Guardian Angel, Chapter 6
When the boys arrived at the mobile home park, they were greeted by a chaotic scene. Firetrucks and other emergency vehicles crowed the narrow lanes. Smoke and flames were shooting from the mobile home Vi and Vin had shared.
"Oh, thank God you're safe!" Vi gasped as she hugged her nephew. "I was just going to text you about this mess, but I had to make sure you hadn't come earlier and were inside."
She shuddered as the reality of what might have been swept over her.
"He's here! My nephew isn't in there!" she called to a fireman who was trying to hack his way into the back of the unit.
"Awesome!" he exclaimed, backing away from the heat. "Then everyone is accounted for."
"I'll call Ward to let him know we need a place to stay," Vi said, holding her phone. "I have clothes there, but I guess you'll have to wear what you have on for school tomorrow."
"He won't want me," Vin shook his head. "I think he hates my guts."
"He doesn't dislike you; he just doesn't know how to deal with teenagers," Vi defended her boyfriend.
"I got a reply to the message I sent Mom and she says you can both stay with us," Caleb spoke up. "We have enough room, and Mom's crazy about Vin."
"Please let me stay with them!" Vin pleaded.
"Could I have your mother's number, so I can talk with her? Ward has a one-bedroom apartment. It might be best for everyone if Calvin were with you."
"Sure, but let me call her number right now, so she'll answer it quickly. She might let it ring if you call since she wouldn't recognize your number."
In the matter of a few minutes, arrangements were made. While Vi and Carol were talking, Bret phoned his parents to see if he could stay over too.
He had a few clothes at Caleb's house already just as Caleb did at his home. Both sets of parents were comfortable with the arrangement, and he got permission with no hassle.
On returning home, Caleb found his mother in the kitchen making hot chocolate for them. It was her cold weather cure-all, and the boys found it comforting.
Obviously, Vin was the most affected by the turn of events, but the other two were keyed up as well. There's something about witnessing a dangerous event up close that makes the adrenalin course through a guy's veins.
"Calvin, I know you've lost everything and you'll need something to wear to school tomorrow. I've got a big box of clothes that Caleb's outgrown and I think they would fit you, if you don't mind wearing used stuff. I never found the time to take them to the Goodwill with all that's gone on this year."
"I'd be grateful for anything, so I don't have to wear what I have on. They might not have been too funky before, but now they smell of smoke."
"I'll go to the basement and get them, and you can see if there's anything you'd like."
After Carol had left the kitchen, Caleb grinned.
"I believe Mom's gonna mother you to death, the way she's gotten attached to you already."
"I wouldn't mind that, but I'm not trying to take your place."
"No problem! She dotes on me a lot, and Bret too. I think she'd keep both of you if she could."
"That's true," Bret confirmed. "This is my second home."
"Look at this shirt; it's like new. I doubt it's been worn twice," Carol held it up as she came back into the room. "Caleb had a growth-spurt, so some things didn't fit him soon after they were purchased."
Within a few minutes, Vin had a new wardrobe from the skin out, which was more extensive than the one he'd lost. He couldn't believe his good fortune. It was almost like someone was watching over him.
Vin did take a shower before turning in. Carol told Caleb to show him to the smaller of the two guest rooms because the closet in there was nearly empty.
"He can hang his clothes in there, and the bottom drawer of the dresser is empty. I think he may be in for a long stay, because it'll take time for Vi to find new housing."
"She'd probably move in with Ward if she had her choice," Vin mumbled.
"Then, maybe she'd let me keep you," Carol smiled. "Now, you guys had better turn in. There's school tomorrow."
"Vin, I hope you don't think we're excluding you by putting you in a room by yourself," Caleb said. "Bret and I always share my room when he stays over."
"No, that's cool. Do you guys share that big bed? Oops, that's none of my business."
"Would it bother you if we do?" Caleb asked.
"Nope. Sharing a bed doesn't mean that you're... Shit, I've put my foot in it again. I'm grateful to be here; I'll mind my own business. I don't care if you are or aren't."
Bret and Caleb grinned at each other before Caleb continued. They knew they needed to be upfront if Vin was going to be around them a lot. It might as well be sooner than later.
"Bret and I are boyfriends, if that's what you're wondering. We're out to our families but not at school. We'd just as soon keep it that way right now, but we're not afraid if we do get found out."
"That's cool; I won't tell."
"Great!" Bret exclaimed as he spontaneously hugged Vin. "I'm glad our little brother is okay with us."
"How did you figure out you were gay?" Vin asked.
"It was different for each of us," Caleb answered. "I kinda knew I liked boys best when I started growing pubes. I'd get hard thinking about some of them, but girls didn't affect me the same way."
"I took longer," Bret said. "I wasn't completely sure until I kissed this guy. Are you asking for a reason?"
"Maybe. I get these weird feelings around some guys, but I've never had anyone I trusted enough to admit it to until now."
"So, does that mean you feel safe with us?" Caleb asked.
"Yeah, completely! It's so cool!"
