Story Boy

"Last call for flight 714 with non stop service to Las Vegas," the voice of the effeminate flight attendant crackled over the sound system.
With a sigh Twenty-one year old Justus Montgomery lifted his satchel and laptop case, swinging them both over his shoulder. "Well," he swallowed hard. "I guess this is it."
"I guess so," Twenty two year old Andrew Kyle shifted his feet uncomfortably. "You better make yourself a big star down there in Hollywood."
"You'd better come back from Iraq," Justus held back tears as the words left his mouth.
Andrew winked at him. "I'm tough. I will be fine."
"You better," Justus ran his fingers down Andrew's arm. "I'm going to need my straight boyfriend arm candy when I'm walking all those red carpets."
Andrew snorted sadly. Without hesitation he shrugged Justus's hand of his own, taking his own arm in his hand and pulled him in for a kiss. It was hard, deep, and passionate, leaving Justus both dazed and confused when it was over.
"I-Wha-"
"Don't," Andrew put his finger over his lips. "Don't say anything... Just.... Enjoy it. Now, get on your plane."
* * *
Justus' head was to dizzy to focus on the take off. He kept replaying the kiss over and over again in his mind. "It now safe to use approved electronic devices," the flight attendants voice spoke bubbly. Justus flipped open his satchel and pulled out his ipod and flipped it open, a folded piece of paper fell into his lap. After plugging in his ipod he picked up the piece of paper and unfolded it:
Justus~
By the time you read this, you'll be too high up in the sky to get off the plane... which is good. I know the kiss confused you, and I am sorry about that, but know that it is something that I've wanted to do for a long time now. I've been in love with you since... well since the night we met. It took me four years to actually get the balls to tell you that, and when I made up my mind that I would, you had already set your mind to moving to Hollywood. I would NEVER want to do anything to stand between you and your dreams... You have so much talent and so much energy, I know that you're going to do great things - and when I come back from Iraq I promise, if you'll have me, I will be more than just your straight boy arm candy... I will be yours - completely in heart, soul, and body. Take care of your self out there. I would be way scared in Hollywood than Iraq. But, if anyone can do it, it's you.
I love you,
Drew
Justus snorted rested his head back against the seat "Ass," he sighed and closed his eyes. He could not wait for the flight to be over so he could call Andrew and scream at him for waiting through for years of college to finally 'come out' to him.
* * *
Andrew smirked as he lifted his vibrating cell phone and saw Justus' number. "Hey baby," he greeted warmly.
"You're a dead man."
"Aww, I love you too."
"Yeah. I read that. Why did you wait so long? Why didn't you tell me!?! I would've -"
"Not gotten on your plane? Stayed behind in Missoula while I went off to war... yeah, that's exactly why I didn't. I told you I wasn't going to stand in the way of your dreams."
"I know... I just - you could've told me last night we could've -"
"Trust me. I wanted too. But, you still would've wanted to stay..."
"You're right."
"I always am... remember hat when we have our first fight."
"Whatever."
"I have to finish packing baby. I will talk to you soon. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Tell you Aunt Amy I said 'hi' k?'"
"Okay."
"I do love you Jus."
"I love you too, Drew."
* * *
Amy was 19 years younger than Justus' Mother, putting her at six years older then he was. She was beautiful with long golden brown hair and deep brown eyes that always seemed to be smiling. A one hit wonder in the world of pop, she was not a successful Hollywood agent. In addition to giving Justus a place to live, she promised to also get him a job; which she did immediately on the soap opera Rainfall.
* * *
Andrew opened Justus' myspace and began writing:
Hey baby,
Watched the new episode of Rainfall tonight online. I got a few of the other guys in the platoon addicted to it - of course I told everyone you were my brother - jk. A few of the girls know, and one or two of the guys... if they were hotter I'd say you'd have competition but as it stands... you're still the sexiest thing I've ever seen. Alright, time to go out on guard duty.
Love you,
D
Closing his lap top he picked up his helmet and gun and walked out of the barracks.
* * *
Justus laughed as he read Andrew's letter and began to write back.:
Dork ~
After waiting all these years I better not have any competition! I cannot wait to take you on set! It is so much fun! Amy and I have been hobnobbing and I feel so important! I was actually paparazzied last night, so we're keeping our eyes out to see what magazine I end up in... I wonder what kind of story the tabloids will say... what can they really do? Justus Montgomery caught in love triangle with a woman!!! LOL. Anyway, we're going out with Romi Dames tonight, she was on the Disney Channel. She's a hoot.
