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Kneeling in front of his dresser, Fred wondered. Behind him, the open window let the still warm air than that early October was still allowed to warm up the interior walls of the house, helped by a still bright sun. One hand on the handle of his drawer, he was reluctant to open it. Opening it, he could see the content. Socks into a ball. The face of Fred had a doubtful frown. The coming year would be maybe not so bad.

Still hesitating, he removed the drawer, turned it over to see the dried leaves and the fine cigarette paper that appeared through the cover plastic stapled in a discreet manner.

« Well, if I do not smoke, I will put it back. »

This thought in mind, Fred put the drawer on the bed, turned his head a moment to make sure of closing the door before taking a sheet of paper, roll it slightly before filling the pre-cylindre with a layer of dried grass before moisten it and close it on itself. He carried the cigarette at the level of his eye still slightly blued for judging in good condition before to hide it under his socks, handing the drawer in his place.

« Fred, they're coming ! »

The attention of the boy fell on the voice from the ground floor.

« I'm here ! »

Fred looked at his dresser again to judge its good closing before returning to the entrance.

Coming down, the smell of cooking was stronger still. His mother had spent the evening of the day before cooking so as to save the time the next day to prepare.

For the sixteen birthday of her son, she had made it big. The oven was running to warm the main course that Daisy had just come out of the fridge. The large dining room table was covered with a large white tablecloth, decorated by seven plates and its cutlery. The copper menorah which stood on the dresser against the wall had been spruced some minutes ago and was standing against the wall, reflecting the few rays of sunshine beating it. Fred was not sensitive to the beauty of the symbol for this special day for him. It was just one more year to add to his account after all. But he appreciated the effort. He remembered not to have celebrated his birthday with such effort before.

By reflex, Fred rubbed his hand in his new pants in order to drive out a light dust. He straightened the collar of the shirt who had just left its packaging. All his clothes were new. Including his underwear. In front of him, his father also wore a new set and the purple dress from his mother also came out of a store.

Knowing him being little believer and not practicing, his mother had agreed to not go out her Torah on this day but she had strongly insisted that the Jewish tradition of the new clothes would be respected. John and Fred could only bow against her will.

John watched and enjoyed the light forms of his wife drawn by the folds of her dress slightly indented when his ear detected a particular engine sound.

Daisy was inspecting the contents of the oven one last time to judge the quality of cooking when she saw through the window her husband out in the driveway.

A broad smile, John stood on the edge of the driveway, watching to the arrival of the powerful vehicle which the unusual sound had pulled out it of his passive waiting.

Three quick steps him were enough to reach the sidewalk against which the car came to park. From the doors, came out two wide men who looked at him with a curious eye. John approached the bear who had just let go of the steering wheel, all smiles.

« It's a GTV ? »

Ed brought his attention to the bulldog with the clear blue shirt who obviously appreciated the mechanics who stood in front of him. Part of his mind back appreciated the massive and muscular body from his host, leaving however show it.

« 95 model !

• Please tell me that she has a manual transmission, and not an automatic ! »

Ed smiled.

« I would never have tolerated such a thing ! »

John turned around the car, ignoring Mark he bypassed in an agile way in order to keep the vehicle in his field of vision, bringing no more attention to the two teenagers who gushed from the Alfa once the seats repelled.

Greg was empty-handed, but Francis was wearing a canvas bag on his back. It was only when the four occupants of the car were all out that John transferred his attention to his guests, holding a large hand to Ed to start.

« Sorry, I get always a bit carried away when I'm facing such beautiful thing ! »

Ed smiled, clutching the hand of manly way, thinking that he could also make such a sentence about John.

« It's something that I understand perfectly ! I’m Eugene, but call me Ed ! This is Mark, my husband. And these two dead weights are Greg, our son, and Francis, his boyfriend ! »

The two teenagers protested somewhat approaching, however with the humor of the bear. John greeted them before to head his attention on the rott which had bypassed the car to join the group. His road were however interrupted by Daisy, which was released shortly after John to also accommodate the guests of the day. Seeing John with Ed, she joined Mark and gave him a big smile before enclose him strongly and amicably.

« I'm glad to see you finally, Mr Miller. I should thank you more properly of what you did before ! »

Mark returned the gesture until Daisy slowly emerges.

« Please, I did do my job after all !

• No Mr Miller. You have done more ! »

Turning his head, Daisy looked at Ed and approached him. The hug she gave him was more intense and longer. Ed did nothing to clear while Daisy let her pleasure and her recognition invade her mind. John looked at Mark.

« What she’s talking about ?

• Your son had been... need a vigorous questioning. »

John was still watching Mark before noting the arrival of Fred who went to greet his friends and high school classmates, being careful not to touch the hand still bandaged from Greg.

« I was going anyway as a teacher when your wife called to adjust... An issue of importance. »

John showed a tired smile.

« There is no need to beat around the bush, you know. I know exactly what happened. It didn't took me long to understand why my wife really wanted me to get rid of the gun.

• Your son had a rough time, I do not hide you.

• I know. It's a shame for me to not understood and known. Secrets are always destructive in the end.

• Bad times sometimes lead to bad decisions.

• Yes. What is important to me is that he had the necessary support to get out of the trouble he suffered.

• As well as those he has caused. »

Mark looked at Fred, who stood in front of Greg insistently. John understood the allusion.

« Fred is not a bad boy, you know...

• I know. It’s just than he needed to receive the appropriate lesson. And then, paradoxically, it has helped Greg.

• Your son, right ? »

Mark looked at John, having discovered the slight irony in the tone of his voice. It him not taking rigor, be fun even.

« I know him since birth or almost you know. We have the same blood despite everything. Even if I don't do that supplement those who rejected him, whenever I look at him, I see him as my son.

• It is something that I quite understand yet. »

Daisy finally released her long embrace that enclosed Ed, pulling on the sleeve of her husband's shirt.

« I don't want to rush you but the klops will soon be ready ! »

The group then hurried out of the house or the guests began to gather around the table. Fred noticed that Greg looked around him, worried.

« Lorette isn't here finally ? »

Fred shook his head.

« No, she finally got a date. We're quiet for the day ! »

Fred did not hide his big smile that Greg shared with him. Francis withdrew his bag.

« Where I can put this ?

• Upstairs, put it on the bed. It's the first door on the right. »

Francis nodded, getting on the stairs, according to Fred. Greg beat back the issue of adults.

« We brought our machines as agreed with Fred. Meals that last for hours, it's not really our thing so we're going to be entertained while you’ll digest ! »

Mark looked up at the sky so much rudeness, but he was careful to reprimand Greg. Francis descended quickly, tending a parcel paper brilliant to Fred.

