Don’t Push Your Luck By Dave Disclaimer
The usual disclaimers apply. If you are underage, or are offended by the contents of this story, or cannot mentally handle the contents then leave now. I am not responsible for any problems you may encounter by reading this story. This story is entirely fictional, and any reference to real places, people, or locations is pure coincidence. Nothing depicted in this story has actually happened.
This story deals with a gay relationship between minors. If this does not interest you then please leave now. If this does interest you then do read on.
This is my first attempt at a story like this and all constructive comments are welcome and should be emailed to: - davesstories@hotmail.com
All flames and spam etc will be ignored.
Part 55 – Steve Is Damaged Too!
The alarm clock going off rudely woke me and dragged me from my wonderful sleep and dreams. I lay in bed waiting for Steve to switch off the alarm so we could snuggle and say another wonderful good morning to each other. The alarm clock just kept on going. What was going on?
I sat up and looked around. Steve was nowhere to be seen!
I switched off the alarm clock. I was confused. Where was Steve?
I quickly grabbed my shorts and t-shirt from yesterday and put them on. I had to find Steve.
I left my bedroom and looked along the landing. The bathroom door was open so Steve was not in the bathroom. All the bedroom doors were closed except for the door to my room so that excluded the rest of upstairs. I went downstairs. Steve was not in the living room. Steve was not in the kitchen either. Where was he?
I walked through the kitchen and into the back garden. Steve was in the garden! Much to my surprise Steve was just sitting there in the middle of the lawn. Why?
I approached Steve and sat down just next to him. Steve had a blank look in his eyes. He also had rings under his eyes and they were bloodshot as well. Something was wrong but what?
"Steve?" I asked as I was not sure what else to say.
There was no answer from Steve. He just stared blankly as if he had not heard me.
I put my hand on Steve's shoulder making him jump. Steve really had not heard me!
"You okay?" I asked Steve.
"I am fine." Steve replied; that deadbeat tone in his voice again. Why would Steve lie to me?
"What's wrong Steve?" I asked determined to find out what was going through his mind.
"I am fine Matthew now just drop it!" Steve snapped back at me with real fierce undertones in the response; his face one big scowl, his eyes piercing through me like a high powered bullet and the venom in the tone of his snappy response ripping through my soul like a sharp sword slices through limbs. The response was so vicious I fell backwards!
I looked at Steve, his face still looking so angry and frightening and tears filled my eyes! People had snapped at me before to tell me off but never Steve. Steve had always been the person with a smile for me and a kind word whatever the circumstances. I could not take this from Steve! He was my everything and he had just yelled at me! With the tears streaming down my face I ran back into the house, straight into my bedroom and bolted my bedroom door before I threw myself onto the floor and cried. I was heartbroken!
I had not been crying for long when I heard a knock at my bedroom door.
"Matthew, it's me." Steve announced from the other side of the door.
I said nothing and carried on crying.
"Matthew I want to explain. Please let me in." Steve then announced from the other side of the door.
"Go away!" I replied in a very hurt tone. Why I did this I do not know as I actually wanted an explanation.
"Matthew I want to explain and I want to do that face to face so please open this door or I will break it down!" Steve then told me. There was a mixture of pleading and threatening in the tone of Steve's voice! I did owe him the chance to explain though; I knew that.
"Okay." I replied in hurt tones.
I got up and wiped tears from my eyes. Done wiping my face I unlocked my bedroom door and opened it to see Steve looking at me. There was something wrong with Steve; his facial expression told me that.
Steve walked into my room and sat down on the edge of the bed. Steve patted the bed and I came and sat down next to him.
"I am sorry." Steve stated before I had a chance to say anything. "I should have warned you." Steve then added.
This stopped me dead in my tracks! Steve should have warned me about what? Now I was really confused!
Steve noticed my facial expression and took a deep breath. I knew Steve was about to tell me something so I sat there quietly apart from the occasional sniff from my recently finished crying fit.
"The first of September is a day I always dread." Steve started with that deadbeat tone back in his voice. I felt a shiver run along my spine! "Today is the anniversary of an event that has always filled me with dread and foreboding." Steve continued. This was doing nothing to make me feel better! "I have been so much fun recently compared to last year because you have been around and you have been wonderful company and a wonderful distraction." Steve continued. What was Steve on about? "When my brothers turned up yesterday it suddenly brought back the realisation that the anniversary was here again and I slumped back into the depression I always slump into at this time of year." Steve continued as if I was not even there. What was this about?
Steve stopped and took a deep breath. He suddenly seemed so fragile and tired and so unlike Steve it was scary!
"You have your appointment with Ant today, don't you?" Steve asked me; the deadbeat tone still evident.
"Yeah." I replied unsure why that was important.
"Okay. After your appointment with Ant I will show you what I mean as it will be easier to show you than try to explain it." Steve then told me. What did Steve mean?
The phone ringing made me jump. Steve did not even react! It was as if he had not even heard the phone! I got up off the bed and ran downstairs and grabbed the receiver.
"Hello." I stated as I answered the phone.
"Hello sweetie." Steve's mum replied. There was a worried tone in her voice. "How are you both?" Steve's mum asked me. What on earth was going on?
"Steve is being really weird and it is scaring me!" I replied honestly. I was getting quite worked up really.
"Okay sweetie. Nathan will be there in five minutes as he is already on his way and he will keep an eye on Steve and help you get ready for the day." Steve's mum reassured me. This was a relief.
"Don't worry sweetie, Steve will be fine soon enough." Steve's mum then stated. What was wrong with Steve?
I wanted to ask but the doorbell sounding stopped me.
"Get the door sweetie and I will see you a bit later." Steve's mum told me.
"Okay, bye." I replied, my mind in a whirl now.
I put the phone receiver down and looked through the spy glass in the front door. There on the other side of the door was Nathan and Ben.
I threw the front door open and grabbed Nathan in a fierce hug.
"Okay littlest brother, the cavalry has arrived." Nathan told me in a comforting manner as he hugged me and gently stroked the back of my head. "Is Steve acting as if he is in a world of his own and is snappy?" Nathan then asked me.
I nodded my head into Nathan's chest.
"Okay Matthew. We will sort out Steve. You just worry about yourself for the next few hours." Nathan then told me as we all entered my home.
"What is wrong with Steve?" I asked with tears filling my eyes. "I have never seen Steve like this." I added with real feeling.
Nathan knelt down so he was level with me.
"I cannot tell you without Steve saying it is okay first." Nathan replied gently. There was a lot of remorse in that statement. "What has Steve said?" Nathan then asked me.
"He will explain after I have had my appointment with Ant." I replied honestly.
"Then I must ask you to wait those few hours." Nathan replied. Nathan looked upset. I looked at Ben. He looked upset as well.
"This affects you all?" I asked and guessed all in one.
Ben sniffed!
"Yeah, it does." Ben replied honestly, the tone of his voice doing nothing to hide how hurt he was feeling. "We would love to explain but if we did you would immediately go to Steve and Steve would flip so we must ask you to trust us and wait a few hours." Ben added with great reluctance.
"But." I replied sound quite exasperated.
"I know it is asking a lot but please trust us on this one." Nathan told me. "If Steve has promised to explain then you will find out in a few hours." Nathan added. He sounded very serious.
"I don't understand; but okay." I replied sensing how serious Nathan and Ben were.
"Thank you." Nathan replied with real feeling. I then realised just how upset Nathan sounded! What on earth was all this about?
"Now how about you get dressed and do whatever you need to and we will all have a drink and get you to Ant's and then you will see for yourself why we are all "off" today." Ben then suggested to me.
"Okay." I replied as we all headed into the house properly. I showed Nathan and Ben into the kitchen. There on the table was a note to me from my mum.
Dear Dimples and Steve
Had to go to work earlier than planned. Hope you both have a wonderful day. Here is a little money for lunch and so on.
Love, mum
Under the note from my mum was a twenty pound note. I grabbed the money and left Ben in the kitchen making a drink for us all while Nathan followed me upstairs to deal with Steve.
Steve was still in my bedroom just as I had left him when I had gone to answer the phone. Nathan tapped Steve on his shoulder to get Steve's attention. Steve had been so out of it he jumped at the touch!
"Toilet time." Nathan told Steve.
Steve did not really react but he did get up and shuffled towards the bathroom. Nathan acted as if this was nothing unusual! Nathan got Steve into the bathroom, pulled his shorts down, got Steve to sit on the toilet and turned around to allow Steve to do the necessary. This looked so weird!
"Is it okay if I help Steve shower?" I asked Nathan. Nathan gave me a confused look.
"I need to shower as well anyway and it looks as if you have showered already." I explained to Nathan innocently. Nathan gave me a half smile.
"Good idea. I guess you two have spent enough time in the bathroom and our back garden together to know what each other looks like." Nathan added innocently as well. If only he knew just how much naked time and stuff Steve and I had experienced together!
Nathan went over to Steve. Steve had thankfully finished urinating. Nathan got Steve to stand up and started to undress him as I emptied my bladder. With Steve naked and ready I quickly undressed and started the shower. As soon as it was ready I took Steve's hands and "pulled" him into the shower. Steve just stared blankly!
I got Steve soaked and started to wash his hair. I rinsed Steve's hair and then started to wash Steve's body from top to toe. Steve really was not with it as his cock stayed soft! This was not like Steve at all. I was getting quite worried even though I knew I would be getting the answer to Steve's behaviour in a matter of hours. It was as if somebody had stolen Steve's mind and left the body here! Even when I washed Steve's cock and balls he stayed soft!
As soon as I finished washing Steve from head to toe I shut off the shower. Nathan was waiting there with a towel for Steve. Nathan guided Steve out of the shower and sat him on the edge of the bath and started to dry Steve off. I returned to the shower and started to wash myself. My hands felt so small doing this!
