by C. E. Knipes
“Please call me Mary.”
My father and Brandon shook hands with Sebastian and Calvin. My mother took a seat on my bed on the right; my father took the left. Brandon stood at the end, as if on guard. My mother kissed my forehead. I could see she was fighting back tears.
“How are you feeling, Evan? You’ve got quite a bump on your forehead.”
“I’m fine, Mom. It’s great to see you. You too, Dad. You as well, Brandon.”
My father leaned over and gave my shoulder a good squeeze.
“It’s great seeing you as well, Evan. We’re sorry it’s under such terrible circumstances. I told your mother as long as you landed on your head, you’d be fine. McGarritys are well known for their hard heads.”
Everyone laughed and a lot of the tension was lifted from the room.
Brandon stepped to the edge of the bed next to my father. He shook my hand heartily, then returned to his vigil at the foot of the bed.
“Tell us what happened, Evan.”
As I relayed the events to them, everyone listened intently.
“Oh, Evan, my poor baby. How much did you have to drink?”
“It was still early, Mom, so only a few beers. Plus, several shots of tequila.”
Brandon took control of the conversation. He asked me numerous pointed questions about the evening. He ended with, “What did you take besides alcohol?”
“We smoked a couple of joints, that’s all.”
My parents were aware I smoked pot. There was no need to hide the fact.
We were interrupted by a doctor entering the room.
“Hi, Evan. I’m Dr. Stephens. How are you feeling?”
“Just a slight headache, Dr. Stephens. Do you have news for me?”
“Can we have a moment alone?”
“Whatever you have to say to me, Doctor, you can say in front of these people. They’re all friends and family. I have nothing to hide.”
“Okay. The blood tests revealed that you had a significant amount of GHB in your system.”
You could have heard the proverbial pin drop.
“That’s not possible, Dr. Stephens. I’ve never taken that drug. Honest. I wouldn’t lie about something like that. Could there be a mistake?”
“I’m afraid not, Evan. I understand you were attending a Halloween party when you passed out. I’m reluctant to say this, but if you didn’t ingest it willingly, someone could have slipped it into your drink. It’s not uncommon for this drug to be used in that manner. Did anyone else have access to your drinks during the night?”
“It was a crowded party with a lot of people. It was dark. I’m sure I set my drink down numerous times during the night.”
“So it could have been anyone.”
“Now that I think about it, I did take my beer into the bathroom right before this happened. I set it on the sink. When I went into the stall there was no one else in the bathroom. When I came out, there was a man standing by the sink. He was dressed as Dracula.”
Based on the dose you received, I would say it happened shortly before you passed out. It may have occurred in the bathroom. The effects should wear off in another twelve to twenty-four hours. I would recommend you be more careful when in public places. This might have been a random act, but someone could have a grudge against you.”
I looked at Sebastian. He caught and held my gaze. I knew he was thinking the same thing I was.
“I can’t think of anyone offhand who would want to hurt me, Dr. Stephens. But I will take your advice and keep my eyes open.”
“Sounds good. You get some rest, Evan. I’ll be back later this evening to check on you. If everything checks out, I will release you tomorrow morning.”
After Dr. Stephens left, everyone gathered around my bed.
“We have a room at a nice little place on Main Street, Evan. I’d like to go and freshen up and get something to eat. We’ll be back soon. Sebastian, Jessica, Calvin, would you like to join us for lunch?”
“Thanks, Mary. Calvin and I just ate. But I think we’ll head out and get some rest. It’s been a long night.”
My mom kissed me on the cheek. My father shook my hand.
“We’ll be back later this afternoon, Evan. Get some rest. We love you.”
“I love you too, Mom and Dad.”
“I am hungry, but I don’t want to leave Evan alone.”
“You go ahead, Sebastian,” Brandon said. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on my little brother.”
“Okay.”
He came and kissed me on the forehead.
“I’ll be back soon. I love you.”
“Love you too, Sebastian.”
Jessica and Calvin also said their good-byes, leaving me and Brandon alone. As soon as they had gone, he pulled a chair up beside my bed.
“Okay, little brother. I saw the look you gave Sebastian. Now that everyone is gone, tell me the real story. Do you have an idea who might have drugged you?”
“I do. I think it was Brent.”
I told him the story of Brent, starting from when I had first encountered him. I included all the background Sebastian had supplied, and the report we had completed at the police station. I ended with the flowers after the Fall Formal.
“Christ, he sounds like a low-grade sociopath. What’s the name of the officer you spoke with?”
“Officer Brennan.”
“Okay.”
“Once everyone gets back from lunch, I will go speak to Officer Brennan. You try to get some rest. I need to make a few phone calls.”
I quickly dozed off to the sound of my brother’s voice on the phone. When I woke, my parents and Sebastian had returned. Brandon was missing.
“How was lunch?
“It was very nice. It was wonderful to get better acquainted with Sebastian. Brandon went to grab something for himself. How are you feeling?”
“My head still hurts. If you don’t mind, I’m going to nap a bit more.”
“Not at all, honey. Dr. Stephens said rest is what you need. I brought a few books with me. I’m sure your father can find a television somewhere to watch.”
