Alexander rearranged his cards, looking at them carefully. His little sister sat across from him while Troy sat to his right. Rosette wiggled her pudgy little fingers, deciding on which card to take out of his hand. Alexander was giving phony looks to her, indicating which card she should take. He watched her fingers slowly come down on the Old Maid, but she ten pulled the 10 of Hearts from its left. He groaned, causing both Rosette and Troy to laugh.

Rosette was only 4 years old, but she looked like the pure child image of her grandmother. She had curly blond hair that reached her shoulders. It skipped a generation. Her lovely turquoise eyes were the mirror image of Alexander’s, both inherited from their mother. She had a soft facial feature, very much cute. Her nose was a tad bit large however, something she had inherited from her father. Rosette was brilliant, already at a 3rd grade reading level. She excelled in preschool, the top of her class. There was talk of Rosette skipping to the 1st grade immediately, but Victoria was very apprehensive of letting her little girl miss Kindergarten.

“Serves you right!” Rosette giggled, laughing at Alexander. The boy just fumed, glaring at Troy, who was currently on the ground laughing his ass off. Alexander’s mother, Victoria, looked from the kitchen at the laughing kids. She was currently cooking them all dinner at Alexander’s apartment. They had come over when his father had tried once again to beat Rosette, drunk as per usual. Alexander had a two-bedroom apartment in which his sister and mother often retreated to. It’d only be a matter of time when his father would call to his mother and Rosette home and show them how sorry he was. Alexander lived alone and his mother helped his rent in hopes of using the second bedroom as a safe haven.

“Rosette, can you come help Mummy set the table please?” Victoria called in her lovely foreign accent. She was from across the ocean, from a little country surrounding entirely by the sea. She walked out from the kitchen, her smile brilliantly shining. She was aged, grey hair streaking in her brunette. Her eyes were turquoise as well. Victoria’s face was also a soft, but it was definitely worn from years of marriage. She was wearing a long-sleeved deep blue dress, the outfit complimenting her voluptuous body very nicely. She had an apron tied around her waist. Rosette nodded as she tossed her cards in the middle of the pile before running into the kitchen to help Victoria. Troy and Alexander laughed as well, tossing theirs in the middle as well. Alexander picked up the cards, shuffling them and putting them into box. Troy stood up, walking over to the couch and flopping down on it. The jock soon joined him, putting the cards on the coffee table in front of the couch. He sat down next to the Troy, putting his feet on the coffee table.

It was Saturday evening, Alexander just fresh from the home football game that went on earlier that day. The team won by a wide margin, causing for celebration to be in tow in the college town of Chesapeake Heights. Alexander had turned down the chance to go to a bunch of parties in favor of spending time with his Mother and Rosette. As an apology for earlier that week, Alexander invited Troy to the football game. The young freshmen agreed almost immediately and sat with Victoria and Rosette. After the game, the three waited up for Alexander so he could ride home with them rather than the bunch of football players. He saw them give both himself and Troy nasty looks, but the football players wisely said nothing in front of Victoria. They had returned to the apartment shortly after. Alexander had showered and changed into a black wife beater and pajama bottoms.

“Anything good on television?” Alexander asked, picking up the remote. He flipped through channels in hopes of finding something interesting on TV. He stopped when one of his favorite Halloween movies came onto the screen. It wasn’t anything scary, but one of his favorite B-List movies made for younger kids. Troy smiled, shaking his head.

“You’re such a little kid…” Troy taunted playfully, resting his head on the back of the cushy sofa.

“I know…” Alexander admitted, poking Troy in the stomach. He gulped feeling the hardness underneath the shirt. Troy just sighed, watching the movie. Alexander set his eyes back on the television screen, but his brain didn’t intake the movie. He could feel Troy’s body heat next to him, their energies linking and meshing. It felt so right. But that voice lingered in his mind that he wasn’t gay. Not at all!

“Still trying to deny what you desperately feel inside?” the annoying little voice of reason echoed. He hadn’t heard that in a while. Alexander was going to think something back, but the little voice cut him off. “Look… It’s not wrong to be gay. Your mother’s best friend is gay, your sister doesn’t know what it is. Your entire family accepts it, just not your father. What IS this hold he has over you?”

‘It’s not just him,’ Alexander thought back sadly. ‘It’s just that… What will happen to my reputation if I come out? What will happen to my relationship with my friends?’