I finished my shower and shut the shower down. Nathan had finished drying Steve and had already gelled his hair as well so Steve looked pretty presentable. Nathan looked at me and picked up a fresh towel.
"Would littlest brother like to be dried as well today?" Nathan asked me with nothing but love and compassion in the tone of his voice.
I gave a smile and a half chuckle.
"I will take that as a yes." Nathan replied as he pulled me closer and started to tenderly rub my hair dry.
Nathan tenderly dried me from head to toe. I did not know this but Ben was watching as well.
"You going to spoil everyone today?" Ben asked Nathan with sarcasm and love while I jumped at the sudden extra voice.
"Everyone who deserves it." Nathan replied with a big smile. Nathan then turned his attention back to me. "All dry?" Nathan asked me.
"Yep." I replied.
"Well we will get Steve dressed while you finish in here and we will all meet you in the kitchen." Ben then told me. Nathan then took Steve's hand and guided him towards the bathroom door.
Alone for five minutes I brushed my teeth, gelled my hair and gave the bathroom a bit of a tidy up. With all the wet towels hanging up and the room looking tidy I flushed the toilet and went into my bedroom.
There was no one in my bedroom and Steve's bag was also gone. I guessed Steve was dressed and his bag, as well as his two brothers were now downstairs. I quickly put on clean clothes and packed my clothes from yesterday into my bag. I then found the envelope again. I had forgotten all about that!
Deciding that the envelope could wait a little bit longer I jogged downstairs and into the kitchen. Ben, Nathan and Steve were all in the kitchen having a drink.
As soon as I walked into the kitchen Nathan gave me a glass with my pills in.
"These correct?" Nathan asked me. I had a look in the glass.
"Yep." I replied. Odd how I knew this just by looking at the pills.
I took my pills with some orange juice and decided to have breakfast. I grabbed a bowl and looked at the cereals. Today I would have Coco Pops.
"Does anyone else want some breakfast?" I asked Steve and his brothers.
"I am fine thanks." Ben replied.
"I will join you." Nathan then replied. There was no response from Steve!
"Steve will be fine. Missing one meal will not hurt." Nathan stated tenderly as my face showed my concern. Steve was still effectively staring into oblivion!
I grabbed two bowls and filled my own. I then gave the box of cereal to Nathan and he filled his bowl. I grabbed the milk and added it to my cereal. I watched as the milk started to go brown, just as the cereal promised. Nathan then added milk to his cereal and I put the milk away.
We were all a little subdued today. Me because I was worried about Steve. Steve, Nathan and Ben as they were all preoccupied, especially Steve. I just hoped that Nathan was right and Steve would be better in a few hours.
As soon as I finished my cereal I asked if anyone would like toast. Both Nathan and Ben said a "thank you but no" and again there was no response from Steve. Nathan then asked me an odd question.
"Do you have a straw?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah." I replied confused. I got a straw out and gave it to Nathan.
"Thanks." Nathan replied. Nathan then put the straw into Steve's drink and put the straw to Steve's mouth. Much to my surprise Steve began sucking on the straw and drank his drink down all in one go.
"Much better than trying the other way." Nathan joked.
"Has Steve been like this before?" I asked. I had to know something.
"Yes. Every year since the incident from mid august until the return to school Steve has hit a major low. On the first of September Steve is like a zombie in the morning so we are used to this even though it is upsetting." Ben explained.
I looked at Nathan. Nathan nodded. What was this incident? I wanted to know now but I knew I would not get told. This was driving me mad!
"I know it is not easy but bear with us littlest brother." Nathan asked me kindly. Nathan must have been able to see the frustration on my face.
We quickly finished breakfast and Ben and I quickly did the washing up while Nathan put Steve's trainers on for him. Steve just sat there staring! What was all this about? Why would nobody tell me?
As soon as the washing up was done I got everything I needed for the day sorted out. The four of us then left the house. I was going to be taken to Ant's and then picked up as soon as my appointment was over to go with everyone else to wherever we were going to go. Steve and his brothers were going somewhere else while I would be with Ant. I hated all this secrecy but I knew I had to just go with it for the time being. I would soon find out but I really wanted to know now.
I got to Ant's office early again and tried the door. Thankfully it was open. I walked up the stairs and entered the reception area. There was nobody there.
"Hello?" I called unsure if I should even be there now.
"Hiya." The disembodied voice of Ant called from the small room behind the reception desk. "Tea?" Ant then asked.
"Please." I replied grateful Ant was pleased I was there.
"You are early again today." Ant remarked as he walked out from the room behind the reception desk with our drinks and a plateful of chocolate digestive biscuits.
"Yeah." I replied. "I have been dropped off so Steve and his brothers can do something before we all go somewhere to explain Steve's odd behaviour." I added. I saw Ant's eyes light up at what I had just said! Ant knew something!
"I had forgotten that date had come around again!" Ant remarked as he took a sip of his coffee. Ant had noticed I was now looking at him with wild expectation.
Ant took a deep breath. He knew he had said too much already.
"I cannot tell you anything Matthew." Ant told me with reluctance.
I pulled a very pouty face.
"I cannot without breaking doctor patient code." Ant explained. My mouth fell open. Steve had been a patient of Ant's!
Ant groaned. He had told me something else I did not know and seeing my facial expression he knew he had divulged another secret.
"All I can tell you is that in a few hours you will know what has caused Steve's behaviour and you will also understand why I have seen Steve as a patient and why he is behaving oddly this morning." Ant told me. "To be totally honest with you Matthew, you have been a wonderful influence on Steve as he would normally begin his slump a couple of weeks before today." Ant then added.
I perked up at that. Was I that special?
"You knew nothing about this before this morning?" Ant asked me.
"No." I replied. "I got a bit of a clue when Steve started to zone out late last night but I just thought Steve was as tired as I was." I added honestly.
"Did all of Steve's brothers turn up yesterday?" Ant asked me. Ant knew more than he was letting on about.
"Yesterday afternoon." I replied. "Steve was fine until bedtime though." I added truthfully.
"Very good." Ant replied. "You really have been an amazing distraction for Steve." Ant then added honestly. Ant knew quite a lot here about Steve and whatever this event was. I wish he could tell me more.
"I have to get a few things ready so I will leave you with Denise." Ant then announced. Sure enough just behind me was Denise. I had not even heard her come in!
"Another cup of tea handsome?" Denise asked me kindly.
"Please." I replied as I went a subtle shade of pink.
Ant headed into his office chuckling as Denise went into the room behind the reception desk to make me a fresh cup of tea. As soon as she came out Denise told me Ant was ready to see me and she followed me to Ant's office with a tray containing my drink, Ant's drink and more chocolate digestive biscuits for us to enjoy. I was enjoying being pampered like this!
I got myself comfortable on the sofa with my drink and the biscuits in front of me. Ant was in his chair just beside me. Ant then pushed the small plate of biscuits towards me.
"I will put on weight at this rate!" Ant exclaimed with a smile as I took one of the chocolate covered digestives and took a bite. "You enjoy." Ant added with a smile. These visits just get better and better!
"Now I know you are worried about Steve but I need you to forget about that for now. We need to concentrate on you and your needs and progress. Okay?" Ant then stated and asked me.
"Okay." I replied. I guessed Ant had his reasons for that request and I was sure Ant knew a lot more than he had told me.
Ant and I then started discussing how I had been sleeping, how I had been doing in general, what was worrying me and how things were at home in general. Ant was as pleased as I was that I was managing to sleep through a lot of the night noises, even if it was because I was exhausted. With a little luck this would also happen when I was not as exhausted and sleeping normally. Ant asked me to book an appointment on Monday and hopefully we would be able to find out. I asked Ant if this meant I would have to go to bed early. Ant laughed. Ant told me to go to bed whenever I felt like it or I was told to. My sleeping pattern would soon sort itself out and we would see if I was still nervous sleeping through the night. When I returned to school everything would change anyway as I would have a set getting up time five days a week again.
I discussed how I seemed ready to return home and told Ant about me finding it odd to be taking my laundry to Steve's house now. Ant replied that this was indeed good progress as I wanted to be home and have all my things there. I must admit I still had some reservations and discussed these with Ant. It was so nice to have an objective opinion on the matter. It made everything so clear.
After a good chat with Ant (and eating all the biscuits) I booked my appointment for Monday, used the toilet and headed out of Ant's office. I suddenly wondered how I was going to tell Steve's family I was done when I noticed Ben walking towards me from the bus stop. He had been waiting for me!
Ben wrapped one arm around my shoulder and led me towards the car park behind the parade of shops. There in the car park was Nathan's car and inside were Nathan, Lee and Mark. Scott was with Steve and their parents in another car.
"They have been to the florists." Ben informed me as we got into the car and put our seatbelts on.
Florists!
This cannot be good!
"Okay Matthew." Nathan began; sounding very serious but also unable to hide the anguish in his voice. "The four of us have to do this but you do not so please tell us now whether you want to." Nathan then added with the same tone. I am sure Nathan was giving me the option of backing out of what might be a very painful experience but I had to know, especially after finding out it had driven Steve to see Ant.
"I want to do this please." I replied with conviction.
Nathan nodded his head and started his car. As Nathan drove Mark called Steve's parents and told them they were on their way.
"They will meet us there. They are on their way as well." Mark relayed to us all. Where were we going?
All of Steve's brothers were subdued in the car. I could tell they were all upset more than anything so I just rode quietly as well. I am glad to say Ben held my hand and gave me a half smile which made me feel better. I was at least wanted here!
Nathan did a left turn and as I read the sign a shiver ran along my spine. The sign said "cemetery"!
Oh... No!
What had I just let myself in for?
Nathan parked the car and switched off the engine. Mark sniffed! Was I doing the right thing being here? I knew that being here was not going to be a good thing. Did I really want to know the truth?
We had sat there for just a few minutes when the jag pulled up with Steve, Scott and their parents inside. Steve looked terrible! Oh this might be a really bad idea.
