Chapter 24: Shirtless and Mouthwatering or Low-budget Version of Romeo & Juliet

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"Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is."-Jim Morrison

"Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance."-George Bernard Shaw

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."-John Wooden

December's Pov.

I found an old shirt my dad never wore and a pair of jogging pants—which was odd that my dad even owned because I could never picture him in too normal attire. I mean he has worn a t-shirt and jeans, but never jogging pants. I didn’t have anything for him to wear under it though, so he would have to do whatever he needed to for that.

I picked up Hunter’s phone and called Cj, he wasted no time answering. “Dude, where have you been? I was all set to go, Tristan was on the lookout, and Peter was—” Cj was cut off from a loud booming noise and person yelling “FUCK!” In my house.

“Hunter?” I called out running up the stairs and into the bathroom. The shower curtains were pulled over him—good for the purpose that he was naked, but they were kind of clear so the outline of his body was still visible.

“I’m good, that shit hurt like a bitch though,” My eyes traveled his body like the hormonal pervert I was being lately but good for my innocent eyes and virgin bones sake, his private area was covered because of the angle he fell. “My eyes are up here Cem,” Hunter chimed with a chuckle. I narrowed my eyes at him and turned off the shower. His cuts were open again and he was bleeding all over, I was pretty sure he was losing too much blood, so we needed to get help over fast.

“Is that Cj? Hand me the phone.” I gave it to him and he spoke again, “Bring the aid kit and my spare clothes—yup all of them. Hurry up.” He ended the call and looked back up to me, raising one of his eyebrows. “Uh, I like that we’re getting use to me being in naked, ya know for future purposes. But this is kind of unfair because you’re not naked too.  So can I have a towel?”

“Oh—yeah—sure—of course!” I stuttered running to the hall closest for a towel and basically throwing it and the clothes at him before heading downstairs and as far away from that boy as possible.

When he finally made it down he limped over to me and sat on the floor instead of the couch, before I could question him the doorbell rang and I assumed it was Cj.

When I opened the door to a pizza delivery guy I pleasantly surprised. I pulled some money from the jar my parents left by the door for occasions like this and I paid the guy bring the box inside and to Hunter. He was struggling trying to get up but I could see the pain etched in his face, his muscles contracting with him trying to lift himself up. I could also see the blood pooling a little from his efforts.

“Hunter stop!” I rushed over dropping the pizza on the coffee table and getting on my knees to his aid. “You’re losing a lot of blood from the strenuous use of your body. Here’s the pizza.” I pushed his body back to the leaning position he had on the floor his back on the couch.

I went to the kitchen to go grab some plates and something to drink and when I came back I slid a slice on the plate for him and another for myself. I sat on the couch and we ate in silence.

I looked over at Hunter to see him poking at a cut on his stomach, grimacing but continuing to poke it and grunt.

“Stop poking it you masochist.” I scolded him putting my pizza down and looking at him with worry.

“Why does it bother you?” He asked poking it again. He grimaced and then smiled he placed his plate onto the floor and continued his poking.

“Yes, now stop.” I snapped, slapping his hand away. He was shirtless and mouthwatering that I could tell you. Even with the various contusions and abrasions, he looked great; warrior like. He smiled at me and grabbed my hand successfully pulling me into his lap. My butt was sort of on the floor but my legs were drapped across his lap.

“Hunter,” I whined trying to get up. “Your bruises” Really December that was the only excuse you had?

“They’re fine. Now tell me how you found me?” He asked his face entirely too close to mine for me to think.

"Whoa? Did I just walk into a love fest or what?" Cj asked walking into the living room where we were in a weird moment.

I quickly jumped from Hunter’s lap pushing against chest to get away. He hissed and took a large intake of breathe. “Shit” he shouted, his eyes closed tightly.

"I’m so sorry," I cooed coming back close to him and trying to touch the injured area but he just held up his hand his face still tightly wound up.

