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Good Enough/Crossroads--Chapter 21--Looking Forward

Chance's breath snagged in his throat and he was unsure of what to say in response to Anders Erikson's call. What should he say? What was there to say? He wasn't even entirely sure he should have called the coach's husband in the first place.

"Excuse me?" Anders Erikson said. "Are you still there?"

"Yes, I'm here," Chance answered. "Um... how are you?"

He could've sworn he heard Anders chortle. "I am as well as can be expected, given what's happened, but I am more concerned with you. Are you well?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Please, you don't need to lie to me," Anders countered, his voice not losing its warmth. "I just want to help however I can. And you wouldn't have called me if you didn't require my help."

Chance swallowed thickly. "Well, I..." He thought for a moment. He wanted to vent, to speak everything that was on his mind and torturing him from the inside. But he stopped himself, saying only, "I'm coping."

"I see... Have you been resting well? Eating healthy?"

"Not exactly resting well," Chance confessed. "I... I had a really bad dream last night... about your husband."

"I can't say I'm surprised," Anders noted sadly. "Traumatic events are typically catalysts for nightmares. Perhaps a psychiatrist could help. I know a few that I can get on the line with you."

"I'd rather not," Chance answered. "I don't want to talk about it."

"... Then why call me?" Anders mused.

"You warned me about Coach Salt's family," Chance explained. "I was just wondering if you could explain it a little more. Your warning was a little... frightening."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you!"

"It's okay, I just wanted to know what you meant."

Anders hesitated briefly. "Nathan's family was very... unsupportive to say the least. Apart from his mother, I've heard that they were very homophobic. Nathan's drinking problems began shortly after he introduced me to them. Apparently, they did not take his homosexuality seriously until then. By then, we'd been together for a while. I hadn't known how bad it was until we were practically forced from his family's house."

"Oh... But my dad isn't that bad."

"Yet," Anders remarked. "The prejudice starts small. First comments, then action. And I'm not saying your father would do that!" he added hurriedly when he heard Chance gasp. "Just beware of when you see it become dangerous. Have a place to go and somewhere to stay should he become... violent."

"My dad isn't like that!" Chance insisted. "He might not like Zack but that's because he doesn't know him yet. I'm sure he'll be okay with it."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I love Zack. So he'll love him too."

"Nathan said the same thing to me about his father," Anders noted.

Chance felt as if someone had dropped ice down his spine. "I don't know how else to change his mind."

"See if it can be changed first," Anders said. "I'm a doctor, so I try to save everyone... but not everybody can be saved," he stated, his voice cracking. Chance could almost hear the heartbreak in Anders's voice as the coyote continued to speak. "I couldn't save my own husband from alcoholism. You might not be able to save your father from his homophobia."

"I thought you were trying to help me," Chance whined, trying to hold back his own tears.

"I'm sorry, I'm making things worse, aren't I? I sincerely apologize and wish nothing but happiness for you," Anders assured him. "But please, consider my words carefully. I have to go, but my door's still open for you."

"Goodbye," Chance said, hanging up.

There was a knock on the door and Chance looked up in surprise. For a moment, he was shocked to find himself in Zack's bedroom, but soon remembered where he was. Standing in the doorway, looking very worried, was Mr. Bailey, eyes narrowed.

"Are you alright, son? Who was that?"

"How much of that did you hear?" Chance questioned.

"Enough," Mr. Bailey confessed.

"Just a police therapist," Chance lied quickly. "Where's Zack?"

"He went to the store," Mr. Bailey explained. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Y-yeah. Do you guys need help with lunch?"

"... If you want to," Mr. Bailey said and Chance jumped up from Zack's bed and started to follow Mr. Bailey to the kitchen.

---

David paced nervously, unable to compose his mind to focus on anything but the knowledge that his son was just beyond his reach right now. More than once, he'd considered going to retrieve Charles himself, but what would be the point? He'd only want to go back to that jackal.

His boyfriend...

"Davey, you're driving yourself insane," Michelle said from the couch, looking up from her book. She'd watched him pace irritably for nearly twenty minutes.

"I'm sorry, I just can't... I really shouldn't have let him go," David stated.

"He's a teenager. You can't keep him in isolation."

"I know. But after what that... that bastard did to him," David grumbled, "I'd just feel better if he'd stayed home."

"Zack really does care about your son," Michelle stated. "I've seen the way they look at each other. Might just be puppy love, but what if it's real?"

"They're cubs, they don't know anything about love," David snorted.

