The Story of Us

by Barbara Elsborg

  “Fancy a job in Canterbury over the summer?”

  No! “Doing what?”

  “Walking up and down the high street touting for tourists to go on the river tours. You’d hand out leaflets and show people where to go. You’d get paid. Not a lot but better than nothing. And you can stay with me for the whole summer. We can go to the mosque together.”

  Zed stood and stared at him.

  “Well, what do you say?”

  No. “Have you talked to Dad about it?”

  “Not yet. I’m sure he’d be okay with it though.”

  “When would I start?”

  “Next week.”

  “Can I think about it?” He knew Tamaz expected him to leap at the chance.

  His brother gave a puzzled chuckle. “Waiting for a better offer?”

  “It’s just that there’s someone who asked me to coach his son in maths and physics over the summer and I sort of said yes.”

  His brother shrugged. “I just thought you might like to spend some time with me. We could go to London again. We had fun last summer, didn’t we? Fahid would like to see you.”

  What the hell for?

  “He was very taken with you. He doesn’t very often get people who argue with him.”

  I hardly did.

  Zed turned when he heard a car pulling up on the drive. “Thanks for cooking,” he said quickly.

  “No zaban today.” Tamaz grinned and Zed shuddered.

  “Tamaz!” His father strode into the kitchen, hugged his brother and ignored Zed. “This is a surprise.”

  “I came for dinner but I can’t stay overnight.”

  “You work so hard.”

  Why Zed deserved the glare his father shot him, he did not know.

  He washed up after the meal and put the kitchen to rights while his father and Tamaz talked. Zed wondered if his brother would mention the job. He hoped he didn’t because that would mean more lies to make up about a fictitious tutoring role. Zed went to bed while the pair were still talking. He retrieved the book on the way and slid it under his pillow. His father rarely looked in on him but he was still ultra-careful, lying curled up in a way that would hide the book from view.

  When he heard the front door slam hard, he jumped. He’d shoved the book under his pillow before his door burst open, but he still jerked upright.

  “You will not be working in Canterbury this summer,” his father snapped.

  “Okay.”

  When his father frowned, Zed realised he should have sounded more upset.

  “What’s that?” his father asked.

  Oh fuck. He didn’t look at where his father’s attention was fixed but he realised the book must be visible. His father dragged him out of bed by his hair and pulled him onto the floor.

  “Where did this come from?” His father held up the book.

  “I borrowed it.” Zed stayed where he was. Be good. Don’t upset him. Don’t let him get angry enough to hurt you.

  His father opened the book and looked through the first few pages. “Not from school. There’s no stamp to say it’s their property.”

  Shit. “From a boy at school.”

  “A new book? Why would he lend you a brand-new book? Who is this boy?”

  No way would Zed give him Caspian’s name. But in his terrified struggle to think of another, he was far too slow.

  “Br—”

  “Don’t even think about lying.” His father yanked him to his feet. “You stole it.”

  “No, I—”

  The smack across his face sent him sprawling across the bed.

  “I’ll give it back,” Zed cried. “I’m sorry. It just looked like a fun story. It’s set in the future. There’s nothing haram in it.”

  His father pulled his belt from his trousers.

  “Please don’t.” Zed couldn’t get another broken arm, any injury that stopped him leaving with Caspian.

  “I am sick of you.” The belt slashed across his ribs. “The sight of you disgusts me.”

  Zed curled up as his father kept hitting him. Each strike made him cry out even as he tried not to. This is the last time. The last time you strike me. He squeezed his eyes shut and imagined himself fighting back, the shock on his father’s face when Zed hit him.

  Eventually the belt stopped falling, his father left the room, and Zed let out a shaky exhalation. He bit his lip as he uncurled, pain radiating through his entire body. He felt as if he’d fallen into a snake pit and been repeatedly bitten. He hurt but there was no blood, no broken bones and as long as his father didn’t come back with that chain, he could survive.

  But if he did get the chain, Zed would have to fight. Whatever happened, he was leaving tonight.

