Chapter 41 – Reunion

After practice John approached Braylin where he was changing into his street clothes. Pulling at his fingers he lifted red rimmed eyes “well…did you?”

“Yeah,” he grunted as he pulled his shirt over his head.

“And,” John prompted, impatient for answers.

Braylin raised an eyebrow, watching his friend closely “and he wants to talk to you.” He smiled softly watching the anxiety melt from his friend’s eyes.

“He’s okay then?” he asked. “He was just ghosting me.” 

Bray gave his friend a sharp look hearing the angry tinged words. “How much do you know about his injuries?”

Frowning John shrugged “what’s that got to do with anything?”

“A lot,” turning he slammed his locker door shut. Grabbing John’s arm, Bray led him from the noisy locker room.

“What’s the big idea?” John demanded pulling away from Braylin. 

“I need to tell you something without the others over hearing,” Bray explained.

“He doesn’t want to see me,” John’s face fell. “That’s it isn’t it? He just wants to tell me to get lost.”

Sighing a little, Bray wondered if he should just let John find out for himself. He doubted John would recover from the shock of seeing Wally arriving in a wheelchair would help the situation. “Calm down and quit jumping to conclusions.”

“I am calm,” irritation creeping across his face. 

Smiling with understanding, Bray knew the rollercoaster of emotions his friend must be experiencing at the moment. He knew from experience that it was even worse since John hadn’t had a drink in over 24 hours. “He wants to see you,” at least he hoped that was true. “It’s just that Wally was afraid of how you would react to seeing him in a …”

“What do you mean?” John shouted interrupting him “I love him. I don’t care what he looks like.”

Tilting his head to the side Bray gave his friend a long thoughtful look. “I don’t doubt that you do but I don’t think Wally knows that. He’s afraid that you’ll look at him differently once you see him, which is why I’m going to tell you first.”

“Tell me what?” John’s voice rose causing several people on the ice to look in their direction.

“Wally was paralyzed. From the waist down,” he explained. He watched the blood drain from his friend’s face as he continued “I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this. Wally’s in a wheelchair.”

“Oh” the single word seemed to explode from deep within him. “Oh,” he repeated a hand reaching out as if needing something to hold on to.

Bray moved in quickly, pulling John close, holding him as John absorbed the shock. “It’s going to be ok. You’ll see. Wally just needs to know you still love him.” He didn’t know if what he was saying was having any effect but he kept talking, hoping that it would help.

***

A couple of hours later Braylin sat alone watching as John paced back and forth between one picnic table and another. He down on his bottom lip to keep from telling his friend to calm down. It wouldn’t do any good. He’d said it before with little to no effect.

John came to a stop in front of Bray. “He’s not coming,” he crossed his arms in front of himself.

Bray could sense how guarded and defensive John was becoming. “He’ll come,”he assured John, hoping he wasn’t setting him up for disappointment. “Let’s give it ten more minutes and if he isn’t here then I’ll call him.”

Nodding John couldn’t keep the anxiety from clouding his eyes. His deepest fear was that Wally wouldn’t come. He was afraid Wally would be disappointed in him for having slipped up. Shoving his hands into his pockets he turned and started pacing again. He’d give anything for a drink.

Mumbling to himself as he paced between picnic tables. Turning, he tripped over his own feet, reaching out his hands to steady himself against a nearby tree. 

“John?”

The familiar voice made his heart leapt into his throat. His head jerked upwards, gulping audibly “you … you came…”

A slight lifting of the corners of his lips brightened Wally’s face. “I almost didn’t…” His eyes swept across John taking in everything. The way he tried to hide the trembling of his hands. The puffy red rimmed eyes. “You look terrible.”

Grunting “I’ve been better.”

Turning his face away Wally said “yeah I know.”

“I didn’t mean…” falling to his knees he wrapped his arms around Wally desperate to keep him from leaving. “Please don’t go. I … I need you.”

“Need me,” he scoffed, “no one needs me. I’m worthless.”

Lifting his head from Wally’s lap “you’re not worthless.”

“I am,” he cried “I can’t work. I can’t do anything.” His fist pounded into the arms of this chair. “All I do is take up space. I wish I were dead.”

Wincing as if someone had slapped him, John’s eyes searched for Braylin as if he hoped he would tell him what to do. “You don’t mean that. There’s plenty you can do.”

“NO there isn’t,” he shook his head. “Everyday people stare at me like I’m some kind of freak show. They pat themselves on the back for holding a door open for me while their eyes look on me with pity.”

“That doesn’t make you nothing,” John protested. Licking his lips as his mind raced for something else to say. He croaked out something that didn’t even sound like a word before he snapped his mouth shut afraid of saying something insensitive or stupid.

“I should go,” Wally said, hands gripping the wheels attempting to back away. 

“No don’t go,” John pleaded, arms tightening around Wally refusing to let him go. 

“You’ve seen me,” Wally hissed. “You know I can’t offer you anything. I’m broken…”

“Stop saying that,” John snapped, releasing his hold around his waist. Lifting his hands he cupped Wally’s face between his hands “you’re everything to me. I don’t care what anyone thinks. You’re my everything.”

“But I…I can’t give you what you want.” He tried to move his face, to hide behind the hands holding it.

“What I want is you,” John said looking him in the eyes, refusing to let him hide.

“What about all of our plans? The family we wanted?” Wally protested, determined to show him that he was nothing. “I can’t have kids…” tears trickled down his face “I can’t give you anything…”

John rubbed his thumb across Wally’s face, drying the tears “what I want is right here. Everything else doesn’t mean anything without you.”

Sniffling Wally shook his head “but it was our dream…”

“Dreams change besides who says we can’t still have it all?” Lifting Wally’s chin up “unless you don’t want me anymore?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know,” he placed a soft kiss on Wally’s forehead “maybe because I’m an alcoholic. Some people would even call me worthless.”

“You’re not,” Wally protested.

Pressing a finger to Wally’s lips “let’s not fight over who’s the most worthless.”

Chuckling a little “you’re right. What are we going to do now?”

“I think we should move in together,” John suggested “that way you can take care of me.”

“You do need quite a lot of care,” Wally acknowledged.

“I do,” he agreed. “Are you up for the job?”

“I’ll do my best,” this time when John slipped his arms around him Wally didn’t tense up at his touch.

***

It was almost midnight by the time Bray walked into the dark little apartment he was renting while he was in the city. Turning on a light his eyes were greeted by how empty the place was. He missed all the things he associated with a home. Most of all he missed his family. Glancing at the time he stifled a groan.

He should take a shower but if he did then he might not have time to call home. An image of Trebor lying on the bed waiting for his call made up his mind. He pulled his phone out, a tired hello greeted his ears as he set his phone down on the dresser as he began to get undressed. “Don’t sound so excited,” he teased, pulling his shirt over his head.

“Bray,” the disembodied voice perked up noticeably. “I was wondering if you were going to call tonight or not.”

“Would I miss a chance to hear your voice?” He chuckled a little “sorry I’m calling so late. It’s been a rough couple of days.”

“Tell me about it,” Trebor requested, his voice was soft and low.

“Is Blake in there with you?” he asked. 

“He misses you,” Trebor explained “tell me about your day.”

“Are you sure?” he asked “I know you have an early shift at the hospital and sleeping with Blake is going to be rough.” Blake was a restless sleeper who hogged the bed.

“Don’t worry I’ll carry him to his room before I go to bed,” Trebor said “besides you have practice in the morning and it’s later there than here.”

“Are you keeping tabs on me?” he chuckled glad to hear Trebor’s caring tone.

“Always,” he said, “how did things go? DId Wally show up?”

“He did and it went better than I hoped it would,” he went on to tell Trebor everything. “I think they really do care about each other.”

“That’s good right?”

“I hope so.” he sighed “it’s going to be difficult.”

“It will,” Trebor fell silent a moment before asking “what’s bothering you?”

“I just hope they’re not expecting too much,” he ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to see either one of them hurt anymore than they are already.”

