A Way Out: Book One

As he drove towards Sumnerville I asked if I could use his phone. He handed it to me first I sent my self a text of my new friend's name so I had his number then I added my self to his contacts. Then I texted my neighbor Debbie to let her know I was still fine, would be home soon and I'd explain everything to her later. When we were stopped at a light a few miles from home, I told Carson look and when he did I snapped a pic of him.

"You better delete that or you're walkin."

"You wouldn't do that to me you love me." that made him blush damn that just made him cuter.

"Yeah well delete it anyway."

"Okay okay, I will after" I trailed off as I sent the picture to my self.

"NO NO after anything just do it."

"To late already sent it."

"Huh sent it to who?"

"Oh some strange guy." that confused him.

"Wait what strange guy who?" He looked worried

"The strange guy you spent the last two nights with." surprise then happiness appeared on his face

"OH that guy, yeah he is strange but a damn good kisser!"

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. He even made me cum just by kissing me." we were both smirking the whole time. I'm really gonna like this cutie, even more, no doubt.

"Lucky you or lucky him should I say?"

"Lucky me for sure." he got a dreamy look. I guess he was thinking about that kiss.

"Where too next?" He asked when he reached where I told him to turn at.

"Just a few more blocks on the left. It's a gated apartment complex you will need the code."

"Gated huh? how fancy."

"Um no I said apartment complex, not a gated community." what a dork he is oh well that makes him more fun.

"This place?" he asked as he turned into the turning lane.

"Yeah, this is it." I gave him the code then he drove to the closest guest parking there was to my apartment. I invited him up to see the place. As I we reached my door I heard the meow I turned to see "my pet" and picked it picked him up

"Carson I'd like you to meet Sir Lancelot. Or Sir or Lance anything really. Sir this is Carson be nice to him." I warned

"Hello, Sir how are you today?" Carson asked the hairball while petting him. Sir started purring like crazy and wanted some love from the cutie I brought home.

"Good he likes you. You can hold him while I open the door." I fished my keys out of my pocket. One of the only things I did take with me on my walks that and my wallet. As soon as the door was open, he shot out of Carson's arms into the apartment.

"Yes, he always does that. He acts like he hasn't eaten in weeks even though he eats at least twice a day. He gets canned at home number one and dry here, home number two. Been like that for a few years. I don't mind though. I have been thinking he gets other people to feed him as well he has gained weight." I said as we walked into the apartment closing the door behind. I put some food in his dish.

"He sure is soft and friendly," Carson said as he bent to pet the hungry feline.

"Yeah right friendly, he can be a real shit sometimes but he must know you're important. Because if he is a shit I boot him out and send him home."

I went and found my phone it was still on the charger from the night before I left. I had a bunch of texts and missed calls. Of course, the texts I sent my self from his phone. I added him to my contacts and used the pic I sent my self in his contact info. But not all that many voicemails. I listened to them as I got my self and my guest a coke from the fridge. A few were from people at work with questions. Mom wondering how I was doing. Of course, there were some from Debbie my lovely neighbor cussing me out for disappearing. About to call the cops she says. Worrying her to death I am.

"Sounds like you were missed while you were gone and you worried some people." He gave me a disproving look.

"You are right but I didn't think about that. I was in a zone, all I had was an urge to go for a walk to clear my head. I had no idea I was gonna be gone so long and worry people. At least while I was with you I wanted to make sure Debbie knew where I was. I knew she would worry the most."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Before I could answer Debbie came in all full of steam. I let her rant and rave. Then I gave her a hug, which lasted a while, guess she didn't want to let go. We sat and I told her that things would be better from now on.

"I damn well hope so." She got out after she calmed down some.

She was eyeing the teen on my couch the whole time I told her the edited version of where I had been and what I had been up to.

"I see while you were gone you had time to fall in love but only call me once to let me know you were okay." Carson was shocked but not more than I was.

"What? Don't give me that dumb look. It's written all over your faces and you haven't stopped looking at each other since I sat down."

What the hell is she talking about? In love? Looking at each other? I'd say she was crazy if I didn't know better. But she is a smart perceptive lady.

