Teenagers sat under the lit fields of popping lights. From bright blues to dark pinks, they watch in awe as the moving stars splash the darken skies. Every year this event happens twice. One in the summer time another around the winter. Water bottles or cups of cocoa the teenagers enjoy the burning lights in the sky.
Two teens sat down close to each other. Hand interlock enjoying the view they so happily chose. Not much can be said about the two except they are dating, in love, juniors, and into watching everything around them light up. They were the two most happiest teens in the world. The teenagers around them or knew them never had an issue with them. It was their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and a whole slew of adults around them. Parents of the two teens didn't like each other. Not because the teens were homosexual it was for a whole different reason.
"I still don't understand why they are still upset about it." Said a happy-go-lucky teen. His face was olive complexion, chestnut eyes, and dark black hair slick back in a ponytail. A light scar plastered white by his right eye seem to shimmer under the raging sound of exploding noises. He pulled his white dress shirt to fit him better and black jeans. "I mean that was like... three years ago. I say let it go damn it."
Chuckling, the other male kissed his cheek smirking tilting his head, "It'll be four eventually, then five, six, seven, and so on. Etcetera." Hazel eyes sparkled brightly staring at his boyfriend who huffed. "You know that shirt is absolutely doll on you." Flashing a grin on his face, his brown hair swayed left as he looked up at the night sky.
The olive skin male nodded sadly. "I know... but it is really dumb. I mean extremely dumb. Why in the bloody hell would they be grudging over that." Playing with his boyfriend blue jeans and t-shirt that says 'Cease the Day'. Chuckling slightly he kissed his chin. "Like your shirt."
Hazel eyes stared into chestnut color ones pouting, "Hey, this my favorite shirt Xav and you know this."
"Sorry Maurice." Laughing happily Xavier grinned more, "I love you all pouty and crap." Leaning on his shoulder he rubbed his back. "Even if you are a big baby."
The two teen laughed and teased through out the night and sometimes going back to the discussion about their parents. Odd enough for them this is the one of the nights of each year their families never feud.
Burning
The fireworks show ended a good pass three am and the two males walked down the path as cars idly drove by. Not much can happen in their neighbor hood. Not much crime or violence. Not much anything which is fine with most people.
A streetlight flickered a bit as the boys met the crossroads that led to their own dwellings. Exchanging a short kiss the two bared a good night and headed home.
Sirens could be heard through it each street. Xavier stirred awake seeing police cars head towards Maurice's home. Cold sweat went down his body as thoughts only played in his mind. "Mom!" Running downstairs only in basket ball shorts he saw his mother watching the news in shock. "Mom... the police are heading to Maurice house. What is going on?" He knew his family hated his boyfriend family but they liked him or at least tolerated him. His lips were frowning and tears started to well up.
"Xavier... someone house burned last night killing a dog and almost a baby inside..." His mother green eyes spoke to many words for him to truly get the full picture. She patted a spot next to her. Watching her youngest son take a seat, she frowned more. "It was Maurice family's next door neighbors."
Heart pounding the young teen looked at his mother, "MOM! We need to go see Maurice now! He might get blamed..." Xavier grabbed his mother's hand, "I know you and the family don't like his but please at least go see if he is okay!" A quiet whimper moved through his throat.
"Okay , fine me and you can go. Put on clothes first and quick." She spoke with a slight irritated voice with a lacing of concern. In fact she loved that her son was born in America and had the choice to be who he wanted to be. Despite of the people who are bigoted or patronizing others. She did love her son and wanted him to be happy. In her heart she happily appreciated that he wasn't trying to force the families together like other teens would be doing. Maurice was one man other than his brothers and father she trusted around her youngest. "What I do for my little boy."
The two walked briskly down the street towards Maurice's resident. The police cars and lined up outside and each family member was being questioned on the burning blaze that happen in the early-morning night. Xavier saw Maurice sitting on the step with his jacket on sighing at the scene unfolding. Xavier guessed he must of been questioned heavily for reasons unknown to him.