"Opps, my bad. I brought the stuff; help me get him to the kitchen. Oh and December you might want to go deal with your neighbor, she gave me a weird look for coming into your house without knocking. Pretty sure she thinks you’re having a party or something with the rest of the gang being on their way. You might want to chill her out before your Uncle shows up and have this become one hell of a day for you and Hunter." Cj was wearing a Nike T-shirt that read 'Just Do It', swishy sweat pants and a pair of black Nike Air Maxes.

“I think you’ll have to do it here, he bleeds a lot when he tries to move.”

“Uh, okay? Go get me a bowl of water and a towel.” I ran to get what he needed and came back swiftly to see Hunter’s fist clenched and his teeth gritted.

“You got any alcohol? Like wine?” Cj asked his clear brown skin tightening from the smile he had on his face. They both were masochist—whether it was inflicting pain or feeling it. Weirdos.

“Uhm, my parents probably have something,” I was confused on what they needed it for but I ran to get it anyway.

I handed him the wine and he popped the cork off and handed it to Hunter who gulp it down straight from the bottle. Cj looked at me and smile wickedly. “That should take some of the pain away; if it’s strong enough it’ll numb him up a little.”

I didn’t say anything, I just watched him continue his ministrations of fixing Hunter up. When it came to the parts that needed stitched—which was many cuts; I almost couldn’t take it. Hunter was obviously a little buzzed so he was taking it better than I was and he was the one getting sewn into.

Cj was actually really good at it and I was kind of amazed, I could definitely see him as a doctor or something.

“Are you going to become a doctor or something, Cameron?” He glared at me for the use of his government name but answered me anyway.

“I don’t know. Maybe, depends on life I guess. A black male with a criminal record as a minor going into the medical field? It could work.” He laughed and must have hit a bruise accidentally because Hunter hissed.

“Shit, Cj that hurts.”

“It’s the last stitch before I start on your back,” He replied rubbing alcohol on a cut that didn’t seem very deep.

“You did that on purpose you fucker,” Hunter jeered baring his teeth like an animal at Cj, but he didn’t take it to heart.

“Okay you can’t be a doctor if you’re going to torture your patients.” I laughed. It was about thirty minutes before he was finished and I was left to thrown away the mess. I had to re-clean the floor and Hunter went to change.

“Well I don’t have to go commando anymore,” He winked at me causing me to hurry out the door to go talk to my neighbor, the old woman was definitely becoming an annoyance because she needed to mind her own business.

***

The buzz that Hunter had was definitely faded about the time that our friend got there. I had to bribe the old lady with promising that I’d bring her candy to last her week, so that she wouldn't tell my Uncle.

The rest of our friends were out in the living room Hunter and I were warming up the leftover pizza and some popcorn. Well more like I was doing the work and he was leaning again the kitchen island watching me.

“I found you passed out in front of my yard,” I finally answered his question from earlier. My hair was in a bun on the top of my head and Hunter’s hair was wet and disheveled from his second shower, he had a white t-shirt on and my dad’s gray jogging pants on.

“Hmm, interesting,” he shrugged continuing to stare at me with his predatory eyes.

"Hunter what’d you do?" He and I both knew this question was broader than just his location last night. I was talking about why he got sent to jail. I wanted to know, and he wasn’t letting on about anything.

“Would you believe me if I said I killed someone?” He paused, I paused, and the whole world paused. Did I still like him? Hell yeah. Could I be around a murderer? Hell no.

Then he burst out laughing “You should’ve seen the look on your face. I could never kill someone. You really think I could?” He limped over to me and put his arms on the sides of my body. I was leaning against the sink.

“Well me, no."I shook my head, "Someone else, yes." then I nodded. "I’ve seen you beat a guy into the hospital, Hunter.” I told him, not making eye contact I looked through the window that looked outside to my backyard.

A garden (Garter) snake slithered next to a small fluffy rabbit, it didn’t harm it just was near it. The rabbit ate on a nut or whatever it had and the snake just crawled into a hole. Hunter spoke again causing me to look away.