“Your friends huh?” the little voice sneered. “The ones who push others down without any solid reasoning. The ones who make fun of others who are different. Who call others faggots and queers and sinners for those who don’t follow their own belief system? What kind of friends are those?”

Alexander tried to say something to defend why he had those kind of friends, but nothing really came to his mind. The jock was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt something heavy lean against his shoulder. He looked down to see Troy’s head leaning on Alexander’s muscular left arm.

“You don’t mind…” Troy asked cautiously, looking up into Alexander’s eyes.

“No… Not at all…” Alexander said, wrapping his arm Troy. His heart fluttered as Troy scooted closer, leaning heavily into Alexander’s chest. The jock closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of both of them flow throughout his body. He squeezed Troy into him a bit, rubbing his arm lightly. How could he even fight it any longer? He liked Troy as more than just a friend. But it was easier to admit in his subconscious than shout from the rooftops, throwing flyers down amongst the public.

“Are you alright Alex?” Troy asked from his position, his eyes not leaving the television for one second. “Your energy is fluctuating. A lot. Is something troubling you?”

“I’m just having some thoughts about this certain person I like,” Alexander responded. Troy removed himself from the embrace, sitting up.

“Oh, really now?” he asked, playing along. “So… What kind of thoughts huh?”

“I haven’t known them for very long, but I’ve seemed to make a strong connection towards them ever since we met,” Alexander admitted blushingly, looking towards his fidgeting hands. “They’re smart and funny, great to get along with. They’re quite attractive too…”

Troy tried his best not to smirk, but he scooted closer to Alexander. “So… What’s the problem with liking this person? If there wasn’t a problem, you obviously would’ve made a move by now…”

“There’s complications with what others might think. Many of my friends and… my father… wouldn’t approve…” Alexander admitted, shaking his head sadly. Troy frowned.

“To hell with them! Those who matter don’t care and those who care don’t matter,” Troy quoted philosophically. “You shouldn’t be restricted by what others think. Live true to yourself…”

“Did I mention they’re wise?” Alexander joked. Troy just rolled his eyes.

“I know who it is stupid,” he replied. Before Alexander said anything, Troy pushed his lips into Alexander’s. The kiss seared straight through them, time seeming to stop around both boys. For the second time within a week, Alexander felt like he was flying. Every trouble and consequential situations left his heart and mind. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Troy and brought him close. The kiss deepened, their energies flaring and all sounds dying out around them both. Everything was finally so right. And Alexander felt a part of his heart click into place.

“Mummy! Why are they kissing?” Rosette’s voice tore through the their private world. The two pulled away from each other, panting heavily and trying to regain composure. Victoria laughed out loud, causing the boys to blush.

“C’mon boys, supper’s finished,” she smiled brightly summoning the boys to the dinner table. Rosette ran over to Troy and grabbed his hand, jumping up and down.

“Is Alexander a good kisser?” Rosette asked, causing Alexander to blush.

“Mum!” he shouted, causing Victoria to break into a fit of giggles. “What have you been telling her!?”

“Rosette, darling… Have you been reading Mummy’s romance novels again?” Victoria asked, staring down her daughter. Rosette shied away into Troy, causing everyone in the room to laugh. Troy petted Rosette’s luscious blond hair curls.

“In response to your question. He definitely is a good kisser,” Troy smirked, looking to Alexander. The jock blushed deeper, wanting the embarrassment to end.

“So what’s for dinner?” he asked a little louder than what was necessary. Alexander sat next to his mother as Rosette insisted that Troy sit next to her. She hopped onto her seat, giggling. The two sat down through dinner, talking about the game today and how school was going. They also talked a lot of Rosette’s preschool, the little girl going on and on about various things. Troy sat there, listening very intently while Alexander and Victoria stood up, starting on the dishes.

“So Alex, when were you going to come out to me?” Victoria teased, rinsing off the dishes in the sink. Alexander gasped, nearly dropping the stack of plates he took from the table.

“Mum!” Alexander hissed quietly, looking absolutely mortified.

“Darling, it’s alright. I’m just teasing you,” Victoria replied softly. “I am glad though that you have found someone who has made you happy. All those past girlfriends you had. I never did like them one bit.”

