Taken: A Short Story Read online

  TAKEN

  A Short Story

  J. Lynne

  Taken

  Copyright © 2015 by J. Lynne

  Smashwords Edition

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved by the author. This eBook or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  The young boy’s heavy breath puffed out in thin white clouds against the night air. He stood in the middle of the woods with tattered pajamas, clutching a teddy bear tight to his shaking body. Small beads of sweat covered his brow—despite the chill in the air—and shallow scratches covered his face and neck. The earth beneath his bare feet rumbled. The boy tightened his grip on the teddy bear, threatening to dislodge the bear’s head, and watched a dark figure move towards him. He squeaked at the sight of the large grizzly bear that entered the clearing and reared up on its hind legs. The beast crashed down and charged the boy knocking him to the ground. Wrapping one massive furry paw around the boy, the grizzly tore into the boy’s shoulder.

  Flailing arms woke Daniel from his peaceful sleep. He tasted blood in his mouth and touched the swollen, painful mess that had become of his nose. Next to him, his partner thrashed and whimpered. Protecting his face from another blow, Daniel reached over to end yet another nightmare. These nightmares had increased during their trip back to his partner’s hometown.

  Gasping, Trevor sat up and found himself in Daniel’s arms.

  It’s not real, it’s not real, Trevor thought.

  Trevor embraced Daniel and held him tight to his shaking body. The darkness of the unfamiliar motel room unnerved him, so he focused on the one thing that he knew from head to toe—Daniel. Trevor reached up and tugged on Daniel’s shoulder length blonde hair. Daniel chuckled and reciprocated the gesture.

  “You could just tell me you love me instead of yanking on my hair. Or you could yank something else.” Daniel kissed the top of Trevor’s head and tried to break free. Trevor wouldn’t let go. “I need to clean my face.” Daniel whispered to him.

  Trevor let go and Daniel switched on the lamp. “Fuck…” Trevor stared at the drying blood under Daniel’s nose. “Did I do that?”

  Daniel wiped the blood with the back of his hand, smearing it across his cheek. “No, I did. I figured it was cheaper than paying for a pricey nose job. Plus, it’ll make me look more dangerous.” Daniel smirked.

  Trevor shoved him. “That’s not funny.”

  Daniel screamed and rolled off the bed. “Abuse, abuse!”

  Trevor shushed him. “The neighbors will call the damn cops.”

  Daniel stood and cleared his throat. “I suppose I can’t lose you to the prison system again.”

  Rolling his eyes, Trevor said, “Very funny.”

  Daniel smiled. He cleaned the blood from his face and returned to bed. The two men cuddled and drifted back to sleep.

  The next morning, the cell phone on the nightstand began to dance across the wood surface. Trevor ignored it. When it started again, he sat up in bed. He saw two missed call notifications and bit his nails. A third notification appeared informing him that he had a voicemail. He dialed his inbox.

  “Trevor?” the young woman said. “It’s Grace.” She spoke in a whisper and Trevor pressed the phone harder against his ear. “We’re at the funeral home. Where are you?” Trevor placed a hand on his forehead and closed his eyes, forcing himself to keep the tears from spilling out.

  “He obviously doesn’t care about his mother.” A man’s voice in the background interrupted the woman. Trevor’s head jerked up.

  “Dad, stop!” Trevor listened to the sound of heels clicking on a wood floor. The sharp howl of the wind replaced her pounding footsteps. Grace finally continued speaking. “I know it’s a long drive home, but you need to be here. Please call me as soon as you get this message. The burial is at noon and I really need you to be here.” She paused. “I miss you.”

  The message ended.

  Without closing the flip phone, Trevor tossed the phone back on the nightstand. He listened to the sound of the shower and glanced around the dimly lit room. His eyes wandered back to the open phone.

  I hate him. Trevor’s innards grumbled.

  A plate of food sat on top of the desk on the other side of the room. Daniel was an early riser and this place had continental breakfast starting at 6 am. The strawberry banana yogurt caught his eye. He dragged himself out of bed, grabbed the yogurt, and peeled the top off. He dipped his finger into the container.

