Kindred Spirits
Series: Against The Odds
Altnernate Universe Into The Fold
Disclaimer: Not mine and no money is being made.
Comments: In this story Ezra and Vin meet while they're still in high school. Vin is one five boys that have been adopted by Thomas and Stacy Larabee, who have one son of their own Chris. Ezra has been placed in the custody of a distant relative of Maude's, Gloria Potter.
Warnings: None, except that an unaged Ezra and Vin are in the midst of a developing romance. There will be no underage sex. Holding hands, hugs, and an occasional kiss is as intimate as they'll gonna get while underage.
"You what?" Vin questioned in disbelief.
"Watch your tone," Tom gave him a look. "And I got you a tutor."
"Sorry. But JD . . ."
"Having JD do the work for you is not helping you Vin," Tom argued. "You'll be a senior next year. It's time to get serious if you want to get into a good college. If you don't bring your GPA up then you'll be warming the bench. Scouts aren't interested in bench warmers. They want players. Good players. A proper tutor will give you the help you need to bring your math and English grades up."
"What if I don't want to go to college . . ."
"Vin we've been through this a million times!" Tom exclaimed, slamming his hand down on the table rattling plates. "What? Do you want to be a rancher the rest of your life? Once you get your grades up then you'll be able to get a football or baseball scholarship. Is it so bad that to want something better for my boys . . . For you boys to have a choice in your future . . ."
"And if college isn't my choice?" Vin dared to ask.
"You're going to college and that's final," Tom said, throwing his napkin down and leaving the table.
Vin had to bite his tongue to keep from accusing his father of trying to get him to live out his dreams of playing professional ball. He threw all the conveniently ducked heads a dark look before pushing away from the table and hurrying from the room.
After slamming the door to his room Vin threw himself on the bed and silently cursed the ceiling. He didn't want to be saddled with the responsibility of living out someone else's dreams. Granted, he didn't know what his future held, but he had a pretty good idea that playing ball was not in it.
One day, Vin vowed to himself. One day, he'd meet someone that would accept him just as he was. Someone that wouldn't want to change him. Someone that would take the time to look beyond whatever uniform he was wearing and see the real him. Someone that would stand up for him. Someone he could tell his hopes and fears to. His secrets. His deepest, darkest secrets. Ones that he didn't even dare think about with his family around.
Hopefully, this someone would even share his fears and concerns. Then maybe he wouldn't be so alone.
Vin knew that, that 'someone' wasn't any of his current friends. They were all too shallow and immature. His someone would be special and he knew he'd know the guy when he saw him. He didn't understand how or why. He just knew that he would. And how he knew this someone would be a 'guy' was beyond him.
~*~*~
Chris sighed and told himself that he should have just stayed home tonight as he watched his brother leave. Rubbing a hand over his face he thought about their father's dreams and wondered if Vin would be the one to live them out.
Tom Larabee had been the star of his high school football team and had gone on to college with the hopes of going pro, but his dad suffered a fatal heart attach, leaving a grieving widow and his only son to take over the running of the ranch. So Tom did the only thing he could and quit college, letting go of his own dreams.
Three years after marrying his high school sweetheart Chris was born. Then five years later they took in a thirteen year old foster child, Josiah Sanchez, whom they later adopted. Once Chris had started school he become fast friends with Buck Wilmington, regardless of the two years difference in their ages. And because of all the mischief the two boys got into their mothers became friends as well. So when Buck's mother was killed in an auto accident they made him an official member of the family.
Nathan's parents had been killed in a house fire and he was being raised by an elderly aunt, until she fell and broke her hip, causing her to be placed in a nursing home. While in the nursing home the state was given custody of Nathan and placed him in foster care. Which turned out to be with the Larabees. A few years later when Nathan's aunt passed away, the Larabees' once again found themselves in front the judge adopting another son.
Then on a stormy night in March, there was a knock on the door. A lady's car had broken down, a pregnant lady and when she didn't have the money to pay for the repairs Tom offered her a job. Two months later she had a bouncing baby boy; Vincent Tanner. After a lot of tears Stacy discovered that Vin's father was in the military and had been killed in action. Vin had spent his whole life with the Larabees so when his mother got sick and died it was only natural that they made him a permanent member of the family.
The following spring a distant relative of Stacy's died, leaving her custody of her five year old son. Tom had been thrown from a horse and broken his leg, so Buck volunteered to go with his mom to Boston to pick up the child. It was love at first sight for all three of them. JD had attached himself to Buck from the start and the older boy loved every second of it. And as soon as they returned home adoption procedures were started.
The Larabee's now had six sons and Tom figured that one of them would be 'his' second chance at a sports career. Only fate seemed to have other plans. Josiah, after playing one season of professional football injured his knee, thus ending his career. Forcing him to 'settle' for being a lawyer. And Chris, being the headstrong individual that he was refused to play any type of sports after Tom started pressuring him. He did however go to college; majoring in Criminal Science and was now a deputy sheriff.
