Chapter Two

As Reed was preparing his materials for class, the door opened and two people entered the room. Brooks Rosemond, a 19-year-old young guy, waved and said, "Hi, Mr. McLaighlin," before sitting down at his sketching table. His brown, curly hair stood on end. Reed nodded and replied politely, "Hello, Mr. Rosemond." A young woman with long, braided blonde hair also appeared.

"Hi there," she said with a cheerful smile. She then saw Cole and brought her easel closer to him. "Hi, you must be new," Emily Massey replied with a flirty smile.

"I'm new to the class, but I work here," he explained, shifting his easel a few inches away from hers.

"Alright, everyone, let's get started," Reed said, assigning everyone their tasks.

Reed joined Cole after he had completed painting an outside scene. "It's not bad, but your strokes are a little rigged," Reed explained. "Here, like this," he continued, demonstrating proper technique to Cole. Cole attempted again with Reed's occasional input. When class concluded, Reed exclaimed, "Great job, everyone. I'll see you next week," he said, taking a step toward the front of the room. Cole helped with the cleanup before returning to his regular tasks. The remainder of the day went off without incident.

Reed said, "I'll see you tomorrow," as they stood outside the studio.

"I have my doctor appointment in the morning, but will be here after that," Cole said to him.

Cole woke up the next morning with a headache, but he went to his appointment.

"I feel headachy," he said to the redheaded woman seated on a round stool.

"Any other symptoms?" she inquired, toying with her black electronic tablet.

"I am achy," he said. The doctor stood up to take his temperature.

"You've got a slight fever," she said. "I'll prescribe you some medicine," the doctor said.

"There goes my work for today," Cole reminded himself. Cole left the appointment after the prescription was scheduled for delivery. He removed his shoes, sat on the sofa, and texted Reed.

"I'm sorry, I have a cold and can't work."

Cole got a message a few moments later and read it.

"Get some rest and stay hydrated," Reed wrote. Cole gave a soft chuckle.

"I will, and thanks for your understanding," he responded back. Reed replied with a smiling emoji. Cole's medication was delivered that afternoon. He popped a tablet into his mouth and lay down in his bedroom. When he awoke, it was already nighttime, and his phone was ringing nonstop.

"Hello," he murmured, hoarsely.

"Did I wake you?" Reed asked with a guilty tone.

"Yeah, but it's okay," Cole said. "I need to eat something anyway," he explained.

"I can come over and cook for you," Reed suggested.

"Mother hen," Cole thought to himself. "No, but thanks for the concern," he replied.

Because it was late, Cole made himself a bowl of soup and then took a hot bath. After the bath, he took another tablet before returning to his bed. When he awoke, his bedroom was bathed in dazzling sunlight. He tipped his head to the side and looked at the time on his phone. It was eleven a.m. "Shit," Cole said under his breath as he scampered off the bed. He hurried around the apartment quickly, getting ready for the day. When he heard a faint knock on the door, his wild movements came to an end. He opened the door to find Reed standing before him, carrying a plastic bag. Reed grinned and said, "Hi there," his green eyes flashing a bright smile.

Cole gave Reed a bewildered look and questioned, "What are you doing here?"

"Checking up on you, of course," he said. "You look so pale," he said.

"Being sick does make my body weak," Cole said. "But I'll be fine," he replied. Cole opened the door fully and stood aside to allow Reed to enter.

"Rest; I'll take care of things here," Reed offered. Cole shrugged and plopped down on the couch as Reed put the groceries away.

"Aren't you afraid that you'll catch my cold?" Cole asked from the living room. Reed chuckled and said, "No, I've had my shots," poking his head inside the room. Cole sat on the couch and thought to himself. This type of attention felt nice.

Cole felt better a few days later and started work at the studio. He was lightly dusting when a door opened in the distance. He then overheard two voices. One was Reeds. The other caused shivers down his spine. That was Hunter's voice. It cannot be his. He is in another state. Cole felt his body tighten as two sets of footsteps entered the side hall. They came to a halt, and Cole became aware that someone was watching him.

"Please don't recognize me," Cole reminded himself as he rose up and turned around. Cole's hazel gaze caught on Hunter's deep blue eyes. Before Cole could move away, a rough hand grasped his arm.

"Noah, where have you been?" Hunter exclaimed. Cole squirmed, but Hunter tightened his grip.

Reed noticed the panic in Cole's eyes. "Sir, please release your grip on my friend," he said forcefully, going up to them. Hunter disliked being instructed what to do, but he released Cole's arm regardless. Cole let out a ragged breath and sank onto a bench when Hunter went away. Reed leaned down behind Cole, rubbing his back as he sobbed silently.

"Let me see your arm," Reed kindly asked. Cole bit his bottom lip and rolled his shirt sleeves. As Reed had expected, a purplish bruise had formed.

"Cole, who was that guy?" Reed inquired, his voice filled with concern.

"Someone from a life I'd like to forget," Cole said, pulling his sleeve back down.

Reed did not continue with the questions because Cole was already stressed. However, he kept an eye on Cole from a safe distance. It was a good thing, because as it was time to leave, Reed observed Cole standing outside, staring at the night sky. He moved closer but said nothing. Cole must have noticed Reed's presence because he turned around and regarded him with sad eyes.

"Can't I have a life without my past showing up and haunting me?" Cole spoke, his voice breaking. Reed grabbed Cole close and hugged him. They released the hug and walked silently up to Cole's flat.

"I might have to leave," Cole warned him as they walked inside.

"Why?" Reed's green eyes widened with shock.

"Because of him," Cole explained, emphasizing the word him.