Chapter 13

10/6/2056

Justin had just finished getting dressed when he heard a knock. "Who is it?" he asked.

"It's me," Chad answered. Justin stepped up to the door and opened it.

"Hi there," Justin said.

"Are you ready for some excitement?" Chad asked.

"What kind?" Justin asked.

"The driving kind," Chad said. Justin was confused for a few seconds, then his eyes widened in surprise.

"You're going to teach me today?" he asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"We've got the car all day, so let's eat and have you take your medications," Chad said.

They were on the road an hour later. "Where are we going?" Justin asked.

"A place where I learned how to drive," Chad said.

"Aren't you afraid that I'll wreck the car?" Justin asked.

"No," Chad said. "I believe in you," he said. Chad parked the car when they arrived in the empty parking lot. "Let's get started," Chad said, unbuckling his seatbelt.

Chad and Justin switched places, with Justin in the driver's seat. "First, take a few deep breaths and relax," Chad said.

"Okay," Justin said, and did what was recommended.

"Do you remember what to do next?" Chad asked.

"Yes," Justin said, nodding his head. After two hours of starting, stopping, u-turns, and parking, the lesson ended.

Justin was quiet all the way back to their house, which Chad noticed.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

"I did terrible," Justin said, lowering his gaze.

"No, you didn't," Chad said. "You did very well for someone with no experience," he said. Justin looked at him with a puzzled look.

"But I messed up," Justin said.

"You can't be perfect on your first try," Chad said. "We need to work on making your actions smoother," he said.

When they got back home, Justin was in a happier mood. "If it's not snowing, we can try again next month," Chad said as they walked into the house.

"So, how'd it go?" Selene asked as they stepped into the living room and sat down on the couch.

"A few more tries, and he'll have it mastered," Chad said. Justin turned his head and smiled at him.

"I'm going to lay down," Justin said. "I'm beat," he said, standing up.

"I must've run him ragged," Chad said, shifting his gaze to Selene.

"He did a lot of studying, so he was prepared," she said. "He takes after his mother," Selene said. "He is a perfectionist at times," she said.

12/6/2056

It took two more lessons and three tries on the written part, but Justin grinned big while he held his driver's license.

"I told you that you could do it," Chad said, hugging him. "Would you like to drive home?" Chad asked, holding out the keys. Justin smiled from ear to ear, took the car keys, and got into the driver's seat. Chad reached over and turned the radio to Christmas music. The boys sang Christmas carols on the way home.

Justin pulled in and parked the car. They noticed a strange truck in the distance.

"Do you recognize that?" Chad asked.

"No," Justin said, shaking his head. "Nanna!" Justin yelled when they entered the house.

"What's all the yelling?" Selene asked, stepping into the hallway.

"We saw a strange truck outside and wanted to make sure that you were okay," Justin said.

"I'm perfectly fine," she said.

"Then who's here?" Chad asked.

"I am," a woman said, rounding the corner. Justin twirled around, and his eyes widened in shock.

"Mom!" he yelled, running up to her and hugging her. "I thought I'd never see you again," he said, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Chad felt out of place seeing them together. "Um, I'll go to my room now," he said. Justin grabbed Chad's hand and said, "Mom, this is Chad, my soulmate and best friend." Nicole stepped up and smiled sweetly.

"So, you're the one who has captured my son's heart," she said.

"We met as kids at the orphanage," Chad said.

"Mom, how and why are you here?" Justin asked.

"I got word from Daiki after the incident with your father and had him bring me over," she said.

"It's nice to finally meet you, ma'am," Chad said.

The two boys sat down on the couch and talked to Justin's mother. "How long are you staying?" Justin asked. "I've missed you," he said.

"I've missed you too," Nicole said. "But it looks like you've got someone to watch over you," she said, glancing at Chad. "I'm not sure how long I'll be here, but I wanted to see you," she said.

"We've had our ups and downs," Chad said.

"That's normal with every relationship," Nicole said.

The three of them chatted until Selene walked into the room. "Dinner is ready," she said. "You can stay and eat with us, my lady," Selene said.

"Thank you, Selene," Nicole said, following them to the dining room.

"Where are you staying while you're here?" Selene asked.

"Daiki said I could stay at a safehouse he has," she replied.

"You can stay with us," Selene said. "You're family, and the boys can bunk together," she said. Justin glanced at Chad, and his cheeks turned rosy pink.

After dinner, Selene helped Nicole bring in her bags while Chad set up a cot in Justin's room.

"You must be happy to see your mother," Chad said as he made the bed.

"I am," Justin said. "I thought that I'd never see her again," he said. "She sure likes you," Justin added.

"You're lucky to have a parent," Chad said.

"Oh, sorry," Justin apologized. "You never knew yours," he said.

"It's alright," Chad said. "I'm happy for you," he said.

Justin grabbed his pajama pants and a long-sleeve shirt and headed into the bathroom. He took a quick shower and changed into his clothes. Chad had his clothes ready when Justin entered the bedroom.

"There is hot water, so don't start asking," he said, lying on his bed. Chad chuckled as he entered the bathroom. Justin relaxed and listened to Chad's singing in the shower.

"God, he sure has a sexy voice," Justin thought to himself. When the bathroom door opened, Justin rolled onto his side and closed his eyes. He heard footsteps walk past his bed and then stop. Justin heard the rustling of blankets.

"Goodnight, Justin," Chad said.

"Goodnight," Justin said, glancing over his shoulder.