Tom then turned his attention to Buck, who had shown an aptitude for basketball, but unfortunately he never managed to be more than an average player. He'd gotten an academic scholarship, majoring in Business, he was now co-owner of a local sports bar. Nathan was more interested in science and biology than sports, which was why he was in medical school. And it looked as if JD was going to be their technology expert.
Chris knew that in their father's eyes Vin was his dad's last hope. Only Vin didn't appear to be any more inclined than he was. He didn't envy his little brother's upcoming battles. After all, the Larabees done a lot for Vin and Chris knew he didn't want to disappoint them.
~*~*~
Ezra yawned as he threw his books onto the bed. Christmas break was over and he survived his first day as 'the new kid'. With his gold tooth and southern accent he was a big hit.
"It was always nice to stand out," he muttered sarcastically.
With Four Corner, Texas being so close to the Louisiana border Ezra didn't think there'd be that much of a difference in his accent and those of his classmates, but given the looks he'd received apparently there was. Of course, his accent had always made him a favorite with the girls and this town was proving no different. But so far none of the girls were a favorite of his.
Ezra ducked his head studying his shoes, and held his breath as he dared to voice, if only in his head, that he didn't think girls would ever be a favorite of his. While most sixteen year old boys's heads were filled with heaving breasts and curvy legs, his was not. Oh no, Maude's darling little boy always had to be different. Had to have thoughts of hard lean bodies filling his dreams. Had to have 'reactions' to how well a boy filled out his jeans than the gentle sway of a girl's hips. Soft feminine curves did nothing for him. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a hard set of cut abs were much more appealing.
Nervous green eyes darted to the safety of his closed door before admitting that there were a couple . . . of those types that had managed to catch his eye. A certain long-legged, blue-eyed, sandy haired . . .
'Don't go there,' Ezra warned himself, breaking off the thought. It was bad enough having 'thoughts' and 'feeling' about boys, but it was another thing all together for these emotions to be centered on an actually person. A breathing, sweating, firm to the touch . . . boy.
He wanted so badly to share these feelings with someone. To have someone tell him it was okay to have such feelings. Somewhere out there, there had to be someone Ezra could trust with such thoughts. Someone who would understand . . . maybe even share his opinions. Maybe then he wouldn't be so alone.
If he were to find that someone would he have to guts the voice such things. Would the consequences equal the freedom such a revelation would bring.
A soft growl was heard as Ezra shook his head in frustration. All this was giving him a headache. Running a hand through his golden brown hair he pulled off his watch, laying it on the dresser. He flexed his hands and gave a small smile because at least most of the swelling was gone. A glance in the mirror showed that he was almost back to normal. 'Or as normal as he got anyway,' he thought with a smirk.
Pulling first his shirt then his pants off, he hung up his school clothes and put on an old pair of sweats. Ezra may be staying in Southeast Texas, but it was still cool to him.
"Ezra!"
With a smile on his face Ezra opened his bedroom door and said, "I'll be right there."
Gloria Potter was proving to be very different than the other relatives Ezra had been 'placed' with over the years. It might be because Gloria 'was' family. A distant cousin of Maude's. One that Ezra had, had no expectations of meeting until after the holidays. Gloria Potter, however, had not only immediately flown to Atlanta when summoned, but had brought her entire family with her. A family that was proving to be just as surprising as the woman herself.
The children, Amelia and Josh, were delightful and had quickly captured a piece of Ezra's heart. And Gloria's husband, Bill, while a little reserved, was determined to not only give Ezra the benefit of a doubt, but to make him fell welcomed.
Ezra found the whole experience very confusing. It didn't fit with any of the scenarios he had envisioned, especially given the complications that had arisen shortly after the Potters had arrived in Atlanta. Such a thing could only happen to him. But instead of the scorn Ezra had come to expect, he had only met with understanding and caring. Which proved to confuse him even further.
The smile on his face dimmed and he shook his head at the irony of 'complication'. Only he could have gotten stung by a bee in December. Of course, the fact that it was an unusually warm December certainly helped. But it was just his luck.
The sound of muffled voices coming from down stairs made Ezra want to kick himself for agreeing to tutor some mindless jock. He must be a gluten for punishment. There were only two reasons why he had agreed. Gloria Potter was one and the ten bucks a day he was getting paid, was the other. 'The money being the more important of the two,' he told himself.
With a resigned look on his face, Ezra grabbed his book bag and headed down the stairs. He'd help this guy, but if the guy thought for one minute that Ezra P. Standish was doing his work for him, then he was in for a very rude awaking.