“It’s a chance they’ll have to take,” Trebor said “If it’s something they both want they’ll both work at their relationship to make it work. If we can do it they can too.”

That brought a smile to Bray’s lips. “Yes we did,” his face contorted as he tried not to yawn.

“Go to bed,” Trebor ordered “We’ll talk more tomorrow night.”

“Alright,” he reluctantly agreed. “Love you.”

“Love you too sweetheart,” Trebor blew him a kiss over the phone.

Grinning, Bray turned the light off as he crawled into his bed. For the first time in his hockey career he wanted the season to speed by so that he could go home to his family. He never thought he could ever love something more than hockey. He was glad to admit he was wrong. There was definitely more to life than hockey.

Chapter 39 – Falling off the Wagon

Braylin glanced up at the sound of a nearby locker being slammed shut. “John,” he cried, his voice lifting in a question while his eyes watched his friend with concern.

John scowled over at Braylin “don’t say it?” he warned, grabbing his hockey stick and heading towards the door.

Bray heard the slightly slurred words and the dark rimmed eyes made him wonder if his friend was nursing one hell of a hangover. He recognized the signs. Knew that his friend had fallen off the wagon. Before John slipped through the exit door he called after him. “After practice how about you and I taking in an AA meeting? It’s been awhile for both of us.” He made it a suggestion, careful to keep his words light, without heat or demand.

John stopped, hand on the door, turning slightly his mouth curled “yeah ok.” What came out sounded more like grunts, lacking any real enthusiasm or conviction. 

Joining John by the door Braylin reached out, squeezing his shoulder. “What’s up? Talk to me.”

Jerking from his touch John glared at him before turning and stumping from the locker room without saying another word.

Staring after him Braylin sighed before following him onto the ice. For a second there he thought John was going to hit him. Absently he skated on the ice, his mind trying to figure out why John was mad at him. The whole situation was dredging up uncomfortable memories from the past. A past where he was the one lashing out at his friends and family and coming into practice feeling as if his head were about to fall off. 

During practice he felt as if he were on autopilot. Going through the motions and not much else. His mind was on his friend. His insides twisting with worry. The more he worried the more certain he was that he was right. The question now was how he could help his friend get back on track.

After practice Braylin kept a wary eye on John, afraid he’d try to leave without telling him. It had been something Bray himself had done in the past when someone offered to take him to a meeting. Despite his care he did almost miss him as John finished before him and made a beeline towards the door. “John,” he called out, “wait up.”

John seemed to hesitate at the door before he turned and glared at Braylin. His eyes shifted as if he had been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. “I know I said I’d go but I um…” He shrugged, staring at the floor unable to meet Bray’s eyes “something came up.” He took a couple of steps, backing towards the door ready to make his escape.

“John, please,” Braylin blurted, afraid he’d just walk out the door “don’t do this.”

“Do what? Leave?” Anger turned his words harsh. “What do you think I’m going to do? Have a bender?”

Bray could hear the desperation beneath the anger tinged words. Taking a deep breath he said “isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“You’re the one who would know,” he snapped, turning and rushing from the locker room, slamming the door behind him. 

“Hey,” Braylin yelled after him, hastily shoving his feet into his untied shoes  and rushing after him. “I’m trying to help you,” he called after John who was almost to the exit.

Whirling around, eyes narrowed, lip curled “help me! Where were you when I needed you?”

Bray stopped dead in his tracks as he was buffeted by John’s raw emotions. “I didn’t … I don’t…”

“You don’t know, do you? My so-called best friend has no clue what kind of hell I’ve been living in,” John’s chest heaved as the words came spewing out of him.

Shaking his head, feeling as if he’d been slapped. “I’m sorry. I don’t know. I wish I did.” His mind was racing trying to see what he’d missed. What he was supposed to have known and didn’t.

A mirthless chuckles ripped through John’s chest as his eyes streamed with helpless tears. “How long have we been friends? How many times have I been there for you?” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple moving up and down “the least, the very least  you could have done was ask how I was doing.”

“I … I don’t …” Bray struggled to see through this maze, to see what he should have known but didn’t. It came crashing down all around him when he heard John murmure a name. A single name and four years suddenly dropped away. “Wally?” With a sickening lurch in the pit of his stomach he remembered how John had wanted to introduce him to someone. Someone he said had become his whole world “Wally was the one, wasn’t he?”

Ignoring the question John asked “do you know how difficult it was for me to pretend I didn’t know him or even like him? How hard it was to see him every day and know if I messed up it could mean someone I cared about could be hurt or killed?”

“What?” the simple word came out in a whisper. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You knew? All this time you knew and you didn’t tell me. Didn’t warn me.”

“I couldn’t,” John lifted his hands as if beseeching him to understand. “I had to pretend just like Wally did. It meant his life.” A shudder visibly shook his entire body “they’d have killed him if they knew what he was.”

Crossing his arms Bray asked “and what was he?” 

“My boyfriend,” John raised his eyes, meeting Bray’s head on. “A gay man with the ability to reproduce his own biological children. Everything those purists hated. He was right there among them. Pretending to be one of them knowing that one slip up could mean his life. Trebor’s life.” Squeezing the bridge of his nose “do you know why he did it? He wanted to make a difference. To be part of making a better future for our kids. So that they could live without fear of who and what they are.”

Stunned, Bray felt as if he’d never seen John before, one of his dearest and oldest friends. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry.” It didn’t feel like it was enough.

Hugging his arms around himself John said “I wanted you to meet him…”

Nodding Braylin remembered the dinner plans, the almost giddy happiness that had seemed to surround John at the time. “You said he was the one. The one you wanted to grow old with.”

“I was going to ask Wally to marry me. I still do…” His face puckered as if he were on the verge of tears. “He won’t see me or take my calls. Not once after I came to pick him up from the hospital when they released him. Not since he told me to move on with my life. To forget about him.”

“I’m sorry,” and once more the feeling that it wasn’t enough swept through him. “Maybe I could talk to him. Maybe he’ll talk to me.” He didn’t think Wally would want to talk to him but he had to at least try.

“Would you?” The pathetic hope that lit up John’s eyes almost made Bray wish he hadn’t suggested it.

“If he takes my call. I’ll try.” It felt like a flimsy promise but he didn’t want to give his friend false hope. Putting an arm around John’s shoulders he said “for now let’s go to the meeting.”

John leaned into Bray as if he’d lost all his strength and needed to borrow some of his. “I tried. I really did but it got to be too much. Losing Wally. Then you and Trebor moved away. It didn’t seem to be worth the effort. I just wanted all the pain and loneliness to go away.”

“I know,” Bray whispered, holding him tight “I’m here now. You can lean on me.”

Knights of Hope – Chapter 20 – Tit for Tat

• 

It was strange walking into the arena. He’d spent so many hours here and yet two weeks away had him feeling like he no longer belonged there. His stomach hurt, twisting in anxious jerks. Turning he tried to give Trebor his most confident smile but the anxious worry in the man’s eyes told him he didn’t quite pull it off.

“It’ll be okay” Trebor assured him despite his own feelings of doubt.

“What if he tells me I’m off the team” his heart lurched dropping into a bottomless pit.

“He won’t” Trebor pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him for once not worried if anyone was watching. The only thing that mattered was his hockey player.

• 

• 

Leaning into him Braylin inhaled deeply, taking comfort in the strength radiating from the arms of the man holding him. “You’ll be here when I come out” he asked, searching Trebor’s eyes for the reassurance he needed.

“I’ll be here” he asserted “I won’t leave until we walk out together.”

“After this I may need a visit from my sexy Doctor Bennett” he pressed his lips to Trebor’s forehead before pushing himself away.

“I’ll kiss any wounds and make them better” he promised as he watched his boyfriend walk away towards what could be a pivotal moment in his life. His stomach lurched as he fought the urge to call him back as an unreasonable fear gripped him. He knew he wouldn’t stop worrying until he saw Braylin come back to him. He’d only feel somewhat better if he had gone in with him.

