Not The Only Gay In The Village Or The Family

[thompsontilly]

Aaron And Adam

The ‘Jackson situation’ as everyone was referring to it was well and truly over. Aaron was officially throwing in the towel and to his surprise there seemed no one happier about this turn of events than Adam. In fact since his separation from Scarlett he had been suspiciously upbeat, but Aaron put this down to him being in serious denial, because even though she irritated him beyond belief and he was generally attracted to men he could see she was stunning.

“Are you ready then?” Aaron rolled his eyes in contempt, as Adam was already half an hour late as per usual.
“Let me finish this and then we’ll go.”
“I assume I’m driving then?”
“Nah, don’t be daft it’s only a half. I’ll be fine.”

~*~

Driving along Aaron took his eyes off the road and his hands from the steering wheel, as he was more interested in finding the perfect tune on the radio.

“Watch it!” Adam grabbed the steering wheel as the car veered onto the right side of the road.
“Relax. Nowt was coming.”
“That’s not the point. It could have been. Maybe I should drive home.”
“Don’t be soft. Adam actually looked scared, so he couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. I’ll be more careful I promise. He squeezed his shoulder comfortingly. Are you going to give me a hand with these then?”
“Can’t. I’m suffering from shock.” Adam stuck his tongue out at him playfully.
“Shock my backside. You’re getting the drinks in when we get back.”
“Deal.”

Adam reclined in his seat, put his feet up on the dash and bobbed his head along in time with the music, as Aaron struggled to load the first of four heavy crates into the boot of Cain’s car.

“So you’re really not going to help me with these, then?”
“Awwww cute. Does big and strong, ‘I can do it all myself’ Aaron need my help?” His tone oozed sarcasm as he adopted his most innocent expression.
“No. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone.” Defiantly he returned to the task at hand. Adam was amused by his pigheadedness, but he had to admit it was one of his more endearing qualities.
“Wait up. I’ll take a side.”

Aaron smiled warmly and Adam felt himself melt. His heart was racing, his stomach was doing back flips and he had a smile plastered across his face. He knew he shouldn’t be feeling like this, about Aaron of all people, but something had happened, he’d fallen in love and all he had to do now was hope and pray he felt the same way.

“Geez. What’s in this?” Adam came to as he realized how heavy the crates were.
“Not a clue. Aaron replied dismissively. I don’t ask. I carry.”
“Please tell me you’re joking? It could be anything.” He frowned.
“And knowing Cain it probably is.” He reasoned.
“Why is it when I’m with you, we always get into some kind of trouble?” They both flushed and broke eye contact as they remembered the last time they’d been in a similar situation.
“Coincidence. Aaron muttered. Anyway stop being such a wimp. Nothing’s going to happen.”

~*~

Aaron had been driving for over two hours and it was growing steadily darker outside, as beside him Adam was snoring contently, when the car chugged to a halt, spluttering pathetically, as black smoke billowed from the bonnet.

“What the hell!” Aaron smacked the steering wheel in frustration, jolting Adam awake.
“What’s up?”
“We’ve broken down.”
“Any ideas where we are? Adam looked out of the front window into the pitch black; their headlights had been the only source of light on the path. Forget that then. Where’s your phone?”
“Glove compartment. Who’re you going to call anyway? We don’t know where we are, we can’t make out any landmarks and I don’t want to be picked up without knowing what’s in those crates.”
“So, what do you want to do?”
“Help me push the car over to the side and we’ll wait it out.”
“You want to sleep out here?” Adam couldn’t hide his nerves.
“I’m not saying that. Someone is bound to drive past.”
“At this time?”
“The car is safe enough and we’ll call Cain first thing. Don’t worry.” Aaron smiled at him reassuringly.

