RAIN

Chapter six

He ate the porridge with gratitude as Rain dried his hair. Memories of his childhood settled in, the porridge reminding him of his grandmother's. Every once in a while, his eyes drifted back to the shelf, the worry returning every time he did.

"You have nice hair," Rain said as he brushed Jet's dark hair.

"Thanks, let's hope it stays that way." He chuckled.

"Oh? Does balding run in your family?"

"Well, my grandfather is seventy-two and he still has a full head of hair. What about you? Any chance you'd lose those pretty long locks of yours?"

"Balding doesn't run in my family."

"Have you ever thought about cutting your hair?"

"I have many times. But for as long as I've known myself, I've always had long hair."

"I bet many people have mistaken you for a girl," he said with a chuckle.

"It has happened." He smiled loudly.

Jet began to relax with the friendly conversation. He placed the back of his head against Rain's warm chest as he started to massage Jet's temples, his soft fingertips kneading his flesh. Jet closed his eyes as shivers of pleasure delighted his body.

"You don't have to do all of this for me, you know that, right?"

"I want to. I feel bad for you and everything that you've been through."

"I'm glad I met you, Rain. I'm glad Mother Nature led me to you."

"So am I. You must miss your family."

"Of course I do."

"Do you work with your family?"

"No, I have my own business. I import and export luxury cars," he replied with pride. He intentionally left out the other things that he imported and exported. He willed himself to sit up and gently moved Rain's hands away from his temples, keeping one hostage so that he could familiarize himself with Rain's touch. He turned his body, looked up at him, and smiled. "You know, my family will be happy to give you a job, Rain. You can stay out in the city. I'll arrange everything for you, wouldn't you like that?"

"Jet, I am not very educated like you."

"I can teach you. I don't mind," he said. He pulled him toward a chair. "Come sit down."

He sat, his bright eyes met Jet's, and stared deeply into them.

"I can stay a few extra days to help you get settled down. Wouldn't you like that? All I have to do is tell my family you are a close friend, and they'll look after you."

Rain's gaze darted toward the direction of the bathroom, the brightness in his eyes fading. Jet had a feeling that the aunt could control Rain like a puppet. He looked at Jet again, this time straining to make eye contact.

"My family won't like it if I left."

Jet leaned in closer, still holding onto Rain's hand. His thumb gently massaged the delicate skin between his thumb and index finger. The gentle glow of the lamp highlighted every crease and curve of Rain's soft lips, overwhelming Jet's senses.

"Why? You are nineteen now. You have your whole life ahead of you. Don't you want to live a better life than this? Think about your cousins. Show them that there's more to life than catching lobsters. Besides, didn't you say that this place is cursed?"

"I don't know..."

The creak of the bathroom door sent Rain jumping from the chair. He pulled his hand away and waited. The sounds of the aunt's stampeding footsteps echoed down the hallway. They disappeared behind another slamming door. Jet chuckled, she didn't seem to be concerned about waking anyone.