Heartbeat

This is a work of fiction. Any similarities between the story and reality are purely coincidental. Please contact the author at doncornelius69 AT yahoo DOT com. Copyright 2023

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Chapter 8

We used the subpoena issued by Collin County to get me out of school for two days. Even then the principle wanted to know what it was about and I just told him I couldn't tell him since it was "Grand Jury testimony and secret".

I didn't actually know that was the case, but I did think he was particularly clueless since my past wasn't exactly a secret. I also thought, "It's not really your business, is it?" but thought better of saying it out loud since missing school actually was his business.

The Tuesday we flew to Dallas, Zach came over for breakfast then tearfully left me to go to school, very upset that he wasn't making the trip with us. Mom was fine with him coming, it was his parents who decided we could be apart for two days and, though I hid it well, I was very happy they did. This was the last piece of my life before him that was left undone. Now, it was up to me to close it up and tie a bow around it.

Then I would set it on fire.

The trip was uneventful save for completely forgetting how cold Texas could be in late fall. It was common to have days in the 70s and then the very next day would be 36. When we walked out to catch the rental shuttle, it was a brisk 42 and the sun was already down. We were supposed to meet Aaron and Eddie for dinner at a Sichuan place in east Plano. I was really excited about it because I was hungry and it was a place I really liked. Finally getting to meet Eddie also played a role in my excitement. We'd talked a lot over the last two weeks as we shared our feelings and stories more completely. I thought, in some way, I was helping him to heal.

We ended up driving by our old house to kill time and saw the Christmas lights the new owners had tastefully put up. Mom had thought about renting the house, but then she received a crazy offer and was happy enough to be rid of it. It also helped make the downpayment on our house in Palo a little less of a gut punch.

We sat on the side of the street, looking at it from the car, in silence. For me, that house was never an especially happy place and it wasn't just because of the attack. We'd moved here 8 years ago from Dallas because my father felt like it was the thing to do. It was larger and nicer than our house in Dallas, but I lost all my friends and while I did make new ones, it wasn't the same.

This was the house where I came out to a supportive, loving mother and an indifferent father who came to hate me. Even now, he was embarrassed of me. Mom didn't know I'd overheard her half of a conversation with him the week after Thanksgiving when he called to tell her that my speaking up about the rape was `problematic' for him. And then my mom read him for filth.

For me, there wasn't really much to think about. I'd long viewed him as a weak and inconsequential person and that call reinforced my opinion. At that point, I was pretty sure I'd not even be at his funeral since he'd never really been a father to me, he was just a sperm donor, something he'd pointedly made clear by his actions over the years.

My mom looked over at me and asked, "Are you OK?"

I took a deep breath, "Yeah," I replied, glancing down at the gloves I was wearing. "This isn't a happy place for me, mom. I'm good if you're ready to go."

She knew what I meant and didn't saying anything, just put the car in drive. It was, maybe, a 20 minute from the house down Parker to the restaurant and we passed by my old high school which gave me chills. There was nothing about this part of the trip that was happy for me.

Eddie was already there and Aaron came in right behind us. He looked like he'd lost weight and was clearly haggard. I asked what was wrong and he smiled tightly and told me he wasn't getting much sleep.

"Over this," I asked.

"I'm on the witness list for the criminal trial on Eddie's case so he knows I've turned on him."

"How bad has it been at school," I asked.

"Bad, but nothing like what you went through," he told me, his eyes moistening. "His believers have dwindled to a few and he's keeping a much lower profile because of the case against him in Dallas. I expect him to be there tomorrow."

"He can't hurt you, Aaron. There will be cops all over the place." Not to mention it would be a pretty even fight between the two of them.

Aaron smiled, "I'm not worried about what he'll do, I'm worried about what he'll say. If he does say something stupid, it will set me off and then I'm going to take him down, I don't care who is in the way."

My mom spoke up at that point, "You can't do that, kiddo. No matter how he baits you, you just can't."

He sighed, "I know, but I also know he's poison and the world is better off without him."

I tried to change the subject, "Eddie, has a date been set for your case?"

Eddie smiled, "April 18th. I'm sure he'll find a way to stretch it out, but I'm thrilled with how Dallas County has moved on everything. I gave the prosecutors your contact information."

My mom looked at me with an obvious question on her face.

"I told Eddie that I would be happy to testify for the prosecution in his case," I told her.

She smiled, "I think that's good."