Love you too, J
* * *
It was nearly dawn. Andrew yawned as he paced back and forth, mostly to keep himself awake. He had a hacky sack in his hand that he would occasionally throw into the air and bounce against his hand.
They moved swiftly through the sand, shielding by long black cloaks, their faces painted with black camouflage - only the whites of their eyes visible in the moonlight. The leader, Siad, readied his gun and fired it at the American soldier.
Andrew heard the crack of the gun and felt a sharp pain in his lower back. He fell. Everything went black.
* * *
The front door was open, letting the spring air flow in to the spacious kitchen. She was mixing lemonade. She was a short round woman with blue eyes, graying hair, and a care-worn face. A happy tune long since forgotten by present day youth was on her lips. Looking up she saw the car coming up the drive way and looked at the fluffy cat that was curled up on her kitchen table. "Look Louie, we have company... maybe it's the Publishers Clearing House coming to tell us we are millionaires!"
Mary kept her picture of lemonade in hand as she stepped on to the porch, a cool breeze brought an instant color to her pale cheeks. She kept her smile wide until a young man in a marine officer stepped out of the driver's side of the car. He was holding an envelope. Her mind traveled back more than 40 years when she stood at her Mother's apron strings as another young marine brought her Mother a similar letter. Mary felt her heart jump up into her throat, tears burned her eyes and she let the picture of lemonade fall from hands. It shattered into dust at her feet.
* * *
Justus tapped angrily at his desk starring at Andrew's profile. His entire body was jittery. Finally he clicked on the send message button.
Andrew Anthony Kyle~
It's been six months. You better be alive. I'm going crazy here. Please, please be okay. Write me.
Justus
He clicked send. An error message popped up: SEND MESSAGE FAILED. PROFILE DELETED. Closing his laptop he sat back, his jittering body convulsing with tears.
* * *
Nineteen year old Jennifer Kyle set the last of the boxes down on her Mother's living room floor. Mary stared silently at the boxes. Jennifer rubbed her back. "Are you sure you want to do this Mom?"
Marry nodded. "It's been a year Jenny...Doctor Leena said it would be good for me."
"Well," Jennifer sighed. "Which box do you want to start with first?"
Mary pointed at the closest one to her "This one."
Jennifer bent down and tore away the duct tape.
Three hours and four boxes later Jennifer opened the fifth and final box, on top sat a black spiral notebook with a black and white photo of a forest screened onto it. She lifted it. "Drew's journal, I bought it for him when he went away to college."
"Should we read it?"
Jenny shrugged. "We might as well."
Mary forced a smile. Jennifer opened the notebook:
August 21st
Jenny bought me this stupid journal... I'm not really one to share my feelings, but I might as well get some use out of you. Moved into my dorm today, my roommates name is Marquis... he's from Mexico. I don't understand half of what he says, but he's brought a lot of alcohol so we're going to get along fine.
August 24th
Met my neighbor Justus today, he introduced him self as the token gay guy. He's going to be fun. Marquis and I got him drunk, he'd said he'd never been... There is something about him, some energy that makes me feel... different. I think we're going to be good friends.
August 26th
Justus is in my Acting class. If I have to take the stupid thing, at least I'll have a friend. Got drunk with Marquis again last night.
September 1st
Justus is my scene partner. We have to act out a scene from Madam Butterfly. Obviously, he is playing the transvestite. But, I am supposed to be in love with him. I think... I think I am... in real life...I think... I think... I am in love with him.
Jenny looked up at her Mother. Mary's eyes were wide and her face white. "Did..." Jenny started slowly. "Did you know?"
Mary shook her head quickly. "No... No did you?"
"No."
"Skip forward.”
Jenny turned to the last page with righting on it.
May 21st
Justus flew out today. Four years...and all I could do was give him a kiss. It was a good kiss, but I couldn't tell him how I feel. I'm such a coward... but, it's better this way. If he knew he wouldn't want to move down to Hollywood. He would give up his dreams to stay with me because that's the kind of person he is.... And I'm going off to Iraq. But, I did promise him that when he comes back, we will be together. I hope Mom and Jen will be able to accept and love him like I have.... Next August can't come soon enough.... See you then.
