Only Three Months to Live
by Victor Thomas
Chapter 3
"What are you doing?" Chad asked as I sat at the kitchen table.
"Leave me alone."
"Come on. Tell me!"
"Chad, did you know mom is going to rename you hemorrhoid because you're a pain in the ass?"
"Shut up!"
"Go away."
"I don't have to go away if I don't want to. What are you doing?"
"Studying."
"No really."
"Really. I'm studying plate tectonics right now. Did you know that the entire surface of the earth is actually floating on the molten interior?"
"Mom! Get in here! I think Owen is sick!"
She hurried into the kitchen, followed by Anthony.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"Owen is studying," Chad said.
"Good one, Chad. That's hilarious," Anthony said.
"No! He's really studying."
"I have homework," I said.
Mom and Anthony stared at me as if they feared I had lost my mind.
"Are you okay, honey?" mom asked.
"I'm fine. Leif has been helping me study and I can actually understand algebra now."
"It's a miracle," Anthony said.
I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Can we have Leif over for supper?"
"Certainly."
"Can we have something good… I mean… not fish sticks or frozen pizza, but something like… fried chicken. His mom made salmon when I was there."
"I will fry chicken. I believe Leif does deserve better than frozen pizza if he can get you to study."
"Um, if I start getting good grades, do you think maybe I can go to college? Leif says I really need to go."
She sank into a chair as if her knees had gone weak.
"This is a dream, isn't it? Where is my super model?" Anthony asked, looking around as if he actually expected one to appear.
"Of course you can go. Your father and I want you all to go to college."
"More school?" Chad whined.
"Yes."
"Ah man!"
I smiled. I feared she would say I couldn't because there wasn't enough money. I had already been thinking about ways to make money for school.
"I promise I'll get good grades. Maybe I can get a scholarship."
"Who are you and what have you done with Owen?" she asked.
I laughed.
"I think he's up to something," Anthony said.
"Can't a guy study?"
"A guy yes. You no," he said.
Mom stood.
"Okay, everyone out. Leave Owen in peace so he can study. I need to get supper ready, but I won't disturb you."
"Thanks," I said, smiling.
Anthony and Chad departed, but with many backward glances as if they thought I had perhaps been replaced by an alien.
The chapter on earth science we were covering was actually interesting, especially continental drift. I never dreamed that all the continents were squished together millions of years ago and had drifted apart. It was eerie how South America and Africa fit together like the pieces of a puzzle.
I worked on my homework until supper was ready, then cleared my things away. Mom, Anthony, and Chad kept looking at me as if they didn't quite recognize me. I enjoyed their confusion.
Tonight, mom had made tuna casserole, which sounds truly nasty, but is actually rather good. Another nasty sounding food that was delicious was broccoli casserole. I'm not a fan of broccoli; in fact, I'm more of a broccoli hater, but broccoli casserole is seriously good.
I intended to get back to my homework after supper, but I didn't mention it. I figured my family had experienced enough of a shock today. I hadn't been a model student in the past. I'd been more of the opposite. I didn't cause trouble in class, not often anyway, but I had never seen the value in doing my homework. Neil Shelton cheated his way through school. He got all A's by paying various nerds to do his homework and by cheating on exams. Obviously, dishonesty was rewarded the same as hard work, so why bother working? That had been my opinion, but Leif was quickly changing my mind.
We had brownies for dessert, so I stuck around for those. Mom made them from a box mix, but added her own frosting that she made from powdered sugar and milk. They were yummy.
Anthony came into our room a little later and discovered me working on my algebra homework. He stood and stared at me for several long moments.
"What is your angle? I swear I won't tell mom and dad, but what is it? I can't figure it out."
"I have no angle. Leif has been helping me study. He explains things so that I can understand them. A lot of this stuff is actually very interesting. There is a beauty to algebraic equations that I never noticed before. Just look at this," I said, showing my big brother what I was working on.
He put his hand to my forehead, then sat down on my bed near the desk and peered at me.
"You're really into this stuff, aren't you?"
"Yeah. It's all beginning to make sense. I thought I was stupid, but I'm not."
"How is Leif doing this? How is he getting you to study? Is he going to blow you if you get an A on a test or something like that?"
"No. It's nothing like that."
"You really understand this stuff?" he asked.
"Yes, when he explains things, it's as if a light goes on in my head. It's happened several times," I said earnestly.
He laughed and I frowned.
"I'm not making fun of you. I'm glad to see you doing your homework."
"You've sure nagged me about it enough in the past."
"I'm sorry about that, but… I worry about you sometimes. Dad isn't around much and mom is overwhelmed. Handling Chad is a full-time job in itself and she has her own problems."
I smiled. Maybe he wasn't just a big bully. He actually cared.
"I've decided I want to go to college. Leif says it's wise, even if you don't use your degree."
"Leif is your age?"
"Yeah, but he's really smart. He's also good at everything. I wish I could be more like him."
He shook his head.
"You're going to have to give me some time to get used to the new you. Does the new Owen clean up his side of the room?"
"Not currently, no."
"I'm almost relieved to hear that. I'm not entirely sure you're Owen. I still think you might have been replaced."
