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Part 5 - Confrontation

Jack Clarkson had a look of shock and embarrassment on his face as he tried to apologize for his wife’s outburst.
“It’s alright Mr. Clarkson,” the councillor said, “You don’t have to apologize for your wife’s foul mouth. Instead you should be questioning yourself as to how you allowed this pathetic excuse of a parent and yourself to neglect Timothy from any form of love or understanding, and subjecting him to the abuse that he’s had to withstand all his life. Now instead of standing there with your mouth wide open I suggest that you go upstairs and try and console Timothy.”
Jack Clarkson gave his wife a withering look and like Mr. Webster had suggested made his way to Timothy’s room.

“I’ll be leaving now,” Frank Webster said turning his attention to Mary Clarkson, “I’ll be contacting the local children’s welfare authority and also Timothy’s teachers. I will ask them to keep an eye on Timothy and if they notice any adverse behaviour in him to report it directly to my office. I can understand a woman who ill treats her own children doing what you did to Timothy; it would be in that person’s nature to behave in that manner. But it makes it worse still Mrs. Clarkson that you can shower love and affection on your own children and at the same time subject Timothy to such abuse from the time he was brought into your care. There is no excuse for you, you knew what you were doing, and what is even harder to believe is that you must have enjoyed treating him in the way that you have.” Frank Webster made to leave but halted by the doorway. Turning and once again addressing the woman said,
“The irony of it is Mrs. Clarkson, that when I asked Timothy, why his room was so sparsely furnished he was making excuses for the both of you that there wasn’t enough money to do his room, but you would when you could afford it. What’s more he wouldn’t say a bad word against you or your husband, and that after all the abuse he’s had from the two of you.”
Turning his back on the woman Frank Webster made his way out of the house.

Upstairs Jack Clarkson tapped softly on Timothy’s bedroom door and walked in to see him lying on his bed. As soon as he saw the man enter his room Timothy sat up and waited.
Moving over to the bed Jack Clarkson stood by the boy and asked, “Is it okay if I sit down beside you?”
The boy moved slightly sideways and said, “Okay.”
He took a place next to the boy and stared at him noting the puffy eyes and the tear stained cheeks.
“Ti” and his voice caught in his throat and he cleared it then continued, “Timothy, can you find it in your heart to forgive me and Mrs. Clarkson for the way we have treated you?”
“I don’t hold anything against either of you but now I don’t know what to call you as I heard you’re not my mum and dad.”
Jack Clarkson bowed his head and collected his thoughts, then looking at the boy seated next to him he picked the boy up and placed him on his lap saying, “I think it’s time that you should know the truth. After you’ve heard what I have to tell you and you know your origins then you can decide how you want to address my wife and me. Firstly Timothy Clarkson is your proper name, your mother chose your Christian name before you were born. She was not married at the time of your birth; your father disappeared shortly after your mother told him that she was pregnant. So her surname was automatically passed onto you, your mother happened to be my sister. You were born prematurely and a caesarean operation had to be performed. There were complications with the anaesthetic and your mother died shortly after giving birth to you.” Jack Clarkson paused to collect his thoughts then continued.
“Your grandmother my mother couldn’t look after you as she was wheelchair bound after an accident in the house. My other sister your aunty Lucy was only sixteen at the time and still at school so it fell upon me and my wife to take care of you. I brought you home and my wife was not too pleased as she had thought that she would have more time for herself now that Robert who you thought was your brother had just started kindergarten. So now that she had to look after someone else’s child she resented it. I thought that she would get over it but she never did, and to my shame I never took her to task over her treatment towards you. Not wanting to upset the household I also let her dictate my treatment of you. I’m sure my sister your mother would consider disowning me because of my behaviour towards you, and I would not be able to face her if she were to return. So by blood you are rightly my nephew, not my son, but Timothy, I would be proud if you would still consider calling me your father.”
The boy twisted in the man’s lap, “Dad,” and when Jack Clarkson heard that word his heart leapt and he had to use all his will power to refrain from bursting into tears.
“Yes son,” he managed to get out.
“What did my mum look like?”
“He smiled and cupping the boy’s face in his hands and kissing him on the forehead said, “You know your aunt Lucy.”
“Yep.”
“Well she’s the spitting image of your mother; they were very close to one another. I think that is why you two get on so well and also because she gave you the love that you never got in this house except from Linda.”
“So what’s going to happen now dad?”
“Nothing, and everything. First, there won’t be anymore of the harsh treatment that you’ve had to put up with for as long as you can remember. I’ll be talking to my wife about that. Umm how do you intend addressing her in future?”
“I don’t know, she doesn’t really like me so there isn’t any point in calling her mum, or aunty, so I think I’ll just stick with Mrs. Clarkson, would that be alright?”
“If that’s how you feel then that’s how it will be. She’s a hard woman and doesn’t like having to admit her mistakes but let’s just see how things work out. Also like Linda you will have access to all the facilities in the house to use when you wish to. The other very important task to complete is to refurbish your room and make it a more fitting place for a boy to live in. We can do that while you’re up at your aunt Lucy’s during half term. But before you go you had better tell me what colours you want in here, the furniture I’ll sort out.”
Timothy jumped up wrapping his arms around his dad’s neck saying, “You choose I haven’t got any ideas, and that way it will also be a surprise for me when I get back.”
“Okay now let’s go downstairs to have something to eat. Linda must be hungry as well, and if my wife doesn’t join us then don’t worry about it, that’s her problem.”
They went downstairs to the dining room collecting Linda on the way. When they were seated at the dining table Jack Clarkson made his way to the kitchen to warm and serve the food for his children when he was told unceremoniously by his wife as she stormed into the kitchen to, “Go and sit down, I’m still capable of serving the food in this house.”

That night Timothy lay in his bed wondering if the changes to his way of life would be permanent. From what had taken place since the man he called his father had promised him that there would be a more loving and relaxed attitude towards him, he’d never felt more at ease in the house as he did now.
Earlier in the evening he had been allowed to sit and watch whichever TV programme he wished, and was also at liberty to change the channels. He hadn’t tried to use the hi-fi system as he wasn’t too sure how to use it and in any case didn’t know much about the type of music on each individual cd. Now as his eyelids drooped his last thoughts were as he slipped into unconsciousness, “Hope Kai gets to be my best friend.”

The following morning Timothy after he’d had his breakfast went to his room to pack his case ready for his trip to Manchester. He was really looking forward to spending a week with his aunt who in the past when he visited her gave his life a whole new meaning. Where he got to laugh and relax, and be himself and not having to hear the inevitable Timothy get up to your room which now he hoped won’t be happening in this house so often.

Kai Webster was a bit dubious about calling on Timothy after his father had told him what had transpired at the house the previous day. But he’d promised Timothy that he’d go out with him to the Mall and he wasn’t going to back out now. If they turned him away, then Timothy will at least know that he hadn’t copped out on their agreement. Nervously his hand reached out and pressed the bell button.

The door opened and Mrs. Clarkson stood in the doorway. “Kai isn’t it,” she said smiling.
“Yes, is Timothy available we’re supposed to go to the shopping mall today?”
“Well you’d better go up and ask him, he’s packing his bag ready for his trip to Manchester tomorrow.” And she stood to one side to allow Kai to enter the house and make his way to Timothy’s room.
Outside the room he tapped softly on the door and within seconds it was opened by a wide eyed Timothy standing in the doorway.
“Blimey, I didn’t think you’d turn up today after what your dad heard yesterday.”
“Yeah well, I promised we’d go out today so here I am, you ready to go?”
“Sure, just let me grab my bus pass and jacket and we’ll go.”
As they reached the downstairs Timothy went into the sitting room to inform them that he was going out. He was about to leave when his dad said, “Have you any money with you Timothy?”
“Umm no dad but I don’t really need any, I’m just going for the outing.”
“Here take this,” and his father withdrew forty pounds from his wallet and handed it to the boy saying, “Now go out and enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks dad,” he exclaimed, then he turned to look at the woman that he’d called mum all his life. He knew in his heart that he was unable to carry out what he told his father the day before. Instead he walked over to where she sat bent over and kissed her on the cheek saying, “See you later mum,” and went to join Kai at the front door.
“Bye Timothy,” she responded “and don’t be out too late.”
That one simple gesture by her adopted son made Mary Clarkson realize that in him she had one in a million.
Jack Clarkson looked across at his wife and was surprised to see the beginnings of a smile on her face and eyes that looked decidedly watery.