Michelle shrugged, closing her book and setting it on the coffee table. She stood and ran her fingers through her hair. "You know, if you really want to check on him, why don't you just call him?"

David paused. He hadn't thought of that. He smiled happily and walked over to kiss her lovingly. "What would I do without you?"

"Driven yourself to a rubber room," she teased. "I'm going to take a shower. I'll whip up a nice dinner for us when I get out, okay?"

"Alright."

He watched her walk off, still smiling. When she was no longer in sight, he pulled out his phone and quickly dialed Charles's phone number. It rang once... twice... Why wasn't he answering? Was he okay? That jackal better not have--

"Hello?" came Charles's surprised voice.

"Charles, I just wanted to check on you," David stated, relief flooding his mind in place of his growing worry. He exhaled calmly.

"Yeah, Dad, I'm fine," Chance remarked. "I'm just having lunch with Zack's family right now."

"I see..." David said. "Can I speak to one of Zack's parents?"

Chance didn't immediately answer. Then, with a hint of suspicion in his voice, he said, "Why? What's wrong?"

"Charles, give one of them the phone," David ordered firmly.

Chance swallowed audibly. David waited hesitantly, hearing the sounds of movement on the other end. After a few tense seconds, another voice, Geoff Bailey's, answered.

"Hello, David," Geoff greeted and David bristled slightly at the familiarity, though he wasn't entirely sure why. He had invited Geoff to call him by his first name when they'd last spoken. "Charlie said you wanted to talk?"

He lets you call him Charlie? He used to get annoyed with me for doing that.

"Yes, I just wanted to thank you for looking after him," David said simply. He cleared his throat. "If there's any trouble--"

"No trouble at all," Geoff replied brightly. David was about to say something else, but he heard Geoff call out to someone on the other end, his voice slightly muffled. David surmised he might've moved the phone away to speak to someone else. "Eat, Tristan! You two can play later!" Geoff came back. "Sorry, my youngest son's excited to talk to Charlie again," he explained with a slight laugh.

"Yes, he seemed quite fascinated with Charles last time I saw him," David answered, chortling himself as he remembered the little jackal's youthful exuberance.

"Yep, like Charlie's a long-lost brother," Geoff agreed.

"I would actually like to speak with you about something else," David continued. "Charles's birthday is on Friday. With all that's happened, I'm not sure if he'd even want to celebrate but... but I think it might be a good way to help him unwind. To help him put some of this... unpleasantness behind him."

"Oh, it is?" Geoff gasped. "I had no idea. He didn't say a word! Hell, Zack didn't even say anything!"

"He didn't?" David wondered.

"It must've slipped their minds," Geoff remarked, "after everything that's happened. Usually Zack's really good at things like dates and birthdays and stuff. He makes a bigger deal about it than anyone else I know."

So, why didn't he say anything? David wondered irritably.

Calm down, he told himself.Maybe Charles didn't say anything. Perhaps that jackal didn't even know.

"Right, so I was thinking, if you don't mind, that we might be able to throw him a birthday party," David continued into the phone, trying to clear out the irritating thoughts in his head. "Charles is a bit of a wallflower, but it might do him a world of good to see his friends again."

"That's an excellent idea," Geoff agreed. "We could throw it here, if you like. We've got plenty of space, an open backyard, etc. We can order pizzas and everything, the whole nine yards."

"There's no reason to go overboard," David warned quickly. "Charles doesn't always do well at parties. I was thinking something smaller, a little more intimate. Just a few of his friends at my house."

"I gotcha," Geoff said. "Well, I'm sure Zack knows his friends. We can make it a small surprise party. I'm sure that'll help put a smile on his face."

"I like the sound of that," David said, grinning. "I'll talk to Michelle about food and such, don't worry about that. And I'm sure Zack can keep Charles occupied while we get everything together."

"When exactly were you hoping to have this little gathering?" Geoff wondered.

"Well, his birthday is next Friday, the sixteenth," David explained, "so I was thinking on Saturday."

"Right," Geoff noted. "So, next Saturday?"

"Sounds good to me."

---

The sound of the patio door opening caught Chance's attention and he looked up from his lunch, hoping to see Zack returning. However, it was Mr. Bailey, returning with his phone and a smile on his face. His wife clearly noticed as well.

"What put you in such a good mood?" she wondered, watching her husband return Chance's phone. Chance looked at the small device suspiciously, wondering what his father could have possibly said to put Mr. Bailey in a good mood.