• 

Braylin hated the way his hand shook as he took hold of the door handle. Taking a deep breath he willed his racing heart to calm down. Entering the locker room he could feel the almost hostile atmosphere as his fellow teammates watched him walk through the door. He couldn’t help but wonder if they still were his teammates. Would they be forever estranged? Shaking his head he tried to clear his thoughts as he knocked on the coaches office door. The deep bellow that summoned him inside made him swallow in an effort to soothe his dry mouth.

Sticking his head inside “you wanted to see me?”

The older man’s face was set in stone “close the door.”

When the door clicked shut behind him he felt his hands grow damp as he faced the man that literally held his future in the palm of his hands. “Coach” his voice cracked “I know I messed up…”

“Save the explanations” that man’s voice cut him off, sounding like the death knell for some hapless being, namely him. “You’re not the only one,” his words came as a shock. Drumming his fingers on the cluttered desk “i should have double checked the accusations that were made before jumping to conclusions. The team hasn’t been the same without you.”

• 

Jerking a little in his chair Braylin had expected to receive the ax not this. “I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything” the man barked “you’re not out of this yet. Morale has been low since Matt took over your position. He simply refuses to play as a team. He’s a one man show. The others aren’t playing half as well as they should be preferring to let the opposing team take the biscuit then to pass it to Matt. That being said, I don’t know if they’ll play any better for you.”

Nodding he leaned his elbows on his knees “I know I betrayed their trust. I need to earn it back or at least try.”

“Think you’re man enough to do that” the coach challenged.

“I’m up to the challenge if it means you’re giving me another chance” he said scarcely breathing.

• 

“You have it” the man nodded as if confirming the decision he’d already made. “Be here tomorrow for practice. We have a game to win on Monday.”

He froze scared he’d heard him wrong. “Practice? Tomorrow” he repeated his ears ringing. “I’ll be here” he stood up weak from relief. “Thank you coach, I won’t let you down.”

Standing, the Coach held his hand out to Braylin. “See that you don’t” he said then added when the pink haired young man took his hand “you won’t be getting another.” Squeezing his hand he smiled “welcome back to the team.”

“Thank you sir” he stammered as a huge grin encompassed his face. He scooted out the office door scarcely believing his good fortune. Unfortunately he walked out into the path of Matt who gave him a murderous glare.

***

• 

“I suppose the coach gave you your position back” he snarled, balling his hands into fists.

“I’m off suspension” he said “as for the rest, it remains to be seen.” He tried to walk away but Matt stepped in front of him blocking his way..

“If it weren’t for me we wouldn’t be going into the championships.” He puffed his chest out like a young rooster.

“I’m sure he appreciates that” he stepped back, hitting the solid wall behind him.

“Hah” the sound seemed to have exploded from his lungs. “They all wish I were you.” Grimacing, he gripped Braylin’s shirt with hands shaking with fury. “You’re nothing” spittle flew from his mouth.

“What’s going on out here” the coach demanded coming from his office.

• 

• 

“Matt doesn’t seem to like your decision to bring Bray back,” John said, stepping forward.

“Is that right?” he asked, staring down at the boy with eyes of steel.

“Yes sir I don’t like it” he pushed Braylin harder into the unforgiving wall. “There’s no way he should get to play. I’m the better player. Me, not him.”

“The decision is mine” the man’s voice rose firm and implacable.

“After all I did to prove to you that Braylin isn’t the comeback kid” he looked aghast at the older man. “You’ve got to be kidding me” his hands gripped Braylin’s shirt twisting it around his neck. “You’d rather have this piece of shit on your team than me?”

The other guys gathered around silently nodding. John swallowed “what makes you so much better? You’re a liar. You told all of us he killed your sister but he didn’t.”

• 

“He did,” he screamed, pounding his fist into Braylin’s collar bone.

“No he didn’t” John persisted shaking his head. “You’re blaming him because he used to have a problem with drinking.”

“He does,” he screamed “there’s no used to be. Once a drunk always a drunk.”

“I’m sorry about your sister,” John said, moving slowly towards him, hands out. “She didn’t deserve to die like that. It was tragic. I’m sorry but it wasn’t Bray’s fault.”

“It was his car” he cried “he was drunk and my sister died. He deserves to have everything taken from him.”

“No” John shook his head “the car was similar to the one Bray drives but it’s not the same. The driver who caused your sister’s accident is in jail. That guy is paying for his crime. Don’t take it out on Bray.”

• 

“But I…” his hand fell from Braylin’s shirt. “He…oh god.”

Braylin moved from the wall to stand beside his friend. “Did you spike my drink that night?” Even though he’d been told he still hadn’t believed it.

Nodding Matt hugged his arms tight around himself. “You needed to pay. For my sister.” Looking around at all the angry accusatory faces he continued “yes I spiked your drink. I made sure you took the drink I made special for you. I had John give you the next drink. He was wasted so it was easy getting him to do it.” Glancing at Braylin “it’s what you deserved. No good drunk.”

“Did Trebor deserve what you did to him?” he demanded, stepping forward getting into Matt’s face. “Never mind me. Trebor didn’t deserve to fall down a flight of stairs or to have his arm broken. Because of you he might not regain full mobility of his hand.”

Matt’s mouth worked but no sound came out for a moment. “That was an accident. I didn’t mean for him to get hurt.” His eyes lifted “he wouldn’t have gotten hurt if you hadn’t been wasted.”

Terry scoffed, speaking for the first time. “He wouldn’t have been wasted if you hadn’t spiked his drink.” There were grumbles of assent from the others. 

• 

“It wasn’t my fault” he cried “he needed to see his actions had consequences…”

“He’d already learned that” John said quietly “it’s something I still had to learn.” Turning to Bray “I’m sorry for encouraging you that night. I never realized before why you wanted to change. I understand now. I think” he took a deep breath “I’m ready to make those changes too. I’ve already told Coach I’ve entered into rehab. It’s time I took control of my life.”

“Dude that’s awesome” Braylin enthused “I’m so happy for you.”

“You don’t hate me” he sniffed.

“No of course not” he pulled his friend into a hug. “You were messed up. We both were. It wasn’t entirely your fault.” he sent a dagger-like glare in Matt’s direction. 

• 

• 

• 

Before anyone could say anything else Verity and Lia walked into the locker room. “Excuse us gents” Lia called with a smirk “we’ll be out of here soon. We just have something to say to this little weasel.”

“I’m going to sue all of you” he threatened “defamation of character. Slander.”

“You don’t have a case,” Lia informed him, crossing her arms in front of her. “No lawyer in their right mind will take your case. However what you did to Mr McGavin is defamation of character. Everyone in this room can testify to that fact. Not to mention you admitted to possessing drugs. I’m pretty sure we could charge you with criminal intent since Mr Bennett was hurt due to the actions you took against Mr McGavin. You may even be implicated in contributing to the mental state that induced Mr McGavin to endanger his life by suicide. You’re lucky he wasn’t more successful.”

“You can’t do that” his voice came out in a squeak.

“I’m pretty sure I can,” she gave him a smug nod. “I am studying law and have been in contact with lawyers who feel we have a strong enough case.” With a flourish she handed him an envelope “you have been served.”

“What the….”

“Mr Ryan, I suggest you change and leave before things get any worse for you” the coach suggested, laying a firm hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Don’t bother coming back.”

***

• 

Once Matt left in a huff lugging his equipment out the door everyone cheered. Approaching him Terry said “sorry man” his voice was gruff reaching for his hand “should have known better than to believe that little shit.”

“It’s alright” he stammered, “it was pretty convincing. I mean I was high after all.”

“Not because you wanted to be” Terry mumbled stepping aside to let the next guy say his peace.

Once all the back slapping and welcome backs were done Braylin stared in shock at the clock on the wall. “Is it really that late?”

“Yeah why” Terry asked with a bemused expression on his face at his reaction.

“I can’t believe I forgot all about him…”

• 

“Who? Matt” someone asked with a snicker.

“No Trebor. I left him outside by the rink when I came in to talk to Coach.” He did a fast count in his head “that was almost three hours ago.”