We ordered, then talked more. Eddie was a freshman at SMU and quite happy. He was originally from a small town in West Texas and was thrilled to be in Dallas.

"My high school was 3A, really small," he told us. "So, being in Dallas is awesome! I love my family, but it's hard going to back to that. I know they're hoping I'll move home after school, but they also know there's nothing for me there." That in a nut shell was small town Texas. The gays and lesbians who could get out for school seldom wanted to return once exposed to life outside.

"Aaron, have you thought about what you're going to do after graduation?" my mother asked.

"I got my acceptance letter from Dartmouth yesterday."

"Oh, that's wonderful," my mom exclaimed.

Aaron smiled, shyly, "Yeah, my parents were pretty thrilled given how down I've been."

"That is awesome!" I told him.

"What about you?"

I laughed a little, "Well, I'm going to try for UC Berkeley but I don't think I'm going to get in. I'll probably end up at San Jose State."

"You decided to stay in California to be closer to your boyfriend," he asked, smiling since he already knew the answer.

"Zach. Yeah, that's about the size of it."

"I'm happy for you, man," he said with sincerity.

Eddie laughed, "I'm jealous of you. I want a Zach, too!"

I smiled at him, "Well, all I can tell you is that if you're a good person, you live a good clean life, and get plenty of sleep, a Zach will come your way!"

We talked and ate, then decided to address what was going to happen tomorrow. Eddie would be testifying when my case went to trial, but he'd not been called by the Collin County DA despite offering to tell his story. Tonight, for him, was just an opportunity for us to meet face to face and I'm really glad he took the time.

For Aaron and I, tomorrow was a completely different thing and while we were both ready, one of us was almost happy, Aaron.

"I'm looking forward to it, I really am. People need to know the truth, not the avalanche of lies he's been spewing for almost a year."

I nodded.

"I know this is going to sound bad, but this has weighed on me and I'm sorry it took me so long to do the right thing," he said, tears beginning to fall down his cheeks. "For me, tomorrow is about what I should have done last spring."

"I know and I really appreciate it, man."

Aaron got himself back together and blurted out, "So tell us about Zach!"

I laughed as I told them the story of meeting and our first date which they seemed to enjoy. Well, Eddie seemed to enjoy, I think Aaron was just being nice.

They both agreed that next trip I should bring him and I told them I would.

My mom paid and we said our goodbyes, then we went to the hotel. It was almost 10 when we got there so I called Zach while my mom took a shower.

"Hey babe," he answered in that deep voice I found so fucking hot. "How's the trip so far?"

"A little weird in places but fine. We went by our old house and then past my old high school and I caught a bit of a chill from that. Then we had dinner with Aaron and Eddie, both of whom want to meet you."

"Are you feeling OK?"

"Yeah, I'm nervous but I'm keeping a lid on it."

"Are you really?"

"Yeah, I'm still dreading this but I'm OK. I'm getting through it," I told him, trying desperately to project confidence.

"I wish I was there with you."

"Eddie wishes you were here, too. Or, more specifically, a clone of you," I told him as I laughed.

He broke out in a wide smile, "So Eddie has a thing for me?"

"Apparently. He made a comment when were having dinner then again when Aaron asked about you."

"Well, tell him when he testifies at Derrick's trial for hurting you, he can sit next to me in the courtroom while you testify."

That made me laugh, "Oh, really? Are you saying you want to revisit our agreement on being monogamous?"

"Nope. Not now, not ever. But I can smile and be very charming."

"You absolutely can."

At that point my mom came out of the shower, saw me, and sighed.

"Tell him I said hi and that you have to take a shower so we can get in bed."

I laughed as I looked at him, "Did you get all that?"

"Yeah, I did. Hi, Ms. Edelman!"

"Hi Zach. Bye Zach."

"I love you and I'll see you tomorrow afternoon," I told him.

"Love you, too. If need anything tomorrow..."

"I know, babe," and I ended the call.

I looked over at my mom who was sitting on her bed with her computer on her lap, checking email. She glanced over at me and caught me looking at her.

"Are you OK, sweatheart?"

"I think so, just a little nervous."

"I had a feeling you might be, and it's OK. This is a big deal and you're confronting it head on. I'm so very proud of you," she said, the emotion in her voice coming through clearly.

"Thanks, mom, but don't start crying or I'll start."

That made her laugh and clear her throat, "OK, now go take a shower. We have to be up early tomorrow."