"You never know. Do you?" I asked.
He stripped off his shirt and proceeded to work out. I was engrossed enough in studying that I barely noticed.
My family thinks I'm an alien," I said.
"I get that all the time," David said.
"You're not an alien. You're just from the future, right? I've seen your tricorder," Keaton said.
"You and your toys," Paula said.
"They aren't toys. They are replicas of Star Trek props," David said indignantly.
"Why does your family think you're an alien?" Leif asked, then bit into his chicken wrap.
"It's actually your fault." He raised an eyebrow. "I was studying."
"I study and no one thinks I'm an alien," Paula said.
"Eh," Keaton said.
She gave him the stink eye.
"In the past I have been less than a stellar student."
"You convinced him to study, Leif? You sick bastard," Keaton said.
"I enjoy learning things."
"Well, you don't have to spread that kind of perversion around. You may have corrupted Owen, but you won't corrupt us" Keaton said.
"That's right!" David said.
"You two are so weird, but I like you," Paula said.
"Wait, is that a gay thing? Do gays like to study?" David asked.
"Hmm, it could be. This goes no further than this table, but sometimes I like to study," Keaton said.
"But you just said…"
"Drama is another gay thing," Keaton said.
"You guys never fail to entertain me. Seriously, you should all try out for theater," Paula said.
"We do our best," Leif said. "Homework isn't that hard if you keep up with it."
"Well, I seriously thought I was stupid before you started helping me."
"You've been helping him, huh?"
David stuck his finger in his mouth and mimicked a blowjob.
"With homework," Leif said.
"So that's what you call it now. It's hard for me to keep up with gay slang."
"Grr! As I was about to say, you're quite intelligent, Owen. You merely haven't tried before."
"It's true, I haven't tried. It didn't seem worth the time."
"It is. I want to know things, not merely to pass a test, but to know then," Leif said.
"It's too bad you're gay. You would make a great boyfriend for someone," Paula said.
"Paula likes Leif," David chanted.
"What are you, six?" she asked him.
He stuck out his tongue.
"I think my mom loves you. I had to explain why I was studying. My family had never witnessed that before," I said.
Leif smiled. He was so cute!
"Are you up for studying again tonight?" he asked.
"Yes. I'm getting algebra, but I haven't exactly mastered it yet, and my French is pas si bon."
"Hey, don't talk dirty while I'm eating," David said.
"Perhaps you should join us," Leif said.
"I'm taking Spanish."
"Keaton and Paula, you're welcome to join us," Leif said.
"I don't think I'm ready for a three-way," Keaton said.
"Hmm, watching two or three boys together would be hot," Paula said, grinning.
Leif crossed his arms and glared, then smiled.
"I appreciate the offer, but I have play practice. I earned a part in the play, if anyone cares," she said.
"Congratulations," Leif said.
"Yeah, that is awesome," I said.
Keaton and David nodded.
"I thought about doing the play, but… I couldn't," Keaton said.
"Yeah, you can't do everything," David said.
"I'm taking it down right easy this semester."
"I've taken it easy every semester, but I'm starting to put in some effort," I said.
"Someone had to make up for Leif being a slacker," Keaton said.
"Yes, they do," Leif said.
I enjoyed having friends. I wished I had made more of an effort to make friends in the past. I had missed out on a lot. I couldn't do anything about the past, but I could about the present and future. What's more, I intended to do so.
Leif met me after school at my locker. Gone was the day when I walked home alone. We were somewhat delayed in departing because so many kids greeted him.
"Were you this poplar in San Diego?" I asked when we were finally able to get away.
"Yes."
"How do you do that?"
He shrugged.
"I'm friendly."
"It doesn't seem to be that easy for most."
"I don't know. People seem to like me. I like everyone, so maybe they sense it."
"You're almost too good to be true. If you're actually an android or an alien, I don't want to know."
"I assure you I am quite human and I am not too good to be true."
"Name one bad thing about you."
"My breath in the morning could kill."
We exited through the back doors and walked through the grass. I was so busy talking to him I almost didn't spot Taryn Yates until we were nearly upon him.
"Shit, there's Taryn."
"The bully you mentioned?"
"Yeah."
He pushed on as if he didn't care. Leif was built, but Taryn was built and a bad ass. I took a deep breath. If things got ugly, I would do what I could. I feared that wouldn't be much.
"Sup?" Leif said as we drew close.
Taryn looked momentarily confused. He shrugged.
"Did you try those string beans today? Nasty," Leif said.
Taryn laughed. He actually laughed. I almost couldn't believe it, but then his eyes narrowed as he looked at me. I swallowed hard.
"I'm Leif. I think you know Owen."
"Yeah, know him. I'm Taryn."
Leif reached out and Taryn actually shook his hand.
"Hey, do you like Big Hero 6 ?" Leif asked pointing to Taryn's backpack for some reason. "I love Big Hero 6 ."
"Really?" Taryn said. "Fist bump," he said, further confusing me.
"Fist bump is not in my fighting database," Leif said.
"No, this isn't a fighting thing. It's what people do sometimes when they're excited or pumped up."