"You still have the choice Matthew." Ben then told me kindly. "You are more than welcome to join us or wait here in the car." Ben added with a caring undertone.
It was the moment of truth. Did I really want to know this badly?
"I would like to join you." I replied sweetly even though I was no longer that sure.
We all got out of the cars. Nathan offered me his hand and I took it. As we all got ready to walk wherever we had to walk to I noticed Steve's mum was wiping a tear from her eyes. This was going to be rough!
With Steve's dad holding his wife around the shoulder for support, Steve carrying several bunches of flowers and a small bag and all of Steve's brothers ambling along behind we all followed Steve. With my heart beating hard and fast in my chest I followed with Nathan.
We all walked through the cemetery following Steve. This was the first time I had been in a cemetery that I could remember but I did not like it! All the headstones telling you about all the people who had died. Husbands, wives, grandparents, uncles, aunties and worst of all children and babies. I was feeling quite wretched by the time we got where we needed to.
While the rest of us gathered around the grave Steve started to get the things he needed to out of the bag. I took a moment to read the headstone.
In loving memory of
Samantha BethanyBeloved daughter, sister,
granddaughter & auntBorn May 1st
Died Sept 1st
Aged just 20An angel taken from us
long before her time.Suddenly the realisation hit me like a sledgehammer!
OH NO!
No!
No!
No!
Steve and his family were here for the 5th anniversary of the death of his sister!
I stood there for a few moments and watched the scene. Steve and his nearest and dearest were all there united in a shared grief. I had never heard of Samantha in any discussion or seen any pictures. Was the memory still too painful?
Suddenly something occurred to me. Steve was the only one tending to the grave. What was going on here? Why was Steve doing this alone? Why was Steve being allowed to do this all alone? This was wrong.
I tentatively moved forward with the intention of doing whatever I could when two hands grabbed me and pulled me back. Mark leant down so his mouth was level with my ear.
"You have to let Steve do this." Mark whispered very quietly. "It is just something Steve has insisted he do. He will bite your head off if you try to help." Mark explained. Surely this could not be right! Not Steve. Then I remembered how Steve had snapped at me this morning and I remembered this was not the Steve I was used to. Something was overwhelming his usual good happy self. I had to know more about Samantha.
I stood there quietly while Steve planted the flowers into the little pots on the grave. There was a pot on each corner and one in the middle. Steve paid a great deal of attention to what he was doing and was making five wonderful displays. Then it struck me. While all of Steve's brothers and parents were really struggling with their emotions Steve was having no such problem. In fact there was no sign of any emotion on his face!
I could hear Steve's mum sniffing frequently. Sure enough she was crying freely. Steve's dad was wiping numerous tears from his eyes. I looked round. Steve's brothers were all wiping tears from their eyes as well. Ben was leaning on Nathan having a quiet cry. I was getting emotional myself now. All this sorrow was too much to simply look at.
Once again I felt two hands gently grip me. This time they were on both my shoulders. I was gently pulled towards someone, turned around and hugged. It turns out Mark had noticed how upset I was getting. Despite their own grief Steve's family were still ready to reach out and accept someone else into their fold. I hugged Mark as I shed a few tears of my own.
Steve finished organising the flowers into the five pots. It looked truly beautiful. Despite feeling wretched Steve's mum smiled at the effort and gave Steve a hug. Steve still showed no emotion! What was wrong with him?
While Steve and his mum hugged, Steve's dad approached me.
"I need to ask you a favour Matthew. Would you please give us five minutes to have some personal time and to say a few words? We would like to do this privately." Steve's dad asked quietly in a choked up tone.
Much as I did not want to leave I knew it would be wrong to turn down such a request. I also needed a little time to comprehend what had happened so far today. I nodded my head.
"Thank you." Steve's dad replied warmly. There is a bench just round the bend. We will not be long." Steve's dad added, his eyes refilling with tears.
I slowly ambled round to where the bench was so Steve's family could have the privacy they needed. I wondered if any of my family had been buried here.
Sure enough just a few minutes later Steve's family came around the bend. I got up off the bench. Steve's dad was in front and he grabbed me, picked me up and gave me a huge tight hug.
"Thank you." Steve's dad said as he gripped me tight. I know Steve's dad was thanking me for several things and I simply hugged him back.
As soon as Steve's dad put me down Steve's mum grabbed me, picked me up and gripped me just as tight. This came as quite a shock as I never thought Steve's mum was that strong! She certainly did not have the build you would associate with such strength.
"You are so wonderfully sweet Matthew. I noticed you wanting to help and it is very much appreciated." Steve's mum added as I dangled in her grip.
Much to my surprise I then received a hug from each of Steve's brothers, finally finishing with Nathan. Much to my surprise there was no hug from Steve but he was still in a world of his own. While we had been exchanging hugs Steve had ambled past us all and walked into a tree! Scott had gone and taken Steve by the hand so he did not have another mishap on the way back to the car park. I had never seen Steve so distracted and this was worrying.
"Steve will be fine once he has had a sleep." Nathan explained while I was still in his arms. "Now would littlest brother like to be carried to his chariot?" Nathan asked with his best effort of a big smile for me.
I gave Nathan a quick peck on the lips.
"I would like that." I replied warmly as I gave Nathan another quick hug.
Nathan carried me to the car. Steve's mum was still a little upset and Steve's dad was still hugging her close for comfort. Steve's brothers seemed to be in better shape but they were all subdued compared to yesterday.
We all returned to Steve's house. We all kicked off our shoes and headed inside. Scott and Mark volunteered to make everyone drinks while the rest of us got comfortable on the sofas. Steve still had a glazed look on his face. I had to know! I had to know about Steve's sister and why it got to Steve like this.
Scott and Mark soon returned with drinks for everyone. I decided it was now or never. If I thought about this anymore I would chicken out!
Steve was sitting on the end of the sofa just seemingly staring into oblivion. I climbed up onto Steve's lap and looked at him. No response!
"Steve." I said quietly.
No response.
I paused a moment.
"Steve." I said again in a louder tone.
Again there was no response from Steve. This was getting a bit much!
"Steve!" I snapped this time getting quite vocal and forceful with the tone of my voice. I noticed that most of Steve's family jumped as I snapped at him.
"Hiya." Steve replied as he noticed me sitting on his lap.
"Would you do me a favour Steve?" I asked now I had Steve's attention.
"Okay." Steve replied.
"Tell me about your sister." I requested of Steve.
The room feel silent!
Suddenly all eyes were on Steve and myself.
Steve just looked at me!
I could see Steve's eyes glazing over.
"Steve!" I snapped again.
I had to get through to Steve.
Steve looked at me. I had his attention again.
"Please Steve." I begged as I knelt there on his lap. "You know the nastiest darkest thoughts that run through my mind as you have helped me through them." I continued desperate to tug on Steve's heartstrings despite his odd mood. "Please help me to understand, especially as you promised to keep no secrets from me." I added pleading and giving my "puppy dog please" face. I just hoped Steve would say yes.
Steve took a deep breath. What was he going to say?
"Why would you like to know?" Steve asked me in a genuine tone. At least he was paying attention.
"Because I know nothing about her and I know she is very special to you and I hate to see you in pain and I need to understand." I blurted out hoping my honesty would help.
Steve took another deep breath.
Steve paused!
Steve then took another deep breath.
You could hear a pin drop! Everyone was silent!
"Okay." Steve finally replied.
I became acutely aware of the fact that I was being stared at.
I was!
All of Steve's family were holding their breath staring at us!
I was getting pretty uncomfortable here but knew now was not the time to change my mind.
Steve took another deep breath and started.
"It all began as soon as I was born." Steve started. This took all of us by surprise. I suddenly brought my attention back to Steve.
"Mum had a difficult time giving birth to me." Steve continued. "They used the suction cup and forceps to try to get me out and we were on the verge of mum getting a "C" section. They gave it one final try and thankfully I popped out. The cord was wrapped round my neck tight and so that had to be sorted out. Mum had to go into surgery to be stitched up and have some other things done while I was looked after by the nurses. Both mum and I were quite a mess so the family had to wait a day while mum and I recovered before they could visit us. Dad took a few pictures with me in a little baby bonnet so most of the bruises were hidden that everyone could see. Dad and the grandparents then started a round the clock vigil for mum and I while the other grandparents stayed here with all my brothers and Sam." Steve recited from memory.
Steve took a couple of deep breaths before he continued. Everyone else was sitting there on the edge of their seats as if this was a gripping movie they were all watching for the first time.
"Finally everyone could visit. Mum was wheeled into a side room so the other mum's on the ward would not be disturbed by the arriving hordes. Both sets of grandparents and all my brothers and Sam arrived and filled the room we were in. Naturally everyone was worried about mum as she looked a real mess. Then it was my turn to be "paraded" in front of everyone. Everyone thought I was gorgeous. As my dad went to put me back into the little baby box my little bonnet fell off and Sam saw all the bruising on my head." Steve stated.
Steve took another deep breath.
"Sam immediately stopped my dad putting me back into the baby box and demanded to know why I was so bruised. Sam sat down in a chair and cuddled me while dad explained how difficult the birth had been and what had been tried and how close it had come to major surgery. This also explained why my mum looked so rough. Dad also explained the bruising around my neck so that did not worry anyone. While everyone chatted Sam carried on holding me and cuddling me." Steve continued not giving me a chance to ask anything. Not that I wanted to.
Steve took another deep breath before he continued.
"A couple of days later Sam visited again and the first thing she wanted to do was cuddle me again. This was nothing unusual as everyone loves babies so Sam climbed onto the bed with mum and cuddled me. Sam spent hours with dad visiting that day and only let me go when I wanted to be fed or needed changing. When I got my nappy changed Sam was right beside me watching like a hawk! Sam was rapidly becoming very attached me to." Steve explained as he told his story.
