Broken Toys

Chapter 37

"Nice," Ric commented as the explored the hayloft.

Zeke was perched on the wide window ledge looking out at the cottony clouds. He could hear Ric moving around randomly exploring the oddments scattered around the loft. The faint smell of hay lingered, mixed in with the scents of wood and oils. It was relaxing here and Zeke could imagine spending pleasant afternoons working on whatever projects captured his interest.

They'd moved the last of the odds and ends out of the summer house into the far end of the barn where Casey would sort them out later. The sweeping and cleaning was done and it was barely mid-afternoon. Casey had decided that they'd done enough and had taken up residence on the porch, drowsing in the warm sunshine with his leg propped up and a cold soda nearby.

Billy, Snuffy, Hank and Yogurt had decided to go exploring while Zeke had retreated to the loft to plan his workspace. Ric had wandered for a while before joining Zeke. It was clear to Zeke that the boy had something on his mind, but Zeke wasn't going to force it out of him. Ric would talk when he was ready.

A pale figure moved idly along the treeline, stopping randomly to examine whatever caught his attention. Zeke watched him for a while, feeling Ric move closer, aware that he wasn't the only one watching Yogurt.

"Interesting kid," Zeke commented at last, not taking his eyes off of Yogurt. The pale boy was kneeling now, almost bent double as he examined something in the grass. Ric moved closer, looking intently at the figure below.

"Yeah."

"What is he, a sophomore?"

"Junior. He's got one more year at Regis."

They lapsed into silence again watching Yogurt until the boy moved out of view. Ric stayed where he was and Zeke waited. After a while he turned and looked up at Ric.

"A year's not that long."

"A lot can happen," Ric countered.

"Especially if you want it to." The comment hung between them for a while. Finally Ric sighed and moved away. Just before he reached the stairs he turned and offered a half-smile. "Zeke..." he took a few steps back towards Zeke. "You've got a good thing. You're lucky. Just... try to remember that Billy's not always as strong as he thinks he is."

Zeke nodded seriously. "Sometimes people surprise you. Even people you think you know."

Ric nodded once, accepting the message before retreating. Zeke returned to his ledge, staring out at the clouds and thinking.

*****

Snuffy sneezed again, nearly running into Billy.

"You sure you don't want to go back? Your allergies are really kicking up."

"In a minute. I'm communing with nature."

"Your idea of communing with nature is channel surfing past a wildlife documentary."

"At least it doesn't make me sneeze."

"So why are we out here wandering around listening to you sneeze?"

"Thought you might want to take a walk." Snuffy shrugged then sneezed again.

Billy had known Snuffy too long to fall for that. "So what you really mean is that you wanted to talk about something in private."

"While walking."

"Fine, so we walked, now talk."

Snuffy sneezed again and made a show of blowing his nose and stuffing the tissue back into his pocket before continuing. It gave him a moment to review his plan.

"Ok," he said at last. "The direct approach." Billy crossed his arms and waited impatiently. "Cali can't hurt you. Joey can't love you. They're dead. Casey and Zeke won't last without you; they're too... I don't know, intense or something. You balance them, Billy, and they balance you. If that's what works, then stop thinking about it and accept it."

Billy frowned, his body tensing as he opened his mouth to protest. Snuffy held up his hand.

"Don't make me do the sappy stuff, Billy. For once in your life just shut up and accept some good advice."

They stared each other down, until Billy finally laughed just a bit nervously, nodding before he looked away.

"Good. Now let's get out of here. All this nature is creeping me out."

Billy flung an arm around Snuffy and gave him a hug. "Too bad you're so straight, man."

"Don't flatter yourself. Besides, you've got to leave a few good looking men for all those ladies out there." Snuffy shook his head, pretending to preen. Billy thwapped him.

"Come on, let's go see if Casey left any snacks."

"Those things don't have any corn oil in'em, do they? You know what's really in that stuff?"

Billy just shook his head and started back to the house.

*****

Casey waved to the four boys as they drove away, the battered old car raising a cloud of fine dust as it roared off down the lane.

"Ready to go?" Billy asked as he emerged with his overnight bag.

"Not yet," Zeke answered, following him out to the porch. He set his bag down and reached for Billy, turning him so they faced each other. He reached out for Casey and reeled the boy closer so they were together in a loose circle. He leaned in and kissed Billy, letting his tongue explore before finally moving back.

Zeke kept his hand clenched in the fabric of Billy's shirt. He used that contact to shift Billy's attention to Casey. Casey immediately leaned in, his kiss sweeter but still demanding.

They separated and Billy smiled, his lips shiny with moisture. He reached out to Casey and Zeke, turning them towards each other and watching as they kissed. There was tension between them, their contact intense. Billy smiled as he watched them, finally understanding some of what Snuffy had been trying to tell him.

They were so lost in each other they didn't sense Billy's mood or see his impish grin. He attacked, latching onto Zeke's back and leaning around to give Casey a smooch. Their laughter echoed across the lawn and through the trees.

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