“He probably left with his mom hours ago,” John suggested.

“No,” he shook his head. “he’d have waited for me.”

“You’re really hung up on him aren’t you” Terry asked.

“Yeah I guess I am” he felt a goofy grin spread across his face.

• 

“Look at him boys” Terry pointed, “he’s in love.”

“Aw look he’s blushing” someone else chimed in.

“Stop” he cried all but running for the locker room door.

“Don’t forget tomorrow” the coach called after him.

“I’ll be here” he yelled as he left the locker room. It felt good to be back. Back with the team. It felt like he was coming home. Stopping, he looked around. He’d been so sure Trebor would be out here waiting for him. Most of the arena was dark. The cleaning crew finished for the night. A noise to his right alerted him to someone’s presence.

• 

• 

“Trebor” he called out to the approaching figure “that you?”

“Yeah it’s me” the garbled words didn’t sound like him. He walked into the light with a hand to his mouth.

“What happened?” Braylin demanded pulling him under the light to inspect the damage. “You’re bleeding” he said, pulling him into the locker room.

“It’s nothing” Trebor protested, wishing the group of curious gawking eyes would look at something else.

“It’s not nothing” Braylin said, holding a wet paper towel to his busted lip. “I thought you would have left with your mom.”

“I said I’d wait for you so we could leave together” he shrugged “it wasn’t until Matt came out that I….”

• 

• 

“Matt did this” he growled, cutting him off.

“Yyyeah” he stammered sensing his boyfriend’s anger. “I guess I got in his way.”

“I’m going to kill him,” he swore.

“Don’t worry I gave as good as I got” Trebor assured him “I would have done better if I had two hands.”

“You’re sure you’re alright” he asked staring intently into Trebor’s eyes. “Tell me the truth.”

“I might have hurt my hand” he held up his left hand. It was swollen, red and warm to the touch.

• 

“Treb what are you going to do now” he asked seething inside

“I…” his shoulders rose and fell. “I don’t know. With luck I’ll have my arm out of this cast tomorrow.”

“Like we’ve been lucky thus far” he grumbled. 

“I’d say we’ve been lucky” Trebor contradicted “we’re both still here.”

Shaking his head Braylin couldn’t help but smile “put like that I guess we are pretty damned lucky.”

“That’s what I said” Trebor got up “I’m hungry.”

• 

“You’re always hungry,” Braylin grinned.

“Where are you taking me to eat?” he asked to the amused laughter of the assembled men.

“Why don’t you come to my place?” Terry suggested, “my wife would love to meet you.”

“If it’s not too inconvenient on such short notice” Trebor said “I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“You won’t be,” he assured him.

“Okay we accept,” Braylin said.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 18 – Unravelling

• 

“I don’t see what I can do to help” John slumped into a chair opposite his guest. “I was pretty wasted that night.”

“Tell me this then” Verity persisted “did you sample both drinks that Matt made up for Braylin and Trebor?”

Frowning he squirmed in his seat. “I tasted one. That’s for sure. It was blah.”

“Blah” she asked looking for more description.

“Yeah blah” he sat forward “it had no kick. It was straight coke.”

“Oh” she crossed her legs “it was nonalcoholic.”

• 

“That’s what I said” he flopped back dramatically “Bray and I used to tear it up back in the day.”

Verity noted the bloodshot eyes and the slight tremor in the young man’s hands. “Looks like you’re still tearing it up” she observed.

“It’s not the same though” he groused “the night of the party I thought the old Bray was back. He was wasted but he….”

“He what” she prompted attempting to get him to continue to open up.

“All the years we played together and he never not once looked at me the way he looked at Trebor. That night I finally faced it. I realized he never would.” Lifting pain filled eyes to meet hers “Trebor is who he needs. Who he wants. He’s a better person with him than he ever would be with me. I just wish…”

“That you hadn’t encouraged him to continue drinking that night” she half guessed his role in Braylin’s demise that night.

• 

Running a hand through his tangled blonde hair he nodded “not one of my proudest moments. I was just so scared.”

Nodding Verity could feel her sympathy rising for the boy. “You can still make things right,” she said.

Lifting his head to stare at her. “How” he demanded “I’m a terrible friend. I thought more of myself then I did him. I was so desperate to keep him in my life that I was willing to sacrifice his happiness so that I wouldn’t be alone. Who does that?”

“Someone who needs help. Someone who has hit rock bottom and needs to make a change” she gave him an encouraging smile. “Help me clear his name and get Matt to admit he spiked Braylin’s drink.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make up for what I did” he mumbled lost in his own thoughts. “I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong but now I can see what I did was the worst. He was never really happy doing all the party stuff we used to do.”

“You can still make amends” she patted his hand. “It’s never too late to make changes. Become the friend you think Braylin deserves and you wish to be.”

• 

• 

“But it wouldn’t do any good. He’ll never feel about me the way I do about him.” He pressed his hands to his head groaning. “He’s still going to be with Trebor and I’m going to be alone.”

“Let’s take things one step at a time” she suggested. “Help me clear Bray’s name then worry about what comes next.”

Blinking he inhaled deeply, making an effort to get a grip on his emotions. “Do you think it’s possible? I’ve fucked up a lot.”

“Have you learned anything from this?” she asked.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much” he sat up straight. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll worry about myself later. What’s important right now is helping Braylin. It’s the least I can do for the mess I caused.” He gave her a tearful twitch of the lips “he’s gotten me out of more than one mess. It’s my turn to return the favor.”

“Alright” she nodded, biting her bottom lip. There was so much more she wanted to ask him and why, she wondered wasn’t he reaching out to his parents when he obviously needed help. Giving herself a slight mental shake she forced concern for him back to concentrate on what she needed him to do. She just hoped when the time came he was sober enough to do it.

***

• 

A few days later after a big game Matt was undressing in the locker room pleased with his performance. “That was a barnburner if I ever saw one. Did you see how many celly’s I made? Not to mention the breakaways. Man no one can touch me on the ice. I’m fucking fantastic.”

A low rumble of discontent rose among the other players. Terry, an older player tossed his mitts into his locker. “Hockey is a team sport not your personal one man show.”

Other players nodded in agreement. “We’re tired of you taking the biscuit regardless of whether you have a shot or not.”

“It’s not my fault that you’re benders and pylons on the ice” Matt laughed in their faces “you’re all jealous.”

“Jealous my ass” Terry scoffed “with your theatrics on the ice you make it look like we’re at the fucking ice capades instead of a hockey game. We’re the laughing stock of the NHL.”

“Who cares? We’re winning, they’re not” Matt said unconcerned. Smirking all around “we’re winning because of me. I told you I was good. I told you I was better than McGavin ever was.”

• 

Terry slammed his locker shut. “We’re a team not your fucking one man show. No one person wins the game. It’s a group effort.”

“What’s your problem?” Matt demanded getting into the bigger man’s face. “Are you afraid I’m making you look bad? Sorry I’m not the duster you all expected me to be.”

Terry’s hands clenched at his sides “you’re that good ….”

“If Bray was still here you’d be a duster” John pointed out to the rising snickers of the others. “He was all about playing as a team.”

“Yeah I suppose he would be” Matt scoffed, looking the blonde up and down “especially if he let a grinder like you have the biscuit.”

The tension rose as another player joined John in saying “Bray had his faults but he was one of the best.”

• 

Matt’s mouth gaped “you’ve got to be joking. McGavin let you all down. Let the team down. You’re a better team without him.”

“”We’d rather lose as a team than win with you” Terry asserted, frowning heavily at him.

“Oh come on” Matt grabbed the older man’s arm. “What does it matter how you win as long as you do?”

Jerking his arm away scowling. “It matters because everyone has a role to play. Everyone works hard. Everyone deserves the credit for the part they played on the team whether they are the best or grinder. No one wants to ride the skirts of someone like you.”

