Nanna's Boy (BXB)

1.

Logan Franklin -

Nanna's Boy

Denial. A word often over-used when describing someone who doesn't admit they are in the wrong or about who they love. I think the word is perfect to describe me. One of my house mates - Maggie - uses it when I get defensive about something. "You're in denial," she would tut in disappointment before the subject is dropped entirely. Only my nan would get it right when discussing with me. "Have you found someone?" She would ask when I pop down hers for a visit. What she means is "Have I get myself a boyfriend?" As though hinting that I chase after those of the same gender.

Whenever I went home, my father would survey me in disbelief and pity. It was as though he was disappointed with me. My mother has more tactful approach to it; she doesn't mention it. 'It' being something that I didn't want to mention. Yet. You see, everything changed when Dad hired a 24-hour carer for my nan. Dad wanted his mother to stay in the same house like normal but the only thing un-normal about that was the fact that Reginald wouldn't be about anymore. Reginald was my grandpa and Nanna Yolanda's husband. The two were sweet together and I missed Grandpa's racist jokes. Although they involved adult words and references he didn't care that I heard them. Which was probably why I loved him.

"Logan," Maggie waved a hand in front of my face to seek my attention. I looked up at her and she smiled politely. "Your father phoned and he wanted you to go to Yolanda's. He also said to spend the night there and see how she is with her carer." I chewed on my lip about that. My father, although being charitable person, wasn't very trustworthy and would send me or my brothers to check things for him. I asked why couldn't one of them do it. Maggie shrugged her answer. "They most likely have their own families to take care of."

And since I was the only one unsettled, I had to do the task. "That's okay since I have the night off at the store." I worked at my mum's store which meant my dad had checked the routa. Cheeky bastard. I checked my watch. It was only noon but I decided to make tracks so went up to my room. "I'm getting some things for tonight." I told Maggie on way past her. "Tell Jude and Denise, okay?" I didn't wait for an answer as I strolled up the stairs.

NB

I pressed the door bell not once but twice. It was a force of habit really because as a kid I was so excited to see my grandparents; Nanna especially. I guess you could call me a Nanna's boy and, you know what, I would have laughed my head off in agreement.

When the door opened, I was expecting Nanna Yolanda but instead it was a male around my age. I surveyed him and he did the same with me. The first thing I noticed was his long dreads which were tied loosely at the back of his head and the mouse-brown coloured goatee surrounding his full lips. A light brown brow inched upward as the male opened his lips to ask;

"You Logan?" His tone was rich and had a still foreign lisp to it. I imagined him whispering my name to me during the night. My face heated up at the forbidden thought as I shook it away ashamed of it. Not because I would freak the guy out but because I had had such a thought about another guy.

"That's me," I smiled, trying to keep my tone even. Thoughts like this scared me because I wasn't really ready for a relationship. The male's lightly coloured eyes lit up in recognition and stepped aside to let me inside.

"The name's Barry O'Dowell. 'M gonna be ya grandma's carer if ya'll let me." I shivered as I brushed pass him and paused briefly as his accent became more apparent. I let temptation get the better of me as I asked where he was from. "Me? I'm from Edinburgh in Scotland. I wish I never left it behind. The weather in Manchester is kinda shitty."

"That it is," I agreed with a smile. I had to admit, I was warming to Barry quite quickly even though I had just met him. "I'll let Nanna tell you 'bout since she's more knowlegdable on the subject."

"What was that?" An irritated, suspicious voice asked from the sitting room. "Who's there?" I stepped into the room and Nanna's face softened as she realised who it was. "It's just you, Loggy." My cheeks heated up once more. This time in embarrassment about my nickname. I looked over to Barry who appeared calm and not ready to laugh.

"You can laugh, you know?" I told him and he seemed to blink at this.

"Laugh at what? Its a sweet nickname and ya look rite bonnie when ya blush. Did anyone tell ya that?" My cheeks felt like they were on fire with such a compliment. My nanna laughed from her seat.

"Careful what you say, Barry. My grandson's a puffer and he ain't afraid to express it but never state it." My nanna was always a blunt woman when it came to such things. I just my father took after his father and I think I did too. "Barry, you're a puffer too ain't ya?"

"Nanna-" I started to moaned but Barry cut me off.

"Its quite alright. I'm use ta it. Me mam and dad are always using such terms." He smiled calmly at me before replying to Nanna's question. "Yes, I am, Mrs. Franklin. I realised when I was hitting puberty. Me 'rents were pleased when I told 'em." I could picture his parents being hippies themselves; just like Barry was.

"I'm going to put my stuff in my room." I said and turned to leave the room. I always used to stay here and used to stay in the same. It was dubbed 'my room' a few months after staying there. Nanna started to call it that on my tenth visit and it has forever stuck.

"Logan," she cooed making me pause. "Why don't you take Barry out soon? He needs friends his own age and your aunts stay over every other Saturday. I think it would be better if he hung out with you because I know what my daughters are like." I nodded my submitence. "Also, show Logan to the room where Susie used to sleep, okay?"

"Follow me," I smiled over my shoulder and I could hear his footsteps trail after me as I climbed up the stairs.