Jennifer closed the journal and looked up at her Mother. "What now?"
* * *
Justus sat in his chair just off set, he was curled up inside of it, starring off into space. Jordan Cale, his onscreen boyfriend came up to him. "You alright J?" Justus didn't respond. "I guess not... Earth to Justus?" he snapped his fingers in his face.
"Hmm?" Justus shook himself back into reality. "Oh, hey Jordan, did you say something?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing?"
Justus shrugged. "I don't know."
"If it's any consolation...I lost a cousin in Iraq. If you ever want to talk. I'm here."
Justus forced a smile "Thanks Jordan."
Jordan nodded and walked away. Curling himself up tighter, Justus returned to his thoughts.
* * *
Mary sat on the sofa with an oversized photo album. Every page was filled with photos of Andrew and Jenny growing up. Swimming in the lake, learning how to ski, camping. She had been searching, maybe there was some hit in his past of what he was, some little thing she missed. But so far she found nothing.
"What ya doing?" Jenny asked.
"Trying to find out who my son is... or was."
"His name was Andrew Anthony Kyle. He was a awesome. Nothing else should matter."
"I know...." Mary sighed. "But... but it does."
* * *
Amy walked into the house, Justus was asleep on the sofa. She covered him up and turned off the television, in his hands was a framed photo of him and Andrew. Amy took it and set it on the eudemon, then kissed his forehead and took herself to bed.
* * *
Little by little as time went on, Justus began to resemble his old self. As he began to cross into film his character was written out of Rainfalls. At twenty five, he had accomplished everything he had ever wanted too and he couldn't have been more excited.
* * *
"His name is Justus Montgomery," Jenny's voice was loud with excitement as she came briskly through the living room into the kitchen where Mary sat playing solitaire. "And get this!" She plopped down on the other side of the kitchen table. "He's on television."
"Television?"
"Yeah! He was on Rainfall!"
"Oooh!" Mary flopped her cards down. "Who is he? I love that show."
"He was Scott."
"Dominic's boyfriend? The one who got the brain tumor?"
"Yes."
"Hmmm."
"Now what?"
Mary sighed. "I don't know."
"Well, I already bought the tickets, so, we're going to Hollywood."
"Jennifer Anne! What were you thinking, what we're just going to show up on his doorstep and say 'hi, we're Andrew's family."
"Well, I got his agents information - apparently she is his cousin. Don't worry Mom..."
"I don't know Jen-"
"I have the tickets. We're going. Tomorrow at nine o'cock."
* * *
"No, I'm sorry," Amy spoke into her headset as she sat at her desk shifting through papers. "Justus has Opera that day....no, that's no good either, Ellen.... I know he's done Ellen three times this year - but their good friends. No, he has a charity event that night with Give Kids the world.... Late January could work... Alright, tell Mr. King I'm sorry. Thanks."
With a sigh, Amy ended the call. She looked up, a young girl and her Mother walked in. "Hello," the girl spoke. "Is Amy Anderson in?
"I'm sorry, I don't accept walk-ins. You'd have to send in a headshot and resume to be considered for representation."
"Oh!" Jennifer laughed. "No no no! We're here for Justus."
Amy's smirk split into a smile. "I'm sorry, but, fan request-"
"We're not fans," Mary spoke.
"Well I am," Jenny chimed in."
Mary reached into her purse and pulled out a photo of her son and held it out to Amy. "I'm Andrew's Mother."
Amy's eyes widened. "Oh," she felt her heart flutter. "Oh um... I... let me... I'll call him, please, sit down."
"Thank you," Mary nodded. Amy flipped open her ell phone and dialed. "Justus... you'd better come into the office... Andrew's Mom... she's here."
* * *
The door flew open and Justus raced inside, he stopped short and turned to face them. "Hello," Mary stood.
"Hi," Justus replied. His heartbeat was pounding in his ears.
Mary stared at him. All of the praying all of the visits to the physiatrist - everything was gone. She didn't know what to say.
"This," Jenny reached into her purse and pulled out the journal. "This was Andrew's... I think he'd want you to have it... you're all he ever wrote about."
Justus snorted a tearful laugh. "Really?"
"Yes," Mary nodded.
Justus took in a deep breath. "Would... would you two like to go to dinner?"
"Yes!" Jennifer spoke up before her Mother had time to answer.
Justus nodded. "Amy, please cancel all my engagements for today... thanks."