Stepping into the kitchen Ezra came to a complete stop, for there helping Mrs. Potter retrieve a casserole dish from a top shelf was his long-legged, blue-eyed . . .
"Look, Ezra, mama made chocolate chip cookies," Josh said, breaking into his thoughts.
"So I see," Ezra remarked, absently reaching for one.
"Ezra," Gloria smiled at him, placing the dish in the sink. "This is Vin Tanner. Vin, this Ezra Standish."
Ezra met those blue eyes and stilled as they seemed to reach deep inside him, touching the well of emotions that he was careful to keep a tight lid on. Ezra feared that he'd have to tread lightly around this one or he'd lose himself. Or worse . . . find himself.
"Ezra," Vin said in a slightly husky voice, offering his hand.
"Pleased to meet you," Ezra replied, taking the hand.
As soon as their hands touched, both boys felt what could only be described as an electrical current race up their arms, but instead of shocking them it brought about a warmth that neither had ever known before. A familiarity that had them momentarily tightening their grips as they both realized that this was the one they'd been searching for. The one that would forever change their lives. Now they just had to figure out what to do with the knowledge.
"Here, Ezra," Gloria handed him a plate piled high with cookies, breaking the spell that seemed to have surrounded them. "Take that with you into the dining room, while I get you some milk. You boys will be able to study better in there. Or would rather a coke, Vin?"
"Milk will be fine." Vin swallowed and for a reason he didn't understand, tightly clenched his fist closed as if to hold on to the feel of Ezra's hand in his.
Five minutes later the two boys were sitting across from each other at the dining room table.
Ezra nervously ate two cookies while waiting on Vin to get all his stuff situated. He was working on his third cookie when he noticed Vin giving him a funny look.
"What?" he mumbled.
"You have a little chocolate," Vin pointed to a spot on his own lip letting Ezra know where. He watched in fascination as a rosy tint of red spread up from Ezra's neck, staining his cheeks. Vin forced himself to look away as the sight of the chocolate being licked away had him wanting a taste. Of what he wasn't sure.
"Did I get it all?"
Vin seemed to have lost his voice and could only nod his head, yes.
"Now how might I assist you?" Ezra inquired, trying to keep from blushing again.
For some reason that brought a smile to Vin's face and he felt himself starting to relax.
Ezra had to bite his lip to keep from responding to that smile, but it proved to be a mute point because his own smile would not be denied and made itself known.
"Math," Vin suddenly said. "I need help in math and English."
Getting to his feet Ezra moved around to the other side of the table, sat down beside him, and pulled the book closer before saying, "Shall we begin."
Two hours later they called it quits and agreed to meet again the next day. However, studying at the Potter house was proving difficult with Amelia and Josh constantly interrupting them. So it was suggested that the boys study at Vin's house from now on.
Arrangements were made so Ezra could ride home from school with Vin and his younger brother JD, since Ezra didn't have a vehicle at the moment, and Gloria or Bill would pick up him once they were through.
The following day as Vin waited outside the school for Ezra, he realized that he was a little nervous. Actually, he was damned right scared. While a good man, his father Tom Larabee could be very intimidating and Vin didn't want him scaring Ezra off.
"Hey," Ezra said, coming up behind him.
"Hey. You r..ready?" Vin asked, then cringed as his voice broke. That always happened when he was nervous. Without a word he lead the way to where he'd parked his jeep.
"You drive this?" Ezra frowned, looking at the beat up black jeep.
Vin was about to ask him what he meant by that when they heard someone laughing behind them, turning he saw JD and muttered, "You shut up."
"Just be thankful he found the top," JD told Ezra. "We froze our asses off until he did."
"You know you can always ride home with Casey and Miss Nettie in that tank she calls a station wagon," Vin reminded him.
JD shuddered, held his hands up in surrender, and wisely kept his mouth shut.
"JD this is Ezra Standish," Vin introduced him. "Ezra this is my little brother."
The two nodded at each other.
"And I don't even see you with a ride," Vin glared at Ezra.
"Don't worry," Ezra assured him, "you will."
"Hey, Vin, you need a jump to get that old heap going!" A loud voice suddenly cried out
Vin didn't need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. It was the same voice that had been haunting him since kindergarten. 'Some people were impossible to out grow,' he muttered to himself.
Craig Dyson was the model of an All-American boy. Blonde hair, blue eyes, six foot tall, with broad shoulders, and a winning smile. He made good grades and all the girls loved him, thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. While, all the guys wanted to be his friend . . . well most of the guys. Hell, he was even the captain of the football team and all ready had scouts asking him about his choice of colleges.
And Tom Larabee loved him, thought the boy could do no wrong.
But Vin couldn't stand him. Well, he could, but only in small doses. Something about Craig rubbed him the wrong way. He gave a small thanks to God that football season was over for the year and that Craig didn't play baseball.