"Just a fun discussion with a good friend," Mr. Bailey answered. He frowned. "Zack's not back yet?"

Mrs. Bailey shook her head. "Might be a long line at the store?"

"Could be," Mr. Bailey said, though he sounded unconvinced and concerned. "He'd better get back soon. Not polite to leave with a guest here."

Chance was about to ask about the phone conversation when Tristan's voice spoke. "DONE! Can we go play now?!" the young jackal asked, showing his mother his plate, picked almost meticulously clean.

Mrs. Bailey, caught off-guard, nodded. "Ask Charlie if he wants to play."

Hopping down from his seat, Tristan bounded over to Chance, grabbing his paw and pulling gently. "Hey, hey, you wanna play with me?!" Tristan asked, beaming.

Chance laughed slightly. "Okay, what do you wanna play?"

Tristan wondered for a moment. "Can I show you my action figures? Or we can go play basketball!"

"I'd like to see your action figures," Chance said politely.

Tristan yanked on his arm and Chance nearly fell out of his seat. He hurriedly caught himself, walking awkwardly as Tristan pulled him away from the table. His ears perked up slightly as he heard two words from the table he was leaving behind.

"Birthday party," Geoff said in a poor whisper to his wife.

A birthday party? Whose birthday was...?

Yours, dummy. It's your birthday next week.

The thought had completely caught him by surprise. How he had forgotten, he wasn't sure, but he was sure that he hadn't told Zack's parents about it. Come to think of it, he wasn't even sure if he had ever told Zack.

That must be it, Chance realized with amusement. That's what my dad told him. And now they're planning a birthday party.

They had reached Tristan's room. Chance said down on Tristan's bed while the little jackal rushed about the messy room, gathering up the toys left on his dresser and floor. Tristan piled them onto the bed beside Chance and Chance tried his hardest to listen to the little one explain what each toy was, what superpowers they had, where he'd gotten them, but his mind was preoccupied now.

A birthday party might be fun. Wonder who they'd invite. Probably Lonny and Jamie and the others. And Sylvia, I should call her too... Maybe...

_Maybe Junior... _

_Why not? Junior's my friend, isn't he? He might've had issues with Zack before but now... After Zack saved me, maybe now they can be friends again? Maybe that'll show him that Zack's not evil. _

Maybe...

"Hey, Tristan," Chance said suddenly.

Tristan paused, mid-monologue about a robotic toy, and looked up. "Yeah?"

"You like parties?"

Tristan nodded eagerly. "Yep! Last month, my friend had this really fun birthday party with a bouncy house, pizza, a magic show and all sorts of stuff!"

"Well, can you keep a secret?" Chance said coyly.

Tristan gasped in anticipation.

"My birthday's next week. You think I should have a party?"

"YEAH!" Tristan chirped loudly and Chance winced at the sudden increase in volume. "I can help decorate and plan it and we can get all kinds of really cool stuff!"

"Not so loud," Chance said, chuckling. "Okay. I think I will. You'll be there right?"

"Yep! And can Seth and Zack and Mommy and Daddy come too?!"

"Of course," Chance said. "But let's keep it a secret. Let's surprise them." He put a finger to his lips and Tristan mimicked the action.

"You can count on me."

---

The sound of a door slamming roused Chance's attention. Seated on the floor, Tristan seemed wholeheartedly oblivious, but before Chance could even rise, the door to Tristan's bedroom opened. Zack stood on the other side, looking visibly upset and nervous.

"Charlie, sorry to say this, but I gotta take you home now," Zack murmured sheepishly, unable to meet Chance's gaze. Before Chance could say anything, Zack smiled down at Tristan, who was staring up at him with a mixture of disappointment and curiosity. "Tristan, wanna come along for the ride?" Zack asked brightly.

At once, Tristan dropped his action figures, hoping to his feet. "Sure! Lemme get my shoes on!" And he dashed out of the room, his light steps pattering down the stairs.

Chance approached Zack fretfully, visibly biting his lip. "Zack, what happened? I thought you went to the store."

Zack actively looked away. "It's just some family drama," he said dismissively. "We don't want you getting roped into it. I'm sorry."

Chance exhaled. "It's okay. Let me get my stuff."

A few minutes later, after silently gathering his things from Zack's room, Chance followed his boyfriend down the stairs, where Tristan was bouncing in his energetic state. Upon seeing Chance, he rushed over, hugging Chance around his waist kindly. Chance returned the gesture, unable to stop his own smile.