“Neither did I,” Alexander replied, loading up the dishwasher. “It’s hard to believe that I would be going down the same route as Charlie…”

“Not necessarily. You and Charlie are so close that it’s not really surprising. Why, when you were 4 I walked in on you and Charlie playing dress up with your father’s and mine clothes. He was always the feminine one of you two, but I definitely knew…”

“Even in the slightest, you’re not disappointed?” Alexander asked hesitantly, looking towards his mother.

“Oh heavens no Alex!” she told him. “I’d never be disappointed that you choose the same sex over the opposite.” Alexander smiled, looking at his mother. She’d have thought that over the years that his father’s influence would’ve broken her spirit, but it was stronger than ever. “I remember when Charlie could finally bring his first boyfriend over. You surely remember, don’t you? Your father was out of town, thank God… Him and Charlie spent nearly all their time with Rosette. She was just a baby then.”

“Mum,” Alexander started slowly, rinsing off the pan she had just handed him from the side of the sink full of soap water. “How come… How come you haven’t left Father yet?” Victoria kept washing the other pan like she hadn’t heard anything.

“There’s too much at stake right now Alex, you wouldn’t understand…” Victoria said sharply, not looking to him. “Now, go be a good boy and play with your sister. I’ll finish up here, alright love?”

“Yes Mum…”

Alexander put down the pan in the other side of the sink before heading to the living room. Troy and Rosette were playing on Alexander’s video game system. He was letting her win a racing game so the young child wouldn‘t start to pout or cry. It was actually pretty difficult to make it look like he wasn’t purposefully losing because Rosette was such an ace at the game. Alexander watched them for a while before Victoria came into the living room, wiping her hands on the apron attached to her dress.

“Come Rosette, it’s time for your bath,” she ordered. The young girl pouted, but got up and followed her mother to the bathroom. Troy looked to the clock hanging on the wall before looking at Alexander.

“I should probably go home. Especially if Rosette is getting ready for bed,” Troy said, standing up and stretching.

“You don’t have to leave Troy,” Alexander spoke softly. “You’re more than welcome to spend the night…”

“But your mother’s here. Wouldn’t I just be intruding?” Troy asked politely. Alexander gave him a stern look, pulling the boy back onto the couch with him.

“Oh please… Mum doesn’t care one bit. Besides, it’s my apartment,” Alexander spoke coolly. “Even if they weren’t here, I’d still want you stay. Please…?” Troy smiled, stealing a kiss from Alexander.

“With that face, who can resist?” Troy lured charmingly. Alexander smiled genuinely, looking at Troy.

“You know, I can certainly get used to that,” Alexander admitted, smiling just as charmingly back at Troy. Troy giggled, shaking his head .

“You don’t really have a choice,” Troy said sassily, stealing some more kisses from Alexander. The two sat on the couch, kissing each other lightly before initiating into a makeout session. Alexander had pushed Troy underneath him, taking in every single sensation that he was feeling. Troy had a very distinct taste to him. Vanilla, cinnamon, and something that was just Troy in his very own essence. After the first taste, Alexander couldn’t get enough of it. Their heads tilted and tongues battled, each looking to dominate over the other. Of course, Alexander was the dominate one in most of the tongue wars, but Troy put up a good fight.

“Look Mummy! They’re kissing again!” Rosette’s voice cut through the air, like a knife. Both Alexander and Troy broke from each other, looking towards the young girl holding her mother’s hand. Rosette’s hair was still damp and she was dressed in a long pink nightgown that reached her ankles. The jock sat up, bringing Troy along with him. Victoria just smiled, looking down at the young girl.

“Come Rosette. It’s time for bed…” Victoria told her. Rosette giggled.

“Can you read me a bedtime story Mummy?” Rosette asked her mother as they walked down the hallway and into the spare bedroom.

“Of course love… What would you like to read?”

The door shut quietly and the two boys looked at each other.

“Your sister seems to have the most horrible timing, doesn’t she?” Troy teased, smiling at Alexander. The jock shook his head, pulling Troy into his lap. They leaned back on the couch, Troy’s head resting on Alexander’s well-muscled chest.

“She’s only four… Give her a break,” Alexander retorted in her defense. “She doesn’t know when she should and when she should not talk. I mean, what were you doing at four?”

“Probably painting my toenails with my Mom and her girlfriends,” Troy spoke honestly, causing Alexander to burst out laughing. “What?”

