“Why, Todd?” Shaney managed to ask, as the tingling started in his left hand. Shaney guessed the pins and needles would creep up that arm as well.
Todd flinched but continued to stare at the overturned chair, unblinking. Slowly his eyes closed and Shaney saw the effort it took for him to answer. “I was so scared, Shaney.” His voice was soft as he twisted his fingers together. “Caleb said if you didn’t go to him, you would die.”
Shaney bit down on his bottom lip to give his brain time to catch up with his mouth. “But why drug me?”
“You freaked, Shaney. You were shaking, and your muscles...I could see them twitching. The sweat was pouring off you and then you ran. All I could think about was what would happen if you died, if you…left me alone. Who would I have, Shaney? You’re my best friend. Practically my only friend. I only make it through the day with you there. I can’t do it alone.” Todd lowered his head into his hands in a gesture of overwhelming defeat.
Shaney rubbed at the pain blossoming beneath his ribs, as Todd’s heart seemed to bleed all over the floor. As close as brothers, but never had Todd expressed any overwhelming need for Shaney in his life. Shaney was a leech that had permanently attached itself to Todd. Todd’s stoic nature, his ‘I’ve got this’ attitude, made Shaney feel grateful Todd even considered him a friend. Their friendship was a one-way street. Shaney brought nothing to the relationship but chaos and trouble. He’d never felt deserving of Todd.
“Todd, if anyone needs anyone, it’s me needing you.”
Todd smiled wanly, and then shook his head. “God, Shaney, you have no idea how much you saved me by just being my friend.”
Shaney snorted. “You do fine on your own. You’re the strong one. I’m certain my curiosity would have killed me by now if it wasn’t for you.”
Todd hunched his shoulders and Shaney saw them shake slightly. “Shaney, you’re the strong one. You’re not afraid of anything. Damn, I wish I could be more like you. To want to live life, to find something you want and do it.”
“Get arrested, fired, yelled at? Yeah, one big party.”
Todd turned toward Shaney, a fire lit in his eyes. “That’s just it, Shaney. No matter what, you still do it. You still go after what you want. Some days I’m so jealous of you.”
Shaney tried to understand. Todd, jealous of him? Was his friend screwing with him? Feeling sorry for him? Shit, maybe he really was dying.
Shaney jumped up from the bed. “Todd, I don’t know why you’re saying this shit, but knock it off. I don’t need your pity.” Shaney walked across the room, clutching the sheet tight around his waist, confused by Todd’s confession.
“You don’t… I never...” Todd stumbled on the words, his fingers clutching the fabric of his jeans, a grieved expression marring his features. “I’ve never told you…”
Shaney startled as the door opened without the ceremonious clicking of the numerous locks. Damn, he could have run, though Shaney had a feeling running now wouldn’t be wise.
Shaney backed to the bed as Maximus loomed large above him, same black jeans and Harley boots and another over-stretched black T-shirt that read, “Do not touch. Not only will this kill you, it will hurt the entire time.” Maximus grabbed the overturned chair and righted it. Following closely behind, Caleb entered, wearing his standard uniform, only this time the Polo shirt was black. The room was definitely at maximum capacity now.
“Ah, good you’re awake,” Caleb stated with a smug grin, then motioned toward Todd. “See, Todd, as I promised.”
Todd’s attention continued to rest on the floor. Todd’s words, “I never told you...” pecked at Shaney’s brain. What had Todd never told Shaney? Maybe Todd’s family was on the run, wanted by the government. Maybe Todd really wasn’t Todd, but Tristan or Mike or Jordan or maybe even Michael Jordan because that had been Todd’s father’s favorite ball player. Maybe they had run from Chicago because Todd’s family worshiped the Bulls and…
Fingers snapped in Shaney’s face and he swatted at the hand. Nothing annoyed him more than that move to get his attention. He glared at Caleb, who displayed that same composed, calm-after-the-storm exterior. Shaney commanded his tingling hands to refrain from grabbing the little dick around the neck. He might need Caleb to save his life, but after that, all bets were off.
“Attention of a gnat.” Caleb shook his puny head. “Maybe a side effect of the nebulous energy.” Caleb rubbed at his baby smooth, chubby chin.