I looked around. The eyes of Steve's family were filling with tears! Steve carried on regardless.
"As soon as I returned home Sam was all over me like a rash. As mum was still feeling sore and fatigued Sam instantly became a home nurse as it was. She would come in and check on both of us before she went to school and as soon as she returned from school she was in my mum's bedroom fussing over both of us. She learnt how to change me, bath me and everything and soon refused to let my mum change me unless my mum was already out of bed. Sam really took a shine to me." Steve narrated.
It was starting to become clear.
"Sam was there for me for everything. She fussed over me, played with me, fed me, changed me, took baths with me, sang to me, made me laugh, everything. As mum recovered I had two wonderful women fussing over me and adoring me. Sam helped me take my first steps, chased me around, had loads of fun with me, spoilt me rotten, anything. I was the apple of her eye and I adored her." Steve continued explaining.
The pain was starting to make sense now. Steve was not done though.
"Sam was there for every important little thing. I effectively had two mums who loved me and treasured me and adored me and taught me how to thrive. I had more love and affection shown to me than I knew how to deal with and I felt truly special. Sam was there for my first day at nursery, primary school, sports day, after school sports, nothing was too much for her." Steve added the tone of his voice just starting to waver.
I looked round the room. Tears were freely flowing!
"Sam was everything for me an... an... an...." Steve continued. I suddenly noticed the stuttering and looked at Steve. He was hitching every time he breathed in!
Suddenly Steve grabbed me in a fierce hug. He buried his face into my chest.
I held my breath!
Steve took a deep breath.
Steve howled into my chest! I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise! A shudder ran the entire length of my spine and I felt goose bumps erupt all over my body as my blood ran cold!
Steve released me for one moment.
"I want my sister back!" Steve wailed before he buried his head into my chest again and howled even louder than the first time.
Once again shivers ran along my spine and I shuddered at the raw emotion Steve was releasing. How long had Steve kept this bottled up?
Steve howled again before he broke down into uncontrollable sobbing. I gently put my hands around the hitching, sobbing Steve, cradled his head and hugged him gently. Steve sobbed and wailed with real heartfelt anguish. I already had a huge wet patch on my t-shirt!
I looked around the room. Apart from me there was not a dry eye in the room! All of Steve's brothers and both his parents were wiping tears from their eyes! Steve did not care though; he was still sobbing madly into my chest!
Steve's dad stood up and motioned everyone to leave the room so Steve and I could have some privacy. As everyone left they either ruffled my hair or gave me a tender squeeze on the shoulder. Steve's mum gave me a heartfelt kiss on the forehead as she left. Steve's dad did the same. Steve's dad had only been gone a few seconds before he returned and put a small bell on a little table beside me. I know what this was for and mouthed "thank you" to Steve's dad. Steve's dad gave me a wink before he left and closed the door so it was only slightly ajar so Steve and I had some privacy.
Steve sobbed on and on. I just held him tight and tenderly rubbed the back of his head to comfort him. I don't know if it made any difference though. I was wondering if Steve even knew who he was crying on!
After a while I noticed Steve had gone quiet. Hoping Steve had finished crying I gently pushed forward so Steve's head leant back against the top of the sofa. As I removed Steve's head from my chest I made a startling discovery. Steve had cried himself to sleep!
Leaving Steve as he was just for a moment I gently lifted myself off of his lap. My legs were sore and stiff from having knelt for so long but that would soon pass. I looked at my t-shirt. The entire right side was soaked!
I tip toed out of the living room. Steve's family were all in the kitchen chatting.
"Hello there sweetie." Steve's mum greeted me with as I entered the room. "Steve okay?" Steve's mum then asked as he was not with me.
I nodded my head.
"Steve has fallen asleep." I croaked in response.
Steve's dad got up off his seat and gave me a quick hug.
"I will stretch him out." Steve's dad stated before he left the room.
"You okay?" Nathan asked me. He could probably see the upset expression on my face!
I shook my head as my chin started to quiver! I had been strong while Steve had needed me but now I needed a shoulder to cry on.
Nathan extended his arms and I ran into his embrace and cried myself. Steve had been hurting so much I was now pretty upset myself.
"You are an amazing little brother." Nathan told me as I cried. "We have all tried and failed to get Steve to open up." Nathan added as I had my sob.
"Thanks." I replied between sobs. It felt good to be appreciated.
After just a couple of minutes I finished my little cry and composed myself. Steve's dad gave me a clean hankie so I could blow my nose and wipe the tears from my eyes. Steve's dad then wrapped his arms around me and almost crushed me in a fierce embrace.
"We are all very grateful to you Matthew. We have been waiting five long years for Steve to grieve over his sister's death." Steve's dad told me as I fought for breath.
Had it really been that bad?
Steve's dad finally released me and I stood there and took some deep breaths. It was then that Steve's mum noticed my t-shirt.
"Would you like to throw that t-shirt in the wash sweetie?" Steve's mum asked me tenderly.
I could now feel the wet patch as it had cooled. I looked down at the huge wet patch and chuckled bashfully.
"Yeah." I replied and headed upstairs.
I quickly went upstairs, used the bathroom, changed and returned downstairs. I could see the sun shining brightly outside.
"Can we all go into the garden and relax?" I asked everyone. "It looks so nice outside." I added as I looked at the sunshine soaked garden.
"Good idea." Nathan replied. "Fancy a swim littlest brother?" Nathan then asked with the first big smile I had seen all day.
"Got to be a naked one as I am not wearing any trunks!" I replied cheekily; well aware my trunks were only upstairs.
"Well that seems fair as I don't have trunks either!" Nathan replied as he offered me his hand.
"Anyone else interested?" Nathan asked with a demonic grin as he took my hand and led me towards the back door.
There was a chorus of chuckles as Nathan and I walked out into the garden, stripped naked and jumped into the pool.
Within a few minutes all of Steve's brothers and Steve's parents had joined us outside. Only Nathan, Ben and I were in the pool. Everyone else was sitting in the outside chairs just a few feet away. Steve's parents had made a big pitcher of drinks and we were all drinking these as we had fun to unwind and lift our moods.
I would guess we had been in the garden for about half an hour when Steve's mum screamed; drawing everyone's attention directly to her.
Steve had woken up and had wandered out into the garden without anyone noticing him before he had thrown his arms around his mum making her jump.
"You feel better sunshine?" Steve's mum asked Steve when she recovered her senses.
"Love you mum." Steve replied tenderly sounding much more like the Steve I knew and loved dearly.
"Love you too dad." Steve then stated as he threw his arms around his dad.
"Love you Steve." Steve's dad replied happily as he embraced Steve back. Now this is more like the Steve we all knew.
Steve shared a hug with everyone except the three of us in the pool; simply because we were all wet. Steve did tell us he loved us as well though. Steve then turned to his parents.
"I feel hungry. Have you had lunch?" Steve asked innocently. I guessed Steve would be hungry as he had not eaten since yesterday.
"No sunshine we have not eaten lunch." Steve's mum remarked with a little surprise. It had suddenly occurred to everyone that nobody had eaten since breakfast and a lot of Steve's family had not had much of an appetite this morning so had not eaten much for breakfast either.
"Could we go to Matthew's so you do not have to fuss over us all?" I asked Steve's mum. She looked tired today after all.
Steve's mum smiled.
"Good idea." Scott added. "I will chip in." Scott insisted as a happy but pleading look came over his face.
"Me too." Mark added.
"And me." Immediately came from Lee.
"I'm in." Ben immediately chimed in.
"As am I." Nathan stated within a couple of seconds.
Steve simply smiled and pleaded with his black ringed eyes, tear streaked face.
Steve's dad looked at me.
"You are a terrible influence on my sons!" Steve's dad remarked jovially before he stood up and fetched his mobile phone out of his pocket.
"Okay, while I phone Matthew and warn him the hungry hordes are arriving you three drowned rats have a shower and then we can all go." Steve's dad instructed tenderly.
"I bags the upstairs shower!" I stated happily as I streaked across the garden to enter the house and shower. A chorus of wolf whistles and laughs followed me but I did not care. Everyone was cheering up and the old Steve was back. I had all I needed.
After a quick shower and reapplying some gel to my hair I went into the guest bedroom and grabbed a pair of tracksuit bottoms. I put these on and returned to the garden.
Upon seeing me Ben headed into the house to shower. I guessed Nathan was in the downstairs shower. As soon as I walked into the garden Steve grabbed me and crushed me into him.
"Thank you, you amazing little brother you." Steve said as I wheezed. "I am so grateful you finally made me face my demons." Steve added getting quite chocked up as he hugged me tight.
"You're welcome." I managed to wheeze. Steve really had me in a tight embrace.
"Okay sunshine. Let Matthew go so you can go downstairs and have a nice wash and so he can breathe again!" Steve's mum teased Steve but I was going deep red!
Steve chuckled and released me before he gave me a kiss on the forehead and headed into the house.
While Steve was gone I grabbed my t-shirt and boxers and put them back on. I then put my socks on as well. I knew my wallet and stuff were in my bag so I would grab them when I put my trainers on. Everyone else was ready to go out. I then realised I had money in my shorts.
I grabbed the twenty pound note and thought for a moment.
"Thank you for the thought Matthew but I am not going to take your money. Your parents have given us more than enough money to feed you." Steve's dad told me kindly as he guided my hand back into the pocket of my tracksuit bottoms.
"Well then can I buy everyone a drink at Matthew's?" I pleaded giving my "puppy dog face" to Steve's parents and brothers.
"How can you refuse that face?" Ben asked his parents.
"Yeah. How can you?" Lee added giving the "puppy dog face" as well.
Steve's mum and dad laughed.
"The first round is on you." Steve's dad told me as he gave me a quick tickle. I giggled before I sat down on a chair and waited for everyone to finish getting ready.