"Thanks for the offer Craig, but once your car got a taste of this jeep . . . she'd never be the same," Vin countered.
"Maybe your little friend would like to ride home in style." Another voice mocked and belonged to belonged to Jason Anderson. Jason was almost the mirror image of Craig, except Jason's hair and eyes were both a deep brown. Basically he was Craig's stodge. Where ever Craig went Jason shadowed him. Neither were bad guys. You just had to know how to handle them.
If Vin hadn't been looking for it he never would have seen the slight stiffening of Ezra's shoulders at the 'little' reference and braced himself because he didn't know how his friend might react.
"What do ya say Georgia?" Jason continued, "Want us to give you ride?"
Now it was Vin's turn to stiffen as he waited for Ezra's reply. He wanted Ezra to ride with him. Not Jason, he inwardly fumed. Ezra was his.
"If they need a ride," a girl hollered before joining them, "then we'll give them one."
Now this voice belonged to one of the nicest people Vin knew. Jenny Thompson. She had an easy smile, big pretty brown eyes, with light brownish-blonde hair.
"I don't remember anyone pulling your string," Jason told her.
"Don't you talk to her like that, Jason," Hayden Michaels growled. Hayden was Jenny's boyfriend, the quarterback of the football team, and Vin's used to be best friend. Hayden was Vin's height just as thin and had one bitch of a temper. Not someone you wanted on your bad side.
Hayden and him met in kindergarten are were the best of friends, until they reached high school. Then it seemed as if they suddenly had nothing in common. They were still friends just not like they used to be.
"The offers for transport are appreciated, but unnecessary," Ezra said, confusing most everyone around them.
"Huh?" Jason frowned. "You calling me stupid?"
Ezra stared at him for a full minute wondering just how he had come up with that.
Vin bit his lip and ducked his head to keep from laughing at the look on Ezra's face.
"No dipshit," Craig shook his head, giving Jason a small shove. "He said he's riding with Vin."
"Oh so, you're saying I'm not good enough . . ."
"Oh good Lord!"
Jason laughed. "Relax I'm just messing with you man. But watch your back Standish, 'cause next time I may not be."
"You watch your own back Jason," Vin insisted. "I got Ezra's. Anytime. Every time."
"Since no one needs a ride," Craig said, "let's go. See ya boys later."
Vin and Ezra watched as Craig and Jason got into a truck and drove away.
"Let's make sure it'll start," Hayden suggested, motioning toward the jeep. Then held up his hands and grinned as Vin began to protest, "Hey, I've had to boost you off more than once."
"Okay," Vin relented, walking around to the driver's side. He tossed his book bag in the back, slid behind the wheel, put the key in the ignition, and silently prayed that it would start. Turning the key, he gave a sigh of relief as the engine roared to life.
"Don't pay Jason any mind," Hayden told Ezra, as Vin rejoined them.
"Yeah, he's mostly harmless," Jenny added, leaning against her boyfriend's side.
"Thank you for your concern, but I'm not worried about Jason," Ezra informed them.
"We can handle him," Vin declared. "Ain't nothing gonna happen to Ezra while I'm around."
"I believe you," Hayden looked from one to the other, "yeap, I believe you'll do just fine."
"What?" Ezra frowned.
"You'll figure it out," was his only reply, before taking Jenny's hand and walking away.
"Come on," Vin said, pushing Ezra toward the jeep. "I got a test to study for."
They climbed in the jeep and rode in silence for a few minutes before JD turned to Ezra, who sat in the back, and stated, "You're not that cute."
Ezra grinned. "Oh, yes I am."
JD laughed and explained, "My girlfriend, Casey and some of her friends have done nothing but talk about how cute the new guy was."
"Oh, I don't know JD," Vin teased, "Ezra's a good looking fella. You might want to keep an eye on Casey."
"Believe me, I am no threat to your relationship," Ezra assured them.
Vin frowned as something in his friend's voice caught his attention. Something all to familiar.
Twenty minutes later they pulled up in the yard of a large two story, two car garage cedar home, surrounded with oak and pine trees. One tree had an old tire swing tied to it.
"Ezra this is my mother Stacy Larabee," Vin said, as they stepped into the kitchen.
"Mrs. Larabee," Ezra replied with a smile.
"Hello, Ezra," Stacy smiled in returned. "Did you boys have a good day at school?"
"Yeah," JD shrugged, "it was all right."
"Would you boys care for a snack before you get started?" she asked.
"Thank you, but I don't care for anything," Ezra told her. Stacy Larabee was about his height with dark brown hair and blue-green eyes.
"I'll have a sandwich," Vin answered.
"Me too," JD put in.
"Go put your stuff up and I'll call you when it's ready," Stacy informed them.