“Nothing…” The two lay there in complete content peace until Victoria came from the bedroom, closing their door very gently. She came out and took a seat in the chair by the couch. She turned on the television before pulling her yarn and crochet hook into her lap. Alexander yawned.

“I never knew that you and Rosette had the same bedtime,” Troy teased, receiving a well aimed punch in the arm from Alexander. “Ouch! That hurt!”

“I’m going to head off to bed myself…” Alexander replied, pushing Troy off him gently. Troy pouted, having to move from his most comfortable spot. He stood up and stretched, his shirt coming up and revealing the cut stomach he had. Troy stared, not believing what his eyes were showing him. Victoria said nothing, her focus on the crochet hook. “Come on you. If you’re staying over, you need pajamas and a place to sleep.”

Troy blushed a little bit, but stayed where he was. “The couch is just fine. It’s no trouble.” Alexander just gave Troy a look. The next thing Troy knew, he was whisked off the couch and into Alexander’s arms.

“I have a Queen. We’ll be more than comfortable. Night Mum,” Alexander bid, marching down the hall with Troy in his arms.

“Night love!” she called after him, smiling at her handiwork. She loved seeing her boys happy. Alexander closed the door behind him with his foot and laid Troy down on the bed.

“I can walk you know,” Troy snapped before some pajama pants and a short sleeved shirt was thrown at his face. He huffed as Alexander smiled toothily, leaving the room to go to the bathroom. Troy changed, a smile playing onto his face. He was currently falling for Alexander and falling very fast. Troy went around to his side of the bed as Alexander came back into the room. He turned off the lights and the two climbed into the bed.

“Alex…” Troy spoke softly.

“What s’matter?” Alex asked a bit sleepily. Troy hesitated for a moment.

“Thanks for letting me sleep over.” Troy said, cursing his name from the depths of hell and back.

“Of course… Now, come here…” Alexander said, pulling Troy into his warm grasp. Troy snuggled in, feeling complete as he felt Alexander’s hot breath on his neck. Feeling completely secure, Troy fell asleep in Alexander’s arms.

An annoying buzzing sound rang in Alexander’s ears as the morning sunlight disturbed his eyelids. He groaned, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. Troy lay next to him, asleep on his belly, snoring away like it was no big deal. Alexander smirked before climbed out of bed, the incentive doorbell cutting through the air. Glancing at the clock, Alexander sighed to find that it was only 7:00 AM. He opened the door and walked out into the living room, finding it devoid of any life. His mother must be sleeping in. Alexander unlocked the front door, opening it up.

“Alex! You’re here, thank god!” a male’s voice rung out. Alexander yawned and rubbed his eyes again. He got a closer look, squinting his eyes.

“Charlie…? What the fuck are you doing here so early in the morning?” Alexander cursed. He opened his eyes a little more, getting a better look. Charlie was somewhat taller than Alex, maybe about 3 or 4 inches. He had straight blond hair that reached his shoulder. Charlie would never admit to it, but he straightened his hair every morning, the natural curls annoying the hell out of him. His turquoise eyes were full of fear.

“Dad’s here… Where the hell is Mum!?” Charlie hissed, hearing a loud yell issuing from the stairwell. The color drained out of Alexander’s face as he pulled Charlie in by the color of his shirt. “Dad’s totally trashed and not very happy right…”

“She’s sleeping with Rosette,” Alexander said, pointing to the spare bedroom. He quickly rushed to the spare bedroom, opening the door. His mother was sitting up, also rubbing her eyes.

“Alexander, love,” she murmured sleepily. “What in God’s name is going on…? Charlie..?” Charlie came into the room, looking worse for the wear. The yells in the stairwell were getting louder. Rosette started to stir.

“Mum…” Charlie called to her frantically. “Father’s here… And he‘s drunk.” Victoria’s eyes widened greatly, her face also paling. She made a holy motion with her hands.

“Dear God in Heaven…” she whispered, standing up. Her hair was down, reaching her shoulder blades. Victoria was dressed in a burgundy nightgown. She slipped on her matching slippers before throwing on her dark emerald bathrobe. Aware of what was going on, Rosette sat up, rubbing her eyes. In her left arm was a old teddy bear.

“Mummy…” Rosette said in a flawless accent like her mother’s, “What’s going on…?”