The two boys made there way along the street with Kai asking, “What do you intend buying with the money you were given?”
“I don’t really need anything but I know Linda wants a skipping rope, and I can buy mum some perfume and dad some aftershave.”
“Bloody Hell Timothy,” Kai blurted out, “The money was meant for you to spend on yourself not buy everybody else presents.”
“Yeah I know but I’d like to buy them prezzy’s, I’ve never been able to do that before., and if there’s any money left over I can buy you something as well.”
“Very nice of you Timothy,” Kai said, “but I’ve got what I wanted, those trainers.”
They continued their walk chatting away till suddenly Kai exclaimed, “Oh Shit!”
“What’s up,” the smaller boy asked looking across at his companion.
“Over there,” Kai indicated with a flick of his head
Timothy looked in the direction that Kai had indicated and saw three boys whom he recognized as Hunter, Blake, and Fletcher.
His fear returned the moment he saw the boys, but like he’d done throughout the time he’d been in school he controlled his emotions and bottled the fear. He watched as the boys approached. Peter Blake seemed to be elated at seeing the boys making for the bus stop. His mouth was split with an evil grin, and he was relishing the prospect of meeting up with the two boys who were on the top of his hate list.

The moment they were within speaking distance Blake couldn’t contain his eagerness to hurl insults at the two boys now that he had the backing of Hunter and Fletcher.
“What a pair of wankers, did Timothy do it nicely for you Kai?” he said with an affected foppish accent.
“At least we can wank, arsehole,” Kai replied, “all you use yours for is to piss through, no wonder the girls in school think there’s something wrong with you.”
“Shut your mouth Webster or I’ll shut it for you.” Blake yelled as the insult hurled by Kai hit its mark.
Kai opened his eyes in mock fear, “Oooh talking big now that he’s got back up, you see Timothy,” he said turning to the smaller boy, “if it were just him on his own he’d be shitting bricks.” Turning to Blake Kai said, “How about it just you and me, what’s more I’ll let you take the first swing. You want to try?”
Peter Blake was losing his cool; he knew he couldn’t take the boy who had insulted him on his own. Not wanting to lose face in front of his two companions he slid his hand around his back into the waistband of his trousers at the same time stepping closer towards Kai.
Timothy who’d been watching Blake saw the hand come around and the flash of steel as he swung his hand to strike at Kai. He jumped between them to stop Blake and try to grab his hand, at the same time he could hear Brian Hunter shouting “Don’t do it Blake.” He missed Blake’s hand and then he was falling, a look of astonishment appeared on his face as he let out a momentary gasp as he felt the knife pierce his body. He staggered backwards then his legs seemed to give way and he slowly slumped to the floor.
Kai seeing Timothy take the knife that was meant for him was enraged, as Blake withdrew the knife and before he could use it again he lashed out with his fist with every ounce of his strength that landed flush on Blake’s nose and mouth snapping his head back and sending him crashing to the pavement the knife flying out of his hand.

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Part 6 - The Promise

Instinctively Kai turned to where Timothy lay on the pavement, now all his training in first aid would be put into practice. He quickly pulled off his coat at the same time turning to Brian Hunter saying, “Have you got a phone with you?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay call for an ambulance first,then the police, after that check on that piece of shit, he hit his head on the pavement when he went down. Don’t touch the knife, leave it where it is till the cops come.
While talking to Hunter he’d made his coat into a pad, lifted Timothy’s head and slid the coat under then let his friend’s head rest on the coat. He stood up and stripped of his T-shirt made another pad bent down and pressed it against the wound to stem the flow of blood. He looked at the boy lying on the floor and could see the look of disbelief in his eyes mingled with a sense of fear.
“It’s okay Timmy,” he said, “you’ll be alright, the ambulance will be here shortly just hang in there.”
Timothy was silent his thoughts racing, “Oh God it hurts, I hope I’m not going to die. I didn’t even get a chance to buy the prezzy’s. Feeling really tired now, it’s good of Kai to put something under my head, can have a bit of a sleep.” He closed his eyes and the next moment they flew open as his ears were assaulted by a deafening yell of his name. “TIMMY.
He looked up at the face that was looking down at him and asked, “Why did you yell?”
“You were falling asleep.”
“Yeah well I feel tired,” he said his speech slurring, “so let me sleep.”
“No stay awake till the ambulance arrives, then you can sleep.”
“Why? What so bad with wanting to sleep.”
“Dunno just gets me worried seeing you lying with your eyes closed.” He didn’t want to say that he was getting concerned that his T-shirt was now soaked with Timothy’s blood. “I don’t know what’s happening to you if you’re asleep.”
“Don’t worry Kai, nothing’s going to happen just going to sleep for a while,” and he closed his eyes and started to sink down into a nice wall of darkness, when he felt a mouth pressing against his own. He felt something push between his lips then touch his tongue. He opened his eyes again and the contact was broken and Kai was looking down at him and smiling.
“Thought that would make you open your eyes.”
“What did you do?”
“Well it was something like mouth to mouth resuscitation.” Silently he thought “God I hope that fucking ambulance will get hear soon.”
“It was nice,” the injured boy said.
“Yeah well I enjoyed it as well, and if you keep your eyes open till the ambulance arrives I’ll do it again when you’re better.”
“You promise, you’re not just saying that just to keep me awake?”
“Yes I promise,” he said looking down at the ashen faced boy lying on the pavement. Then cocking his head to one side smiled saying, “you hear that, that’s the effing ambulance.”
Looking across at Brian Hunter Kai asked, “How’s that moron doing?”
“He’s just sitting holding his head.” Hunter responded, “Seems like he hit it pretty hard when he fell. I’m sorry about what happened, I didn’t have a clue about Blake carrying a knife, if I’d known I’d have taken it off him.”
“It’s okay Hunter we’re not blaming you for that moron’s actions, and it seems that his bosom buddy Fletcher has legged it.”

Seconds later the ambulance accompanied by a police car pulled up alongside them. Within seconds they had relieved Kai and assessed the injury to the stab victim. They attended to his wound and had him settled in the ambulance as quickly as possible. Then one of the paramedics went over to Peter Blake and examined him. He turned to one of the police officers saying the boy needed to be taken to hospital as well just to make sure. Accompanied by one of the officers Blake was also led into the ambulance with the officer sitting beside him. Shortly another police car arrived to assist the remaining policeman in the investigation.

As Jonathon slipped on his jacket his T-shirt had been requisitioned by the police as evidence in the stabbing, the enormity of the event that had taken place hit him. His shoulder slumped as he saw the ambulance with sirens blaring pull away from the kerb, and tears started to trickle down his cheeks.
Quickly the police officer put an arm around the boy’s shoulders to comfort him at the same time saying, “It’s alright son, he’s in good hands, he should be okay.” Gently he was led by the officer to one of the cars.
Getting his emotions under control Kai asked? “Where are we going?”
“Firstly to the house of the boy that was stabbed, if you can supply an address, and inform his parents what happened and that their son has been taken to hospital.” The Police Officer stopped by the car; you do know where he lives don’t you?”
“Yes, Umm Timothy Clarkson, that’s the boy you’re talking about,
lives at 26 Brentwood Avenue; it’s not very far from where I live, about half a mile away. I live at 4 Yew Tree Close.” Kai looked across at Brian Hunter who was being spoken to by the other Police Officers. “What about the other boy over there, what’s happening to him?”
“He’s going to show them where the other boy lives so they can speak to his parents as well. Then take him home so that he can come into the police station later today with his parents to make a statement as he was a witness to a crime, the same as you.”