"Alright," she nodded.
* * *
They were at a little Italian bistro. "I love Italian," Jennifer gushed.
Justus smiled "So did Drew."
"You really cared for him, didn't you?" Mary asked.
"Yes... I'm still mad that he waited until I was on a plane before he told me he felt the same way."
"He wanted to tell you," Jenny confessed. "Everyday he wanted to tell you, but, was too scared... partially of what we would think."
"Oh," Justus looked down at his still nearly full plate. "And what do you think?"
"He was my son," Mary stated. "That's all that mattes."
Justus smiled.
As the night drew to a close Justus hugged Mary and Jenny. "I'm glad I got to meet you," he smiled.
"Me too," Mary smiled.
"Me three," Jenny chimed in. She looked at Justus for a moment in silence. "Can I please get a photo?"
"Sure," he laughed. Jenny took her camera out of her purse and handed it to her Mother. Mary snapped the photo.
"Thank you!" Jenny hugged him again. "Keep in touch."
"I will he promised, and thank you for the journal."
"You're welcome." Mary smiled.
"Are you sure you don't want me to get a car to take you back to your room?" Justus offered.
"No," Mary laughed. "Heavens, we're just up the street. Besides, we might take in a few of the sights."
"Alright," Justus smiled. They turned and walked away. Turning he headed towards his own apartment. He could use the fresh air as well.
He could see his apartment.
They came from no where, sliding in and out through the shadows. The first brought his fist against Justus' head, he fell, as he hit the pavement another brought his foot underneath him, kicking into his ribs. He rolled onto his back. Through blurred vision he could see there were three of them. He could see another foot aimed for his face, but a fourth figure interfered. Everything happed in a blur. He was beginning to loose consciousness.
As his eyes began to roll back in his head, the young man knelt down and lifted him into his arms.
* * *
His head was pounding, it hurt to breath, and he felt like he had been hit by a car. Little by litter the memories (and his vision) returned to him. Opening his eyes he saw that he was in a hotel room, a cheap one - and naked. The comforter he was laying on was scratchy and the walls a puke yellow. He sat up. The shower was running. He looked around the room for his clothes, they were no where to be found. Before he could think of another option the shower stopped. His heartbeat quickened. A moment later the door opened and a naked young man emerged. He was tall and toned with tan skin and a small amount of body hair. A towel which should have been wrapped around his waist was draped over his head.
"I knew if I hid your clothes you wouldn't think about running away."
"Who are you?" he tried to sound tuff.
"The man that saved your life."
"Why am I here?"
"Because they know where you live. I couldn't risk them going after you again."
"Who are they?"
"Bad guys."
"Thank you Captain Obvious but why were they after me?"
"To get to me," he slowly pulled the towel down. Justus blood froze in his veins. His entire body flushed with heat and for a moment he wondered if he was dreaming.
"Justus?" he spoke slowly. "Jus-"
"You're not real," He finally chocked out, his head still hot with confusion. "You're not real."
"Yes, yes I am," He reached out touching Justus's chest with his finger tips. As soon as their skin met, Justus' fist was up, knocking him in the face. It was like punching a brick wall and the young man didn't even flinch. "Just... different," he stated without batting an eye. "But I promise... I am real."
"No," Justus was crying with a mix of pain and emotion. "You... you can't be."
"I am," he stated again slowly bringing his lips to Justus'. It was hard, deep, and passionate, leaving him both dazed and confused when it ended.
"Andrew?" He finally got the strength to speak his name.
A shy smile split Andrew's face as he nodded and kissed him again.
* * *
The fluorescents burned Andrew’s eyes as they fluttered in and out of consciousness. His world was a blur of sound, screaming medics and concerned platoon mates. “It’s going to be okay,” His buddy Forester’s voice somehow broke through the madness. “You’ll be alright, bro.” It was the last thing Andrew heard before he finally blacked out.
* * *
“How does he look?” Coronal Addams asked as he stepped into the Doctors office. A plate of glass in the side of the wall showed Andrew still connected to tubes.
“Something is not letting him let go,” the Doctor replied. “I think her name is Justus – it’s all he mumbles… that and ‘I love you.’”
The Coronal scratched under his chin “Will he recover?”
The Doctor snorted. “Not on his own, no.”
“Is he a good candidate?”