  He lay and waited and waited. Once he was sure his father was asleep, he silently filled his backpack and went down to the kitchen. He picked up a bottle of water and an apple. He saw his father’s wallet and phone sitting on the counter and stared at them for a long time.

  Zed wasn’t a thief. He’d been tempted sometimes when he was hungry or wanted something sweet like a chocolate bar or when he’d spotted a book he’d like to read but he’d never helped himself to anything apart from his father’s loose change and he hadn’t done that for a long while. Almost everyone he knew at school was given pocket money. Those who didn’t just asked for what they wanted and got it.

  He opened the wallet. Six twenties and three tens. He could have taken a twenty and maybe his father wouldn’t have noticed but what did it matter? He took the lot along with the phone. Once he’d retrieved his money from the garage, he walked away. He didn’t hurt so much now. Adrenaline had overpowered his pain.

  One look back when he reached the road and Zed grimaced. He promised himself he’d never come back, even if everything turned to shit.

  Once he was in the field and heading up to the ridge, he called Caspian. It was gone midnight and he didn’t expect Caspian to answer but he did.

  “Hello?”

  His voice made Zed smile. “It’s me.”

  “You got a phone?”

  “Not exactly. I took a phone. It’s my father’s.”

  “Are you okay?”

  Zed stumbled and pain flared. “No. I’m on my way to the treehouse. I’m not going back. I have my backpack and money.”

  “You need to get rid of the phone. They can trace you. Switch it off. Take the battery out. Dump it. I’ll meet you at the treehouse.”

  “You’re at home?”

  “Got back late yesterday. See you soon.”

  “See you soon.”

  Zed dropped the battery into the soil and stamped on it, then threw the phone into the bottom of the hedge before he carried on walking. He imagined his father coming downstairs in the morning, and not seeing his phone. Would he be certain of where he left it? Would he look for it? How long before he stormed up to Zed’s room? At what point would he realise what Zed had done?

  Now he regretted taking the phone and the money. His father would know he’d run before he’d managed to get away from the village. It was small consolation that now he was sixteen, he couldn’t be made to return home.

  Caspian was waiting for him in the treehouse, sitting below a halo of starry lights. He pushed to his feet as Zed lowered the hatch. When Zed eased his backpack from his shoulders, Caspian sighed.

  “What’s he done? Fucking hell. I can see what the bastard’s done.” He reached for Zed’s face but pulled his fingers back before he touched him.

  Zed sank onto the mattress. “At least he didn’t use the buckle end of his belt.”

  “Had you forgotten to stir his tea?”

  Zed managed a small laugh. “I stirred it clockwise instead of anticlockwise.”

  Caspian settled at his side. “I want to hurt him. I should have told you to keep his phone and we could have ordered a ton of stuff off Amazon. Bondage gear, a cock ring, a thousand condoms, a gallon of lube, a butt plug, a How to have sex with Dummies book.”

  Zed smiled.
>
  “What had you done?”

  “He found me with one of your books, Catching Fire but I don’t think he needed an excuse. Maybe he’s even trying to force me to run.”

  “We’re not running. We’re leaving home. There’s a difference. Tomorrow we’ll go to Sandiford Station, buy tickets and catch a train to London. We’ll find a place to live and we’ll get jobs.”

  Caspian sounded so confident, Zed felt better. “We need National Insurance numbers. I couldn’t find my birth certificate. I can apply for a replacement but I need an address.”

  “I was sent a National Insurance number just before my birthday last year.”

  Zed sighed. “My father will have intercepted mine.”

  “We can sort it out. Let’s get some sleep. Everything’s going to be fine. This time, I won’t let you down, I promise.”

  Zed lay on the foam mattress and Caspian curled around him. It hurt but he’d rather put up with the pain than lose Caspian’s touch. Caspian slipped into sleep quicker than him. Zed’s mind was racing, worrying. How were they going to find somewhere to live? What if they ended up sleeping rough?

  What if…? What if…? What if…?

