Stanton Bliss(36)

His wild eyes hold mine and I can see that he’s angry. I smile on the inside. I like this kid.

“You will be given a guard of your own at all times.

He frowns in disgust. “I don’t need a f*cking security guard!” he snaps.

I raise an eyebrow. “I know you don’t, he’s there so I know you are sticking to the rules. No crime, no seediness. New life.”

He runs his hands through his hair.

“I’m giving you an opportunity, Jarvis, to turn your life around. I want you to take it with both hands.”

He glares at me.

I stand and smile proudly. “Let’s go and see your new apartment.”

He frowns. “You got me an apartment? You are serious?”

I nod. “Deadly.”

Adrian smiles sympathetically. “I think we should go clothes shopping first, Jarvis.”

The kid looks down at his clothing. “What’s wrong with my clothing?”

Arian looks to the ceiling for guidance. “Everything.”



Ben pulls the car into the parking lot, pops the hood, and we start to retrieve the multiple shopping bags from the trunk. Adrian is hiding his excitement but I know poor Jarvis is his new styling victim. We have just bought almost everything in town.

“Its up here.” Adrian signals to the block of apartments to the right.

Jarvis stops and looks at the building in awe. I drop my head to hide my smile. He has been silent throughout the afternoon, but polite. I wish I knew what was going through his mind. We finally get to the third floor and Adrian shuffles around for his key before handing it to Jarvis.

Jarvis puts his bags onto the floor and looks at the key in his hand.

I smile and gesture to the door with my chin as I struggle with the bags of shopping. “Hurry up, f*ck you.”

He hunches his shoulders, opens the door, and peers in like a scared child.

“Go in,” Adrian urges.

He slowly enters and we follow him and drop all the shopping on the floor. He stands in the foyer wringing his hands nervously as he looks around.

“Do you like it?” Adrian asks.

He nods quickly.

I put my hands on my hips and look around. This is pretty nice, actually, Adrian has had it furnished in chocolate and cream colours. A large plasma screen is on the wall and a glass coffee table sits in the middle of the room. The kitchen is modern, black, and marble, while the dining table is the same glass as the coffee table in the lounge room.

“Over here is your bedroom.” Adrian disappears up the hall. We follow and find a large master suite with a bathroom.

Jarvis eyes widen. “This is the bedroom?” he whispers.

“Yep,” Adrian replies proudly. “Oh, come and see the kitchen.”

We follow him back out to the kitchen and he opens the pantry door. “I had groceries delivered this morning. I didn’t know what you liked to eat so just eat what you like and the other stuff can go to waste.”

Jarvis pulls out the crisper and looks at all of the vegetables.

I frown. “Do you know how to cook, Jarvis?”

“Umm.” His scared eyes search all around.

“Oh, and I got you cable.” Adrian walks into the lounge room and holds up the remote at the television, switching on the music.

Jarvis stands at the kitchen bench quietly as he looks around. He’s so overwhelmed.

“Welcome to your new home, mate.” I smile.

His scared eyes meet mine and he shakes his head. “I…” He swallows. “I don’t belong here.”

I shrug my shoulders. “Tough, ‘cause this is where you are living.”

Adrian smiles and pours himself a Diet Coke from the fridge. “Want a drink, anyone?” He holds up the bottle.

We both nod and take the glasses from Adrian.

“I will get your things transported here. Just write down your current address and we will organise everything.”

Jarvis’ eyes drop to the floor. “That won’t be necessary,” he murmurs.

“Why not?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I don’t really have anything.”

I roll my lips and look to Murph who shrugs, also.

“Where is your home?” Murph asks as the room falls silent.

“I don’t have a home.”

I frown.

“I’m a ward of the state – a foster kid. I’ve never had a permanent home.”

My eyes stay glued to him as my stomach drops.

Adrian puts his hand on his chest sympathetically. “How did your parents die?” Adrian asks gently.

He shrugs again. “Don’t know and don’t care. On the end of a needle, I suspect.”

I stand, silent. It’s not very often that people shock me.

I put my hand on his shoulder. “Mate, I’m giving you an opportunity here. I want you to take it, to make a successful life for yourself. You can do this. I know you can.”

He doesn’t answer.

Adrian tries desperately to change the subject. “Lets get your clothes ready for tomorrow.” He claps his hands together in the gayest mannerism I have seen from him to date.

I smile broadly and shake my head. “You are so f*cking gay, Murph.”

Jarvis eyes widen to me in question. “Is he gay?”