"Great! Now you'd better go to sleep, little Bro," Caleb tousled his hair. "There's a box of Kleenex in the drawer of the nightstand if you need them."
Vin blushed deeply but grinned."
"I meant if you have to blow your nose," Caleb smirked. "What did you think I was talking about."
"I assumed for cleanup, just like what you probably need them for," Vin said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"You're okay!" Bret high-fived him.
Poor Calvin wasn't thrilled when he found out that Aunt Vi wanted him to go to California with her for Christmas. Ward's parents had invited them to stay for more than a week, and she had a feeling that she might be receiving an engagement ring while there.
It would be fun to visit Disney Land, and enjoy warm weather, but Vin dreaded the long drive in close contact with the man he felt didn't like him. On top of that, he would be spending time with a bunch of strangers. He wished he could figure out an alternative arrangement.
Sometimes he thought about running away, but he had no idea how he'd survive by himself. He wasn't street-wise. Someone might hurt him, or worse. If he hadn't been able to deal with the bullies at school, what would he do in the real world?
When Caleb got wind of Calvin's predicament, the wheels in his head began to turn. He thought his mother might like his idea very much.
"Mom, could we just keep Calvin here over Christmas break? His aunt and her boyfriend are going to the West Coast, and he doesn't want to go with them. It's awkward for him around Ward. The man's never threatened him or anything, but he feels uneasy."
"Certainly, he's welcome," Carol responded. "He's in the smaller guest room anyway, and my parents will be the only other company this year. No one would be put out. I think I'll call Vi and suggest it. If being around Ward makes him uncomfortable, he shouldn't have to be in that situation."
"Are you my guardian angel?" Vin asked as he hugged Caleb as they were in the bathroom getting ready for bed.
"Me? What did I do?"
"Your mom wants me to stay here over Christmas, so I don't have to meet Ward's parents and all that crap. I know you listened to me griping about it, and I'll bet you talked your mother into it."
"Humph," Caleb snorted. "I casually mentioned something to her, and she insisted that you should stay here. She has some mystical connection with you. What's your secret?"
"It's no secret that I'm cute and cuddly," Vin teased, blushing.
"That you are, but those qualities are only outweighed by your humility."
"Oh Caleb, I'm so happy here! You and Bret are like the brothers I always wanted. I wish I could live here permanently. I know I'm another mouth to feed, but you guys seem more like family than anyone I've ever known. I mean, Aunt Vi is good to me and all, but, I don't know..."
"Hey, who knows? Maybe we'll wake up on Christmas morning to find that Santa has put a bow on you and left you under our tree."
"I wish!"
When Carol broached the subject with Vivian the next day, it didn't require a lot of cajoling on her part. Vi seemed almost relieved. Vin wouldn't have to be in the car with Ward for hours, and he wouldn't miss any school, like he would if they were gone for two weeks.
She didn't want Carol to think she was dumping her nephew-in-law, but it would take a great deal of stress out of her trip.
Carol used the emotional connection Calvin had formed with Caleb as part of her rationale for having him with them over the holidays.
"Calvin and Caleb are just like brothers. If I didn't know better, I'd say they're related."
"You don't think it's a crush, do you?"
"I think Calvin may have hero worship for Caleb and Bret both, but I'm sure there's nothing, um, romantic about it," Carol assured her. "Caleb has given his heart to someone else."
"I didn't mean to imply..."
"It's okay, Vi. There are a lot of predators around these days, and you're wise to suspect the motives of people you don't know well. But, I can guarantee that Bret and Caleb only want to protect Calvin. They think he's adorable, but I assure you they're not going to molest him."
"I'm sorry I even thought about such things. I sometimes wonder if he might be gay, though the subject's never come up. Anyway, I've never seen him as happy as he is since living with you.
"He had a rough start going to high school this fall, but now he's flourishing. It's like you guys are his new family. I've done the best I know how."
"You are to be commended for giving him a home. From what he's told me, he might have been in foster care or a group home if it weren't for you. No one can fault you for the sacrifices you've made to care for him."
"Thanks. I wish my former sister-in-law could have straightened out her life. I know he needs a mother, and I'm a poor substitute."
"You're a good woman, Vivian. I know he's always going to appreciate you.
I'll see that he has presents to open, since I'm sure you've lost everything."
"No, I didn't lose his Christmas presents. I had them stored at Ward's place, so he wouldn't find them. I'll make sure to bring them over before I go. Thanks again for doing this! I know it will be best for everyone. I'm going to give you the money from his welfare check this month to help feed him."
"That's not necessary."
"Perhaps not, but I want you to have it."
"Oh, we'll need to have some kind of document that gives Hollis and me guardianship over Calvin in case of something like a medical emergency. I have a friend from work whose husband is a lawyer, so I can take care of that, and you'll only have to sign."
"Oh, Carol, that's so smart of you. That way, I'll worry less about him."
