Chapter 19: Chapter Eighteen

Travis’ Point of View

So far, Seth hasn’t shown any sign of grieving and that worries me. A lot. I want to believe he’s fine like he says he is but I can’t. I can’t begin to comprehend it. What I can do though is be there for him now when he needs me.

I try not to let it show but I’m so torn that my stupidity almost cost him his life. To have heard that that happened to his mom and sister and he came home because he needed me only to walk in on that. Fuck. Nigel would kill me if I told him about this. Mom would kill me. Dad would kill me. I’m sure even Michaela would kill me.

Sighing, I studied his sleeping face. Last night I convinced him to go back to my room with me. There were stipulations though. I had to change the covers and the pillowcases—basically disinfect my bedroom. In my mind I knew he was exaggerating but I didn’t say anything. He had every right to feel that way.

Hunter informed us last night that the funeral will be on Tuesday—which is tomorrow. When Hunter told Seth he only said “okay”. I hope he’s not lying to me. I hope he’s not hurting and suppressing it like—I’ve learned—he always does.

Seth inhaled deeply before his eyes fluttered open. Smiling faintly, he moved closer to me. I removed the arm that I was lying on from beneath my head and instead slid it underneath Seth’s so that I was hugging him. Audibly, he sighed, tightening his arm around me.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“Would you believe me if I said I don’t know?”

“Why don’t you go take a warm shower?” I suggested. “I’ll go make us something to eat in the meantime. And remember we have to go get…” I stopped talking before the words left my mouth. I kissed him on his forehead and got out of bed.

“We have to go get our suits for my mother and sister’s funeral. You can say it I’m not going to crumble.”

I wish you would. At least I’d know there’s still something inside of you. I didn’t say that though, I nodded instead and walked out of the room. I want him to be okay I really do. What I don’t want is for it all to be crashing down on him at once.

Looking down, I realized I wasn’t fully dressed. When I got out the shower this morning and saw Seth sleeping in my bed I couldn’t resist going back to him. I went back to my room to get dressed and I heard the shower running and for some odd reason the memory of Seth moaning my name in the guess bathroom flashed through my mind. With a groan, I drew my eyes from the door and went to the kitchen to make breakfast…or brunch in this case.

I went to the fridge, got my favorite fruits and cut them up to snack on while I made brunch. Seth thinks it’s weird that I like junk food, I eat out a lot and I still eat healthy. He thinks it’s contradicting. It kind of is, I guess.

I got the overripe bananas from the holder, peeled them, put them in a plate, and sprinkled some lemon juice on them. I got the recipe and started mixing everything together.

I felt his presence before he was even near me. It was only a few seconds after I felt him I actually felt his hands wrapped around my waist and his head resting on my back between my shoulder blades. Sighing deeply, I let go the whisk and turned to face him. Without a word our lips connected and the butterflies exploded in my stomach. There’s some nostalgia about being able to kiss Seth again. I don’t understand it. I don’t understand why we’ve done this a million times before. Maybe it’s all those dreams I had. Maybe it’s all the longing and wishing and hoping and reminiscing I’ve felt and done.

A knock on the door interrupted the most explosive feeling I’ve felt in awhile.

“I’ll get it,” Seth said. He gave me one last peck and let me go. I went back to mixing the batter for the Banana Fritters. My lips still tingled and my eyes burned. The tears fell from reasons unknown to me. I dried my eyes in my sleeve and continue what I was doing.

“Travis?” The voice called. Now I had a reason to cry. I never realized how much I missed her.

“M-Mom,” I croaked out. Seconds later, loving arms were enveloping me in a way only a mother can. Pulling away, she held my face in her hands and smiled at me. Words weren’t needed. “Um,” I started to say then stopped to look for Seth. I saw him standing by the window with his arms crossed over his chest. I grimaced as I realized how painful this must have been for him. “I’ll be right back.” I let my mom go and went to Seth.

“I’m sorry,” he said quickly before I could get a word out. “I didn’t want to intrude. I know you missed your mom very much and I know she missed you too”

Instead of making this more difficult for him, I took his words—and his hand. “Come meet her, officially.” He looked hesitant but allowed me to take him to my mom. I know she’ll love him because I love him. “Seth, this is my mom, and mom, this is him”

Seeming to be lost for words—or just feeling affectionate—she took him into her arms for one of those motherly hugs. Seth froze at first but returned her embrace. My heart soared looking at the two of them. If only my dad was here but I know that since my mom is missing he has to hold things down. My mom whispered something in his hears and Seth nodded and hugged her again. She placed a kiss on his cheek and that seem to have had some kind of effect on him. Maybe it’s something he missed or something he never had period.