“Yeah and that’s as far as I’ll go. Plus I try not to fight people. It just happens.” He countered giving an insouciant shrug.

“No you and I kissing, just happens. My food getting smacked out of my hand just happens. Fighting doesn’t just happen.” I tried to keep my thoughts together as he leaned closer to me. Our chests weren't touching but we were most definitely close in proximity.

“You think about us kissing again?” He questioned his breath on my neck. My virgin bones were rattling more than normal today. This had to be the most hormonal day for me; I needed to get a grip.

“Hunter focus,” I snapped rolling my embarrassment away with my eyes.

“It’s like a reflex for me. Something I was made or well taught to do.” He sighed pushing away from me, allowing me to breath. His hazel eyes wouldn't make contact with mine.

“Taught?” I questioned my eyes on him again. I nervously pulled on the hem of my sweater, walking a little bit closer to the boy.

I heard a door slam and Hunter and I simultaneously bound towards the living room, to see a fuming Jeremy at the door. His glare rose towards me but quickly dissipated when he saw Hunter.

“You,” he pointed at me. “I’m still angry with for going on a date with that fucker, and you,” he pointed at Hunter “Where were you? We were supposed to be on our way by now.” Jeremy was wearing a plain white shirt and coffee colored jeans. His blue eyes rolled at the both of us and he plopped onto a couch near Reylor.

“Oh Jerms you just need a little hug and you’ll be chipper the skipper again!” Reylor cooed at him and wrapped her arms around him, while he struggled to get her off.

“Reylor get your weird ass off of me,” he struggled out while trying to get her death grip off.

“Wait what date?” Tristan asked, Cj looking at me also. Peter was listening but was too lazy to turn his head my way. I knew him that well.

“She went on a date with Dalon,” Jeremy voiced, had given up prying Reylor off of him and now just sitting in her bear hug.

“Eww that’s just wrong December,” Cj commented with his face pulled into one of disgust.

“On her behalf, she didn’t want to go.” Anna chimed in and I was thankful for her presence because she was unbiased because she didn’t know Dalon.

“Then she should have dropped him on his ass and left him hanging,” Peter mentioned with his eyes solely on the television that was playing some sort of animal documentary.

“That’s what I said!” Reylor boasted loudly, finally letting go of Jeremy who griped about her ‘death grip’.

“You’re never going on a date with that little shit again.” Cj declared and had everyone agreeing with him, even Anna.

“But—” this felt like Friday all over again, I couldn’t get out a word in edgewise. I rolled my eyes waiting till they finished.

“He’s right. We all voted and we say no.” Anna interrupted, smiling when Peter gave her a thumbs up. I could hear Hunter’s low chuckles from his stance behind me and I just turned and glared at him.

“I wouldn’t go on a date with him again even if that was the last guy on earth,” I vowed, making sure they saw the sincerity on my face.

“I agree,” Hunter murmured in my ear, before limping to sit on the floor where he was before when he was eating his pizza.

***

“So why are we following my Uncle again?” I asked Hunter, although this time we were on a regular bike because a motorcycle couldn’t get through woods and a car was too suspicious and would give away that we were following him. I don’t even know where Hunter got the bike from.

“Because, I mean where would be going if not to make my life hell?” He had a point there so I kept my mouth shut. I was already in an uncomfortable predicament having to sit on his lap while he peddled on the bike. With all the bumps and uneven ground I wasn’t study enough to stand on the pegs and he wouldn’t be able to control us enough if I sat on the handlebars. Apparently the bruises didn’t hurt on his legs that much so it was fine if I sat on them.

"Plus even though he doesnt know that we're hanging out, to him I'm the serpent that showed up to tempt the innocent little Eve. To everyone I'm the snake that's not meant to be in the garden of Eden." He added on while we pulled to a stop. I frowned not liking how he was talking about himself. I think that Hunter was more misunderstood then anything.

