The Guard To My Sanctuary - Chapter 45: Chapter 45

Calloway
I furiously flung off my covers at the sound of the radio playing from my phone that I used as an alarm. I was already wishing that I had gone to sleep earlier so I wouldn't be as tired as I was. I hated Wednesdays they meant having to wait for my brothers to get out of practice while trying to entertain myself. Lifting myself up I reached over to turn on my lamp then looked over to my best friend who was still asleep beside me. Beo's parents hadn't come around to his sexuality. He had always been really effeminate, for as long as I've known him. He had been the kid in the crowd you could tell was gay just by the way he interacted with others around him. My parents didn't mind him sleeping over which was in any other occasion a big no-no for me, I was barely allowed to talk to boys let alone be in a room, sharing a bed with one since I could get pregnant. Beo had been different since they knew him from the day I invited him to my birthday party in kindergarten.
"Beo get your ass up if you want to get in the bathroom before my brothers start getting ready for school," I said to him pulling the covers off of him.
"Really," he said annoyed and exhaled loudly tossing over.
"Come on your breath is stale," I said to him standing up and looking around my room for the remote.
"And your balls are musty," he responded from the bed. I glared at him and looked around my simple room for the remote to the flat screen that hung on the wall in front of my bed.
"They wouldn't be if you would stop turning on the space heater," I told him finally finding the remote and cutting the television on to MTV where music videos were actually playing since it was 6:00 am.
"No excuse, plus you have the fan on," he said in his high-pitched voice. I walked over to my closet and picked out a blush colored sweater, lightly washed ripped skinny jeans and matching shoes. I was primed to have an uneventful day with an unremarkable outfit. I walked to my dresser and grabbed some briefs before heading out my room leaving Beo to do his make-up. I turned around before fully leaving the room and went to get my phone and left back out. I walked into the bathroom me and my brothers shared and turned the shower on so that it could be hot when I was ready to step inside. My father was a really successful software engineer/computational linguistics and made just under two hundred thousand a year along with our Mom's income we were quite comfortable. We called our other dad Mom since technically he was and had been doing it since around kindergarten. He didn't mind he just told us some psychological explanation about why it was healthy that I couldn't remember. Mom made around a hundred thousand from him being an at home therapist. They both refused to move into a bigger house with more bathrooms and told us that we were afforded such good lifestyles because they didn't have to pay the exorbitant mortgage prices that come along with owning a bigger home. I couldn't bemoan though since some people didn't even have a bathroom in their homes in certain parts of the world plus ours was nice and renovated.
I checked my phone and saw that Germany had texted me and scoffed. Germany was my "man", we weren't exclusive but weren't open either. He didn't want me to date anyone but also didn't want to officially claim me which was difficult since I knew I was growing to love him. He wasn't someone my parents would approve of for many reasons but despite all of that he managed to have my heart. I was honestly just waiting for him to actually take the steps towards a relationship otherwise I was just going to enjoy what we had till it fizzled out.
I noticed the steam on the mirror and snapped out of my daze and texted him back a courtesy, "good morning" since he apologized for cussing at me last time we were together. I turned some music and stripped out of my clothes then grabbed a towel along with my toothbrush and a tube of winter fresh toothpaste. I draped the towel over the glass shower door and stepped in. I brushed my teeth thoroughly since I had nothing but time to kill then started washing my body with my Coconut scented body gel. I loved the smell of coconut scented things but couldn't stand the taste. As I was washing my hair out Beo walked in the bathroom his face all done up to look natural and dewy. He had his toothbrush in hand and started brushing his teeth. There was no sexual tension between us and it was common to find the both of us in the bathroom at the same time. I continued to wash the soap off as he began flossing and swaying to the music. When he was done he wiped his mouth and applied his nude lipstick before walking out of the bathroom. When he was out I stepped into the warm air and cut the shower off. I dried off then lotioned my body and put my clothes on.
