The Cost Of Love (Bxb, Rape, Abuse)

Pleasant Company

When they arrived at the restaurant, they got the perfect table out on the deck. It was a beautiful evening with a cool breeze coming off the river. Tom told the boys to order whatever they wanted and not to worry about prices.

"Austin, would you like to have a drink?" Shelly asked.

"I'll have a coke or pepsi."

"I meant somethin' with a little more kick." Shelly insisted.

"Oh, then I'll have a Malibu Bay Breeze." Austin said as he looked at the drink menu.

It was a wonderful night. Everyone had a good time talking and eating the wonderful food. Austin especially liked when Shelly would tell stories of Ryan when he was a kid, even though Ryan was a little embarrassed by some of the stories.

"Mom, I'm sure Austin doesn't want to hear stories of when I was a kid." Ryan said as he gave his mother a playful smile.

"Actually, I really enjoy hearing them." Austin said with a smirk.

"Well, if that's the case then you'll love this one. One time when Ryan was about 13..."

By the end of the evening everyone had their fill of food and laughter. It was truly a great evening. It was only a 15-minute ride home but Austin was so tired that he knocked out on the ride back. Once they got home Ryan helped Austin into his room, Austin was a tad tipsy. He had only three drinks at dinner but it had been such a long time since his body had alcohol it hit him harder than normal.

"Oh my god, I didn't think I would be this buzzed." Austin said as Ryan sat him on the bed.

"It's okay. I'm a tad buzzed myself." Ryan said with a smile.

"Thank you."

"For what?" Ryan asked as he sat next to Austin.

"For saving my life." Austin said with a goofy smile.

"How did I do that?"

"That night at the motel, if you hadn't come back I'm pretty sure I would be in a box six feet under." Austin replied.

"I only did what any person would have done." Ryan stated showing concern.

"Ryan, you didn't even know me twenty-four hours. Most people would have just turned around and left figuring it was none of their business." Austin said as he hung his head.

"Well, I'm not like most people."

"No you're not. You are better than most people are. Thank you again." Austin said as he hugged Ryan.

"Come on, let's get you into bed." Ryan said as he stood up.

That was the first night that Austin did not have any nightmares. Maybe it was the alcohol or maybe it was the fact that his mind knew that his life was finally changing for the better. The next morning Austin woke refreshed and ready to start the day. When he walked out to the kitchen, he found Shelly sitting at the table going over some papers.

"Mornin Austin how did you sleep?" Shelly asked.

"Honestly, really well. I didn't have any nightmares last night." He said cheerfully.

"That's great to hear. Would you like some coffee?" Shelly asked.

"That would be wonderful." Austin said as he took a seat at the table.

"I don't know why I do this to myself every year." Shelly said as she placed a cup down for Austin.

"Do what?" Austin asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"The 4th of July county fair. I'm head of the committee so I have to make sure that everything goes as planned."

"Is there anything I can do to help? I am cleared to drive now." Austin asked.

"Well, if you really want to I could use an extra body to help out."

"Yes please. It would make me feel like I'm helping out around here."

"Okay then. Here is a list of the stores I need you to go and put flyers in the windows. They already know that someone is coming so just ask where they want them. Then I need you to run to the 4-H office and pick up their list of vendors and meet me at the fairgrounds." Shelly said as she handed him the list of stores and flyers.

"Okay. What time would you like me to meet you at the fairgrounds?" Austin asked as he finished his coffee.

"Meet me there around noon." Shelly suggested.

"Okay sounds good. Let me go get ready and I'll be on my way." Austin said as he put his cup in the sink.

He could tell it was going to be a hot one out today so he dressed in a light tank top and grey basketball shorts. It felt so good to be back behind the wheel of his baby. It had seemed like ages since he had driven her and she still gave him a jolt when he turned that key. It wasn't too hot out yet so he dropped the windows, cranked the radio up, and took off down the driveway. While he was driving to town, it dawned on him that he never paid for the repairs to his car or the insurance for that matter. That meant only one thing, the Davenports paid for it. He was more than grateful that he had met them and that they had taken care of him, so he was going to make sure that he didn't not do anything to disappoint them. Once he arrived in town, he parked at the bar and started his rounds. He decided to stop off at Mike's garage first.

"Morning Mike." Austin said as he entered the shop.

"Well, good morning Austin. Glad to see you're up and about." Mike said as he emptied the oil on a car.

"I'm helping Shelly with the preparations for the fair and I wanted to know where to put the flyer." Austin asked.

"If you want you can just tape it to the door." Mike replied as he wiped his hands on his coveralls.

"I never did get a bill for the repairs on my car." Austin said even though he knew who paid.

"Oh, some anonymous person came in and paid it in full." Mike said with a grin.

"Well, if you ever see her, er...them, tell them thank you and I'd like to pay them back." Austin said as he exited the garage.

Once he went to all the places on the list, he wanted to stop over and see Mrs. Miller. He stopped off at his car, grabbed a cigarette, and headed toward the motel. As he entered the office, Mrs. Miller came from the back and when she saw Austin, a smile came across her face.

"Austin, dear I'm so glad to see you are doing better." She said as she came around the front desk.

"Thanks. I just wanted to apologize for what happened that night, and I wanted to know if there was anything I can do to help with the cost? I'd offer to pay for any damages but what money I had is gone from paying for the meds."

"There wasn't any damage, besides the door frame. But Ryan came by the next day and fixed it for me."

"I'd still like to help out around here. I can't do too much heavy lifting but I can still help." Austin replied.

"Well, if you want you can stop by tomorrow and I'll find something for you."

"Thanks Mrs. Miller. Well I better get going I have some more running to do."

Austin waved to them all and took off to finish his other tasks, all the while thinking about how good it feels to be useful and wanted. Little did he know about the surprise waiting for him.

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Surprise Surprise will it be good or bad?