A couple of minutes later they pulled up outside Timothy’s house. The Officer opened the car windows slightly before getting out, then turning to Kai asked, “Will you be alright on your own while I talk to Timothy’s parents?”
Kai didn’t speak, just nodded his head in response to the Officer’s question. The Policeman exited the car, locked it behind him and made his way to the house ringing the bell when reaching the front door. The boy watched from the car as he saw Mr. Clarkson open the door and the Police Officer informing Mr. Clarkson what had happened although from where he was he couldn’t hear what was being said. Then he saw the officer point towards the car and say something which prompted a very worried looking Mr. Clarkson to walk over towards the car bend his head and say, “Kai a re you alright.”
“Yes Mr. Clarkson I’m alright,”
“I’ll see you later Kai, got to make my way over to the hospital.” And Mr Clarkson was gone before the boy could say a word.
The Police Officer came back to the car and within the space of five minutes he was pulling up outside Kai’s house. Accompanied by the Officer Kai rang the bell and at the same time opening the door with his key. His mother was the first to appear and at once a concerned look came upon her face on seeing the Police Officer.
Kai went over to his mother putting his arms around her saying, “It’s alright mum, this is DC Poulter, he’s brought me back home. Timothy and I ran into some trouble with another boy from school. Timothy got stabbed and is on his way to hospital.”
“Oh Heavens,” Mrs Webster exclaimed, “How serious is he.”
“I don’t know mum, you better talk to the policeman.”
Turning to the officer she asked about Timothy.
“The stab wound was quite serious, that’s all I’m able to tell you at the moment Mrs. Webster. But I’m sure they’ll do their best for the boy.”
The Police Officer hesitated for a moment and was about to speak when Mr. Webster arrived on the scene.
“What’s the problem?” he asked noting the serious looks on everyone’s face.”
“Frank,” Mrs. Webster said, “Timothy has been stabbed in the street and is on his way to hospital, this police officer brought Kai home.”
“Please come into the sitting room Officer, then you can make yourself comfortable and give us the details of the incident,” at the same time Frank Webster went over to his son and put an arm around his shoulder asking, “How you feeling son?”
“Worried for Timothy, dad.”
Frank Webster with his arm around his son led them into the sitting room.
DC Poulter followed the family into the room and took a seat. He then told Mr. Webster the same as he’d told Mrs. Webster about Timothy’s stabbing. He then asked if it was possible if one or both parents could bring Kai down to the police station later today to make a statement as he was a witness to the stabbing. We also have his T-shirt as evidence which Kai used to stem the flow of blood from the wound.”
“Alright Officer, we’ll bring Kai down later today if he’s up to it, otherwise it will have to be tomorrow.”
“That will be alright sir, I hope your son gets over the incident.”
”Thank you Officer for your concern, it’s much appreciated,”and DC Poulter was escorted to the door by Mr. Webster.

When he returned to the sitting room he saw mother and son standing in the centre of the room in an embrace. Going to them and putting a hand on his son’s shoulder Mr. Webster said, “Kai are you up to telling us exactly what happened?”
The boy broke away from his mother’s embrace and sat down on the settee. He looked up at his father then said, “can I tell you later dad, I just can’t bring myself to talk about what happened at the moment.”
“Alright son and you don’t have to go into the police station today to give your statement, if you want we’ll leave it till tomorrow.”
“Thanks dad I prefer to do that,” then turning to his mother asked. “That Nurse you know that works in A&E would she be able to tell us anything about Timothy’s condition?”
“I only have her home contact number Kai and in any case I couldn’t phone her at work, they’re not supposed to have their mobiles on while they’re on duty. Pausing for a moment and placing her finger on her lip Mrs. Webster thought for a few seconds before saying, “Kai do you have Timothy’s home number, I don’t think all of them would have gone to the hospital so if one of the parents has stayed at home they might have heard something by now.”
Kai dashed over to the landline and dialled the Clarkson number which was very quickly answered by Mrs. Clarkson.
“Sorry to bother you Mrs. Clarkson, it’s Kai speaking, have you had any news about Timothy yet?”
“Oh okay Mrs. Clarkson, would it be alright if I phoned back in an hour’s time?”
“Okay, thank you and I’ll wait for you to call, bye for now.”
Replacing the phone and turning to his parents said, “He’s still in the operating theatre, Mrs. Clarkson said she’ll give me a call as soon as she hears anything more.”
He went and sat down again, his mother leaving to go to the kitchen and like all women in times of stress put the kettle on to make a cup of tea.
All morning and early afternoon his parents kept an eye on him which was a bit disconcerting. He knew they were concerned for him but to have them constantly asking him if he wanted to talk about it or if he needed another cup of tea was slowly getting on his nerves.
He’d been to his room and had showered and changed and was on the point of leaving the house to go out for a walk when the phone rang. He hesitated and waited for his father to answer it.
He heard his father say “Hello Mr. Webster speaking.”
“Mrs. Clarkson, how is Timothy? Oh I’m glad to hear that, alright I’ll pass the message on to Kai. Bye Mrs. Clarkson.”
Replacing the phone he turned to wife and son saying, “Timothy is out of the operating theatre and is in ICU. His condition is very serious but stable and they will keep him in there until they think he’s recovered enough to be moved to a ward.”

Kai slumped into a chair relieved to hear that Timothy was still alive. He looked at his parents saying, “I think I’m ready to tell you what happened.”
“You don’t have to son,” Mr Webster said, “we’re in no hurry to hear about the incident.”
“It’s okay dad, I can talk about it now that I know Timothy is still alive.” And Kai began his narrative. “We were going to catch a bus to take us to the Mall when we met up with three boys from school. One of the boys Peter Blake was throwing insults so I returned the insults, then challenged him to fight me, one on one. Suddenly he pulled a knife from behind his back and swung his arm intending to stab me. Timothy saw him and jumped in trying to stop him and took the blade in his side. I hit Blake and knocked him down before he could do anymore damage with the knife. While I was attending to Timothy I got one of the other boys Hunter, to call for an ambulance and the police. When they arrived they took over and I was brought home.”
“What happened to the knife wielder?” his mother asked.
He also had to go to the hospital with a police office sitting with him in the ambulance. He hit his head on the pavement when I knocked him down. I don’t think it was anything serious, he was up and walking to the ambulance just holding his head. I think he was trying to look like he was injured more than he really was and looking for some kind of sympathy.”
“Do you know anything about the boy, Kai?”
“No mum, never had much to do with him at school.” Kai paused for a moment then looking at his father said, “I think I’d like to go and make that statement now and get it over and done with.”
“You don’t have to go today son, it can wait till tomorrow.”
“No dad, I want to do it now, so if Timothy is conscious tomorrow I can go and see him.”
“If he’s still in ICU Kai, I don’t think they’ll let you in to see him. Only his immediate family would be allowed to visit.”
“Okay dad but I still want to go and make that statement.”
“Frank, just take Kai to the station. I’ll stay here in case there are any more calls from the Clarksons.”

The room was not quite dark as light from the streets filtered in through the heavy lace curtains. He thought about how his way of life had changed so dramatically since the confrontation between his parents and Mr. Webster. Now he looked at the face that lay on the pillow a few inches from his own. The eyes sparkled in the dim light although he could not see their colour he knew they were hazel, well green with flecks of brown and grey. The mouth was smiling as the eyes looked back at him and he slowly stretched his neck to brush the lips of the face in front of him then he whispered, “I love you Kai.”
An arm reached out and wrapped itself around him and drew him closer into the body that lay beside him. He lifted his head and lay it on the shoulder of the boy who now shared his bed. Relishing the emotions coursing through his body he let his mind drift as a hand gently stroked his head and lips whispered in his ear, “Love you too Timmy,” now he lifted his head off the shoulder in search of those lips that had been whispering in his ear.
He opened his eyes to see a figure that was blurred standing beside him, and then he felt a hand brushing the hair from his forehead. As his vision cleared so he recognised his father smiling and looking down at him.
He tried to speak, and at first just a grunt came out, he cleared his throat and asked. ”Where’s mum?”
His father stroking his head replied, “At home with Linda, she’ll be here later in the day.”
“How’s Kai?”
“He’s alright, at home with his parents.”
“That’s good, I was just dreaming about him,” he closed his eyes and slept again.