Despite the fact that my internal clock told me it was only 830, I was actually tired. It had been a long day and the stress of it all surprisingly whipped my ass. I quickly took a shower, readied myself for bed, and was asleep before mom even turned off her light.

I slept well that night and had only one dream, of me beating the shit out of Derrick. I woke up happy when my mom gently shook me and we packed up and went to Normas for breakfast, where I made a pig out of myself. After, we went to the Collin County Courthouse for our appointment at 10.

I don't know why but I expected more of a spectacle and instead I got what I could only assume was the normal day view of the place. We checked in with the clerk, as instructed, and who then directed us to the grand jury room.

We walked to the elevator bank in silence, then got on. As the doors were closing a hand stuck through the door. It was Derrick.

He, his father, and another man I assume was his attorney all got on with us. Derrick couldn't resist the opportunity.

"Hi there, Tate. Good to see you again. I see California's treating you well."

I smiled, "It is." And that was it.

When we got off, my mom held me back a bit and let them walk ahead of us.

"Are you OK," she asked, concerned.

"I am, and that sense of dread evaporated on the elevator. I'm ready." The smug look on his face had done it for me.

We walked to where we were supposed to be and waited. About a minute after we arrived, the ADA came out and asked for me. I stepped forward and he very quickly told me he would ask me some questions and that I needed to answer them truthfully. Don't embellish, don't offer opinion, just facts.

I entered the room and took a seat after being sworn in. The ADA walked me though what was going to happen, more for the benefit of the GJ than for me, and then started asking questions.

Initially, it was normal stuff like name, date of birth, and current place of residence. He asked if I'd been paid to come and I pointedly told him that my mother and I made this trip on our own dime.

Then he asked me to simply tell the GJ what happened from my perspective, which I did. I could tell from their reactions, they weren't buying it and it made me sad, though I tried desperately not to show it. As I described getting up off the floor of the shower, I saw three of the female jurors tear up. They started crying when I told them what it was like when I got home.

He asked about being gay and asked why I'd not fought back. I reminded him that I did fight back, but because of the size difference, there wasn't much I could do. I told him, again, that I'd given him a black eye and a broken nose, which he'd been unable to hide at school the next day. At that point the DA showed pictures of him from the days after which showed the injuries described.

I then asked if I could have a copy of the results of the rape kit, which made the members of the GJ start looking at one another, confused. The ADA said he was unaware of one being done and I handed him a document with the names of everyone involved, including the badge numbers of the police who'd come to the hospital. My mother was meticulous.

After that, he asked me if there was anything I'd like to say, and I told them that I appreciated that they were doing their duty. I asked that they think, before they made a decision, about what they would want if a loved one had been attacked. Justice, I told them, didn't have a sexual orientation.

He dismissed me and I walked out to find Aaron talking with my mother. I glanced over to see Derrick trying to burn holes in him with his eyes.

I said hi to him as I walked up.

My mom asked, "How did it go?"

I calmly replied, "The ADA asked me questions and I answered them. I also asked them to think about what they'd want if someone they loved were attacked."

"Do you think it worked," Aaron asked.

I gave him a small smile, "Yeah, I think it did. I think the women were initially more likely to blow it off than the men, but that seemed to fade."

The ADA called Aaron and I saw him look over at Derrick. I'm not sure what he did, but Derrick's face turned bright red and for a split second I thought he was going to charge at Aaron.

I turned back to my mom and quietly asked, "Did you see that?"

She just smiled and nodded her head.

We both took a seat on a bench and she got on her laptop while I played on my phone. Forty-five minutes later, Aaron walked out and looked around winking at me and then, when his eyes landed on Derrick, he raised his hand, made a gun with his fingers and shot him.

He walked over to us with a big smile on his face and asked if we wanted to grab something to eat. My mom and I just kind chuckled out a yes.

We ended up at Five Guys in remarkably good spirits. I felt really good about what I'd done and it was like a ton had been lifted off Aaron as he tore into his burger. We'd both finally had the chance to tell the truth where it mattered, legally. We both knew he was going on trial in Dallas for raping Eddie, but this was personal for both of us. Even if the GJ no billed him, we both had done all that we could to see him face justice. Whatever else, we could both look ourselves in the mirror and know we stood up for what was right.

We had to leave to get back to the airport. Aaron stuck out his hand to me, and I pulled him into a hug.

"Thank you, man, for stepping up."

Aaron wiped at his eyes, "Sorry it took so long."