« It comes from us. We know that you've already had your parents gifts and we thought it would be a shame you didn't have anything today. »

Fred watched the donkey with a pleasure not dissimulated. The voice of Francis was more gentle and friendly only to the usual. The effect his birthday probably, but maybe also a better provision of the latter toward him. A new step in the warming of diplomatic relations. Fred thanked the two boys by enclosing them in his arms in turn before watching the box in his hand and open it.

« A gift card? Fifty dollars ?

• To download your favorite albums ! We have no idea of what you have already so we decided to give you a free choice. »

Daisy found it hard to conceal a smirk to hear new dubstep albums that might fill their also sounds in her house. She pulled out a chair, inviting the guests to take place while John went into the kitchen looking for entries that were waiting in the fridge. She noted that Ed had approached Fred, rubbing the bruised eye of the boy despite his protests.

« No, but Ed, I have no pain or almost !

• Are you sure ?

• Yes ! And I was careful to what you told me ! No blurry vision!

• Nice. »

The scene pulled up a smile to Daisy. She knew that Ed was a nurse and she understood the attention that the latter wore to that which he had given his aid a week before. Seeing John back from the kitchen carrying two large bowls ready to fall to the ground, she rushed to take the higher container before putting it down on the table.

« Don’t protest, Fred. After all, Ed knows what he does. »

Fred sighed with vexation.

« I know, mom...

• I don't see anything unusual. Everything should be ok now. Of course, I'm not a doctor but in my opinion, his vision is safe. »

Mark and the young boys listened absently the conversation taking place around the table. Empty-handed, John returned to the kitchen to bring two bottles of wine and a third full of water.

« I know that they are not supposed to drink, but I do believe that a bottom of glass can’t really hurt them, right ? »

Mark turned his head, including the question of John spoke to him.

« It brings bad luck to toast with water. And then, I will not hide the fact that I know perfectly that since their arrival, the reserve of beers knows some few strange fluctuations some weekends... »

Greg and Francis, sitting side by side, made as if they had heard nothing. Daisy and Ed did not hide their amusement.

« After all, they’re not 10 anymore, right ? It's crazy how time passes. One day they are in the sandbox, and the next day, they jump the wall and come back in the morning while imagining that we don't see them doing ! »

The three boys, this time, reddened somewhat together under the note of Daisy. What amused adults even more. John took advantage of the fun to begin to serve the guests in mushrooms in the Greek and beet salad. Ed, sitting next to Daisy, sniffed the mixture of vegetables as a connoisseur.

« I'm not used of Jewish meals, but my nose makes me say that I probably missed to interesting things ! »

Daisy smiled contentedly.

« Wait to bite into my klops, you’ll tell me the news ! You cook, too ?

• Someone has to ! I believe that the last time that Mark has cooked something, Greg had not yet reached puberty ! And the result had convinced me to keep the exclusivity of the task. »

Plates filled, John began formal notice to fill the glasses of wine, taking care to not book for adolescents than a half dose. Once the guests served, John raised his glass, watching Fred, a little embarrassed to be the center of everyone's attention.

« I think I can speak on behalf of all by saying that I am happy to see gathered around this table one and all who have helped my son to celebrate his sixteenth birthday ! »

John smiled at Fred, who was even more embarrassed than usual.

« No matter how He is called and served, may God continue to protect him ! »

All glasses raised, Fred smiles in the wings before drinking a feast in his honor.

Glasses emptied, and as the first forks began to fill up fresh vegetables prepared, Daisy leaned gently toward Ed, talking softly to him.

« By chance, you'd know more about... you know who ? »

The voice of Daisy was highlighted for concern. Ed thinks a few moments before make sure he understood the meaning of the question. He replied as gently she had talked to him.

« Actually, Yes. And I can say that he will not be a problem for anyone. »

Daisy suddenly raised his head, surprised of such a response. John noted the movement of his wife, as well as Mark. Ed understood that talking down was more useless. He kept his eyes pointed at Fred who was beginning to rub his eye always turned blue by reflex.

« He’s dead. »

Ed had decided to allow time for the guests to understand and digest the news. Ed turned his gaze to reactions around the table. Greg and Francis had their mouths full and seemed not shocked. Mark had questions. John hesitated between surprise and a certain pleasure. Daisy slowly showed her satisfaction on his face.

« It's... How it happened ? »

The voice of Fred did not hide his concern. His quick imagination presented him the reasons for which his attacker had been able to disappear. And to his surprise and his great fear, the image of Ed killing the latter on his hospital bed was easy.

« The police came to the hospital wednesday for a routine investigation. They found on his body some opiates prescribed by one of our doctors and they wanted the orders to ensure that this was not part of a traffic. What I heard, he was in the middle of a gangland killing between rivals gangs in the south of Denver and he took a bullet between his eyes. »

Slowly, Daisy rested the range she had in hand, looking down.

« I hope that God will forgive me these words but in a way justice has been made and it's a good thing. »

Eyes then came to Fred, who watched his mother with a mixture of fear, fear and relief. He could not say the opposite, but at the same time, he felt guilty to experience such a pleasure to know his assailant dead.

But for the first time in his life, Fred was facing death. He had briefly known the victim, but he knew the name. The appearance. The same smell and his voice. He had been so attractive at first glance, and then revolting. Have been as close to him made his death more palpable, more real. On the other hand, he was relieved. Ed had done nothing.

Fred realized that everyone was expecting a reaction from him.

« I believe that... I'm relieved to know out of action, yes. And sad, too. He was a bastard but... I don't know if he deserved as much. I know that I'll never forgive him, but a part of me is sad. It's strange. »

John Rose gently, a hand on his son's shoulder to comfort him.

« It is not strange, Fred. It's just proof that you're a wonderful boy, and your reaction shows that you have a good heart despite the nonsense that you could do ! »

Fred smiled slightly. John's voice was strong and warm as he watched the gay couple who stood on his right side.

« I don't know about your two boys but my Fred makes me every day more and more proud to have his as a son ! »

Mark and Ed stared a moment, their eyes exchanging their opinions of how fast and silent.

« Greg and Francis are with us only recently, but I know that these two have there already been able to accomplish for themselves and for others. So I have no fear for their future on this plan here ! »

Three teenagers, sitting next to the other, could not stay silent, embarrassed and proud at the same time.

The salads swallowed, the traditional klops had appeared on the table. The snout of Ed fidgeted frantically, sign of a great gustatory curiosity. Daisy is not deceived and the bear had a large share of meatloaf with cherries. Served guests, the forks came into action.

« How did you meet, by the way ? »

The sweet voice of Fred's mother were both curious and inquisitive tone that pushed to the most intimate confidences. Fred concentrated on his plate while Ed looked at his husband in a silent question who gets his answer when Mark began to respond, leaving Ed focused on his plate.

« Oh, what ? About eight years ? Almost nine now. I went out in a bar in Denver to meet people and this big bear felt on me.

