Indigo Skye

By N. Penz

Indigo Skye is too perfect for his own good. With his perfect grades, flawless stick handling in lacrosse, unflappable humor, and eyes that make the new kid go weak at the knees, it seems Indy has it all. But the new kid, Max, soon learns there is more to Indy's perfection than meets the eye as he watches Indy hustling from job to job, or sees t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Imagined Worlds
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798218065652

Book preview

Authors Note

This book contains graphic scenes of abuse and neglect.

If you suspect abuse, physical or emotional – or if you are a victim, here is a short list (but check local help as well!) you may choose to go to:

National Domestic Violence Hotline (open 24/7; English, Spanish, 200+ languages through interpretation services): 1-800-799-7233, SMS: text START to 88788, http://www.thehotline.org

National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474, www.loveisrespect.org

National Sexual Assault Hotline: [phone] (HOPE), www.rainn.org

National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-202-467-8700, www.victimsofcrime.org

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: 1-800-537-2238, www.nrcdv.org or www.vawnet.org

Futures Without Violence: The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence: 1-888-792-2873, www.futureswithoutviolence.org

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health: 1-312-726-7020 ext. 2011, www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org

For Childern:

Children USA/National Child Abuse Hotline: [phone], www.childhelpusa.org

Children’s Defense Fund: 202-628-8787, www.childrensdefense.org

Child Welfare League of America: 202-638-2952, www.cwla.org

National Council on Juvenile and Family Court Judges: Child Protection and Custody/Resources Center on Domestic Violence, 1-800-527-3233, www.ncjfcj.org

For Differently Abled:

Domestic Violence Initiative: 303-839-5510, www.dviforwomen.org

Deaf Abused Women’s Netword (DAWN): VP: 202-559-5366, email- [e-mail], www.deafdawn.org

Women of Color:

Women of Color Network: 800-537-2238, www.wocinc.org

INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence: email- [e-mail], www.incite-national.org

Latina/Latino:

Casa de Esperanza: 1-651-772-1611, www.casadeesperanza.org

National Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities: 1-651-646-5553, www.nationallatinonetwork.org

Indigenous Women:

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: 855-649-7299, www.niwrc.org

Asian/Pacific Islander:

Asian and Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence: 1-415-954-9988, www.apiidv.org

Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV): 1-212-473-6485, www.caaav.org

African-American:

The Black Church and Domestic Violence Institute: 1-770-909-0715, www.bcdvi.org

LGBTQ+:

The Audre Lorde Project: 1-178-596-0342, www.alp.org

LAMBDA GLBT Community Services: 1-206-350-4283, www.qrd.org/qrd/www/orgs/avproject/main.htm

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: 1-202-393-5177, www.ngltf.org

Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse: 1-206-568-7777, www.nwnetwork.org

Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860, www.translifeline.org

1

A young man balanced precariously on the ladder, paintbrush between his teeth, one hand touching the ceiling while the other held a cup of white paint. He was trying hard to listen to his friend prattle on about the tour he was giving to a new student that day, but honestly welcoming a new kid wasn’t very high on his priority list. Finishing the job and getting paid, however, was.

Indy, are you even listening? The boy on solid ground questioned from somewhere near his ankles as he tapped on the side of the ladder.

Indy took the paintbrush from his mouth and glanced down, Trying. You said this guy is trying out for the lacrosse team and you hope he’s good. He reiterated before painting the last corner of trim, making sure not to get any on the walls as he had run out of painter’s tape earlier that day.

Yeah – well, if he makes it, but I also said we need another player after Smith moved… he trailed off his sentence, and when the other boy didn’t respond, finished with a pointed look up at him, You should try out. I know you would make it. You play with us all the time for pick-up games and are amazing. We could really use you. The boy on the ladder shook his head. Come on. Why not?

Carefully, he finished the last brush stroke before looking down, Sasha, I don’t have the time or the equipment. You know that, but the reason he kept silent – they both knew.

The door to the shop opened and closed as Indy climbed down to move the ladder over. His friend looked up and saw a giant of a teenager look around with a hint of anxiety. Sasha waved, directing the other boy over.

Hey. You must be Sasha. I’m Max, he rumbled and smiled as he pushed his nearly black hair from his face.