“Nothing love,” Victoria hushed, spreading out the sheets. “Go back to bed. Boys, out of the room…” The two older siblings nodded, hurrying out of the room after their mother. Charlie shut the door behind him, standing guard in front of it right as a pounding issued on the front door.

“Alexander!” a brute voice yelled out. “Ge’ yer ass outta bed an’ answer the door fer your dear ol’ Dad!” Alexander looked to Charlie, shaking his head. The words were slurred. Alexander walked bravely over to the door, his mother behind him. As he opened it, his father nearly burst through.

“Bout time ya little prick!” he roared, giving an angry look to Alexander. His father was very stout, but a beer belly was also very prominent behind his plaid red shirt. His hair was still full, but it was far past it’s original color of mahogany. His deep brown eyes were bloodshot, fury issuing from their very soul. His father wasn’t any taller than Alexander himself, but he was pretty strong. His eyes hit Victoria’s figure. “Ahh… The slut’s here…”

“What are you over here for Father?” Alexander asked politely, trying not to spark his anger. Unfortunately, it was an impossible task to accomplish. His father took a swing at Alexander, but the jock had moved out of the way just in time.

“Why do ya think I’m here ya fuckin’ faggot!” he screamed in Alexander’s face, causing the boy to back away. “I nee’ your m'ther to come home an’ cook me breakfast!” He pushed through Alexander, making headway to his wife. The woman backed away slowly, her tactic coming to a stop when she hit the chair facing the television.

“Derek.. Love… Please, not here…” she pleaded in exasperation, watching her approaching husband. He walked up to her and slapped her face pretty hard, causing her to nearly fall over. She cried out as the palm hit her face.

“Dumb bitch!” Derek yelled at the top of his lungs. Charlie went to help his mother up, but his father pushed him back into the door. “The faggot’s here too huh? Whut is this Alex? A shelter for whores and queers!?” Nobody said anything as Derek went to grab his wife. She pulled away, but that just left him to grab her hair. She cried out as he pulled on it.

“Mummy…” a tired and scared voice came from the spare bedroom. Three people gasped as four sets of eyes laid on the turning door knob. Rosette opened the door, finding everyone to stare at her. Derek glared at Rosette, causing her to hug her teddy bear and whimper. Derek threw his wife to the floor roughly, his eyes not leaving Rosette.

“If ya won’t come when I tell ya then I’ll make the little brat make you come!” Derek threatened, stumbling in the direction of Rosette. Charlie moved in front of Derek, a big mistake. Derek yelled incomprehensively, starting to punch Charlie wherever he could land a blow. Rosette started to cry, running back into the bedroom to hide. Charlie was defending himself as Victoria went to try and pull Derek back from hitting her eldest son. She was thrown into the wall, causing a loud thump and her cry of pain. Alexander intervened immediately, pushing his father back. Derek stumbled at Alexander, but the jock defended himself, swinging a punch at his father. His father backed away, growling in anger.

“What’s going on here!?” Troy’s voice echoed angrily through the hallway. Victoria was cowering against the wall, nursing her bruised cheek from where Derek had punched her. Charlie had put himself between Alexander and the doorway, making sure to protect Rosette if Alexander couldn’t. He was nursing a black eye from where his father had hit him. Everyone stood still.

“Who the fuck are you?” Derek spat, glaring at Troy. Alexander forgot how to breathe when he saw the necklace hanging around Troy’s neck. “Fucking little fag… Yer one of dem Pagan sinners aren’t ya?” Troy said nothing as he looked at Derek.

“Troy, stay out of this,” Alexander told the freshmen harshly, all eyes not leaving the young boy in the hallway. Derek screamed at Alexander before punching him in the face. Alexander fell over onto the ground, letting out a yelp. Troy stood there, glaring at Derek.

“You’re a fucking, ignorant piece of garbage. Anita was right…” Troy spoke dangerously, his look narrowing. Derek growled out loud.

“Fucking faggot!” he screamed before running at Troy. He went to throw a punch, but Troy expertly dodged it. He gave Derek a square kick to the jaw, the force causing the older man to fly back and land on the ground. Troy breathed in deeply as Derek moaned. Alexander and Charlie helped his mother up and rushed her behind the chair for safety. Derek got up, grabbing a butcher knife from the drain board along the sink.

