Behind Closed Doors: The Foundation

Chapter 1

He was going to kill him. Benjamin knew it. Felt it to the very depths of his soul. He was out of time and opportunities to remain hidden. God knows he had spent the better part of his young life trying to fade into the shadows and remain invisible within rooms occupied by the very people who were supposed to care for him the most.

Yet, this was what he had both feared and prayed for his entire life - that he wouldn’t have to hide anymore. That he could just be himself, without all the lies and pretense that kept him a walking basket case, day in and day out. And now, in one night, all of his worst fears and best hopes were about to be realized.

He would be free. And after all the pain, all the anxiety, and all the prayers for deliverance, it was time. Long past time. He was tired and there was simply no more to give. No more to worry about. No more to try to figure out. The dance was done and apparently, Benjamin thought with a wry smile that surprised him, so was he. Yep, he conceded as he struggled to bring air into his lungs, his time was up.

You think this is funny! his father, Gary Alcott, spat in his face. You won’t think that once I’m finished with you tonight, you little faggot! Not after tonight. I’ve known for years what you are and I’ve had it with you!

Benjamin winced, though not from the expected verbal barb hurled from the man who thought he could call himself a father. No, Ben was perilously close to laughing over the absurdity of the entire situation while he fought to breathe. He was only days away from leaving the house he had spent his formative years in and his own form of purgatory. And now, on the cusp of said freedom, his entire world was shifting as his father tried to choke and beat the life out of him.

Gary tightened the hold he had on Ben’s neck and jammed the elbow of his other arm into Ben’s diaphragm - a place he had already repeatedly battered with his fists. Ben wheezed and slumped forward, even as Gary purposefully pulled Ben’s head away from the wall and then slammed him back against it. Over and over, until Benjamin began to see black creep into the edge of his vision.

Just when he knew he was about to lose consciousness, his father released him and Ben slid down to the floor and tried to drag air into his battered lungs. That’s when the kicking began. He rolled over and let his back take the blows, curling into a ball so his face and chest remained protected.

What made you think you could get away with this, you little shit? Hmm? Gary yelled, pausing and stepping back to rake his hands through his disheveled hair and sneer down at Benjamin. "Did you think your mother and I would turn a blind eye? Say, Ben? Did you think we’d put up with you experimenting with the Evans’ son?" he sneered.

"Oh, yeah. I know all about it now. I saw you two today. And thank God no one else was around to see the disgrace my son is. We live in this town, Benjamin, and even if you are going away to school in a few months, we have to live with the fallout of your choices once you’re gone! How selfish can you be?"

Ben stared at the wall and continued to drag air slowly into his body. He used the brief reprieve to steady himself, knowing that if he could simply push himself upright, he might have a chance to bolt for the front door and escape. As he took stock of all the places on his body that were hurting, something within his heart and soul just snapped, and time seemed to come to a grinding halt.

He decided the man towering over him did not have the final say in who he was and how many more days he got to live on this earth. No way was his father taking it all from him tonight or any other night. Ben had worked too hard for the opportunities which lay before him. The man didn’t even deserve Benjamin’s notice, much less the satisfaction of knowing he had successfully wiped away all of his hopes and dreams.

Ben knew he was fast - the fastest runner on his track and field team - but he needed to get on his feet in order to get away from his father. A man who had four inches and, at least, fifty pounds of muscle over Ben’s smaller five foot ten frame. Suddenly, though, the urge to flee was stronger than the pain he was enduring, and Ben wanted to run as far and as fast as his legs would carry him. He didn’t want to give his abusive father the satisfaction of hurting him anymore. No, the past few years had been enough.

With the last reserve of energy he had, Ben drew in a deep breath that burned on its way in and then launched himself off of the floor with his trembling arms and legs. He lunged for the front door and had it open before his father could slap it shut. Ben stumbled and staggered down the steps, but he knew not to look behind him. Too many B-action movies had taught him the results of that stupid move.

Instead, he listened as his father bellowed at him from the top step that he was no longer welcome in their house or even their town. That no son of his would be a queer, and that he was to never come back. If he ever caught him, Ben was dead, Gary railed.