Watching the man stride away towards the showers Matt scoffed. “He’s jealous. I’m younger and better than him. He’d be better off quitting before he becomes just another has been.” Turning towards the others he found them all resolutely standing with their backs to him. “The way you’re treating me you’d think I was the bad guy. I’m the guy leading us to the championships, not McGavin. I’m not the guy who decided to get high. Maybe you should think about that instead of complaining.”

Slamming his locker shot Mike brushed past Matt. “Even on Bray’s worst days he was a better player than you ever will be.”

• 

• 

His mouth dropping open he turned to Joseph. “I don’t get it. We’re a better team without McGavin.”

Joseph exchanged a worried look with Rory before turning to face Matt. “You’re the only one who shares that opinion.”

“What” he demanded shocked “I thought you were on my side. Didn’t McGavin hurt your cousin? As I recall McGavin pushed him down a flight of stairs. I mean you don’t want to play with someone who does that do you?”

“I’ve had a lot of time to think about what happened that night” Joseph tossed his jersey into his locker. Reaching for his towel he moved towards the showers “I don’t think Braylin intentionally tried to hurt Trebor that night.”

“Who cares about intentions” Matt snapped “he was wasted. He was to blame regardless of his intentions.”

“Yeah I wonder” Joseph mumbled, pushing past him.

• 

• 

“He killed my sister” he called after him “doesn’t that tell you something about the guy?”

Rory turned to face him “if I were you I’d be careful. People can still sue for defamation of character. We only have your word that he killed her. Where’s the proof? Why isn’t he in jail?” He quickly turned, avoiding Matt’s attempt to grab him.

Turning in circles Matt could see the other’s walking away shaking their heads at him. “You need me. I’m the best you have. I can skate circles around all of you.”

“Give it a rest” John advised him moving towards the locker room door. “They all know you’re just in it for the glory not the game. That’s the difference between you and Bray. Bray loves the game. You can see it in his eyes the moment his blades hit the ice. He shared the limelight with everyone because it was for the game. It wasn’t about him.”

“Yeah like I’m going to believe anything you say” Matt sneered his face twisting in disgust “you’re just another junkie.”

***

• 

“Things seem to be going well between you and your hockey player” Geoffrey observed from where he sat cross legged on the floor.

“They are,” Trebor sighed, closing his eyes, a soft smile crossing his lips.

“I think Lia and I are done for” he said as the quiet lengthened between them.

“What” Trebor cried, sitting up shaken from his daydream of being surrounded by kids with pink hair, all wanting to know when daddy was coming home.

Drawing circles on the floor with his index finger Geoffrey refused to meet his cousin’s gaze. “Yeah things haven’t been good for a while. Not that comes as a surprise to anyone who knows how volatile our relationship has become.”

• 

“I’m sorry” he murmured. Trebor felt bad for him but Lia was a force to be reckoned with on the best of days. On the worst of days she could stomp all over your feelings without a second thought. Probably a good quality to have for a lawyer not so good in a relationship. “Want to talk about it” he offered, cringing a little inside as the words came out.

Geoffrey’s shoulders rose and fell “not really.”

Sitting in silence neither one knew what to say to the other. The door opened before things became too awkward. Braylin’s voice was loud as he called out “look who I found outside.”

“He’s not here,” a woman’s voice said, low and anxious.

“You said his car was parked outside” Braylin said “they have to be here. Let’s try outside by the pool.”

• 

Getting to his feet Trebor sheepishly waved at them. Braylin smiled moving to his side. Leaning into the kiss Braylin pressed to his cheek Trebor said “hi Lia. What brings you here?”

“I’m hoping Geoffrey was here” as she spoke, her eyes swept the room, searching.

“I don’t know if he wants to talk to you,” Trebor said, measuring his words carefully.

Her face paled a little beneath her bright green hair. “Please, I need to tell him something. Then if he still doesn’t want me here I’ll go.”

Getting to his feet Geoffrey leaned against the wall trying to pull off a nonchalant attitude. “Say it and go,” he said.

• 

Looking in his direction, her eyes were almost painful to see. Nudging Braylin in the side Trebor said “we’ll be in the other room if you need us.”

“No” Geoffrey cried “don’t go.”

The desperation in his eyes and voice made them stop. Turning towards Lia she too nodded wanting them to stay.

“I’m sorry” she began licking her lips like she was nervous.

“Is that it” he demanded incredulously “you can do better than that. Where’s the eloquent speech?”

• 

Hugging herself tightly she half turned away “I shouldn’t have said the things I said to your parents.” She blurted the words out quickly as if she were afraid if she didn’t say them at once they’d never come out at all.

“It wasn’t just what you said” he said taking a step towards her “It was the way you said it.”

“I know” her voice quivered as her calm exterior slipped. “I just wanted to help” she gave him a beseeching look, her hands reaching out to him.

“You called them idiots” his voice was stiff, accusing. 

Her hands fell limp to her sides. “That’s the way it looked to me. Refusing my help” She glanced towards Trebor “you agreed with me when Trebor refused to listen to me about his issues at the hospital. I thought you would, with your parents too.”

• 

“I never said you didn’t have good ideas,” he said, relenting a little. “I said you never listen to anyone once you’ve made up your mind what they ought to do.” He glared at her, his anger just below the surface. “You don’t seem to realize that other people have good ideas too. If you want others to take you seriously you need to listen to them and their concerns otherwise you’ll never be able to help them effectively.”

“I do,” she protested.

They all looked at her as if she had lost her mind. It was Geoffrey who broke the stunned silence. “You only listen when it suits you or the agenda you have. Did it even occur to you that my parents had already consulted with a lawyer? Thanks to you and your big mouth they have to start over. The property dispute was close to being resolved but now …. Who knows.” He glared at her temporarily at a loss for words. “They’re going to have to pay for another surveyor, additional lawyer fees and hope the asshole neighbors won’t be able to fight it.” He took a deep breath “that’s all thanks to you not being able to keep your big mouth shut.”

“But I…” she hung her head “I just wanted to help.”

“You made things worse” he said “you’re not a lawyer yet. I know you’re learning all kinds of things about the law. Things you want to apply but you’re not there yet.” Pausing he took steps towards her “you need to learn, to listen and occasionally keep your mouth shut.”

• 

• 

• 

Nodding, she turned away tears rolling down her cheeks “I really am sorry.” As they stood and watched she turned and slipped through the door.

Trebor broke their shocked daze. “Go after her,” he urged, turning to his cousin.

Geoffrey nodded, moving towards the door, his movements stiff and disjointed. Pulling the door open he called out “Lia wait.”

Moving to the door left open by their guests Braylin asked “do you think they’ll be able to work things out?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, “everyone deserves a second chance. Lia is a lot of things but she’s passionate about things and she cares about Geoffrey.”

• 

“Yeah you’re right” he agreed, closing the door. “What’s for supper?” he asked, changing the subject.

“I thought maybe we could go out for seafood,” Trebor suggested.

“Sounds good to me,” Braylin agreed. “Maybe over dinner you’ll tell me what your mom had to say when she called this morning.”

“Maybe,” Trebor said with a sigh. He was enjoying being home. He wasn’t in any hurry to go back to the old grind but soon they’d have to.

Knights of Hope – Chapter 11 – The Party

• 

• 

“Joseph” Trebor asked, spotting his cousin across the room. “When did you move from Starlight Shores?”

“Didn’t Bray tell you? I finally made the team” he gave him an infectious smile.

“What” Braylin asked, putting a hand to his head “I had no idea.”

Trebor gave him a concerned look “are you okay?”

“I’m fine” he blinked, moving awkwardly “just have a headache.”

“You need something for it” he asked knowing from experience that Braylin wouldn’t take anything.

• 

• 

“I’ll be fine” he said “I just need to find somewhere quiet to lie down for a while.”

A blue haired guy walking past suggested “you can use my room.”

“Perfect” he grinned, turning to Trebor saying “stay and visit with your cousin. Have some fun.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, “we could go home.”

“I’ll be fine” he assured him “stay and mingle.”

Watching him follow the blue haired guy up the stairs he had a sense of unease enveloping him. His stomach churned as his anxiety rose. A hand landed on his shoulder, turning he stared into the grinning face of a good looking dark haired male.