  When Zed woke, Caspian was still curled around him like a squirrel except the zip was open on Zed’s jeans and Caspian had his hand inside and it felt good. Really good. Caspian gently jacked him off and Zed moaned.

  “What the fuck?”

  The loud voice coming from the open hatch made both Zed and Caspian lurch.

  “What the hell are you two doing?”

  “Get the fuck out of here, Lachlan,” Caspian snapped and pulled his hand out of Zed’s jeans.

  His brother. Zed zipped up.

  “Father’s looking for you. He’s pissed off. You better hurry.” Lachlan gave Zed a long look and then went back down the ladder.

  Zed turned to face Caspian. “He’s going to tell your father what he’s seen.”

  “I don’t care.”

  Zed’s heart pounded. “What if he locks you up? What if he sends you away? I have to go today. I can’t let my father find me.”

  “We are going today.” Caspian chewed his lip. “I need clothes and my money. But I need to sneak out.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “Go to Sandiford Station. Buy tickets that will let us catch any train today and wait for me. If you don’t want to stay on the platform, go over the bridge to the park. I’ll come as soon as I can. No more than ninety minutes.”

  “Promise?”

  Caspian pressed his lips to Zed’s, gave him the sweetest kiss, then pulled back. “I promise.”

  Caspian disappeared down the ladder and Zed leaned over to watch him as he headed through the trees. When he’d vanished from view, Zed picked up his backpack and climbed down. He’d go across fields to get to the station just in case his father was driving around looking for him. No way was anything going to wreck this.

  Chapter Eight

  Caspian didn’t bother hurrying back to the house. He wouldn’t beat Lachlan who was no doubt desperate to tell their father just what he’d seen. Bastard. Didn’t matter. Tonight, he and Zed would be in London. Together. Caspian had enough money to pay for a couple of nights in a hotel while they sorted themselves out.

  He’d told Zed there was a difference between running and leaving home, though it wasn’t as simple as that. He couldn’t just pack a bag, wave goodbye and walk out. His father would find a way to stop him. Not by force but maybe by a threat.

  Or yes, by force if he’s desperate enough. Caspian sighed.

  He went straight to his father’s study and knocked on the door.

  “Come in,” his father called.

  Of course Lachlan was there. He smirked as he passed Caspian, but he looked odd. Spaced out. The door closed and for once, Caspian kept his mouth shut and waited to see what his father was going to say.

  “You are never to see that boy again.”

  There was nothing more guaranteed to make Caspian do the exact opposite than being forbidden to do something, but he simply didn’t care what his father thought or said. Zed was his. He was Zed’s.

  “Whatever you were doing, you will never do it again. Are we clear?”

  As a fucking bell. I won’t be gay anymore. No problemo. He sucked in his cheeks.

  “His father rang this morning and asked if I’d seen him.”

  Caspian’s heart did a small skip of distress.

  “I said no but I’d check.”

  Oh God. Run fast, Zed. Be careful.

  “He stole his father’s mobile and took money from his wallet. What were you two planning?”

  Not were—are.

  “Zed’s father hit him last night with a belt. Repeatedly. After Zed and I made that crop circle, his father beat him so hard that he broke Zed’s arm. Zed’s had enough. He’s leaving.”

  “And you intended to leave with him?”

  Caspian knew from his father’s tone of voice he’d guessed that was the plan.

  “You’re only seventeen. How the hell could you support yourself? Because there would be no money from me. No flat in London for you to live in. You’re not likely to pass any GCSEs. You have no skills. You can’t even cook for yourself. You can barely read. Christ, Caspian, you’re not stupid but you’re behaving like it. Think! Think.”

  His voice had grown louder and louder, but it softened on that last word.

  “I understand you feel sorry for this boy, but this ends here. You are not going anywhere with him. You are not leaving home. Go upstairs and pack for France. Stay in your room until your mother is ready to leave.”

  Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you.

  “I can see you thinking, Caspian. This is quite simple. Do as you’re told, and I won’t call the boy’s father and tell him what you and his son were doing in the treehouse.”

