Under the Same Sky [BOYXBOY] - CHAPTER 29

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The dark Range Rover was an odd sight as it cruised through the slums of the capital. The inhabitants stared at it with a mixture of shock and fear as it rolled to a stop before a row of dilapidated buildings that were pressed closely together.

Suited men in dark glasses surrounded the area near the car as the chauffeur got out and held the door open.

Jayden stepped out and looked around him with a curious expression on his face. He was wearing a grey hoodie and with his custom designer shoes and jeans, he was looking more than out of place in this impoverished setting.

Noel run up to him, his face bright with excitement. ‘You finally made it! I was scared you’d get lost.’

He frowned as he looked him up and down. ‘I told you not to make a scene. What’s with the expensive outfit, car and men?’

Jayden gave him an incredulous look. ‘How is this a scene? This is the least expensive car in our fleet. Though,’ here he had the grace to look sheepish. ‘Sorry about the security detail, our head of security was adamant about it when he heard I was coming here.’

Noel rolled his eyes and shook his head. He placed his arm in his and dragged him forward. ‘Come on, let me introduce you to my family.’

He glanced back. ‘Your bodyguards would have to wait outside though.’

He pulled Jayden excitedly towards one of the buildings. ‘I can’t believe that you’re finally visiting me in my home.’

Jayden grinned uncertainly as they crossed the chicken-filled yard and entered the building. Screams greeted his ears as they crossed the doorway. A naked toddler rushed past them, giggling as he run from the screaming girl who chased him through the house.

‘That’s my sister and youngest brother. He always refuses to put on clothes preferring to run around naked.’

They entered a cramped sitting room where three girls were giggling over a magazine as they sat on the threadbare couch.

‘Those are my eldest sisters. They are a bit rude so don’t take it personally if they ignore you.’

The girls looked up as they entered the room. They waved at him, fluttering their eyes and playing with their hair as they smiled shyly at him. Jayden gave a short hesitant wave back as Noel dragged him to the dining room.

Two teenage boys were playing video games on the table and didn’t bother to look up when Noel introduced them.

‘These are my younger brothers. They are last of the three sets of twins in the house. The other two would be out back. Come on.’

Noel led him through the kitchen where two women were busy cooking. They smiled at them as they passed through.

‘These are my stepmoms. My father has three wives and my mom is the youngest.’

‘Will your friend be staying for dinner?’ one of the women asked pleasantly.

Noel glanced at Jayden who rubbed his neck in embarrassment. ‘Erm… I’m not sure. I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to be a burden.’

‘Oh, it’s no burden,’ the other woman said with a smile. ‘We always cook a lot of food because the kids are always bringing their friends over. Please join us.’

‘Thanks, Didi. He will.’ Noel answered for him, dragging him from the kitchen into the backyard.

The backyard was also filled with chickens who clucked loudly as they walked through them. A goat was tethered to a post and four men were hard at work repairing the coop. Their naked torsos shone with sweat and they reached up to wipe their brows as they looked up at the newcomers.

‘Hey, No.’

‘Who’s your friend?’

Jayden blinked in confusion at the two who had spoken as they smiled at him. They were twins and everything from their smile to their voice was completely identical.

‘These are the eldest twins, Akwetey and Akuerteh.’

‘Hi,’ they said in unison.

The other two men crossed their arms. ‘What about us, No? Won’t you introduce us?’

Noel rolled his eyes. ‘Jayden, Panyin and Kakra. They are the idiots that follow the first set of idiots.’

Panyin and Kakra, unlike the first set of twins, were unidentical. They gave a fake frown at the insult and trapped Noel under their arms, tousling his hair and completely ignoring his shouts of protests.

He managed to wiggle himself out and fixed them with a glare as he tried to tidy his hair. ‘I’ll get you for this. By the way, where is Pa?’

The four boys shrugged. ‘Probably in the shrine,’ they answered together.

Noel frowned as he led Jayden back to the house. ‘I hate it when they do that.’

He led Jayden up the stairs and into a room. The room was tiny and more than a little cramped. The books were so much that they overflowed the shelves and some had to be stacked on the floor, reaching all the way to the short ceiling. It was nevertheless freakishly neat, almost obsessively so.

‘This is my room. It’s small but at least I have it to myself. It used to be the attic but Ma convinced Pa to turn into my room as a present for winning the scholarship to Lumière.’

He sat down on the bed, pulling Jayden down by him.

‘So,’ he began, looking up at him with worried eyes. ‘What do you think? I mean I know it isn’t much and you’re definitely used to grander things but it’s home.’

Jayden grinned reassuringly at him. ‘I love it. It feels more like a home than mine does.’

Noel smiled at him in relief.

‘Several questions though.’