Yep. And this is Indy, Sasha gestured toward his friend climbing back up the ladder.

Hi, Indy said through a mouthful of paintbrush that had just caught in his hair. He glanced over at the new kid from three steps up and suddenly felt extremely aware of how short he was. He was barely at eye level with the giant. Indy refocused on the paint balancing in his hand and began climbing again.

Consider what I said, please? We could use you on the team, Sasha said as he inched away.

"I just love being used," he countered jokingly as he began painting again.

Sasha rolled his eyes as Max hid a laugh, "And if I said we wanted you?"

Max eyed the young man with reddish brown hair and deep blue eyes bordering on purple. His lean frame was resting against the top step with a heavy smirk across his lips, Don’t swing that way. He tapped the paintbrush against the cup, dislodging a heavy drop.

Can you be serious for five seconds? Sasha looked up at him, then shook his head, knowing it was impossible. Indy was forever sarcastic and made a point of only being serious when absolutely necessary. Sasha knew that intimately. He raised an eyebrow questioningly.

I’ll think about it – happy? Indy sighed as he saw Max look at him with question.

Sasha’s face lightened up and he said happily, And you’re small! So, you can even use my old gear if you need to. We still have it in the garage.

Sasha. Slow it. I never said I would. I’ll see you later, he turned and climbed the last step, forcing an end to the conversation.

Bye, he looked over and up into Max’s face, So, obviously you found your way to The Coffee Cup. A lot of us like to hang out here…

**

Indy tugged on a loose string hanging from the knee of his ripped jeans as Sasha shoved a pillow over at him, Thanks.

His friend shrugged as he sat down on the edge of his bed, Want to borrow some pajama bottoms? He waited for a response, but Indy seemed to be in his own world. Indy? Helloooo? He said dragging it out. Skye?

He looked up at the old nickname, What?

You okay there?

Sorry. Just tired, I guess, he rubbed his palms against his thighs. How did tryouts go?

Well, I’m just gonna mention the uhh… elephant in the room -

Shit! You got an elephant in here? Where? I’ve always wanted to ride one. Indy looked around with feigned excitement.

Sasha rolled his eyes, I was talking about the fact that you weren’t there. Indy quirked an eyebrow at him. I know. I’m not trying to make you feel bad. It’s just. Well, I made JV. And, so did Chris. That new guy, Max, he did too. I was hoping for Varsity, but that’s always mostly seniors. Only two juniors made the team. I bet you would have made Varsity.

Indy snorted, I wouldn’t want to be on Varsity without you guys though. Plus, you always say that, but I’ve never played on a real team before. He picked on the string again as Sasha pushed himself up against the headboard, stretching his legs out. Is the new guy any good?

Yeah. He’s really good. He apparently made JV at his old school as a freshman. At least, that’s what I heard Coach saying. He’s really nice though. He asked why you didn’t come and try out.

What did you tell him? He leaned down to pull his socks off and then snagged his toothbrush out from the front pocket of his backpack.

Sasha shrugged, Just that you work a lot. He’s a nice guy. Think he’ll fit right in.

With all us misfits? He smirked and stood up, Bet he didn’t realize he’d end up on our island.

I don’t know what island you’re talking about, but –

"You damn well know what I’m talking about. You make me watch that god awful movie every year. And you know it creeps me out."

Sasha started laughing, "Yeah, that’s why I make you watch it. Who gets creeped out by Rudolf?"

It’s not the reindeer. The animation is just weird. Plus… that snowman. He’s up to something. Why is he always around? And how does he know so much?

I think you’re on your own island.

Indy shrugged, Probably. I’m okay there. I have all the coconuts to myself.

Coconuts? A female voice chimed in, followed by a face framed by brown and silver dusted hair.

Yeah. Indy is nuts.

It’s true. Sorry Mrs. Haliday. You let the crazy into the house.

Carefully, she reached out and squeezed his arm, Long as it’s you. Your kind of crazy is welcome here anytime. She shook her head with a tired smile, Do either of you need anything before I head off? Both boys shook their heads. Alright. Good night then. She walked back down the hall and into her room.

Indy came back into the bedroom a few minutes later and was assaulted by a pair of pants, Thank you?

Figured you hadn’t gotten the chance to grab some.

Or, I just don’t own any, Indy smiled up at his best friend.

