Burning Stars (BoyXboy) (Sequel to Falling Stars)✔

B.S 5

Chris's POV 

Be calm...be freakin calm. You aren't meeting the man until at least in 40 minutes or something. Gah, stop sweating! And please stop scratching your arm like you have an infectious skin disease. Chris, I am warning you. You aren't meeting the devil for goodness' sake. Mr. White is a mere man...no correction, a powerful man. You have every right to be nervous. In fact, if I were you I would be running the other way. Don't press the buzzer. Don't freaking press the...oh no you didn't.  

I took a deep breath and waited. Maybe the voice in my head was right. I should have been running the other way. I couldn't take anymore rejection. I considered leaving but my legs wouldn't move. They were rooted to the pavement at Jake's front gate. I had pressed the buzzer what seemed like ages ago. Maybe it was a sign that I shouldn't have been there. 

You can still run...  

The voices in my head were having a tug of war. It was clear which one was losing. My hands were sweaty and clammy. I ran a finger along my hair. 

"White residence, hey baby", a voice came over the intercom. 

"How'd you know it was me?" 

"I can see you. Stop fidgeting", Jake warned. 

I blushed before the gate swung before me. I walked in and greeted the guard by the gate. I walked timidly, counting my steps to distract myself. I completed the driveway in 30 steps. The front door of the grand mansion was open and Jake was leaning on the door frame. I climbed the few steps to the door. 

"You should have worn a suit", Jake said disapprovingly as I stood before him. 

I made an 'o', tugging at my checked shirt. I raised my hand to my face. 

"I'm kidding, relax. Come here", he said and pulled me to him by the waist. 

The moment our lips met, stars burst and rainbows formed, all at the same time. His sweet taste lingered in my mouth and I knew instantly he'd been eating chocolate. I grabbed onto his waist, merging our bodies together. 

I pulled back shortly. He made to kiss me again and I pushed him back. 

"Come on, I haven't kissed you for half a day, yeah, I have been counting", he said. 

"20 hours", I corrected. 

He frowned at me. 

"Half a day is 12 hours", I said. 

"Geek. One last kiss?" he said smiling sweetly at me. 

"What if your dad sees us? I don't want our relationship to influence his decision", I said lamely. 

Jake shrugged. "Okay. But after you guys have your talk, I'm kissing you senseless. Come inside before Gabe comes to drag us. He's so hungry he's been complaining about you being late. We'll eat on the balcony", he said. 

I smiled as he ushered me inside and to the balcony. Gabe joined us shortly. Martha served lunch, which was corn and zucchini fritters; and chicken tacos with corn salsa. Jake, Gabe and I talked good-naturedly, which helped ease the nervousness. I ate little of my food; Jake noticed but didn't say anything. I was glad he didn't say anything; it was hard to eat while my stomach was churning. 

I looked at the time on my watch. It was almost time to meet with Jake's dad. I could swear my hand was vibrating. 

"Do you want me to go with you?" Jake asked holding my hand underneath the table. 

"No, I'll be fine", I managed to say. 

"Go with him where?" Gabe asked. 

"You should go- downstairs, third door on the right if you are facing the door. You won't miss it, there are some funny words on the door", Jake said to me. "I'll tell you", he said to Gabe. 

I stood up and smiled at the both of them. I took a deep breath. "Wish me luck". 

"Good luck", Jake and Gabe said in unison. 

I chuckled and left the balcony. I climbed down the stairs slowly, feeling my intestines tying themselves into more and more complex knots. I got to Mr. White's study room, and spent the time just looking at the door, psyching myself up. 

Chance favors the prepared mind. The more you practice, the luckier you become. 

I read the inscription on the door. I smiled to myself. Richard Branson.  

I finally decided I was ready. I knocked timidly. 

"Unless your name is Chris, come back another time".  

I took a deep silent breath. 

"It's Chris". 

"Do you like standing outside my door?" 

"Uh...no sir". 

"You've been standing there for quite some time. Come in". 

I opened the door and walked in. I was surprised he knew I'd stood there for some time, composing myself. 

"Take a seat", he said, pointing to a chair facing him. 

When I was seated he looked straight at me. "I heard about the unfortunate event that took place in your life". 

"Uh", I said and coughed. "I really thought I would get the scholarship", I said. 

"Why didn't you get it?" he asked. 

"I wish I knew". 

"Jake thinks Pentech should fund you. I think that is ridiculous. What do you think?" 

"I...I..." I stammered. I wasn't prepared for that question. "I think I would be a great investment for Pentech. I have a perfect SAT score and I am really invested in my education. I am eager for knowledge and I am not afraid of hard work", I said, the words slowly but surely flowing easily. 

He assessed my answer. 

"Pentech scholarships applications are closed. And this isn't even normal procedure", he said simply. 

What do I say to that? I knew it was a bad idea. I remembered something. 

"I am prepared to try anything once", I said smiling. If he didn't get what I was trying to say I would seem like the greatest idiot. 

"Richard Branson", he said, smiling. "You want me to take a chance?" 

"Richard Branson would". 

He smiled. "I heard about another unfortunate event that happened in your life". 

"What event?" 

"...Your parents kicking you out". 

"Yes sir". How did he know about that? 

"Why's that?" 

"Uh...I...uh, they found out about...about Jake and I. They...they found out I was gay", I said. 

"So if you weren't gay your parents would pay for you?" 

"I doubt it". 

"What if I said I would pay for you if you stopped dating my son?" 

My mouth automatically opened as Mr. White's words sunk in. 

*