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Part 7 - The Decision

He could see Blake chasing Timothy with his arm raised, his hand holding a knife and the blade flashing in the light. He ran after Blake to try and stop him, and try as he may he couldn’t lessen the gap between them. He was sweating now using all his energy to try and reach Blake to stop him and just as he reached the knife wielder he turned and slashed at him with the knife. He jumped to avoid it, and awoke sitting upright in his bed, his nightshirt soaked and sticking to his body. He rose from the bed, went to the toilet and rinsed his face, used some hand towels to wipe the sweat from his body, then made his way down to the kitchen.
He poured some milk into a mug, put it in the microwave and set it to warm. When it had finished he added a couple of spoons of chocolate to the milk, stirred it and sat down to sip his drink.

“What’s wrong son?” And Kai Webster turned to see his father standing in the doorway.
“Nothing dad, just had a bad dream and decided to come down for a drink. Sorry if I disturbed you.”
“You didn’t disturb me, your mother did. I was in cloud cuckoo land, she heard you moving around and thought it better that I should get up and keep you company. Are you still worried about Timothy?”
“No, not really. Since Mr Clarkson phoned and said that he’d woken up and asked about me, I feel a lot better. It’s just something that I’ve got on my mind.”
“Well if it’s not too personal maybe I can shed some light on the problem.”
He looked across at his father and knew that he could talk to him on just about anything, but the only drawback being that his father tended to be rather long winded on his views and at times lost track of the issue. And in any case how was he going to put it to his father that for the last three years he had been trying to suppress his feelings for other boys. Hoping that as he grew older those feelings would wane.
His thoughts were broken by his father saying, “Are you going to confide in me or would you prefer to keep it to yourself.”
“You know I’ll tell you dad, but can you please answer sorta straightforwardly instead of being long winded and going all around the mulberry bushes?”
Frank Webster looked at his son “Humph! Yes well alright,” he exclaimed, “Tell me what the problem is.”
Kai Webster hesitated for a moment then stood and walked to where his father was standing in the doorway.
“I feel really awkward dad trying to say this but I’ve been trying real hard not to be like it but I can’t help it.”
“Be like what Kai?”
“Umm. Oh God! Dad its so hard to tell you.”
Frank Webster stepped forward and put his arms around his son, “It’s alright Kai, I think I have a pretty good idea about what you want to say.”
“You do dad, what is it?”
Taking his son by the shoulder and leading him into the sitting room and getting them both seated on the settee he turned to Kai saying. “You want to talk about your sexuality.”
Kai Webster his face ashen like all the blood had been drained from it looked at his father and with lowered voice asked, “How did you know?”
Smiling and looking at his son’s drawn face Frank Webster said, “Well when I have a son who’s fifteen going on sixteen years of age, and who’s never had a date with a girl, or hardly ever talks about them, or even makes remarks about them on the television. Then as a parent I think I must start assuming that my son is not interested in the opposite sex. If I’m right I think the only girl that you’ve ever spoken to at any great length or been out with is your cousin Samantha, who is more or less like a sister to you. At times I thought that I could have been wrong with my assumptions, but when you were hesitant about bringing up the subject just now then I had a good idea what was on your mind.”
“Are you disappointed dad?”
“Why would I be, your mother and I are jointly responsible for who you are, so why should we be disappointed with what we created. But tell me Kai, has any of this got anything to do with Timothy?”
“Yes dad. You see I’ve been trying to suppress my feelings for other boys for ages thinking that I may grow out of it. That was why I didn’t stop Timothy leaving the house when he told me he was a homosexual. I was still trying to keep my feelings bottled up and felt I didn’t need to have Timmy around me as a temptation for my feelings. It was while I was getting Blake and Fletcher to lay off Timothy at school earlier in the week that I realized my feelings for him more than just friendship but still I kept him at arms length. But after the stabbing I was really scared that Timmy might die. He kept closing his eyes and trying to sleep before the ambulance arrived, at first I yelled his name to wake him the second time I kissed him. He said it was nice, and I told him that I’d do it again when he recovered if he stayed awake. He made me promise that I would which I did; now I’m trying to decide if I should keep the promise, I don’t think that he’d even remember about it.”
“Kai, you made a promise under stress, but the important thing is do you wish to keep that promise because you have feelings for Timothy. Or was it made on the spur of the moment in the hope that it would help in keeping Timothy awake and alive. If you really don’t have any feelings for Timothy other than a deep friendship, then I’m sure he’d understand and won’t hold you to your promise. But whatever you decide and I’m sure I can speak for your mother as well; we will both support you in whichever decision you make.”
“Thanks dad, I’ll have a talk with Timothy when we can be alone and see how it goes.”
“Okay son, now I think you’d better try and get some sleep.”
He lay in his bed thinking about what his father had said and also reliving the sensations he’d got when kissing Timothy.
He closed his eyes then opened them quickly again fearing he might have a repeat of the dream that had shocked him awake.
“Got to think of something else,” he thought, “Yeah how Arsenal came back from a goal down to beat Tottenham 3-1,” and he closed his eyes reliving the match.

It was Thursday morning before the doctors in the hospital felt that Timothy Clarkson had recovered sufficiently to be moved from ICU to Mother Theresa’s children’s ward.
On hearing the news Mrs. Clarkson phoned the Webster house informing them of Timothy’s progress and that if Kai wished to he could visit Timothy later today, telling them that they could pick up Kai and give him a lift when they were on the way to the hospital.

By 1.30pm he was ready and waiting for the Clarksons to show and he didn’t have long to wait. He was up and saying goodbye to his mother and was out of the door before Mr. Clarkson could get his finger on the doorbell. Kai followed him to the car and was surprised to see another woman sitting in the back seat along with Linda. He was introduced to her and found out that she was Timothy’s Aunt Lucy who he was supposed to stay with during the half term break.
“So you’re the young man that we have to thank for saving Timothy’s life.” The woman said after the introductions were made.
“I don’t know what you mean Ms. Clarkson,” Kai said looking confused.
“The hospital said that if you hadn’t stemmed the flow of blood from the wound,” Mr. Clarkson said as he drove, “Timothy’s condition would have been a lot more serious than what it was and his chances of survival would have been very slim.”
“But Mr. Clarkson it really should be the other way round,” Kai said.
“I don’t understand Kai, what do you mean by that?”
“Timmy took the knife that was meant for me,” Kai said looking across at Mrs. Clarkson who’d turned in her seat to look back at Kai, “he saw the boy reach for it and tried to stop him and got stabbed instead.”
“Seems like you two boys owe each other,” Jack Clarkson said, “just hope there won’t be any further incidents in the future.”
“I don’t think there will be Mr. Clarkson, the boy who was the cause of all this when Timothy was first assaulted in school was the one who stayed behind to help when Timmy was stabbed. I think he might start to change from what I’ve seen since he came back after being suspended.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Linda pulling Kai’s arm till he turned his attention to her, asking, “Yes, what did you want Linda?”
“When Timmy comes home will you come and play with us?” she asked.
“Yes of course, but you’ll have to wait till he’s really better.”

When they arrived at the hospital Kai brought up the rear following the Clarkson family to the ward where Timothy was placed.
He stood at the foot of the bed and sucked in his breath on seeing the boy and grasped the foot rail so tightly that his knuckles showed white. Timothy had been thin before the stabbing, but now seeing him laying in the bed his complexion so pale and looking so much thinner, he looked decidedly skeletal. Again he felt the sense of guilt as he looked at Timmy, all this happened because of one stupid action on his part. He wished so desperately that he could go back in time and undo what had been done but what was it that Timmy said that his aunt kept uttering, he thought for a moment then it came to him C’est la vie, so true he thought, that’s life, what’s done is done, now he had to make it up to Timothy.

