Broken Toys

Chapter 34

"No," Zeke said calmly taking the box of powered sugar donuts from the cart and returning it to the shelf.

"Aw, come on Zekie," Billy teased. "Don't make widdle Casey pout." He snagged the box of donuts and put them back in the cart.

Casey thwapped Billy, then grinned and headed off in pursuit of more junk food. Zeke just sighed and pushed the cart along, conceding this one, but determined not to give in to every sugary, preservative filled thing Casey wanted to buy.

Surprisingly, other than a bag of Hershey Kisses, sugar wafers, the donuts and some chips, Casey seemed content to let Zeke dictate the shopping list, helping him gather the items he'd need for the meals he'd be making over the weekend.

Billy wandered off randomly, clearly uninterested but going along anyway just for something to do. His only contribution to the basket was some sourdough pretzels and Pepsi.

They arrived at the checkout line with plenty of provisions for a weekend at the house with (hopefully) hard working friends.

"I got it," Casey insisted as he reached for his wallet. The dean had paid him for his hours in the darkroom as well as given him the amount he'd promised for Casey's weekly allowance. On top of that he'd surprised Casey with a generous amount for supplies for the house. Casey had put most of it away for savings, but he had enough to get what they needed for the weekend.

Casey handed over the amount due with a smile, thankful that he was no longer forced to accept charity from his friends. He could contribute his share now, and it felt good.

They filled the trunk with bags, bracing them with the cleaning supplies and overnight bags they'd brought. Snuffy and the others would join them in the morning but they'd use tonight to change the guest room bedding and prepare for the workday ahead.

Billy climbed into the back of the car, grinning as Casey settled himself gingerly in the passenger seat.

"Something wrong, Casey?" he teased, leaning forward and speaking right in Casey's ear.

"Nothing I'm going to complain about," Casey replied, grinning back. "Just don't expect me to sit on the floor much this weekend."

"Everybody ready?" Zeke asked with a grin of his own. Without waiting for an answer he started the car and drove out of the parking lot.

*****

"Case?"

Casey looked up from the desk where he was surrounded by papers and books. He smiled distractedly and held up the book he was holding. "Photos."

"You?" Zeke asked when he had moved closer, leaning over Casey's shoulder to examine the small images in black and white.

"I think so. Looks like my mother there, and that must be my grandfather. I couldn't have been more than a few months old."

"You were tiny."

"Yeah, I was born early. Mom never wanted to talk about it. Guess that's why there weren't more kids."

Casey closed the album carefully and put it back on the desk. "Let's not look at any more tonight."

Zeke laid a hand on Casey's shoulder and squeezed gently. After a moment of silence he leaned down and pressed a whisper soft kiss to Casey's temple. "Come on, Case, let's go find Billy. I think he got lost in the attic."

"Wait, I want to show you this." Casey opened the bottom drawer of the desk and moved some papers aside to reveal an old camera. "I think it was my grandfather's."

Zeke leaned forward and closed the drawer. "No ghosts, Case. Remember?"

"No ghosts," Casey replied, shaking his head. "History. History doesn't hurt."

Zeke seemed doubtful but Casey just smiled and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. "Come on," he said, grabbing Zeke's hand, "Billy promised me a horseback ride up to the attic."

Zeke followed behind, ginning. This he wanted to see.

*****

"Giddyup," Casey yelled, wrapping his legs around Billy as well as he could with his cast.

Billy made noises that might have been a really bad imitation of a neigh and Casey laughed while Zeke trailed behind, highly amused by the entire spectacle.

"Your destination, sir," Billy said, standing up abruptly, breathing hard. He tried to dump Casey off but the boy had his arms locked around Billy's neck and wouldn't let go until he felt like it.

"Wow," Casey commented, looking around at the array of *stuff* that filled the huge room.

"Maybe we could have the guys haul all this to the summer house tomorrow and then we can sort it out when we have time."

"No," Casey countered, "We should clear the summer house and put everything in the barn. Just in case we need the summer house for guests."

"Got anyone in mind, Case?"

Casey shrugged, but there was a gleam in his eye that let the others know he had plans, even if he wasn't ready to share them.

"You're right about this room, Billy. It would make a great place just to relax. We could put the stereo and stuff here. Maybe get some comfy chairs."

"We can figure that out later," Zeke suggested. "Let's go try out the stove. I want to know what I'm up against before tomorrow."

"Mind if I work up here a while?" Billy asked. "I thought I'd sort out furniture and stuff so it'll be easier to move tomorrow."

"Okay by me," Casey said, "But you'll have to dry dishes later."

Billy made a face. "A bed is the first thing we have to buy, but a dishwasher's gotta be second."

Casey laughed and started his cautious journey down the steps. Once he was on the floor he yelled up, "Bye horsey!"

This time Billy did sound like a horse.

*****

"All finished?" Zeke asked, looking up from his book and smiling at the slightly damp pair walking towards him. Apparently the dishes weren't the only things that had gotten washed.

"Kitchen's all cleaned up and ready for the horde to arrive tomorrow." Billy dropped into a faded green-gold arm chair with a sigh. He leaned back, closed his eyes and yawned.

"We shouldn't stay up too late," Casey reminded them. "Tomorrow's going to be busy." He eased himself down onto the sofa, lying on his side, his legs stretched out across the worn fabric. He looked tired.

"You ok, Case?" Zeke asked, setting his book aside and leaning forward to tap Casey's arm. "You look worn out."

"Leg hurts a little. Too many stairs, I guess."

"You ought to work down here tomorrow; let us run things up and down for you. You don't want to aggravate anything or you won't get the cast off before graduation."

Casey nodded sleepily, his eyes heavy lidded.

"We set for tomorrow? Got the room assignments and everything?" Billy asked Zeke.

"Yeah. We're in the one room. Snuffy and Hank each get a room. Ricardo and Yogurt share."

"You sure we should do that? Maybe Yogurt could take the couch instead," Billy suggested.

"No," Zeke countered, smiling. "I don't think they'll mind sharing."

Billy's eyes widened as the implication hit. "Really?"

"Yup."

Casey opened his eyes a little and smiled at Zeke. "How'd you come up with that?"

"Easy," Zeke said casually. "Just watch them tomorrow. If I'm wrong I'll make your favorite dinner."

"Deal," Billy said quickly, then added, "How's your filet mignon?"

"Any complaints about the pork chops tonight?"

"No way," Casey said, smiling even though he didn't open his eyes. "They were great. And real mashed potatoes. Mmmm."

"There you go," Zeke concluded, standing up and giving Billy a nip on the ear before lifting Casey up in his arms and starting towards the stairs.

"Would you mind locking up, Billy? I'm gonna haul Case upstairs before he zonks out on the couch."

"Sure, Zeke. I'll be up in a bit. Got some homework to finish. Night Casey."

Casey mumbled and snuggled against Zeke's chest. He was asleep before they reached the top of the stairs and didn't wake again until morning.

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