When I hopped off so that we could walk the rest closer I stepped into something that felt like quicksand. I quickly grabbed Hunter’s arm causing him to come flying down with me. When I pulled my feet out of the mud, I stood up having mud all over my clothes, Hunter looking the same. I could feel the mud smears over my face but I didn’t have anything to wipe it with. I brought a small book bag but all that was in it was a blanket and a bottle of juice. I heard Hunter grunt getting up from the ground and glare at me. I whispered a small sheepish sorry before scurrying to catch up with my Uncle.

My Uncle pulled up into a part of the forest getting out and the guy with orange hair and a beard met him.

“Did you get it?” My Uncle asked, leaning against his police car nonchalantly. His uniform was as crisp as usual. The red head smiled at him crossing his arms over his chest. He was wearing a navy blue shirt with black cargo pants.

“Do you have what I want?” My Uncle tossed him a bad and the man opened it.

“This is most definitely the expensive stuff. Okay well this is the information I got on the kid. He’s smart, his dad’s on heroin somewhere, his mom’s a nurse, little sister is five, and that’s most definitely his brother.”

Hunter stiffened and I did with him. I looked up at him and he grabbed my hand tightly.

“Find his weakness,” My uncle stated starting to get back in his car.

“Well, I’ve seen him around town with a girl. That might be a start.” My Uncle stopped in his tracks for a second before shaking his head and laughing at himself.

“She might be the key—find out more.” He started his car up driving away, and not too long after so did the red head.

“Hunter?” I gently coaxed. My nails were digging into my dark blue hoodie I was wearing and I was nervously biting my bottom lip.

Hunter was staring at me the whole time with a serious look on his face, “Stop that—I can concentrate” I stopped biting my lip immediately and waited for him to start talking. It was several minutes before he did.

“Well for one we’re lost. But don’t panic I’ll call Tristan.” He paused for a little more.

“Yeah my dad is somewhere out there on heroin, wandering. I have no idea what happen to him honestly, it was like that since before Muse was born, my mom just gave him chances. Ya know? I mean she loved him I guess, so…" He shugged kicking a little of the rubble beneath our feet.

"But he wandered again and she let him go.” I wasn’t going to interrupt him; I was going to let him talk it out. “I guess in a way it shaped me a little. I don’t have daddy issues or authority issues or anything. I just—I guess my views on love and life, are different.”

“What do you mean? Like you don’t believe in love?” I asked the boy who was sitting next to me in the dirt by now.

“It’s a human superficial concept of contextually contracted ideas that one will be there for you forever.” He replied monotone his eyes staring at the sky that was starting to set. And that was scaring me more. It was getting dark and we were in the woods by ourselves.

“The fact that you just used those words in a sentence baffles me. But that’s beside the point. Hunter love is real. My parents love each other. It’s obvious the Colton’s love each other. Your mom loves you.”

“I don’t think that’s love. Yes its commitment and its some kind of trust but not love.”

“Well I believe in love. Love is commitment and trust. But it’s also want and dependence. I’m giving my virginity to the person I love.” I shrugged lying back in the dirt next to him.

“Okay, let me put it this way. I’m not saying that other people can’t have it. I’m saying that I’m incapable of it.”

“For a boy who looks so highly of himself I find that rather hard to believe.”

After another hour of just sitting there looking up at the sky and waiting to be found I was going stir crazy. I wanted to be at home and take a shower to get all of this mud off of me.

Twenty minutes later I was staring at Hunter’s relaxed face. Oh no maybe I was coming down with some sort of Stockholm syndrome and becoming attracted to my kidnapper. I laughed at the thought and it must have been out loud because Hunter opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow at me.

It was dark out the only thing emanating light was the moon. The patch we were in was spacious but had various paths. Hunter and I both didn’t know what direction we came from either.

I got up and started to pace a little to keep my mind off of the facts. “Great! I’m spending Thanksgiving stuck in a forest with you. How do I let you talk me into these things?” I muttered in despair. I plopped down by his feet.

