Disturbed

Chapter Four :

As Brantley smiled back to his friends, they all gave him a thumbs up. Caleb waved at the girls as they smiled at him back and looked over to Brantley, as he had a warm charming smile on his face. The rest of the group had gotten up and left the table to continue walk around the mall.

Caleb : So tell me about yourself, I am really interested in you.                                                       
Brantley : Well what do you want  to know?
Caleb : Tell me about your family, your interests, your hopes and dreams. Anything really.              Brantley : Okay, well when I was young about nine years old, my father had left us because he would cheat on my mother a lot. My mom isn't so warming and nice, she has a heavy drinking problem. I love to paint and go out and explore different areas. I hope to finally find a guy who will love me and cherish me. A great love story is the goal, I just...

Brantley stops himself as he takes a deep breath and looks up at Caleb. Looking up at his eyes, Caleb smiles and has a big smirk on his face as he puts his hand around Brantley's face. As they both stare at each other's eyes, Caleb leans down and gives his cheek a small peck.

Caleb : That sounds so beautiful and lovely. I'm not going to lie, I am looking for the same thing.  Brantley : Finally, someone who is looking for the same thing as me!                                                        Caleb : Well, maybe we can get to know each other and take things slow. Who knows, maybe we can spark a firework in the process.

As both of them hold each others hand, they continue to walk around the mall. They enter shops as they try on many sweaters and shoes. Brantley pulls out some shorts and smiles as Caleb nods at him, signaling him to add them to the cart. After the shop, they both go back to the food court and sit at a table in a far corner. Brantley notices his friends sitting on the other side of the food court, watching him and following him. He doesn't confront them but just smiles at them.

Caleb : I hope you know that I was serious about you coming with me to visit my ranch. If you're worried about your friends, they can come too. Brantley : Oh really? That actually sounds like a good idea! I think they're just worried about who I talk to and stuff.
Caleb : Ahh, overprotective friends? It's cool, I respect that. Just know that my family and I own a big piece of land. We have a barn where we have all the animals at, then we have our main house which is only for my parents and I, and a cabin with 5 bedrooms for the guests we may have over. Brantley : Wow, you come from a wealthy family, huh?                                                                       
Caleb : Eh, just take some time to think about it. You and your friends can tag along for the weekend. You have my phone number so you could just text or call me. I'll be here tomorrow again at 5pm to get more stuff, if you wanna see me.
Brantley : Okay, sure that sounds like a plan!                                       
Brantley then gets up from the table as he feels Caleb's arms around him. They both exchange a long warm hug, while Brantley could see his group of friends on the other side smiling. Caleb walks away smiling as he turns around to have a quick glance of Brantley, one last time. Brantley walks towards his friends as he giggles to himself quietly.

Piper : Ohhh how did it go? Was he sweet and dreamy?                                                                 
Brantley : Hehe, yeah he actually was. He brought up the question of me going with him back to his ranch. I really want to go, plus he also told me that he has a cabin with five bedrooms. You guys are invited as well!
Ruby : Hell yeah! That sounds like a plan!       
O'Shay : I'm down for that! When do we go?Brantley : He said we can go this weekend. I just need to give him an answer.

The group then smiles as they all nod at each other and walk towards the exit of the mall. Piper and Tyler both head out together in Piper's car, O'Shay takes off with Ruby in her car, while Toby takes Brantley back home.

Toby : Are you sure you want to do this?
Brantley : Yes, I think he is really handsome and he thinks I am cute!                                                          Toby : I just hate to see you hurt again. I don't want you giving your heart away.                                    Brantley : Don't worry about me, I will be fine.    
Toby : After O'Shay and you broke up-
Brantley: No, nope. We are not talking about O'Shay and I. That was in the past.                                  Toby : I just want to know why you are so nice to him after the crap y'all been through.                      Brantley : Because I am a really good person and I try to rise above.                                                             Toby : You're right, anyways I'm sorry. Listen, I have known you for some time now, but just know that I really care about you and I do not want to see you hurt. I am sure you will find the right guy for you.
Brantley : Thanks. I just don't want to put myself in a position where all I can depend on is sex.
Toby : I personally just think it's too sudden. You just met this guy and you're already wanting to go visit his ranch.
Brantley : Toby, shut up. As much you act like it, you're not my dad.
Toby : Where is he? I don't see him. Someone needs to look out for you kid

As they both share a silent trip back to Brantley's house, Toby looks at Brantley as he grabs his hand and softly confesses

Toby : I knew O'Shay cheated on you.
Brantley : What? Wait, stop the car. What do you mean you knew he cheated?
Toby : That party you and O'Shay went to back in sophomore year?
Brantley : Yeah, what about it?
Toby : I was there.
Brantley : Wait, I didn't even knew you back then.
Toby : I know. Anyways, I remember you two arguing as you were coming downstairs...
Brantley : I'm going to need you to explain everything to me.