A Love to Last Ch. 05

"I don't care right now. I feel like shit already and I don't know for how long I can keep with this." He was being truthful. "Jim is a good person and I have been trying my best to love him, but I can't just bring myself to doing certain things with him. He wants us to have sex but... it feels so wrong, not when he's always on my mind. Aside from loving this boy, I feel some responsibility for what I did, for taking his virginity."

"Maybe it's the guilt talking and..."

"No, it's not!" He snapped. He apologized and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "I know what I feel and these feelings are so deep that they make me wanna go crazy. That is why I want to talk to the boy and come clean to Jim and everyone else. Ben is the boy I wanna be with."

"I understand. But hearts will break. Jim has been pursuing you for a very long time and I don't think he will let you go that easily."

"He just has to." He nodded. "Otherwise, if I continue lying to him then it will be harder in future."

"You may be right. Have you told Amber."

"Not yet!" He shook his head. "She's friends with both and I promised Ben I wasn't gonna tell anyone. And you have to promise me that you won't tell her anything. Otherwise, I'll never forgive you if you do."

Isaac raised his hands as if he was surrendering.

"I love my life, thank you very much."

The two friends burst into laughter.

"But whatever you do, know that you've got my support." Isaac said with a serious face. "I just want you to be happy."

"Thank you so much." David smiled. "I just wish you were here with me. When are you supposed to return?"

"Not sure, man!" He sighed. "There's still a lot of work to do. And I know your birthday is coming in a few days. I hope I can make it for your party."

"Not sure there's going to be one." He laughed. "The only birthday gift I need is Ben."

"Sure! I'll wrap him up and deliver him to you."

The two of them were laughing again. In no time, they were talking about something else and David's mood got lifted. They were laughing, joking and gossiping about Isaac's time where he was working. But as no good things last, they had to say goodbye to each other and David found himself thinking about the boy again. His emotions were so strong that he felt like he was going crazy.

"God!"

He began pacing about the room, trying to think of what next, he was gonna do.

"God, please help me make a decision." He sighed. "I am going crazy. How do I know if this boy loves me or not? I need an answer. If you exist, show me a sign so that I may follow it to my destination."

He was still pacing when a strong wind came through the window and he covered his face to shield himself. But it didn't take long and it died down. He was about to move when he saw a paper on the floor which he recognized.

It was the paper that the boy had dropped during their encounter in the bathroom. He quickly picked it up and unfolded it to reveal the greatest surprise of his life. The corners of his mouth turned up and his whole mood brightened up.

"Thank you so much. I know what to do."

***

Ben was staring at the stars, letting them take his worries as he tried his best to forget his troubles. Jim was inside with Elena and they were planning on his big day which was coming in a few months as usual. He had left the house as usual because it made him feel like an outsider. He just wanted to go back to school so he could concentrate on his studies but it seemed the days were passing so slowly and Elena wasn't making things any easier for him.

As he was thinking, he heard his phone vibrate and he almost jumped. He took a deep breath as he looked at his phone, an unknown number. Who could have been calling him, he thought as he hesitantly pressed the answer button.

"Hello!"

"Ben!"

Ben felt a shiver go down his spine when he heard that voice. His heart began thumping and sweat began dripping down his back.

"You!" He gasped, taking a glance behind him. "What do you want from me and how did you get my line?"

"Calm down!" David said on the other end of the line. "It's good to hear your voice. I missed you."

"That didn't answer my question." He said rudely. "You shouldn't..."

"I got it from Amber because I wanted to talk to you." He said with a chuckle. "I miss you, Ben."

"Stop this nonsense!" Ben snapped, breathing harshly. "How many times must I tell you? Is it when you've put me in trouble when you'll stop. I'm blocking your call so..."

"You need to meet me tomorrow morning." David said abruptly.

"Are you kidding me?" Ben chuckled bitterly. "You're going crazy and maybe you need some therapy. Why in the hell would I meet you?"

"I have something I need to talk to you about."

"Whatever I have wanted to say to you, I have said it already. Stop pestering me..."