• Literally, I must say. I rode on a staircase to a mezzanine and a step was broken. I lost my balance and I felt over him. »

Daisy smiled, interested. John affected him not to show than a polite indifference. It was the first time that he received a gay couple at his table and if things went well, he feared that some questions bring some answers that it might not been appropriate. Fred, looking at his father from the corner of the eye, amused by the paternal bother, guessing what could well be his limits.

Greg and Francis were too busy eating to focus on a story they already knew.

« Nothing broken, fortunately.

• My glass of beer was ! It was full and I had not had the time to drink a single sip !

• Yes, but I paid you another, you can't deny it !

• It was the minimum. A so good beer... »

John, this time, was not holding his smile.

« Is that I came in the region to visit the Rockies. I've seen the first two days because once I met him, we went out of his room to allow me to get back on the plane, a few days later ! »

Daisy was amused by the comment of Ed.

« Where you’re from, already ? I can't locate your accent.

• I’m not American. I was born in France and I came to settle here 18 months after our first meeting. You can guess why. »

Ed smiled broadly, looking at Mark who returned his gaze always full of passion.

« I was skeptical at first. The daily life, it's something other than a single visit. I was scared to lose him because of that. But we can't know that, don't you ? We have lived together for a while, and then we bought our house of Ladder street. I knew for a long time that Ed would be the man that I wanted to live with, and once it was settled that I married him. »

« And I lost my nephew in exchange. »

While eating, Greg couldn't stop this thought of him back in the lead. He watched his father a little sadly. He remembered that before, he and Mark had spent a lot of time together. To play. Mark was always very close to his nephew. He had been an attentive confidant of his childish troubles and crazy ambitions. And then he had to make a choice between him and Ed. The bite on his tongue appeared bitter in thinking that his intense family relationship had not weighed against Ed. Greg quickly swallowed his bite and had a sip some water to pass before resuming a new piece on his plate. It seemed him all too bitter yet.

It was unfair, and he knew it. But he couldn't get rid of the idea that on one occasion at least, Mark had turned him back. Greg tried to gets his mind on track.

After all, it wasn't his fault. He knew that his mother had imposed such a choice to his brother. His family of origin, or a stranger. He could not have both. Greg was mature enough to understand that such a choice involved a huge sacrifice. And looking at Ed, he still smiles by saying that such a man was probably worthwhile. Almost ten years later, the fact to see them always together and get along as the first day validated ultimately the choice made.

Greg looked discreetly at Mark. He felt a little ashamed of having such thoughts. Did he had not opened his door the day or he was here he asked for his help ? Even more, he had accepted the decision of the judge. Without hesitation, or almost.

Of course, to follow his advice made him lose his place in the team and his golden future ultimately.

But it wasn't his fault after all, once again. It had minimized the effect of his coming out. But he also understood that even he could not master all the elements of a situation.

The next bite brought him more flavors and sweetness. Greg realized that he acted unfairly towards his father. After all, the majority of his opinions were beneficial, right ?

« Well, you're still with us, Greg ? »

The boy looked up, noting that everyone was watching. Lost in his thoughts, he was isolated from the conversation.

« Hum, I think ! »

Ed hid his smile seeing the embarrassment of the boy. Daisy asker her question again.

« What do you want to do, later ? »

Greg looked around him. Even Francis watched him, with a mixture of amusement in his eyes and anxiety. This question, Greg feared it now that his life was going to take another direction. He looked a moment his hand still bandaged.

« I don't know yet, Madam. I wait that my fingers have completely healed before returning to the sport but for the rest, it is the total unknown. »

Greg noted his parents eyes worried while he answered. They were certainly trying to distinguish between the pronounced truth and his state of mind.

Greg felt good to answer this. It was vague, but true.

The eyes of Fred's parents had turned to Francis who is folded to the exercise.

« I don't know exactly. I’ll go to college to improve myself and then, work in computer science.

• And you, Fred ? »

The boy looked at Mark, who had to ask the question.

« Like Francis, I’ll try to go to college. I like to work with dad in his garage, but I know I can do better so I’ll try my luck ! »

Fred looked at his father who returned him his sarcastic smile.

« Going to this put you in hunting, you know ! »

Fred knew, indeed.

« I know. If I want to study, I’ll have to get a scholarship.

• You work in what ?

• Aeronautics. Helicopters to be more precise. I have a soft spot for these devices so as to combine my passion with a good job !

• You’re absolutely right.

• And at worst, he will always have a place in my garage ! »

John looked at his son with a mixture of pride and concern. He felt it. As long as Fred does not have his place of insured, he would have a fear for him.

Daisy was also aware of this. She stood up to remove the empty dishes and make room for dessert.

Knowing that there is still a future dish, Fred looked up, a little tired. He looked at his friends and a discreet thumb gesture, he asked them if they wanted to go upstairs with him as agreed.

Daisy returned, a large plate charged of a huge white cheesecake. The boys were split between the urge to eat and to end the meal which was starting to become endless to their eyes. Fred was trying to ignore the 16 candles burning on the top, knowing that he would be at the center of the interest of everyone. One thing he detested cordially. But how to ignore festive pastry once posed in front of you with all eyes trained on him highlighted by the traditional birthday song ?

Fred forced himself to smile a bit and the lungs inflated to the maximum, he breathed on the candles, turning them off suddenly, the relatives and guests applausing. He did however hide his impatience to end this annual ritual. Daisy knew it, also she withdrew quickly the candles and grabbed a knife.

Seeing his mother begin to cut the parts, Fred took his plate.

« Mom, does it bother you if we go eat it in my room ? We want to keep the time to play a little !

• Fred, you should know that it is very rude ! »

Daisy sought the look of assistance on the part of the other two boys but they stood, their empty plates in hands. A little vexed, under the amused gaze of the other three men, she yielded, and furnishes a slice of cake plates each, the boys politely thanking the gesture before they begin to deviate from the table.

« It is incredible the speed at which time passes ! I am sure that only a year ago, Fred would not dare to do that ! »

John had spoken loud enough to be sure that Fred could hear.

« I know. But you can't stop a boy to grow up either. Fred, you’ll leave the door of your room open ! »

Daisy had spoken loud enough also. At the bottom of the stairs, Fred was suddenly blushing.

"Oh, my God. I have to admit I never thought to tell such a thing to my son about his classmates ! »

Again, Daisy had spoken highly.

« Mom ! Please ! »

The legitimate protests of Fred did that put it on the spot even more in his own eyes, including what his mother was referring to. According to Fred, Francis and Greg did not hide their big smiles.

« I know you're not a kid anymore, but I even requires you to follow a minimum of rules as long as you live here ! »

Daisy turned her gaze to his guests, who didn't know how to react.

« You see ? Barely sixteen years since a few hours, and I should all pass ! I know already all the troubles you’ll be through ! The boys are all the same. From the moment or they start to coat their sheets, they are caught in the whirlwinds of their hormones ! »

On the stairs, the face of Fred's would be flushed even more if it had been possible.