“Well I know two things.” He chimed in holding up two fingers, “It’s dark and a lot of things can be done in the dark if you want them to.” I put my foot on his chest to stop his form from slithering up to me.

“Hunter, shut up. Be serious for a moment.”

He sighed “Well I’m out of ideas but I’m sure we’ll figure out something.”

“What are you doing?” I asked watching him go around my foot and come closer to me.

“Well since we are stuck here and there’s only one blanket we’re going to have to share. I’m not pushing up on you for once I swear.”

“Say my real name.”

“Why?” He asked confused raising an eyebrow.

“Though I trust you, even though I don’t know why since you lead me to crazy situations. When you say my name you’re always being the most honest.”

“Are you serious? December, I’m not trying to sleep with you, just next to you for warmth. Do you think I’m the type to-“

“No don’t even finish that sentence. No I don’t, I know you’re not, I’m just,” I breathed out a shaky breath. “I’m scared and you’re so nonchalant and cool about this, and I—I just need to go home.” These last couples of days have been very stressful. This was supposed to be a break from school and it turned out to be ‘let’s stress out December week’.

“Don’t freak out Cember, just stay calm and warm and we’ll be fine. Tristan should be on his way.” Hunter tried to soothe me by wrapping his arms around my shoulders.

"I’m hungry, you’re bleeding again and I’m scared. Why are you so calm?" I could literally feel some of the blood on his shoulder bleeding though my jacket onto me. I was starting to fidget and become jittery.

"You have to stop freaking out Cember. Calm down, we’ll be alright." I knew I was annoying him, I was annoying myself. I grabbed my phone and looked back at the time. It was 7:30 and I was going to miss the holiday specials and my microwavable turkey.

“Don’t freak out Cember, just stay calm and warm and we’ll be fine. Tristan should be on his way.”

"If my life is a bad, low-budget version of Romeo and Juliet, then I swear Tristan is the worse Benvolio ever." I glared looking at the mud that was now caked around my converses.

“I’m pretty sure he’d be Mercutio and Anna would be Benvolio. But whoa! Are you saying we’re Romeo and Juliet? ‘Cause if so there’s a bed or shit we can improvise with the dirt and reenact the first day of marriage scene.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me suggestively but I was irritated.

“Hunter are you serious? Sex is the first thing you think about while we’re in this situation. Gosh is that what’s always on your mind? And you wonder why.” I rolled my eyes and plopped in the dirt to sit.

“I was just trying to lighten the mood. Tristan will be on his way. He wouldn’t leave us here.”

“Can’t be too sure; this is Tristan. He doesn’t seem to like me too much.”

“Oh he likes you. That’s just his way of showing it. Trust me.”

“Whatever,” Luckily after that we saw headlights pulling up into the part where we were.

“What took so fuckin’ long?” Hunter complained pushing Tristan who got out of the truck to observe us.

“Well for one, it took me a while to find you. The tracking device on your phone is spotty in this location. Second, I didn’t know what you guys were doing. She could’ve finally been letting you have it, so I decided to give you two some time.” He shrugged, looking between the two of us.

“Well he wasn’t and won’t be getting it.” I spat my arms crossed stomping to the backseat of the jeep and climbing in.

Hunter sighed sagging his shoulders “Back to square one.” I smiled inwardly.

“So is the weirdo getting dropped off at home or is she coming with us?” Tristan asked rudely, starting up the car and driving out of the woods Hunter and I were trapped in.

But I spoke before he could, “No I’ll be going home! I’ve spent enough time with this idiot to last a lifetime.”

Tristan didn’t even pay me any attention he didn’t even glance in my direction. He was waiting on Hunter’s reply. The asshole.

“Yeah, my mom and Muse will be happy to see her,” Hunter replied sighing and closing his eyes leaning into the door of the car. I could tell he was probably exhausted, he had to keep me sane and then his injuries and constantly moving was definitely strenuous on his muscles that were already hurt.