~*~

“Aaron are you asleep?” Adam whispered hopefully into the dark.
“Not anymore. Aaron replied irritably. What’s up?”
“I need to pee.” He whispered embarrassedly.
“Thanks for sharing.” Aaron mumbled, before wriggling to make himself more comfortable.
“Aaron wake up. I need you to come with me.”
“You can’t be serious…not a girl.” He babbled mutinously under his breath.
“Please. I am desperate.” He whined pathetically.
“Where are you?” Aaron groped his way round the car to the passenger side that Adam had just vacated.
“I’m here.” Adam extended his hand blindly and hit Aaron in the chest. Aaron took his hand and led him to the side of the road.
“Right, hurry up it’s freezing.” Adam fumbled around undoing his fly and then released his penis from its cotton restraint, but unfortunately as he had expected he couldn’t relieve on command.
“Can you do me a favour?” He asked sheepishly.
“What now?”
“Turn around or move away, he’s got stage fright.”
“Adam this is seriously stupid. If you can’t go lets just get back in the car.”
“Right. Okay. I’m done.”
“Good.” Despite it being considerably lighter Aaron took his hand once more as they returned to the car.
“We should call Cain.”
“We’re just outside Hotton. I recognize that Church.”
“I can’t believe it really. Adam decided that whilst they waited for Cain to collect them now was a good a time as any to pour out his heart to Aaron. Aaron can I ask you something?” Realizing he still had hold of his hand Aaron let go sharply.
“Sure.”
“Did you mean it when you kissed me?”
“What?” That was not what he had been expecting at all.
“Did it mean something to you?”
“You know it did. You’re the only other person apart from Jackson… Aaron trailed off blushing furiously. But you made it perfectly clear you weren’t interested and that hurt me.”
“I wouldn’t stop you now, you know?”
“What?”
“If you tried to kiss me again I’d let you.”
“Are you serious?”
“Definitely.”

Brimming with a new found confidence and pent up lust, their lips crashed together and their tongues explored every inch and crevice of one another’s expectant mouths, entwining and battling for supremacy of a kiss neither wanted to end, that was until they were startled by a thump on the windscreen and they turned round to discover they had an audience.

“So this will be fun to explain.” Aaron giggled openly at the expressions of horror and in Cain’s case disgust.
“It isn’t funny.” Adam punched him playfully, but was also finding it difficult to keep a straight face.
“What have you two clowns done to my car?” Cain was the first to regain his composure as for the first time ever Chaz was speechless.
“Some things never change. He’s only interested in himself. We could have been murdered or anything.”
“Ey, you said we’d be safe. Anyway forget him. I think we’ve killed your mum.”
“Nope. Now that is shock. You want to kill her then we do this.” Aaron forcefully pulled Adam in for a kiss on the lips, which grew steadily more graphic as his hands wandered under clothing.
“Now that was fun.” Adam winked flirtatiously.
“Plenty more where that came from.” Aaron replied with a sexy grin and glint in his eyes.
“We better be getting back then.”
“Hop in the van. Mum will give us a lift.”
“If she can.” Adam quipped.
“She’ll be fine. Shock doesn’t last that long. Aaron reasoned. Shame really. I prefer her when she’s quiet.”

[thompsontilly]

Jasmine

“LIGHTS OUT!”

Gingerly Jasmine climbed the metal ladder to the top bunk, she had been up there since she arrived eighteen months ago, but still she fell off at least once if not twice a week.

