The Worst of Times

Chapter 14

I watched Chester sleep and debated whether I should wake him up or not. He had a doctor's appointment in about an hour but he looked just too cute. I sighed and decided I didn't have the heart to bother him. I went into the kitchen, hoping to find Sean. He was sleeping on the couch in the living room and shook him gently.

"Sean?" I said softly and he opened his eyes slowly. I had to admit, I enjoyed having Sean around. It felt a lot easier helping Chester when he was here. He made things seem better than they were and was a great extra person to help defend Chester. I also was weary of him. I had a feeling he felt more intimate towards Chester than he claims, at least he keeps it to himself.

"What's up?" He said in a tired voice.

"Chester has a doctor's appointment in an hour and I was wondering if you could wake him up. I just don't have the heart to do it." I chuckled softly and he gave me an understanding smile, getting off the couch. He went into our room and was in there for a couple minutes. I wondered what was taking so long so I walked in. Sean looked like he was about to wake Chester but was stopping himself. He noticed me and gave me a soft smile.

"I see why you couldn't do it." He said and for some reason I was proud. He looked back to Chester and with a heavy sigh, he shook Chester gently. "Chester, come on. You have to go to the doctor's today."

Chester rolled over, showing he was awake but had no interest he wanted to get out of bed.

"Chester..." Sean said in a warning voice but he didn't budge. "Did I mention you're appointment was three hours ago?"

Chester bolted up with wide eyes and looked to Sean who winked. Chester rolled his eyes and looked to me.

"I just couldn't wake you up, Ches." I told him with a soft chuckle and he shook his head and yawned silently. DeLeo came into the room and saw Chester stretching his arms.

"What are you boys doing today?" He asked and Chester looked to me.

"Well Chester has to go to the doctor's." I informed him and DeLeo nodded and looked to Sean.

"Are you going with them?" He asked and Sean hesitated before shaking his head. I glanced at Chester who looked disappointed when he saw that, he must've wanted Sean to come with. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous but I forced myself to let it slide.

"No, I can't. I'm... busy." Sean decided to say. What was he hiding that he didn't want to tell us? I was intensely curious and by the look on Chester's face, I'd say he was too.

"Alright. I'll go with then. Mike and Chester need more than themselves." DeLeo said and I felt incredibly grateful that I'd have someone with experience and understood the situation at hand near by.

"I mean, I can cancel my plans if you want me to go with them. I don't mind." Sean said quickly and Chester seemed to have a glisten of hope in his eyes.

"No, it's fine. Do what you have to do." DeLeo assured him and left the room. Sean went up to Chester and gave him a gentle hug.

"I'll be back later, okay? Don't worry." Sean told him and Chester nodded. "I better go. Bye, guys. See you soon."

"Okay, bye." I said and Sean left. I looked to Chester and handed him the notebook and pencil. He looked confused. "Can I ask you some questions?"

He nodded.

"Are you feeling okay?"

'As okay as I will be for a while.' Chester wrote back. I would give anything just to hear his voice again.

"Did you want Sean to come with us?"

'Well... yes. I feel safer when he's around.'

"And you don't feel safe when I am?"

'No, I do. Trust me, I do. It's hard to explain.' Chester handed the note back and I huffed.

"Do you like him?"

'What?! Mike, I love you.'

"Do you love Sean?"

'In a different way than how I love you. I love him as a friend.'

"Okay." I decided to stop asking questions. I knew it'd just devolve into an argument but he wrote back,

'Can I ask you questions?'

"Sure." I decided and watched him write.

'Are you mad at me?'

"No, Chester. I'm not mad, especially not at you."

'Are you jealous of Sean?'

"...Yes." I hesitated before answering honestly.

'Do you want him to leave?' He asked and I saw the sadness etched deep in his face. He'd be hurt if I told him I didn't want Sean around and it'd be lying. I liked him being there to protect Chester, I just don't want him to replace me.

"No, I don't. He's another hand that's here to help."

'Then what's wrong?'

"I'm just stressed. I can't even hear your voice anymore." I admitted and he got out of bed, giving me a hug before sitting back down to write more.

'I'm sorry I did this.'

"It's not your fault. Your mom pushed you into doing it, I understand."

'Do you think I'll ever be able to sing again?'

"Yes. Yes, I do think so. It's what you were born to do. Just... It'll take time." I tried to comfort him but he just nodded. "I love you."

'I love you too.' He wrote back and we hugged again. I kissed his head after he pulled away.

I was happy to have Chester but I couldn't help the jealousy I felt towards Sean. It was beginning to tear at me. I didn't want Sean to take my spot in Chester's life. I wanted to be the one who sticks up for him and makes him feel safe. I get Sean's just trying to help - which he is - but he's getting too much of Chester's affection. As hard as I'll try, I don't know if I'll ever be able to get over my jealous feelings towards Sean. I just love Chester too much.