He stayed at the foot of the bed while the family fussed around Timothy. He still had an attachment to his left hand that was monitoring his pulse and a drip on the back of the same hand.
From time to time their eyes met, then the bed ridden boy’s gaze would be broken as a member of the family required his attention. They spent an hour at Timothy’s bedside, then the adults said they were going home and would be back after tea to spend more time with him. As they left, Kai spoke to Mr. Clarkson.
“I’ll stay on for a bit longer Mr. Clarkson. I want to have a talk with Timmy, I can get home on the bus.”
“Are you sure Kai? Your parents are expecting me to bring you home.”
“It’s okay Mr. Clarkson, I’ll come out to the car park with you and phone my mother, if she’s gives me permission I’ll come back to the ward to spend some time with Timothy.”
The man was agreeable to Kai’s suggestion and after speaking to his mother made his way back into the ward.

When he walked in and sat by Timmy’s bed, the boy had his eyes closed and seemed to be sleeping. Seeing Timothy’s arm outside of the bedclothes, the one free from any tubes, he gently lifted the arm then clasped the hand with his own.
Slowly the small boy’s eyes opened and seeing who it was that was clasping his hand, his mouth broke into a smile, and a voice barely audible whispered “Kai”.
“Yeah it’s me,” he said stroking the hand, “I decided to stay a bit longer to keep you company.”
“I’m glad you stayed, you know I dreamt about you the other day, can’t remember much about it, but I know it was nice.”
He sat staring at the boy who looked so frail, and something inside of him just seemed to take control of his actions. He didn’t care where he was, or who was watching, he leant forward in his seat and brushed his lips against those of Timothy.”
“ ;That was better than any dream,” the smiling boy said, then in a more serious tone asked, “Is it because you’re feeling sorry for me Kai or is there another reason.”
“Yep I’m feeling sorry for you Timmy, but I don’t go around kissing everybody I feel sorry for, only an idiot, who took a knife that was meant for me, and also I have other reasons but we won’t go into that yet.”
“Okay, can we have another quick one, you taste really nice.”
“No I don’t want you getting excited,” and Kai silently laughed as he saw the disappointed look on Timmy’s face. He couldn’t keep up the pretence for long, he smiled and leaning forward again brought their lips together and kept them locked a bit longer than the first time.
Breaking the kiss and taking Timmy’s hand Kai said, “I’ll be around tomorrow same time.”
Moving his hand from Kai’s grip and lifting it to grasp Kai’s jacket and pulling him closer, Timmy his voice hardly above a whisper said, “Don’t come the same time tomorrow Kai, come an hour later by then they would have all gone home.”
“Okay Timmy,” and they continued to talk about what all they were going to do when Timothy got out of hospital, till Kai said “It’s time I got going, I think the visiting time has long gone,” he stood and slowly let Timothy’s hand slide through his fingers, “see you tomorrow,” he said as he walked away from the bed.
At the doorway he turned and looked back at the boy lying in the bed, waved to him then disappeared from view.

He arrived home just after his father had returned from the office and he’d hardly divested himself of his jacket when he was questioned by his parents about Timothy. He told them how shocked he’d been at his friend’s appearance and that he’d promised Timothy that he would return tomorrow at 3.00pm.
“Do you want me to give you a lift?” his mother enquired.
“No thanks mum, there’s no hurry. I can hop on a bus, it stops right outside the hospital.”

Later that night he had the same dream, of chasing Blake and trying to stop him from stabbing Timothy. What shocked him awake this time and had him shaking violently was when the boy had finished stabbing Timothy, the assailant turned and it was his own self that he was confronting with a twisted smile on his face.

He went downstairs and got a glass of water taking it through to the sitting room, he sat and slowly sipped it.
“This is getting to be quite a habit,” his father’s voice proclaimed as he came and sat beside his son. “Bad dreams again?”
“Yes dad,” and the boy related his dream to his father.
“You’re suffering from a guilt complex Kai. You’re blaming yourself because of what you did with the homework incident, and that the injuries Timothy has sustained at school and now the stabbing have stemmed from that one action on your part. But I’m sure Kai, knowing the nature of the boys involved if it wasn’t that, then they would have found some other reason to pick on Timothy.”
“I know dad but until I know Timothy is out of danger and out of hospital, then I don’t think the dreams will go away.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, when you were alone with Timmy did he bring up the subject of the kiss at all?”
“He didn’t have to dad, when we were alone and I was sitting at his bedside and he was dozing, I just couldn’t resist it and kissed him.”
“So how did it make you feel?”
“Like a thousand electric shocks running through my body and I didn’t really want to leave him.”
“You’ll be able to see him again later today, now do you think you can get to sleep again?”
Putting the glass on the coffee table the boy said, “Yes dad, and thanks,” as he stood he bent over and kissed his father on the forehead saying, “It can’t be good to have your sleep interrupted and trying to give up smoking as well.”
The man swatted his son’s backside playfully, “If my smoking increases I’ll blame it on you.”

Friday afternoon he bade his mother goodbye who was a bit apprehensive about him travelling on his own. He didn’t have long to wait to catch a bus to take him to the hospital. He was in good spirits, and hoped that when he got to the hospital because of the time of day there wouldn’t be any relatives around and he could be alone with Timmy.
Half an hour later he was walking down the corridor that led to Timothy’s ward, he was excited at the prospect of being able to express his commitment to Timmy not only vocally but also physically. He felt relieved that he didn’t have to restrain his feelings for Timothy any longer, he’d made his decision and there was no more doubts on his mind as to how he was going to lead his life.
He entered the ward and stopped rooted to the spot, his blood turned to ice with feelings of dread coursing through his body as he stared at the empty bed where Timothy normally lay.

---

Part 8 - Commitment

His eyes wide with fear darted around the ward trying to find a member of the hospital staff that could tell him why Timothy’s bed was vacant and what had happened. Seeing no one except other patients and visitors he walked out of the ward and made his way to the nurse’s station. Arriving there and seeing a nurse on the telephone he waited staring at the nurse willing her to finish her conversation. The moment she put the phone down he asked her. “Do you know what has happened to Timothy Clarkson, his bed is empty?”
The nurse seeing the distressed look on the face of the boy in front of her said, “I don’t really know him, he’s not one of the patients on the ward that I work on, but if you can wait I’ll try and find out if you tell me which ward he was in.”
“Please can you, he hasn’t long been out of ICU, he was in Mother Theresa ward.”
The nurse picked up the phone again and dialled a number. When it was answered she asked, ”Timothy Clarkson from Mother Theresa ward, have you any information as to why he’s been moved.”
The nurse waited for a moment then smiled at the information she was given. Putting the phone down smiling she addressed Kai saying.
“Timothy was taken down to the X-ray department, he should be back shortly. You can wait by his bed if you wish.”

With a huge sigh of relief he made his way to the ward. On his return to the ward he sat in the bedside chair, put his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. His mind was buzzing with thoughts of what would he have done and how could he live with the guilt he felt if Timothy had died. He was still contemplating these thoughts when he heard a noise and looked up to see Timothy being wheeled in by a couple of orderlies.

He stood and made room for the orderlies to transfer Timothy back to his bed and to hook him up to his monitor and drip. They finished and left leaving Kai alone with Timothy. He looked at the boy who had been asleep throughout the procedure of transferring him back to his bed. Kai returned to his seat and gently lifted the free hand and clasped it between his own. He sat content to be with the boy just gazing at the pale face that seemed to have got a little bit of colour to the cheeks compared to when he saw Timothy yesterday. One of the ward nurses came to check on Timothy and it gave Kai the opportunity to ask her about him.
“He’s only tired,” the nurse informed him, “he didn’t sleep too well last night according to the night nurse’s notes. He was taken to the X-ray dept. just to check that he’s healing internally.”

He thanked the nurse and after she’d gone then thought that it would be better if he left as it was unlikely that Timmy would wake anytime soon. He gave the sleeping boy a quick peck on the lips then looked for the nurse that he just spoken to. He saw her attending to another patient and when she’d finished asked her if she would give Timothy a message if he woke before she went off duty.
“Certainly what is it?”
“Could you tell him I visited today, and that I’ll be back on Sunday, I can’t come tomorrow as I have to go out with my parents.”
“No problem. I’ll convey the message to him, and your name is?”
“Kai, and thanks a lot.”
“You’re welcome Kai.”
He thanked her once again, made his goodbyes, took one last look at the sleeping boy and started on his way home.