"Come on, we'll go to my room. It'll be quieter in there," Vin stated, as he walked from the room.
They'd only taken a few steps when Vin stopped and whispered, "Those are two of my brothers, which have their own place, so I don't why they're here all the time. Anyway, they won't bite, but still I wouldn't get to close."
"Who's that with you, Vin?" a friendly voice boomed.
Vin rolled his eyes and smiled, "Ezra . . ."
"Ezra?" a deep soothing voice repeated. "The tutor?"
"Well, hey there Ezra," a tall mustached man grinned and grabbed Ezra's hand, giving it a hearty shake. "Do ya think you'll be able to teach this knot-head anything?"
Ezra smiled and said, "Sure. He's smarter than he thinks he is."
"Most of us are, aren't we."
"The loud one is Buck and that's Josiah," Vin stated.
"Nice to meet you Ezra," Josiah smiled.
Ezra smiled and was about to greet them when a female voice called out, "Vin!"
"That's my sandwich. I'll be right back," Vin told him.
Ezra nodded and watched him dart back into the kitchen, then turned his attention back to the two older men. Whom Vin left him alone with.
"Rumor has it that you're from Georgia," Buck said.
"Born and reared," he confirmed.
"How do you like Four Corners?" Josiah asked.
"It's a lot smaller than I'm used to . . ." Ezra's voice trailed off as Buck nudged him with an elbow as front door opened.
"You best watch him Ezra," Buck grinned, as a tall blonde-haired man walked in, "he's not as easy going as he looks."
Ezra had to smile as the man flipped Buck off.
"Here take this," Vin directed, as he rejoined them and passed Ezra a plate of sandwiches, while he carried his book bag and two sodas.
"You Ezra?" the man asked.
For some reason Ezra felt like straightening his shoulders and saluting at the man's tone, but he didn't.
"Yeah," Vin answered. "Chris here, is the only one of us that ain't adopted."
"Which explains why he's the weird one," Buck teased.
"Well, you'd know weird wouldn't you," Chris shot right back.
Knowing where this was going Vin nudged Ezra with his leg to get his attention, then motioned for his friend to follow him up the stairs.
"Just sit anywhere," Vin suggested, once they reached his room.
Ezra headed straight for the desk by the window. Setting the plate down he surveyed the room, deciding that it's simple design and roominess suited Vin perfectly. But it was the view from the window that caught and held his attention. Just beyond the tree there were nothing but rolling hills and a herd of horses scattered about grazing on sparse grass and bales of hay. Ezra could just picture how lush and green those hills would be come spring.
"One of those sandwiches are yours," Vin told him.
"But I . . ."
"I know," Vin smiled, "but my mom thought you looked hungry."
Ezra didn't know what to say. The women of Four Corners were proving to be completely different from those in his past. Pleasantries and common courtesy was not something he was used to.
Another reason for his speechlessness was that for some reason being alone with Vin in this setting made him nervous. What really confused Ezra was that it wasn't a bad feeling. Far from it in fact. He felt excited.
"At least eat half a one," Vin insisted. Ezra had lost a some weight in the few weeks that he'd known him and while the Southerner looked incredible, Vin didn't think he needed to lose anymore. He liked Ezra just as he was.
"Very well," Ezra sighed, reaching for half a sandwich. "Have you ever climbed out of this window?"
"All the time," Vin mumbled, around a mouth full of food. "In the spring and summer I crawl out and get on the roof . . ."
"The roof?" Ezra turned to stare at him in amazement.
"Besides the bathroom, it's the only place I can truly be alone," he replied, as he made himself comfortable on the floor. "All these people get on my nerves sometimes and I just need a little peace and quiet." Vin was glad him and Ezra were finally talking about something other than school or homework. "It gets so bad sometimes that I have to saddle my horse and go for a ride. Stay gone two or three hours."
"I've done the same thing," Ezra admitted. "Not the riding off into the sunset thing, but escaping to the roof. One of the few summers I actually spent with my mother I practically stayed on the roof of our apartment building. Not that her or my stepfather missed me or anything."
Ezra shoved the rest of his sandwich in his mouth so he wouldn't say anything else. He didn't even know why he shared that with Vin. The excitement he was feeling had turned to panic, so in typical fashion Ezra grabbed his books and suggested, "Shall we begin."
'I'd miss you,' Vin silently vowed as he watched Ezra flip through the pages of the book in his hand. He knew that Ezra wouldn't believe him, even if he could manage to say it out loud.
"We all need an escape," he said instead. "Sometimes I just want to keep riding and never come back . . ." Vin snapped his mouth shut as he realized what he said.
"Why?" Ezra softly questioned, moving to sit beside Vin on the floor.
Vin worried his lip with teeth for a couple of seconds deciding if or how he could answer that. The truth was something he hadn't himself figured out. He just knew that he wanted to be free and accepted. No matter what.