Don’t think you can come crawling back here tomorrow, next week, or next year, you little coward! Gary yelled at the top of his lungs. This door doesn’t open for you ever again, Benjamin! Never again!

No problem, Ben mumbled and kept running. He headed for the end of the block and then took a sharp left. His body screamed in protest, but he continued to push himself. His path actually took him back toward the place he’d just fled as he sprinted the length of the street which ran behind his parents’ house. But instead of going to the place they called home, Ben stopped at the house next to theirs.

He braced his body briefly against his neighbor’s wooden fence and willed himself not to pass out there, where his father might still have a chance of discovering him and finishing what he had begun that night.

Keep it together, Alcott, he admonished himself.

When the spots dancing in his vision cleared slightly, Ben pushed off of the wood and ducked down. He clutched his ribs as he opened the gate and made sure to latch it back in place as he all but crawled across the grass to Mrs. Lukity’s back door. Ben knew where she kept her spare key because he had used it more times than he dared to count. She was and had been his savior for years, and he knew she would be again tonight also.

As he opened the door, Benjamin called out to her, hoping she wasn’t already in bed. He did not want to wake her or startle the older woman, who was more angel than mere mortal in his humble opinion. Though Ben honestly wondered how she or any of the neighbors could have slept through his father’s uncharacteristic, high-volume shouts. Normally, Gary Alcott hid his abuse of his youngest with a ferocity that was downright frightening to Ben.

Benjamin? Where are you, honey? Bethany Lukity called out to him.

I’m here, he rasped and collapsed against the door as it swung shut behind him. He slid down it until his butt made a hard landing on her tile floor.

Oh, Ben! she gasped. Mrs. Lukity ran forward and knelt just in front of Benjamin, shocking him that one in her mid-sixties could move to the floor so fast.

Don’t… hurt yourself, he managed to get out.

Dear Lord, child! she whispered in horror. What did he do to you tonight?

Ben clutched his ribs and tried to get his breathing under control. A little of everything, I think, Mrs. B.

I think it’s time we called the police, Ben, she began, but his hand shot out to stop her from moving away.

No! Please, he begged, his lower lip trembling. Please don’t do that. He wants me out, and I’m gonna go. I can’t stay there. I won’t!

Benjamin, she sighed heavily, drawing out his name.

I mean it, Mrs. B. I cannot live there another day. A small whimper escaped him before Ben could call it back. Her weathered hand cupped his battered cheek and she lightly stroked him, trying to bring him comfort.

If this is what you want, then I won’t call them. You’re eighteen now, so you can technically walk away without child protective services dragging you back into that hellhole. She pursed her lips and shook her head as she tilted Ben’s chin upward so she could take a look at his split lip. I suppose your mother didn’t step in to defend you this time either?

Ben made a sound of resignation. She was in the den… I think. She never came out to say a word. To him or to me. He looked up into Mrs. Lukity’s kind, brown eyes and thanked the stars above for sending her into his tumultuous life. She and her nephew were his only constants, and right now he needed her as much as he needed his next breath.

I’m so sorry, sweetheart. You do not deserve the hell they’ve put you through for the last five years. But it ends tonight, hmmm?

It’s over. Ben nodded.

Yes, it is, she said firmly.

Ben chuckled despite himself, loving the fire inside the elderly lady. But the sound quickly morphed into a sob. One came on top of another, until Benjamin sat crying and shaking there on her cold floor. Mrs. Lukity slid forward and she cradled him as best she could, her tiny body next to his larger one. She murmured words of solace as she held him, trying in her own way to lessen the trauma he’d suffered that night.

Eventually, Ben let her help him off of the floor and onto a chair at her glass-topped kitchen table. She retrieved a washcloth and cleaned the dried blood from his lip and a cut he didn’t realize he had on his left cheek. Then, she asked to see his chest and back. Without comment, Mrs. Lukity inspected each and every mark on his smooth skin.

Finally, she encouraged Ben to follow her to the bathroom. She told him to take a shower and that she would place a pair of her nephew’s sweatpants on the counter for him to use after he was clean, along with a fresh towel. Ben bent and hugged her, holding on for a few extra seconds before he could release her and step back.

Thank you, Mrs. B, he said softly.

She patted his chest and nodded. "You don’t have to thank me, honey. You deserve to have someone love you and look after you. And as of tonight, that is my job and no one else’s."