• 

“I’m Matt” the guy introduced himself “if I were Braylin I would never let you out of my sight.”

“Don’t let Bray catch you saying that” John laughed, gulping his beer. “You might come back with a stump.”

“He shouldn’t have left his date unattended” he gave Trebor a wink attempting to draw the man closer.

“I think you’ve got the wrong idea about me” he stepped back putting space between them. 

“I’ve got the right idea alright” he grinned “you just don’t realize it yet. I’m about to prove to everyone here that I’m the better man on and off the ice.”

• 

“Yeah,” Joseph challenged, coming to his cousin’s aide “sounds more like you’ve got issues.”

“Yeah I’ve got issues” rolling his eyes towards the ceiling then back to Trebor. “I’m going to prove to everyone that he’s just a deadbeat drunk that doesn’t deserve the chances he’s got or the position he has.” Walking away when other teammates jeered at him. Stopping briefly whispering in Trebor’s ear “that includes you too, lover boy.”

Jumping when the man’s hand came down, lingering on his hips and sliding down cupping his cheek. His hand bunched into a fist but before he could punch the jerk an arm grabbed him preventing him. Glaring at his cousin demanding “why’d you stop me? He deserved to feel my fist in his face.”

“He’s just an arrogant asshole,” Joseph shrugged, releasing Trebor’s arm. “Besides, you can’t afford to damage those delicate hands of yours.”

“It would have been worth it” he mumbled “what’s his problem anyway?”

• 

• 

“Jealousy” Joseph suggested “Matt wants Bray’s position as center.”

“He can’t have it, can he?” he asked, concerned for Braylin. His knowledge of how hockey worked was still lacking. Overall he knew how losing his position on the team would affect Braylin. His dedication and ambition for the game equaled his desire to become a heart surgeon. If he ever lost his chance at achieving his dream he’d be devastated. It’d be no different for Braylin.

“No way” John piped in, breathing an alcoholic mist into Trebor’s face. “Bray’s the best center we have.”

Still it nagged at the back of Trebor’s mind. Would this added pressure put too much stress on his hockey player? He didn’t believe in his heart that it would. Unfortunately lesser things have proven to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

***

• 

“I should go check on him,” Trebor said, moving towards the stairs. Loud laughter was emanating down the stairs followed by a raised irate voice. Joseph, John and Trebor moved towards the stairs at once drawn by the noise. The scene that greeted them as they opened Rian’s bedroom door made Trebor’s rising anxiety shoot to the roof. 

“It was an accident” Braylin swayed unsteadily on his feet, his words thick.

“You were only supposed to be resting up here,” Rian said, his voice shaking. “That’s the only reason I let you up here.”

“I got bored,” he mumbled. Looking around he smiled “hey Treb come to keep me company?”

“I thought you had a headache” he said gently pushing the hockey player away from him as his breath blasted him with alcohol. “What the hell! What are you drinking?”

• 

• 

“A little somethin somethin” he mumbled bleary eyed as more people crowded into the room. “My man Matt said it’d make my head feel better. Old family recipe he said. Guaranteed to work.”

“You gave him alcohol” Trebor demanded, glaring at the dark haired man.

“How was I supposed to know he couldn’t hold his liquor?” There was something in the man’s eyes that said he knew more than he was going to admit. There was a certain amount of malice in the guy’s words and eyes that wiped away any impression of innocence his words might have conveyed.

“Come on we should go” Trebor said taking one of Braylin’s arms.

“I don’t wanna” he pouted, shaking Trebor off. “I want to stay and party.”

• 

• 

“You really don’t” Trebor insisted moving closer “I know this isn’t you.”

“Yes it is” he lisped, swaying on his feet spilling the liquid from his red solo cup onto Trebor’s shirt.

“How many of those have you had?” he asked.

“Dunno” he tried to shake his head but the motion unbalanced him. Leaning onto the wall he let Trebor drag him towards the stairs..

“Give me the cup” Trebor held his hand out knowing their progress would be quicker if he could free the man’s hands.

“Not finished yet” he held the cup up to his mouth and tossed it back. Trebor moved in quickly, snatching the cup from him before he was able to down it all. “No” Braylin shouted, knocking him away with an elbow to his face connecting just beneath the eye.

• 

Trebor’s arms pinwheeled trying to keep himself from falling backwards. Too late he realized he was closer to the stairs than he thought. There was nothing but air behind him. The loud popping crunch as his shoulder and elbow took the brunt of his fall echoed in his head as he fell the rest of the way down.

He must have blacked out for a minute or two. The next thing he became aware of was lying flat on the floor at the bottom. Matt’s concerned face near his. “You’re going to be alright. An ambulance is on the way.”

“Bray” he called out attempting to sit up. “Where is he? Is he alright?”

“He’s fine” Matt muttered “stupid jerk pushed you down the stairs.”

“No” he shook his head as he struggled to get up. Strong hands forced down , keeping him from going to Braylin. 

• 

“Lie still” Joseph’s firm voice ordered above him.

“He didn’t push me” he had to make someone understand “it was an accident. He didn’t know I was so close. It was an accident.”

“Lie still” this time it was Matt ignoring him. “I told you he wasn’t what you thought he was. He’s just a no good drunk.”

“No” tears pricked the corners of his eyes. “I need to see him. I need to talk to him. Please.” No amount of struggling was a match with the combined strength holding him down. “Why are you doing this” he asked “he’s done nothing to you.”

“Nothing,” Matt hissed, “what do you call killing my sister?”

• 

Trebor sucked in a deep painful breath. “He didn’t. He wouldn’t.” Shaking his head he repeated “he wouldn’t. I don’t believe you.”

“I’m doing you a favor,” Matt said, wiping his eyes with his shirt sleeve. “He hurts everyone who gets close to him. Look what he just did to you.”

“The ambulance is here,” Rian shouted, opening the door to them. Everything turned into a hazy mess when they moved him from the floor to the gurney. 

“I want to talk to my cousin,” he said to one of the paramedics.

Joseph leaned over him, concern radiating from his eyes. “They say you want to talk to me. I’ll call your parents, don’t worry about that.”

• 

“Thanks but I need you to tell Braylin something for me” he could see the resistance in his cousin’s eyes. “I know he didn’t do this on purpose. I know someone spiked his drink. This isn’t like him. Please.” He grabbed Joseph’s wrist with his left hand squeezing hard. “Tell him I believe in him. This doesn’t change how I feel about him.”

“You’ll feel differently in the morning,” Joseph assured him. “I think Matt’s right. You don’t really know him.”

“You’re the one who doesn’t know him,” he protested.

“You’re not thinking straight” Joseph insisted “you’ll see things differently when you’ve had a chance to think about what happened. He’s not good for you.”

“Joseph please” he pleaded when his cousin walked away “please just tell him.” He knew when he was locked in the back of the ambulance his request wouldn’t get to their intended target.

***

• 

• 

Splashing water on his face Braylin stared at his reflection. “What the fuck happened yesterday” he asked himself. He had vague memories of things that he had done or said. Things that didn’t make sense. The hurt bewildered expression in Trebor’s eyes. Had he really pushed him down a flight of stairs? Someone said he had. He couldn’t have done that. Never. He felt queasy even thinking that he could have done it.

Shuffling into his living room his feet kicked over several cans and bottles. John was snoring on the couch. Several empty beer bottles were scattered across the floor and table tops. Rubbing his hands up and down his arms a strong sense of deja vu enveloping him. Had he fallen down a rabbit hole? What had he done?

“Shit” he yelled, stubbing his toe on a bottle “we’re late.”

Turning to the snoring man on his couch he poured the remnants from a bottle onto his face. “Get up asshole. Coach is going to murder us.”

“Damn” he groaned, holding his head “I forgot how much you liked to party.”

• 

“I don’t” he protested although he was surrounded with proof of John’s statement.

 “Could have fooled me,” he said, dragging himself to the elevator. “We smell like shit.”