The Doctor flipped open Andrew’s chart. “I believe he is yes. Physically he’s perfect, strong – and his mind is sharp.”
Coronal Addams snorted “Do it.”
* * *
The faint beeping of a heart monitor was the first thing recognized as he slowly began to regain consciousness. The room he was in was of pale grey bricks and he was hooked to all sorts of machines he had never seen before. “Private Kyle,” an older man smiled with the an English accent and a voice of someone twenty years his junior at the sight of his open eyes. “You’re awake – always a good sign.”
“Wh-What happened?” His voice was gruff and his mouth dry. “Water… please.”
“Here you go,” The doctor handed him a cone shaped paper cup with luke warm water.
It was stale but he drank it anyway. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” The Doctor nodded. “How are you feeling?”
“Alright… but, what happened?”
“You were shot…. In the back.”
Andrew’s first inclination was to lift his legs – which he did. “You’re not paralyzed.” Andrew sighed in relief. “Very much the opposite in fact, how are you feeling?”
“A little groggy, but other wise – pretty good.”
“Excellent.”
“How long have I been out?”
“A month.”
“A MONTH!”
“Several extensive test had to be done.”
“What kind of test.”
“Officer Kyle, when you came in to us, we had two choices. The first was to let you die – which would have been eminent let me assure you.”
“The other?”
“Was to use a new form of treatment, one still very experimental.”
Andrew felt himself flare with questions. “What kind of treatments.”
“Are you familiar with bionics Private Kyle?”
“Bionics?” Andrew echoed
“Apparently not…. Let me put it to you this way. When you came into us, your spine had been split in half, we were able to use synthetically engineered stem cells to not only repair the damage, that cells we used to repair your spine have also enhanced the mobility and strength of your arms and legs.”
“Enhanced?”
“Made you stronger, better.”
“How?”
With a smirk the doctor took his reflex mallet and hit it against Andrews left shin. “Did you feel that?”
He shook his head “No.”
“I hit you as hard as I could….Sit up.” Andrew did as he was told. He was still connected to the EKG. The doctor walked over to a metal cabinet, opened it and pulled out a metal ball no bigger than a baseball. He tossed it at Andrew. Andrew caught it easily. “Squeeze it, as hard as you can.”Andrew began to grip the ball. It crinkled as if it were made of paper. The Doctor smiled proudly. “Good. You can disconnect the wires. Follow me please. Andrew pulled at the wires, wincing as the sticky parts pulled at the hair on his chest. He followed the Doctor.
The Doctor led him to another part of the facility with the highest ceilings he had ever seen. The Doctor pointed to a ledge near the top. “That’s four stories above us. Jump up to it.”
Andrew laughed. “Right.”
“That is not a request Private… it’s an order.”
The words and the tone in his voice caused Andrew to stand at attention and salute the Doctor “I will try my best, Sir,” Andrew crouched down and prepared to jump. As his legs kicked off the ground, he fumbled clumsily through the air, his arms flailing until his hand griped the ledge the Doctor had pointed too. He looked down “Shit,” was the only thing he could think of to say. From that moment on, his training began.
* * *
The Doctor stood behind a plate glass wall that to Andrew, who was on the other side running on a treadmill, looked like a mirror. “How long as be been at it?” Coronal Addams asked coming into the viewing room.
“Four hours,” The Doctor looked down at his watch. “And he hasn’t even broken a sweat. His breathing, heart rate – everything is normal.”
“Good,” the coronal stated. “And the other three?”
“Not as good as Private Kyle – but, they are handling the enhancements well.”
“Good. Keep me in formed Doctor.”
“Yes Coronal”
* * *
“Doctor?” Andrew asked softly as the Doctor came in give him his daily dose of steroids that he said ‘kept him from rusting’
“Yes Private Kyle?”
“Can I have access to a computer please?”
“Why would you need that?” the Doctor laughed, trying to be casual.
“Or a cell phone – anything, my family and friends must be really worried that they haven’t heard from me.”
“Not to worry,” The Doctor thought on his feet. “We have informed them that you are currently in a military facility recovering from injuries sustained on the field.”
Andrew nodded “But still, I’d like to at least email them, let them know I am-”
“I’m sorry Private, but that is not possible.”
“Why not?”
“Are you questioning orders Private?”
Andrew shook his head and looked away “No sir.”