Noel nodded. ‘Yes, I know.’ He took a deep breath. ‘My family practices the ancestral traditions and so my father is allowed to have more than one wife. He is also a priest who serves the old traditional gods, hence why he was in a shrine. Most likely some people brought a sacrifice for the old gods.’

Jayden nodded in understanding. ‘What about you? What do you believe?’

‘I’m an atheist. You?’

Jayden shrugged noncommittedly. ‘My family is Catholic.’ He looked around the room. ‘So what do you do up here, apart from sleeping of course.’

Noel laughed. ‘Don’t worry, unlike you I don’t plan on spending my whole summer sleeping.’ He gestured to the books on the shelves and floor. ‘I read for one which is most of the time. I also study, write, and yeah, play video games.’

‘You? Video games?’ Jayden’s voice was filled with disbelief.

‘Yes, why is that so hard to understand? I mean look at my brothers they are all obsessed gamers. I guess they gave me the bug.’

He reached down and picked up a controller. ‘Wanna play?’

Jayden took it with a smirk and sat cross-legged before the console. ‘Definitely.’

A few hours later, the room was filled with the loud sound of video games and the shouts and laughter of the boys when a sharp knock came through the door. It cracked open an inch and Panyin peeked in.

‘There are secret service dudes around our house.’ He frowned suspiciously at Noel. ‘What did you do No?’

Noel looked affronted. ‘Why do you assume I did something? You are the ones who run a crime ring.’

‘Well,’ Panyin tapped his chin thoughtfully. ‘I guess it could be because of the time you blew up the power grid or the time you made a bomb in the backyard or the time you contaminated the area’s water supply with your weird chemicals or-‘

‘Alright, alright,’ Noel broke in hurriedly. ‘I thought we agreed those never happened, geez! They are here for Jayden. They’re his bodyguards.’

Panyin whistled appreciatively. ‘Nice. I knew you went to a fancy school but I didn’t know it was this fancy. Look at you making friends in high places.’

Noel rolled his eyes. ‘What do you want?’

‘Mum’s calling you. Dinner is ready, now hurry up and get your weird ass downstairs. I’m starving.’

The boys stood up and followed him downstairs. They took their seat at the empty table that slowly filled up as the other members of the family arrived.

‘We are going to have something a bit different , Jayden,’ one of the moms said as she set the table. ‘It’s a traditional dish and I don’t know if you’re used to or comfortable with it. If you want we can make you something else.’

Jayden shook his head politely. ‘No, that won’t be necessary. I’m sure I would enjoy it.’

The mom smiled at him. ‘If you’re sure then. We are just waiting for their father to come in then we’ll start.’

No sooner had she said those words than a small man entered. He appeared to be in his mid-sixties and despite his wrinkles and thick head of grey hair, Jayden could see the resemblance between him and Noel.

‘Alright, which one of you has caused the police to besiege our house?’ he asked, staring suspiciously at Noel as he lowered himself to his seat at the head of the table.

‘Don’t worry Pa, No didn’t do anything this time,’ Kakra began, earning an angry look from Noel.

‘And they’re not the police they’re his friend’s bodyguards,’ Panyin finished.

‘Friend? Which friend?’ their father glanced around before his eyes rested on Jayden. ‘Ah, you’re that friend that No has been going on and on and on about.’

‘No, that’s Charles,’ Akuerteh corrected with a smirk as he dodged a furious kick from Noel.

‘This,’ Akwetey completed. ‘Is Jayden. The other friend he has been rambling about.’

Their father looked at Jayden with his serious but kind old eyes. ‘Nice to meet you, young man. How are your parents doing?’

‘They’re doing alright, sir.’

Their father burst into laughter. ‘No, no, no. You are now family. You call me Pa.’

Jayden nodded gratefully. ‘Thank you, Pa.’

Pa nodded and turned back to the table. Raising his arms, he offered a blessing and they all dug in.

Conversations flowed naturally and loudly over the table. The mothers kept scolding the youngest twins to put down their video games and after some struggle, they finally did. The eldest sisters laughed and giggled with the twins who kept teasing Noel till he almost choked on his food. They all went out of their way to make Jayden feel at home, including him in the conversations and refusing to spare him from the jokes.

Midway through it, the toddler who had finally been fully clothed wobbled over to Jayden’s seat. He pulled at Jayden’s trousers and lifted his small hands.

‘Up,’ he ordered.

Jayden stared blankly down at him and getting impatient, the toddler climbed up Jayden’s leg and planted himself on his laps.

Didi realised what was happening and rushed over. ‘Come here Bubu, come to mommy. I’m so sorry, he is always like this with new people.’

Jayden nodded reassuringly. ‘No, it’s alright. He’s no bother.’

