Chapter 18
Braxley (Yore)
They woke the next morning and found that Sophie was already gone.
“Where do you think she went?” Braxley asked.
“Probably home, I doubt she even slept here last night, if she did it wasn't for long.”
“Have you ever seen her house?' Braxley asked.
“No, but I don't think it’s too far from here.”
Braxley nodded and pulled his shoes on. “You ready?”
“Yep.”
Braxley and Levi walked out the door and back into the woods. The sun wasn't quiet up yet and the weather was cool and crisp.
“I love this time of year,” Braxley said, “I am always happier when its colder.”
“We all do.” he said with a smile.
They continued walking back to camp. They talked some but not much. Levi kept his hands in his pockets and head down most of the time. Braxley wondered why, but didn't ask. They continued on in silence till they could almost see the houses.
“They probably aren't awake yet.” Braxley mentioned.
“I am ready to shower and sleep again.”
“Me to,” Levi said touching his hand to his hair. “I feel gross.”
“Ha, you look it too.” Braxley joked hoping to brighten Levi's mood. It seemed to work.
Levi laughed, “It's not like you look any better.” he said
“That is just not even true.” Braxley said smiling as he walked up the steps to his front door. “See you later?” he asked.
“Of course.” Levi said then disappeared across the yard.
Braxley smiled to himself and walked into his house. He yawned as he walked into his bedroom, pulling off his shirt and stretching out his sore arms.
“Braxley?” A voice from the dark startled him.
“What are you doing here?” he asked as he turned to find Caitlynn sitting on his bed.
“I needed to talk to you.” she said
“And this couldn't wait till later in the day? How long have you been sitting there anyway?”
“It is about Levi.”
Hearing Levi's name come from her mouth sent something bitter through Braxley. He suddenly felt the need to defend Levi from Caitlynn.
“What about him, exactly?” his tone, slightly more defensive then he meant to make it sound.
Caitlynn sighed and walked to Braxley, “Have you not noticed?”
“Noticed what?” he pressed.
“He is--” she stopped as if to choose her words very carefully, “Braxley, Levi is gay.”
“What?” It caught Braxley off guard.
Caitlynn just looked at him for a moment, then answered. “He likes boys, Braxley.”
Braxley answered through clenched teeth, “I know what gay means, Caitlynn. I just don't know why you felt the need to tell me.”
She seemed surprised. “I—I just thought, that maybe you wouldn't...” she trailed off.
“Wouldn't what, Caitlynn?” he growled out angrily.
“I don't know,” she said, “I just thought you would want to know.”
“I would only want to know, if he wanted to tell me.” he said bitterly, “Now if you would please get out of my house.”
“Braxley I-”
“Get out!” he yelled unintentionally loud.
She turned and walked from the room and out of his house.