Twenty minutes later we all climbed into two cars and headed to Matthew's pub. Nathan and Scott were driving this time. Steve's dad was under instructions to relax and have a few drinks from all his sons. Steve's dad complained that his arms were being twisted but he was smiling broadly at the same time so I don't think he really minded.
"Run for cover, the invasion has started!" Matthew's voice boomed out over the bar as we all walked into his pub. Steve's dad gave out a hearty laugh before he and Matthew shared a tight hug.
"You are in a good mood for the day!" Matthew remarked at Steve's dad when they separated from the embrace.
"A small miracle happened earlier." Steve's dad explained cryptically with a smile.
"Oh?" Matthew replied with confusion. Matthew then spied Steve.
Matthew did a double take before he looked at Steve's dad.
"Yep." Steve's dad replied as if knowing the question that was about to come out of Matthew's mouth.
"How?" Matthew asked very quietly.
Steve's dad hinted at me.
Matthew's eyes bulged.
"I will tell you all after we have eaten." Steve's dad explained.
"All well and good then." Matthew boomed.
"What am I getting everyone?" I asked. This made Matthew's eyes bulge again.
"He insisted." Steve's dad explained.
"Well I know you could not refuse!" Matthew replied jovially.
Steve's dad chuckled.
One by one everyone ordered their drinks. We had a big circular table reserved for us and the drinks were brought over once I had paid for them all. It was an expensive round though as the twenty pounds vanished as well as some more money. I did not mind though as I knew I had not paid for anything for quite a while and in all likelyhood I would not again for quite a while.
Matthew's wife came over and gave us all menus. She also embraced us all in turn and also gave her heartfelt feelings for the anniversary of Samantha's death. We were then left to decide what we wanted to eat.
"As it is a late lunch feel free to order starters as well as a main." Steve's dad stated as soon as we all had menus. We were being spoilt today!
Matthew's wife gave us five minutes before she came to take our orders. All nine of us ordered starters and a main course. Matthew's wife joked about the kitchen about to go into full panic mode before she left us to our own devices. We all had a laugh before we started our own conversations.
I listened intently as I heard about whose wife and girlfriend was doing well, getting promoted and so on. This soon generalised into chats about anything and everything. Steve was asked about his opinion about returning to school. Steve made a fake gag sound which had me in a fit of giggles.
"Hope you are not hinting about my food!" Matthew's wife commented as she arrived with the first few starters. Steve's stomach grumbled as his starter was put before him.
"That is more like it!" Matthew's wife added as Steve blushed crimson red.
A round of laughs went around the table as the starters carried on arriving. Matthew's wife made sure we had all the sauces and everything we needed before she left us to eat. A quiet descended as we all began our late lunch.
After thoroughly enjoying our starters our table was cleared and a few minutes later our main courses arrived. Oddly enough everyone had ordered something different. I had gone with a proper roast dinner again as I had enjoyed the last one so much.
"Good choice." Nathan had told me when I ordered.
I got a bit of a shock to find I had been given half of a whole chicken with roast potatoes, mash potatoes, cabbage, carrots, sweet corn, stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding. We also had four gravy boats delivered to our table for the meals that needed gravy.
We all gave a warm "thank you" as our food was given to us. With this done and after making sure we were all happy Matthew and his wife left us all to eat our huge main courses. This was going to be a struggle! As we all ate conversations started up again. Nathan told us all about the summer job he was doing until he went back to university in October. It turns out that after today we would see very little of him until the Christmas break. Ben was going to be starting his final year if he did not want to continue and do his masters degree. All of his brothers were interested to see how Steve was getting on as he entered his final year of compulsory education.
"How do you feel about going into the secondary section?" Nathan then asked me and putting me on the spot all at once. I thought for a moment.
"I have had so much fun this summer I really don't want to go back." I replied honestly.
Nathan laughed. All of his brothers soon followed.
"You feel the same way we all used to." Nathan assured me jovially as we carried on eating.
We all managed to eat our main courses. Nathan did help me with mine but I did eat well over three quarters of it myself. We all sat there feeling pretty contented.
"Desert menus?" Matthew's wife asked us as our table was cleared.
"I think we all deserve to be spoilt so please." Steve's dad replied with a charming smile.
"Don't flirt dad!" Ben teased.
"Who? What? Where?" Steve's dad replied with a smile.
"Ouch!" Steve's dad then stated as he got his ear twisted playfully by his wife.
"You are a naughty boy!" Steve's mum stated to her husband.
"You had better put me over your knee then!" Steve's dad replied with a devious smile.
"Oh I will!" Steve's mum promised with a devious smile herself.
"Mum! Dad! Innocent ears!" Nathan then stated hinting at me. I blushed.
"Later!" Steve's mum simply stated to her husband.
"Glad I am staying at your place tonight!" Steve quipped at me with a smile.
"Oh you are so going to pay for that comment later!" I told Steve as I saw the look his mum gave him.
"Yeah, I know!" Steve replied as he cringed.
All of Steve's brothers roared with laughter. We all knew Steve was going to feel his mum's hand somewhere as soon as she got the chance. Now it was just a case of waiting to hear Steve yelp!
We all ordered our deserts and enjoyed a round of jokes and ribbing each other while we waited. I was doing quite well passing the sarcasm around and enjoying myself. I was able to give as good as I got. I am sure the sarcasm was mild compared to what usually got used though; it was kept pretty clean and non sexual.
As soon as our deserts arrived it all went quiet again as we all enjoyed our sweet high calorie course. Steve's parents had ordered a sundae to share and were happily feeding each other, much to a chorus of giggles from the rest of us. Steve's dad actually shocked me here by giving us all "the finger" to tell us all he did not care what we thought about his mushy behaviour. This just started a bigger round of giggles and chuckles from all of us.
We all eventually finished our deserts. I felt more than stuffed and very contented. Much to my surprise Steve's parents then ordered some liqueur coffees. They really were going all out to spoil themselves today.
Before the coffees arrived a bottle of champagne arrived with eleven glasses. Matthew opened the bottle of champagne in front of us and then poured some champagne into each glass before he and his wife joined us.
"A toast if you will." Matthew started.
We all grabbed our glasses.
"To your dear departed and wonderful daughter and sister Samantha." Matthew began. "May she look down on you from heaven and be proud of you all." Matthew added.
"To Samantha." We all toasted in unison and took a good mouthful of the champagne.
"Mum?" Steve then asked his mum.
"Yes sunshine." Steve's mum replied; her eyes a little slow to focus because of the amount she had already drunk.
"Would you book me an appointment with Ant on Monday please?" Steve asked.
We all fell silent.
"I will do it now if someone has his number." Scott replied well aware this was important to Steve, well all of them.
Steve's dad gave Scott his phone and Scott walked out of the pub so he had a little peace to make the call. He returned a few minutes later.
"You are booked in straight after Matthew." Scott informed us all as soon as he returned.
"Thanks." Steve replied happily.
Steve got a big smile from everyone. It would appear that now Steve had begun mourning he wanted to really sort things out. I guess it was the right thing to do.
"I am so proud of you sunshine." Steve's mum said to Steve with loads of love.
Matthew returned to our table at this point and handed some chips to me. He also gave some to Steve.
"Come on little brother. You can show my brothers how you hustle the machines." Steve teased and boasted all in one. Steve's brothers all looked confused and interested in one. A few moments later all seven of us had grabbed our half finished drinks and ambled over to the machines.
Steve started to play the machine I had taken the jackpot from twice already and I had a play on the other one. Steve's brothers watched with interest as Steve and I slowly lost half our chips. Steve and I then swapped machines.
I was down to my last three chips when my luck changed. Steve had already lost all his chips and was now watching me with all his brothers. Steve told his brothers not to say anything as I began to climb the money ladder on the side of the machine. I could hear several "oh that is such a fluke" and "jammy bugger" as I played the machine and won nudges and went up the levels one by one. Eventually I was finally at the point where I could win the jackpot. I looked round at all of Steve's brothers. I was met by five very surprised looking faces and Steve's very happy face. I turned my attention back to the machine and hovered my thumb over the button. The options were flashing as fast as always. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, paused a second and pushed the button.
For a second there was silence.
Then the machine went mad!
"No way!" One of Steve's brothers blurted out as chips started to pour out of the machine. "Jammy bugger", "way to go" and "woo hoo" also flowed as I did a little victory dance and the chips flooded onto the floor.
"Again?" Matthew called from the table we had been sitting at. Steve gave two thumbs up to say yes.
The machine eventually fell silent and once again the repeat option was flashing. I accepted and the same options flashed up again. Once again I hovered over the button, closed my eyes, took a deep breath, paused and then hit the button.
Silence.
"You have got to be kidding me!" Nathan stated as the machine went mad again and more chips flew out of the machine to pile up on the floor around me.
"Woo hoo!" I screamed with pure joy. I had done the double three times in a row now!
"Champion!" Steve exclaimed as he raised my right arm in triumph.
"He doesn't even know how he did it!" Mark stated in disbelief as I beamed a huge smile and did a victory dance.
"Nope!" I replied. "That what makes it even better." I added with a "Cheshire cat" grin on my face.
"That's three times in a row now." Matthew stated in his booming voice as he arrived with a box for all the chips.
"Pardon?" Scott asked as he was not sure he had heard properly.
"Matthew has played this machine three times and taken the double all three times." Matthew stated as Steve began to collect chips.
"How?" Scott asked in astonishment. "I have played that machine." Scott added with real disbelief at my luck.
"Many have played that machine." Matthew replied honestly. "Very few win and I could count on my hand how many times the double has been taken." Matthew added in that booming voice of his.
"How many?" Scott asked intrigued.
Matthew held up three fingers.
"No way!" I said with disbelief myself now.
"Yes way." Matthew replied.
"Really?" Steve asked intrigued.
"Yep." Matthew replied smiling.
"I am the greatest!" I called out and restarted doing my victory dance.
