“Bray,” I exhale, massaging my temple to alleviate the impending headache. “It is significantly more intricate than merely kissing.”
“However, he genuinely admires you!” He continues, cradling both of my cheeks in his small hands. “I hold a strong affection for him.”
I also have affection for him; however, mere affection is insufficient. Not intended for Bray. Inapplicable to my preferences.
I suppress my emotions and shake my head at him. “I apologise, Bray, but Jadi is merely a friend.” I remove him from my lap and dry my tears. I require a shower. Why not descend and engage in play with Jadi for a short duration? I can place an order for a pizza if you are hungry. I will descend momentarily.
“Very well,” Bray exhales deeply, bowing his head as he dismounts the bed.
I seize his wrist and draw him closer, elevating his chin.
“One day, Bray,” I whisper, brushing his hair from his forehead. “When I am stronger and my heart is mended, I will seek a father for you.”
“However, I have an affinity for Jadi…” he sulks.
Exasperation! Must this youngster exhibit the same obstinacy as I do?
“I will consider it,” I concede, as Bray struggles to suppress his enthusiasm.
Bray descends the stairs, vociferously calling out for Jadi. I enter the shower, striving to disregard my unwanted thoughts; but, they overwhelm me, prompting a swift exit as I don a t-shirt and pyjama bottoms.
Steeling myself for Bray’s twenty enquiries, I cautiously proceed down the corridor, overhearing the laughter of Bray and Jadi. Desiring to approach them stealthily, I reduce my pace and descend to all fours, nearly creeping down the stairs.
Upon reaching the midpoint of the steps, their voices become distinctly audible.
What is the meaning of the term “bitch”?Bray enquires, as I cover my lips to suppress a laugh.
Jadi is unable to respond to you, Bray. I wish to speak, although I restrain myself upon hearing a faint groan.
“It is an inappropriate term, K-Bray,” a deep voice falters, causing my entire body to tense. “It is not very pleasant, and one should always exhibit kindness.”
Is there another individual present in the residence? I contemplate while gazing at my exceedingly unkempt t-shirt.
I down the steps until I am at the bottom, peering around the wall into the living room. I observe Bray and Jadi reorganising the chairs, pillows, and sofa cushions to construct a fort in front of the television. I saw no one else present, prompting me to question whether I had heard another someone in the room.
“Why did that individual refer to my mother using an inappropriate term?” Bray enquires, offering Jadi an additional pillow.
“Because he is a bully,” Jadi responds, my heart racing at the sound of his voice.
He does indeed speak! He merely has a stammer.
Notwithstanding this, his voice is sweet and gentle, akin to silk, with each syllable being exceptionally relaxing. A slight pain permeates my heart.
Why did he deceive me regarding his voice? Why does he communicate with Bray but not with me, his companion? Were all of my friends simply fated to withhold the truth from me?
“I abhor bullies,” Bray responds.
“Neither do I,” Jadi chuckles.
“So, will you be my friend eternally?” Bray enquires, extending his arms to illustrate the duration.
“Y-yes,” Jadi murmurs.
“Will you always have affection for my mother?” ”
From my concealed position, I can discern the subtle hue of crimson in Jadi’s ears.
“You and your mother will always reside in my heart,” Jadi murmurs. “I will always protect you.”
My ire rapidly dissipates as I continue to hear him articulate.
“So, do you enjoy kissing my mother?” Bray enquires when entering the finished fort.
“You pose an excessive number of enquiries,” Jadi replies, shaking his head, his ears flushed with embarrassment.
Bray merely smiles, inundating Jadi with numerous additional enquiries, all of which Jadi responds to, occasionally faltering in his speech nevertheless striving to articulate his thoughts. Braylon lays calmly in the fort, absorbing every word Jadi utters as if it were paramount, and I observe how utterly at ease Jadi is in Bray’s presence. He consistently exhibits nervousness in my presence, frequently knocking objects over and evading eye contact.
I recall the memories he shared, reflecting on how his father loomed over him like an impenetrable wall, devoid of compassion in his tone when addressing his quaking son.
“If he is unable to articulate the words, then he is unworthy of addressing me as father.”
That was the statement made by his father.
Did he believe I would remain unchanged? That I would be unable of overlooking his stutter and regarding him as a companion? Did he believe I would demean him as his father did and mock him for his difficulty in pronouncing my name?