« Mom ! No ! »

Daisy back her voice towards the stairs.

"As if I didn't know what you were doing on nights, finally ! You are all the same ! »

Paralyzed in the stairs, Fred hesitated between fighting the enemy and retreat. He ventured to take a sarcastic tone to counter the words of his mother.

« As if you could know everything about me, mom ! You don't even know when it started ! »

Fred looked at his friends behind him, who returned him a look surprised by an attack of such audacity.

« You were about 11 ! »

Fred failed to choke.

« But how do you know ? »

Daisy took care to smile widely before planting the last nail in the coffin of the pride of his son.

« It's at that point that you started to change your sheets alone ! »

Sitting in their places, Mark, Ed and John stood their hands in front of their faces to not to explode with laughter hearing the definitely beaten boy take refuge in his room, followed by his friends who, they know, will not deprive of the topic on the carpet to the chagrin of Fred. In any case, they would all now than to fight Daisy was a very bad idea, and that in the face of it, the surrender without conditions was better.

Fred was trying to not look at the amazed and happy friends faces, leaving them enter his room. Looking around them, the guests quickly warned the table on which Fred probably doing homework, placing their plates full of still closed next to his laptop birthday cake. Fred knew that an avalanche of bitter remarks will follow, also he tried there to defuse the situation. The door in hands, the boy hesitated to follow or not the ordered by his mother to keep it open. He was pretty upset to disobey at the end and closed it gently, asking his plate next to the other two.

« Good, let’s finish it ! »

The words of Fred were acid. Greg and Francis looked a moment before opening hostilities.

« Jeez, your mom, she's someone !

• I wish I had one like her ! »

Fred looked at the faces of his friends with a curious eye.

« It's... All you have to say ?

• Fred, your mother rocks ! Mine would never have dared to talk about me like that ! It was so much fun ! »

Fred watched Francis.

« Really, Fred, I don't know her for three hours but I think she's too nice ! Well, obviously, I would not have liked also hear her talk about your privacy like this either but with the shit that you did to us, it's fair I think. »

Greg listened carefully the words of Francis, noting that he was talking about the woman who had brought her up as his mother after all, despite the fact that he knew the truth on her account.

« Me too I'd dead ashamed if my parents had unpacked all of this my privacy. But hear her do, still it was too funny ! »

Fred relaxed somewhat in the words of Greg. Seeing Francis open his backpack and extract the laptops, he walked up to his dresser.

« Greg, you open the window ? I don't want my parents to be aware. »

Greg complied, looking quickly out. In the light of the day, the vision of the landscape changed completely. A few months earlier, he had climbed the centenary tree that stood in front of the house to invite Fred secretly and he realized now, seeing the void, how his escalation could badly have ended for him.

« Know what ? »

Fred remained mute, simply shake the rolled cigarette with illegal herbs for him still between his fingers, smiling frankly.

« I had prepared it for the case or and I really need it. It's my tour also ! »

Francis looked at him with a curious eye the roll of white paper.

« You're clouding you head before playing ? »

Having found that the window was open, Fred took his lighter and lit his joint, quickly lighting it.

« Of course I will ! I like impose myself an extra challenge ! And then I'm so good that it would be unfair to not impose myself an handicap ! »

Francis and Greg looked at them quickly. Fred seemed to take himself very seriously. All that was needed to sharpen their competitiveness. There were challenges to which they were eager to meet and hand over Fred instead about video game was one, certainly !

Smirking, the boys opened and logged on their machines, Fred at his office, Francis and Greg sharing and on the other end on his bed. No need to bet this time, their respective pride would be a choice award !

—

The white eye half closed tinted in rose, Francis walked slowly, smiling, breathing gently moving unhurried on the path leading from the car to the house. Behind him, Mark shook his head, looking at a suspicious look to his son who returned him a shy and embarrassed smile. Even further back, walking just as slowly but rubbing his belly too full of his light-fingered, Ed liked the effect of walking on his stomach discomfort.

« I think than I ate for tonight. And tomorrow too ! »

Mark turned his head to nod.

« It seems than klops is quite traitors ! »

Greg took advantage of this moment of respite to try to ignore the father's disapproval, he felt from the eyes of Mark.

« Yes, well, I'll admit, we smoked ! »

Mark transferred his attention on his son's face.

« It's not a worry, I bring nothing you know ! And then I just shot two puffs. The rest, Francis and Fred smoked it ! »

Ed smiled somewhat.

« And this was helpful ?

• Not at all ! Both were stones but they put me headshots in a row ! I suck at FPS, that's all ! »

The voice of Greg left seem some consternated fun in his remarks. This observation, Mark shared it. It was also fun to see his son be zero in at least one area. Ed had accelerated his pace to get back to the level of Mark who opened the door. Francis, he inspired to full nostrils the smell of grass on which he had to lie down, a big smile on his lips.

« It is not where the neighbor's dog has used to pee in the morning ? »

The interrogation of Greg remained unanswered verbally, while Mark helped Francis to get up, smiling sarcastically to abound in the direction of his son's question.

« I'll help him to lie down, I do believe that he’ll not be able to find his room. And I don't want to find him naked on our bed... »

Mark joined the walk to the talk, time for him to remove his shoes once and help Francis to do the same.

Greg looked at with an amused eye the artificial happiness than knew Francis. The poor fellow had lived well the vicissitudes of recent months, and a little relaxation could not only help to get him back on his feet. Once barefoot, Greg walked toward the kitchen. Opening the fridge and removing a bottle of fruit juice, he saw that Ed had followed him.

« Is there a problem ? »

Ed looked behind him to see Mark and Francis ended up to climb the stairs.

« It may well be.

• If it's because of the weed, I'm sorry... It is Fred who proposed to us and I found no reason to say "no"...

• I don’t mind about this, you know. Unlike your father, I smoked was younger. There are days or I'd still but with my profession it is impossible for me. How's your hand ? »

Greg looked at his fingers still locked.

« It itches but it's bearable.

• I think next week I'll be able to pull this thing. But I would like to see you alone while we can, and if you're able, of course ! »

Ed took a chair and sat on it. The tone and gesture of the bear showed to Greg the seriousness of the situation, even if he did not know what he was.

« It's good. Fred’s weed is not very strong, and I just shot a bit. »

Ed had increased the seriousness of the situation by putting his chin on his folded hands.

« So much for the better. Because we need to talk. »

The bottle of juice always in hands, Greg felt the importance of the moment. He could not do anything to curb the strong concern that filled it at these words. He had heard them so much in series or movies that he feared them instinctively. This sentence had actually incredibly strong power. Even without knowing what it is all about, Greg understood that an important time would take place.

And the sharp and worried looking Ed wore on him confirmed that feeling.