  The shower turned off and the bathroom fan kicked on with a loud whir.

  Trevor leaned against the desk and crossed his feet, ignoring the chair pushed in under the badly stained top, and enjoyed the yogurt. He stared at his phone across the room. He knew he had to call his sister back but didn’t want to.

  Daniel emerged from the bathroom wearing a white silk robe and a cloud of hot steam followed him. He towel dried his hair and watched his lover shove his finger in the yogurt.

  “This town isn’t half bad.” He draped the towel around his neck. “I ran past a diner down the road. I bet the food is good.”

  Trevor snickered and sucked on his finger. “Yeah, sure.”

  “You should run with me in the mornings. It’ll improve your outlook on life. I guarantee it. Plus, you’ll be as slender and sexy as I am.” Daniel enjoyed Trevor’s body—love handles and all—but wanted him healthier and with more muscle definition.

  Trevor didn’t respond.

  Daniel clucked his tongue and sauntered over to his lover. “Why so serious?” He stepped over Trevor’s crossed feet and moved closer to him. Daniel pulled at the robe until it opened slightly down the middle to expose parts of his chest, stomach, and his favorite part—his penis.

  Trevor admired Daniel’s chest. He loved the small curly hairs scattered in patches. Plucking a single hair, he watched Daniel grimace, and smiled. Pain is pleasure, Trevor mused. His eyes continued down the length of Daniel until he noticed his exposed penis. Trevor lost his footing and crashed to the floor, thumping his head on the desk.

  Daniel folded over laughing.

  With his hand on the back of his head, Trevor stood. “That fucking hurt.”

  Still with a wide smile plastered on his face, Daniel fixed his robe and covered himself. “Are you nervous to see Grace?”

  Trevor took a deep breath. “Well…” He hesitated. “It’s been over twelve years since I left. What if she’s not the same person I knew?”

  “You’ve written her a letter at least twice a week since we met and you talk on the phone. You know who she is.” He grabbed Trevor and pulled him close. “Don’t be so nervous.” Daniel ran his hands through Trevor’s dark hair.

  “What if she’s mad?” Trevor breathed in the lavender smell from Daniel’s body wash. “She wants to know why I left.”

  Daniel shrugged. “Just make something up.”

  “So, how mad are you going to be if I tell you that Grace called and the funeral has already started and the burial is at noon?” He cringed.

  “It depends. Do we have time for a quick fuck?” Daniel waited for an answer. “No?” He sighed. “It’s 10:19am. Why would they have a funeral this early?”

  Trevor shrugged.

  “You’re going to want to shower before we leave. You smell like stale cigarettes and ass.” Daniel entered the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

  Trevor dragged himself over t
o the bed and plopped down. He stared at his cell phone. Sleep was the only thing that he wanted and sleep is what he did.

  The slam of the motel door woke Trevor and he rolled over to glare in its direction. He checked the time and jumped out of bed. It was 11:38 am. The black funeral suit hung in the closet and he threw it on quickly. Trevor glanced at the mirror. His hair hung down to his nose and he slicked it back with hair grease.

  Exiting the motel, Trevor searched for his dark blue Chevrolet Cavalier. It wasn’t where he had parked it. He found one car similar minus the rust spots that his own car had. He had searched for the keys before leaving the room and didn’t find them, which meant Daniel had them. Daniel had never been to his hometown of Bannock Falls, Maine nor met his family, and therefore, Trevor assumed Daniel wouldn’t be able to locate the single funeral home.

  Trevor dialed Daniel’s number.

  “Yes, my love?”

  Trevor paced back and forth. “Where the hell are you?”

  “The funeral home.”

  Trevor stopped in his tracks.

  “I wanted to check out your daddy and see what you’ll look like in fifty years.”

  “Daniel Theodore, I swear to fucking god…”

  The line went dead.

