Moon Stalk

Chapter Twelve

Being carried by Byron down the stairs was odd, at best. It was like I was a small child, weightless.

Course I didn't say that sappy shit.

"Hey birthday boy! I hear you're the life of the party."

"Heya doc! How's those injuries feel?" Gabe, the overall worry wart that he is, decided to enquire me about my physical state.

"Eh, I've been better. Happy birthday by the way!"

"Heh thanks doc. You hungry?"

"I could eat. What do we got?"

"I'm so glad you asked." Byron finally set me down in the wheelchair. Turning to my left, I saw Laurence walking to me with a smile.

"What's on the menu Chef Laur?" I jokingly asked her.

"For you? Porridge." She grinned at me and my disgusted face.

"Woman, I've crashed my car into a tree. What makes you think I won't run you over too?"

"I'm just joking. I made some BLT's and Italian sliders for everyone. Also some egg salad and sweets are laid on the table. Help yourself, sis." She said warmly, before running to assist the others.

"Roll me on over then, my trusty steed." I joked to Gabe who had a unamused look on his face.

"You're no fun."

"I'm plenty fun now hush woman and eat."

Placing a plate of food in front of me, Gabe sat down, fiddling his fingers nervously.

"What's up with you? You look like you're about to shit yourself." I asked, wiping my mouth.

"Uh well I actually have a question." He said, wringing his hand together.

"Alright, spill." I said, taking a chug of soda.

"My ma and pa have been aching for me to find a nice lady to settle down with. I was wondering if you could come down with me, and uh... pretend to be my girlfriend?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck, red faced.

Looking above Gabe, I saw the shell shocked face of Aaron before it became sad and dejected. Knowing I needed to be heard, and quickly, I spoke.

"Listen Gabe. I love you, you're like my little brother I enjoy teasing. But I will not pretend to be your partner so you can convince your parents that you're straight."

Shoulders slumping forward, Gabe nodded. "That's all well and good but they still want me to bring SOMEONE. How do I convince them I'm gay if I don't even have someone to prove it with?"

Staring at Aaron, I gestured him over. With a look of understanding and a grin of glee, Aaron came over. "I'm sure Aaron would be happy to help with that." I offered, smirking.

"Uh yeah! I wouldn't mind at all." Aaron said with a boyish grin.

Gabe was red faced still so I couldn't pass an opportunity to mess with him. "And if they're still not convinced, I'm sure a quick shag would change their mind."

Standing abruptly, Gabe spoke. "Aaaaand that's my cue to leave. Goodbye now!"

Laughing boisterously, Aaron quick rose to follow the flustered receptionist. Meanwhile as I quickly downed one of the pain medications on hand, my injuries hurting quite a bit by now, I saw Byron take a seat next to me.

"Is it always this lively?" He asked, laughing.

"Not nearly as much. I usually live alone but my niece, Margaret, is staying with me for a bit."