"Do you know what it's like being a dummy in a house full of over-achievers . . . Ouch!" Vin rubbed his shoulder where Ezra had just frogged him. "What ya do that for?"
Ezra jumped to his feet and scowled down at his friend. "You are not dumb, Vin Tanner! Don't you ever say that again." He didn't like the fact that Vin thought so little of himself.
"I've had to struggle for every passing grade I've ever gotten," Vin argued, as he got to his feet. "Hell, I can't even do this shit without your help!" he kicked his math book across the room. "While they never even hardly cracked a book . . ."
"You can't compare yourself to them, Vin. In fact, you should never compare yourself to anyone," Ezra pointed out. "You," he poked Vin in chest, "are your own person and not a reflection of your family. And in spite of what you may think you are smart, Vin. So you need a little tutoring. Big fucking deal. You're not the only one."
He didn't really want to share what he was about with anyone, but if it helped Vin then he would.
"Failure is not an option with my mother. It's either the very best or nothing at all. There's no middle ground, no trying, only succeeding," Ezra stated in a calm voice, being careful to keep his mask in place.
Vin narrowed his eyes and kept a sharp eye on his friend, noticing that when Ezra had been fussing at him for calling himself dumb, that those green eyes sparkled with emotions, but now Ezra wouldn't even look at him. That told him that there was more to this story and he wanted to ask about Ezra's relationship with his mother, but didn't. Vin didn't think Ezra was ready for that.
"You had a tutor?"
Ezra nodded his head, yes. "And a speech therapist," he disclosed. "You're not the only person who's had to struggle." Having said more than he intended Ezra dropped to his knees and retrieved Vin's math book from under the desk, then settled back against the bed. "Shall we?"
Without a word Vin sat back down, scooting closer to Ezra until their knees were touching, for some reason he needed some physical contact with this wounded soul. Maybe between the two of them both their souls could heal.
An hour later there was a knock at the door and when it opened Stacy smiled at them and asked, "Ezra would you like to stay for supper?"
"Thank you," Ezra replied, after a moment of silence. "But I'd have to ask Mrs. Potter first."
"Of course," she agreed. "Supper won't be ready for at least another hour so you have a little time to think about it."
"Thanks, mom," Vin said. "So do ya wanna stay?" he wondered as soon as the door shut.
"I don't know," Ezra shrugged. "Can your mom cook?"
"Yeah, she's a real good cook . . . just don't eat any of her gravy," Vin made a face.
Ezra smiled at him. "I still have to ask Mrs. Potter."
Vin felt himself relax at Ezra's smile. It was an easy, amused smile that showed his dimples. He loved Ezra's dimp . . . He quickly cut that thought off and said the first thing to come to his mind, "Did I tell you I have to read a passage from 'The Scarlet Letter' out loud in class?"
"No . . ."
"I hate reading out loud," he told him. "My voice gets all squeaky and stuff."
Ezra reached over, grabbed the book, and handed it to Vin before saying, "So start practicing."
"What in front of you?" Vin asked, as he watched Ezra get to his feet.
"No, we'll go to the kitchen and you can read to your mom and me," Ezra explained. "Unless you think it would distract her . . ."
"Ezra," Vin shook his head. "There have always been six rowdy boys in this house, nothing less than a bomb going off is going to distract her. But I really . . ."
"Good," Ezra cut him off. "Now come on. I'll call Mrs. Potter and you can start reading." He then headed for the door, leaving Vin to follow him.
Once in the kitchen they discovered JD sitting at the table doing some homework. Vin quickly turned on his heel, ready to forget the whole thing, but he wasn't quite fast enough because Ezra grabbed him by the shirt and directed him into a chair. Ezra then asked to use the phone. After receiving permission from Mrs. Potter to stay, he then explained to Mrs. Larabee what was going on.
"I ain't reading in front of him!" Vin cried.
"Why not?" Ezra frowned. "Think about it Vin, if you can read in front of JD without any problems then reading in front of the class should be a piece of cake."
Vin knew he should have a comeback for that, but for the life of him he couldn't think of a single one.
"Now read," Ezra told him. "A little louder if you please," he suggested, as Vin began mumbling. "You have a nice strong voice . . . so use it."
Vin gave Ezra a dirty look, cleared his throat, and started reading. A few minutes later he laid the book down, feeling glad that it was over.
"Do it again."
"What? Why?"
"Because only with practice will you overcome your fear of public speaking."
"I don't want to," Vin whined.
"Do it anyway . . ."
"No . . ."
"Yes," Ezra insisted. "Who's the tutor?"
Vin rolled his eyes. "You are."
"Who's the pupil?"
"Me . . ."
"Good, now read it again," Ezra said.
"But . . ."
"I am the tutor and you are the pupil . . ."