Okay, he chuckled sadly, acknowledging that she was truly the only one who gave a damn about him anyway. Well, she and her nephew.

Go on, now. Take a shower and let the water wash some of this away. I’ll be back with something for you to eat and drink once you’re done.

Yes, ma’am. Ben placed a kiss on her cheek and then watched as she backed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

He stood rooted to the spot for several minutes until he actually began to sway on his feet. He grabbed for the counter so he didn’t collapse. Knowing he didn’t want to take a header and have her find him passed out on the floor, Benjamin began to strip out of his soiled clothes. He turned on the water and, once the temperature was nice and warm, he stepped in and pulled the curtain closed.

The shower took longer than it should have because Ben alternated between actually washing his tired body and propping up against the tiles while he cried silently to himself. Though he knew his parents didn’t deserve his tears, he still mourned the loss of the family he had always wished he’d been born into. One that would love, protect, and value him, no matter who he was attracted to. No chance of that with the Alcotts though, he thought sadly.

When the water began to turn lukewarm, Benjamin knew it was time to get out of the stall. With shaking hands, he managed to dry his skin and slip into the sweatpants Mrs. Lukity had placed there for him as promised. They were too big, of course, because her nephew, Robert, was at least five inches taller than Ben and much broader. But they had a drawstring, so Ben cinched them up as tight as he could and made his way out into Mrs. Lukity’s guest bedroom.

Speaking of… Ben was not surprised to see Robert standing beside Mrs. Lukity, talking with her in low tones.

Hey you, Robert said and stepped away from his aunt. Come here and let me get a good look at you. And don’t even think about saying no. His no-nonsense tone left no room for refusal, not that Ben had any in him anyway. He was simply running on fumes at this point, and letting his one and only friend, besides Mrs. Lukity, have his way, didn’t seem like such a hardship. Not with all he had lived through thus far that night.

Robert was the only family Mrs. Lukity had left in her native town of Huntsville, Alabama, and she treated him like he was her own son. Her husband, Walton, had died almost eleven years before from cancer, and her extended family was all she had now. Robert Harbison was three years older than Benjamin, and working on joint degrees in physical therapy and nursing at the local branch of the University of Alabama. When his parents and two sisters relocated to Atlanta, Robert chose to remain behind so Mrs. Lukity still had someone to check on her and make sure she was cared for.

Benjamin had met Robert at Mrs. Lukity’s kitchen table early one Saturday morning almost five years ago, and that was all it took for the two to form an instant bond. In Ben, Robert had found the younger brother he had always wished for. Robert was someone Ben could talk to about anything, someone he could trust. He was someone who would never judge him or hate Ben simply because he was gay.

Robert was more than happy to take the younger teen under his wing, and tried to shelter him as much as he could. Just like Mrs. Lukity did. Ben thought of Robert as his older brother, though in truth, Ben already had one of those.

His brother Branden was everything their father wanted in a son. Tall and built like their dad, Branden had always been the golden boy in the Alcott household. He was five and a half years older than Benjamin, a star athlete throughout high school, and his academic career had been nothing to sneeze at either. Though in all honesty, his grades couldn’t compare with Ben’s at all.

Ben simply excelled when it came to school, and he was glad for it, because he was banking on his education to save him now.

Branden lived over a hundred and fifty miles away from them in Tuscaloosa, while he and his best friend, Cord Robinson, completed their master’s in civil and construction engineering. The fact that Branden had played four years of college football hadn’t hurt his relationship with their father in the slightest, either.

No, Branden was exactly what Gary Alcott wanted for a son, and Branden’s few visits home each year were spent basking in their father’s praise. Ben had always been happy when Branden came home for a couple of days because it meant he truly became invisible and he could breathe again. His parents only had eyes for Branden during those brief stays, and if Cord tagged along with Branden, he seemed the only one who wanted to even say hello to Ben at all throughout their stay.

Ben knew Branden had no idea of the things he had suffered through because Ben didn’t think Branden really cared that he had a younger brother. Not really. They had never been close, and it didn’t look promising now that they ever would be. No telling what their parents would say to Branden about Ben’s departure from their house. And Benjamin had no illusions as to who Branden would believe if the facts were laid out before him. He was his parents’ loving son, so no way would he champion Ben.