“I love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, Evan.”
When I woke again, it was dark outside. Sebastian was the only one in the room. He was asleep in a chair in the corner. Just then Brandon returned. I hadn’t yet had a chance to tell Sebastian where Brandon had been.
“How are you feeling, little brother?”
“Much better, thanks.”
Sebastian woke to the sound of our voices. I quickly filled him in on Brandon’s visit to the Milton police station.
“What did Officer Brennan say?”
“He added this information to the report you filed. While there appears to be no proof against Brent, I’m betting he is the culprit. Unless you know of anyone else who has it out for you?”
“No one I can think of.”
“I also checked with a friend of mine at the FBI. Brent has quite an extensive list of complaints against him, as well as several misdemeanors. Starting well before he met Sebastian.”
“Did you know any of this, Sebastian?”
“I didn’t. I never thought to dig into his background. I just took what he said at face value.”
“Well, as Officer Brennan said, steer clear of him as much as possible. And keep your eyes and ears open.”
He had just finished speaking when Dr. Stephens entered the room.
“How are you feeling, Evan?”
“Much better, Dr. Stephens. My headache is gone and my appetite has returned.”
“That’s great news. Let’s do a quick check of your vitals.”
When he was done, he wrote a few notes on his clipboard.
“Everything sounds good. I’m going to keep you tonight for observation. You can be released in the morning.”
“Thanks, Dr. Stephens.”
After he left, Sebastian came and sat on the bed.
“Your parents went back to the hotel to rest
a few hours. They should be back soon.”
“What do you feel like eating?”
“I could go for a pepperoni pizza from DiMarco’s.”
“That sounds good. Make it two.”
Jessica and Calvin walked into my room.
“How are you feeling, champ?”
“Much better, Jess.”
She had just sat down in the chair next to my bed when my parents returned. After assuring them I was feeling better, we all decided to order pizza for dinner.
“Why don’t Sebastian and I go get them? It will give us a chance to get better acquainted.”
“That’s very nice of you, Brandon. I’m going to rest till you get back.”
Sebastian woke me up when he and Brandon returned. We had an impromptu pizza party in my room. When I had eaten my fill, I found myself growing tired again.
“I hate to be a party pooper, but I can barely keep my eyes open.”
My mother sat on the edge of the bed.
“You sleep if you need to, Evan. Don’t worry about us. We’re fine.”
*
I woke as usual before the alarm went off. I was pleased to feel the comforting warmth of Sebastian beside me. It had been a week since I had been released from the hospital with a clean bill of health. My parents and Brandon had stayed through that Sunday night. Brandon had to be back at work Monday morning. I was sorry to see them go, but knew I would be in good hands with Sebastian, Jessica, and Calvin looking after me. I would also be seeing them in a few weeks at Thanksgiving. Sebastian was the only one who’d been able to convince my mother she didn’t need to stay.
Sebastian rolled over and kissed me.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, stallion.”
“Are you still up for a short hike today?”
“I am. I need a good dose of fresh air and sunshine.”
“Okay. I’ll get in the shower first.”
He got out of bed, wrapped a towel around his waist, and headed for the shower. I had spent the weekend in Sebastian’s room. We were headed for a hike at nearby Cascade Falls. I left for the shower as soon as Sebastian returned. When I got back in the room, he was dressed and ready to go. Within minutes, I was as well. We stopped at Perry’s for breakfast and then set out on the road.
“Now, are you sure you’re up for this? You’ve only been out of the hospital a week.”
“Yes. Now please stop asking me.”
“Okay. But please let me know right away if you start to tire.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.”
He laughed and affectionately placed his hand on my knee.
I had never been to Cascade Falls, but knew it was one of Sebastian’s favorite outdoor places near Milton. I was looking forward to the adventure. The sun struggled to make an early appearance through the morning clouds.
“We’re about thirty minutes from the falls. There’s a little store right before it that I usually stop at for supplies. Do you want anything special from inside?”
“Something to drink maybe. Should I come in with you?”
“No, you stay put. I’ll be right back.”
I watched him climb the steps to the store. He held the door open for an older woman then entered behind her. Not only was he handsome as hell, but he also had manners. I was becoming very enchanted by this man. The store was very busy. Numerous people came and went while I waited for Sebastian to emerge. The sun had won its battle against the clouds. I was bathed in its golden glow.
Sebastian finally appeared, carrying two large paper bags. He went around to the back of the Jeep and opened the hatch. He rummaged for a bit, and I heard the unmistakable sound of a cooler lid being raised and then lowered. After a few more minutes of arranging, Sebastian was once more behind the wheel. He leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. The feel of the stubble on his cheek sent tingles down my torso and into my groin.
“Are we all set now, James Bond?”
He laughed good-naturedly at my jibe.
“We are.”
He backed out of the parking space and pulled onto the main road once more. I must have dozed off. The next thing I knew, we were pulling into a parking lot teeming with vehicles and people. This was indeed a popular place. We managed to find a parking space beneath a large maple. In front of us and also to our right were rows of picnic tables, each one sporting a personal mini-grill. A large portion of the tables were filled with families. The cries of exuberant children and barking dogs filled the air. It was the last gasp of fall before a cruel winter would set in.