Lying on the bed, Francis opened an eye and saw, surprised, that the sun was about to set. In the orange glow of the evening, he rubbed his face with his hand, removing a good amount of saliva from his cheek.

« Oh fuck…»

Turning his head, he saw the large wet spot stain his white pillow. The memories of the day were more and more specific as he looked around him and that his body was more attentive to his own condition. Wrinkled clothes, a warm feeling dry, salt smell more strong than to the usual informed him he had dozed all the afternoon and a good part of the evening. His throat was dry, and his bladder full. Enough in any case to have to worry about in the near future.

Francis rose slightly, sitting on the edge of the bed. A slight headache made him understand that his brain was no longer under the influence of cannabis he had consumed. He knew not yet however how he made in his own bed.

Then, sensing the mattress move somewhat behind him, Francis turned and saw Greg lying on the side, eyes closed, still dressed, barefoot.

Francis still loved to see it this way, but he felt that something was wrong. He wore not his face relaxed and happy as the usual. On the contrary, his face showed signs of worry, stress. Francis stooped a little but his gesture woke up Greg.

« Hey…

• Sorry… Did I wake you ?

• A little, but it's not bad.

• There is a problem ?

• No. Why there should be ? »

The denial of Greg did not matched reality. Francis could feel it. For the first time, he felt a voluntary lie on the part of Greg. This was sufficient to increase his concern.

But did point that out ? At the risk of robbing the boy ? Why so Greg had to lie about a matter as trivial ?

Francis quickly made his decision. It would be he who would notice anything. This seemed to be the best way to understand his friend.

« Maybe I’m wrong. The day was very busy, right ?

• I rarely had the opportunity to eat too well elsewhere than here... And to get kicked on my balls eight times as I was ! »

Francis smiles.

« Eleven times !

• That much ?

• It’s me who has the most smoked and you're the one who forget ? »

Francis was smiling.

« I believe that I don't have the defeat easily, that's why ! »

Greg was giving his best to smile at his friend. But Francis could see he forced himself.

« Why do you make you smile for me ?

• I don't force myself to... »

Greg had wanted to deny, but he understood that Francis saw that something was wrong.

« No. It's true.

• Did I have done or said something while I was stone ? I don't remember anything but if that's the case, then...

• No, not at all, it's just that...

• Than what ? »

Greg got on his elbows. He thought a moment about what he could say and that he preferred to keep to himself again.

« Ed talked to me on the way back. This went on for a while and... I’m going to have to make choices.

• Choices ?

• Yes. About me. My future. What I’ll do later.

• Later ?

• Yes. I shall not stay here, you know, Francis. From the start I knew I'll leave in a short period of time. I'm glad to have found real parents with Mark and Ed, but this could be temporary, you know. In two weeks I'll be 16 too ! I have to start thinking about me. And indirectly, to us. »

Francis shut his eyes a moment. It was so that. With a slight fright, he realized that it was the same for him. He’d been 16 last September and he should make choices in turn. The school is not eternal.

Sitting on the sheets, folded legs, bare feet against the cover, Francis crossed his arms in front of him to rest his chin.

« It's true. I have to start thinking about too.

• You have ideas already ?

• I don't know too much. It is still vague. But to stay in Colorado don't tempt me either. There are better things to do elsewhere. I like this place but it would be stupid to stay in the same place his life without seeing what there is, don't you think so ? »

Greg agreed. More than having the choice to do, it was perspective to see these same choices see them split up a few months only after agreeing to know what they were for the other. The two boys knew, and everyone knew that the other is also thought.

« I always thought that I'll work in computer science. Networks fascinate me but for that CalTech seems the more appropriate choice. And MIT but about climate, California is more engaging that the East coast according to me ! How about you ? »

Greg nodded a bit. A hints, he understood that Francis wanted to leave. His choice excluded staying. But maybe he would come back later ? This was not impossible.

« Ed was vague but he made me understand that there may be a solution for me. But in any case, Colorado is not the best place for this ! »

Francis pitched against his ear.

« A solution ? But it's great ! »

Greg waved his hand to calm the ardor of Francis.

« As I said, it's just a possibility. Ed was not very very specific about this, so I prefer not too hold on, if you don't mind.

• I understand. But it's better than nothing ? And Mark ? What does he says ?

• Dad didn’t talked to him yet. He doesn't want to give false hope, you understand. Besides, he's busy trying to lose everything he ate this noon in the basement. »

Francis understood.

« My father taught me to always do the right thing, one step at a time. I'll already see on my side if I can raise enough money in scholarships to go to College. With my results, it shouldn't be too complicated.

• I am sure that you can do, Francis. You had a too rough time already to have to stay here as a gardener.

• Oh, this I wouldn't either. I love gardening. But about the paycheck, there is no match ! »

Francis showed a broad and sincere smile, Greg returned one to him.

The boy felt a little unwell noting that Francis noticed nothing unusual. He had to lie on an important point and it seemed he had not seen.

A bad for a good. Greg felt not even to have the courage to tell him that he had already chosen a path that would maybe put an end to their relationship.

——

« Come on, you can do it, it’s nothing, this may just be a little painful, that's all. »

Facing the young boy, the cat nurse with the brown body watched him with confidence. Seated, Greg rose, hesitant, looking at his hand finally free of obstacles. Against the wall, Mark looked at his son, looking somewhat exasperated in front of so many delays and hesitations.

Slightly biting his lip, Greg looked quickly on his right the cut strip as well as the splint that had allowed him to protect his bruised fingers as if to convince himself that his period of forced immobilization was finally over.

Recovering quickly on his feet, Greg forced himself to move the fingers, wincing a bit under the still rigid joints discomfort. Quickly, his movements became faster and Greg felt relieved to see his discomfort disappear as quickly.

« Very well. You're not hurt ?

• No, not at all. It is steep, however...

• Normal, after three weeks of immobilization. »

The nurse took a notepad and scribbled the sheet, eventually sign it before holding it to Mark.

« The feeling of stiffness will disappear in the next few hours. The radio showed that everything was consolidated. Just avoid violent efforts for a few days, that's all ! »

Mark signed, motioning to his son to follow him outside the room. They had no reason to stay here and he wanted to clear his nose from the smell of disinfectant that ran throughout the building. So why did it smelt drugs so strong in these places ? Greg did not leave his eyes from his hand free, free from any interference, by playing slowly his joints.

« I can't imagine that it's finally over !

• As long as you're not starting to hit the walls again, you have nothing to fear ! You want to register at a club to help you evacuate your angry outbursts ? »

Mark looked at his son with a bit of fun. Greg knew the real substance of his thought.

« I think I've learned my lesson. Always think before you hit and if possible, choose something soft ! »

Mark smiled. He opened the road, regaining his pick-up. Greg lifted his head, staring at the ceiling.

