Skeptics and Psychics Chapter 7

“Star, do you like bikes?”

Stardust had been browsing his friends’ twitter feeds for updates on their summer so far, they all seemed to be having an eventful time. There was clearly some drama going on between a few of them. It had been making him feel the beginnings of homesickness so he was grateful for his father’s distracting questions. Of course, being wrapped up as he was in what had been on his screen the teen wasn’t certain of the context of the question.

“Like, bicycles or dirt bikes?”

“Bicycles.” At least Torvald didn’t seem to mind having to clarify the question for his son, the smile on his face didn’t waiver.

“I like them. I have one at home, I use it to get to and from school when the weather isn’t terrible.” Sometimes Stardust actually preferred to bike as a workout rather than running. If it had been an option for sports in his high school he probably would have picked that over track and field. Plus biking was cheaper than bus fare, so long as it was in working order. It was getting old, and he was scared it was going to give out on him sooner rather than later but there was nothing he could do about that for now.

“I used to bike to work but the weather up here isn’t great for that once autumn gets into full swing so I got into the habit of driving everyday now. If you want, you’re free to use it when I’m at work? You have to wear a helmet though, no wiggle room on that.” The offer made the peach haired teen smile in return. He’d like that kind of mobility, Cori wouldn’t always need to come pick him up with access to a bike.

“That would be really great dad, thank you.”

“Alright. I’ll check the tired for you tomorrow morning then but I’m serious about the bike safety Stardust-”

“I will always wear a helmet dad, I promise. Safety before fashion, accidents can happen anywhere.” Stardust was sincere in his declaration. He really would be careful, for his dad’s sake if not just his own. There had been a kid in his school that had hurt himself pretty badly one year, not wearing a helmet. They’d taken a tumble and hit their head pretty hard and had a scar on their forehead where they’d needed stitches. Stardust had only been in the third grade and seeing that had freaked him out, his mother had never needed to stress the importance of the right gear after that.

“Good. I’ll get dinner started then. Chicken okay?” When he was in, Stardust always watched a movie with his dad over dinner. They tried to keep some variation in the genres they chose but they were usually strange movies. If it had a cult following it made them even more likely to pick it. It was a nice little ritual that successfully make it feel like home here, even if it had only been a few short weeks since the teen’s dramatic arrival. It seemed like Torvald was just as happy for the chance, Stardust had noticed him smiling more frequently, his absentminded frowns and melancholy stares fewer and farther between. The teen actually felt guilty for being so against this originally.

Even though he missed his friends and his mom, Stardust didn’t feel lonely. His father, Cori, Cori’s friends, they all made him feel more welcome than he did in his everyday life. That was a scary idea for him, he wasn’t really sure how to fit in and it was hard to ignore the fact that he’d be going home in a little more than a month. Sometimes the thought would sneak into his head late at night, when he was trying to sleep, leaving a pit to eat away at his stomach but in the morning it just inspired him to try and enjoy each day more than the last. If felt like some cheesy lifetime movie when he put it that way but maybe, that wasn’t so bad. Maybe those lifetime cliches were popular and overused for a reason.

What Stardust didn’t know was that others could see an improvement in his father and over the course of a few weeks it seemed that those who knew the man well could let out a collective sigh of relief. Though Torvald was still cheerful and enthusiastic around the students and tourists who visited the museum, he’d progressively grown more withdrawn and quiet around others. Over the last year it had worsened far more rapidly than ever before but since the summer had started it had seemingly reversed, bringing him back to his old self. He missed his son terribly and this visit was like a wish that had come true. This trip was more beneficial to both parties than anyone could have ever imagined.

‘So, what’s your address? I can totally come to meet you now instead of you picking me up so out of your way. I have wheels now, don’t ask from where, I’d have to kill you.’

Stardust waited until after dinner to share the good news with his boyfriend. That was a particular bit of information twitter wouldn’t get until the end of summer. He didn’t want his friends pestering Cori, not with all of the drama they had going on. They were the kind of people that would try to drag people into their situations, to at least get their opinion on things but it was a dangerous minefield to tread in.

Out here it  was a different world, a special one he wanted to treasure for himself, at least for now. When it was out of his reach, that’s when he’d share the memories.He wanted to make them while untainted by his friends’ ideas and declarations on relationships, he was pretty sure he was doing alright by himself. Cori wasn’t sick of him yet, that seemed to be a good enough sign of that for the time being.

‘I would like to remain living thanks. Especially since I was going to invite you over to watch movies tomorrow. You busy?’

With that question posed Stardust had one of his own. He waited until his dad paused his paperwork to stretch so that he wouldn’t be interrupting an important thought. The city teen didn’t need permission to leave the house or anything but he wanted to see if his dad was working or not. Stardust tried to be here for at least a few hours when his dad was home from work, even if it was just to hand out quietly and eat some breakfast. Often with the types of job’s his mother worked and the hours that came with them, it was hard to get more than an hour or two for even one meal. Even if he was accustomed to it, Stardust still found it lonely. It was almost a subconscious thing, to spend that extra time with his dad they way he did with him mom.