We got in the car and left, with my mother driving. I was lost in thought, looking out the window as north Texas flew by at 80 miles an hour. I'd been scared leaving this place months ago, nervous about what lay ahead, but absolutely certain I didn't want to be here. Now, my feelings about this place were a lot more complex. There were people here who stood up for me, hundreds that I didn't even know. Then there were Aaron and Eddie, two people I'd come to care about a great deal over the last two weeks.

I looked over at my mother who glanced back at me, meeting my smile.

"We're good on time," she said.

"Oh, fantastic! I was really concerned about that," I replied, laughing.

"Smartass. How are you feeling?"

"I'm good, mom. I'm really good."

True to her word, we made it to the gate as they were boarding. A little over 4 hours later, we walked out to catch an Uber back to the house. I also texted Zach to ask him to stop by the house, only to find him waiting in his truck as the Uber dropped us off.

He approached me cautiously, and I broke out into a smile which made him move quickly to pick me up in a hug. My mom just laughed.

"Hey Zach! Good to see you," she said.

Between kisses he was able to mumble out, "You too, Ms. Edelman."

He stopped for a second, still holding me in his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist, and just looked at me, as if he was taking a moment to get reacquainted with a long-lost friend, rather than someone he'd last seen less than 36 hours before.

"What?" I asked, with a large smile, finally ready to break whatever spell he was under.

"It's just that you look amazing, even better than usual. Is that Texas agreeing with you or is it being happy to see me?"

I laughed, "Texas was actually good, but this is all you."

He hugged me again, then let me back down to the ground.

"The trip went well?"

I smiled, "What's that phrase you use? Leave it on the field?"

"Left, I left it all on the field."

"Yeah, well, so did I," I said, laughing. "I did what I needed to do and Aaron stepped up and did his part."

"I'm glad, baby. I'm also really happy you're home."

Home. This was home. I smiled back at him, "I'm happy to back with you."

We went inside and I walked him through my day as we waited for food to be delivered. He listened intently, as did my mother, to the answers I'd given to each question. My memory of it was remarkably vivid and I wanted to get it out, to see if there was anything they could see that I'd screwed up.

After we ate, he went home so I could study for a test and he could do his own homework.

I walked him to the door and I felt different than I had just 48 hours before. I suspected it was the result of testifying, of knowing that I'd done everything I could to bring Derrick to justice. I'd not sat idly and fearfully by while he went on to have a great life, I stood up for myself.

Zach smiled at me, "You're even more beautiful now than you were when I saw you yesterday morning."

I smiled, "You can stop."

His Very Serious Look came out.

"No, I mean it. There's something different about you and it's making you glow."

I laughed, "Ok, I'm going to take compliments and be thankful for them," I finished as I rose up on my toes to grab his head and kiss him. My control of the situation lasted a good five seconds before he took control and overwhelmed me in a way he hadn't in weeks.

And I felt it all the way down to my toes.

When I opened my eyes, he was looking at me intently.

"You're everything to me and there's nothing I won't do for you; all you have to do is ask."

I stared back at him and finally said, softly, "I know, and I feel the same way."

I watched him leave, waiving as he drove off, then went up to my room to start studying, still tingling from the amazing kiss.

ZACH

My parents' decision to keep me from accompanying him to Dallas was a little white lie. They hadn't been supportive of me going but they'd also left the decision to me. I decided to stay because there was something about Tate's reaction to me talking about it that told me he wanted to do this on his own.

And I accepted that without questioning it. I wasn't happy since every bone in my body wanted to be there in case something happened to him, but my rational mind overrode my reactionary and emotional mind and forced me to stay put. Seeing how he looked when he got out of the car was all I needed to know I'd read him correctly and made the right decision. He stood taller, but was more relaxed which is saying something for someone already very at ease.

He looked so fucking amazing it made the butterflies in my stomach start flying. To my credit, I didn't tear up, my eyes just got a little moist from the chill in the air. However, the smile on my face was all him.

Listening to him tell us about his testimony, and the forthright way in which he spoke, made me proud to be with him. He went thought hell, but he didn't let it break him. He forced his way into testifying in front of the grand jury that would decide if his rapist went to trial. He was uncowed and met the challenge of convincing them with determination and a considerable amount of skill. I was in awe of him.

I know he thought he needed to bring more to our relationship but what he didn't get was that he already did. He brought genuine strength and toughness, something that you'd never guess to look at him. No, to look at him you'd assume, as I once stupidly did, he'd had it easy which wasn't the case. However, I was going to make sure that he did from now on.