“Yeah well” he shrugged. It wasn’t the first time they showed up for practice smelling like a brewery.

Coach glared at them as they joined the others on the ice. Everyone else kept their eyes directed at their skates avoiding eye contact.

“Hey” he attempted to smile “they way you’re acting you’d think I’d killed someone.” It wasn’t the best joke he’d ever come up with. 

Joseph looked up with hostility in his eyes “you could have.” He skated forward, hands bunched “he could have broken his neck falling down those stairs.”

• 

• 

• 

It was like everyone inhaled a breath and held it. They were all waiting to see what he’d do next. “What are you talking about?” he asked, feeling like he was falling into a suffocating pit of despair.

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember” he scoffed and several others nodded their angry glares aimed at Braylin. 

“I…” he gulped; it was like he was trapped in a nightmare and he couldn’t wake up.

Clearing his voice the coach announced. “It’s come to my attention that some of you may be using illegal substances.” Everyone became silent as the man’s voice commanded attention. “Today we’ll be conducting drug testing on everyone. Anyone coming up positive will be suspended from the game.”

He knew even before receiving the results he would be positive. His protests that he hadn’t taken drugs fell upon deaf ears. Drugs had never been his scene even when he was partying hard. His go to drug had always been alcohol. Drugs just weren’t him.

• 

• 

Leaving the coach’s office everyone kept their heads down except John who had been suspended as well. Joseph was glaring at him and Matt was smirking no doubt enjoying the moment of his demise and his rise to center on the team.

Turning he fled the locker room. Sensing that someone was following him he didn’t stop. He wasn’t in the mood for condolences or a walk down memory lane. He needed to confirm he hadn’t done the things Joseph had accused him of. No matter how messed up he was positive he’d never push anyone down a flight of stairs much less Trebor. That was impossible! It had to be impossible.

Checking the time as he got into his car he decided the best place to catch Trebor would be the hospital. Approaching the nurse’s station he could see Lana sitting behind a computer Her cold angry eyes met his confirming his worst fears. “You have some nerve showing up here.”

“I need to see him” he leaned onto the desk “please just for a few minutes. I …. Don’t know what happened.”

“Please” she rolled her eyes standing up “you get wasted and Trebor takes the hit.”

• 

• 

“He’s been asking for you,” Eli said, coming up behind Lana who turned to glare at him.

“Can I see him?” he asked, eyes shifting between the couple.

“Why should we?” she demanded “he trusted you. Believed in you. Said everyone deserves a second chance.”

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He’d never meant to hurt the one person who believed in him the most. “Please” his voice cracked as his vision blurred. He wasn’t sure if it was the fact he was on the verge of tears or if he had convinced them he was sincere in his intentions. Whatever it was, relief washed over him like a bucket of water being poured over his head when Eli nodded “follow me.”

Following him Braylin asked “is he on rounds or something?”

“You for real when you say you don’t remember” Eli asked, staring at him.

• 

• 

• 

“I don’t remember a damn thing” he muttered “I know we went to a party. Someone gave me a drink. I had a headache. After that everything is hazy and confusing.”

Stopping in front of a closed door Eli said “before I let you in here you should know that Trebor insists that you didn’t push him. That it was an accident. That’s probably the only reason why you’re not in jail right now.”

He swallowed suddenly, scared to find out what he’d see beyond the door. What had he done? His tongue flicked across his bottom lip. “You don’t believe him do you?”

“I don’t honestly know what to believe,” he said, opening the door. “For some reason Trebor believes you. That’s the only reason why I’m letting you see him.” The room was dark and there was the sound of monitors. “He just came out of surgery. His arm was broken in two places. He’ll be lucky if he regains full mobility….”

Braylin didn’t want to hear anymore as he stared at his heart and soul lying unconscious on the bed. He looked so young. Vulnerable. His arm wrapped in a large bulky cast. The realization that he may have cost him his dreams hit Braylin like a sledgehammer. Joseph’s words came back to him. He could have killed him. Broken his neck. One of Trebor’s eyes was bruised and swollen where Braylin’s elbow had connected. The vague memory had him gasping for air. He did this. He actually did this. He….oh god!!!

Chapter 10 – Trouble Brewing / Chapter 12 – Ticking Clock

Knights of Hope – Chapter 10 – Trouble Brewing

The next day Braylin woke earlier than usual. Maybe it was the rumble from the nearby train or the unfamiliar bed. It didn’t matter. The bed he was in was empty. Tossing back the blankets he shuffled into the living room rubbing sleep from his eyes. It too was empty. The dishes from the night before were put away from where he had stacked them on the counter.

Knocking on the bathroom door. Waiting for a response before opening it and sticking his head inside. Empty. Had Trebor received an emergency call from the hospital? Surely he would have left him a note or a text. Frowning he went back into the bedroom pulling on his boxers. There was one other place he hadn’t checked yet. The roof. Trebor had mentioned it was his favorite place to think.

Climbing the stairs he found Trebor starting across the river. Silently he approached him wrapping his arms around him pressing his front into his back. Lifting his face he kissed his shoulders where it sloped up to his neck. “Morning he whispered.”

“I used to think we’d be close forever” Trebor said reaching for Braylin’s hand. “My sister and I. The older we got the further apart we became.”

“You can’t blame yourself for that” he said quietly.

“I keep thinking if I hadn’t been so busy. If I wasn’t so focused on getting good grades. Becoming a doctor. Maybe I would have seen when she started going down the wrong path.” Turning into Braylin’s arms “I’m a terrible brother.”

Kissing the top of his messy head he ran his fingers through Trebor’s hair. “That’s not true. I’m the terrible brother not you. She’s responsible for her own decisions.”

“I could have done more. You heard me yesterday. I sounded more like our mom than her brother.” Pulling away from Braylin’s embrace he took several steps away hugging himself. “I could have tried to be a little more understanding.”

“Why don’t you give her another call” he suggested “tell her what you just told me.”

Holding his phone up he said “I already did. At least I tried. I’m not sure if it came out the way I wanted it too.”

Taking slow careful steps forward he suggested “why don’t we go out for breakfast?”

“The diner isn’t busy this time of day. Their breakfast isn’t as good as their supper menu. It’s still good” he added hastily his eyes focused on his phone.

“It’s better than sitting around waiting for a response” he said taking the phone from Trebor’s hand. “We’ll leave this here.”

“What if I get a call from the hospital” he protested reaching for the phone.

“Another thirty minutes won’t matter” he said holding the phone just out of reach from Trebor’s hands.

Giving his phone one last longing look Trebor glared at the pink haired male. “You can’t just take my phone” he made an expected lounge for it. His fingers sliding across its surface.

“Don’t worry. You’ll get it back” he chuckled “I promise. It’s just for breakfast.”

“Fine have it your way” he mumbled.

“Goodie” he clapped his hands. “Now let’s get dressed and go eat.”

***

When they were both dressed and sitting outside the diner Braylin asked “tell me about when you were a kid. You hardly talk about your family.”

A smile tugged at his lips. “I don’t like to talk about them. I’m homesick all the time and talking about home just makes it worse. But….”

“But? What” he prompted taking a swallow of his coffee.

“Before I was alone with no one to talk to” he sighed “it’s awful to be alone and so far away from home. That type of loneliness eats at you.”

“I can understand that” he set his coffee cup down. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

“I want to I think” a smile spread across his face as his eyes took on a far away look. “There was this one time my parents took me and my sister to the beach. It was a family picnic. Dad made all the fixings and Mom got all our stuff together. I was about ten and Ava was six. She liked to follow me around everywhere. I found it both annoying and flattering.”

Braylin smiled listening to him. He remembered feeling the same about his little brother. Hearing his brother tell everyone he wanted to be just like him. Then it all changed. Became dangerous to be like him… shaking his head he tried to rid his mind of the troubling thoughts.

“Somehow we forgot our beach ball in the car. Ava volunteered to go back to get it. She was taking forever. I was busy making sandcastles and forgot all about it.”