"MAURICE!" Jogging up to him he dodged some police hands hugging his weary looking love. "Are you okay?"
Nodding Maurice hugged him back shooing away some police. "I'm okay. Just got woken up for a fire I didn't even know about."
"Was it from the fire..." Getting cut off by a head shake Maurice spoke.
"No... the police ruled that out early on. They know about the firework show being held in the fields every year." Leaning to the wall next to him the young man sighed, "Only options police came up with is one of my family did it or it was a prank gone wrong. Even attempted murder." Combing through his messy bed head the sun barely peeked over the horizon. "When did you learn about the fire and why were you up so early?"
Xavier scoffed, "Don't play police with me... but I woke up from the police sirens... I heard it heading to where your house was. I got worried and begged my mom to walk me here. Yeah." Eyes rimmed with tears worried over a situation that might just be a prank that did go terribly wrong. "I am just glad your okay."
"Thanks Xav."
A woman in a dark blue outfit walked up to the two boys, "Where were you in the night in question. Both of you just trying to make sure." Her dark African-American skin held a worn down number 2 pencil and notepad.
"Firework show in the fields." The pair said together.
"And your families?"
"We don't know." They said then thought.
"My mom is over there if you want to ask her." Xavier pronounced to the law officer.
Maurice spoke of his family, "My mom and dad waited up for me; my sister, she is ten, was asleep when I checked in with her, and my two eldest brothers went somewhere. Usually a party or working late late." Shrugging slightly he noticed that only one of his brothers were there. "I guess the party animal stayed a night at a friends house..."
Nodding the officer gave a smile and headed over to Xavier mother for questioning.
"Where is he?" Xavier mumbled to himself. Maurice scrunched his face in discontent.
'Yeah where is he?' He thought looking at the rising sun.
Heat
The police dwindle down through out the day and the rumors began. Not only about who could of started the fire but about the feuding families affairs. Xavier mom was sleeping with Maurice's dad or vice versa. It did not help the two boys who are trying to stay calm about the whole situation. Seeing how Maurice's family is also under the radar it would not help to have Xavier be dragged into this.
"Mom..." Maurice looked at his overwhelmed mother who was hanging up and answering neighbor calls and police questions still.
Staring at her son sighing, "What Maurice?"
Blushing faintly biting his lip, "Are you cheating on dad?"
"Oh for goodness sake Maurice. No!" Slamming the phone on the table she frowned. "No. I would not cheat on your father. We've loved each for years... why would you even think that?"
Frowning he felt wrong for doubting his mother, "Sorry... I guess today is getting to us all." Something did nag at him though, "Where is Tim?"
"Timmy? You know probably waking up." Observing the time she seen it was half pass three, "Yeah right about now actually."
"Do you think he done it?"
Frowning again she shook her head, "No. Our family wouldn't that to the Gerber's."
Sighing Maurice looked at his mom with a sincere gaze, "Mom... our family may not be liked by many people and are the ass of rumors -- excuse my french. But mom I mean Timmy, no us, himself did it. Could he have done it? Then have a way of framing someone else? Like... my boyfriend family." He knew this was a long shot but in his mind he felt like this was a bit more cynical.
"Maurice, I do not believe Timmy. Your brother, the one who drives you to school who is teaching you how to drive is not framing your boyfriend asshole family." She leaned against the counter top sighing, "And our family is innocent. No one is cheating on anyone, we don't have a criminal record. Just four kids, one who works late, one who parties late, a little girl who just is a bundle of joy, and a sweet homosexual son." Smiling at her third eldest child her hands grazed over his head. "You look so much like your father."
Blushing wildly Maurice nodded getting up. Giving his mom a quick look he went to his room to dress for the day.
Xavier mouth hung as he absorbed what his partner told him, "Your mom... really hates my family."
"Yeah... but she is so defensive about my brothers it is nuts. I mean I don't over step my..." Muffled by a pair of lips he kissed Xavier back gently. "boundaries." He mumbled pulling back.