He was half way down the corridor when he heard his name called. Turning he saw the nurse outside the door to the ward gesticulating with her arm for him to return. When he was by her side she smiled saying, “Your friend is awake.”
“Thanks,” he responded and quickly made his way into the ward. As he approached the bed he could see Timothy eyes open and with a smile on his face. The moment he was within reach he took the boy’s hand gently squeezing it saying, “Hi,”
Timothy whispered come closer and doing as the boy requested Kai leaned over putting his face within inches of Timothy’s.
“Got really scared,” the boy said, “One moment you were here and then you were leaving,”
Kai was puzzled as to how Timmy had sensed his leaving but smiling said, “What’s to be scared about, I’m here.”
“Thought you weren’t going to come back and I wouldn’t see you again,” the boy said in a voice a little above a whisper.
“You’ll see so much of me that you’ll get fed up of looking at my face.”
“Never Kai,” then pulling the boy closer whispered, “I love you too much.”
“Love you too Timmy,” then leaning forward Kai brought their lips together in a brief kiss, then sitting up said, “I have to go shortly but I’ve got something for you.” Releasing Timothy’s hand he unclasped the gold chain around his neck with his name KAI embossed in platinum. Then reaching behind Timothy fastened it around his neck saying, “There you go, even if I’m not here in person,” he smiled “you’ve still got me around your neck so you don’t have to be scared anymore.”
Timothy fingered the chain then reached for Kai’s hand and bringing it to his cheek gently nuzzled it, “Thanks Kai.”

Monday he returned to school with Timothy’s slow progress to recovery still weighing on his mind. He was sure that because he’d not seen Timothy for a day that he’d see an improvement in him on Sunday only to be disappointed. Timothy looked just as pale and thin as he’d been on Friday, he just didn’t seem any better.

He walked into the classroom to see Mr. Beardsley already there. As he passed him to get to his desk Mr. Beardsley stopped his progress by placing a hand on his shoulder. “Webster, have you been to visit Clarkson in hospital?” A few of the students stopped on hearing the teacher’s question and waited for Kai Webster to reply.
“Yes sir.”
“How is he?”
“I dunno sir, he looks really thin and pale, I thought he’d be better by now.” There were whispers from the other pupils nearby who’d heard Kai’s response.
Roger Beardsley could see the boy’s eyes verging on tears, “I think it will be a few days yet before he starts to show improvement,” the teacher said smiling, trying to give the boy in front of him encouragement, “Timothy wouldn’t have been moved from ICU if the doctors thought he was in any danger.” Patting the boy on the shoulder he said “Don’t worry, he’ll soon be back, now go and take your seat.”
“Thanks sir,” and Kai Webster in a happier frame of mind went to his desk. As he took his place his eyes wandered around the class, he noticed Fletcher at his desk keeping his eyes firmly fixed to the front. He looked further a field and his eyes came in contact with Brian Hunter, he smiled at Kai who returned the smile with a nod of his head. Then he saw Samantha who he normally met outside the school gates but hadn’t this morning, she smiled at him and he lifted his hand in recognition.

At the first morning break he had questions hurled at him from various students enquiring how Clarkson was, and on hearing how close Timothy had come to not making it they were suitably subdued. When there was a lull in the enquiries Brian Hunter came to his side asking if he could talk to him for a minute.
“Do you want me to leave Samantha?” Clayton asked.
“No its okay what I have to say is no big secret ,” he said addressing Samantha, then turning to Kai asked, “Are you going to see Timothy after school?”
“Yes, my dad will drop me off at the hospital after I’ve eaten.”
“Do you think I could visit as well?”
“Sure if you want to, I know Timmy won’t mind.” Kai hesitated a moment then asked, “I’ve noticed since you came back from suspension that you’ve changed. What happened?”
Hunter looked at the boy standing in front of him envying him his popularity with the other kids in the school, “When I was on suspension,” Hunter said, “one day my younger brother came home from school with a split lip and a bruise on his cheek. He’d been beaten up and I wanted to know who had done it so that I could go and sort the kid out. My mother who heard what was going on got mad at me. “That’s all you know, beat up some kid and that makes you happy. You’re angry now because your brother got beaten up, have you ever stopped to think how the family and friends of the boy you put in hospital feel.” That’s when I realized that what I’d done to Clarkson was just plain meanness, I wanted to apologize to him when I came back to school but didn’t have the guts. Now I think it’s time I did, and I would also like to see him.”
“Okay you know Yew Tree Close?”
“Yeah.”
“Well I live at number 4, if you get there at about 5.30pm my dad can give us a lift to the hospital.”
“Thanks Webster, I appreciate it,” and Hunter made his way back to the classroom as the bell rang for the resumption of classes.
Before they too followed Hunter, Samantha stopped Kai, “Is it possible for me to visit Timothy as well?”
“Okay 5.30pm but ask your mum first Sammy.”

At 5.20pm the Webster doorbell rang and Frank Webster made his way to the front door and opened it.
“Hi Uncle Frank,” the girl on the doorstep said giving him a kiss on the cheek, then turning to the boy who stood behind her said, “This is Brian.”
“Come in,” the man said standing to one side allowing the visitors to enter the house, “Kai won’t be long, he’s just finishing getting changed.”
Within a couple of minutes Kai was downstairs and saying goodbye to his mother as he followed his father, Sammy, and Brian out to the car. It was twenty minutes later that his father was dropping them off outside the Hospital entrance telling Kai to call him when they were ready to come home.

Kai took Sammy’s hand and led the way to Timothy’s ward, and reaching saw Mr and Mrs Clarkson, and Linda already there.
When Brian Hunter and Samantha, saw Timothy they tried to hide the shock they got at his appearance. They stood at the foot of the bed and waved to him trying their best to put on a cheerful face.
Timothy smiled at them but at the same time he was a bit concerned seeing Samantha Clayton standing next to Kai and holding his hand. He kept glancing at the two of them, at times not hearing what his parents were saying and having to ask them to repeat what they’d said. Half an hour later Linda was getting restless and so Timothy’s parents decided to take her home and saying their goodbyes they left.

Brian Hunter was the first to speak. He went to Timothy’s side and started to apologize for what had happened.
“You don’t have to apologize Brian, you weren’t the one with the knife.”
“I’m also apologising for the previous incident for which I got suspended.”
Timothy smiled. “Okay apology accepted,” he said, “so can we talk about something else.”
They talked about what had happened at school and how all the kids in the class wanted to know how he was.
They sat talking for another half hour before Kai went outside and phoned his father telling him they were ready to leave.
Back at Timothy’s bedside he told the other two that his father would be back to pick them up in twenty minutes. When the time came Brian and Samantha said their goodbyes while Kai squeezed Timothy’s hand saying he’d be back shortly. He went outside with the other two and at the car asked his father if he could drop Brian and Samantha home, he was going to stay on a bit longer with Timothy.

