Promise from the heart

Chapter 25

Charlie kept his promise to Carl and didn't mention the fact that he had a husband to Jordan. Fortunately for him, Jordan was easily distracted. One look into Charlie's eyes, and he'd forget whatever it was that was on his mind. 

Charlie couldn't quite understand why the other boy was so mesmerised by him, because to him, Jordan was the mesmerising one. But it warmed his heart that his feelings were not one-sided. 

"Jules!" Charlie called out, knowing that his sibling would not have let go of their book yet. "We have to get to school now." 

Jules appeared with a light frown on their face. "Isn't mum driving us?" 

"No, not today. I'm walking you to school today, so we have to leave earlier. Now come on, we really have to go."

He saw how the frown was immediately replaced by a beaming smile as Julian took in his words. "Coming!" they chirped and ran back into their room to collect their things. Charlie couldn't help but smile to himself. He really had the cutest siblings.

"Ezra, Brooklyn, we're leaving." Charlie called out and then remembered something. "Oh, and Ezra, make sure Brooklyn actually brushed his teeth this time!" 

Ezra chuckled lightly as Brooklyn froze, not having expected he'd get caught. "Go brush your teeth, Brooke. You know what happens if you don't." 

"What?" Brooke whispered as he looked up at Ezra with his big eyes. 

"You'll get cavities and then you'll have to go to the dentist..." Ezra said in an intentionally dark tone. He really was a sweet boy, but his humour could be a bit dark and dry.

With a squeal, Brooke ran into the bathroom again. He was beyond terrified of the dentist, and last time he went, the dentist had a very poor sense of humour. Instead of reassuring him, making him more comfortable, the dentist had decided to tease the boy instead. It did not end well.

Julian came back out, neatly dressed and backpack in hand. Their hair was as unruly as ever, so Charlie made a mental note of helping them braid it soon. Personally, Charlie loved their wild curls, but it was no good if Julian couldn't see because their bangs were in the way. For now, he helped them pull the hair back in a ponytail, though a few curls escaped, framing their face from ear to ear.

Brooklyn slid on his socks all the way to the entrance and beamed. "Did you really brush your teeth this time?" Charlie asked and narrowed his eyes. 

"I did." Brooke said proudly.

"Breathe for me." Charlie said and knelt before the boy. As Brooklyn exhaled deeply, a clear minty scent brushed over Charlies face. He chuckled. "So you did." 

Brooklyn started putting on his shoes and jacket as Charlie mumbled to himself, "Now if only he could do that every morning..."

Ezra was quick and was already waiting outside, texting his friends. Together the boys made their way to school. As soon as they had entered their respective schools, Charlie took a deep breath and entered his own. At least now, the idea wasn't too daunting, because he knew that he'd meet Jordan inside. 

***

"Hi!" Jordan breathed as he jogged up to Charlie's locker. 

"Hi." Charlie said and smiled slightly behind his locker door as he removed his books from the locker. He didn't want to show the other boy just how big of an effect he had on him.

"So..."

"Yes?" Charlie closed the locker and turned to him.

"I was wondering..." Jordan bit his lip and looked around him. The hallway was starting to get crowded and he was starting to lose his courage. As he saw the girl gangs approaching, he decided to shake off his worries and take the leap.