"Maurice, as your boyfriend, partner, soulmate and whatever bullshit couple name we can say for each other we will get through this." He smirked happily, "If our own families hating each other didn't break us up or that little problem with Miguel "Felon" Gregor the III then nothing will."
"HEY! That was his fault he kissed me!" Maurice frantically shouted to his own defense about the pass situation. A dark pigment emerged from his cheeks.
Xavier laughed happily kissing him again laying him in the grass of their special spot. "You're such a worry man."
Maurice place hands on his waist and tilted his head smiling a lopsided smile, "Maybe you can help me not worry."
"By getting ice cream?" The smaller male chuckled at him. His hands played with his hair and shirt collar. "Or do you mean something we promise we would do on our wedding night?"
Turning red the taller male ears heated up, "I meant ice cream pervert." Picking up the dark skinned male they laughed and chatter to their favorite restaurant to get ice cream.
Firewood and Fossil Fuel
The two sat side by side eating their ice cream enjoying the daily radio playing with other teens and families chatting. Of course the today news for the town is the house burning; putting their families on blast. Mumbles about affairs and about a framing happening. Xavier winced slightly at the attention he and Maurice was receiving. It was attention one did not want or needed.
Whispering quietly the Xavier mumbled, "I don't like this Maurice..."
"I don't either." He responded rubbing Xavier's back. The taller male heard others speaking about how one of his brother could behind the tragic crime or how both families done it just to get along. Other misconceptions. "I hope it was a prank... or the owners wanted insurance money."
Xavier frowned at that assumption of insurance money but did not disagree to it. "I hope so. I am tire of the shit talkers." Earning a chuckle he grinned at his boyfriend. "I love you."
"I love you too." Finishing his ice cream, Maurice grabbed Xavier's hand walking out the store. Eyes looked at people who had questioning glances and untrustworthy dispositions for them.
Walking up to an elderly man he smiled kindly, "Mr. Asset."
Looking from his book the elder smiled warmly. "Ah, young Maurice and his little prince what brings you by?"
Xavier blushed laughing faintly. Maurice grinned at him, "Nothing, just enjoying the outing... and trying to shake off the whole incident... everyone been looking at us like we or our families did something."
"Ah, the house burning. That is a nice family, super kind." Closing his book Mr. Asset stood looking at the two boys. Height little around 6'1" he looked like a giant to most children. "I don't think you two had anything to do with it. The police came by and I cleared your names. But Maurice your brothers... I don't trust Timmy. I hate to say the young man has and will do some bad things." His eyes green eyes blinks once at the two boys.
Maurice stomach twisted, "I see. Thank you for clearing us up Mr. Asset."
"Of course boys." He smiled going to the door. "And keep an on your family you too." The door open and worried eyes glimmered under the shaded roof. "You never know what kind of spark can burn something."
Following evening Xavier sat in his room perplexed. 'Timmy must of done it. He must have. Maurice's first brother doesn't have the time too. His little sister is far to young, his mom seems busy with taking care of her. And his dad... he is on business trips a lot. A whole lot. My family all works... except for my mom. But she works.' Thoughts raced and connected. Reconnected trying to make sense who would burn down another person's home. Getting up from his desk he wander to the door hearing his mom talking to someone. "Hm... dad must be home."
Going downstairs he heard the voices more clearly. He saw his mother talking to someone on speaker.
"Yes, yes. My son is fine. He is a bundle of joy. My husband is out late again. I might go out. I hardly do."
Shrugging Xavier figured it was a friend. Feet guided their way up the stairs to his room. Taking a cursory look out the window he seen his father waiting by the car smoking a cigarette. "Dad quit." Sighing he kept watching. Twenty minutes pass and his mother came out kissing him. "Why did mom lie about dad being out late?" His eyes widen seeing a gasoline tank in a stranger hand. "Oh god... they did it." Eye stuck he wanted to call the police but he couldn't pull away. He saw a conversation being carried out. Then the black hood pulled away revealing a man. The second story it was hard to see who he was. Instantly he called Maurice watching money being exchanged and a quick argument ensue. Who ever he is must want his cash.