"Deb I don't know what you are talking about. Honestly, we are just friends. We met the day before yesterday is all."

"Uh huh whatever you say." She wasn't going to believe me.

"It, it's true we really did just meet the other day," Carson said rather timidly. I knew he had feelings for me of course and I did develop feelings for him in return but we weren't ready to discuss it.

Debbie got up and stepped over to the couch and then she sat next to the boy. He looked so small next to my tall neighbor.

"Listen here young man I have been around a lot of years, traveled all over and met lots of people I know love when I see it. You cannot fool me." he was looking at me for help and I gave him a nod telling him to say what he wanted to say.

"I won't lie, I do love Kirk but I'm not IN love with him." He breathed out as if he had been holding it in. He looked at me when he said it.

"What about you?" she looks at me like I'm guilty.

"I love Carson as well yes but I'm not IN love with him either. We are figuring things out. And before you ask No this is not a rebound thing. We are friends. He helped me through the rough patch I was in. You know how bad I had gotten." She looked guilt-ridden; I guess she was thinking it was rebound thing.

"Yes I know how bad things had gotten and I am sorry. I am sorry you got so bad without me realizing and then I could not help you, as I had wanted when I realized how bad things did get. But I am glad there was someone that could help you find your way back." She had tears in her eyes

We both stood and hugged again but not so long this time. She was happy I was going to be okay. So was I. She took me and sat me next to Carson. Then she sat back in the chair she was sitting in before. The air seemed lighter after all was said and done. I got her a drink as well and she asked Carson questions. He was hesitant at first but I squeezed his hand to let him know it was okay. He told her about his family and college. We talked awhile longer as we did he warmed up to Debbie which is a good thing.

"She really cares bout you doesn't she?" Carson asked after Debbie was gone.

"Yes, she does. We've gotten pretty close over the years. I cried out a lot of my pain on her shoulder when things were falling apart. I am so grateful she was near and willing to help. We try to talk at least once a day so we know the other is okay. I should have let her know I was going for a walk but it was very early and I thought I wouldn't be gone long. It was stupid what I did. I see that now but at least something good came out of that."

"What is that?"

"YOU silly. I got to meet you. You got to help me more than either of us thought you would have." He blushed and smiled because he knew I was right. The more I was around him the more my feelings for him grew. It was weird for me. I had never felt so much for someone so quickly.

I think it had a lot to do with how much he cared for me. And the way he looked at me. He didn't just look at me like I was there but like I was the only one for him to see. Yeah, I know what I said. It sounds insane but it's true. He made me feel I was important to him.

I had a lot of people to talk to and apologize to for making them worry so much when I pushed them away to be in my own space but now I found a way out. I looked at my way out (Carson) and pulled him to me, smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

"What was that for"

"Was a thank you for all your help," I replied

"Oh, well thank me again." he grinned I did this time on the lips and a lot longer too.

Since I first saw him when he was riding his bike, I was hooked. I can't explain it but there was something about him that made me feel good. It wasn't just his looks, the kisses or the sex but just him as a whole made me feel good. When he first offered his help, I had my doubts he could help me much at all but he did while doing so we really bonded in a way I never thought possible again.

 I think it had to do with our pain. It wasn't caused by the same thing yet it was at the same time. We both lost someone very dear to us. One loss couldn't really be prevented but the other surely was. Both our losses caused us to fall apart and push others way. His loss helped him grow to be the person he is today. My loss pushed me beyond my limits where I tried to walk away from the pain it caused. In the end, I found a way out of that pain. And I will work to become a better person because of it.

Since I didn't have much to make a decent meal for two we just ordered pizza. While we waited for it to arrive, I went to change into something more comfortable. We then straightened up the apartment. I didn't think about how bad it had gotten when I invited Carson up. We started in the kitchen and dining area. I told him he didn't have to help but he insisted. I was grateful he was willing to help but he helped me so much already there wasn't any reason for him to clean up my home as well. We got it looking better by the time the pizza boy rang the doorbell.

After we finished eating, we continued cleaning. I put some of my bedding in the wash and straightened up my room the best I could at the moment. I had a lot to do here at home to make it like it was before I stopped caring what it was like.

