Hold Me

Thanks for your patience, and sorry for the delay! Here's the next chapter, and hopefully it will be getting more exciting from here on out ^^

epica: Um... no I'm not married... >>; Anyway, you're welcome for the fast update and sorry this one took so long. The other ones will be faster, I promise.
Anon: Thank you for reviewing and I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!
unknown: I'm glad that I can break at good points! Thank you for reviewing, and enjoy the chapter!

This time, it was his stomach growling that roused Evan. He sat up and glanced around. Early morning sun poured in through the windows, and wonderful smells were coming from the kitchen. Without even thinking, he lurched to his feet and slowly made his way to the kitchen. What he was met with, when he entered, was a young woman in a plain white apron at the stove. She shared Alex’s black hair, but hers was pinned back in a ponytail, much longer than her brother’s, and had a gentle waves running through it. Her clothes were those of a business-woman, and when she turned around she fit Evan’s image of a receptionist to a “T”. “So, I see you can get up now,” she sniffed, glaring at him from beneath eyelashes coated with mascara.

“Y... Yes ma’am,” Evan stuttered, remembering all that she had said the day before.

“Good. The sooner you recover, the sooner you can leave,” she stated. Evan froze, even though he understood where she was coming from, the words still hurt. He wondered if Alex would be sad if he left.

“Good morning,” came Alex’s greeting, as if on cue. Evan quickly whirled to face Alex, and felt a wave of dizziness sweep over him. “Are you all right?” Alex exclaimed worriedly, hurrying to Evan’s side.

“I’m fine,” Evan assured him quickly.

“Stop fussing over him! He said he’s fine, he doesn’t need our assistance, as you can see,” Alex’s sister growled.

“Emelia! That was completely uncalled for!” Alex returned, looking hurt.

“It’s the truth,” Emelia stated. “I’ve made you breakfast. Just you,” she stressed. “Be sure to eat it and go to school today,” she scolded.

“Sister!” Alex shouted.

Emelia seemed completely unaffected, “I’m going now.” With that, she turned on her heel, walked to the door and picked up her purse on her way out the door.

“I apologize for my sister,” Alex said with a sigh.

“You don’t have to. It’s not your fault, and she also had a point,” Evan said, refusing to look at Alex.

“Here, I’ll quick make something for you as well, and then we can eat together,” Alex suggested, going to the refrigerator. Evan blushed, how long had it been since he sat down and ate a meal with another person? Definitely not for a very long time. Probably not after he left home. “Evan? Are you feeling alright?” Alex asked, and Evan realized he had spaced out.

“Yeah, sorry...” Evan mumbled, taking a seat at the table. Soon, Alex set a plate of eggs and bacon in front of him.

“Milk or juice?” Alex asked, holding up a carton of milk in one hand and orange juice in the other.

“Juice, please,” Evan responded.

“You’ll never get tall!” Alex laughed, causing Evan to blush. Alex set a glass of milk down for himself and hand the orange juice to Evan. He also passed a basket of biscuits which Evan helped himself to. “You said you’re three years younger than I am, that means your seventeen, doesn’t it?” Alex asked between mouthfuls. Evan nodded, too busy stuffing his face to form words. “That means that you should be in high school, correct?” Alex asked. Evan froze, and after a moment slowly nodded. “Are you enrolled in any of the nearby schools?” Alex asked, a question Evan had been dreaded.

This time, he took the time to swallow his food before answering, “No.”

Alex frowned, “Why not?” he demanded.

“Didn’t want to. Besides, I normally don’t stay in one place very long. And I don’t have the money to pay for it,” Evan said with a shrug, before shoveling more food into his mouth.

“How long has it been since you attended school?” Alex asked seriously. Evan looked to the side without answering. “Evan,” Alex growled.

“A few years,” Evan replied, dodging the question.

Alex sighed, “I have to attend classes today, but when I finish I’ll check the nearest high school to see about enrolling you.”

“There’s no need! Besides, I thought your sister said you were tight on money! And I’m not going to be sticking around long enough for it to matter,” Evan mumbled the last words under his breath.

“My sister is being too tight with money. Besides, a boy like you needs an education! Emelia can deal with it,” Alex stated. Evan blushed, not understanding why Alex was being so kind to him. This was the first time he had been faced with such kindness, and he didn’t know how to handle it. He finished his meal and, per Alex’s request, let the other clear the table. “I’ve called one of my friends over. He doesn’t have any classes today so he’ll keep you company while I’m gone,” Alex said with a smile.

“You don’t trust me?” Evan asked, feeling a little hurt.

“I’m worried about your fever coming back... But you’re right, I don’t want you disappearing on me,” Alex said. Evan looked startled, wondering if Alex thought that he would steal from them or something like that. Surely, the words he said could not have as innocent a meaning as they sounded. Glumly, he nodded and returned to the couch as Alex disappeared through a doorway that presumably led to the bedrooms. He emerged shortly with a book bag and a bicycle helmet. “Be good while I’m gone,” Alex said.

“I’m not a cat!” Evan growled, causing Alex to laugh.

“I know that,” he said, and Evan blushed, glaring at Alex. He knew he was being teased, but he couldn’t help but react strongly to every little thing Alex said. Stubbornly, he blamed it on this being the first person he had seriously talked to in a while. Alex was just about to head towards the door when it was thrown open. In the doorway was the most shocking man Evan had ever seen, and he couldn’t help but stare at the man, wondering what type of fashion sense this guy could possibly have, if any which he doubted. Alex sighed and turned to Evan. “Evan, this is the friend I was telling you about,” he said, gesturing to the man in the doorway.