Andante

LVIII

There was about an hour to go on the trip when Brett gave Eddy a sideways look that he figured no one else saw. 
¨Imma stretch my legs.¨ he said, getting up casually.
So, that was the play, huh? Smooth, Brett. Eddy stifled a grin and got up too.
¨Good idea.¨
He willed the others to stay in their seats, and thank God: they did. They were way too busy chatting about the last two weeks to even pay much attention. 
They walked together through the carriages until they came to the same alcove Todd had talked to Eddy in. 
Brett looked around; no one in sight. Then he quickly opened the toilet door and let Eddy step inside first. 
Not that Eddy was a giant fan of these digusting on-board toilets. But for this he'd gladly get in one. 
Brett locked the door behind him and the tiny space was instantly full of him, their bodies already squashed together. That suited Eddy fine, really. He put his hands on Brett's back and let their lips meet. 
Oh, heaven. It was heaven, kissing Brett. The sparks still flew just as powerfully as the first time they'd done this, and their lips molded together seamlessly, their tongues dancing their slow dance, fitting together so easily, so naturally. 
Eddy poured everything into this kiss, knowing it would be their last for a while. 
When they let go they were both breathless and their cheeks were bright red. 
¨I'm really going to miss this.¨ Eddy said, the unshed tears evident in his voice.
¨I know. Me too. But we'll be okay.¨ Brett replied, his own tone revealing he felt just the same. 
¨It's gonna get painful, Brett.¨
¨I know. But we'll be okay. We'll still have each other.¨
Brett cracked the door open slowly, making sure there was no one outside, before stepping out quickly. They'd taken big risks here but, as Eddy looked around and there was no one there, he figured they'd got away with it. And it had been worth it. This image would stay with him for a long time. 
They stood for a while, staring out at the vanishing countryside, the backs of their hands touching softly as they shared the alcove. Then Eddy gave Brett a good look. He looked pretty normal now. They should get back. 

When the train arrived and they stepped onto the platform it rained hugs and goodbyes. 
Eddy hugged Lizzy tight. ¨Don't be a stranger, hey?¨
She smiled at him. ¨Nah. We'll be in touch.¨
He gave Todd a rap on the shoulder and a meaningful look.
¨MSN, yeah?¨
¨Yeah, mate. I'll be online.¨
His mum was already there, he could see her standing with Brett's mum, chatting happily in Mandarin. 
Oh man. If only they knew, hey?
He turned to Brett. There was no need to say much.
¨Tomorrow, or something, yeah?¨
Brett nodded, his eyes veiled.
¨Yeah bro. See you soon.¨
They both walked off with their mums, but it was like only half of him was walking to their car, the other half staying firmly by Brett's side, touching the back of his hand. 
¨Did you have fun, Eddy?¨
¨Yes mum, it was the absolute best.¨
He did his best to sound as enthusiastic as he should, but he knew he was already failing when she eyed him curiously.
¨Everything okay, Eddy?¨
He smiled at her, even though he knew the smile wouldn't reach his eyes.
¨Yes mum, it's fine, I'm just sad to go. It was great.¨
She nodded severely.
¨It's good it was great. But tomorrow, you'll be back to working hard for school, yes? You have to study if you want to become doctor.¨
His spirits sank even further.
¨I'll work hard, mum.¨

They didn't say much else, on the ride home. He wasn't really one to chatter to his mum anyway, but also he just didn't have it in him to pretend everything was fine.
As soon as they walked in the door he wanted to head upstairs.
¨No, Eddy. You eat the sandwich I made you, then you go upstairs and straight to sleep, okay?¨
He sighed inwardly. Eating? He had no idea how he'd get anything down. 
¨I ate a sandwich on the train though, mum. I'm honestly not hungry, I'm just real tired.¨
She paused for a second.
¨Okay. Straight to sleep then, okay? Goodnight, Eddy.¨
¨Goodnight, mum. Thanks for picking me up so late.¨
He dragged his bag and violin case upstairs, quickly went to the bathroom and then he closed his door behind him, lay on his bed, and wept.