Didi returned hesitantly to her seat and Jayden glanced down at the stubborn child on his lap, his face expressionless as always.

Bubu reached up and started playing with Jayden’s face. ‘Pretty, pretty.’

Jayden said nothing. He turned his attention back to the table, silently feeding Bubu from his plate whiles he continued to play excitedly with his face.

Dinner ended and everyone stood up to clear the table. Jayden insisted on helping despite the protests from the mums. He carried the dishes to the backyard whiles Bubu hanged stubbornly from his neck, refusing to let go.

They washed the dishes together in a big tub in the backyard because they were too many to be done in the kitchen. Laughter bubbled over as they joked and played with each other whiles they were elbow-deep in soapy water, cleaning the plates.

Bubu jealously tried to get Jayden’s attention as he chatted animatedly with Panyin and Kakra. Grinning at the toddler’s antics, Jayden picked him up and proceeded to make funny faces at him causing the toddler to erupt into pleased giggles.

Later, they sat under the stars in the moonlit yard, surrounding Pa as he puffed up his pipe and told them stories upon stories of the ancient ways and the old gods. He told them tales of how the land was before the coming of the white man and folktales that had been told to children back in simpler times as they sat under the light of the full moon.

Bubu had fallen asleep in Jayden’s arms when a knock came from the front door. Panyin frowned as he stood up to check on it and Bubu stirred lightly in his sleep, clutching on tighter to Jayden’s shirt.

Panyin came back and nodded at Jayden. ‘It’s for you.’

Jayden’s brows furrowed in confusion as he stood up. He tried to give Bubu to his mother but he just clenched his little fists tighter in his sleep. Jayden sighed and placed his head in the crook of his neck, carrying him with him as he went to see who it was.

Standing in the sitting room and looking awkward and out of place was one of the guards of his security detail.

‘What?’

The guard cleared his throat nervously. ‘I’m sorry to interrupt sir but your father has requested your immediate presence. He has ordered us to escort you back to the manor without further delay.’

Jayden scowled. ‘Why?’

‘He didn’t say sir.’

‘No.’

‘Excuse me, sir?’

Jayden turned away. ‘No. I’m not going.’

A nervous sweat broke out on the guard’s forehead. ‘I’m sorry sir but your father left no room for arguments. You are expected in the manor immediately.’

Jayden paused before continuing back to the yard. He gently but firmly unclenched Bubu from him, placing him in his mother’s arms as he slept soundly on. He straightened his back and faced the family.

‘Thank you for your hospitality and the lovely dinner but I’m afraid I have to go.’

A sad look came on Noel’s face. ‘What? Why? I thought you were sleeping over.’

‘Something unexpected came up and my father needs me back at the manor.’ He grinned reassuringly at him. ‘Don’t worry, we’ll have it another time.’

Noel was disappointed. ‘When?’

‘Soon.’

He turned back to the family. ‘Thank you,’ he said seriously. ‘I’ve felt more at home here than I have felt anywhere. I’m deeply grateful.’

Pa shook his head. ‘Don’t thank us. This is your home and you have as much a right to be here as any of us. This is your family and you are always welcome here.’

Jayden nodded gratefully. ‘Thank you.’

He looked at the family one last time. ‘Goodbye. I’ll be back soon.’

A chorus of goodbyes answered him and he turned to leave. The guard led him out of the house and stood to the side as he opened the car door. Jayden climbed in and the car pulled out as they began the journey home.

Jayden was in a reflective mood for the entire duration of the drive and an hour later the car pulled into the manor.

Heavy dark clouds had filled the sky, blackening out the stars and a chilly wind blew as he walked to the grand entranceway where a maid stood, waiting for him.

She curtsied. ‘Mr. Mills is waiting for you in the receiving room.’

He nodded curtly, dismissing her as he made his way up the gold-banistered staircase. He entered through the wide double doors into the receiving room where his father sat solemnly in a plush sofa as he read the evening paper.

Jayden was surprised to see his mother curled up by his side with her head on his shoulder. They looked up as he entered and his mother sat up and fixed a small smile on her face.

‘Darling, how was your day? You left without a word.’

Jayden ignored her question and turned to his father. ‘I’m here.’

His father folded the paper and glanced up at him. ‘Where have you been?’

Jayden’s voice was emotionless as he answered. ‘I was visiting a friend from school.’

His father frowned suspiciously but his mother placed a gentle hand on his arm. ‘It’s alright dear, I know this friend.’

His father nodded. ‘Alright. Anyway, whiles you were out we had a visit from the Rowlings.’ He beamed at Jayden. ‘I have good news for you. Since their daughter just celebrated her sixteenth birthday their excellencies are ready to make your betrothal official. You would be formally joined in a special ceremony next month. Isn’t that amazing!’