"No wonder Steve has been quiet and not called much over the summer holiday!" Mark remarked as Steve joined me in my victory dance, a big smile on both our faces. "Matthew has kept his hands very full!" Mark added with a big smile on his face now.
"Who is up for a game of tag on the climbing frame?" I asked all of Steve's brother and Steve all in one go.
Nathan chuckled.
"Sounds good." Nathan replied. Nathan looked round at all of his brothers. They were all smiling.
"I am it. You all have till I count to fifty to get on the climbing frame." I instructed as I got excited.
"Yes sir!" Ben replied with sarcasm and an army salute before he headed out to the beer garden and the play area. All of his brothers quickly followed chuckling as I poked my tongue out! I looked over to Steve's parents. They gave me a big smile and a thumbs up as Matthew returned to them and his wife to chat.
I soon counted to fifty and wandered out into the beer garden. Steve and his brothers were all on the climbing frame. As soon as I entered the garden I received a big round of raspberry blowing from them all!
"Come and get us!" Nathan taunted with a demonic smile on his face.
I gave a war whoop as if I was a "red Indian" and sprinted towards the climbing frame. All of Steve's brothers and Steve roared with laughter before they moved away from my likely arrival point at the climbing frame.
I tagged Nathan first. Nathan then counted to ten before he announced he was ready to chase and the game continued.
I don't know how long we played but Matthew came out and beckoned us back inside. All puffing and panting, sweaty and red faced we all entered the bar area and returned to the table Steve's parents were still occupying. On the table was a fresh drink for us all.
As we were all thirsty we all drained our drinks quickly. It was time to leave. What a shame! We all said a very warm reluctant goodbye to Matthew and his wife. Lots of hugs were exchanged. Matthew really hugged Steve hard and told him how pleased he was that Steve had finally been able to grieve and move on. Steve grabbed Matthew tight and his breathing hitched a few times as well! As they separated Steve even had to wipe his eyes!
We all ambled out to the cars and the bright sunshine. It was feeling muggy now. I wonder if it would rain tonight.
We were all in high spirits as we rode back to Steve's. Nathan turned the car stereo system on and quite high and we all sang along to the tunes on the CD Nathan had playing. We got several stares whenever we had to stop at traffic lights but we did not care!
We soon arrived back at Steve's and all piled out of the car. As soon as I got in the front door I kicked off my trainers and headed upstairs to put my wallet in my bag so I did not misplace it.
As I put my wallet back in my bag I remembered the envelope was still in there. I grabbed the envelope, pulled off my sweaty socks and returned downstairs.
"We are all going into the garden." Mark told me as I returned downstairs barefoot.
"Cool." I replied as I skipped through the kitchen, on into the garden and sat down next to Steve.
"I had forgotten about that." Steve remarked as I tore the envelope open.
"Me too." I replied as I pulled out numerous pieces of paper and a large stamped addressed envelope.
I flipped through several of the pieces of paper. As expected there were slips for me to sign to send Daniel on trips, more to allow my mum to visit Daniel. There was another one to allow my other aunt to visit as well! Finally there was a wad of paper stapled together. I had a look at the top one. They were all report cards. There were a few other sheets of paper. These were just the generic documents my aunt had to send out detailing the principles of the academy and other bits she had to do by law. Putting everything except the report sheets aside I started to read.
My good mood vanished!
Daniel was in trouble!
Big trouble!
All his grades had crashed!
Daniel was not sleeping!
Daniel was not eating!
Daniel was a wreck!
The final sheet hit me with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It was a document to force feed Daniel with a drip!
I could not have this!
I had to speak to Daniel!
Steve had noticed my face.
"Matthew, what's wrong?" Steve asked me. Steve's worried tone attracted the attention of his brothers as well and before I knew it I had the undivided attention of four concerned people who would also happily be at my beck and call.
I quickly told Steve what the reports had stated and relayed my desire to speak to Daniel. I did not care how!
Steve and his brothers started to think.
"We are back!" Steve's parents announced as they joined us.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Steve's mum asked as soon as she had sat down.
Steve relayed the information and now all nine of us were racking our brains.
"Does your aunt have email?" Ben asked me.
"Yeah." I replied honestly.
"Instant messenger?" Ben then asked.
"I don't know." I replied honestly.
Steve's eyes lit up.
"Webcam chat?" Steve asked Ben to see if they were thinking along the same lines.
"Yep." Ben replied.
"But how can I do that and not use my account?" I asked.
"Well if your aunt has instant messenger any of us can sign in using our accounts and you just sit there in front of the cam." Steve told me.
My face lit up with the realisation.
"Where is the phone number for your aunt's academy?" Steve asked.
"I will get it for you sunshine and we will ask if this is okay." Steve's mum announced. "Bear with us Matthew and we will see what we can do." Steve's mum added as she slowly got up.
"Thanks." I replied happily. I was quite anxious though.
Steve and his mum headed into the house while Nathan looked through the paperwork I had been sent.
"This is heavy duty shit!" Nathan exclaimed as he looked through the paperwork.
"Yeah." I replied honestly.
"Language!" Came the yell from the disembodied voice of Steve's mum.
"Sorry." Nathan called back. He cringed.
"Is there anything your mum doesn't hear?" I whispered to Nathan.
"Very little." Nathan whispered back.
Nathan's dad chuckled.
"So when will Nathan get a slap?" I asked knowing full well he probably would.
"Probably before the day is out." Nathan replied with a wry smile.
Nathan turned the report sheets over.
"Daniels grades have really dropped in the last few weeks!" Nathan remarked with considerable concern showing in his voice.
"Yeah." I replied with equal concern.
Nathan frowned.
"Why are you dealing with all this stuff?" Nathan asked me. Nathan's voice showed real confusion in the tone he was using.
I groaned. I forgot Steve's brothers had no idea about all this.
"Would you like me to fill Nathan in?" Steve's dad asked me.
Steve and his mum came back out into the garden. Steve was smiling.
"It is all sorted." Steve told me with a big grin. "In half an hour your aunt will call here. We will then use my account to go online. Your aunt will use her account then Daniel will be able to chat with you under the supervision of your aunt. You are not allowed to talk about family or anything like that, just to deal with this stuff." Steve added and explained as he hinted to the paperwork in front of me.
"Sounds good." I replied. I was so nervous I was shaking!
"You okay?" Steve asked me as he could see me shaking.
"Yeah." I replied honestly. "Just nervous as this is important and also goes against all the court orders." I added. Nathan's eyes bulged. I actually had the undivided attention of all of Steve's brothers now! I had said too much!
I looked at Steve's dad.
"Would you explain while I am chatting with Daniel?" I asked Steve's dad.
"Minimum to understand?" Steve's dad asked tenderly.
"Please." I replied with relief.
"Consider it done." Steve's dad told me warmly.
I got up and gave Steve's dad a big hug.
"Ouch! Ouch!" Steve and Nathan yelped one after the other. I chuckled as I hugged Steve's dad. Steve's mum had got them both.
Steve's mum went back into the house. Literally two minutes later she returned with a big tray loaded with cups and a coffee pot and a small teapot. There was also a milk jug and a sugar pot.
We all soon had a drink in front of us and waited for the phone to sound. Steve's brothers wanted to get an explanation as to why I was in charge of Daniel and his progress and I wanted to get this painful call out of the way. I was also curious as to how Steve's brothers would react to the fact that Daniel had beaten me up.
I had just finished my cup of tea when the phone sounded. Steve jogged into the house and answered the phone.
"Matthew, it's time." Steve called.
"Back soon." I reassured Steve's family as I grabbed all the paperwork and jogged across the garden and into the house. As I peeked back I noticed all of Steve's brothers gathering around Steve's dad for an explanation as to what was happening with my family. I just hope Steve's brothers would not ask too many questions and find out too much.
Steve was already in the study loading up the computer. As soon as it was ready Steve opened his instant messenger account. He then typed "hello" onto the keypad and sent it to someone. "Hello Steve. Is Matthew there?" came back on the screen. "Yes" Steve typed and then clicked the icon to start a video call. A few moments later the blue light lit up on the webcam and I could see Steve and I in a small box in the corner of the screen. A few moments later I could see my aunt in another corner of the screen. I gave my aunt a wave.
"Hello darling." My aunt said. Hearing her voice made me jump. It was crystal clear!
"Hello auntie." I replied warmly.
"You sure you want to do this. Your brother looks a bit of a mess." My aunt warned me.
"Yes." I replied with conviction. "We have to get Daniel back to his old self before you have to force feed him to keep him going." I added sounding quite upset.
"Okay." My aunt replied. "We will get Daniel in here and you can chat face to face." My aunt added with a warm smile.
"Thanks." I replied sounding relieved.
The screen showed the wall to my aunt's office for a minute or two. Suddenly Daniel came into view.
Oh crap!
Both Steve and I gasped in shock at the state Daniel was in!
Daniel heard the gasp and looked at the screen on front of him.
"Don't look at me!" Daniel cried in distraught tones as he covered his face with his arms.
Tears welled up in my eyes.
"I can't see you Daniel cause I am crying." I said into the computer screen.
Daniel heard the tones of my voice. There was a pause for a few seconds.
"Oh my God, you are as well!" Daniel exclaimed. "Oh Matthew!" Daniel then said before he broke down in floods of tears.
I managed to clear the tears from my eyes but Daniel was still sobbing. This is not the start we needed.
"This is not going well!" Steve exclaimed accurately.
"Crap!" I exclaimed. This was not going as planned at all.
Steve and I sat there for a couple of minutes while Daniel composed himself with our aunt's help. Finally Daniel was in a fit state for us to chat again.
I took a deep breath.
"Daniel, what is going on?" I asked as kindly as possible. I had to understand.
"I don't deserve to live!" Daniel blurted out. That I was not ready for!