After I got home, I cleaned up and laid in bed thinking about my day before I finally fell asleep. I'd spent a lot of time over the last few weeks working on my own relationships with the people who mattered most to me, and thought I was doing well until Ben finally broke earlier that day.

"Dude, what the fuck is going on with you?" He asked after I tried giving him a hug.

"What do you mean?"

He looked at me like I'd grown another head, "You're being WEIRD as fuck. Is everything OK with Tate?"

I sighed, "YES, not that it matters."

"Then why have you been so weird lately? I feel like we should be watching a Lifetime movie together."

"Dude, I've been trying to let you and Chelsea know how much you mean to me. You're not friends, you're more like family and I wanted you guys to know."

"So, you decided to hug a lot more? Smile at me like you're simping?"

"Well, it made sense in my head..."

He laughed, "I get it, but it's not you and I'm pretty sure I speak for Chelsea when I tell you that we know how you feel, we don't need you to get emotional with us. We helped you because we love you and that's never going to change."

I teared up a little at the disclosure, which I quickly brushed away.

"Well, now that I know, I'll stop being so damn nice."

"No, you can keep being nice, just don't hug me when I'm about to head to the shower. I don't want the boys thinking we're into each other."

I laughed again, thinking about it, still amused hours later. No offense to Ben who was good looking, but he wasn't Tate and I didn't think anyone would look twice at two bros hugging it out, even if they are gay.

The next morning, I got up to the first piece of good news, that Kim would be home on the 20th and was staying until the 30th. Being able to spend time with my sister without worrying about her imminent departure was a blessing. It also meant she'd get to spend time with Tate.

The next piece of good news came when I got to Tate's. His mother had an emergency and would be gone for the next five days. Which meant we'd not have to sneak around and we could increase our frequency, at least for a few days.

Our lives didn't revolve around sex, but we were young and healthy. Sex was an important part of our relationship, but we differed on how important. Tate was very relaxed about it all, while I was absolutely not. There were days I'd rub one out in the bathroom because of how his ass looked in the pants he was wearing as he walked away from me for first period. Any time we could be together was exciting as hell to me, especially when we didn't need to worry about hurriedly getting dressed afterward.

We were done with the playoffs so that afternoon was our first opportunity in about two weeks to be together. I was distracted all day, which didn't really matter since we were in testing just ahead of winter break. I didn't spend all day thinking about it, at least not in a continuous manner, but when I walked out to see him waiting by my truck, I knew he could sense it from the smile that exploded across his face.

"Zach, you have got to calm down," he said smiling as I walked up.

I grabbed him into a hug, lifting him off his feet and looking up at him as he squealed just slightly.

"I can't help it. I've kept it boxed in all day and now it's to the point where I can't hold it back."

He smiled at me, then leaned down for a kiss which felt amazing. He did this thing with his tongue that made me moan as my knees weakened.

When he finally came up for air, he breathlessly said, "Now you've got a little taste of what it's like, stud!" That made me tighten my arms just a bit, burying my head in his neck.

We didn't realize we had attracted observers until Chelsea cleared her throat.

I dropped him back to the ground and quickly tried to straighten up as I heard laughter behind me.

"Jesus, Zach, at least get him somewhere private before you start to molest him," she said.

Then another voice, "Nah, you guys keep going. That was hot as hell and I'm taking notes."

I turned around to see Madison Laird standing next to her with a big smile. Madison was a junior on varsity lacrosse. The team may have sucked, but he definitely didn't. Madison was straight, but I always got the slightest hint of a bi vibe off him, like maybe something could happen with him, given the right environment and maybe a beer or four.

Tate, laughing, respond, "I have to get him home. He's a little out of sorts and I need to help him get his head back together." Which made me whip my head over to him to see him smiling as he glanced up at me.

After a brief drive home, we made into his room and quickly shed clothes. For someone with so much experience, it was like my first time all over again. Not just with him, in general. It was exhilarating and I hoped it would always be like this.

He started to go down on me and I quickly picked him up, carrying him to the bed and laying him down. I then spent the next 20 minutes just licking and nibbling him until he was excruciatingly hard, then, in a flurry of activity, I relieved the pressure in his balls with my mouth and tongue. I apparently did such a good job that he apologized later for thrusting up into my mouth as he came.