"Yo are you done in there," Ozias's deep voice sounded off from behind the door. I opened it and looked up at him to move out the way. His broad shoulders blocked me from moving or seeing behind him. He was the youngest of the trio but was definitely the biggest muscle wise while I was the smallest in size and in height. He had muscles built up from years of being on the field and looked more mature than I did, but so did Mad. It was odd to be so different even though we were fraternal. Many people didn't believe it, we even once brought our birth certificates to school to prove that we were triplets.
"Um did you suddenly become intangible or are going to move so I can eat breakfast," I asked noticing that he smelled of sex which was common. Ozias was for lack of better words a slut. He'd fuck any girl that would let him which wasn't hard since he was a sophomore already having universities look at him and my parents didn't make ugly children. He sucked his teeth at me and stepped to the side so I could pass.
"I hope you wore a condom Mom would lose his chill vibe and kill you if you bring a baby home," I said to him low not wanting to accidentally snitch that he had started having sex. We all promised to tell Mom when we started after he and Dad gave a big speech about it a year ago when Maddox started dating Wylder even though they were a little late with Ozias.
"Man I know better," he said to me as I walked under his arm not even having to crouch down since I was 5'5 and he was 6'2. I continued walking down the hall and went down the stairs. Just as I hit the last step my Dad and Maddox came in both sweating and shirtless from an apparent morning run. Dad looked at me with a bright smile; I could always tell he loved us just by the smiles he gave to all of his son's.
"Good morning Call," he said calling me by my abbreviated name.
"Good morning Dad," I responded foregoing my morning hug since he was sweaty and gross.
"Awe no love for your Dad," Maddox said trying to instigate a hug. I cut my eyes over at him as he heaved up and down in an attempt to catch his breath.
"You're getting out of shape soccer season is coming up," I said to him knowing his weak spot was his fitness.
"Man you're always hating. What sport do you play again? Oh yeah, that's right not a damn one," he said pushing my head and running up the stairs avoiding a smack to the head from Dad for cussing. I looked at him and laughed because everyone knew we got it from him and Uncle Tyler. We don't even get in trouble for it, they basically gave up as long as we kept it civil. I walked past Dad and went into the kitchen hearing him run up the stairs calling Mom's name. Mom worked mostly online at night so he valued his sleep and Dad liked to mess with him. They were still like teens even though Dad was forty-three and  Mom was thirty-eight. They still looked like they were in their mid-twenties to earlier thirties due to Dad forcing us all to maintain a healthy diet and vitamin regimen. I grabbed a bottle of water and my pills for the day and swallowed them down. When I was done I grabbed my bookbag that was sitting near the garage door and pulled it on my back so I wouldn't forget it. I then went and grabbed a granola bar and went to watch television on the couch and wait for everyone. Beo came down first fully dressed and microwaved himself a breakfasts sandwich. Mom finally came down in his old Air Force sweater that Dad gave him when they first met. They told us Mom's story when we were younger and decided to scatter in a grocery store almost giving them both a heart attack. It was the first and only time they actually spanked us and it was the first time my Mom broke down in front of us. He did his best not to smother us but we also were aware that a guy name London could target us. The last time that name came up was when a guy named Jack came to the house when we all were ten years old and told us that London was still out to get Mom and that the man was pissed that he was on the FBI'S most wanted list after Grandpa; who had just celebrated his 58th with birthday a week ago, joined the FBI and made it his mission to capturing this London man.
Mom walked up to me and kissed my forehead, I could smell the lingering jasmine scent that always seemed to follow him. He kissed the side of Beo's as well before walking into the kitchen and grabbing his pills. He was on his period based on how he was looking. We both were on the shots but we were in need of another one since the effects of the last one were wearing off. He took his pills without water like usual and walked into the garage. Beo and I got up and made our way to the black BMW that Mom had purchased himself after a really good year and climbed into the back. I got comfortable in the middle seat as we wanted for my brothers to make it down. They rushed down the stairs bumping into each other and laughing after we had waited for a few minutes. Ozias managed to get in the front seat leaving Maddox to get in the seat behind Mommy.
"Morning Ma," Ozias said.