"Hello?" Maurice voice echoed out through the cell. "Xavier what is wrong?"
Lips trembled, "Maurice... I my parents might be helping the arsonist... I need to follow him."
"Wait, wait I will be there soon. Don't do anything crazy."
"No promises." Hanging Xavier got dress quickly into some dark clothing. He followed where the mystery man took the vehicle and ancient dinosaur bones.
Parents inside and relaxed, the teen hopped out the window getting is bike riding to Maurice's house. Car in front he stopped few feet from the vehicle. Head darting he saw Maurice peeking from a bush watching his mother exchanging words the possible arsonist.
Smoke Underwater
Maurice's mother spoke to him, words being incomprehensible to him. All he saw was greenbacks being handed to the arsonist and more gas tanks. He bit his lip what shocked him was that she hugged him pushing him off. Moonlight shone off his shiny eyes but that was all he could make of it. The mystery man took the gas tanks to his vehicles and drove through the night. Mom inside the house the two followed the car through the night. Passing the Gerber's old home of residents.
They stopped at a clearing seeing the truck parked a few feet away. Two figures got out.
"Okay let dispose of these gas cans and call it a night."
"Okay dad. Are you sure we couldn't let them help?"
"No... to risky. They are good kids we can't let them get involved. Besides my work is already to risky be that is it may."
Maurice frowned. The kids that could of been involved would probably had their lives twisted. Looking over at Xavier who was intently listening, his mind drifted off to what have been so far discovered. Both families who are under investigation paid the possible arsonist. The arsonist has reasoning to involve his own kids as well. There is two of them working in arms. The few reasons left are, why would his own family help criminals? Why hasn't he seen his brother? Why did Xavier family get involved? To many questions and not enough answers.
Feeling a nudge from the teen he gazed at the lights flashing on the culprits faces. One was Timmy and the other was his father. "Dad."
The two jumped startled. "Maurice..." His father shined the light on the two teens. "Oh geez... Maurice look..." He stepped over making both of them jolt. They saw the gas can behind the two men. In Tim's hands were a crowbar and his own flashlight. "Look, Tim... he did start the fire at the Gerber's he was drunk and stupid. I didn't want the cops to be involved. Your mother begged me to take these gas cans and him here."
"What about my family?!" Xavier shouted, his fist was shaking and eyes blurred. "Why did they pay? Why did your own wife pay you?!"
Maurice's father frowned, "To send Tim away... you family never liked Tim. They paid me to get rid of their gas cans as objects of the crime. I did the same with ours. And to help get Tim to a different place in the states."
Appalled written all over the two teen faces. "Dad... that makes an accomplice. Your a good man. You should of left Tim get caught."
"Your mother couldn't let that happen. Don't let your eldest brother know. He will find Tim and beat the living crap out of him." Words flowed down the older male voice.
Crack.
Tim with a bloody crowbar in hand stood over his head wound father. Staring at his brother and boyfriend he chuckled. "I was always mom's favorite. It was easy to threaten your family and convinced mom I was drunk and stupid." Dropping the crowbar he pulled out a lighter. He did a lopsided grin. Head looking twisted under the moon gaze. Gasoline at his side and two witnesses in front of him until they bolted for their bikes. Hopping in the car he made sure the gas cans were next to him driving after the boys.
Maurice panted feeling a cold sweat on his head seeing the bikes against the tree they left them at.
Two head lights in the distant crashed into the two boys bikes. Windows rolled down showing the man after him, "Get in you two I won't hurt ya." He howled at the run tactic they took. Backing out he sped behind them. "I'm going to get you two little pigs."
The two teens run down the hill two where a small pond resided, passing the the crowbar. Truck close behind, fear beat at their chest and death knock at their door.