When they’d left he made his way back into the ward and the moment he reached Timothy’s bed he leaned over and brought his lips to brush lightly over those of the boy he felt a great affection for.
“What about Samantha,” Timothy enquired, “won’t she get annoyed you’re leaving her to stay with me?”
“Why should she?”
“Well you were like going together weren’t you, and now you just let her go home by herself.”
Kai laughed and leaned over bringing his face close to that of Timothy’s, “So that was why you’ve been giving me those funny looks all evening. You thought Sammy was my girlfriend.”
“Well isn’t she?”
“Yeah sure she is, she’s been my best friend for ages and happens to be a girl and also my cousin.”
“What?”
“You heard, my cousin, her mum and mine are sisters, and Sammy and I grew up together, our birthdays are only two months apart. From the age of two my mum used to babysit Sammy at our house while her mother went to work.”
Timothy’s face broke out into a big grin, then getting a bit serious, “So I’m not your best friend.”
“Nope, you’re more than that.”
“What does that mean,” Timothy asked shyly
“It means if you’re willing I want you to be my boyfriend!”
Timothy closed his eyes and lay silent for a while when he opened them again he had a look of concern on his face.
“I’m sorry,” Kai said, “I shouldn’t have come out with it so sudden.”
“No it’s not that Kai,” Timothy said quickly putting Kai’s doubts at rest.
“Then why do you look so worried.”
“I’m scared that something will go wrong again, and I feel so hopeless just lying here and not getting any better.”
“Come on Timmy,” Kai said kissing his hand. “You’ve nothing to worry about, and don’t forget you’ve got me hanging around your neck. Any time you feel a bit iffy just hold the chain and you’ll have me in the palm of your hand, and all your worries will be gone just like that. Before you know it this time next week you’ll be out of here and in your own room just you wait and see.”
“You really think so Kai, you’re not just trying to cheer me up.”
“Of course you’ll be out of here, and you’ve not given me an answer to the question I asked you.”
Timothy smiled, “That’s the best thing that could have happened to me, I’ll be your boyfriend.”
Kai leaned over and brushed his lips against those of the frail looking boy saying, “Love you Timmy.”
“I’m feeling a bit sleepy now Kai, will you stay here for a while till I fall asleep?”

He sat by the bedside stroking Timothy’s hand looking at the face that had so captivated him. It wasn’t strikingly handsome, nor even good looking, it was just a plain face but it reflected the goodness of the boy’s nature. With all the abuse he’d suffered at school it had never at any time shown a glimmer of anger or hate. He just bore the abuse in silence.
His thoughts were cut short by a pair of hands on his shoulders. Twisting his head and looking up he saw his father standing behind him.
“How’s Timothy?” his father asked.
“I dunno dad, he just doesn’t seem to be getting any stronger. I thought by now he’d have improved a lot more than he has.”
“Don’t worry Kai, he’ll pull through, he’s a fighter. The doctors didn’t think he’d make it when he was first brought to the hospital but he proved them wrong.”
Startled at the news Kai swivelled in his chair to confront his father, “How did you know that?”
“Your mother’s friend Diana Winthrop who works in A&E, I saw her when I was returning to the hospital. I spoke to her and she told me.”

Frank Webster’s words were proved to be true and 11 days later on a Friday morning Timothy Clarkson was discharged from hospital.

---

Part 9 - Lovers

He entered the house and the moment the door closed behind him he heard his mother’s voice call out from the kitchen.
“Kai is that you?”
“Yes mum,” and he made his way into the kitchen and started to help himself to a couple of apple crumble pies from the cake box.
“Don’t eat too many or you won’t be able to eat your food, you have to eat early today.”
“Why mum?”
“Because Mrs. Clarkson phoned to say that Timothy is home, and wants to know if you could go over later this evening and stay the night. I took the liberty to say yes on your behalf and that you’d be there as soon as you’ve finished your evening meal.”
He put the second pie back, “Really mum, I was going to go and see Timmy tomorrow, thought I’d let him settle in with his family today. I’ll go up and get showered and changed then have my meal,” he left the kitchen and bound up the stairs his feelings running riot inside him with the thought of spending the night at Timothy’s house. He showered and when he’d finished splashed on some Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male that his parents had bought him for his fifteenth birthday. After he’d dressed, he packed his nightwear and toothbrush into his back pack and made his way downstairs.
While Kai was having his food his father arrived home and after being informed that he would be spending the night at Timothy’s house his father promptly offered to drive him over.
Kai knew that since the knife attack his parents were worried every time he walked out the front door, they tried to cover the anxiety they both felt but it was so obvious in their faces. So to try and free them of their worry he would phone them as often as possible en route to which ever destination he was headed. Now when his father offered to drop him off to allay their fears he accepted the offer. Fifteen minutes later after saying goodbye to his mother he made his way to the car, his heart hammering at what seemed twice its normal rate in anticipation of being in the same bed he hoped as Timothy.

He lay with his legs up on the settee with Linda alongside him resting her head on his shoulder. He fingered the chain around his neck waiting for the boy that had given it to him to make his presence known. He’d gleaned a great deal of comfort from the chain while he was in hospital when all the visitors had left and he was left alone. It was the chain and his fingers running over the name, and the kiss he remembered while he lay on the pavement that made the hours of loneliness bearable.
The boy’s parents had seen the chain around his neck while in hospital and had accepted the fact that it meant something special to him. They were pleased that he’d found a friend in Kai; someone who they hoped would help give Timothy another interest in life.

Now while he waited for Kai to arrive his mind focused on his friend. How he longed to hold Kai in his arms, but would Kai now be willing to continue their friendship in the manner it had been while he was in hospital. Or would he now want to keep it at the just-good -friends level like it was before he had been injured. Now that he had recovered and was home again how would Kai’s behaviour be toward him.
The bell ringing broke his train of thought and he watched as his father stood and made his way to the front door. He felt the chill as Linda left his side and her body heat went with her as she followed her father to see who had come to visit. Then he heard his fathers voice, “Come in Kai,” then Linda’s high pitched voice, “Kai, Kai, have you come to play,” then footsteps and the boy his mind had been focusing on walked through the door
“Good evening Mrs. Clarkson,” the visitor said, then Kai was turning and their eyes met and in that instant Timothy knew that his love for this boy was confirmed, and no other would be able to replace him. They stared at each other momentarily, then he heard a voice soft and gentle saying,
“Hi Timmy, I came as quickly as I could when I got your message.”
Then Kai was walking towards the smaller boy who had stood from the settee to greet him. On reaching him Kai wrapped his arms around Timothy to hug him and was quite literally shocked at his thinness and had to reduce the strength of his hug for fear of hurting the frail boy.
“Come sit beside me,” Timothy said patting the settee as he took his seat, “And tell me what all has been happening at school.

Later that evening after Timothy had bled Kai dry of all the events he could remember they sat side by side and watched a movie on the box. Till he suddenly felt the smaller boy’s body resting against him and his head resting against his upper arm. Looking down at the face of the boy he noticed that Timothy had fallen asleep. He looked across at Mr. Clarkson who smiled and stood, then walked across to the two boys. He bent and placed an arm around Timothy’s shoulders at the same time squeezing his other arm under his thighs, then lifted Timothy into his arms. When he was upright Mr. Clarkson asked Kai to accompany him to Timothy’s bedroom so he could help to put the boy to bed. He followed Mr. Clarkson to Timmy’s room and couldn’t get over the marked difference to the last time he was in here. The room had been painted, the floor was carpeted from wall to walll and Timmy now had a new wardrobe and dressing table. There was also a computer and CD player on the desk by the window. His observation of the room was broken by Mr. Clarkson calling his name.
“Kai.”
Turning he saw that Timothy had been placed on the bed. “Yes Mr. Clarkson.”
“We’ve noticed that Timothy seems to put a lot of trust in that chain that you gave him and he’s seems to have grown very attached to you. I hope your friendship will continue once he’s fully recovered.”
“I gave him the chain Mr. Clarkson just to keep his spirits up and not to be afraid when he was alone in the hospital, and it seems to have worked, and I’m just as fond of Timothy as he is of me.”
“Ah I see, very well do you want to come downstairs again its only just gone 9.00pm you can come to bed later.”
“I’ll stay up here Mr. Clarkson just in case Timmy wakes and needs anything.”
“Okay, if Timothy does wake and needs to change into his nightwear would you please help him,”
“Certainly Mr. Clarkson.”
“See you later Kai,” and Jack Clarkson left the room to make his way downstairs.