“Jasmine. Are you awake?” Katie whispered into the dark. Usually Jasmine’s head hit the pillow and she was asleep, snoring like a steam engine, but not tonight. Tonight her mind was working on autopilot.
“Yeah.”
“Are you going home on Monday?”
“Who told you that?” She sat up a little too fast and hit her head on the low brick ceiling.
“Jenkins. I was in her office this morning when the board called.”
“So you were eavesdropping?”
“No. I just asked her.” Katie had the grace to sound slightly guilty.
“Well at least you’re honest. And since we’re on that track…” Jasmine trailed off slightly. Katie didn’t talk, least of all about her family and everyone knew not to push it.
“It’s okay.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to pry.”
“Everyone does. Katie snickered. It was my mum.”
“What?”
“She got in touch with Jenkins. She’s got married again and moved abroad somewhere. She just thought I should know. I’ll be getting a check in the post in due course.” Katie desperately tried to hide the hurt and hold back the tears desperate to fall.
“Awww Kay. I am sorry. Please don’t cry. You should have said.” Jasmine braved the ladder once more to join her on her bed.
“Don’t worry. I probably wouldn’t have told you before. It’s just I’m scared.”
“Of what?”
“Well…it sounds stupid. You’ll probably think it is.”
“No. I promise I won’t.” Jasmine felt about to find her hand and squeezed it encouragingly.
“I am scared of leaving here. I’ll have no one and nothing to help me. I’m so used to the routine, the people, everything really. It will be so different out there.”
“Is that why you caused havoc at your parole board?”
“And who told you that?” Katie responded a little defensively.
“No one. I was there. I went in straight after you.”
“Well you must have been a good girl if you are going home on Monday.”
“I wasn’t judging you Katie. Believe me I am scared of those things too. The difference is that I pushed away the one person who was desperate to stand by me, all because I was scared of being hurt and of hurting her. I couldn’t face seeing her for those few short hours, not being able to hold her and then having to watch her walk away. That wouldn’t have been fair on either of us.”
“Call her.”
“What?...did you not listen…my reasons.”
“Did you? Do you still love her?”
“I always will. Debbie loves me like no one ever has before.”
“Then call her. You have something to live for out there. Please don’t throw that away.”
“I don’t think I can.”
“You won’t know unless you try. Send her a visiting order.”
“You think?”
“Definitely. You’ll need all the support you can get.”
“Scoot over.” Jasmine instructed. Katie shuffled till her back was pressed against the cold brick wall, Jasmine then lay beside her until her back was resting against Katie’s heaving chest.
“Night Jaz.”
“Night Kay.”

[thompsontilly]

Debbie Comes Home - To See Her Or Not

“Debbie, do you want that cuppa?” Cain’s voice disturbed her ponderings.
“What?” She jolted back to reality.
“You’ve been in a world of your own all day. Are you okay?”
“I need to just nip somewhere can you cover for me?” Her head was all over the place. The last thing she wanted to be doing right now was working. She’d been back home less than a fortnight and already her dad had roped her into a few shifts.
“Why not. Aaron’s in, in half an hour.” Cain responded sarcastically.
“Good. I’ll see you later.”
“Debbie I was joking. Debs we’ve got Carl’s van to...Ah what the hell.”

Debbie lingered in the village square, she had two obvious choices. She could either open the official letter currently stuffed in her overall pocket, or not. She knew if she went home she’d have all the excuses in the world to succumb to the latter, so instead she headed for the Wool Pack where she knew her aunty Chaz and possibly her mum would be propping up the bar.

“A pint please Dianne and whatever misery guts here is having?”
“Pint please.”
“Right ya’ are. Take a seat I’ll bring them over.”
“Cheers Dianne. So, what’s up?” Chaz had never really been one for beating around the bush.
“This.” Debbie placed the crumpled brown envelope on the table.
“And? You after a drum role?”
“It’s from Her Majesty’s Prison Service Manchester.”
“Why what you done?”
“Why does everyone assume…Debbie huffed. It’s about Jasmine.”
“Are you sure?”
“It’s been two years, no answer. It’s about now she is up for release.”
“Have you spoken to Ashley and Laurel?”
“I tried. I saw them this morning. I had no idea what to say. But Ashley gave me this.”
“The letter?”
“No that’s a visiting order. He gave me this one.” She delved into her overalls and retrieved another envelope, this one smaller and unaddressed. She had obviously intended it to be hand delivered.
“So that’s the one you haven’t opened?”
“Exactly.”
“And?”
“Well I can’t.”
“Why not?” Debbie was slightly concerned that Chaz wasn’t grasping the seriousness of the situation.
“What if she has changed her mind? What if she wants to come back here and make a go of things?”
“Would that be bad?”
“No. Not exactly. It’s just…she wanted me to move on.”
“Ahhhhh. Now Chaz understood. Okay, so you’re still single. That’s not really a surprise. I mean options around here are limited.”
“I haven’t even tried. I wanted to forget her. I really did, but nothing could even come close to what we had.”
“Great, so I have a gay niece and a gay son. Aren’t I lucky?”
“Aaron came out?” Debbie couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Not directly. It’s only a matter of time.”
“I could have a word if you want?”
“Awww that’d be great. Now open that letter.”
“I will. I just need another pint first. What you having?”