Where land meets water, they turned to see a parked truck. The deranged man smirked under the dim lit woods. Both cans in hand he walked over softly in the crisp grass. "Now, I need to rid of you two. We can make easy. I can toss gas on you two and then burn you or we can do the hard way we have to settle it. Either way you both will die."
Maurice grabbed Xavier hand stepping back closer to the pond. "Timmy... you don't have to do this."
Xavier eyes stared at Maurice as he spoke words that must not compute with their potential killer. Intertwining their fingers together he stared at the man before them.
"Cute. Sorry Maurice, I have to. I'll say you met a tragic accident when light the field on fire. And your little boyfriend left you to die. Just gotta tweak a little." A chuckle. "Maybe throw dad in the mix have him the killer." A step closer.
Splash.
Timmy saw them jump in the pound. Pond a nice size that will take him awhile to get around, the two took a chance and swam for the other side. Timmy too the gasoline and dumped it into the edge of the water and some on the grass. Empty gas containers, he threw his lit lighter on the ground; a ring of fire shown from the night sky. As the gas spread further into the pond, the two boys breathed.
"Should of made this easy on ya!" Timmy laughed merrily. "You gave yourselves the hard way!"
Maurice looked at the water that wasn't lit at the moment. Swimming for the lit edge he splash some unpolluted water on it enough for one of them to get out at a time. Pushing Xavier out first, Maurice started to follow. Gas that swam around lit with each passing flame. Splashing back, eyes darting to the fire closing in. Trees were being set ablaze by the spreading fire. Timmy waltzed over to Xavier, Xavier back away keeping his eyes on Maurice. All he can think of, dunk. He bobbed a few second before holding his breath dunking under the water. Fire consumed the spot he once had.
All he seen under the murky depths was lit woodland area, he boyfriend, and homicidal brother. Fire flickered over him. Muffled sound of arguing, screaming, yelling and punching. He felt his throat tighten, his lungs clench. Body twitch under the under pressure. It screamed air. His brain told him to breath. Let in the breath. Holding his throat. He wanted the fire completely gone. Eyes growing heavy, he say the flames die out slowly. Coughing he let the water in and eyes grow black.
********
Sounds of beeping. A soft melodic sound. Sun rays around him, get well cards scattered. Flowers and balloons. One boy by his side asleep. Groaning awake Maurice eyes darted quickly. 'I can breath... where am I?' Looking over at Xavier asleep with a cover, he smiled softly. "Hospital." Bruises decorated the darker male face and cuts healed so slightly. "Xav..."
Xavier stirred waking up seeing the man he took a beating for, "Your awake."
"Yeah. What happened?"
Xavier went over what happened over the pass three days. After Xavier got out the water, Timmy started beating him. He was about to kill him by slamming his head into the ground. A cough of blood sprayed his face seeing Maurice's father panting, with blood on the side of his face holding the crowbar. Timmy knocked out with the attack of the crowbar. Their father dived into the now cease fire over the pond to get the unconscious and half dead Maurice. Sounds of sirens came. Fire fighters putting out the flames, ambulances helping the four men. Both families were brought it in. Both questioned, both given an out. Blaming Timmy, Maurice's own mother blamed him. The father was given 6 months in jail as an accomplice and Timmy was given 15 years to 30 years with possible chance of parole. The families were watched heavily for the course of Maurice's father in jail. Xavier and Maurice were off the hook, not knowing about the scheme over the weeks. Both of them were awarded in some form or way for trying to stop them and getting rid of the possible uses of attack.
Maurice laid his head back digesting all the information Xavier gave him. "Is my little sister okay?"
"Yeah. Patron also offered us a place to live with him at his apartment. He took your sister because he doesn't trust your mom anymore."
"You know something... our families united." Maurice smiled faintly. "Sad they bonded over arson but... they forgot about the whole you stole or half of the cash."
"Yeah." Xavier smiled sadly, "I love you."
"I love you too Xav." With a faint blush her felt him hug around his neck. "All smoke underwater now?" Laughing Xavier nodded playing with his hair.