We exited the Jeep and met at its back hatch. Sebastian opened it and handed me a backpack.
“This has our snacks and some extra clothing and isn’t too heavy.”
“Are you implying I’m a wimp, Mr. Tantalos?”
“No. I know for certain you’re not. I simply want you to take it easy.”
He kissed me and pulled a second backpack from the Jeep. This was followed by a small cooler. He helped me on with my backpack, and then I did the same for him. The trail started out paved but quickly turned to dirt. We let a family pass us, then set out a few feet behind them.
The sun was continuing to win its battle against the clouds. As the trail began to climb, I started to sweat quite a bit. I called a halt and removed my coat. Sebastian took his off as well.
“Why don’t I grab each of us a bottle of water?”
He set the cooler on the ground and grabbed two bottles of water from it. He handed one to me. I twisted off the cap and drank half of it in one gulp.
“Easy there, Tiger. There’s a limited supply of that.”
“Maybe I should just switch to beer now and call it good.”
“Let’s just stick with water for now, eh?”
I smiled in response and passed him on the trail, playfully giving him an elbow in the ribs as I did.
We walked for almost an hour in silence. As comfortable as an old married couple. We met several other hikers on the trail, many of them bidding us “Good day,” or a similar greeting. The sun was high overhead when Sebastian stopped abruptly in front of me. The trail leveled off, and I could see a good-sized lake below us in the distance, nestled among a stand of pine trees.
“That’s Cascade Lake.”
“It’s beautiful.”
We descended the hill and followed the well-worn path to the lake. The trail continued past the lake into the woods. A dozen picnic tables were placed beneath the pines. Several were occupied. We passed the tables and made a beeline for the lake. A few feet from the edge the bank had partially caved in, forming a grassy overhang.
“This is the spot.”
Sebastian set the cooler on the ground and removed his backpack. He then helped me off with mine. He pulled a blanket from his and spread it on the ground.
“Have a seat. We can rest here, eat our lunch, and see what else we can get up to.”
“Sounds good, Sebastian.”
Since the night of the formal, I’d learned his expression “get up to” was code that he was hankering for a piece of me.
I sat, gazing out at the beautiful blue water of the lake. Sebastian began pulling items out of the cooler. There were two subs, bananas, apples, grapes, and two chocolate chip cookies. He pulled paper plates and napkins from his backpack.
“A feast fit for a king. Or my queen.”
We made short work of the food. Satiated, we stretched out on our backs. Sebastian took my coat, made a pillow of it, and was soon fast asleep. I stared at the few clouds above, relishing the feel of the sun on my face. Before long, my head began to nod. When I woke, Sebastian was on his feet. Everything had been repacked.
“How long was I out for?”
“Only a half hour. We have time for a hike around the lake before we head back.”
We helped each other with our backpacks, then set out. We passed the lake and entered the woods. It turned chilly so I stopped and put my coat on. After a half mile or so, Sebastian announced he had to pe
e. I waited while he disappeared into the woods.
“Hey, Evan, come here and look at this.”
I followed the direction of his voice and found him about fifty feet in. He was lying on a bed of bright green moss. It looked like the bed of a giant. Sunlight was streaming onto it through a natural break in the trees.
“You can’t believe how soft this is. Come and lie next to me.”
I made my way to the moss and settled down beside him. He leaned over and began kissing my neck. He grabbed my crotch and began rubbing it furiously. I was quickly hard as a rock. Sebastian swung his left leg over me, straddling me just below my crotch. He stared into my eyes without speaking as he undid my belt. He unbuttoned and unzipped my pants.
“Lift your ass,” he whispered.
When I did, he pulled my jeans and briefs to my knees.
“You sure do have a beautiful cock.”
He bent down and ran his tongue the length of my shaft. I moaned softly and grabbed a handful of his hair. On his next swath he completely engulfed my member. He gripped me at the thighs and began sawing steadily on my cock. All the while using his tongue, lips, and even his teeth to tease and strum the tender flesh. My world shrank to his warm mouth as he quickly brought me to a powerful orgasm.
“I’m gonna come.”
When I was spent, he slid up my chest and kissed me deeply.
“Let’s finish our hike and then head home.”
We resumed our hike, and in about thirty minutes had circled the lake. The sky was beginning to cloud over as we headed back to the Jeep.
We picked up our pace. We were both eager to get home and relax before the start of classes tomorrow. Soon I saw the parking lot below us. When we reached the Jeep, I slipped off my backpack. I grabbed a bottle of water and was just ready to take a drink when Sebastian softly exclaimed, “fuck.”
When I looked up to see what the problem was, I saw Brent heading toward us.
“So, is this where you take all your boy toys, Sebastian?”
“I’m no one’s boy toy, Brent!”
Once again, he had brought out my defense instincts. He looked me up and down as if I were no more significant than a piece of gum on his shoe. He turned to Sebastian.
“You best tell Evan to mind his manners, Sebastian!”
“Don’t make me kick your ass again, Brent.”