  “Daniel?” Trevor waited for a response. “Daniel?” He checked the phone to see that the call had ended. Pacing, he dropped his phone. His foot kicked it when he reached down to retrieve it and sent it flying across the pavement. Trevor threw his arms in the air and chased after it.

  Someone grabbed the back of his head and he felt something hard in the center of his back. It felt like a gun. Trevor raised his arms to the side to show the attacker that he was defenseless.

  “Give me your wallet, boy.”

  Trevor opened his mouth to speak but a shove to the back made it clear he shouldn’t.

  “I been waiting for you.” The man released his grip on Trevor’s hair and pressed a firm hand on his butt.

  “Jesus, Daniel!” Trevor stood up and turned to his red-faced, holding-back-laughter lover. “You’re a dick.” He grabbed his phone. Daniel loved to play pranks and most ended with an ass grab.

  Daniel tossed the keys to Trevor and led him around the back of the motel where he had parked the car. Trevor drove past the funeral home and headed to the cemetery for the burial.

  They both peered out the car window at the graveyard, which appeared empty except for the leaves that fluttered about the grounds as the wind picked up. Light raindrops began to fall from the shifting clouds above.

  “Is this the right place?” Daniel asked.

  “There’s only one.” Trevor scanned the area. He spotted a small group of chairs in a far corner of the yard. A man with a folding chair tucked under each arm walked across the grass. This man didn’t avoid stepping on the dead bodies buried beneath his feet.

  Daniel pointed at this man. “Go ask him.”

  “It’s about to pour.” Trevor craned his neck to look up at the dark clouds. “I don’t want to get caught in that.”

  “You’re just trying to get out of going.” Daniel climbed out of the car. “What’s your mom’s name?”

  “Meredith Davis.” Trevor wouldn’t look Daniel in the face.

  Daniel walked from the car towards the man with the folding chairs. He looked over his shoulder and blew a kiss at Trevor. Upon reaching the man in the yard, Daniel bowed slightly to him before speaking.

  A rusted red pick-up truck driven by a young woman with an older man in the passenger seat pulled up behind Trevor. She exited the truck, while he remained inside. The woman wore a simple black dress with a long black overcoat and wore her dark hair in a tight ponytail.

  “Trevor!” Grace ran towards his car, shouting. She threw herself into his arms as he stepped out of the vehicle. Trevor got the wind knocked out of him by his sister and steadied himself. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She stepped back and looked at the man still sitting in the truck. “Dad?”

  Their father climbed out of the truck slowly. He was a short man who seemed as wide as he was long. His outdated suit was navy and didn’t fit him properly with buttons that threatened to pop off.

  Grace wrapped her arm around his shoulder and guided him towards Trevor. “Isn’t it great Trevor made it?” she asked her father.

  He looked past Trevor. “Is that your car?”

  Trevor nodded.

  “I’ve always believed a man should take care of his things.” Their father shrugged Grace’s arm away as he spoke. He pointed at the rusty thing Trevor called his car. “A man who can’t take care of something as important as his car must be lacking in morals, is what I’ve always said. He is unreliable.” He shook his head. “You can’t trust a man like that, don’t you agree?” Their father didn’t look directly at Trevor.

  Grace shifted all her weight to one foot. “Dad?” She pointed at the truck. “Ours has double the amount of rust Trevor’s does.”

  Trevor and his father locked eyes—and neither looked away.

  Pounding footsteps broke the awkward staring contest. The three of them turned to focus on Daniel running towards them. He hopped forward once to stop his momentum and raised a hand in greeting.

  Grace glanced between Trevor and Daniel, trying to figure out if they knew each other. “Hi, I’m Grace.” She extended her hand to Daniel, who promptly grabbed it and kissed each finger. Giggling, she pulled her hand away and pointed at her father. “This is my father, our father, Johnny.”

  Daniel smiled at Grace. “Trevor has told me a lot about you.” He turned to Johnny and extended his hand. “Nice meeting you, Johnny.”