“Gen…” All our attentions turned to the voice coming from the doorway.

“Oh! Dave, I’m so sorry. Bring them here,” mom said. Dave smiled, nodding at me as he entered the condo fully. Once he had the garment backs out of his hands he came over and ruffled my hair. He has always done that.

“What’s that mom?”

“Your suit. Where can I put them?”

“You didn’t have to do that Mrs. Ortega,” Seth said. She pinched his cheek, smiled, and turned to me. I took the suits from her and went to put them in my closet. “Put your coat on. Your mom’s putting the things away in the kitchen”

“She’s taking us out to eat?” He nodded. “Do you want to go out?” He nodded again. “Okay.”

Two minutes later me, Seth, my mom and Dave were out the door. We headed to the car, Seth and I in the back and my mom in the front. Conversation flowed as easily like we just saw each other yesterday. I don’t know why I’m surprised when we communicate as often as we do. I really miss my dad. I wish he were here.

Seth didn’t know this but my mom is here for him. I didn’t know she was coming but by the way she looked at him and hugged him, I knew. I told her how worried I was about him and in turn she became worried too. Especially after learning Hunter wasn’t going to be able to make it. I know no one is more hurt by that than Hunter is. Hunter loves Seth and he’s the most important person to him on this planet so it only makes sense that when Hunter cries I’m the one he calls. I would hate him if he called Seth and put that burden and worry on him, so I’m glad I’m able to be there for both of them. They suffer a little less that way.

Soft hands squeezing mine brought me out of my head. I looked from staring out the window to see Seth looking at me concerned. “I’m fine,” I mouthed to him.

“Would you boys like some Starbucks?” Mom asked. I avoided looking at Seth as I scratched my head awkwardly. “Find a Starbucks, please, Dave.” This woman is so embarrassing. Sure enough Dave found a Starbucks using the GPS, the same one Seth works at. “I’ll be back.” Dave went with my mom. I groaned and rest my head on the back of the headrest.

“You told her that?” Seth asked.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I just…I can’t believe you told her that. I can’t believe she even remembered. Don’t tell me she’s going to cup back with a Mint Mocha Frappuccino and a Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino”

“Don’t be surprised if she does.” A few minutes later they walked out of Starbucks, two beverages in both of their hands.

“You’re mom is beautiful, I see where most of your good looks come from.”

“Thanks”

“Now I know why you have such a big dick.” The last thing I expected was to hear that coming from Seth so when I choked on nothing but air that was seeable. Slowly, my eyes met a blushing Seth. “I-Hmm-shit…um. I was thinking that I didn’t mean to say it out loud.” I raised a brow. “Thinking it doesn’t make it better. Oh, Jesus!” He put a zipper on his mouth when the door opened.

“Mocha Cookie Crumble for you.” She handed the cup to me. “And Mint Mocha for you.” She handed that to Seth.

“Thank you,” we said at the same time.

“You’re both welcome—Dave, that one’s mine!” I rolled my eyes. Here we go again.

“No, I ordered this one, Gen”

“No, you didn’t”

“Yes, it’s mine”

“Your names are on there!” Seth said breaking them up. My mom looked at the cup she had and her name was on there! This woman is something else. She laughed awkwardly and started drinking.

“They do this all the time,” I mouthed to Seth. He smiled…so beautiful. I can’t wait for him to start smiling all the time again.

“Are you and Dave related, Mrs. Ortega?” Seth asked.

She turned in her seat to look at him. “Me? Related to this jerk?”

“She wish she was, buddy,” he answered in his strong Staten Island accent.

“Childhood friends, I presume?” They laughed at the same time and nodded. Seth settled back in his seat, a smile on his face that I was more than happy to see there in the span of five minutes.

“Is there anywhere specifically you boys would like to eat?”

“There’s this really friendly family diner my mom used to take us to when I was little.” The sadness in his voice made my chest ache. I moved over in my seat until I was sitting directly beside him, and put my arm around his neck. He shuffled closer to me, resting his head on my shoulder.

I noticed my mom looking at Seth. As much as she tried to hide it I could see the sadness in her eyes. “Sure, sweetie.”

A/N

I am contemplating whether or not to do the funeral scene. If I don't do it i'll definitely talk about it. I don't think it needs it. What do you guys think?