"Don't say that!" I blurted back horrified that my brother could think such a thing. Tears were filling my eyes again. Even Steve went pale at Daniels revelation!
"But look at what I did to you!" Daniel blurted back to me.
"But you can't see what you did to me!" I replied in anguish.
Daniel stopped sobbing instantly and looked intently at me.
"Daniel, put Matthew on full screen." Steve instructed butting in for a moment.
"Okay." Daniel said in a confused tone. There was a short pause while Daniel found out how to turn the little box my face was in into the whole computer screen.
"Done." Daniel replied.
"Show Daniel your ribs." Steve said to me matter of factly. Suddenly I understood.
I pulled my t-shirt up. Sure enough I looked just like any other eleven year old with a sun tan.
"Now your right eye." Steve asked.
I moved closer to the webcam. Sure enough my eye looked normal. You could not even tell where the stitches had been!
"Now the back of your head." Steve requested. I turned around and Steve moved me gently so I was in the right position. Sure enough there was nothing to see.
I turned back round. Daniel was sitting there with his mouth wide open.
"The physical harm has healed Daniel." Steve said tenderly. "We are all helping Matthew with the emotional harm as well." Steve added. "It has been a real blast having him here all summer." Steve then told Daniel happily.
"So Matthew..." Daniel began.
"Has behaved just as you or I did four years ago." Steve finished for Daniel. "He has been so much fun my parents don't want to give him back!" Steve added with pride.
"So..." Daniel started to ask and then stopped as he didn't know how to ask what he wanted to ask.
"Matthew has forgotten about what happened between you, has forgiven you and is moving on with his life." Steve told Daniel as tenderly as possible. "The only time there is tears is because Matthew loves you and misses you and wants to be sharing all this fun with you." Steve added just as tenderly.
Daniel looked as if someone had just slapped him around the face.
"Really?" Daniel asked with disbelief evident in the tone of his voice.
I nodded my head. I was too chocked to talk and my eyes were filling with tears.
"You want me there now!" Daniel stated totally astonished.
I nodded my head again.
"You really do as well!" Daniel observed with total disbelief.
I nodded my head again as a tear escaped my right eye.
"You still love me tha... tha... tha... that much!" Daniel managed to choke out before he burst into fresh floods of tears.
Seeing Daniel burst into tears again I promptly followed!
Steve took a deep breath of frustration before he started to comfort me. On the other side of the conversation my aunt was doing the same for Daniel. This was not going the way it should be going.
Daniel and I slowly composed ourselves.
"Matthew, you have to deal with this." Steve whispered to me gently.
I looked at Steve and nodded. Having all these crying fits was not really getting us anywhere. We were just going back over old ground and reminding each other how much we loved and missed each other.
I gathered myself and took a few deep breaths. I could see Daniel was wiping his eyes and doing the same.
I took another deep breath.
"Why are you doing this Daniel?" I asked. I really needed to know the truth.
"Honestly?" Daniel replied.
"Please." I replied, well almost begged.
"I thought you were falling apart and a total wreck and totally screwed and I just felt so bad I... I... I..." Daniel answered and then started to cry again.
Well, I finally knew the truth. Now it was time to get Daniel back on the road to recovery.
Daniel soon composed himself.
"Daniel I need you to do something for me." I asked as soon as Daniel was paying attention to the computer screen again.
"Anything." Daniel replied instantly.
"I need you to forgive yourself." I stated. Daniels mouth dropped open.
"You really want me to do that?" Daniel asked with total disbelief.
"I do." I replied. "I have forgiven you." I added with real feeling.
"But how have you managed to do that?" Daniel asked. "I do not understand." Daniel added with real feeling.
"You were not you that day." I explained honestly. "You were off your head on drugs." I added to make it easier to comprehend.
Daniel sat there thinking. His mouth was still agape though.
"That is the reason?" Daniel asked me.
I nodded my head.
Daniel burst into tears!
Steve and I took a deep breath and gave Daniel a minute to compose himself. I had never seen Daniel so emotional and I hoped it was something to do with the pills he was on. After a couple of minutes Daniel was ready again.
"Is that all you want me to do?" Daniel asked me with real interest.
"Well, no." I replied.
"Please, ask away." Daniel told me. There was real genuine feeling in that request.
"Eat!" I pleaded with Daniel. "I don't want to have to make my aunt pin you down and feed you through a drip!" I added with heartfelt anguish.
I thought Daniels eyes would pop out of his head! They were the size of small saucers!
Daniel turned to my aunt.
"Are you that worried about me?" Daniel asked her. My aunt nodded her head.
"You are worried sick about me now, aren't you?" Daniel asked me. I nodded my head. There was no point denying it!
I heard a stomach grumbling! I looked at Steve.
"Not me!" Steve stated with a smile. "Not after that lunch." Steve chuckled.
I looked at the computer screen. Daniel was blushing.
"Eat!" I demanded.
As if on cue my aunt had a mars bar in front of Daniel. I could see his mouth was watering.
"For me!" I pleaded with Daniel.
Daniel smiled at me.
Before my eyes Daniel ripped the wrapping around the mars bar open with his teeth and took a big bite. Daniel's eyes rolled as he took in the sweet sugary treat and his taste buds went into overdrive!
Steve and I allowed Daniel to eat the mars bar in peace. Daniel really enjoyed it!
"I want you to get better Daniel." I stated feeling upset as I knew what I was going to say next. "I want my big brother back!" I added getting chocked up again.
Daniel looked at me. For once he did not burst into tears. He was thinking, hard!
"Have I changed that much?" Daniel asked.
Steve and I both nodded our heads.
Daniel thought some more. He was thinking deeply as his brow was furrowed.
After a few moments Daniel looked at his arms. He then lifted up his t-shirt and looked at his ribs.
Steve and I both gasped! My brother had lost a lot of weight!
"Oh shit!" Daniel exclaimed.
Daniel then looked into the computer screen to see the shocked expression on Steve's face and my face.
Daniel shoved his t-shirt down hard!
Daniel looked at my aunt. She looked shocked as well at his weight loss.
"Have I been that lost?" Daniel asked my aunt. My aunt nodded her head.
"I'm hungry!" Daniel complained.
"Go and eat please." I asked Daniel. "Before you slump again and lose interest." I added quickly.
"Come on." My aunt said to Daniel and begun to usher him away. Then they both stopped.
"Bye, love you." Daniel said with real feeling.
"Love you too." I replied getting chocked up.
The screen went blank.
I looked at Steve.
"Hopefully that will do the trick." Steve said to me warmly. Steve knew what was about to come.
Steve leaned forward and embraced me as I burst into tears.
I had another quick cry and slowly pulled myself together. I was not the right person to be doing the things I was doing with Daniel. It should be mum or dad!
I slowly composed myself. Before we had a chance to sign out a message had popped up on the screen.
"Daniel is eating, will call you later, xxx" came up on the screen.
The screen then said my aunt had signed out.
"A good start." Steve stated as I sniffed.
Steve signed out and switched off the computer.
Steve took my hand and led me back into the garden. All of Steve's family looked concerned because of the fresh tears on my face.
"Matthew is good." Steve told everyone. "Daniel has lost weight and it was a bit of a shock." Steve explained as I jumped onto Steve's dad's lap and started to cry again.
Everyone gave me time to cry and compose myself.
"So please explain to us how you agreed to become Daniel's guardian despite the fact he beat the living crap out of you." Nathan asked me. "And how did you not exact revenge?" Nathan then immediately asked Steve.
"Steve did." I replied with a wry smile. I then explained how I had ended up as Daniel's guardian. All of Steve's brothers looked confused and bewildered as I explained my family politics making the whole problem very messy.
"I am going to ask my aunt if there is any way we can change the situation." I added as soon as I finished explaining. "I am not the right person to be dealing with this." I added.
"I think you are doing a wonderful job sweetie but you are right that it should not be your worry and concern." Steve's mum told me warmly.
I gave Steve's mum a big smile.
"Well hate to break up the mushy stuff but I need to head back home." Scott announced. There were nods from Mark, Lee and Ben as well.
"Don't worry littlest brother. I am going to stay tonight so I can throw you around in the pool in a minute." Nathan told me with a big smile.
"Promise." I replied with a demonic smile.
"Oh happily." Nathan replied with an equally demonic smile. "And then I will toss Steve in after you." Nathan added happily.
"You and whose army?" Steve asked being sarcastic.
Nathan looked at his other brothers and winked.
"Crap!" Steve announced before he bolted out of his chair and all his brothers gave chase.
I burst into laughter as Steve got chased around the garden by his older brothers. I could see Steve was being "herded" towards Nathan. Steve could see it as well. A few moments later Steve was in Nathan's grip.
"Stop!" I yelled out. Steve stopped struggling and Nathan just held onto him tight as I ambled over.
I put my hands into Steve's pockets and made sure they were empty. Thankfully the only thing in Steve's pockets happened to be his mobile phone. I then pulled Steve's trainers off his feet.
"Continue!" I ordered with an evil grin.
"Why you little..." Steve yelled before he vanished below the water.
"I love your mean streak!" Nathan announced as he put his hand around me and led me back to the rest of the family so we could all say goodbye.
Steve hauled himself out of the pool, peeled off his clothes and wrapped a towel around his waist. Steve used another towel to dry off his arms and chest. Now Steve could say goodbye to all of his brothers that were heading home.
After lots of hugs and all of Steve's brothers getting a loving kiss off their mum Scott, Mark, Lee and Ben all headed off in their cars. Nathan was standing behind me holding me gently as I waved goodbye to his brothers. It had been nice meeting them even if it been under bad circumstances. To see the love this family had for each other was wonderful.
As soon as the cars went around the corner the grip on me tightened.
"Can I undress first?" I asked Nathan warmly.
"Well as you have been so nice I don't see why not." Nathan replied.
"Would you give me a horsey ride to the back garden my big hunky wonderful gentle giant of a brother?" I then asked Nathan as sweetly as I could.