« Why not to stop a moment to go see Ed ? I never came here to see him during his service. We could stay just a minute ! »

Mark shook his head.

« It is a very bad idea, believe me. Ed absolutely don't like it.

• Oh ?

• Yes. They are always busy in his service, and the last time I tried to do this, he wasn't to his advantage. An old lady had just puked on him and it's an image that I had struggled to clear…

• Jeez, it is not top, indeed.

• You said it ! And then I must stay in town, I have shopping to do.

• You're in a hurry ?

• Quite, in fact. How'd you like to come with me ? Like that I wouldn't have to drop you off at home. I will avoid a detour... »

Greg reflected a few moments, the time for him to open the door of the pick up he could drive in a few weeks.

« If it is, why not go to the Mall then ? The house is on the way ! »

Mark moved behind the wheel, turning on the engine and shaking his head.

« No, a Mall on a Saturday afternoon ? It's good for straight families ! And I’m too old to hang out with friends to discuss the benefits of coke on pepsi and vice versa ! »

Sitting, Greg gave his understanding relative.

« It is true that it is a busy day. »

Greg was always playing his joints, visibly happy about his release.

« It's so nice that it seems ?

• Oh, yes. You may not believe me, but this is the first time I'd break something ! Years of football and the worst I've had, they are the strains, strains and sprains. Despite all my strength, I've never had broken my nose or anything else. »

Mark kept his eyes on the road that passed in front of him, under a grey sky and slightly rainy. October was well underway, and the winter was approaching. Some few weeks to wait, and the snow would cover the area. Already, the mornings were cool enough to justify to turn on the heat. Wet road slipped a little, but Mark was experienced enough to keep its proper trajectory. Unlike usual, Mark was not on his usual road, but took a side road to reach his destination. Greg didn't already visited this area of the city. The houses were old and low and dull red brick buildings. It wasn't the most glamorous spot of the city. And it was probably a place to avoid on the evening. Mark parked the pick up facing a store and cut the engine.

« You can come if you want, but keep your hands in your pockets.

• Why is that ?

• I know you don't like to be alone in the car and you don't have your phone. I ‘ll be gone for a little while and a part of the place where I'm going to is not really made for boys of your age ! »

Greg lifted his head, curious. Looking around him, on the other side of the street, he saw the façade of a grimy bar. The name caught his attention. Even with its neon lights turned off, the words "dirty boots" had a resonance to his ears.

« You’re going here ? »

Mark looked at him, locked the door of the car, shaking his head, indicating the store behind him of his thumb. The façade wore for any sign the representation of a chain of construction. Paint was somewhat off and a good renovation would not probably be too much in the near future.

« My buddy Matt own these two shops. He must be busy to refuel his bar right now, better not to disturb him. »

Mark opened the shop door, holding it open before Greg can enter, despite the large red sign prohibiting entry to minors. Greg noted the Mark’s relative lack of respect for the laws and some other regulations. Why not, after all ? Greg was no longer a small child and sex was no longer a secret for him. Greg noted the deaf and short ring indicating the door opening to the merchant.

Greg was able to note in the showcase a wide selection of jackets and underwear leather, as well as a few toys to look, harmless except for the wise persons.

The inside, unlike the façade, shone under the large neon lights installed on the ceiling. The shelves were shining chrome and everything was breathing the clean. Inside, Greg was able to see a staircase to a invisible first floor. Again, a large red sign prohibited access to minors. Turning his head, Greg couldn't really what the goods could be forbidden. Large displays were wearing clothes, leather and latex for the most part. But also synthetic and spandex. Some had a good look, if it were not logos parody brands, changed to get a clear sexual innuendo.

"Wow... »

Greg turned his head to not miss anything. Boots and clothing military, but with penis badges shaped or dimpled buttocks. Handcuffs. Some realistic, metal, and other fantasies, leather or plastic, sometimes with multicolored feathers. For the first time in his life, Greg was in a sex shop. He looked everywhere but no sign of most evocative objects. They were probably on the second floor. Greg would have given almost anything to be alone in the store 10 minutes.

« But here's a revenant ! It's weird seeing you in middle of the day, Mark ! »

Greg turned his head. The voice came from a gorilla wearing leather pants and a white undershirt over his broad chest slightly grizzled beautifully. His voice betrayed an Hispanic origin. Mark seemed to know him, going to meet him, rewarding him a long kiss on the mouth.

« And it feels weird to see you with your pants on the butt ! »

The gorilla could not agree more. Then he looked at the boy, did not seem bothered by his presence.

« I guess than this forbidden meat is with you ? »

Greg blushed a bit.

« He's my son, indeed ! »

The stranger looked at the boy, approaching.

« Welcome to the Chained, boy ! Keep your hands in your pockets, don't go to the second floor and begins to save to return here once you're the legal age ! »

Greg smiled back to the Gorilla, rewarding him with a strong handshake. The seller was very friendly and barely older than him despite his graying hair.

« Nice to meet you know too, Sir ! »

• Ah, don't call me like that, please ! I'm 24, I'm not yet as old to be called like that ! Call me Emiliano, or Em, like everyone else !

• My name is Greg.

• Pleased to meet you ! I'm glad to see you, Mark ! »

Greg looked at his father with a curious eye.

« Me too ! You’re leaving then ? It's true ? »

As the two adults appeared to engage in conversation, Greg began to make the tour of the shelves, not keeping his hands in his pockets. But hell, to touch clothes, it was harmless, isn't it ?

« The day has arrived, indeed. Matt is not really happy, but he knows my reasons. And then it's temporary. I'll be back in three years if God will. I still have my things to pack and transfer in Matt’s cellar. And then Tuesday I'll be gone. »

Mark turned his head. He did not that Greg felt not abandoned by the conversation.

« He leaves to the army next week. And for that he will move away from his fiancé, Matt. A nice guy, I hope than you’ll I meet him someday. Preferably when you’ll be major...

• You know than for Matt, it doesn’t matter ! And then this boy don’t risk anything, Matt has too much to do with the bar. »

Greg had approached the duo.

« By the way, I left my job. I’m back to school Monday, isn't it great ?

• So soon ? I though you were suspended until january !

• My replacement did not matched, and his salary was too high in the eyes of the Council. They prefer to shorten my suspension. From my side, I will keep quiet. I escaped to expulsion, I don't want to give them more ammunition than they have... »

Greg understood what this meant.

« Your decision is made then ? You really want to do it ? »

Greg watched his father answer affirmatively to the Gorilla, without knowing what he meant. Then he saw the Gorilla to head to the counter and begin to fill out a form.

« You’ll sign here and here, and wait for me in the room behind. It will not take much time. You chose your model ? »

Mark was facing the counter. Greg then noted the presence of rings of various sizes.

« This one. And that one too.

• Time to disinfect equipment and I'm yours. Come get a seat, Mark ! »

While Mark headed for the back, Greg looked at the rings more carefully. The gorilla was aware, standing near him, finishing his paperwork.