Vin had to smile at that. "Great, Luke got Yoda and I'm stuck with Darth Vader."
"Join me young Tanner and discover the benefits of an education. For only with an education can true knowledge be gained," he said in his best Darth Vader rendition. Making everyone laugh.
"Hey, that was pretty good," JD grinned.
"Yeah, can you do any more voices?" Vin questioned.
"No, now quit stalling and start reading," Ezra stated.
Vin read the passage two more times before Ezra was satisfied. His mother sent him and JD to set the table, with Ezra tagging along. Vin tensed as he heard his father's voice and almost told Ezra to run and hide, but knew that the two would have to meet sooner or later.
"Come on, Ezra and I'll show you where you can wash up," JD offered, heading the doorway.
"Ezra wait," Vin grabbed him by the arm. "Listen you're about to meet my dad and . . . and don't get me wrong 'cause I love him, but just don't let him get to you. Okay?"
"Don't worry about me Vin, I can handle most any given situation," Ezra assured him.
"I hope so," Vin whispered.
With three of his older brothers joining them for supper, it was loud affair. Everyone tried talking at once, trying to catch on everyone's lives. Then the moment Vin feared arrived.
"So Ezra, do you play any sports?" Tom Larabee asked, from where he sat at the head of the table.
Ezra nudged Vin's knee with his own before answering. "Billiards."
"Billiards?" Tom repeated, his fork full of mashed potatoes forgotten.
"You know pool?" he clarified. The southerner didn't like the emotions he'd picked up from Vin earlier, it was more than just simply worrying about his family accepting Ezra. Vin had a look in his blue eyes that bordered on fear. So all during the meal Ezra kept a close eye and a sharper ear on Vin's father and had quickly figured the man out. The man's whole world revolved around getting one of his sons to live out his dream of playing a professional sport and right now that world was focused on Vin.
"I know what billiards are son, but it ain't no sport," Tom told him.
"It is in the south," Ezra countered, with a grin. "A very dangerous one at that."
Tom grinned at him. "Do you play any other sports?"
"Badminton . . ."
Vin and his brothers nearly choked as they heard what Ezra said.
"Bad. . . ." Tom dropped his fork, sending potatoes flying. "Hell, son, don't you play any real sports? Something that's centered around a ball?"
"Pinball?"
"What about football or baseball?" Stacy asked, trying to help. She liked this young man. Liked the effect he's had on Vin's whole outlook on life. It's almost as if Vin had found a part of himself that he'd been missing. Oh yes, she liked this young man very much indeed.
"I played Little League . . ."
"Now, we're talking," Tom smiled. "What position?"
"Pitcher," Ezra replied. "That is until I dislocated my shoulder and it just wasn't the same after that."
"That's to bad," Tom sympathized. "Josiah here played a year of professional football and during training camp of his second he blew out his knee. Ending his career. He had to settle for being a lawyer."
"A lawyer," Ezra nodded his head. "It must be great to get free legal advise," he commented, hoping to change the subject.
"Buck there tried, but never could get any better than average. Professional teams don't want average players," Tom continued. "Now Chris, is a natural. He has the speed and the agility, but do you think he cared?"
"Nope," Chris answered. "Never did. Never will."
"But he went to college," Tom pointed out, giving Chris a hard look. "Nathan wants to be doctor. A doctor. I don't know where he gets these notions. No one in my family ever wanted to be a doctor."
Ezra leaned closer to Vin and whispered, "Isn't Nathan adopted?"
Vin had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.
"JD's more interested in tinkering with the VCR and seeing what makes it work than sports," Tom kept going. "Vin's my last hope. He's good, but he's had to work for it."
Ezra tuned out the rest of what said as he saw Vin tense. He wanted to do something to reassure his friend, but wasn't sure what.
"What college are you going to Ezra?"
"My mother wants me to go to Harvard, like my father . . ."
"Harvard," Tom sounded impressed. "Hear that Vin, Harvard. Your friend here's going to Harvard."
Vin didn't say a word. 'Great, now he'll have something else to throw at me the next time we argue,' he silently raged. Vin felt like kicking Ezra.
"I never said I was going . . ."
"Excuse me?"
Ezra blinked and chose his words carefully, after all he wanted to be asked back and offending Mr. Larabee could hinder that. "I haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up," he smiled his most innocent smile, "so why waste all that time or money . . ."
"But what about your mother?"
"Yes, well, she doesn't really care," he said, meaning every word. "She only wants me to be happy." He nearly choked on those words. "So ultimately it'll be my choice. After all, it is my life." Ezra couldn't help but add.
Vin sat up straighter and nudged his new hero with his knee, expressing his appreciation through touch.
"What does your father have to say?"