“Trebor where’s your sister” Garrett asked a worried frown upon his face.

“I don’t know” he mumbled digging a mote in the sand.

“Did she go swimming” he asked panic making his voice higher than usual.

“Honey what’s wrong” Verity asked coming alongside them.

“Are you sure you don’t know where she went” Garrett asked again.

“How should I know” Trebor demanded looking up at them “I haven’t seen her in awhile.”

Clutching Garrett’s arm Verity cried “what if she went swimming alone. What if she got caught in a rip tide?”

“Do you remember what direction she went” Garrett asked his son.

“I don’t know” he pointed “I think she went that way.”

Garrett tore off across the beach towards the ocean in the direction Trebor had pointed in. Verity ran behind him searching the water for any sign of her little girl.

A few minutes later “what’s daddy and mommy doing” Ava asked stopping beside her brother carrying a large beach ball.

“Looking for you I think” Trebor said “where were you?”

“I went to get our ball” she tossed it into the air “it took forever to blow up.”

“Mom” he called getting her attention “I found her.”

“Did not” she protested “I wasn’t lost. I knew exactly where I was at all times.”

“OMG Ava” Verity cried running up and hugging her little girl “don’t ever run off like that again.”

“I didn’t I told Trebor” she protested.

“Did not” he said.

“You need to tell me or your dad” Verity said “never run off by yourself again.”

“Dad wasn’t very happy that he’d been diving in and out of the ocean for no reason.” He laughed at the memory of his dad soaking wet in his clothes. “I really did forget about her telling me where she was going. She had been gone so long it completely slipped my mind.” Taking a bite of his omelet he asked “what about you? Any embarrassing stories you want to tell?”

“Well there was this one time. We were visiting our grandma and we wanted to go fishing.” He smiled at the memory. He loved his grandma and still missed her. “Grandma said we could but we had to find our own bait.”

“Bait? Did you use lures or anything” Trebor asked.

“Nope. Grandma taught us how to fish the old fashioned way.” He grinned enjoying the disbelieving look that crossed Trebor’s face. “I’m not making it up. She had us find the straightest sticks we could find and tied a fishing line and hook at one end of it. It took some practice to get used to but it was fun. Kind of like being Huckleberry Finn or something.”

“So you went hunting for bait” Trebor prompted.

“Yeah” he thought for moment “we decided we needed bugs and night-crawlers.”

“Night-crawlers” Trebor asked “what’s that?”

“Worms” he chuckled remembering. “We spent most of the day searching under rocks and logs to get the best works we could find. We found out later that the best time to go night crawler hunting is at night when tons of worms come up from the ground.”

Trebor shivered “sounds gross.”

“Worms don’t hurt you and makes the soil good to grow things. Grandma’s garden had lots of worms in it.” Taking sip of his coffee he continued “Bodhi kept pulling up weeds and throwing them at me. It wasn’t until the next day we realized what those weeds were.”

“Oh no” Trebor laughed “don’t tell me…poison ivy.”

“Yep” he shook his head “Bodhi was pulling it up by the handfuls and he didn’t get anything. Me on the other hand. I was was covered from head to foot in the stuff. I itched so bad.”

“Did your grandma use calamine lotion to keep you from itching” he asked.

“Yeah I was pink from head to foot then too” he scowled at Trebor “yeah go ahead and laugh. Wait until you get poison ivy and see how funny you think it is then.”
“I’m sorry but I can’t help it.” he grabbed his orange juice to keep from bursting into another round of laughter.

***

“So glad you decided to grace us with your presence McGavin” the coach yelled as he came onto the ice from the locker room.

“Sorry coach” he mumbled feeling everyone’s eyes upon him. “Won’t happen again.”

“See that it don’t otherwise you’ll find yourself on the bench” the man thundered.

“A general grumble rose amongst the team. “Yes sir” he said knowing that was the general accepted response.

“As I was saying before we were interrupted we have three new team members. Joseph Bennett from Starlight Shores. Rory Braxton from Bridgeport. Matt Ryan from right here in good old Boroughsburg.” There was a heavy pause that followed his announcement. “The are subs in case anyone can’t play.” He stared at Braylin a moment before continuing. “I’ll let you guys introduce yourselves later. Let’s practice.”

As they were leaving the ice Matt skated up behind Braylin forcing him into the boards. “Better watch your back” he whispered harshly in his ear before John pulled him off.

“What’s his problem” he asked glaring after the new guy.

Rubbing his neck Braylin shrugged “I think he wants my position.”

“Fat chance of that happening” John slapped him on the back “you’re the best center we have.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence but I don’t think Coach feels the same way.” His day had started off great. Breakfast. Talking about their respective families. The feeling that maybe he wasn’t the worst brother in the world. Things were going good until now.

“Just be on time next time” John advised him “Coach isn’t going to let Matt take your spot unless you don’t give him any choice.”

Nodding he followed John into the locker room. The old feeling of things slowly unraveling around him was making him feel jumpy. Slumping onto the bench in front of his locker he peeled off his sweat soaked jersey. He had a sense of being out of place. A square peg in a round hole.

“Hey did you hear” John asked smiling down at him. “The new kid Joseph is throwing a party at his place over the weekend.”

“Count me out” he said with a shake of his head. “I don’t party like I used to. I think I’ll pass.”

“Don’t be like that. It’s not going to be that kind of party. It’s more of a get to know you party. We’re all going and bringing our significant others with us.” Jabbing him playfully in the side “maybe we’ll finally meet that handsome doctor of yours.”

“There’s a reason why I keep him away from the likes of you.”

“Hey I can’t help it if I’m irresistible” John held his hands up “but if it makes you feel better I promise not to try anything. I just want to meet him.”

“I’ll think about it” he said “if he wants to come and if he doesn’t have to work we might come.”

“Awesome” he jumped up unable to contain his excitement any longer. He somehow always reminded Braylin of a puppy who knew he was about to get a treat. “I’ll see you there.”

Tossing his uniform into the locker he wrapped a towel around his waist. H walked over to the showers stopping when he came face to face with Matt. The cocky sneer he was wearing sent shivers down his spine. H didn’t know what it was about this guy but he had the uncomfortable feeling that he was up to no good.

***

“Are you sure you want to do this” he asked as they walked up the sidewalk towards the house.

“I want to meet the guys on the team” Trebor insisted.

“Are you sure that’s it” he asked “you’re not concerned I’ll have a relapse or anything?”

“I trust you” he looked into Braylin’s troubled eyes. “You can do this alone if you wanted to. We don’t have stay long either if it makes you uncomfortable. We can leave anytime you want.”

Stopping to tuck a strand of hair behind Trebor’s ear he said “I never want to lose the faith you have in me. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

“Are you sure you want to do this” Trebor asked his apprehension rising. “You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”

“I want to show off my drop dead sexy doctor” he grinned forcing the uneasiness he was feeling to the back of his mind. “I’m proud of my handsome doctor.”

“As I am of my hockey player” he grinned allowing Braylin to pull him close and kiss him in front of the house.

Neither of them noticed the curtains move as their arrival didn’t go unnoticed. “Let the games begin” the observer muttered turning from the window. “Hey everybody they’re here” he announced picking up the two drinks he’d prepared special for their arrival.

“Those are nonalcoholic right” John asked his words slightly slurred.

“Of course” Matt nodded “taste it if you don’t believe me.” Carefully he handed the cup intended for Trebor to him.

“Eew” he made a disgusted face “that’s really bad.”

“Anything nonalcoholic is bad” Joseph said slapping John on the back “but we make allowances for people with different tastes. Don’t we buddy?”

“Sure do” John agreed letting himself be steered into another room away from the door.

“Welcome to the party” Matt greeted them handing Trebor the cup John had sampled and the other cup he gave to Braylin. “I wanted to apologize for the way I acted at practice the other day.”

Taking a sip of the contents Braylin nodded “that’s okay. We all want a chance to play. You’ll get yours.”

Turning away muttering under his breath “sooner than you think.”

Chapter 9 – Movie Date / Chapter 11 – The Party