Acrylic Bonds

 

 

Final Invitation

Life had fallen into a simple routine for the boys. Stephan’s 17^th birthday was approaching and Vincent decided he wanted to set up a party. All the guys worked to keep Stephan occupied all day so he wouldn’t find out. He seemed to have caught on as he locked himself in his studio swearing he wouldn’t come out.  While decorations went up and cakes were baked and art patrons invited to celebrate, no one was aware that Erick had decided to pay a visit bearing a letter from headmaster George.

Stephan was gathering another container of water when his eyes fell upon the thin figure approaching from the distance. Erick waved “Hi! It’s been a long time!” He called to Stephan who stood as though welcoming the young man from his recent past.

“Headmaster George sent me with a message. He knew it was your birthday…naturally and he wanted to invite you to come home.”

“Home?” Stephan cocked his head innocently, his large green eyes seeming to convey a message of genuine curiosity.

“Yes, You and Brian can come back. They have new programs now. When you turn 18 you can get money for college and everything!”

Stephan placed a finger near his lip as if thinking.

“Maybe you can come in the studio and tell me about it.”

Erick nodded with a happy smile. Stephan stepped aside so Erick could enter the room first. As Erick walked by, he pulled a blade from the table near the door, raking it quickly across Erick’s throat. The body slumped to the floor.

Stephan placed the body on a large thick drop cloth and dragged Erick’s body across the large yard until he reached the water. Sitting quietly with a whittling knife, he removed the smaller appendages before stripping down to his under clothes. He dove in, collected a few heavy rocks and placed them inside Erick’s clothes. He filled the pants and shirt making sure he was well weighted down before dragging him into the water as far out as he could go, dropping him until he sank to the bottom. He’d come back later for proper disposal but for now. He had a party to prepare for.

Stephan returned to his studio, found the letter, placed it in a return box along with Erick’s fingers and toes. He scrawled the words: ‘No thank you’ before dropping the package in the mailbox.

Brian found him returning to the studio, his hair was still damp and glistening, his clothes sticking to him a little. Brian pat him on the head “Hey! Where’ve you been? Why are you so wet?”

Stephan shook his head “I went to wash my brushes and sort of fell in the water.” He smiled before giving Brian a small peck on the cheek.

Brian grinned, gave Stephan a little kiss and took his hand. “Guess you know about the party. Come on, I’ll help you get dressed.”

 

Stephan giggled “Okay Bry! Will there be cake?” He asked as if that was the most important part of his day.

Brian laughed “Of course, it’s your favorite too!”

“Did you make it?” He asked in a slightly high pitch voice while skipping along beside Brian’s long strides.

“Yes, Stevie you know I made it for you.”

“Then I know it will be delicious!” Stephan grabbed Brian around the neck placing a loving kiss along his neck.

“Save that for after the party.” Brian grinned before kissing Stephan’s fingers. “My little monster.” He added.

Stephan’s eyes twinkled although he didn’t say a word. Brian had no idea just how right he was.