That's What Friends Do - Chapter 4

Carter stepped out of bed, pulling on his dressing gown, he opened the bedroom door. The apartment looked different. Some furniture was moved, the settee’s were completely a different colour. He carried on walking, laughing at the pink accessories in the kitchen. Steph appeared from her bedroom, wearing a LBD.1

“You must have got up early to do this, its,” Carter looked at the clock - 8:37. “Very early. Does Thomas know you done this?”2

Steph ignored him. Walking around the flat, stopping at the DVD rack. She started picking random cases, and throwing them into a cardboard box.3

“Steph, Men in Black is mine, what are you doing? I want them put back.” Carter grabbed Steph’s shoulder. She turned around, looking blankly into his face. Then she closed her eyes, opening them again quickly.4

“What are you doing here? I told you last night to leave! I can’t bear to see you anymore. Just go.” Steph pushed Carter towards the door. “This time don’t come back.” Carter tried to stop her, but somehow he couldn’t. 5

Steph opened the door, pushing Carter onto the floor. “I don’t need anyone. Just me. Now Thomas is gone. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone. Just me. Nobody else.” Steph closed the door, still talking to herself. Still reassuring herself. 6

Carter didn’t move. He just remained on the floor. Staring at the wooden door. “I need somebody though. I have nothing. What does she mean Thomas is gone?” Then Carter started falling, falling through the floor. Falling through what seemed nothing. Then he woke up. 7

*8

Carter looked into the mirror, applying some gel into his hair. It was 6 o’clock, one hour before Thomas’s sweet sixteen. He wasn’t even sure why he was going. Thomas was only was friends with him when nobody was around. Carter squeezed into pair of tight straight jeans, pulling a t-shirt over his head. He grabbed his mini Rucksack filled with Thomas’s present and left his bedroom. 9

“Ooo doesn’t somebody look handsome,” Carter’s mum stood at the bottom of the stairs holding her coat, and a pair of car keys. “Right I want to stop at your aunties, she’s not feeling too good. She doesn’t have any too look after her, so we can at least help out her out a bit.”10

Carter nodded, saying goodbye to his dad, he followed his mum to the car. It wasn’t cold out, but the pavement was slightly slippery. They both got in the car, his mum turning up the car heater.11

“Right if any of these kids are mean to you, you know what to do.” Carter mimicked her, moving his lips to what she was saying. “Just leave.”12

“Yeah mum I know. I am kind of old now, don’t really need that talk.” They didn’t speak again in the car, except the odd word or two. The atmosphere was weird. It seemed like that they didn’t know each other, not that they were mother and son. 13

*14

Thomas threw up into the toilet. He took a tissue from his suit pocket. Wiping his mouth. It was routine now. Every morning he did the same thing. Thomas flushed the toilet, readjusting his tie, he left the bathroom. Carter had already left for work, and Steph had left early to see a client. So the flat was empty. Thomas grabbed a bagel, sitting down on the kitchen table. The flat was weird when empty. The only sound was the clock, slowing ticking. 15

Thomas swallowed his mouth full. Holding down 5 on his phone - work. “Hello Alice it’s Thomas, I cant speak long.” Knowing she could speak for ever, he didn’t wait for her to reply. “I want to hand in my resignation.”16

“Excuse me. Are you insane? If. And I mean if you wanted to hand in your resignation you cannot do it over the phone. You for one should know that.” Alice sounded angry, slightly freaked out.17

“Thank you very much Alice. Have a good day.” Then he ended it. Thomas smiled, he felt satisfied, he would never have to do another day of work in his life. His phone bleeped again, not looking who it was he accepted the call.18

“Alice, you cannot persuade me to come back to work. That’s it.” The person on the end of phone didn’t respond for a moment.19

“Thomas, this is Ethan Stone. I’d like for you to make an appointment with me for today, by the sounds of it your not busy. Just pop down. I’ll see you soon. Remember no driving.” Then he hung up. 20

*21

Carter looked back trying to wave at his mum, but she wasn’t looking. He continued up the path, he loved coming to Thomas’s house. It was huge. His parents were out, so the music was blaring through the walls. Carter fiddled with his hair before pressing the doorbell. A few seconds later the door opened, a boy from the year above, holding a can of beer, stood in front of him. He turned around shouting for Thomas. He appeared, wearing a blue shirt, dark jeans and by the looks of it brand new white trainers.22

“Hey Carter, come in. The drink is in kitchen, help yourself.” Thomas took the present, not even saying thank you, letting Carter in. Carter stood in the hallway, being watched by the whole of the party.23

Behind him Thomas put the present on a table, grabbing his drink again. The boy from the year above appeared. 24

“Why did you invite him? Stupid loner.” Thomas punched him in the arm, “Stop being a jerk.” The doorbell rang again. “And answer that.”25

Carter tried to ignore what he just heard, going in the kitchen. The sides and kitchen table was full of alcohol, vodka bottles and crates of beer. He didn’t know where Thomas got all this from, but he wasn’t complaining. Carter grabbed a glass from the shelf, pouring in some vodka, topping up the rest with coke. 26