"Morning Mom," Maddox said after Ozias.
"Morning boys, buckle up. Calloway ask your cousin to give you a ride home since your brother's both have a late practice," my Mom said referring to Cartier who was a senior at Coral High School. We all went to the same school after Uncle Alder and Aunt Thalia moved to Cupertino.
"Alright," I said as mommy pulled out the driveway making sure not to bump into the Altima that sat underneath the car cover. I was hoping that I would get Dad's old car on our sixteenth birthday since it still worked and Dad upgraded it before he decided to get the sports car he was so proud of. We all rode listening to music all the way to the school and sang along. I was the only one with a good singing voice which meant I was stuck in a car full of wailing. Mom pulled up at the drop off stop and we climbed out giving him his kiss on the cheek. Zi and Mad both dispersed with their group of friends while Beo and I made our way to our classes. I had a few friends/associates but I wasn't one to really socialize. I didn't like to talk to people unless I had something interesting to say. I walked into my AP Language class and pulled my phone out to text Cartier to ask her for a ride just for me since Beo had family coming into town and would have to be home to act like his parents were accepting and everything.  She said yes immediately like I knew she would. She was just that type of cousin that was always there for you when you needed it. I pulled my headphones on as the class started to fill up since we were supposed to be writing essays and there wouldn't be a lecture. I pulled the essay on Animal Farm that I had started on Monday and got back to where I left off on. Just as I was getting into my music someone pulled an earbud out. I looked up immediately annoyed that my circumference of personal space had been invaded. I looked to my side and saw Steven a guy who I had "rebound" sex with a week ago smiling at me.
"Can I help you," I asked him.
"Yeah, why haven't you responded to my text, I want to meet up with you again. It's best not to have me waiting for the things I want," he said in a low tone since he was on the DL. I rolled my eyes at him since he knew what the situation was when it happened plus I didn't like his tone.
"I don't like your tone. You don't even have my real number, I gave you my Google voice because it was a one-time thing. You have too many hoes and you're not out so this couldn't go anywhere," I said lowly back to him since I wasn't up for outing him or having my business out there.
"Yes it could," he said giving me a quick smile and made sure no one noticed.
"I'm good Steven, can I have my earbud back please," I asked him ending the conversation.
He sucked his teeth at me and spoke under his breath," I just wanted to fuck anyway, playing around. You a hoe anyway." I hated when guys turn on you after you shoot down an advance. All of a sudden I was a hoe when things didn't go his way. He acted as if I add been around with twenty guys in a week even though he was only the third guy I had ever been with. Even if I was being wild with my genitals it was my right to do so.
"Excuse me," I said pulling my other earbud out. I wasn't a strong fighter nor did I like fighting since I had very little upper body strength and power behind my punch. I preferred a verbal altercation to a physical one since words could do so much more damage in the long run. Although I hated confrontation my parents both had instilled in all of their sons that we should never let anyone run over us. So if I had to fight and get my ass whooped I would but Steven would know that he'd have to do that every time he saw me.
"Nigga you need to turn back around and shut the fuck up or see me after this class," he said getting pissed for no real reason it wasn't like he didn't have anyone else he could sleep with he was a good looking guy.
"I guess I'll be seeing you after class then, meet me on the west wing downstairs bathroom," I said my brain already thinking multiple steps ahead of Steven who nodded and sat down. The teacher came in and told us to get to work. I succeeded at finishing my essay just before the bell rang. When it did I got out of my seat and made my way to the bathroom. Steven was walking behind and I had a smile on my face knowing that it was going to be a bad day for Steven in a few minutes. Just as I hit the west wing if the school I turned around.
"So what you wanna do," I said extending my voice to be heard by the people around me. I didn't have a loud voice and I sounded like a raspy version of my Mom so elevating my voice to a level to be heard made me sound a little hoarse.
"I wanna beat your punk ass," he said falling for the bait as I knew he would since he had no choice but to perform for the audience around.