Jayden’s face became frosty. His eyes were cold as he looked dead into his father’s eyes. ‘No.’

The rain began to fall as the excited look left his father’s face. His voice was deadly. ‘What?’

Lightning flashed at that moment, highlighting the dangerous look on his father’s face. Jayden was unafraid however and firmly stood his ground.

‘I said no. I’m not going to marry her.’

His father was growing furious and his mother stepped in an attempt to defuse the situation.

‘Why not darling? What’s wrong with her?’

‘There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s amazing actually.’

His mother was confused. ‘Then why don’t you want the ceremony to happen.’

Jayden was incredulous. ‘I’m sixteen, mother! It’s madness, I’m too young to be dealing with this!’

Victoria waved away his concerns. ‘Don’t worry, the betrothal ceremony is just a gesture. Of course, we don’t expect you two to get married now. You are just promising yourselves to each other until you get of age. You can get married in your twenties if you want.’

‘I don’t plan on getting married to her mother or to any girl for that matter. No matter how much you both try to deny it I’M GAY!’

Thunder boomed, rattling the windows as the rain increased in intensity, pattering loudly against the wide floor-to-ceiling windows.

‘Lower your voice!’ Victoria hissed, casting an anxious look at the door.

His father rose from his seat in anger. ‘You’re still going on about this nonsense! I thought you had put that madness behind you.’

‘It’s not nonsense father, it’s the truth no matter how much you try to shut your eyes to it.’

Victoria stepped up to him. ‘You’re not well dear. Let your father and I help you. We are your family.’

Jayden let out a scornful laugh. ‘Family?’ he asked incredulously. ‘You don’t know the meaning of that word.’

He was growing hysterical. ‘Do you know where I was today? I was with a real family. A family who loves. A family who doesn’t judge each other, who don’t force their expectations on their children, who accept one another for who they are not who they want them to be. Today I saw, learned and experienced what a true family is and should be. That was a true family not this fucked up farce you call a family. And though they don’t have much they are far wealthier than we could ever be.’

His father was livid with rage. ‘You ungrateful brat! You selfish, self-centred egotistical bastard! Your mother and I have given you everything, everything a child could want-‘

‘BUT YOU FAILED TO GIVE ME THE ONE THING A CHILD REALLY NEEDS,’ he yelled. There were tears in his eyes as he whispered. ‘Don’t you understand?’

His father’s eyes blazed with wrath. ‘After all that we have worked our asses off to give you, you still have the guts to say that to our faces. Well if that’s what you really think then why do you still stay here? If we have really failed you then why don’t you leave? There’s nothing stopping you, is there?’

‘No. No, there is not.’

Jayden swung around and walked out the door. His mother cast a frustrated look at her husband and run after him.

‘Jayden,’ she called from the top of the staircase. ‘What are you doing? Come back here.’

Jayden continued to descend, ignoring her calls.

His mother humphed and descended the stairs. ‘This is so typical of you. You always run away, choosing to hide your emotions rather than confronting them.’

Jayden swung around. ‘And what are my emotions mother, since you seem to know so much about them?’

Their raised voices could be heard down the halls as they moved through the manor. Their feet echoing loudly on the polished tiles.

‘I know you’re angry. You have been angry for a long time but you have never faced that anger.’

Jayden pulled open the grand double doors at the entrance and winced as the wind drove the rain into his face. The storm raged furiously as Jayden stepped out into the dark night of the rain.

His mother stood at the entrance and screamed after him. ‘Stop running. For once in your life stop running and face it. Face your emotions and ask yourself the very important questions.’

The wind drove her hair into her face. Webs of forked lighting flashed across the night sky, splitting the heavens as thunder boomed across the expanse.

‘Why are you angry, Jayden? What has made you angry all these years? Who are you angry at?’

‘I’M ANGRY AT MYSELF!’

There was a sudden silence. The wind picked up speed, howling loudly and filling the silence that followed this startling confession. No one seemed more surprised at this revelation than Jayden himself who stared wide-eyed with parted lips at his mother as the rain mixed with the tears on his face.

He blinked rapidly, turning around to run off. Victoria made to follow him but his father grabbed her. He held her firmly as he stared after their son with a grim look on his face.

‘Let him go.’

Victoria could only look on helplessly as Jayden disappeared into the mist of the swirling maelstrom.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: So…

Confessions have been made and realization realised.
What do you think about Jayden’s confession?

Also, Noel’s family is really cute and amazing. I wouldn’t mind being part of their family. Would you?

Speaking off here’s a picture of what they had for dinner.

Lemme know your answers and thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to light up the shy little star hiding in the corner if you enjoyed the chapter.

Muchas Gracias.
😇

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