Ben, Robert called to him, snapping Ben out of his mental ramblings. Look up at me and let me know you hear me. If not, I’m taking you straight to the hospital. I don’t care whether you don’t want to go or not.

I hear you, Ben said quietly. He realized then that Robert had his hands clasped on Ben’s arms and was actually holding him steady so he didn’t topple over sideways.

Robert watched Ben’s eyes closely and finally he inhaled and nodded his head slightly. All right. Come on over here and sit on the bed. I’ve already propped the pillows up against the headboard. Get comfortable so I can look you over and then we want you to eat some soup Aunt B warmed up for you.

You guys don’t have to go to all this trouble. I just need to rest for a while.

Bullshit, Robert shot back. Sorry, Aunt B, he said as an afterthought, though he kept his perceptive gaze locked on Ben.

I’ve heard and used more colorful words than that, dear. Mrs. Lukity patted Robert’s back, though her focus remained trained on Ben as well.

Ben let Robert guide him over to the bed and he slid atop the mattress until he was settled where Robert wanted him. He closed his eyes while he let Robert’s capable, strong hands examine his battered flesh. When Robert began to press along his ribcage, Ben hissed and looked up at him.

I know it hurts, man. And I’m more sorry than I can say, Ben. Robert continued on, looking for any evidence that there was an actual fracture. Luckily, he could not detect a break and counted that as a huge win for Benjamin.

Roll over for me now and let me look at your back. Robert helped Ben as he slid down and then rolled over onto his stomach.

"That motherfucker," Robert muttered under his breath.

Ben grunted and buried his face in the plush comforter while Robert went over every inch of his back. When Robert pressed in above his right kidney, Benjamin yelped and tried to move away.

Be still, Ben, Robert said apologetically and leaned further over him. I’ll use less pressure. Tell me – did you pee either before or after you took a shower?

Ben turned his head to the side and nodded. Before.

Did you see blood in the bowl?

No. Just hurt a little to go, that’s all.

Robert remained silent for several moments and then he sat down next to Ben. He reached out and gently brushed Ben’s unruly blonde curls off of his forehead. Ben sighed and felt himself sink into the bedding just a little bit more.

I’m not gonna lie to you, Ben. You need to go to the hospital. I don’t think there’s anything broken or permanently damaged, but without x-rays, I can’t say for sure. I understand why you don’t want to go. I do. But I wish you’d let us take you. Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind?

Please, Ben whispered brokenly, even as his hazel eyes filled with tears. He shook his aching head ever so slightly. Don’t make me go, Robert. I can’t see him again, and if I go to the hospital, I know there won’t be any way to avoid seeing him or my mom. Just… no. They hate me and I can’t…

Shhh, Ben, Mrs. Lukity soothed. She stepped past where Robert sat perched on the side of the bed and bent down to look into Ben’s moist eyes. No one will force you to do anything against your will here. You know that, honey.

Yeah, we’re not gonna force the issue, man, Robert agreed, his voice solemn and gruff. We’ve got you.

Ben pressed his trembling lips together and nodded again. He closed his eyes as his tears spilled over, hating how emotional he was at the moment, but knowing there was no way to stop the tide now. The tears kept coming, so he let it all run its course, feeling more zapped of his energy by the second.

Robert, help him sit up again, dear, Mrs. Lukity said as she walked toward the bedroom door. I’ll be right back with some food for you both.

Thanks, Aunt B, Robert murmured. Come on, little man. Let me help you up.

It was a constant joke between them - the difference in their sizes. Robert was six-three and nothing but solid muscle everywhere, while Ben was five-ten and lean, hard muscle from his hours spent running. It warmed Ben’s heart that Robert was using the familiar comparison to ease some of Ben’s anxiety.

Robert gently rolled Ben onto his back and then hooked an arm under his legs and one behind his back. With strength and ease, Robert lifted and slid Ben upright against the pillows once more.

I’m not that little, Ben grumbled, eliciting a soft chuckle from Robert.

No, you’re not. Robert patted Ben’s knee as he got him adjusted and then drew a soft blanket over his body. I’m just a lot bigger than you, and you’re like a ragdoll right now.