We both lay on the bed facing each other after, cooling off a bit before the next round. The smile on his face told me all I needed to know.

"What are you thinking?" he asked, softly and with genuine innocence and curiosity that made my heart jump.

"About your smile."

He laughed, "No, really, what you are thinking?"

"That was it. I was just thinking about that."

"What about my smile is so intriguing to you?"

I rubbed my nose, "That it's there because of me."

"Ohhhhh. You want me to put one on your face?"

I laughed, "Yeah, but not right this second. I want to stay like this for a bit because it's really nice to not have to rush."

We talked a bit more and then it was clear he was ready to go with one of his absolutely amazing blow jobs. He aggressively turned me over onto my back and kissed me from neck to cock, taking the time to look at me as he laid each kiss onto my skin. It was so hot seeing his eyes staring into mine and he kissed some piece of me that instantly felt amazing.

By the time he reached my cock, I was so hard it was almost painful. He took his time exploring then suddenly, in one smooth motion, I was in his mouth. I sighed deeply and my hand instinctively went for his head as I felt myself go deeper into his throat.

And then the tongue swept over my balls and I felt every nerve in my body come alive. If he asked me to give up anal just for this, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Every time he did this it was one of the best sexual experiences of my life, exceeded or matched only by his previous efforts.

It didn't take long for him to take me over the edge and when he was done, he moved back up and kissed me which always made me crazy, tasting myself on his lips.

We laid there for 30 minutes, just enjoying being with each other, before we both decided dinner was in order. We quickly showered, dressed, and left the house. Dinner ended up coming from Carl's Jr. which he'd made a simple peace with since it wasn't In N Out and I wasn't getting trapped into McDonalds. We picked up the food and then went back to his place where we enjoyed the rest of the evening watching For All Mankind, which he'd never seen. In truth, he didn't see much of it that night since we were, maybe, 20 minutes into the first episode when I felt him fall asleep while laying on me. I didn't mind, I liked the show, and more importantly I liked being with him, even when he was asleep.

I made it through the episode and moved gently from underneath him, but he woke any way.

"Hey, I fell asleep," he said, smiling, his sleepy eyes making him look so cute it made the butterflies in the stomach come to life.

"You did!" I replied, kissing him softly. "I'm going to hit the bathroom."

When I came back, he was still laying down looking up at his phone.

"Any new pictures of us?" I asked, laughing.

"No, but Chels and Daniel have some new ones that are adorable!" He said as he handed me his phone. And he was right, the pictures were adorable. Because I was so close to Chelsea, I often thought of her as one of the guys and ignored the fact that she was a very attractive woman who, at least from these pictures, appeared to be very happy with her boyfriend.

"Maybe we should go out with them this weekend?"

He sat up, taking a breath, "I'm good with that," he said to me, smiling.

A few minutes later, after kissing him to leave him thinking of me all night, I was on my way home.

TATE

With my mom not due back until Tuesday, the time we had together was a nice preview of how things would be when we were finally living together, in about six months. Despite the obnoxious rent prices, we'd made the decision to get a place of our own. It would mean me picking up some more work, especially this summer, but I knew it was what I wanted.

What I'd thought about after our first date had gone from being nebulous to set in concrete. I wanted to be with him. I felt amazing with him in my life and I often found myself thinking, when I saw or heard something funny, about how much Zach would enjoy that. It like breathing at this point, natural.

We were different people, to be sure, but we blended well. Zach was aggressive, self-assured, and fearless, at least as far as life was concerned. When it came to me, there was work to be done, but it was progressing. He hadn't completely moved past his insecurities, but it was clear he was in the process of doing so. I could see him testing himself at times, making decisions and then reaching for my hand, metaphorically. I'd rewarded him by being there and instantly supportive.

I needed him to be himself, not wrapped up in his head about me. I could be indecisive at times and in my head to the point of inaction, and while he'd reducsed much of that (intentionally and unintentionally) I still had my moments. I liked Zach because of who he was, not who I wanted him to be. His bout of self-consciousness because of the fear of losing me had been irrational and I was happy as hell it was starting to fade.

He convinced his parents, after the OK from my mother, that he should spend the weekend with me. Friday night we ignored invitations and entreaties to go out so we could stay in. We cooked, ate, relaxed and went to bed, like a normal boring couple who considered it a privilege to spend time with each other.