Calvin was thrilled with the turn of events, but at the same time, he had a twinge of guilt. Vi had provided a home for him as best she could. She didn't shower him with affection, but she was also very busy, working two jobs to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Still, he felt a sense of genuine caring from Caleb's mother, though they'd only recently met.
He made sure to give his aunt a big hug when she left on her trip. He even shook Ward's hand, figuring he needed to be nice to the man Vi loved. Ward surprised him by embracing him around his shoulders. Maybe Vin had pegged him wrong.
Christmas at the Barton home would be particularly festive this year. Hollis was home, and Carol didn't have to worry about his safety or watch every penny.
Of course, her parents would have sent her money last year had they known how close to the edge Caleb and she were living. But, Carol had her pride, and so did her son, for that matter. They had toughed it out together.
Her parents, Ruth and Richard Mortenson, would arrive on the 23rd, in time to be rested up before the celebrations began. She had forewarned them that there would be an extra teen in the house, because the family had taken in a boy whose home had been destroyed in a fire. But she hadn't sent them a picture because she wanted to observe their reaction when they first saw him.
Hollis had gotten off work earlier than Carol, and didn't have a long commute, so he was making his fallback dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. Caleb and Vin assisted by setting the table and making a salad. They also went to the grocery store to pick up garlic bread and a few last-minute items. Caleb was thrilled to have an excuse to drive the small sedan he now shared with his dad. Vin didn't mind having a reason to get out of the house, either.
At Fareway, they checked out at the register where Bret was sacking. Their order wasn't so large that they couldn't have easily carried between them, but Bret insisted on taking it to their car in the cart, so he could have a few more minutes with his boyfriend.
"Remember you're coming over after supper to meet my grandparents," Caleb mentioned. "And, you're sleeping with me, so they know we're a couple."
"Don't you think that's a little in-your-face?"
"Nope, it's being upfront. They've known for a long time that I'm gay, and I've already told them lots of awesome things about you, mostly lies," he giggled. "They'll love having you in the family."
"I hope so; I'm a little nervous about it."
"Does my mother make you feel that way?"
"Hell no!"
"Well, they're just like her, only a generation older, so leave your nerves at home."
Calvin hung back when Caleb's grandparents came in, feeling a bit awkward at meeting someone new. After hugs had been exchanged among the family members, he was introduced. He could see where Carol got her friendly disposition when Grandma Ruth embraced him like she had her own grandson. Richard was the same way. He took Vin's offered hand, but pulled him into a half hug as well. It was a new experience to have someone treat him like that. His mother's parents had long ago disowned her, and him by association.
Richard then held the boy at arm's length by his shoulders, giving him a more thorough look.
"I almost feel I should know you," he said. "You look familiar. Have we crossed paths?"
"Not that I know of, Sir. Your daughter said the same thing when we met; something about a doppelganger."
"Well, that must be it. Anyway, I delighted to meet you. Please call me Grandpa Rich, like Caleb does if you're comfortable with that. I'm not into the "sir" bit, though it shows you're a polite young man."
"Thanks," Vin swallowed.
Richard and Ruth raved over Hollis's cooking. Ruth asked if he would share the secret of his sauce. He didn't think it was anything special, but said he always used tarragon in addition to basil, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic. Ruth nodded, as she realized that tarragon was the magic flavor she'd detected.
Everyone pitched in for the cleanup, but insisted that Hollis should sit and relax since he'd cooked. This was a tradition at the Mortenson's house, and it carried on.
They hadn't been sitting long, when Bret tapped three times on the kitchen door and let himself in. That led to another round of introductions and hugs. Bret relaxed immediately.
The boys sat in the family room, mostly listening, but engaging in polite conversation when it was called for. They would have liked being in Caleb's room playing a video game instead, but they were on their best behavior.
About 8:30, Ruth stifled a yawn and said she was retiring early, being tired from their long drive. Rich agreed that it sounded like a good idea. Soon the boys were on their own.
"Did you see how Dad reacted when he met Calvin?" Carol asked of her husband as they retired to their bedroom.
"Yes, I did. I might not have if you hadn't primed me for it. So, what's your theory?"
"I'll tell you when I think on it a little more. Right now, I'd like to reward you for making dinner and being my wonderful husband."
"Hmm, does that include my favorite dessert?"
"Yes, let's take a shower first so I'm totally clean."
"May I start sampling it while were in there?"
"Certainly!"
After Hollis got his just desserts, he forgot about their previous conversation and went to sleep, satisfied – very satisfied.
Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed since last posting. I love knowing that you're still reading. I hope I didn't miss anyone: Tony F, Tony C, Paul R, Vinnie, Steen, Joe W, Don MacK, Gordon, Bill T, Greg W, Allen, Ott H, Chandra B, Daz, Dick W, Stan, Tim T, Dan L, Mendy D, Steve C, Bill K, M M, John L, Barry J, Skip M, Randy McM, Wayne, Bill DeW, JW, Ron C, Charles G, Si R, Paul F, Max P, Allan M, Jim C, Frank K, Avid R, Jim W, and George D.
David