Taryn pulled Leif's right hand forward and slapped it on his palm. Leif slapped it back as if he didn't quite get it. He didn't know how to do a fist bump? Taryn slapped the back of Leif's hand with the back of his own. Leif mimicked him. Taryn formed a fist, did a fist bump with Leif, then opened his fingers in the fist bump 'explosion' and said, "peeeww. Leif copied him and said, "ba-la-la-la-la."
"Dude, you are sick," Taryn said, then laughed. "I'll see you guys around."
He even smiled at me.
"See you," Leif said.
"Yeah, see you," I said, still totally confused.
"What the hell was that?" I asked when we were far enough from Taryn he couldn't hear.
"Haven't you watched Big Hero 6 ?"
"No. I saw the preview and thought it looked stupid. I think Chad likes it."
"It's Grayson's favorite movie. He got me to watch it with him and it's really cool. You need to see it."
"Okay, but what was all that?" I asked again.
"That was the scene where Hiro teaches Baymax how to fist bump. I was playing the part of Baymax."
"Is Baymax the fat robot thing?"
"Yes."
"Okay, how did you know Taryn liked that movie?"
"He has a Hiro and Baymax sticker on his backpack."
"I didn't see it."
"You need to be more observant, Watson."
"I can't believe you made Taryn Yates laugh. I can't believe you made friends with him!"
"We made friends with him."
"You are amazing," I said, totally in awe. "I figured we would have to fight him."
"Most people respond to kindness."
"I figured he would just punch you. He is a bully."
"Maybe no one is ever nice to him."
"He gives them no reason to be."
"Maybe he's a bully because he doesn't want to get hurt emotionally. He strikes before others have a chance to hurt him."
I shrugged.
"Well, I owe you. I've lived in fear of him."
"I don't think you will have to any more, and you do not owe me. what are friends for? Besides, Taryn needs someone to be nice to him and that someone is us."
"He's never been one of my favorites, but it's better than worrying about him punching me in the face."
"I think we should ask Taryn to come over and watch Big Hero 6 soon at my house. Grayson will love it."
"Um, if you say so. I'll follow your lead on this one. I probably should watch it since the movie just helped you save my butt."
He smiled. He was amazing. I felt like I was in love.
We walked to his house and began to study. We mostly worked on French because it gave me the most trouble, but we also put in some time on algebra because I could get it much faster with his help. We didn't bother with physical science because I had no trouble with that now. I actually liked studying it.
I sat close to him on the edge of his bed as we worked. I could smell his cologne and the familiar strawberry scent of his hair. He was masculine, sexy, kind, and beautiful. I wanted so badly to kiss him I couldn't stand it. I turned and looked at him. His voice trailed off and he met my gaze. I slowly leaned in toward him. Our lips grew closer, but then he put his hand on my chest. I could feel my face go pale.
"I'm… I'm sorry," I said. "I thought… I'm sorry."
He smiled sadly.
"Don't be sorry. You thought right. I like you a lot, Owen, and I want you to kiss me."
"Then why did you stop me?"
He sighed.
"There's something you have to know first."
"You're HIV positive?" I asked.
"No. I have something to tell you and I don't want you to tell anyone else. Can you promise my you won't?"
"Of course. I promise I will not tell anyone."
He nodded, then took a deep breath.
"I have an incurable brain tumor. I have three months to live, tops."
My face truly went pale at his words.
"You… really?"
He nodded, but I already knew from his expression and tone of voice that he was serious.
"But… incurable?"
I could feel my eyes filling with tears and in moments they spilled out and I began to cry.
He pulled me to him and held me. It was ridiculous really. He was the one dying, but he was comforting me. I worked to get myself under control. How could this be?
"Are you sure?" I asked, which was a truly stupid question, but I had to ask.
"Yes. Four different specialists gave my parents the same diagnosis and advice. We could try to treat it with chemo, but the cancer has already advanced to such an extent that all that would do is make me sick. My parents and I decided not to try chemo so that I can enjoy what time I have left."
"Do your brothers know?"
He nodded.
"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sure that's what everyone says."
"Yeah, but it's okay. Only my family knows. I'm the real reason we moved to Chouteau. Mom has a lot of family here and she's going to need them, especially when I get bad."
I began crying again, but soon got myself under control.
"Sorry," I said.
"Don't be. It means you care about me."
"I do. I… love you."
"I love you too," he said so quietly it was almost a whisper.
I smiled at him.
"I still want to kiss you."
"Think about it. I'm not going to get better, Owen. I am going to die, and soon. If you walk away now, it won't be as painful for you as it will be if we go on. I didn't mean for us to get so close. I don't want to hurt you. I want to kiss you too. I have wanted to kiss you since the day we met, but I didn't let myself because I knew I won't be around much longer. The choice is yours, Owen, and I want you to know that if you walk away now, I'll understand. I won't be angry. If you don't walk away now, you're letting yourself in for a lot of pain. I won't be angry. Instead, I will remember the time we had together with fondness."
I grabbed him and kissed him. It was the first time I ever kissed another boy.
"There's your answer. I'm not going anywhere."
He smiled at me and we kissed again.
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