The year above entered the kitchen, belching loud. “Wow the loner isn’t just a loner. He’s also gay.”27

Carter went pink, as the kitchen was full of laughter. Steph stood in the corner, nearly wetting herself from laughing. Trying to act cool, he sipped on the drink. “What?”28

“Girls drink vodka. Boys drink beer. If this was my party gays would drink from the toilet.” Everyone laughed again. Harder. Carter looked around the room, most of the people were from his year. Some he even classed as friends. He stopped at Steph, looking into her eyes. 29

“Adam stop being a prat.” Steph spoke out, making everyone stop laughing. A pin dropping would have been heard. The room had gone silent. Carter looked at Adam, pouring more vodka into his drink, leaving the kitchen.30

*31

Thomas stepped off the bus. He was quite used to using it now. He even stood up for an old lady today. The pavements were packed full of commuters to work, people with brief cases rambling on their mobiles, getting in the way. Thomas entered the hospital, walking along the corridor, he stopped at lift. He pressed the button, seeing the up logo light up.32

The doors opened, revealing a nearly empty lift, with a tall doctor stood in the right corner. Both men went to press the second floor button. “Ooo im sorry.” Thomas moved over, letting the doctor push the button.33

Thomas felt uneasy. He turned towards the doctor, noticing him staring at him. “I’m sorry but do you have problem? 34

The doctor laughed. “You must think I’m a right weirdo. But I swear I know you.”35

“Nope I don’t think so. I don’t know any doctors. Well only one.” The lift door opened and Thomas walked out, looking back.36

The doctor looked Thomas up and down, smiling. “Well if you want to get to know me. My names . . “ The lift door closed, cutting the man off. Thomas walked down the corridor ignoring what just happened in the lift. Stopping at Ethan’s office, he knocked. Twice.37

Ethan appeared at the door, opening it he smiled. “Hello Thomas. How have you been keeping?”38

Thomas entered the office, sitting down on the same brown sofa as last time. “Well im sure the same as everyone who has been told they are dying.” Thomas breathed out heavily, trying to get rid of the mood swing. “Im sorry. Well fine, just the odd loss of speech and the usual morning sickness. Oh did I tell you about getting thrown out of the supermarket for stumbling. The man thought I was drunk.”39

Ethan smiled. “Yeah most people don’t really understand. Bless them. Other symptoms you might occur are stiffness of the neck, and some muscle weakness, but when that happens we can sort you out with some pain relief.” Thomas nodded. “Well I bet your wondering why I rang. I have some good news. A new trial drug is been tested in Canada, the results so far are good. If we are lucky, we may be able to get it shipped over.”40

Ethan looked at Thomas, hoping to see him look happy or even excited. But his face was blank. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t. He tried again, but he felt restricted.41

“Don’t worry, let it pass. It wont be that long.” The room went quiet. Waiting for Thomas to be able to speak again. 42

“W-What are the results back so far?” Thomas saw Ethan’s face drop.43

“Well. The chemotherapy drug was tested on a little girl. Most of her tumour was removed via surgery. Then they used the drug to zap the rest. Now a year later she is a normal little girl.” Thomas smiled. “But. A big but, it was tested on a young adult - eighteen - and didn’t affect him. He sadly passed away last week.”44

Thomas looked down. Finding the courage he spoke up. “I don’t want it. Why should I try a drug, in my last three months of life? I want to do things in this time. Instead of being ill from the chemotherapy.”45

“I kind of knew you was going to say that. So I called someone.” The door opened, and Thomas looked behind his shoulder, Carter was stood holding a polythene cup.46

*47

The teenagers all stood, sat or kneeled around Thomas. He had just finished opening his presents. “Thanks everyone. Now all of us are here. Let’s play a little game. Heard of the American game 8 minutes in heaven?” A few people nodded, Steph smiling.48

“Yes I know it. We will put every boys name in one hat, and all the girls in another. The birthday boy will pick two out. Then the couple will spend 8 minutes in heaven. Well 8 minutes in that cupboard.” Steph pointed at the coats cupboard. 49

Thomas shook the two hats. Putting his hand into the girl’s hat. He picked a tiny piece of paper out, unfolding it gently. “The first girl is . . . Steph.” Steph smiled, winking at Thomas.50

She put her hand deep into the boy’s hat. She picked a piece of paper right at the bottom, opening it gently. Everyone knew it was going to be Thomas, even Thomas did. “The first boy is . . . Oh. The first boy is Carter.” Everyone laughed, looking at Carter. Thomas looked annoyed, but grabbed Carter’s hand pulling him from the settee. Carter didn’t want him to let go of his hand. But he did, pushing the couple towards the cupboard, nearly falling over a cushion on the floor.51

“You two, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He closed the cupboard door, grabbing a vodka bottle from the side, downing the remaining liquid.52

Steph’s friend appeared. “Well that didn’t go to plan. What if they do something in there? 53

Thomas just looked at her and smiled. “Don’t worry. They wouldn’t. He wouldn’t. Want another drink?” Thomas and the girl walked into the kitchen, leaving Carter and Steph in the cupboard. Leaving them to spend their time in heaven. 54