Once we had it presentable, we stopped. I didn't want to spend our whole time with him there cleaning but I kept adding more loads in the washer and dryer.

We sat on the couch and he looked for something to watch while I checked my email and replied to messages. I texted Mom to let her know I was doing better and I would call her later so we could talk. I texted anyone that sent me a text or voicemail letting them know I would get back with them soon and I was sorry for the delay. That made me feel better that I reached out to those that I neglected. I thought about what I would say to people about what had been going on. I didn't want to have to repeat things over and over so I thought an email would work for some, others I had to tell them more personally and in more detail. That I would work on another day.

Carson didn't find anything good on so he found something we had both seen a bunch of times and lay his head on my shoulder while I did my work that needed to be done. By the time I was done which didn't take long, he had fallen asleep. I hadn't realized he had gotten so tired. But I sure was tired. When I got up to get the stuff in the dryer that was done, he woke up.

"Sorry I fell asleep on you." He yawned and stretched.

"Don't worry about it I didn't mind. Come on help me with this load from the dryer."

"Okay."

We got everything folded then remade the bed. I sat on the bed and patted the spot next to me.

"Sit with me we should talk." He had a worried look. When he sat, I put my arm around his shoulders for comfort.

"What do we need to talk about?" He asked nervously

"First you need to relax. There is nothing you need to be worried about."

"Who said I was worried?"

"The look on your face and you feel tense,"

"Oh"

"Carson, my wonderful new friend. A lot has happened since I got in your truck. More than I ever expected, we need to figure out what happens from here on out. You have become important to me in this short time of knowing you. We have bonded in such a way my life won't be the same without you in it." He looked at me with surprise

"Really? I've been thinking the same thing."

"Yes really. I don't think I could explain to anyone what it is we have right now. I'd bet you couldn't either but the fact is we have the makings of a great friendship. But I want to make sure that friendship grows in the right ways not just because we are attracted to each other. I know how that sounds, I do however it is a big part of how we have interacted. You know things happened that wouldn't have if we weren't attracted to each other right?"

"Like sex? And cuddling and showering together?"

"Exactly. I enjoy those as well as you have I'm sure. But I want our friendship to grow because of the other things as well, understand"

"Yes, I do. I want the same thing. I really like you more than I thought I would. I mean I like you because of how we spent our time. You know getting to know each other opening up, talking about the things that are hard to talk about. You know what? It was easy talking to you about Nick easier than it ever was. I don't know if it was because I had talked about it so much or enough time had gone by or if it was because you made me feel comfortable and safe when I did tell you"

"I get that. I really like you for the same reason. I talked about what happened with James and the pain I felt and the depression I had fallen into but talking to you about it helped me. I think you became

a way out of my depression, my dark world. I am more than grateful for that. But I know I still have a ways to go before I am back to who I once was."

"I am happy I could help you the way I did. Even though I'm not sure how exactly I did that. I am willing to keep helping you any way I can."

"There are multiple ways you did but one I know is that you understood what was going on you knew how I was feeling for the most part that is. I am glad you're will to help me more." I paused to think of how to say the next thing.

"When you rode by me on your bike we made eye contact. It was brief but long enough for me to see the pain in your eyes. Of course, I didn't know what the cause of that pain was but I sensed it. I saw it again when we were in your truck when I told you I didn't know what help I needed or deserved. That really got to you when I said that. I kept seeing that pain then I learned what it was that caused you that pain. When you told me what happened that's when I knew you understood why I felt the way I did. Not exactly why no but you did none the less. I think what you understood the most was my guilt for letting James get away." I stopped to take a break and let what I said sink in, for both of us. By then we were both tearing up so I grabbed the near-empty tissue box off the nightstand.

"Did you really see my pain in my eyes?" he asked after a few moments after we wiped our tears.

"Yes, I did. I couldn't believe there was so much pain in such beautiful eyes." He hugged me tight when he said. "I didn't know anyone could see my pain anymore."

"Maybe I only saw it because I was in so much pain it was easy for me to see. The crazy thing is that when I was walking I ignored nearly everything around me but not you. I don't know why but you were the first person I paid attention to the whole time. I even thought about you after you had ridden away."