~*~

All the Dingles sat around their dining room table laughing and chatting were unable to drown out the clanking and huffing and puffing coming from upstairs.

“What’s she doing?”
“Choosing an outfit for prison visiting.”
“Why? Who does she know on the inside?”
“Jasmine. She sent a visiting order for tomorrow.”
“Jasmine Thomas? As in Ashley’s niece? Has she spoken to him and Laurel?” Lisa asked, concerned. She remembered the last time Jasmine and Debbie had laid eyes on one another.
“No idea. She’s been upstairs doing that since the early hours of this morning. I think she’s demolished her room.”
“Maybe you should go up there Aaron and offer her some of your famous styling tips?” Cain quipped, as he flashed Aaron his cheekiest grin and wink. Aaron knew he would regret coming out to his family if only for the stick he would receive, but they had been surprisingly supportive through the whole Jackson thing and now his relationship with Adam.
“Ey. Enough.” Chaz intervened.
“I would, but I don’t help Lesbos, maybe your style would be more appropriate?”
“Right. Pack it in you two.” Charity had to physically restrain Crain as he made a very really attempt to clobber Aaron from across the dinner table, who ignited the situation by flashing him the middle finger.

Debbie appeared on the landing, frustration etched all over her face.

“Mum, Chaz, Aaron, Anyone? Help me!”
“See she did want your help.” Cain sneered.
“Yeah well she did mention everyone with taste. I notice you were left out.”
“Hello! Help. Now.” Debbie’s manic outburst prevented the start of world war three, but she didn’t even notice, as she stomped back up the stairs and threw the pair of boots she had been cradling in her arms at the bedroom wall.
“What the hell…?” Chaz exclaimed, as they walked into what could only be called a bomb site.
“Debbie? She spoke softly, afraid of another outburst. Did she explain? I know you got a visiting order, but…”
“Yeah she told me. She’s passed her board. She wants to see me before she leaves.”
“Right lets calm down shall we? Aaron tried to appease her. Breathe. Easy question first. Are you going to wear trousers or a skirt?”
“Skirt. No, trousers. No a skirt. No, Jeans.”
“Right, jeans it is. Lets get busy.”
“My God. You are so gay.” Charity goaded.
“Not helping, mum.” Debbie scolded.

~*~

Debbie sat in Adam’s van, hands tapping nervously on the dash, as she stared blankly out of the window, beside her Adam mimicked her actions, and from somewhere over her shoulder Aaron kept up a constant monologue of encouragement.

“I don’t think I can do this.” Debbie finally voiced.
“Yes you can.” Adam interjected out of frustration. He had other ideas of how he would like to be spending his day off. Aaron silenced him with a look.
“I bet that’s what she’s been thinking.”
“What?” Debbie and Adam responded in unison, they were slightly surprised by his insightfulness.
“She’s obviously got something she wants to tell you, but for however long she has avoided speaking to you.”
“And?”
“My guess is she is afraid you’ve moved on and forgotten her.”
“She told me to.”
“You know what it’s like. She was probably trying to be brave and to fit in.” Aaron reasoned.
“You think?” Adam nodded and smiled in agreement as she briefly caught his eye.
“Of course. He stated calmly. Just think how you felt seeing her for those brief moments, not being allowed to touch her or to hold her and then watching her leave. I bet she was trying to protect you both.”
“Yeah well…fat lot of good that’s done her.” Debbie fumed.
“Are you kidding me? For the first time Aaron actually sounded ruffled and he made Adam jump. Up until last month or whenever you left you was a single mum, living at home, making no real attempt to go out and meet anyone. Don’t you think you’ve been waiting for this?”
“No…well maybe.” She cowered under his stern stare.
“You better go or you’ll miss your chance completely.” Adam interrupted.
“Plus you have somewhere you’d rather be, right?” Debbie joked.
“Well it had crossed my mind.” He flashed her his winning smile.
“I bet.” Debbie responded with a knowing wink.
“Sorry to be a kill joy and what not, but shouldn’t you be making tracks? Aaron gestured towards the iron gates, menacing even from a distance. And Debz?”
“Yeah?”
“Go get your girl.”
“Damn they were right. So gay.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?”
“I have no idea, babe. Adam couldn’t help but laugh at the mystified expression on Aaron’s face. So, about getting you home?”
“Drive. Drive like the wind.”
“Who’s insatiable now, ey?”
“We’ll see.” Aaron laughed.
“Wait! Engine running, van in gear, the door swung open unexpectedly interrupting their flirting. Don’t ask. Debbie grimaced at Aaron. Just take me home.”