"Okay." David chuckled. "Is that how you wanna play it? Alright, tomorrow morning I'll come to your house so we can come and talk from there. Is that more convenient for you? Maybe we can even tell everyone about the truth and..."

"Fine!" Ben answered abruptly, clenching on the phone angrily. "I will meet you but after this, please leave me alone. I just need peace."

He angrily cut the phone and began breathing like he was in labor. He didn't even care when he received a text, probably from David. He stood there for a long time before he finally calmed himself down. Everything had been going so wrong since David entered his life and he had no idea what to do anymore.

He sat down on a step near the door with his arms wrapped around himself. It was a cold night and it reminded him of how he was feeling. He thought he already had many problems but David continued adding to them and it made him feel guilty because he was hiding something from Jim. But what could he do? He couldn't just tell him the truth.

As he was lost deep in thought, he felt a cloth covering him and he quickly shifted his eyes to his side. He found his father smiling at him and he couldn't help but smile. The man had put a jacket on him.

"Are you okay? You seem so quiet." Jerome asked as his arms found themselves around his son. "Why aren't you inside?"

"I just needed some air, dad." He didn't lose that smile on his face. He moved near his father and enjoyed the warmth of his touch. "Besides, Jim is busy with aunt Elena and I didn't wanna disturb them. And you also know how she acts around me. This gives her a chance to bond with Jim."

Jerome nodded as his face became blank. He was feeling very sad.

"I am so sorry, Ben. Lately, I feel like you're not as happy as I used to make you feel." He apologized, squeezing his shoulder. "I have been so busy with work and now your brother's boyfriend and the unexpected engagement..." He sighed. "...I feel like such a useless father, especially to you."

"Dad, come on!" Ben laughed. "I would beg to differ because you're the best dad any boy can ask for. I understand that with the expansion of your empire, there's more demand. As for Jim, I am happy that you're sharing in his happiness. This is the first time I have seen him fall for someone like that and it calls for a celebration as a family. I am happy but you know the reason why I can't celebrate with you as a complete family."

"Yeah!" Jerome nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. "And I wish I could change that, honestly. I know that I am the only one you've got. I promise that once all this passes, I'll take you on a trip, just the two of us. How does Hawaii sound like?"

Ben laughed. "I would go anywhere as long as I am with you."

Jerome felt like the light in his life had shone brighter than ever. Seeing his Ben smile made him so much happier.

"You know, I wish to capture that smile on your face." He teased, gesturing with his hands. "If only you I had brought my phone with me. I would have made it my profile picture so that the world could see how beautiful my son is, just like his mother."

Ben burst into laughter again. "There will be lots of moments like this. And as long as I have my handsome dad with me, I know he'll always find ways of making me smile."

Jerome pinched his son's cheeks and kissed his forehead. Ben rested his head on his father's shoulder and Jerome wrapped his arms tightly around him. He felt so warm, so trouble free and so contented. He didn't know what he would do without his father. He was literally his whole life.

"You know, I have something for you."

"What is it dad?" Ben asked, raising his head.

He watched as his father went into his pocket and came out with a small box. When he opened it, Ben's heart missed a beat. His eyes grew with excitement.

"Is that..."

"Yes, my family bracelet!" Jerome nodded as he got out a beautiful golden bracelet and took Ben's hand. "It was given to me by my father who got it from my grandfather." He put it on Ben's hand nicely. "He told me to give it to my child and now I am giving it to you. It is a very precious thing to me and I wat you to take very good care of it."

"It's beautiful!" Ben could not take his eyes off it. "But I probably shouldn't." He looked at his father, shaking his head. "My grandfather told you to give it to your son. I think Jim should have it, dad. He's the..."

"I don't care what anyone else says about what kind of son you are to me." Jerome said with a smile. "All I know is that you're my flesh and blood. That's why I have given you this because I love you so much. Jim is a very reasonable person and he will understand. I love you so much son."

"I love you too, dad."

He wrapped his arms around his son. As his arms wrapped around him, Ben felt tears rolling down his face freely. In that moment, there in his arms, he felt safe. It was all he needed. He rubbed his face before he broke the hug and wore a smile when he looked at his father.

"Can you keep me company for a while, dad?"