“Good,” the Doctor stated. “What we are doing here is… needless to say, of the highest priority. If word were to get out what you were, every terrorist on the planet would want to get their hands on you and use this technology against us. There billions of dollars worth of technology flowing through your veins. The military will not put you at risk.”
“So…” Andrew looked away sadly “I’m your lab rat.”
“Come now,” The Doctor gripped Andrew’s shoulder. “You’re much more than that… You are the first successful prototype. The model for which all other will be judged upon-”
“You make me sound like a computer,” Andrew snapped. “I am a Goddamn human being!”
The Doctor snorted and smirked. “Well see how human you feel when I don’t give you your pills,” he crunched the small paper cup in his fist. “At ease Private,” he added walking out of the room.
“Jack ass,” Andrew snorted under his breath.
* * *
Andrew was getting ready to sleep. “You called Doctor?” The Coronal came into the viewing room. “You said it was urgent.”
The Doctor nodded. “He’s about to realize how much pain disobedience will cost him.”
“Will it hurt him?”
“Not once the drugs are taken.”
* * *
His was just about to drift off to sleep. Without warning it was like every gear in his body began to grind together, he felt like a wind up toy that had started to rust. “What’s happening,” he asked trying to sit up. He couldn’t move. “WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME!” He cried out loud. The grinding grew worse and his skin felt as though he was lying in a bed of fire. He held out as long as he could, but finally, the pain won out. “I SURRENDER! I SURRENDER!”
“I thought you might,” The doctor stated as he walked into the room and injected a needle into Andrew’s neck. His body instantly cooled and everything began to run smoothly. As Andrew laid flat, catching his breath, the Doctors smirked. “Next time… I’ll let carry on until morning.”
* * *
He ran, he lifted, he jumped, and he dodged. Whatever they wanted he did and he did it above and beyond their expectations. He was the perfect soldier… Or so they thought. But as the stem sells began to seep into his brain, he began to realize that he had full control over every aspect and function of his body: His breathing, his hear rate – everything, he even began to be able to control the release of the cocktail of drugs that the Doctor was putting into his system. Silently he was beginning to wean himself off the drugs…. Or at least try.
* * *
“How is he doing?” The Coronal asked watching Andrew shooting baskets.
“He has become very obedient,” The Doctor smirked. “I say jump he asks ‘how hi?’”
“Good,” the Coronal continued to watch as Andrew jumped up to make a basket. His body crashed to the ground.
* * *
The Doctor, the Coronal, and several Medics rushed to him. The Doctor immediately began to check his pulse and breathing… there was nothing.
* * *
“What a waste,” the Doctor grumbled tossing a scalpel into a water basin. “I’ve tried everything, the last dose of Mercury X should have jump started him… now the nanites have made his body so hard, we cant even salvage his organs… Probably won’t be able to burn him either.”
“I’ll have some men take him into the woods, have him buried with the others.”
“Yes Coronal,” the Doctor stated pulling the white sheet up over Andrew’s head. Covered, they could not see the slight smile the slowly spread across his face.
* * *
“I hate it out here,” Private Bartholomew Gains shivered as he and Private Jason Benjamin drove through the dark edge of the forest. “It feels haunted.”
Private Benjamin smirked “With all the bodies we buried out here, I wouldn’t doubt it.”
“Why do you think they burry them?” Private Gains asked scratching his head. “Why not burn them – you think that would be easier.”
Private Benjamin shrugged. “I don’t ask questions, bro – I just follow orders.”
“Guess we have to huh.”
“Yep,” Private Benjamin belched.
“Here’s good,” Private Gains nodded. “The sooner we get out of here the better.”
Private Benjamin nodded as he stopped the vehicle.
As the two young men began to dig, Andrew began to strengthen his heartbeat and his breathing began to regulate.
“Damn he’s heavy,” Gains stated as they prepared to dump him in the shallow grave they had dug.
“Dude was built,” Benjamin stated. “I saw a him when they were putting him in the bag.”
“They are all,” Gains huffed, he slipped both he and the body bag crashed to the ground. “Shit.”
“You alright?” Benjamin asked, unable to hide his snickering.
“Just help me up.”
Benjamin set His part of the body bag down.
* * *
It was now or never. Andrew’s fist punched through the vinyl black body bag.
* * *
Benjamin and Gains fell over. Gains was so frightened he wet his pants. Benjamin swung his gun around, ready to fire as Andrew stood on his feet. “St-st-stop ri-right there!” He was shaking.