Not some damn doll, either. Benjamin glanced up at Robert with a half-hearted, broken attempt at a smile. He winced again from his stinging, split lip.

She’s gonna bring you some ice and pain medication, too. And I’m with you for the duration tonight. Ben opened his mouth to protest, but Robert held up his hand, cutting him off. Don’t give me any lip, bud. Your head took some mighty hard blows too, and I’m not about to leave you when you might have a concussion. What kind of friend or future RN would I be, if I left my most valuable patient in his hour of need? Hmmm? he added softly and sat down alongside Ben, gently draping his arm over Ben’s shoulders.

Ben couldn’t help what happened next any more than he could change the color of the sky. The last of his reserves left him and he slumped against Robert’s shoulder and began to sob again. Softly at first, and then much, much louder as his cries seemed to well up from the depths of his soul. All of the hurt, betrayal, and utter grief he had endured came out in a horrible torrent, and Ben just let it come, no longer willing to keep it all inside.

Robert let his head fall over against Ben’s and he held him while he cried and trembled all over. Robert had never wanted to hurt another person as badly as he did Gary Alcott that night. Never knew he could harbor such dark thoughts about someone else. But one look at the younger man he considered to be his brother, made his blood simmer in a way it never had before. He’d been angry for years over the abuse Ben had suffered, but nothing compared to the way he felt this night. Nothing.

When Mrs. Lukity returned with a tray laden with food and water, Robert got up and helped her position it over Ben’s legs. Together, they helped him lift the spoon to his lips when his hands trembled too violently to accomplish the simple task. In between sips of soup and bites of cracker, Mrs. Lukity would hold up a glass of water for Ben to drink from and she smiled each time she pointed the straw toward his mouth.

After the last bite was consumed, Ben sighed and thanked them both. Robert made sure Ben took some pain medicine and then they helped him slide under the covers before Robert handed him a t-shirt of his to wear. Once Ben had the old weathered garment on, he looked on while Robert settled a few ice packs atop his ribs. Benjamin sucked in air through his teeth when the chill hit him.

I know. Robert ruffled Ben’s hair once more and then he placed an ice pack against his left cheek. Let me help Aunt B get all of this to the kitchen and then I’ll be back and we’ll turn in.

Robert…

Shut up, Ben. Robert grinned while he issued the hollow command.

Ben just grunted and settled himself down further in the bedding. He closed his eyes and listened as they left the room, talking quietly to one another on their way to the kitchen. He heard snippets of their conversation, the plans they were making for him and their shared anger over what had been done to Ben that night. Ben decided to block it all out, not wanting to remember. He knew his dreams would remind him all too soon.

When Robert returned from the kitchen sometime later, he headed into the bathroom with a clean pair of sweatpants. Ben was vaguely aware of the shower starting and water running. He drifted in and out until he felt the bed shift on his left. He turned his head slowly and cracked an eye open, trying to see what Robert was doing.

Let me take these ice packs off for now, Ben. Robert removed each one and dropped them on the floor. Then he leaned over and turned off the lamp on the bedside table closest to him, letting only the moonlight illuminate the room. He rolled to his side and propped his head in his hand, settling in and getting comfortable as he looked down at Ben.

What? Ben asked in a hoarse voice.

Robert smiled, and it was a devilish one at that. One that Ben was very familiar with, having seen it so many times throughout their years together.

I’m not telling you about that tonight, Ben said and made a disgruntled face.

Yes, hell, you are. Robert laughed softly. "If not tonight, then soon. I’m your brother in every way that counts, so talk to me. What happened before your dad finally lost all semblance of goodness or humanity?"

What makes you think anything happened? Ben wasn’t really ready to go back through it all. He was still too raw and too nervous. His entire world had just shifted in the course of one evening, and he only wanted to seek shelter and hide at the moment. He trembled all over.

Robert’s eyes narrowed and then he drew in a deep breath and nodded against his palm. "You’re right, Ben. I’m being an ass and you don’t need that tonight. Tell me when you’re ready. He moved off his elbow and stretched out next to Ben. Let’s get some shut-eye. If you wake up and feel sick, though, you poke me and let me know, okay? Otherwise, I’ll be waking you up every so often to check your pupils, just to make sure you really don’t have a concussion."