In a way the urge was almost stronger, as if his heart was trying to make up for the years it missed with a man he thought didn’t care. It was clear now that he cared more deeply than his mother might have ever let on.

‘Yeah? Dad’s at work tomorrow but says you’re invited for dinner if you want. Address and time so I can actually reach you. I’ve yet to figure out my teleportation system.’

‘I’ll email you directions, I know shortcuts Google doesn’t. My dad offered the same and included your dad in the offer. They’ll have to duel to the death for it.’

‘How dare you, The Google drones will hunt you down now. I’d be surprised if you’re not brainwashed by the time I get there for the movie. P.S. My dad will kick your dad’s ass. <3’

It wasn’t until Stardust was settling down for the night that it occurred to him this would be his first trip to Cori’s home. That made his stomach flip and knot itself into a tiny ball. Sure he and Cori had made out before, lots of times over the last few weeks but they’d not taken it further. Most of the time their location had dictated as much. At Cori’s house however, location wouldn’t be a problem and now the visiting ten wasn’t sure just how far they were supposed to go. The way the questions floated about in his head made it hard to fall asleep, he’d never been this nervous about a boy before. It was ridiculous.

The next morning Stardust woke with a much clearer head than the night before. A note left by Torvald in the kitchen confirmed that the teen had a set of wheels that could not only take him to Cori's place but also from it. In the unlikely situation that he found himself being pressured into something more than he wanted, the bike meant he could leave on his own. Stardust wasn't expecting that to happen, it was just nice to know he had an escape route if he needed it.

After a fast breakfast of poptarts that Stardust didn't even bother to toast, the peach haired teen used a window as a mirror once outside. Any time and effort he'd put into getting ready that morning was basically wasted one that helmet was on his head. He looked dorky but there wasn't really time to spend fiddling with things, he'd slept in after his thoughts had kept him up and now he wasn't sure he'd be on time. Not that they'd picked a real meeting time, the suggestion had been 'one, one thirty-ish?' With not knowing the route perfectly yet, one thirty would be pushing it, the directions had listed a couple of turns as easy to miss so he couldn't go top speed.

Thank goodness for the little warnings. Had Google planned this path, Stardust would have likely gotten lost more than once. Cori had included little landmarks to help guide the city boy though unfamiliar suburban streets. The houses he passed were welcoming, a nice contrast to the harsh apartment buildings he was stuck staring at back home. There was a lot in this town that felt kind of like a dream or a movie brought to life. This was the sort of neighbourhood that Stardust and his mom could only daydream about, it was where his dad was living. Days like this he couldn't help but daydream about living up here with Torvald. It could never happen.

When Stardust turned the last corner he was confused, trying to find his bearings as if he'd been pulled back into reality. There were no entrances to any buildings or homes on this street. It was just backyards on one side and a ravine on the other. He'd clearly taken a wrong turn somewhere and he'd need Cori's help figuring out how to fix that. He got off the bike to text, the last thing he needed was to start rolling into the trees by accident. His dad would be really thrilled for that call, especially after the safety warning the day before.

'Hey so I made a wrong turn and now I'm on a backstreet?'

Stardust waited as the meet up time can and went before a reply came. It was only a couple of minutes but it felt more like an eternity with the way anxiety was building up. His dad would also likely not appreciate a phone call stating his son was lost on his first day out on the bike. It would be such a waste to go all the way back home just to Google a different way to get there. When another couple of minutes passed with no reply he started to get actually worried, debating if he should hop back on the bike to head back to the last landmark he was sure of. He actually had swung his leg back over the seat when he was finally rescued.

“Hey Star! Over here!”

From behind one of the fences, Cori called, peering over what was clearly a gate, grin on his face. Stardust was waved over while the gate was pushed open. The bike was tucked up near the opening, just inside the green backyard, leaning against the fence. It wasn't overly large and a bend in the street on the other side meant it was a strange shape but it felt huge to the out of town teen. He'd never lived anywhere with a backyard before, he always wondered what it was like. There were patio chairs under a small awning, the walls that also benefited its protection decorated with posters. Stardust wouldn't have been surprised to find out it was a popular hangout spot for Cori and his friends, at least in the summer.

They didn't settle down there however, they just breezed past it to get to the house.

Once in through the backyard door they immediately headed down a set of stairs before Stardust even really had a chance to look around. The basement was set up to be another hangout spot, more so even than the yard had been. A couple of mismatched couches that looked comfortable were spaced out around a large TV with a few consoles hooked up to it, pillows scattered about to add to the coziness. Stardust was pretty sure he spotted a mini fridge in the corner along with a little microwave. It looked like it had everything a person would want for relaxing.

“Alright. Get comfy wherever you want. My dad's working upstairs but he should be busy all day so we won't have to watch any baby movies. My dad's a total scaredy cat.” Cori hunted through a collection of discs as he spoke, sorting out a few as he went. “Hope you don't mind horror? It's a good excuse to cuddle up.”