Steve made the fake noise so it sounded as if he was being sick!
Nathan smiled.
"Well as little brother thinks it is so repulsive; course I will." Nathan replied as he got down on all fours.
Giving the war whoop of a "red Indian" I jumped on Nathan's back to be transported to the back garden. Both of Steve's parents laughed. They had seen this scene many times.
As soon as we were in the back garden I pulled my t-shirt off. I then got off Nathans back and quickly pulled off the rest of my clothes. Nathan then picked me up, walked over to the pool and threw me in. A few seconds later Steve jumped in with me and as soon as he had stripped off Nathan jumped in the pool as well.
We had only been in the pool for about half an hour when the phone rang. Steve's mum answered the phone before telling us all it was my aunt for me. I quickly climbed out of the pool and answered the phone.
"Hello auntie." I sang into the phone.
"Well hello my sun kissed hunk of a nephew." My aunt replied. I blushed!
"Auntie!" I said shyly. "You are making me blush!" I added.
My aunt chuckled.
"Just called to let you know Daniel ate a full meal and has settled down to bed. He cannot get over how good you look and he is now determined to do as well as you." My aunt informed me with great pride.
"That's a relief." I replied. It was as well. I would not need to fret as much tonight.
"Daniel really wants to make you proud Matthew." My aunt then told me with more pride.
"Will you help him?" I asked my aunt tenderly.
"It would be my pleasure." My aunt replied happily.
"There is something else I need to ask you." I then stated to my aunt.
"Anything sweetheart." My aunt replied.
"Is there anyone else who can be Daniel's full time guardian?" I asked my aunt.
"Well to be honest Matthew sweetheart; unless you can persuade my sister the answer is no." My aunt told me. There was a lot of reluctance in that reply.
"Oh!" I replied a little shocked.
"I cannot because of my role here." My aunt started. "Your dad has really gone off your brother and your mum is a total nightmare when she visits so I think it has to be you or my sister." My aunt explained. She did not sound happy about the situation either!
"I am guessing you don't like the stuff I am having to deal with either." I stated to my aunt.
"If I had any inclination of what was really going to happen there would be no way I would have put you in the situation you are in Matthew." My aunt replied. There was real feeling in that reply.
"Thank you auntie." I replied warmly.
"You are an angel sweetheart." My aunt replied. "Now go and have a wonderful evening and I will chat with you properly another time, hopefully using the webcam you have." My aunt added very warmly.
"I would like that." I replied happily.
"Now I am going to go check on your brother and then I am going to have a nice long bubble bath before I go to bed. Take care my sweet nephew and I look forward to chatting to you very soon." My aunt told me.
"Good night auntie. I love you." I replied.
"I love you too Matthew. Good night and God bless." My aunt replied before the phone went dead.
I pushed the red button on the handset, put the handset down on the table in the shade and charged towards the pool. I then bombed the pool, much to everyone's disbelief.
"Are you not going to tell us what you discussed in that phone call?" Steve asked me as soon as I surfaced.
"In a minute." I replied. "I need five minutes to think." I added truthfully.
Steve's parents chuckled.
"You have some fun and relax sweetie. We can wait for the explanation while we have a small snack in a minute." Steve's mum replied.
"Awesome." I replied before I dunked Steve.
Steve, Nathan and I played around in the pool while Steve's parents made a round of drinks and a small selection of sandwiches for us all. As we had all enjoyed a big late lunch we would only need a small meal before bed.
Where had the day gone?
About fifteen minutes later we were all called to the outside table. Steve's parents had made sandwiches and brought out a big bowl of crinkle cut crisps as well with some dips.
"Mum, you are spoiling us all again!" Nathan observed as we all sat down with towels wrapped securely around our waists.
"Well why not?" Nathan's mum replied. Nathan chuckled and gave his mum a kiss on the cheek.
We all settled down to eat. As expected none of us needed a lot to eat but we all knew we would be hungry later if we did not eat now.
After a nice snack we all helped tidy up the back garden. Steve fed the hosepipe into the pool and turned the tap on. Once again the water level in the pool had dropped.
As soon as the garden was tidy I was sent upstairs to shower. Steve went down to the basement. I wanted to shower with Steve but I guess it was a no go with Nathan here as well.
After a nice warm shower and packing my bag with fresh clothes for tomorrow I returned downstairs and dressed. I had got some clean socks out of the guest bedroom and put these on as well. A few moments later Steve joined us out in the garden fully dressed as well.
"Getting thrown in the pool so much I am going through clothes fast." Steve stated as he returned to the garden.
"A few items a week Steve. You know the way this works." Steve's mum replied tenderly but with authority.
Steve chuckled.
"Sorry mum." Steve replied before he gave his mum a hug.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere." Steve's mum stated with a smile.
"I know." Steve replied with a big smile. "Still love you though." Steve added tenderly. Steve's dad chuckled.
Nathan returned downstairs and dressed as well.
"Time to get you home Matthew." Steve's dad stated.
"I will take him." Nathan offered.
"Thanks but I will do it as I need to give Matthews's parent's receipts from the mass of shopping done yesterday." Steve's dad replied with a smile.
"You sure?" Nathan replied.
"Yes but thank you for offering." Nathan's dad replied warmly.
Steve, Steve's dad and I all went into the living room and got all my bags from out behind the sofa. We lugged all the bags into the car and returned to the front door of the house.
"Well I have to say goodbye to my two little brothers as I am leaving first thing in the morning." Nathan stated before he lifted Steve off the ground and gave him a huge hug followed by a big kiss on the lips.
"Yeuch!" Steve stated as he was put back down. Now it was my turn.
"I can't wait to see you again." Nathan declared as he hugged me tight as my legs dangled.
"Me neither." I wheezed as I fought to breathe. Nathan then gave me a big kiss on my forehead.
Steve and I gave his mum a hug.
"Will you be okay at Matthew's tonight with everything that has happened today?" Steve's mum asked tenderly.
"Yes." Steve replied. "Matthew will look after me." Steve added with a smile. Steve's mum gave a smile.
"Don't take any mucking about from him Matthew. Make sure he gets to bed on time!" Steve's mum then instructed with loads of sarcasm. Steve sighed and slumped his shoulders but he was smiling broadly.
"I will!" I promised smiling broadly. "Just as well Steve has been good or he would have to go straight to bed!" I added to tease Steve.
Steve gave me a demonic smile.
"Oh you are going to get such a tickle!" Steve threatened in a purely demonic playful way.
"Hope so!" I replied smiling broadly as we both got into the car.
Steve's dad quickly drove Steve and me to my house. Once there we grabbed loads of bags each and staggered to the front door. I let us into the house and announced our arrival.
"In the living room." My dad called.
I kicked off my trainers, walked into the living room, dumped my bags on the sofa and threw my arms around my dad.
"Welcome home stranger!" My dad stated with sarcasm as we hugged.
My dad gave me a quick look over.
"You are a tired little lad." My dad remarked as he noticed the black rings under my eyes.
"A little." I replied.
"Well how about you and Steve get sorted out ready for bed. Steve is yawning already!" My dad stated.
I looked around. Steve was yawning!
Do you want a drink before we head to bed?" I asked Steve. I needed to take my pills so I might as well offer as well.
"Please." Steve replied.
I went into the kitchen and did Steve and me a glass of squash. Steve sorted out my pills and we then both drank our drinks and I took my pills. Steve did look tired. He must have had a really rough night last night.
Steve said a warm good night to his dad while I said the same to my dad. I then said good night to Steve's dad while Steve said good night to my dad. Steve and I then grabbed our bags and headed upstairs. We left all the bags of clothes in the living room.
Steve and I quickly used the toilet, washed our hands and did the other bits we needed to do. We then went into my bedroom, opened the windows a bit wider and smelt the breeze.
"The hose!" Steve groaned.
"I will tell your dad." I told Steve. Steve really was tired.
"Thanks." Steve replied as I headed out of my room.
I quickly jogged down the stairs and told Steve's dad about the hose. Steve's dad got his mobile out and phoned his wife so she could check the pool and turn the tap off if needed.
"Thanks Matthew." Steve's dad stated as soon as he closed his phone.
"Night." I replied to both dads before I headed back upstairs.
I walked back into my bedroom. I closed and locked my bedroom door.
Steve had got himself undressed and was sitting up looking miserable. In fact Steve looked as if he needed a cry!
I knelt down across Steve's lap and cradled Steve's head into my shoulder.
"I miss her Matthew!" Steve told me as his breathing became ragged and uneven.
"I would too." I replied.
Steve let his emotions take over and he started to cry. I knelt there and let Steve release his emotions. I had been wondering how long it would be before Steve needed to release his feelings again.
After about ten minutes Steve started to calm down. I leaned back slightly. Steve had fallen asleep crying again!
Steve looked so cute despite the tears!
I held Steve steady with my hands as I gently manoeuvred myself so I was standing. I then gently manoeuvred Steve backwards so he was lying down.
I quickly got myself undressed. Steve murmured in his sleep. Steve was not happy.
I thought for a moment.
Deciding to take the option I would prefer if the situation was reversed I got into the same side of the bed as Steve. I gently climbed on top of Steve so my head was just below Steve's chin. I made sure we were properly covered before I hugged Steve and entwined our legs. Steve stirred slightly.
"Thank you." Steve whispered before he returned to sleep.
"You are welcome." I replied to Steve before I kissed his chin. Steve was already back in a deep sleep.
With Steve's breathing even and steady and his heartbeat regular as clockwork I soon found my eyes getting heavy. I took a deep breath and thought to myself how lucky I was to be able to be the shoulder Steve had leant on with his dad still so close.
I had leant on Steve's shoulder several times and if felt so good to be able to finally do the same in return.
Feeling happy and contented I let sleep consume me as I hoped for a better day tomorrow.