Jerome chuckled and brought his son's head to his shoulder. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Father and son stayed like that but unknown to them, Elena was behind them with a sullen look on her face and her trembling hands clenched. Her gaze remained focused on the two, her mind spun, jealousy tearing at her whole being. She wanted to snap Ben's neck and finally end him after what she had witnessed her husband do.

In despair, she furiously turned and went back inside. She wasn't gonna let it go.

***

Ben was seated in the living room, browsing through a catalogue to see if he could find anything lovely for his beloved. There were lots of good choices and he had no idea which one he wanted to go for. When he raised his head, he saw his mother coming towards him.

"Hey mom, it's a good thing you've come." He rose from the couch and showed her the tablet. "Which of these do you think David will like, something that will give an everlasting impression?"

"I think that boy is trying by all means to shift the attention to himself." She sneered. "He can't take the fact that you're happy and now all the attention is on you."

"What?" Jim frowned. "Who are you talking about?"

"Who else but that good for nothing bastard." She snarled, her fists clenching. "He can't wait to jump on any opportunity that he sees."

"Mom?" Jim couldn't mask the surprise in his voice. "What did Ben do this time?"

"Didn't you hear anything I said? Well," She crossed her arms on her chest. "While you and I are in here planning, your father has given that illegitimate son of his a family treasure. He's given him a bracelet that was specifically meant to be for you. That was given to him by his father and he knew very well that I wanted you to have it."

"Mom?" Jim lost the smile on his face. "Is that why you're upset? I know of the bracelet dad has been keeping. He's got two sons and there was no way to share it. I am not upset that Ben got it. After all, he didn't get anything when we finished high school. I think it's only fair..."

"This isn't about being fair, it's about being right." She said angrily. "That bastard doesn't deserve to get anything from him, do you understand? He sees that you're happy and he cannot bear that so he find other ways of shifting attention to himself. He convinced your father to give him that bracelet and guess what..." she chuckled bitterly. "...now your father wants to take him on a trip, just the two of them. This is supposed to be a moment for you and your father."

Jim lost the smile on his face.

"Why do you hate Ben so much, mom? And until when will you start treating him like an equal member of this family?" He shrugged. "Ben deserves that bracelet as much as I do and personally, I am happy that he got it instead of me. Because had dad given it to me, it would have probably made him feel like an outsider."

"Isn't that what he is?" She asked with an evil face. "Whether you accept it or not, Ben will and can never be part of this family. Don't my feelings matter to you? I love you so much, Jim and I want you to be happy. But Ben is not part of this family. He is an illegitimate son and he shouldn't be getting any privileges that are supposed to be yours."

"But mom..."

"This will continue until he finally convinces your father to give him a larger percentage of all the wealth." She groaned. "Is that what you want?"

"Ben is not as selfish as you make him seem, mom." He shook his head. "I know that he is not your son but I love him as my brother." He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lovingly. "Don't worry, I will get just as much as Ben will because we're brothers. Excuse me, mom, I will be in my room."

He left her feeling she was on fire. She couldn't believe how he had acted stupid. She suddenly heard someone clapping and she didn't need to guess that it was her husband. When she turned, she found him with Ben.

"Wow! I am so proud of my son. He is truly the son of his father." Jerome teased, getting closer. "Till now, he refuses to be poisoned by your venom and I am so happy that no matter what you say to him, he can never ever change. Isn't he wonderful?"

Elena smiled maliciously as her eyes landed on the boy. "You must be happy, Ben, aren't you? Your plan to see Jerome and I fighting is working." Her face flushed in rage. "You have vowed never to see me or Jim happy."

"No!" He shook his head. "You've got me wrong and..."

"You don't have to explain anything to her." Jerome chimed in. "If you have anything to say to my son, say it to me. Ben, you may go to your room."

Ben slightly bowed his head and started rushing towards the stairs but...

"Don't you dare move an inch, you son of a whore!" Elena snarled. "I am not through with you."

Ben stood but never turned to face Elena.

"It must feel good to be so manipulative, getting whatever you want whenever no one is looking, right." She chuckled bitterly. "But it will take more than a bracelet to make you a part of this family. I have told you that a pig is a pig."