“Oh God!” Victoria cried out as Derek rushed at Troy once again. She broke free of her son’s grips and rushed over to the counter as well. Everything became a blur as Victoria grabbed a skillet, Derek being tripped by Alexander’s left foot, and a large thud echoing from the skillet. Derek fell to the ground, unconscious and with a bloody lump on the back of his head. Victoria held the skillet in her hands, shaking like mad. She dropped it to the ground, emotion overcoming her.

“Call the police…” Alexander ordered Troy before he rushed over to his sobbing mother. Charlie dodged into the spare bedroom to attend to an also sobbing Rosette. The whirling of sirens from outside of the apartment complex told Troy he shouldn’t even have to call the police.

Some hours later, everyone was sitting at a table in a nice restaurant. They were sitting in a round booth, far off in the back of the restaurant as per request of Alexander. Charlie was sitting with his boyfriend, nursing his black eye. There were no real visible marks on Victoria, but her right cheek was a nice red. Alexander had made it out with only a bruise to his cheek, fending off most of the blow. Troy sat between him and Victoria while Rosette was seated between Charlie and Victoria, happily chatting away with Charlie’s boyfriend, Todd.

Soon after Victoria had rendered Derek unconscious, the police had come up to Alexander’s apartment, the neighbors across the hall having reported a domestic disturbance. Upon seeing Derek on the floor unconscious with the knife still in his hand, they immediately woke him and arrested him. He started screaming, swearing drunken revenge on everyone in that kitchen. Derek’s bail was set at $5000 later that morning. As he was hauled out, everyone was staring outside of their doorways, watching the abusive father leave the apartment complex.

“Thanks for taking us out to lunch Mrs. Ackerman,” Troy told the lady to his left. She just smiled, taking a sip of her iced tea.

“It’s nothing darling. And please, call me Victoria,” Victoria told the young freshmen. Her gaze came to rest upon her daughter. “Have you decided what you wanted to eat Rosette, love?”

“And then Ricky tagged me at the very top of the jungle gym. It was so mean because he had cornered me and tagged me delib… delib…” Rosette struggled, looking for the word.

“Deliberately,” Todd told her, smiling charmingly at the blond little girl. She played with her purple bow, before continuing her story. Victoria just smiled to herself.

“I’ll just order her some chicken nuggets,” Victoria told Troy, both of them laughing.

“So Troy…” Charlie said, smiling flirtatiously at the freshmen. “Where did Alexander dig such a cute one like yourself?” Alexander felt jealousy flare up within his stomach as Todd elbowed his boyfriend.

“Quit,” he laughed, “Or Alexander might blow a gasket.”

“Bite me twinkle toes!” Alexander hissed venomously, causing Todd to raise an eyebrow. Charlie grinned very slyly.

“This coming from my brother who sticks his tongue down boys’ throats. And he’s the one calling my boyfriend Twinkle Toes,” Charlie shot back, laughing at his blushing little brother.

“Boys, please…” Victoria replied harshly, even though she was enjoying her sons match wits. She wouldn’t turn down the argument at home, but this was a public place and both boys knew better than to argue in the middle of somewhere public. It was bad manners. Alexander cleared his throat, maintaining composure almost immediately.

“But I’m not the one going around and performing in Drag Shows on the weekends…” Alexander said coolly, causing both Charlie and Todd to gasp. Troy snorted into his soft drink as Victoria gave both boys an astonished, amused look.

“Drag Shows Charles…?” she teased. “Though, I should’ve known… Ever since he was 3, I’d catch him wearing my dresses and high heels, going shopping in my room. One day I caught him wearing my wedding veil and high heels. It was so adorable I just had to take a picture. I do wonder where that picture is at. I believe I left it at your Nana‘s…”

“Charlie!” Rosette exclaimed, looking at her oldest brother, her naivety coming into full bloom. “You play dress up too? Wow! Can we play together sometime? I’ll be the Mommy and you can be the Mommy’s best friend! And Todd, you can be the next door Lady we invite over for tea!”

“Rosette, do shut up,” Charlie said as a nearby waitress looked at the table with an odd expression filling her face. Troy was laughing hysterically into his arms as Alexander leaned back, a smug expression on his face. “Touché Alexander,” Charlie was still blushing at what Rosette had just asked him and his boyfriend. The waitress had finally braved herself to come over to the table and take everyone’s orders. Shortly after the waitress left, Victoria threw her eldest soon and sly look of her own.