’Kay, Ben whispered. He lay silent for several minutes and then turned his head back toward Robert. Ben saw that Robert’s eyes were still trained on his, watching over him as he struggled within. Can I…

Robert said nothing, only rolled onto his back and patted his chest. Ben slid closer and rested his head in the crook of Robert’s arm, letting out the breath he had been holding in. Robert’s warmth and nearness were exactly what he needed. Here, he felt safe, and that was worth more than his weight in gold on a night that had brought him nothing but heartache.

Thank you, Robert, Ben murmured. Most people wouldn’t get this. Wouldn’t understand. He trembled again and he felt Robert’s hand settle on his head, his fingers gently stroking their way through Ben’s curls.

What’s to understand? You’re family, and you need me. End of story, Ben. You do for family, more than you do for anybody else. If someone had done to my sisters, what was done to you tonight, I’d be right there beside them too, holding them tight.

Now, he sighed, just close your eyes and try to sleep. I’m not going anywhere, and neither is Aunt B. We’ve got you, bud.

Promise? Ben asked, hating how desperate he sounded.

On my life, Ben. On my life.

And with that solemn vow, Benjamin finally let go and felt himself drift off into an exhausted slumber.

Chapter 2

Benjamin woke the following morning to the sound of Robert’s light snoring. Ben turned his head and realized that he and Robert were so close, they were practically sharing the same pillow. As if Robert was not willing to let anyone else get near enough to Ben to hurt him again.

He started to smile at that thought but grimaced instead when his swollen lip protested. Ben grunted softly and the sound, so close to Robert’s ear, was enough to rouse him. Robert cracked an eye open and peered down at Ben.

You all right? he asked, his voice rough from sleep.

Ben nodded slightly. He attempted to stretch and felt his body screaming at him to stop.

Liar, Robert huffed, his tone full of nothing but affection. You hurt everywhere, don’t you?

Everywhere, Benjamin conceded.

Robert shifted up onto his elbow and stared down at Ben. He blew out a sigh and shook his head. Your face is black and blue this morning, bud. And your lip is twice as big as it should be. Let me see your ribs.

Robert didn’t wait for Ben to comply, he simply rolled the covers back and then pulled Ben’s shirt up. He clenched his teeth as he got a good look at Ben’s mottled skin the morning after his father’s abuse.

Motherfuckin’, son of a bitch, he muttered vehemently under his breath. I swear to God, Ben, I want to go over there and give him a taste of his own medicine. Let him have a round with someone closer to his own size.

No! Ben gasped, yanking the t-shirt back down. I don’t want you anywhere near him. Do you hear me? He couldn’t help that his voice rose in volume, right along with his panic.

I hear you. Shhh, I’m sorry, Ben. I’m not gonna do anything stupid. Robert reached out and settled his hand atop Ben’s head, as if that alone could ground him. His eyes still held a dangerous glint, but they were also filled with regret. I’m just so pissed that you went through all that, that I’m seeing red here.

I know, Ben said, staring up at Robert. But just… Don’t do anything that would jeopardize your future. You’ve worked too hard to get where you are, and I’d hate to see all your hopes and dreams squandered on someone as despicable as my dad. He’s not worth your time or attention. He’s just not.

You’re right. I know you’re right. Robert nodded and laid a hand on Ben’s shoulder.

I’m serious. Ben sniffled a little. You’re going to make a great physical therapist or nurse. Why let him take that away from you and all the people you’ll help over the years? And your aunt needs you. And so do I. I need you, Robert. I need a brother who’s got my back, no matter what, he added, his voice going softer with his admission.

That’s a given, Ben. You’ve got me and Aunt B, no question. We’re gonna see you through this, I swear.

I know. Ben sighed and nodded against the pillow. He ran a hand over his eyes, trying to clear some of the grit away.

We need to talk about that. Robert laid back down on his side and continued to look toward Ben. When you’re ready, that is.

Ben turned his head to the side so he could see Robert’s face clearly. Talk about what?

How we’re going manage things from here on out, Robert answered. You have a lot to decide about where you go from here.