  Caspian shrugged. “Tell him. I don’t care.” Better that Zed’s father wasted time looking here rather than checking the train stations.

  “So he’s not in the treehouse?”

  Damn. Caspian kept quiet.

  “I could report the man for assaulting his son,” his father said.

  “You’ve already seen that didn’t work.”

  “Why did he lie?”

  “He knew what his father would do if he told the truth.”

  “How do you know he’s not lying now?”

  “He’s not.”

  “Hitting your child in a way that causes actual bodily harm is against the law. Zed can be helped. There’s no need for him to run. He can be looked after in a safe place away from here.”

  Away from me. That wasn’t what either of them wanted.

  “Shall I report his father? Call the police?”

  “No,” Caspian said quickly.

  “Give me your phone.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want you contacting him.”

  Caspian handed it over. He’d been going to get rid of it anyway.

  “Now go to your room. Pack and wait.”

  Caspian walked out to find Lachlan at the foot of the stairs. His pupils were huge.

  “Been a naughty boy?” Lachlan asked.

  Caspian ignored him but Lachlan followed him up the stairs.

  “What did Pa say about you being into guys?”

  “That I wasn’t to do it again.”

  Lachlan laughed. His hand settled on Caspian’s shoulder and he squeezed. “It’s okay. He’ll come around.”

  Caspian shrugged him off, then turned and glared. “It wasn’t up to you to out me. You don’t get to decide when that happens. I’m supposed to be the one who says it. I choose when and how. My choice not yours. You should have kept your fucking mouth shut. It’s my life, my sexuality. It has nothing to do with you.”

  Lachlan sighed. “All I said was that you were cuddled up to a boy. I didn’t tell him you had your hand in his jeans fondling his cock.”

  Caspian went into his room. When he tried to close the door, Lachlan’s
foot was in the way.

  “I’ve been instructed to keep an eye on you so don’t get any ideas.”

  Caspian kicked him in the shin, slammed the door and locked it. Shit.

  It didn’t take him long to pack a small bag. Not a backpack but a sports bag. He gathered all his money together and zipped it into a side pocket. Then he wasn’t sure what to do. It briefly crossed his mind that he could tie his sheets together and lower the bag to the ground before climbing down himself, but when he tried to open the window, it would only rise six inches and the tool to unfasten the locking mechanism had gone. Fuck.

  He retrieved the money from his bag and stuffed it into the pocket of his jacket. When he unlocked the door and opened it, Lachlan sat on the floor opposite the door, messing around on his phone. Caspian headed for the stairs.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Lachlan pushed himself to his feet.

  “To get something to eat. I missed breakfast.”

  “Have you packed?”

  “Yes. Take a look if you don’t believe me.”

  Lachlan clattered down the stairs behind him and followed him to the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Betsy. I’m sorry I missed breakfast. Could I have something to eat please?”

  “What would you like?”

  “One of your delicious waffles?” Caspian blinked his eyes and tried to look like a sad puppy.

  She laughed. “All right. You too, Lachlan? Do you have your appetite back yet?”

  “No thanks. I’ll stick to coffee.” He poured himself one and sat at the table, tapping away on his phone.

  “Shall I get the maple syrup?” Caspian asked.

  Betsy smiled at him. “Yes please.”

  He made his way down the corridor but hurried past the pantry and headed straight for the back door. He was through it and gone in seconds. He knew every inch of the gardens around the house, every shortcut, every hiding place and he was fast. No way was he letting Zed down again. By the time Caspian heard his brother calling, he was already in the wood. He couldn’t risk going anywhere near a road. If Zed had any sense, he’d have avoided roads too. He took off his jacket and carried it as he ran.

  There was no way Caspian could get to the station inside the ninety minutes he’d promised, but Zed would wait. He took a route to keep him in woodland for as long as he could before he had to cross a road. Lachlan didn’t look in a fit shape to be running anywhere so hopefully it wouldn’t be difficult to shake him off. He’d been out at a party last night so he might be hungover or maybe he’d taken drugs. Why hadn’t their father noticed Lachlan wasn’t…right?