“So tell me Charles, dearest…” she spoke silkily, grabbing her glass of iced tea. “Do tell me about these Drag Shows…”

“Mum! Please!” Charlie cried out in pure embarrassment. Todd also flushed, but couldn’t help but smile at his boyfriend’s mortification. Troy cleared his throat, looking at Charlie. “This is neither the time nor place to discuss this…”

“I’ve seen these Drag Shows before,” Troy started, watching Charlie bury his face into his hands. “They both make quite good women, walking in 5 inch platforms. But I shan’t reveal much more than that because it’d definitely spoil the fun… Maybe you and Alexander should come with me to one of their shows one Friday night.”

“No no no! Definitely not!” Charlie spat firmly, slamming his hand on the table. Everyone else started laughing at him, Rosette the exception. She was busy coloring in her children’s placemat, very unaware to what the adults were all talking about. She learned to tune them out long ago.

“You get so riled up love,” Todd said, snuggling into his boyfriend. “They’re just pulling your chain.” Alexander went to open his mouth, but Charlie shot him a deadly look, causing him to shut up completely Victoria rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“I have a gay best friend boys,” Victoria spoke exasperatedly. “I know of nearly everything you talk about. So Todd, while I rather not want to know what goes on in the bedroom, please keep yourself and Charlie’s chain from certain little virgin ears…”

“Sorry Victoria,” Todd apologized, looking at the coloring Rosette. She smiled at everyone, a blue crayon in her hand.

“Mummy… Why does Charlie have a chain? Is it like a dog’s chain?” Rosette asked innocently, looking towards her eldest brother. Charlie laughed nervously, patting her head.

“No no Rosette,” he said hastily, looking at her nervously. “Uncle Todd was just kidding about the chain. He likes to give me trouble. He’s annoying like that.”

“Hey!”

“Ohhh,” she said, the four year olds version of realization dawning on her face. “Kay….” Victoria threw Todd a look. She knew that Rosette knew exactly what Todd was talking about. She would have to keep her romance novels hidden away much better than they were.

“Rosette, you’re too smart for your own good sometimes…” Alexander smiled, laughing at the four year. She just kept coloring, not looking up to look him eye in the eye. She put down the green crayon and reached for her red one.

“I know,” was all she said, causing surprised looks to sweep the table. Victoria leaned her forehead on her left hand, obviously embarrassed and a little frustrated from the how the conversation got to this point. Rosette just giggled innocently, leaning up against her mother.

“So…” Troy said out of the blue, holding up a silk dark green bag. “Anyone for a Tarot Card reading. How about you first, Twinkle Toes?”

“So Mum... Can I ask you something?”

Victoria raised her eyebrow at her son’s question. The family was scouting through the large 2 story mall within Chesapeake Heights. Troy had been dropped off nearly a half n’ hour earlier for he had to get ready to go work. Charlie and Todd were taking Rosette on a little shopping spree in the mall and had disappeared right as they walked through the doors. This left Victoria and Alexander to themselves. “Of course love,” Victoria assured, looking ahead, watching the Sunday Shoppers dart from store to store.

“It’s kind of… Well, it’s a bit hard to say,” Alexander started uneasily. The two walked to the large fountain sitting in the square middle of the mall. The two sat on a bench next to the fountain, watching the water dance in the sunlight that was pouring in from the large glass dome that rested above the fountain. “Mother… What are you going to do now that Father’s in jail?”

“Well,” Victoria said, adjusting her position of seating uneasily. Adjusting the brooch on her dress, Victoria cleared her throat. “I’m thinking that me and Rosette will probably get an apartment someplace near campus. That way we can have easy access to what the campus provides…”

“Protection.”

“Pardon me?” Victoria said, not believing what her ears told her brain.

“That’s why you wanted me to get an apartment near campus,” Alexander hissed at his mother, realization sweeping him every passing second. “Because there was protection just in case Father got really abusive. Because you know that the police officers would be patrolling the streets much more often than they would any other street in the city.”

“Alexander…” Victoria said breathlessly, sadly, “You must understand. The relationship I’m in. It’s not so simple to get out of an abusive relationship Alex…”

“But you want to.”