« I will not be gone for long. You can watch what is on the ground floor. But if someone comes, I will return and I’ll be as if I don't know you before to get you out my foot in your ass, ok ? »

Greg looked at the face of Emiliano, understanding it easily.

« No worries ! »

Greg remained in the face of the counter time that the Gorilla will disappear. He looked around him. Despite the fact that this day is a Saturday, there was nobody. A bad sign for the good health of the shop.

Curiosity devoured the boy. Left alone, he burned with envy to climb to the second floor, guessing that the most interesting and shocking objects were necessarily. He thought mount gently, but he did not knew how long his father and his friend would be absent. After all, it had little relevance. His parents closet was full of such prohibitions and this had not prevented to go a walk to admire the collection, taking to dream and fantasize in front of the open wardrobe when none other that he was at home.

Nevertheless, the pleasure of the forbidden remained strong. Greg also forced himself to return to the shelves of clothing to an extra turn to pass the time.

Well took him, he thought. Two minutes after the departure of Mark, the latter returned, followed by the Gorilla, the hand on his snout, a few tears in his eyes. Greg didn’t knew the reason before Mark withdrew his hand, leaving a steel shining ring that pierced nostrils emphasize the width of his canine nose.

Greg couldn't believe his eyes. Mark gently rubbing his nose, obviously a little painful. He did the same in his left ear and Greg noted the thicker ring yet that seems the top of his ear now. The gorilla was back behind the counter, visibly amused.

« Don't rub it too hard, and don't forget to sanitize every day. Otherwise your body will reject it ! Maybe it's surgical steel, but even this material has its limits. »

Greg approached, as to be sure to see what he saw.

« Wow... I must say that I never imagined this ! »

Mark smiled a bit, including the remark of his boy. He walked up to a different display. Obviously, he was not done.

Greg thought fast.

« Can I know why you did this ?

• And since when I must answer to you, Greg ? »

The voice of the adult wore enough amusement and sarcasm in it so that Greg is not mind.

« I got a suspension, Greg. In my profession, it is never a good thing. This weakens me facing my students. To keep my authority intact, I have to show more strength and determination. And above all, show that I learned a lesson myself. »

Mark searched among an assemblage of leather collars. His choice fell on a thin strip of leather, decorated with silver spikes. He gave the band between his fingers, then laid it on his neck, looking in a mirror. He seemed satisfied with his choice because he closed it around his neck. The necklace was sticking to his skin and gave him a look more wild, strong and manly.

« It's what I've learned, Greg. I can't change everything, but I can learn to do. And for this, I must also convince my students. So, I'll keep fear and respect that I inspired to them ! »

Standing behind the counter, the gorilla could only agree. These small additions were that raise the already imposing virility of Mark. Somewhere in his strong inside, Greg conceive some envy. He understood that Mark was aware as when he saw approaching him. Mark carried in his hand a thick bracelet of leather adorned with spikes. Greg had seen some already, around the wrists of some of his favorites rock stars. But he had never thought of wearing one himself.

« The only thing that really matters is to know enough to know what can highlight our own personality. »

Mark tended the bracelet to Greg. He blushed slightly, taking the object in his hand, touching him with his fingers. Mark smiled. Greg knew then that he was waiting for a response.

Greg put the bracelet on his left wrist, looking at him for a moment. Then he shook his head. It was beautiful and manly all at once, but it wasn't him. Not completely.

Greg looked over the display. His hands punted various possibilities. Mark stood behind him, the assistant by his presence, not saying a Word.

The boy's attention then turned on a wide leather band, where a string of construction steel with big links rested. He smiled, closing it on his wrist, admiring the result, raising his hand high enough so that his father could admire the result too. The thin Mark’s smile was worth approval.

The boy's father did not seem to be done by as much. He walked up to the counter and was back on his indication by the gorilla a shipyard in silver metal chain. He returned to Greg and put it around his neck. The links were the size of his nails. Wide and thick.

« It is more like you, indeed. »

Greg looked at the result in the mirror. He was a head less than his father, and his presence behind him pointed out his legacy, his likeness. Sometimes, Greg was hard to believe that he was only his uncle and no more as the two males were similar. They should believe that the strength and masculinity was a trait which transcended-cutting family ties.

Greg closed the necklace.

« It's more me, yes ! »

Mark stepped aside to let the boy alone. Greg turned and looked at the silvery ring of his father's nose.

« You think I can too ? »

Mark looked at his boy a moment, a mischievous smile on his lips. They were both similar, but with enough differences to have everyone expresses his masculinity in his own way. Similar and different, from one generation to the other. The gorilla quickly guessed the meaning of the remark of the boy.

« If your father sign me a waiver, I can do it now. Nose or ear only by cons. Even with his permission, you're too young to let you to bore one lower. »

Greg shook his head in fear. He refused the idea of having a wide sharp needle approaching so close to his deep intimacy.

« The nose will suffice ! »

Greg looked at the face of his father, the time for him to give his approval. The gorilla prepared another form that Mark fills while Greg made his choice.

His finger stopped quickly the gaggle of rings of different colors and materials throughout.

« Are you sure of your choice ?

• Yes. Same size. And the same color ! »

Greg looked at his father who ended up to sign the parental authorization.

« I know I'm a bit smaller and narrower than you, but this will make it too ! »

Mark closed his eyes, giving implicit consent. Gorilla pointed the way forward to the boy who followed him, a little apprehensive in the belly, Mark remaining in the store, taking care to pick new polos.

Far cry from a place closed and little engaging, dark, sinister and dirty, the back room was instead a place lit by a large bay window with translucent glass, keeping privacy instead. A neon on the ceiling brought an extra light in the room in case of need. Along the wall, was a dentist leather chair that the Gorilla struck of the flat of the hand. Polished concrete floor was clean, without a dust on it.

« Installs here and relax, I must disinfect my hands. »

The gorilla walked toward a dresser of white wood, pouring on the hands liquid with strong odour of alcohol, rubbing his fingers, making sure to clean well. Greg looked at everything around him, sitting. On the other side of the room, a desk with a computer with wide flattened card boxes, laying in the ground. Turning his head, Emiliano noted the look of Greg.

« It's for mailings. Now we do most of our sales through the net. Except for the clothes. People are no more reluctant to buy sex toys on the condition of not having to come here to the risk of being seen by their neighbors or their families ! »

The gorilla had a cheerful voice. He seemed to enjoy the relative hypocrisy of his contemporaries.

« Well, it should work then. I thought the place on the edge of bankruptcy in seeing there was no one.

• If you ask the question to Matt, he will answer that it is on the edge of bankruptcy. But it is the burden of any trader to think be and as I help make the bar also accounts, I know that's not entirely true !

• And you leave then ?

• Yes. Next week.

