Fool's Paradise

Chapter Thirteen

Yet another hot afternoon found The Dudes seated at their usual spot by the basketball courts. As Kaye walked to join them, Alex commented on the fact that lately, Kaye had been unusually happy. Kaye plopped himself next to César. Theo leaned over and said, “Okay, out with it. A chow was seen via Suzanne.” Kaye grinned at his friend, “Let’s just say that things are going smoothly and their better than I expected!” Theo sighed dramatically, “There he goes being cryptic again! The boy will never learn to be open with us.” Alex laughed, “Ha, you must be studying the dictionary, your luzungu is just too styled up!” and he switches to an English accent, “cryptic and all that!” While everyone laughed at Alex’ mimic, César’s eyes narrowed as he observed Kaye. Something wasn’t right; there was shadiness in Kaye’s demeanour. The boy was hiding something.

Cassandra and Kamal walked passed the far side of the basketball court prompting Danston to grin and say, “Hey, César, your kid sis and her teenie are giving you and Laura competition on the title for favourite couple of the school.” César laughed, “Yeah, well, they can have it. I’m just glad that things are easy between me and Laura.”
“It’s good to see that she’s behaving herself,” said Theo. César chuckled, “It’s because she’s surer of herself and doesn’t need to use sex to assure herself that she’s desirable. And that’s the best part; I don’t have to use sex to keep her. My brother, Basha, was right, at our age, there’s no need to be so preoccupied by it; it’s not going anywhere.”
“Humph, speak for yourself,” Kaye cut in to the amusement of the others. César was beginning to worry; the boy was really being shady. He shrugged it off, maybe he was overreacting, but time would tell. He wasn’t to know how right he was.

♣ ♣ ♣

Meanwhile, James Adonnes went about his life calmly and effectively. Now that he didn’t have Anthony Baiga to distract him, his studies picked up and he found himself associating with like-minded individuals. He involved himself more in sports and the drama club and he found himself having the time of his life. He didn’t feel pressured. César was right, one needed to do things at one’s own pace. Some were faster than others were. César checked on him from time to time and he sought him out too, a mentor relationship was building up.

During one of their talks, James told César about his discussion with Anthony regarding condoms and Maureen’s promiscuous ways.
“Have you thought about going for HIV/AIDS testing and counselling?”
“No, why would I need to? I feel fine.”
“True, but it doesn’t hurt to be sure.”
“Okay, so what if I’m positive? What good will that do? To tell you the truth, I’d rather not know.”
“First of all, knowledge is power. After you’ve been tested and counselled, you’ll have the power to make positive and informed decisions. Think about it.”
“Yeah, that makes sense,” James nodded thoughtfully, “Actually; I think I’ll go for it.”
“Now you’re talking.”
After a brief pause, James wanted to know, “But how do I go about it?”
“The clinic at the trading centre has those services. Talk to our medical assistant, he’s a good guy, he will help you with the clinic. And you don’t have to worry about confidentiality, everything’s done discreetly.” César got up from one of the benches they were seated on, “I’ve got to go, but if you’re worried about going through with the whole exercise, just let me know and I’ll be there to support you.”
“Thanks, I appreciate.”
As César walked away Anthony sat next to James. “Hey, what’s up?”
“What’s up?”
“You know, I actually didn’t think that you would ignore me for all this time.” James shrugged his shoulders, “Hey, you’re the one who didn’t want to have anything to do with me, so I moved on with my life.”
“That’s because I didn’t think that you were serious and I thought you would eventually come to your right senses.”
“But I am in my right senses.”
“I see that now.”
“So, there will be no more trying to force me into doing things?”
“No more. But I insist on having my fun!” James laughed, “Somehow I didn’t think you would stop. Hey, if that’s what you want to do then do so, but be careful. There’s no need to take unnecessary chances.”
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“I’ll see you later.”

As Anthony watched James walking away Maureen joined him. “Hm! There goes one fine specimen of maleness…pity he doesn’t know what to do with it.”
“For once, Maureen, I’m going to have to disagree with you. James discovered it and decided that there are more ways than one to utilise it.”
“Don’t tell me you’re going soft on me!”
“No way, I still like the way I use my maleness. It’s just that James has made me realise that it’s one’s right to decide on how to use it and not be told how to use it.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
“Oh, I do say so! There’s a certain delectable young thing that’s caught my eye.”
“Poor thing, she doesn’t stand a chance! I wonder if you’re going to share her around like you usually do.”
“Not this one, my dear, this pretty young thing is going to get my full attention! I want her for my girlfriend!” Maureen looked at him incredulously, “Anthony Baiga having a steady girlfriend! Now that’s a first!”
“There’s always a first time for everything.”
“So how are you going to go about convincing her that you’re sincere? You’re reputation has a way of preceding you.”
“Hey, they don’t call me smooth for nothing.”
“It depends on what they’re referring to.”
“Ha, ha, very funny.”