?' Adam asked quite abruptly.

'Not sure what that matters but yes they are. Seriously Adam, what is up with you? You were with Scarlett and I just wanted a night out. Gimme a break ok!' Aaron snapped.

'Ok, calm down Aaron. I just asked a bloody question.' Adam replied trying to placate Aaron. 'Fancy doing something tomorrow night?'

'Not really, no Adam. I'm sick of being your fallback. I'm going to sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow ok. Night'

'Oh alright, night mate' Adam replied somewhat stunned at the force in Aaron's voice. Adam had never heard him so annoyed at him before. Adam got away with murder when it came to Aaron usually.

Hanging up on Adam Aaron's mind was racing. He'd baldly lied to Adam and now had another date with Jackson. He hoped Adam would just leave him alone for a few days, he needed to clear his head. Stripping for bed he climbed in and looked at his clock, twenty past twelve. And he'd to get up early for work. Pulling up his covers he tried to sleep but his mind was racing, thoughts of Adam finding out about Jackson and Jackson finding out that there was actually something going on between him and Adam and not 'just friends' as he'd told him. He wondered what would happen if Jackson found out. From the little he knew about him Aaron didn't think that Jackson would take kindly to finding out that Aaron was with someone else. He'd see how the next date went and then he'd know what to do, at least he hoped he would. Finally falling asleep well into the next morning Aarons dreams continued from where his thoughts left off.