  “Don’t call me Johnny. It’s John.” He seethed at the hand lingering in front of him.

  Daniel lowered his hand and adjusted his crotch. “John. So, uh, how’s it hanging?”

  John’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?” He leaned forward to get a closer look at the young man in front of him.

  Trevor grabbed the back of Daniel’s jacket and tugged hard. Daniel glanced at him, waiting for a proper introduction. He waited a little longer. Grace and John stood staring at him. Daniel elbowed Trevor.

  “Uh, Grace, this is Daniel.” Trevor fumbled for the words. It wasn’t the introduction Daniel had hoped for.

  Grace smiled at Daniel. She wasn’t sure why he was there or what she should say, but she had to say something. “Where did you guys meet?”

  “Jail.” Daniel chuckled.

  The smile faded from Grace’s face and she turned to face her father. She grabbed his arm and John shoved her away.

  “See honey, I told you he was unreliable.” He turned his focus to Trevor. “I just didn’t realize to what extent. What did he do?”

  Daniel waved his hand in front of John’s face. “Hi, I’m right here.”

  John staggered back.

  “I was arrested for prostitution.”

  “And him?” John asked.

  Daniel entwined his arms with Trevor’s arms. “Nah, he’s not quite as exciting. He was arrested for theft.”

  Two vehicles drove by slowly, staring at the dysfunctional family reunion. One old woman with thick glasses and a red flower in her white hair pressed her face up against the back window.

  She remembers. Trevor hid his face from the old woman.

  “Dad, you should help everyone to the site. People are starting to arrive and you’re in charge.” Grace grabbed his arm and pushed him forward past Trevor and Daniel. A car driving up slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting the old man. She waved at the driver, Mr. Hobbs, and turned her attention back to her brother.

  “He seems cranky.” Daniel whistled.

  Grace turned to Trevor. “Can you not get him going today? It’s been hard on him. You haven’t been here the last five years to see all the stress he’s been under.”

  Daniel folded his arms across his chest. “It’s pretty obvious.” He watched John walk away. “How did your mom die?”

  She frowned. “Trevor didn�
��t tell you? She had breast cancer.”

  “Honey,” Daniel said. “I’m so sorry.” He moved forward and embraced her in a tight hug. “Trevor isn’t the most forthcoming. I have a feeling you know that.” Daniel grabbed her hand and started to slow dance. Winking at Trevor, Daniel slid his hand down and pinched her ass.

  Grace burst out laughing for the first time that day.

  “We need to get to our seats.” Trevor yanked Daniel away from his sister. “We’ll meet you there.” He nodded at Grace and ushered Daniel away.

  Daniel leaned in and whispered, “Jealous much?” He kissed him on the side of the face.

  Trevor looked around. A group of people watched him. He quickened his pace and dragged Daniel along. I shouldn’t be here. Trevor fought back the tears he felt welling up. He avoided the front row of folding chairs and stood off to the side. The rain started to fall harder. Daniel removed his coat and held it above the two of them.

  Most from the small town attended the burial with many brining their own lawn chairs and beer. A table covered with food behind the rows of chairs drew the attention of the older folks. These folks wanted to share their dishes and receive compliments in return. Many stood by the table to escape the rain because it was under a tent.

  Trevor stared at the closed brown casket, ignoring the priest. A large picture of his mother stood next to the casket. Her eyes moved and looked at her son. She pointed a harsh finger at him and demanded to know why he waited for her to die before returning. Trevor jumped and looked around. No one else seemed to notice the large talking picture.

  The crowd reflected on the thoughtful sermon and members of the community began to come up to the casket and say a few words. Trevor took a step back. He felt the stare of each person as they approached the front and spoke. They accused him of killing his mother. Those people thought he should be the one in that casket and not his dear mother.

  Trevor poked Daniel in the arm and slipped to the back of the chairs. Daniel followed, examining each face he saw looking back at him.

  “What’s the deal?” Daniel asked Trevor. He surveyed the table and grabbed a brownie.