Falling for the Golden Boy

Chapter 22

Carson's POV

It was a week before the talent show and two weeks until Christmas break. White fluffy snow coated the ground and he now had to wear a warmer jacket even though he usually only went from his apartment to Ben's car. 

Ben had ended up unofficially moving in with him. He had brought over some clothes along with other necessities and personal items. His parents still haven't accepted the fact that he was gay and dating Carson and while a part of him felt guilty for putting that wedge in Ben's family, he knew it wasn't his fault. Ben's parents were supposed to accept him no matter what, love him unconditionally. 

On the topic of parents, his father had given him the address of where he was staying and he was on his way over. It was cold and his boots crunched in the snow. Ben had offered to drive him but he wanted to walk. It wasn't far and he missed just being outside in nature. Having a boyfriend with a car was nice but sometimes being outside was nicer, even when the weather was in the negatives and his nose felt like it would freeze off.

Finally, he arrived at the address his father texted him. It was a quaint little house slightly on a hill. It didn't look like it was super expensive like Ben's but definitely not run down like his apartment was.

He hesitated for only a second before bringing his fist to the door. He wasn't expecting an older male with sandy blonde hair and chiseled face covered in a days worth of stubble. The man was attractive and way out of his fathers league. He wore dark jeans and a grey knit sweater with a red scarf tied around his neck. The man smiled at him and waved him inside. "You must be Ray's son. I'm David."

"Carson."

"I know, your father's told me all about you. Come with me, he's just in the kitchen."

The place was nice and put together. It looked like this man had his life together, shoes neatly stacked in the corner on a shoe rack and as they were passing the living room, Carson noticed it had a black and white theme. He also noticed a lot of plants.

The man, David, led him past the living room, down the hall and to the kitchen where his father was sitting on an ikea bar table with a mug gripped in his hands. He looked up when they came in, offering Carson a hesitant smile. "I'm glad you came, Carson. I'm sure my friend introduced himself."

He nodded, taking a seat across from his dad while David went over to the counter. "Want coffee or anything else to drink?"

Carson nodded, only so he could have a cup to occupy his hands with. "Coffee please. Black with sugar."

David nodded and Carson watched him make the coffee, avoiding his dad's eyes. 

"So," he asked as a subject starter. "How did you and David meet?" 

His father said "work" at the same time David said "rehab". Carson raised a brow and red seared his fathers cheeks. He coughed. "I met David at rehab, it's his work."

"I'm a councillor there," David said, slipping Carson his coffee. He was thankful for the warmth it brought to his hands. "I used to struggle with addiction and when I recovered a few years ago, I wanted to share my experience and help others as well. Ray has shown a lot of progress and hasn't touched alcohol since his stay with me."

Carson looked at his father but the man was looking down into his coffee mug. He didn't realize he didn't believe his father had actually changed until seeing him now. His heart softened. If his father was going to try for him then he could at least give him a chance. "Dad," he said and his father's blue eyes snapped up to meet his. "I'm in a group that's organizing a talent show for school. I probably won't perform but... If you want to come-"

"I'd love to." His father gave him a bright smile, the first genuine smile he could remember his father having in a long time.

He smiled back.

~

He rested his chin in his hand, zoning out as his teacher talked about last minutes projects before the break. Nobody was really listening, nobody cared about school at this point. Everyone was busy whispering about their plans for the holidays and a few were talking about the talent show. He decided that he was going to perform but didn't want to tell anyone in case he chickened out last minute. It was only four days away now. The group decided to meet everyday this week to get any last minute things done before Friday when the talent show would take place. 

The teacher gave up trying to teach and his eyes stayed trained on the clock, watching the seconds tick by until- A shrill bell cut through the silence and chairs scrapping against the floor filled the room as the other students jumped from their desks, rushing out for lunch.

Ben was waiting for him outside the class and they walked together to the meeting room. 

Everyone was pretty much there by the time they arrived except Noah. He wasn't at school because they had given him a late shift at work and he was catching up on much needed rest. 

"I can't believe it's this Friday!" Giggled Taylor, jumping up and hugging Jae. "You still want to do that dance routine with me, right?"

Jae rolled her eyes but nodded. Meena started talking about what was left but he found himself zoning out. He was filled with nerves yet it still wasn't until four days from now. He couldn't help but imagine himself, stepping out onto that stage in front of everyone... He had never been a good public speaker and he was terrified he would mess something up. 

After the meeting was over and everyone left for their afternoon classes, Ben pulled him aside. He took his hands, looking into Carson's eyes with brows furrowed in worry. "Are you alright?"

Carson blinked in surprise. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You just seem... Spacey. Is there something bothering you?"

He quickly shook his head. "No! Just... Nerves, I guess. The talent show's coming up and there's still a bit to do."

Ben smiled, leaning down and pressing his lips to his forehead. Warmth flooded his chest. "I know but it'll be okay. We still have plenty of time to get done what needs to be done. But I know that's not what's truly bothering you. You never told me how your meeting went with your dad."

He didn't say anything to Ben because... "It went good... I just didn't want to brag. You and your parents are at odds right now and it didn't feel right talking about how- How good it felt to finally have my father back, to have him trying to be better."

"Carson," Ben pulled him against him, arms wrapping around him. "I don't care about my parents. Them not accepting me- And you, is their problem. I love you and I'm happy to hear your father is getting himself together." Ben pulled away to look at him. "You deserve to have your father and you deserve to be happy."

This time, he was the one pulling Ben down for a kiss. Their lips met but once Ben deepened it, he was gone. 

They ended up skipping their next class. 

And the one after that.