"You want to talk shit now let's see if you can back up what you be saying," he said not stating the real reason he wanted to fight. I dropped my backpack and got into a fighting stance. My Dad had put us all in boxing for a few years growing up and although I didn't excel at it I still remembered the teachings. Steven ran up to me but before he could even throw a punch two familiar voices emerged from both sides of me. I turned to see Ozias and Maddox looking directly at Steven with serious glares. I had positioned myself between their classrooms knowing that they would get there early enough to come to my rescue. It was a bitch move to have my brothers fight my battles but it was better than getting beat for no real reason. I didn't really care what anyone would think, I was lucky enough to be a part of a trio and this was one of the things we did for each other.
"Nigga take another step towards him and I swear you'll be on the ground," Ozias warned not being one to shy away from a fight.
"You're not moving back quick enough for me," Maddox said to him also not afraid to fight. They both had trophies in their rooms from when they boxed. They only stopped because Mom hated watching them take punches.
"Man fuck you two and your brother," Steven said. I knew he was facing a dilemma; his masculinity would be in question if he walked away but he also knew he'd get washed if he fought. Sadly Steven picked the ladder and stepped to me. Zi lashed out quickly delivering a right hook to Steven's face. I heard the voice of a teacher come into range as Steven lay on the ground holding his cheek.
Maddox moved over to me and grabbed my bookbag, "Come on," he said ushering me away and looking at everyone. It was like they knew better than to say I was around and I doubted I'd get in trouble since Steven would be too afraid I'd out him than to say I was involved.
I mouthed "thank you," to Ozias who nodded at me. He liked being suspended since the punishment at our home consisted of physical exercise which he loved doing.
"I know, get my shit and go to the principal's office," he said to the teacher that didn't like him just as I turned the corner with Maddox.
"So you outsmarted him," Maddox chuckled at me.
"Is it outsmarting someone if you barely tried," I said to him innocently. He just shook his head laughed and ushered me to class knowing he'd be late for his. The day went by quickly after that, Ozias got ISS all next week since they didn't want to suspend their star running back so close to the start of football season. Beo ended up catching a ride with me and Cartier who spent the whole time talking to her boyfriend on the Bluetooth. Beo's mom had said something to annoy him and he decided he wasn't going to play the part. We walked into the house that was empty. Apparently, my dads' both were working late. Mom had a patient who had tried to commit suicide and Dad was working with Oscar to help finish some coding and would be an hour late.
"So bitch, why did your brother beat Steven's fine ass," Beo asked me as we both are popcorn and lay on my bed.
"He got mad that I wouldn't let him fuck or get my real phone number so he said some slick shit under his breath and told me to meet him. I told him to catch me near the bathroom on the west side of the school and his dumbass followed me not knowing my brothers were on that side of the school. Both of them come out when we squared up and he didn't listen to Zi's warning and got knocked on his ass," I said to him getting up to change into some pajamas.
"Well damn I should get them to handle Kyle's ass," he said referring to a guy that wouldn't leave him alone.
"You know all you have to do is ask, you're basically family," I said once I had changed and crawled in the covers. I looked through a few of my draws and pulled out a Benadryl to put me to sleep since I had to be up early for Beta Club. I climbed into bed even though it was only eight while Beo went to take a shower. I could hear people coming into the house and heard Dad cussing Ozias out for fighting. A few minutes later they were all laughing. We weren't usually disrespectful or troublesome kids so mom and dad both let things go really quickly. I heard the sound of my door opening and saw Ozias peek his head in.
"You good," he asked me.
"Yeah, Thank You! I know ISS must suck," I said not really knowing if it did or not.
"It's fine, just stop fucking with those DL niggas," he said to me and smiled. I hadn't told him I had sex with Steven or anyone for that matter. I sometimes forget that despite my brothers being jocks they also were just as intelligent and educated as I was.
"Don't tell," I asked him feeling the effects of the Benadryl in my system.
"Don't worry about it, little bro. Goodnight, love you," he said referring to my stature rather than my age even though he was a minute younger than I was.
"Love you too," I said and closed my eyes.