"I lost my father when I was seven," Ezra quietly told them. "And my step-father has no say in the matter."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Tom nodded his head in sympathy. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you staying with the Potters?"
"My mother and step-father have had difficult time lately and thought that some time alone would do wonders for their marriage," Ezra shrugged.
Vin tried to catch Ezra's eyes, but the other boy wouldn't look at him. He knew their was more to the story than what Ezra was saying and he hoped that his friend would trust him with whole story soon. And even though he felt so bad that Ezra had it so rough at home, he couldn't help but be just a little pleased that him and Ezra had that much more in common. In a way it was comforting to know they that they both suffered from the same plight; parents that expected way to much from them.
Maybe they could help each other to stand strong and not give in to the pressure to please.
~*~*~
Spring soon arrived and found the two young men at Vin's favorite fishing whole. Ezra wasn't much for fishing, but went along to keep Vin company. They'd been a couple times all ready and usually laughed and joked the whole time and even managed to catch some fish once in awhile; but today his friend seem distracted and Ezra found himself wondering just how to get him talking. Though he feared the only way was to reveal something of himself.
Vin 'was' distracted. When he'd gone to pick Ezra up earlier his friend wasn't quite ready, but Mrs. Potter sent him up to Ezra's room anyway. After knocking on the door, he was told come on in. Stepping into the room, Vin felt his eyes widen and had to work on swallowing even though his mouth had gone dry at the sight of Ezra's bare chest. All that lightly tanned . . . well defined muscles had his fingers inching to touch.
"Vin," Ezra cleared his throat, "are you all right?"
'Oh, God!' he silently cried, darting a fleeting look at his friend only to just as quickly look away. Did Ezra know what he was thinking? Could he tell how his body had reacted to all that flesh? Then and now? How could he explain what he didn't understand himself? It was normal for a teenage boy to react like that to bare skin. Right? Right?
"If you want to talk," the southerner offered, "I'll listen."
Vin bit his lip so hard he tasted blood as even more doubts filled his mind.
Ezra absently scratched his head and decided to trust Vin with a small secret. "You know what I said about my mother and step-father?"
'This was it!' he soundlessly cheered, but only gave a slight nod and without thinking moved a little closer. All traces of his earlier discomfort were pushed to the back of his mind.
"Well, I'm not staying with the Potter's because they wanted time alone," Ezra tugged on a string hanging from the hole in the knee of his faded jeans. "I'm staying with them because the state took me away from my mother for willful neglect of a minor and abandonment."
"What's that mean exactly?" Vin softy asked.
"It means that my mother and step-father went on a cruise, leaving me home alone," Ezra slowly lifted his gaze, looking for pity in those blue eyes, but thankfully didn't find any. All he saw was concern and painful encouragement. "I did everything just like I was suppose to . . . I paid the bills . . . I mowed the lawn . . . I went to school never missing a day . . ."
"What happened?"
"Mother nature happened," Ezra stated. "A strong storm swept through the area . . . snapping power cables and upending trees. One tree fell, taking part of the roof with it, trapping me inside. With the wind and the rain and the thunder and the lightening. A rescue team pulled me out the next morning . . ."
"Were you hurt?" Vin asked, never noticing that he'd taken Ezra's hand in his.
"Just some cuts and bruises. Nothing major . . ."
"How long were you alone?"
"They went on their cruise in May . . ."
"And the storm?"
"The beginning of December."
"I never knew my father," Vin said in a rush, not only 'cause he wanted to share something with Ezra, but to prevent himself from doing something that he shouldn't even dare. "My real mother died when I was five and in spite of the all the questions I asked she never told me a single thing about my father. All she would say was that I was a Tanner and I should be proud to be one. Don't know if it was her name or his. Stacy told me he was a soldier, but my mom never told me nothing."
"My father died in prison," Ezra revealed. It seemed now that he had disclosed a part of his past, he wanted to keep doing it.
"Prison?"
"Yeah," he nodded. "He was in prison for insider trading. The minimum security holding facility where he was, underwent some remodeling and the inmates were moved to a maximum security prison, Angola to be precise. Anyway, there was riot and my father was killed."
Vin wasn't sure what to say to that. Nothing seemed right. So he confessed a secret of his own, "I've never been with a girl. Never even kissed one."
The southerner just stared at his friend.
"I'm probably the only sixteen year old male virgin in the county," he went on to say.
"I wouldn't count on it," Ezra grinned at him.
Vin returned that grin and tightened the hold on the hand he still held in his.
Neither could explain why they trusted each other so quickly, it was just accepted as fact. Had from the start. But that afternoon proved to be a significant turning point for the boys, their budding friendship had quickly grown into something much deeper. Something that one feared would only strengthen. While the other was only beginning to suspect that his feelings of friendship might be more. But it wasn't something that either were ready to broach.
Continues in Deepening the Bond