Left alone with Timmy, Kai walked around the room to where the PC
was and checked it out, then he saw the CD player and the CD’s.
There were only about 6 discs and he smiled when he saw the title of one of them Stardust, and his mind went back when Timothy sang the song in his room. The thought of Timothy made him glance toward the bed where the boy of his thoughts lay. Moving across the room he sat on the bed and took the boy’s hand in his then lifted it to his face. He inhaled the aroma of the boy then kissed the palm of the boy’s hand.
“I’d rather you kissed my lips,” and startled Kai dropped the hand to see a smiling Timothy looking at him.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to disturb you.”
“You didn’t disturb me, just woke me up really nicely.”
“You want to get up now and get changed? I’ll help you, then if you want to you can go back to sleep.”
“You going to stay with me if I stay in bed.”
“Uh huh.”
“Okay let me go to the loo first, can you come with me just in case.”
“Sure,” and Kai a bit embarrassed followed his small companion to the bathroom. Inside Timothy unzipped his trousers and started to relieve himself. When he’d finished he turned to Kai saying, “I need to wash, will you give me a hand to remove my T-shirt and vest?”
“Sure Timmy,” and while the smaller boy flushed the toilet then sat on the lowered seat, Kai stood in front of him stooped and getting hold of the lower part of Timmy’s T-shirt and vest, pulled them up over the boy’s head and up-stretched arms. At once Kai saw the ugly red wound where the knife had entered Timothy’s side just below the ribs. Looking at the wound Kai thought, that could have been me if it wasn’t for the boy who was now standing in front of him completely naked.
Timothy had lowered his jeans and underwear to the floor then made his way past Kai to the bath tub and turned on the shower.
“Timmy is it safe for you to stand in the shower?” Kai said looking concerned, “you might fall and hurt yourself.”
“I don’t fancy filling the tub and having a bath.”
“Then sit in the bath and I’ll hold the shower while you soap yourself and I’ll do your back as well.”
Timothy did as his friend suggested but instead of sitting in the bath he knelt and sat on his legs. Kai dislodged the shower head and held it in his hand and let the water play over the kneeling boy.
“It’s not too hot is it Timmy?”
“No but you can let up now, I’ll soap myself.”
“Aiming the spray away from Timmy, Kai watched as the boy lathered himself with soap then straightened up on his knees and washed his crotch and the tops of his thighs down to his knees.
Handing the soap to Kai he said, “Can you do my back please.”
“Sure.” And Kai took the soap and did the boy’s back. He heard Timothy sigh then say, “Nice, you’ve got gentle hands. Okay Kai enough, you’re giving me a boner.”
They both laughed and Kai reluctantly broke contact, “What about your feet.”
“Yeah I know, I’m going to sit down and do them.”
“You want me to wash them Timmy?”
“Oh boy that would be great,” and Timothy sat back and lifted a leg to be washed.
Kai couldn’t help but notice Timothy’s manhood that was semi erect and because of his small stature it looked way out of proportion. He was slightly built before he went into hospital but since the stabbing he’d lost nearly a stone in weight, and now he looked so small that his penis that was the normal size for a nearly sixteen year old looked huge on him.
Kai washed each foot and leg in turn, then helping Timmy to stand and holding on to him took the shower and rinsed him off from head to toe. When he’d finished he helped Timothy out of the bath then wrapped a towel around him and gently dried him off.
“Umm where are your pyjamas Timmy? Kai asked, “I’ll fetch them for you.”
“Don’t bother I’ll sleep in the nude.” Then wrapping the towel around his waist Timothy went into the bedroom followed by Kai.
“Timmy do you want anything to drink or eat before you go to bed, I can get it for you.”
“No thanks Kai, but you have something.”
“I’ll just have a hot drink then say good night to your parents and come back up again.”
“Timothy dropped the towel on the chair by the PC, then slid between the bedclothes. Kai walked over to the boy in the bed, leaning over him and pecking him on the lips said.
“Won’t be long, stay awake till I get back.”
“Okay,”

He made his way to the sitting room, when he walked in the Clarksons asked about Timothy.
“He’s showered and in bed now.”
“Do you want anything to eat or drink,” Mrs. Clarkson enquired.
“I’ll just have a hot drink if you don’t mind.”
“We’ve only got Chocolate or Ovaltine.”
“Hot Chocolate will do fine,” Kai said if you tell me where it’s kept I can make it myself.”
After getting instructions from Mrs. Clarkson where the Chocolate was kept, he excused himself and made his way into the kitchen.
Ten minutes later after having his drink and wishing Timothy’s parents goodnight he returned upstairs. He went straight to the bathroom, brushed his teeth and washed his face, when he’d finished he made his way as noiselessly as possible to Timothy’s bedroom. At the bedroom door he gently opened it and entered the room closing the door behind him in the same manner. Looking across to the bed he saw that Timothy was lying under the covers on his back, eyes closed. He moved to where his night clothes were and started to undress, on the verge of donning his nightwear he paused then left them off. Going to the bed and pulling the covers back he switched the light off and slipped between the bedclothes.

The moment he was in the bed and on his side with his back to Timothy, an arm was wrapped around his chest and a leg was thrown across his groin area resting on his loins.
He rolled onto his side and was just able to make out the shape lying next to him, “You’re awake?”
“Uh huh,” there was a pause, “Kai”
“Yes,”
“Love you,”
“Love you too, now go to sleep.”
“No, I’ve been dreaming of this every day I was in hospital, I don’t intend going to sleep now.”
“Timmy you have to be careful, you don’t know what might happen to your wound if you exert yourself.”
“I know what’s going to happen to my dick if I don’t,” he could feel Timothy’s breath on his face as he spoke, “and it won’t be pleasant if I do it over you in my sleep.”

Kai laughed, and now that his eyes were getting accustomed to the dark he could see the diminutive figure of Timothy curled up beside him his face on the edge of his pillow only inches from his own. “Okay then but get on top of me full length.”
Timothy rolled and with the help of Kai lifted his body and lay full length on top of his bed companion, their erections rubbing against each other.
Laying his head on Kai’s shoulder Timothy rested a bit and revelled in the sensations flowing through his body as Kai stroked his back. He raised his himself up searching for the lips that he been wanting to kiss from the moment he’d seen the boy walk through the sitting room door. Now looking down at the face below him he whispered “Kai,” then their lips met and their mouths opened to accommodate their tongues. They drank of each others fluids and it tasted like nectar to them. They were flying, soaring and swooping, two spirits in perfect harmony as if they were one. Then Timothy broke the kiss lowering himself till his loins were positioned against those of Kai’s, Slowly he ground his erection against those of his partner who now began to reciprocate, gradually increasing the speed till Timothy threw his head back calling Kai’s name, while Kai himself with his manhood straining for release cried, “Oh God Timmy, I love you.” and erupted. Timmy also acquired that feeling of excruciating pleasure at the same time as Kai; their loins in harmony jointly spewed forth their juices to spray over their bodies. They lay motionless gasping and panting for breath as they recovered from their exertions as their manhood’s squeezed the last remaining drops of semen onto their bodies.

“Timmy,”
“Yes”
“You okay?”
“Wonderful, didn’t realize you had such a big dick.”
“It’s only longer, yours is fatter.”
“Funny isn’t it, I’m so small and I have a fat dick.”
“Do you want me to clean us,”
“Not yet Kai let’s relax for a bit.”
He lay resting his head on his companions shoulder thinking this is the happiest day of my life, please God don’t let anything happen to spoil it. He began to drift asleep when he was nudged awake.
“Come on Timmy got to clean you before you fall asleep. Roll off me onto your back and stay like that till I get the wet wipes and tissues.”
Kai helped the half asleep boy onto his back then slid out from the bed clothes that were wrapped around their legs, and went over to the dressing table where he’d seen the wipes and tissues. Returning to the bed he went over to Timmy’s side knelt down and started to wipe his body then loins.
With the administrations to his loins with the wipes Timmy’s flaccid penis now started to rise. Kai giggled, wiped Timmy with the tissues then bent over and kissed the end of Timmy’s penis saying “Down Boy.”
He cleansed himself then returning to his side of the bed climbed in.
An arm and leg were thrown over him then a pair of lips kissing him on the cheek, “Thanks Kai, Love you.”

Kai Webster lay revelling in the feelings of happiness coursing through his body. It had taken a beating and knifing of the boy who now lay in his arms for him to find the peace of mind that he now exhilarated in. But he swore to himself that he would never if it was humanly possible within his power to ever let any harm come to the boy who had nearly given his life for him.
Gently he squeezed the sleeping form into his body, kissing the boy’s forehead and whispering, “Love you Timothy Clarkson.”

The End

T.B.C.
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