It wasn't about shutting the world out; It was just about being with one another. For me it was deeply personal and while he was more extroverted, I knew he loved it because I was focused on him. I was happy to feel him beneath me as we settled down. While his body was anything but soft, made up as it was of unyielding muscles, I always felt completely relaxed curled up with him. Not just safe, but uninhibited and at ease.

It was a gift and I'd been around enough even at 17 to know its value. I would not take it for granted.

Saturday, I had some shopping to do and we regrouped around 7 to leave and meet people out. For once I was actually ready to go on time and opened the door when he rang the bell at 7:01 only to be swept up in his arms as he burst into the house. Since coming back on Wednesday from Texas, he'd been like this and I was really starting to like it. We kissed in the doorway just long enough for a dog, being walked by my neighbor, to let us know they didn't approve at all of us making out in their line of sight.

Chelsea picked a place in the city for dinner and we rolled in right to see everyone waiting because the restaurant wouldn't seat incomplete parties. Which, of course, made us the assholes, but we ended up having a good time. When the check came, I reached for my wallet as I glanced over at Zach who smiled at me. It was the first time he didn't make a move of his own and I was really happy that even that was sinking in.

Being out with everyone was good, especially after the week I'd had. At that point, I felt like I could take over the world.

I felt even better later that night and Sunday morning. Being together, really together, was nice in a way it's hard to describe. Just being with him, even when we were both staring mindlessly at a screen, was just nice. Sunday night Zach went back to his place and I got to spend some time by myself.

My mom returned Tuesday morning. I'd spent Monday getting things ready since we were scheduled to fly out on Thursday to spend Christmas with my grandfather at his house in Florida. I wasn't thrilled about being away from Zach, but I was happy to see him and spend time with my mom's family.

My mother was coming in on an early flight and decided she'd take an Uber home. I was making breakfast when she walked in and immediately saw that something was wrong by the look on her face when I turned from the stove to greet her. My first thought was that something had happened to granddaddy, but she wasn't crying. She was mad.

"What's wrong?" I asked, innocently.

She took a deep breath, "I got a call from the Collin County DA's office on my way here."

"Was it the DA?"

She shook her head, "No, the smug little shit who took you in last week. He told me the grand jury true billed Derrick."

I smiled, "That's great news. Why the long face?"

"They also indicted Aaron as a co-conspirator."

"THE FUCK?"

"Apparently, it's what they decided to do based on his testimony that he did nothing to stop the attack. The DA is clearly in on it since they had to steer the jury to do this."

"What are my options," I asked.

"Withdraw the charges and they quash the indictment. That's what he told me."

"Is there any way I could testify that I didn't blame Aaron?" I asked.

"I don't know, sweetheart, I don't know. Let me think for a bit and we'll call an attorney to find out."

My mother spent the morning talking to attorneys and the news wasn't good. At trial, it would get muddled and that put Aaron at risk. Worse, it just didn't look good for him to have been indicted. Aaron and Derrick were old enough to be tried as adults. There was no way around the fact that this would stick to him.

Zach came over for lunch and was visibly angry when I filled him in. He felt, as we all did, that the DA was doing this protect Derrick. I appreciated that he kept it bottled up since I was already pretty upset and really didn't need him showing me how angry he was. I needed him to be calm and thankfully he understood.

Later that afternoon I called Aaron just to see how he was feeling.

"You know, I didn't see this coming. He's a sneaky piece of shit but I thought there were limits to something like this, that the DA wouldn't be quite so corrupt," he said.

"I know, this was like a punch in the gut," I stopped for a second and took a deep breath before continuing. "Aaron, I'm sorry about all this."

"Don't be. I needed to stand up and I'm proud of finally doing that. This isn't your fault and if they convict me with him, that's the price I'll have to pay."

"Man, that's not going to happen."

"What do you mean?"

I teared up a bit, "I'm withdrawing the charges. No charges, no crime, the indictment is gone."

"NO! You can't let him get away with this!"

"Aaron, he has. There's no way to punish him and save you. He'll still have to stand trial for what he did to Eddie and that will have to be enough."

We talked for another 20 minutes before he finally let it go. I think, in some way, he felt like he deserved the indictment and that was something he'd have to deal with on his own. For me, while justice was important, I wasn't going to let my desire for it cause problems for a friend. Zach saw things differently but he supported my decision ultimately.

Later that afternoon my mother's divorce attorney, who was helping us, sent over the paperwork which I signed along with my mother. Then we scanned and emailed it to the DA's office.

And that, as they say, was that.