[thompsontilly]

Jasmine’s Back

Aaron jumped in surprise as he was enveloped in a muscular embrace.
“You okay Aaron?” His cry had roused Debbie’s attention. She shouted from the office where she had been holed up most of the afternoon going over the accounts.
“I…I’m fine. I just caught my hand. He punched Adam playfully as he fought to stifle his giggles. Idiot. What are you doing here?”
“Aaron, does it need looking at? We have the first aid box back here.”
“No it’s not bleeding or owt.” He tried to reassure her so she’d stop fussing and stay in the office as Adam was evidently on the wind up.
“Awww really? I thought we could play doctors and nurses.” He whispered seductively in Aaron’s ear, as his hands lingered around his waist, dipping briefly beneath the waistband of his jeans.
“Not here. Debbie’s in the back in case you’d forgotten.” Scowling Aaron removed Adam’s hands and stepped away from him.
“She’s my boss and my cousin and I am supposed to be working.”
“I know. It was a joke.” Adam was slightly hurt. He knew Aaron was uncomfortable with PDAs but it’s not like he was planning to jump him whilst he was at work in front of all and sundry.

* Cough * * Cough *

“Don’t mind me lads.”
“What do you want?”
“Charming.” Jasmine stood facing these two strangers with her hands firmly on her hips.
“Sorry about that. He means how can we help you?” Aaron had already lost interest in the conversation and was fiddling about under the hood of that afternoon’s job.
“I’m looking for someone. She used to work here. Debbie. Debbie Dingle.”
“I’d ask him if I were you.” Aaron pointed over her shoulder.
“Who?” Jasmine turned on the spot to find herself inches from the smug, leering visage of one Cain Dingle.
“Well I never. Jasmine Thomas. Long time no see.”
“You know one another?” Adam couldn’t help sounding a little skeptical, this girl was gorgeous, if she had dealings with Cain that had to be a bad sign.
“This is the Vicar’s niece and my darling daughter’s….”
“Best friend.”
“Is that what we are going with?”
“For now. So where is she?”
“I believe she is-”
“Behind you.” Having seen Jasmine stood talking to her dad, Debbie thought she should make a move to help her.
“Debbie. I am so-” Unable to control the pent up emotions surging through her body, Debbie dived at Jasmine and their lips met in an instant of pure lust and passion, their tongues danced furiously, as they desperately searched for the touch they had been starved of for so long.
“See. Best friends. Now run along girlies and get a room. You are distracting my workers, well one at least.” He winked at Aaron who flashed him the middle finger before returning to the car in front of him.
“Such maturity. You wouldn’t treat your family like that would you Jasmine?”
“Grow up Cain. Some things never change, do they? She looked at Debbie questioningly. Deb we need to talk. It was lovely meeting you two boys. Ignore his jibes. I think he is in denial personally. Cain always a pleasure.”
“You fancy a drink?”
“Make it a double. It’s been a while.”
“Shouldn’t you…? Debbie gestured towards the Vicarage. However, as they looked over Ashley and Laurel were stood on the doorstep smiling and pointing to the pub. Their meaning perfectly clear. First round’s on you then?”
“In your dreams Debbie. In your dreams.”

~*~

Several drinks later and the girls were spread out on the leather sofa seats practically on top of one another, reminiscing about old times.

“I missed this. Having someone to go out with. Someone to laugh with and talk to. I missed you.” Debbie slurred as she draped her arms around Jasmine in an attempted hug.
“I missed you too.”
“So why did you ignore my visiting orders and letters?”
“I thought it would be easier for both of us if we just moved on.”
“I didn’t. I kept your ring.”
“You did? I kept an old photo I had of you under my pillow. I wanted to see you. I did.”
“But you didn’t.”
“No, but I will always remember what we said. Our love was for keeps in my heart.”
“You mean that?”
“Always. Debbie leant in, closing the gap between them, when suddenly Jasmine stood up, covered her mouth and hurtled to the toilets. I’m going to be sick.”