• You don't like being here ?

• Quite the contrary ! I'll do anything to stay here with Matt. He is the man of my life. He's almost old enough to be my grandfather, but I don't know anyone else with which to make my life with. I don't want anyone else but him.

• That’s cool. But why go then ? »

The Gorilla had put on a pair of gloves in latex, thin and white. He laid down beside the wheelchair of the disinfectant and gauze, which he wet with the product before he begin spreading it on the muzzle of the boy, insisting on the internal walls of the nostrils. Greg smelled the strong smell of alcohol invade his lungs, hindering him a little.

«It is not like I do, but I must do it. »

Emiliano voice had a melancholy tone. He looked at the right boy in my eyes, seeming to ask a key question. Greg didn't know what was the matter, but he had a positive response in the spirit of the gorilla.

« I am committed in the army to make my naturalization easier, Greg. I don't really have the right to be here, in the United States. And if there is one thing I would never do, it is to go back to Belize. Never. I'd rather cut my veins rather than go back there. »

Emiliano was sitting on a stool facing the boy. A sad smile lived in his face. Greg did not need to know more, but Emiliano did not seem bothered by the conversation. He felt being able to trust his friend's son. He entered a finger into the left nostril of Greg, rubbing the top over the bottom of the nasal septum.

« A preference ? You want the ring to hang or that it relies on your lip ? »

Greg thinks, the mind somewhat distracted by the words of the gorilla.

« Rest I think.

• It’s the best, Yes. It sticks more to your kind. The opposite of your father ! »

The gorilla took a needle in hand, making sure to have removed the ring from its sterile packaging before. Greg couldn't help but swallow abruptly and loudly. The time approached.

« Why you don't get married with this Matt then ? »

Greg couldn't help but be curious. It was also a way of delaying the inevitable. It seemed that the gorilla was customary of the fact. With a quick motion, he thrust the needle with enough force to break through the wall. The open ring followed the needle and expert finger, Emiliano closed before that Greg could not start complaining the induced pain. The gorilla looked at his work. Perfect, as usual. The ring was based in a balanced way on the lip of the teen, to the horizontal.

« You can imagine that Matt has already asked me to marry him ! It was tempting, but I don't want to do like this. I'm a clandestine, Greg. There will be an administrative problem. I'll be expelled from the country because if I have the right to get married here, I don't have the right to stay. Not yet. »

Emiliano had stood up, pulling his latex gloves and throwing them in a dumpster located at his feet.

« Once back from the army, I will ask my naturalization and then I'll marry Matt ! I want to earn my citizenship. Not to beg for it. »

Greg rubbed his nose, sore by the tip, rising gently. It didn't seem as painful as that after all. He couldn't help but admire both voice calm and warm the gorilla and his mentality.

There was also a large mirror in the room. Greg looked at himself in, admiring the sudden virilization of his face. The ring was based on the lip. Smaller and shorter than his father, he had chosen a ring size and identical appearance. A subconscious way to materialize his new filiation. This made the piercing more massive in appearance on his young face.

« It's beautiful !

• I’m glad that you like it. Don't forget to sanitize every day. And do not hesitate to stir the ring too, this will help the healing process and in some weeks, you'll have a nice clean hole in the bulkhead. Always keep a tissue or two in your pockets. It can drip off the first few weeks, but that's normal. »

Greg bit his lip to not make salacious remark that came to mind about the own hole. Emiliano returned to the store, followed by Greg.

The two rotts were facing a moment. Mark admired the new face of the boy. It seemed to him that the addition of the ring had brought him a few years more and more intellectual maturity in his eyes.

Greg, him, thought that the addition of the two rings gave youth and manly unconsciousness to his father.

« You did it on purpose, isn't it ? »

Mark looked at the boy with a questioning eye.

« What do you mean ?

• Ed did this, too. Not tell me and make sure I’d have a lecture from his boss... »

Mark smiled.

« Just like him, I just gave you the ability to see things from a new angle. To make you understand that your horizon is is not necessarily clogged and that despite the difficulties, you can evolve and have the choice. But there is always also a price to it.

• I know, dad…

• You know that ?

• Yes. Francis speaks to me more and more often of his desire to leave for California. But I did not want to necessarily follow him too. I may, after all. Or not at all. I don't know yet. »

Greg turned, looking in a mirror, trying to tame this new face, this new look again.

« Change is inevitable, and if we can choose certain paths, others are imposed by life. Or by the choice of our loved ones. »

Mark was silent, leaving Greg understand this important lesson.

« I'm sorry for being such a jerk with you, Daddy. I was angry, both with reason and at the same time having wrong. It's also my fault and now I have to find a new path. »

Greg turned around, rubbing his nose ring gently. Mark was happy to see Greg understand this so important thing.

« I'll help you in so far as possible. It's my job of teacher, and my duty as a parent.

• As I have no chance to escape from it, so better take advantage ! »

Greg smiled and Mark him returned the compliment, taking his wallet and leaving his boy to pay Emiliano. He was reluctant yet. He and Ed had talked about this and they agreed to keep this conversation between them, time to see. Greg wanted to reassure his father when this is possible to end the crisis. But as long as nothing was certain, it would be cruel for all to give false hopes.

Mark quickly signed the card receipt as Greg watched the gorilla. He was a nice guy. Strong and already marked by life like him. But he found a way. Dangerous and uncertain. Greg knew perfectly well that as soldier, Emiliano could die. At least it was he given a hope of a better life.

Another thing was as certain. Greg would seize his chance. He swore to. He owed it to his parents and himself. And then seeing Emiliano to have to have two jobs, for him it was a reminder of what could happen to him.

Greg had no animosity towards those who had to work the jobs to just survive. But he felt better and luckier than them. And he would play his card all the way to not have to fall into such a precarious life. He didn’t wanted, in any way.

Closing the shop door, Mark put his hand to his back pocket to take his phone coming to vibrate. Greg heard the adults now to slow down, then stop to meet more comfortably.

« Hey, James, how is this going ? It's rare to see you call me that ! »

Greg smiled to himself. It was no doubt the police officer who had been responsible for his proper installation. His inner joy changed quickly into concern upon hearing the voice of Mark change of tone, from joy to frank anxiety. Greg was unable to hear the words of the officer, but he understood that he brought bad news.

Standing on the sidewalk, not paying attention to the wind blowing him in the back and who turned colder the atmosphere, Mark kept his concentration on the words of his police officer friend. Eyes full of sadness and dismay he wore on Greg did not to reassure him.

« We're coming. I'll be there in ten minutes. Thank you for telling me, James. »

Mark handed his phone in place in his pocket. There was no more joy in his eyes. Greg was mortified.

« What is happening ? Francis ? It's about Francis ? »

Mark also kept a look without heat, dismayed and worried.

« We must go home. Francis will need us. His father just got killed. »