Yep, Ben simply said. He couldn’t hide the sadness from his voice, though he knew his future didn’t look as bleak as it might have, had he not foreseen such a possible bad ending between his parents and himself.

Benjamin had already begun to take the steps necessary to provide for himself, knowing in his heart that there would soon come a day when his family would turn their backs on him, and he would have to make his way in the world on his own. It was beyond disheartening, but it was the reality he had been faced with for quite some time. And thankfully, Ben had made his peace with that soon enough to do something about it.

Hey, Robert said softly, calling Ben out of his silent reverie. Where’d you go, bud?

Ben huffed out a soft laugh and looked back at Robert. Why don’t we get up and talk about all this over breakfast? I want Mrs. B included in what we say and decide.

That sounds like a real good plan, Ben. She’ll want to be a part of everything from now on. Hell, she’s wanted to claim you as her own for a while now. This will just help her make it official.

Ben stared at Robert, as an idea he had never entertained before suddenly struck him. He inhaled sharply, causing Robert’s brow to furrow.

Are you hurting bad enough that you’re having trouble breathing, Ben? he asked, misinterpreting Ben’s reaction.

No, Ben said immediately, hoping to ease Robert’s concern. I just had a thought, that’s all.

Robert pressed his lips together in a grim line. He reached out and ruffled Ben’s hair. Don’t scare me like that, little man. Last night already took ten years off of my life. I think I broke every speed limit getting here after Aunt B called me.

Gee, that makes me feel good, Ben grumbled and tried to shove Robert away.

Shut up, Robert chuckled. You know that has nothing to do with your choices, whatsoever.

And stop calling me little man, he protested, though he was grinning now, instead of scowling at Robert.

"You are smaller than me. Always have been, always will be."

And you’ll always be older, Ben countered swiftly. "So I’ll just start calling you old man, and we’ll see how you like it."

Robert smirked as he rolled out of bed and motioned for Ben to join him. Come on over here and let me help you up. These first few steps are gonna hurt like a bitch. He lost all pretense of jesting as he leaned over the bed and helped Ben scoot closer to the edge. Robert put his height and muscular build to use when he hooked his arms under Ben and lifted him into a sitting position slowly and carefully.

As soon as his feet touched the floor, Ben blanched as pain rolled over and through his body.

Deep, even breaths, Ben, Robert encouraged. Take this slow. He clasped a hand on Ben’s shoulder to keep him upright and cupped Ben’s face with his other. Easy now.

I don’t feel so good, Ben mumbled.

I know, bud. You’re white as a sheet. Pain will do that to you, so just take your time. We’ve got all day to get from here to the kitchen.

Robert eased himself back down next to Ben, careful not to jostle him. He wrapped an arm around Ben’s shoulders, giving Ben something solid to lean against until he could hold himself up on his own. Ben slumped into his hold and said nothing more for several minutes.

When at last the worst of his pain eased up, Ben gave Robert a brief nod. Robert took his silent cue and helped Ben to his feet. They waited there for a seconds until Ben nodded again, and then, slowly but surely, Robert guided Ben over to the bathroom. He left him propped up against the shower door when Ben refused to have Robert nearby while he urinated and washed his hands. And though he loathed to admit it, even those small tasks made Ben wish he actually did have Robert to hold him up while his battered body protested even the slightest bit of independent movement.

When he opened the bathroom door, Ben found Robert leaning against the wall, looking ready to help at the slightest sound. He chuckled and then groaned as he held his sore ribs.

You are gonna make one kick-ass therapist, Robert. He laughed softly again, despite the pain.

You know it, Robert quipped. He moved to Ben’s side and helped him begin their slow trek to the kitchen.

When they entered the bright room, they found Mrs. Lukity putting the finishing touches on breakfast and humming softly to herself. She looked up as the two young men shuffled through the doorway and smiled at what she saw.

My goodness, she said with a satisfied grin. You two look as though you’ve got each other covered there. As brothers should, I might add.

Robert huffed out a soft laugh and shook his head as he eased Ben into a chair at the table. You don’t have to convince us, Aunt B. Little man and I’ve most definitely got this.

"Sure we do, old man," Ben said without hesitation.