She returned to their booth shortly after, slightly paler, but more sober.

“Time to get you home, missus.” Like the blind leading the blind they hobbled through the village.
“Are you coming with me?”
“No. I am going home to my bed.”
“You can always get in mine.” Debbie mumbled sleepily.
“Not tonight, hun.”
“Some other time?”
“Maybe.”
“Soon? Promise?”
“I promise. Night Debz.”
“Night Jaz. I…L…ove you.”
“I love you too.”

Quietly as possible she closed the door behind her, as Debbie’s contented snores and whimpers drifted through. It had been two years. No visits or letters and still these feelings plague her. And that kiss. What was that about? Okay, so maybe they still felt the same, but she couldn’t afford to mess it up this time. As she walked home the only thought on her mind was “You can always get in mine” and she had to admit she had been tempted. Very tempted.

[thompsontilly]

The Morning After The Night Before

Debbie woke as the early morning sun crept through her already open blinds and flashed in her eyes. Her head was pounding and she didn’t have a clue how she had got home and why she was still wearing her clothes from the day before.

“Debbie! Wakey Wakey rise and shine!”
“Mum. Shhh please. I’m dying.”
“Well some of us have to go to work.”
“It’s Saturday.”
“It is and your daughter is already up and about. I made her some toast and she is watching TV.”
“Thanks. Mum how did I get in last night?”
“Some girl brought you. Debbie relaxed slightly. At least she hadn’t imagined that. Just so you know you are the talk of the village.”
“Why? What did I do?”
“All over another girl in public. It is a disgrace.”
“And what was Zoe?”
“That was different?”
“How exactly?”
“It was none of your business.”
“Well Jasmine was different too. I love her.”
“You love her? Where has she been all this time? Why have we never met her?”
“Dad has.”
“Your dad knows this girl?”
“Yeah but it is a long story.”
“You’ll have to tell me later. I can’t be late. Not today.
“Fine.”
“Never mind fine. Get up!”
“I’m up. I’m up.”
“Oh, I nearly forgot. That girl-”
“What?”
“She’s downstairs with Sarah.”
“Here?”
“Yes. You’d better get ready. She said you needed to talk.”
“We do. Right. Thanks for that mum.”
“My pleasure. I’ll see you later.”
“Bye.”

~*~

Debbie stood on the stairs and watched Jasmine, as she sat on the floor with Sarah side-by-side laughing wildly as they ducked and dived to beat each other on the X-box. She looked so comfortable, so happy. It brought tears to her eyes, as she remembered the nights they had spent together just relaxing doing exactly the same thing.

“How about we let mummy have a go? I bet you could beat her.” A touch on her arm brought Debbie back to reality.
“Ooooo I bet she can’t beat me.”
“I bet I can.” Sarah jibed, a Cheshire Cat grin on her face.
“You’re on. You set it up.”
“Can Jasmine stay with us and play?”
“She can, but she’s probably busy.” Debbie tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.
“I’d love to. Actually I was thinking we could do this and then I could take you and mummy out for lunch. Sound good?”
“Yeah!!!”
“Sounds good. We still need to talk.”
“Don’t worry, we have time.” Jasmine smiled at her reassuringly.
“We do?”
“Yeah, Uncle Ashley says I can stay for a while.”
“So you can come and play again, Jasmine?” Sarah squeaked excitedly.
“You know what. I think I can.” She sat down on the sofa and placed her hand softly and discreetly on Debbie’s knee, squeezing it lightly. They both stared at the television screen, a smile playing across their lips.
“That’ll be fun won’t it Sarah? Having someone else you can beat on the computer.”
“Yeah and Jasmine is better than you at Mario Kart.”
“Is she now? We’ll have to put that right.”
“GAME ON. I’ll play the winner.” Sarah, clapped as she threw the remotes to Debbie and Jasmine, who were shocked into action.
“Right Thomas. You’re going down!”
“That’s what you think, Dingle.”

[thompsontilly]

;D Please feel free to read and comment. Carly x ;D