Stardust couldn't help but snort at the grin on Cori's face. Sometimes he was so blunt, it was refreshing. “Yeah horror's fine. But I don't spook easily so I'm not so sure your cuddling plan is going to work.”

“Who said anything about it being you who gets scared? I'm like my dad, I need a strong shoulder to hide behind.” The teasing teen joined Stardust on the couch, turning the TV on to reveal a corny DVD menu that started a movie in the same vein. He wasted no time in bridging the gap between them, filling it with his head on his guest's shoulder.

“You're assuming that I have a strong shoulder. That's a bad assumption, I'm protection for no one.” The laughter that peppered Stardust's words shook his shoulders and Cori's smiling face. Clearly he'd been overthinking things when his nerves had taken control. There was nothing about this that was remotely scary, movie included.

There was nothing but laughter and snorts of disbelief at the first movie, even Cori, the self proclaimed wuss found it hilarious. His second choice was a little more promising, though the menu looked like it was taking itself a little too seriously. It didn't hold the teenagers' attention for long however, one quick kiss turned into a series of them. They'd only just shifted positions to make the contact easier when creaking on the stairs sent them flying apart. They ended up on opposite ends of the couch by the time the noise's creator came into view.

“Cori, I'm so sorry. I know I promised to leave you boys alone but the line is open and Suzette just came in. She says it's an emergency. Is there any way you could give me a hand with her?” The older man who's interrupted them was clearly Cori's father. They shared a few features that marked them as blood relatives of some sort. Even their hair was similar, aside from the purple streak the younger had added.

“Seriously dad? An emergency? What, does she have a party she can't decide on an outfit for?” The older teen looked more tired than angry, though his words came across as the opposite.

“Coriander.”

Stardust had never heard his boyfriend's full first name before. In this case it was clearly used as a warning. It made Cori sigh heavily as he pushed himself to his feet. Watching the exchange, the city teen realized he had no idea what it was that this man did for a living or why he'd come to his son for help with it. Those were questions to hold onto. To pose when this moment had passed. Right now wasn't really the time and speaking up would only bring the attention down on his peach haired head.

“Okay, okay. Sorry. I'll help.” It seemed Cori was just as affected by the tension in the air as his guest, his next audible sigh one of defeat. “I'll leave the movie going Star, I shouldn't be too long. Feel free to poke around for drinks or snacks if you need anything.”

Cori's dad waited until his son started up the stairs, following behind him to block the escape route back down to the couches even though he'd won the exchange. Stardust didn't turn his attention back to the movie until after the sound of footsteps was above him rather than creaking on stairs. Nothing that was happening on the screen made sense to him, he'd not been paying attention at all before hand and now he was completely lost in the story. He tried rewinding it by a few scenes but it still didn't seem to be overly cohesive, either that or he was just too preoccupied to pay it enough attention even now. His curiosity wasn't going to win this internal struggle, no matter how hard it tried. His bladder however, that was a different story.

He poked around the basement a little, not for any sort of food or drink like Cori had suggested, but rather in search of a bathroom. With everything else that had been set up down here he would have expected it but when the last closed door revealed only the laundry room, furnace nestled in the back corner to be as out of the way as possible. That left him with only one next possible step, go upstairs and look for one up there. Hopefully he wouldn't be interrupting whatever work the other two were doing up there, or at least that they wouldn't hold it against him and point out where he could find it.

Up the stairs was a little disorienting at first, mostly because of the sun that was streaming in from open curtains rather than through little covered windows and the smell of incense. Still it wasn't difficult to figure out which was the way he'd come in and that the bathroom was going to be in the opposite direction of it. The little hallway he found seemed promising, especially with the one door that was ajar at the end of it on an angle. As quietly as possible he crept towards it, pausing only when he passed another open door.

This one had been invisible from his original angle, the scent of incense much stronger the closer he got. Instead of a door it had a wall of strung beads, wooden ones of all shapes and sizes with the occasional smooth piece of quartz at seemingly random intervals. It reminded Stardust of the kinds of things he saw in all the new age stores his mother had dragged him into as a kid, when she had been certain that crystals and stones were the way to bring good luck. That phase of her spending hadn't lasted all that long but those long strands of beads were still enough to knot an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was standing in his boyfriend's house, having a great day but the excitement he'd had in the morning felt like it was ages ago.

Need for a bathroom forgotten he took a step closer to the beads and the soft voices he heard from behind them. He didn't want to know what lay beyond them, he didn't want to see this. Still he couldn't stop himself from stepping closer and peering in, as if he thought he was wrong, as if he hoped it would prove his suspicions wrong.

“Okay, well look. This one here, in the row for staying with him, it has the tower. That's not a good sign. That's definitely telling you that disaster is on its way if you get back together with him. He's cheated a bunch Suzette. Even the cards can see that.”

It was Cori behind the table, flipping over another tarot card for a worried looking girl. His back was to Stardust, he couldn't see the city boy's face crumble, couldn't watch the way his heart was breaking right now. Cori was nothing more than another lying psychic.