Robert smirked and walked over to the coffee pot to pour up a mug for the two of them. He offered his aunt a cup, but she pointed her spatula toward a steaming cup sitting on the counter next to the oven. He nodded and then began to bring out the plates, utensils, butter, jelly, and juice. Once Robert had everything on the table, he opened a cabinet and retrieved a few more pain killers for Ben, and then handed them over.

They joined hands and listened while Mrs. Lukity said grace. She asked that they all find the fortitude to forgive Ben’s father, and asked that they also have the knowledge necessary to help see Ben settled in whatever path he now chose for his life. She ended her remarks by saying how grateful she was to have not one, but two young men she considered her own sitting at her table that morning. With a final squeeze of their hands, she opened her eyes and let them roam over Ben’s bruised face. Then she leaned over and hugged him to her side.

Thank you, Mrs. B, he said quietly.

I meant every word, honey. She kissed his cheek and then sat up a little straighter in her chair. Now, let’s eat and talk. There is a lot we need to plan for and a lot we have to say to one another.

For several minutes, they ate and Robert talked about the two exams he had to take the following Monday before the spring semester was over. Then he would be free for a good portion of each day to help out in whatever way he was needed because he only worked afternoons at a nearby physical rehabilitation center. Ben listened, but remained silent while he continued to eat. Mrs. Lukity also said her calendar was clear, as of that morning. It seemed she had already made calls to her fellow Sunday school members and her Master Gardener club associates before Ben and Robert rose from bed, and had cleared her upcoming schedule for the foreseeable future.

Ben, Robert called to him.

Benjamin realized that he had stopped eating and, though he was staring at his plate, he had lost focus on the food before him. He coughed and looked up at two expectant faces, who also appeared quite worried for him at the moment. Ben knew he had to start talking and alleviate some of their fears. It was the least he could do after showing up on their doorstep battered and bloody.

I actually, um, have some good news to share, despite everything else that’s happened. Ben offered a tentative smile to first Mrs. Lukity and then to Robert. I wanted to tell y’all Sunday afternoon once my family was gathered together, after Saturday’s graduation ceremony. I thought… He stopped speaking and rolled his fork over between his fingers.

What did you think, Ben? Mrs. Lukity encouraged him. She reached out and wrapped her smaller hand around Ben’s and stilled his nervous movements.

He looked up and found only love and kindness in her eyes. It gave him the strength to get it all out in the open.

"I thought there would be safety in numbers to share my news. Because I’ve also thought for quite some time that my dad would either kill me or kick me out of the house when he officially knew I was gay. Mrs. Lukity made a sound of resignation, but she gave Ben’s fingers another squeeze. He gave her a sad smile in return. I know. I’ve never said the words to him, not even last night. But he finally found out."

Ben looked over at Robert and directed his next words to him. You asked what happened to send him over the edge. Well, my dad showed up unannounced at the end of my last track meet yesterday and he caught me kissing Rand Evans out behind the gym. Seems, for once, my dad was where a supportive father should have been, though he nor my mom have come to any of this year’s events. I still don’t know why he came yesterday.

You and Rand Evans were kissing? Robert’s shit-eating grin was back in full evidence, and Ben sent him a glare in return.

Robert, Mrs. Lukity scolded him.

What, Aunt B? he chuckled. That kid’s as straight as I am. He’s the captain of the football team too, I might add, and the girls ’round here all think he’s a handsome devil. So not bad there, Ben. Not bad at all.

Shut up, Ben fussed, though he couldn’t help but break down and laugh with Robert. It all was really so sad, he had to laugh to keep from crying any more. And Rand’s not as straight as you and everybody else might think. Trust me, I would know.

Yeah, you would, bud, Robert said affectionately and smiled at him.

Ben chuckled under his breath and shook his head.

So you were planning to tell your family that you’re gay this weekend, Ben? Mrs. Lukity asked, trying to get them back on track. Though the young men’s banter warmed her heart. She knew it was just what Ben needed.

No, ma’am, Ben said sadly. "I wasn’t planning on doing that with the whole family gathered at my parents’ home. No, I had other news to share. My brother Branden is supposed to come home tomorrow, so he can attend my graduation, which I guess is out of the question for me now, given the state of my face. Afterward, everyone was going to celebrate the end of Branden’s Master’s