*55

Thomas felt trapped. He had Ethan one side and Carter the other. “Thanks a lot Ethan. What, you think that bringing them here will make me do it? Emotional blackmail isn’t what doctors get taught at university. So leave it. He means nothing more than a you do to me.”56

Thomas heard the door slam. Making a book full of one of the shelves. Ethan clapped. “Well done mate. Really made him feel great. At least go after him . .” Before he could finish Thomas was out of the room, running down the corridor.57

Thomas was panting when he reached Carter. “Wait up, I’m knackered. How the hell did you reach the reception so quick?” Carter just looked back and went out the revolving doors.58

Thomas wiped the sweat off his head and followed. “Carter Simpson stop! For crying out loud.”59

“Why the fuck should I? So you can take another dig? Tell me again that you don’t feel the same way.”60

Thomas looked around, the street was quite busy. Most people were on lunch now. The benches were full of office workers eating their sandwiches, school children bunking their school dinners for McDonalds and socialites stopping to rest their feet. “Blame it on the tumour. Blame it on what-ever. But my feelings have changed. Now kiss me.” Carter laughed. “Don’t deny a dying mans wishes.”61

Carter grabbed his face with hands, kissing him forcefully on the kips. The people in the street didn’t batter an eye-lid. They continued kissing, before composing themselves, walking off together into the busy street.62

*63

The cupboard door opened. A group of excited teenagers peered in. They left the cupboard, they eyes readjusting to the brighter light. 64

Adam appeared. “How was the eight minutes of talking go? Did you manicure her hand Carter? Or plait her hair?” Everyone looked at the couple, waiting for a response. 65

Steph laughed loudly. “Well let’s just boys and girls. The things this boy,” putting her and Carter’s shoulder, “can do with his hands. Would be tens times better than that prick co could ever do.” The room went into hysterics, Adam didn’t know what to do or say.66

Carter looked around the room. Thomas stood in the doorway, hearing what Steph just said, he ran. Carter followed, trying not to make the scene even worse. He ran through the kitchen door, into the garden. The garden was covered in multicoloured shrubs, and tiny candles lighting up the path. Thomas was stood at the end.67

Carter walked up the lit walkway. Trying to think what to say. The truth he thought. He hadn’t done anything wrong. “Thomas. Mate. It’s Cater. You alright?”68

He turned around, he was wasted. Swaying, his breath stunk of alcohol. “Well its my 16th birthday. My best fucking friend just kissed my girlfriend. And I think I’m drunk.” 69

Carter felt at ease. Least he wouldn’t remember most of this night he thought. “I bet you want me to say sorry. But well I don’t need too. Steph does. We never did anything in the cupboard. Trust.”70

Mocking him he pulled a funny face, “Trust? Trust? I don’t think you know the meaning of that Carter boy.” 71

“Believe me on this. I would never kiss Steph. Even if she wasn’t with you.” Carter looked at Thomas. Thomas’s face looked confused. Not knowing what to feel. “Cant you see. I’m not like most of the boys here.” Thomas looked even more confused. “I love you.” 72

Thomas laughed. “Your straight though. My best friend. Your not gay.” 73

“Would a straight boy do this?” Carter kissed Thomas, knowing he would get pushed back, but he didn’t. Thomas kissed him back. 74

A shadow by the front door moved, witnessing the kiss, they entered back into the house, holding their phone. The party was still in full swing. More couples were having their 8 minutes in heaven. Most not knowing Carter was having his right now. Again. Outside.75

*76

“What about Steph?” Carter and Thomas were laying on the bed. After a long walk home they were knackered. 77

“Well she’s not back till nine. Sorting out a woman’s fortieth party.” Thomas looked at the clock on the wall, it was half three. Three and a half hours together.78

“No I mean in general. Are you going to leave her?” Carter laid his head on Thomas’s chest. Enjoying breathing in his scent. 79

“Yes, if you want me too. But not yet. I can’t just yet. She’s too involved with the wedding. Wait until the excitement has died down.”80

Carter realised what he said. “Yeah died down. You dying, would really bring the excitement down.” Thomas started playing with Carter’s hair, twiddling the strands with his index finger.81

“Are you ok with me not using the treatment?” Thomas stopped playing, his face suddenly looked serious, like he really cared about his view.82

“I’m not ok with it.” Thomas sighed. “But its not up to me. Not my body. I’m happy with whatever your happy with.” 83

Carter sat up, kissing Thomas. He slowly kissed down his neck, stopping at were his shirt started. With his teeth he undid the buttons. Thomas, enjoying every second laid his head back, resting it on the pillow. Carter continued kissing down his body, using his hands to undo Thomas’s belt. 84

“Are you okay?” Carter looked up, noticing Thomas staring at a photo of him and Steph on the wall.85

“Yeah I’m fine. More than fine.” Thomas broke his eye contact from the picture, looking into Carters eyes. He looked so happy, his eyes glistening from the light. Carter carried on hoping Thomas wasn’t lying. That he felt the same way Carter felt for him. Love.