"Can Charlie come back soon?" Tristan asked, pulling away. "I want to show him the rest of my action figures!"

Chance's jaw dropped. "He has so many action figures."

Zack laughed heartily. "Sure, but not today. Not this weekend. It's a bit of a mess really. But we'll see each other again soon." He looked over his shoulder. Geoff was waiting, looking strangely impatient. "I'll meet you guys outside, okay?"

Chance nodded in dejection. "Okay. Come on, Tristan."

---

The ride to Chance's was uncomfortable, though not silent. Between Tristan's mile-a-minute talking and Zack's amused chuckles, conversation was abundant and entertaining, but Chance noticed very carefully how tightly Zack had been gripping the steering wheel, how tense his body was. When they pulled into the driveway of the Argent house, Zack leaned over his console to give Chance a kiss and Tristan unbuckled his seatbelt, eagerly giving Chance an awkward hug before he got out of the car.

Chance watched the truck pull out and disappear around the corner before turning towards the house. He paused; David was standing on the porch, looking confused.

"What happened? Weren't you going to spend the night there?" he wondered.

"Just... some family stuff came up, I guess," Chance answered sadly.

"I see," David grumbled suspiciously. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just gonna go relax in my room," Chance answered. "Maybe do some sketching."

"Why don't you come watch a movie with me and Michelle?" David suggested. "We hardly spend any time together anymore."

"I'd honestly rather be alone right now, Dad," Chance said, stepping up to the porch and through the front door.

"If you say so... but hey, your birthday's coming up!" David said with forced energetics.

Chance stopped and looked back. "Yeah, I know."

"So, soon you'll be sixteen," David said happily. "Anything you want to celebrate turning the big one-six?"

Slightly disturbed by his father's sudden show of mirth, Chance shook his head. Then, he remembered hearing Mr. Bailey telling his wife about a birthday party. Probably one that David would be helping them organize. "No, thanks anyway," Chance said. "But, thanks for remembering."

"When have I ever forgot?"

Chance thought. "Never."

David held out his arms in an inviting gesture and Chance walked into the embrace. "I love you, Chance," David assured him. "Just want you to be happy."

"Get me a car."

"Don't push it, Charles."

---

Chance had been sketching in his room for almost an hour when his phone began to ring. He looked up from his sketch, a small drawing of Tristan with his seemingly endless supply of toys, and looked at his phone. His mouth pulled into a scowl when he saw the name.

What does he want now?

Chance had been purposefully ignoring Junior--and almost everyone from school. Despite the numerous texts and calls he'd received from Sylvia, Lonny, Lexi, Benny... From almost every one of his friends, he'd neglected to answer them. But Junior had been annoyingly persistent, having sent no less than fourteen texts and called at least seven times.

Swallowing a wash of irritation, Chance answered, putting it on speaker.

"Hello?" he asked in frustration, hoping that the sound might dissuade Junior from talking too much or too long.

"Hey, Chance, been a while," Junior answered. "Look, still at work so I can't talk long. Just wanted to check on you. I heard about what happened between you and the coach. You okay?"

"Does everyone know?!" Chance wondered. "I was told they wouldn't use my name!"

"Well, anyone who knows you would've figured it out," Junior answered. "The news said a white wolfdog student was attacked. And suddenly you fall off the radar. Doesn't take much to put two and two together. You okay?"

"I'm coping," Chance replied and he sighed. "I guess I've been worse. Zack's really been trying his hardest to help."

"I just saw him here," Junior said, "at Krafter's."

"You work at an art store? You never told me that," Chance said. "I could use some new pencils." He looked at his sketchbook--he was already two from the last page. "And a new sketchbook probably."

"Cool, so I can go ahead and get you one!" Junior offered. "For your birthday!"

"How'd you know about my birthday?"

"Zack told me," Junior confessed and he sounded suddenly frightened.

"Does this mean you two stopped hating each other? I swear, if you two start fighting again--"

"We're not fighting," Junior answered defensively. "I just wanted to know about you. You've ghosted everyone. People are worried about you, Chance. We just want to know if you're alright. And my friends are important to me."

Chance was stunned, shocked by Junior's admission. He fumbled for words for a brief moment before saying, "If you want to get me a sketchbook, sure. I'd appreciate it. And hey, one more thing!"

"What?"

"They're planning a surprise party for me next weekend," Chance said. "I'd really like it if you came. You and Benny and Lexi... I miss you guys. A lot."

"Really?" Junior gasped. "Sure! Just give me an address and I'm there!"