Ben closed his eyes, suppressing his tears.

"You may put cologne on a pig. You may put designer clothes on a pig but a pig will always be a pig. Nothing will change that."

"I said go to your room, Ben!" Jerome snapped. "Now!"

Ben didn't need to be told twice. He rushed upstairs like the hounds of hell were after him. But he was in so much pain.

Elena was about to follow him when she was painfully gripped and brought back. Her arm burned and she couldn't help but wince. When she looked into her husband's eyes, she couldn't recognize him. He was like a stranger.

"I have tolerated enough of you trying to hurt my son, Elena." He said between clenched teeth. "What do you get from that? It seems there's no reasoning with you, like I am talking to a wall. You can hurt me all you want but I am warning you for the last time, stay away from my son. Do I make myself clear?"

"You're warning your wife because of your illegitimate..."

"Yes!" He snapped, adding pressure on his hands. Elena groaned in pain. "I am a father after all, it's about time I started acting like one. Whatever anger that you have, project it on me, I will take it. But don't take it on my son, Elena. Otherwise, you might just push me away like you did all those years ago and the results will be worse. I will take my sons with me and I will never allow you to come close to them again. Do I make myself clear?"

Elena's mouth opened in silent scream. Her entire body became impossibly still.

"Hurt me all you want. But leave him alone."

Her let go and she stood there staring at him, her eyes red as blood. She was so pissed that she promised she was gonna kill Ben. She watched as her husband stormed out of the living room. A single tear went down her cheek.

She angrily rubbed it, her eyes glittering with hostility. She gripped her shirt, pulling on it as she felt herself being possessed by the greatest anger she'd ever felt.

"You'll pay for these tears, Ben and you won't even see it coming." She said under her breath. "Today my husband shouted at me because of you. And Jerome, you lie..." She chuckled. "...you can never leave me even if you wanted to because I am the brains behind your very success. You cannot survive without me. Ben..." She chirped, an evil grin appearing on her face.

"...I will create a big rift between you and my husband that it will be impossible to recover from it. You're gonna wish I had burned you together with that bitch's ashes. I promise!"

***

David was pacing, glancing around and not focusing on anything. He was grinding his teeth anxiously, hoping, praying and praying some more that Ben showed up. He was so nervous that he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He had been waiting for Ben in the park where he knew they wouldn't be disturbed for over an hour. Whatever had made him think the boy would show, he thought as he hit his head.

Just as he was about to curse, he saw the boy coming slowly towards him and his heart skipped a beat. He was so handsome, in that ponytail long hair that seemed to show his entire handsome face. Those precious lips inviting him to kiss them and that marvelous body begging to be hugged.

David nervously moistened his dry lips and smiled spastically as the boy approached. He threw his arms around him and hugged him tightly. Ben just stood there with hugging him back, acting surprised. But he should have known that David was gonna do that.

"Thank you so much for meeting me, Ben."

Ben sighed. "It's not like you left me with any choice when you were threatening me last night."

"Oh!" David chuckled nervously, scratching his head. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to sound like that either. I just didn't know of any way to bring you to come see me."

"And I am here." Ben said harshly. "Say what you called me here for because I have to be on my way."

"Isn't it obvious?" David shrugged. "I am here to talk about us. I want to convince you for once to give us a chance to be happy."

"And when will you get this?" Ben was frustrated. "There's no us. What we had was a one-night stand. It meant nothing to me. People have one-night stands all the time and I don't think they're pursued like you've been doing to me. The purpose of a one-night stand is to just do it once and forget about it. I barely remember what happened that night and I don't wanna remember. So, Mr. Paola, I don't feel anything for you and neither do I want to have anything to do with you. The only thing you can do is forget about me and focus on your relationship. That is the only way you and I are gonna stay friends."

"I don't wanna be your friend!" David seethed, clenching his hands.

"Then we're done!" Ben shrugged, shaking his head. "You and I cannot have any other relationship apart from friendship. When will you get it into your head that you're dating my brother? He loves you and you're going behind his back to try and get with his brother. I don't think that's fair."