Andrew smirked. “Put that thing away soldier… before you hurt yourself.”
Benjamin fired the gun. Andrew felt a flash of heat as the bullet bounced off chest. The two Private’s eyes widened.
“I warned you,” Andrew stated as he reached down and grabbed the barrel of the gun. Swinging it, Benjamin’s body sliced through a near by tree. His death was instant. “You,” Andrew stepped forward. “You dropped me.”
“I….I…. I’m sorry,” Gains stammered.
“You will be,” Andrew stepped forward.
* * *
“How is this possible?” The Coronal asked angrily. The entire facility was in an uproar over Andrew’s ‘escape’. “How could you let this happen?”
“He fooled us all Coronal…You were the one who wanted him to keep his free will… I told you that we should inject the mind control substance we did with the later models… apparently the boy was brighter than you gave him credit for.”
“We need to find him,” The Coronal slammed his fist down on the table.
“I think I have an idea, sir,” The Doctor was rapidly searching his own memory bank. “Remember when Private Kyle was first brought in to us, the name he kept saying in his sleep…”
“Justus?”
“Yes sir,” he nodded sitting down at his computer.
“What of it?”
“I did some researched, found Private Kyle’s myspace… and found this,” The Doctor turned the monitor over so that the Coronal could see the profile of the young man. “His name is Justus Montgomery, apparently he and the private were… lovers.”
“He was degenerate in more ways than one,” the Coronal stated. “Send the other three to find this… Montgomery.”
“Yes sir.”
* * *
The streets of Los Angeles bustled with activity. Andrew slipped around in the shadows, sniffing at the air for Justus’ scent. When the scents of his Mother and Sister mixed in with those of Justus, he kept himself even more hidden, following Justus by rooftop as he headed down the street. He turned back to take one more sorrowful look at his Mother and Sister. He turned back just in time to watch three men jump him.
He acted quickly. The other men were strong; there was no question about that, inhumanly so. They put up a good fight. But, unlike him, their bodies had not been made unscratchable by the Doctors cocktail. It wasn’t long before they fell. He lifted Justus’ unconscious body. He had commandeered a hotel room. They would be safe… at least until Justus was able to travel.
* * *
Justus shivered. “They really did all that too you?” he asked after Andrew had finished his recollections.
“Yes.”
“So you’re…”
“A freak?” He smirked. “Yes.”
“That’s not what I was going to say.”
“Do you still want me?” His eyes soft, sincere, and worried.
Justus cupped his face quickly. “How could you even ask me that? It’s going to take a lot more than a jacked up Government thingy to turn me off to you.”
Andrew released a sigh of relief. “Good.”
Justus ran his fingers through Andrew’s hair and down the side of his face. “It is… you are… I mean, I’m not dreaming… am I?”
“No,” Andrew shook his head, “Though I wish you were.”
“If I was… I wouldn’t want to wake up.”
“I’m afraid now, you won’t be able too – no matter how hellish this nightmare becomes.”
Justus cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
Andrew snorted a laugh. “You don’t think we’re going to be able to stay in Hollywood do you?”
“Where else would we go?”
“Anywhere but here. Mexico for a bit, then Alaska, maybe some uncharted island.”
Justus laughed. “Andrew, I have a job here… Even if I wanted to, it would be impossible to disappear… I’m famous.”
“Jus, the entire Government is going to be on my ass, they’ve already attacked you – they won’t stop until they have me. We’re going to have to go. Preferably before dawn.”
“What about-”
“There’s no questioning this Justus, it has to happen. I’m sorry.”
“But-”
“I said no questions. We’re leaving Hollywood. Tonight. I’m sorry. Forget everything – because everything you know… is about to change.”
Justus swallowed hard. He was suddenly, afraid. As the sun set over the ocean, Justus and Andrew boarded a train. As the train pulled out his cell phone began to ring. It was Jenny. He looked at Andrew, Andrew held out his hand for the phone, crushing it in his fist. “Our old lives are over. I’m sorry.”
Justus forced a smile. “Well, as long as I have you… I guess that will be good enough.”
Andrew smirked. “I’m sorry Baby…”
Justus shrugged. “It’s ok…. It will be ok… right?”
Andrew winked and lifted Justus chin, kissing him softly. “I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe.”
Justus exhaled softly. The kiss was dizzying. “Here’s to a new life…”