When he mentioned his mom and Muse, I knew we were heading to Hunter’s house which made me giddy. I’d do anything to be in his home, and have the feeling it brought.

“Don’t your parents want you home for Thanksgiving, Tristan?” I asked wondering why he was always with Hunter.

“No, they’re in the same division of the Colton Company as your parents; therefore they are always on the road.” He divulged gruffly. That answer made me look at Tristan in a different light. Was rebellion the way he dealt with his parents not being around and then when he got older it just became a way of life?

***

I was brought out of my reverie when we reached Hunter’s house. Weird enough I felt even more comfortable with Hunter than I was before because of his revelation in the forest. He hopped out even opening the door like a true gentleman.

“Thanks Hunter,” He gave me a small smile limping on his way to the door. I frowned pushing my hand under his arm and letting him lean against me a little. He looked down at me fondly.

We were brought into the smells of good home cooking and a brightened living room and kitchen. Muse was in a little dress and Toto in a shirt that had a turkey on the back. I thought it was the most adorable thing ever.

Muse beamed when she saw me running into my arms immediately. Hunter still had his arm wrapped around me so when she was in my arms she just looked in between us two. I helped Hunter to the dining room table where the large bird sat in the middle.

Hunter’s mom popped out of the kitchen setting down a tub of Jell-o before turning her eyes on us. “You are late!”

“We kind of got lost, Mom. I’m sorry.” Hunter admitted wincing when he sat down in his chair.

I quickly sat Muse on the floor and she frolicked to her seat. I sat down beside Hunter making sure he was alright.

“Are you okay? Is my baby hurt?!” She asked her scolding dying down when she saw his face.

“I’m fine, let’s just eat. Before an unwanted visitor shows up.” Then it connected like a freaking puzzle piece. My eyes widened and my mouth opened, but a sharp glare from Tristan had me quiet.

“Soo are you two together now or what? With all the cuddling I saw you two doing on your way in here.” Hunter mom asked nonchalantly as everyone started on their meal.

I nearly choked on my turkey and Hunter patted my back softly. “No!” I coughed out at soon as I could, “I’m just helping a guy who hurt his leg.”

“Oh,” she said carelessly. “It’ll happen sooner or later. Hopefully I’ll be out of the house when it does” this time it caused Hunter to choke and spit up his drink all on Tristan who was laughing.

Tristan sobbered up quickly scowling at him “What the hell?”

“Tristan language!” I admonished sternly.

Hunter’s mom was having a great laugh at the whole thing and Muse just sat there with her missing teeth smile, wide as possible.

The rest of the dinner went that way, and I really got to know Tristan a little more. Hunter’s mom treated him as one of her own and he was practically brought up by her. All in all, that was a Thanksgiving I would never forget. I felt at home in a way. Like I belonged; even if I didn’t.

Babe, there's something tragic about you, something so magic about you. Don't you agree? Babe, there's something lonesome about you, something so wholesome about you. Get closer to me./No tired sighs, no rolling eyes, no irony. No 'who cares', no vacant stares, no time for me./Honey, you're familiar like my mirror years ago. Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword. Innocence died screaming, honey, ask me I should know. I slithered here from Eden just to sit/hide outside your door. Babe, there's something wretched about this, something so precious about this. Oh what a sin/where to begin-Hozier, From Eden

Don't take this the wrong way. You knew who I was every step that I ran to you. Only blue or black days, electing strange perfections in any stranger I choose. Would things be easier if there was a right way? Honey, there is no right way. There's an art to life's distractions. Somehow escapes the burning weight the art of scraping through. Some like to imagine. The dark caress of someone else I guess any thrill will do.-Hozier, Someone New

What do you think about Hunter telling her some truth and not being vague? Where were the boys planning to go? Do you love/hate Hunter's view on love? Cutest moment? Funniest? The Uncle's little meetings? What are you still super curious about? What are your thoughts on the story in general?(Long or well thought comments are appreciated)