"That is crazy, isn't it? I wonder what it is about me that made you notice me so much?"

"I don't know maybe because you're so damn cute" I smiled. He laughed and said

"Yeah right, like that would ever be why. I'm not cute. I don't know what I am but I know I am not cute."

"You're not? Hmm, maybe I should get my eyes checked then?"

"Yeah, maybe you should." He looked at me and laughed knowing I was kidding about getting my eyes checked.

"You are a good looking kid don't ever think otherwise." I kissed him to seal the thought in his head.

"When do you work? You've been off for a few days now at least." I asked him

"In the morning damn. I didn't realize time went by so fast. Well, let me check for sure." He pulled out his phone tapped away until he found the time. "Uh yep, I work in the morning but not until 10 good I won't have to be in for a while."

"Where do you work during the summer anyway?"

"The hardware store in Garfield. I don't work a lot there in the summer though so sometimes I take some shifts at the store here in Sumnerville too since they are owned by the same people."

"Well that's good you can get more shifts in. Which one do you work at in the morning?"

"The Garfield one," he mumbled

"You don't sound happy about that."

"I like working there, don't get me wrong it's just" he trailed off.

"What is it?"

He was quite something must be up. "I'd rather have another day with you."

"Carson we won't be able to spend every moment together like we have. I will be going back to work soon. You have your work and your life. Besides if we spent too much time together I'd probably end up driving you crazy."

"Yea right I don't think that will ever happen." he grinned at me and his eyes sparkled when he said that.

"You're sure about that huh?" I smiled at him and looked into his amazing emerald eyes.

"Yep I'm very sure." he smiled

"We will see about that. Until then don't expect us to be able to see each other all the time. We will find time to be together you can be sure of that."

"Good."

It was about 9 pm then so I suggested we go for a drive mostly to do a bit of shopping since I didn't have much food at home. Along the way, I showed him where I worked. At the grocery store, we took our time picking things out that I knew I did need and things I will need later.

When I got a couple of toothbrushes, Carson asked: "Why are you getting two?"

"Just in case I need an extra one of course."

He just shrugged his shoulders accepting my answer. Little did he know it was actually for him. We didn't discuss if he was going to stay with me that night but he would at some point for sure. I casually asked him things he liked and got them too. Might as well have things he liked as well.

When we got back he helped me take my stuff up to the apartment and put them away. He seemed kinda down when we got back so once everything was put away I said

"Alright out with it." I was leaning against the counter with my arms crossed looking at him.

"Uh? What are you talking about?"

"You have been mopey since we pulled into the complex. What's wrong?" He looked down avoiding eye contact with me

"Oh no, you look at me. Tell me what it is." He looked up he wasn't sad but he was down.

"I don't want to go. I want to be with you more. You know what you said? About you feeling better when you're around me? I feel better when I am around you too so I that is why don't want to go. Not yet at least."

I stepped over to him and warped my arms around him. I knew how he was feeling. I wasn't ready to be apart from him either. But we had to part at some point. The idea of getting to sleep with him one more night made me feel better.

"I know how you feel. I'm not really ready for us to part yet either. I know what I said earlier but all that is something we will have to face." I stepped back enough to look at him. "Will you sleep with me one more night?"

His eyes light up and he gave me a huge smile "Hell yes."

All ready for bed we got in my bed and I pulled Carson to me. His scent made me relax I in hailed it between kisses to his neck. We decided there was no need for us to wear anything to bed so his bare ass was against my not so soft dick. We fell asleep with Carson in my arms right where both of us wanted to be.

Carson:

Ever since we left home, I dreaded having to leave him behind and go back to the big empty house. It's not that I ever really feel unsafe but Kirk made me feel safe whenever we were together. I get depressed sometimes and get anxiety but I never did when I was with Kirk except when I knew it was time for us to be apart.

I always wonder how things would work out with us since he is older than me and I have to spend so much time away at school. But if all we did was remain, friends, I would be happy with that because he has become a big part of my life.

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Author's Notes:

A big thank you to Max and Mason.

C.J.

Comments always appreciated at C. J. Gibb