Dirty Secrets (Book 1)

Ch.22 Parents

Grian sat at his desk, his pencil tapping away at the textbook in front of him. To his credit, he had been focusing on his history homework a few minutes ago, but his mind had drifted to a few weeks ago. After Dom's freak out, Taurtis had apologized and explained that Dom experienced bursts of anger and it was best to just let the matter drop. In the moment, Grian was beyond terrified and willing to do anything so long as no one was angry with him, but now, he wanted to know what was really going on. He deserved to know, Dom had a call with his parents and then blew up. Something was going on and Grian was concerned, and clearly, Taurtis and Dom didn't have it as under control as they wanted him to believe.

The one problem was Grian wasn't willing to ask on his own. Could you blame him for being shaken up from the last time? He was worried about Dom, a little scared, but mainly just worried. Grian also had no idea how to bring it up to either of them. He couldn't just waltz up to the two and be like, "Hey, remember when you tried to choke me out. Yeah, what was that about?"

He stretched, glancing over at Snowcone, "What should I do?"

As always, Snowcone stared blankly back at him.

Grian gave a frustrated sigh, letting his head drop on to his textbook. He debated telling J and Sam. It wasn't really his place to, but he needed support if he was going to confront Dom and Taurtis. He just needed some way to approach the subject carefully.

He shot up as a crash came from the living room, followed by a quick, "I'm fine."

Grian opened his door, just as J was rushing past. When they got to the living room, Sam was standing next to a shattered vase with his arms crossed.

"What did you do? Are you hurt?" J asked, his eyes frantically scanning over Sam.

"I'm fine, and Dom's an asshole."

"What did he do?" Grian asked.

Sam nodded up to the bookcase, "He placed my phone on the top shelf. That bastard."

J stood on his tippy toes, squinting at the shelf, "That is a pickle."

"J," Sam whine, "You have to get it for me."

"Where's Taurtis?"

"He and Dom are out," Sam pouted.

"What made him place it up there?"

Sam scoffed, "Why do you assume I did something?"

J gave him a flat look. Sam huffed, "I ate his breakfast."

"Well, we can either wait for them to come back or we can try to climb something," J glanced around.

"Grian," Sam batted his eyes, "Can you get it?"

Grian stared up at the shelf, shaking his head, "I don't think I can."

J carried a chair over, "Grian, can you hold this steady for me?"

Grian held the chair as J stood up on it. He threw the phone down to Sam, who cheered and happily clutched it close like a baby, "I'm so sowy da mean man took you. Don't worry, he can't get you now."

J shook his head as he carried the chair back. Sam sat down on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

"Do either of you know what's up with Dom?" Grian began.

"What you do mean?" J glanced up from cleaning up the shattered vase.

"Like, with his parents? He was really mad a few weeks ago."

Sam frowned, "You know, I don't actually think I've ever heard Dom talk about them."

"He was talking to one of them on the phone and... I don't know. They were having an argument."

Sam glance at J, "Has he ever talked about his parents to you?"

J shook his head, "No, I only know the basics."

"Basics?"

"Dominic Dorito?" Sam questioned. Grian rolled his eyes, "Excuse me for not knowing your last names."

"We've never told you?" J perked up.

"I don't think so."

"Well, Gladiator. Sam Gladiator, and I can't wait till I never have to say that's my last name ever again."

"It's not as bad as mine. My parents had no enthusiasm when the named me J The Star."

"Star?" Grian questioned, "I didn't know that was a last name."

J shrugged, "You get used to it."

"And Taurtis is a Johnson. As in the one connected to the Musics."

Grian's jaw dropped, "Taurtis is a Music? But they're like... practically royalty."

Sam laughed, "Why do you think this school doesn't step on our toes?"

"Back to the matter at hand," J said, "Dom's never talked about his relationship with his parents. Do you remember anything he said?"

Grian thought for a moment, "I think he might have mentioned something about them shutting him out? I also remember him mentioning something about his phone plan."

"Hmm," J frowned.

"Have you talk about it since?" Sam asked

"No, Taurtis told me not to mention it."

"Taurtis knows," Sam paused for a moment, before rolling his eyes, "Of course Taurtis knows."

"But why not tell us?"

Grian shrugged. J moved to sit next to him, "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. I just want to make sure Dom's okay. He just didn't seem to like when I asked him about."

"We'll figure this out. Don't worry. As soon as they get home, we'll ask them about it," J turned to Sam, "Did they say where they were going?"

Sam shook his head, "No, but I think they were going on a date or something."

"Well, most likely, they'll be home soon."

"Yeah, Grian. Everything will sort itself out."

Grian could tell that J didn't quite believe that, but he didn't burst Sam's bubble. He hoped that Dom was okay. He didn't want this to all blow up again like last time. A part of him reprimanded him for getting Sam and J involved. He should've just gone to Dom himself. Another part told him he should just let it drop. It wasn't any of his business and if Dom didn't want the others to know then he should've just respected that. He just hoped he made the right decision.

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Hey guys, first up, Happy Pride Month! And happy Demisexual Pride Day! I was literally so happy when I realized it landed on a Saturday. I'm happy that I'm being productive this break, so far it's far more productive than any other break in the past. Hopefully I can keep this up. Anyways, I hope you all are enjoying the story so far, I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I'll see you in the next chapter, Bye~!
~PinkBoss