“Yes… of course I do love! I’ve been wanting to ever since the day you were born. I thought I could help him and for a very short while I did. Shortly before Rosette was born when he went under AA group therapy,” Victoria admitted. Alexander remembered that well. His family had never been so happy and so close. His father had gone away for 6 months and come back a completely changed man. He had stayed sober for about 3 years. But one drink when he was at a bar with his friends totally destroyed what therapy he had undergone and the abusive behavior became worse than ever.

“Mum… he’s not going to change. He’s going to go through cycles and no matter how much you try, Father’s not going to become a clean sober man. He doesn’t have the self-discipline for it,” Alexander stated. Alexander knew he was right. Both of them did. And Alexander loved his Father enough to admit, but loved his Mother more to protect her.

“Alexander, sweetheart…”

“Wait,” Alexander interrupted, the light finally clicking in her head. “He threatened to kill you and Rosette if you leave… Not just Rosette, us too.” Alexander looked at his mother in horror and absolute fear. “He’s holding you over the pot like that, isn’t he?”

“Alexander,” Victoria whispered, her face completely sheet white. “I can’t risk any of you kids getting hurt. Leaving him and risking your health. If anyone of you was hurt. I couldn’t live with myself knowing that I was the cause of him hurting you.”

It doesn’t matter what you do Mum!” Alexander hissed, gripping her hand in a bone-crushing grip. “If you move out, if you stay there, if you move out to Nana’s or try and stay with me. Mother, even if he didn’t make that threat, you’re still in danger of him doing something while he’s inebriated. You still run the risk of him doing something to harm you. It doesn’t matter…”

Victoria rested her head on the crook of her hand. Tears stained her cheeks as they kept rushing from her bright turquoise eyes. “Alexander… It’s so much harder than you think. How do I know that he wouldn’t come after me if I move out while he’s in prison?”

“Mother. He threatened to kill you in front of the police. You’re in more danger than you are now. You need to get out of that house…” Alexander urged. “I know you already found an apartment.”

“How do you know?” Victoria asked, surprise filling her teary eyes.

“Rosette told me this morning while I was giving her a bath,” Alexander told her. “She’s very keen to what you do Mother. I’m very surprised that you aren’t sending her to a private school. She’s exceptionally bright.”

“I know…” Victoria prided, dabbing her eyes with a tissue she took out of her purse. “Alexander, I’m going to sign the lease tomorrow. I already have Todd and Charlie volunteering to help us move. Could you possibly look after Rosette tomorrow afternoon?”

“Mum… I have football practice! You know that,” Alexander told her, smiling brightly. “I don’t know if my coach would appreciate my little sister being there with the risk of a full back crushing her into the ground.”

“That is true. And besides, she wouldn’t really have anyone to talk to if you were out there practicing,” Victoria responded, nodding her head in understanding. “Maybe I’ll ask Troy to baby-sit for her…”

“Troy? You’ve only just met him last night,” Alexander said a bit apprehensively. Victoria gave Alexander an dubious look. She started to laugh.

“This coming from the boy who had his tongue down his throat last night while I was giving Rosette her evening bath,” Victoria responded. Alexander harrumphed and crossed his arms. “You know perfectly well that I’m willing to use Troy if I have to. He’s a perfectly lovely young man…”

“Tongue down his throat…” Alexander muttered angrily, causing Victoria to hug her son.

“You know I love you darling,” Victoria told him, kissing his cheek. “You do have his number, don’t you?”

“Of course I do. We’re in the a few classes together, so we’ll get together to study and work on various projects together,” Alexander told her, flipping open his cell phone. Victoria rolled her eyes.

“Study huh? You’re brother used that excuse on me when he first met Todd,” Victoria told him, smiling deviously. Alexander blushed deep red, burying his face in his hands.

“Mother!”

“Oh Alexander, I kid! Come now…” she told him, standing up. “We’re going to go find your sister and brother and make sure that he hasn’t spoiled her too much. If she gets everything she wants now, I won’t be able to find anything for her for Christmas.”

“How about some workbooks?” Alexander offered up, standing up and stretching as well, his well-toned lower abs. coming into plain sight.

“She hates those darling…” Victoria said, brushing off her jacket.

“Mum… Promise me that you’ll get out of the relationship with father…” Alexander said suddenly, grasping his hand in Victoria’s. She squeezed his tightly.

“I promise Alexander…”

The two started to walk away from the fountain, the sun starting to dip lower into the sky. The overhead lights came on in the mall passageway.

“Mum. I love you.”

“And I too my little cherub…”