Well, happy birthday then. You’re turning twelve, right?

You’re such an asshole.

That’s so nice of you. Especially when I’m giving you a gift, Sasha turned his fan on and climbed into bed.

Quickly, Indy changed into the pajama pants and slid onto the other side, Really, Sasha, thanks. You don’t need -

Indy. Don’t. You’re like my brother. It’s okay. I get pajamas from my grandma every year for Christmas, he said, wiggling further under the covers.

You’re really on a Christmas streak tonight, Indy whacked him with a pillow.

Sasha kicked him in the ankle, You’re the one who brought it up the last time.

Shoving the pillow back under his head, he laid down and felt a jaw cracking yawn coming. He bit it down, Whatever.

Night Indy. He didn’t hear a response and when he looked over, Indy was already asleep, his slight frame barely visible in the dark.

2

Sasha found himself sitting at a fire next to Max and a few other friends from the JV lacrosse team laughing as they chatted animatedly about the new school year and possibilities of winning when he heard voices inside. He glanced back towards the house and saw his mom talking to Indy. As nonchalant as he could, he stood up and walked to his backdoor.

Sweetie, you can’t stay there, his mom said as Sasha came inside.

I’m fine Mrs. Haliday, Indy sucked in his swollen split lip.

Dude, you are so not okay, Sasha moved cautiously towards him, hand just beginning to rise. Let me see.

Indy moved away from him with a quick step back, It’s okay. Not that bad. Really… Sash. I know your teams here, but… do you -

’Course not. You know you are always welcome, Sasha eyed him closely, but couldn’t see much past his hair that was waving around his face.

Mrs. Haliday emphatically stated, Stay as long as you want.

Indy crumpled into a chair, feeling sick and grateful at the same time, Thank you.

Sasha sat down across from him, Skye… really… are you okay?

Indy looked up at the use of his childhood nickname – one only Sasha still used, It’s just… I don’t… I mean, I can’t, it’s not my fault… I didn’t ask- the sliding door opened and his mouth slammed shut.

Sasha wanted to scream in annoyance. He had always known there was something Indy had never told him, but whomever opened that door had stopped the train firmly in its tracks. All emotion drained from Indy’s face to be replaced in seconds by the quirky tilt and gleam back in his deep indigo eyes.

Hey Indy, I didn’t know you were coming, Max smiled broadly at him and brushed the nature from his pants leg.

Wanting to melt into the pile of goop he felt like, Indy sucked in a breath, forcing himself to confidently half laugh out, Yeah, I’m a party crasher.

Max’s smile faltered as Indy looked up and his hair slid away from his angular cheekbone, revealing the damaged flesh. His eyes travelled quickly from the cut just under his bruised eye, to his swollen split lip. Oh my god. What ha- are you okay? He instinctively stepped towards him.

Indy pushed back from the table, away from the small group, I’m great. Just gonna go clean up a bit so I don’t look like a horror film reject. He turned and walked away, knowing exactly where to go.

Mom, Sasha said in a pathetically drawn out, kid’s way.

She set a hand on her hip, What? We have been having this conversation for the past seven years. You know that I cannot do anything other than give him a place to stay. She let out a breath before pulling a container of popcorn kernels from a cabinet and slamming it on the counter.

Max’s eyes were wide, from all Sasha had said about Indy, it seemed like a lot had still been left out, Is he okay?

He’ll be alright. His dad’s, well… intense. Sasha sighed, I’ll meet you outside. He left and walked down the hall before tapping on the bathroom door. He heard a murmur and walked in, closing the door behind him, You need anything?

Indy swallowed hard, not meeting his eyes, Why does this always happen?

Sasha leaned against the sink, ’Cause your dad is an asshole?

No, he dropped down to sit on the edge of the tub, I mean, why can I never meet people under normal circumstances? I’m always a fucking train wreck.

Sasha quirked up an eyebrow, What are you talking about? He reached under the cabinet for the hydrogen peroxide.

The night I met half the lacrosse team in middle school, I tripped and fell in a mud puddle. When I met Rachel and Ashley I passed out -

You had a fever of 103 -

I met Max covered in paint and now my face is a fucked-up mess.

"What do you care? You never care. And you’re still friends with all of them. I think it’s just part of your charm," Sasha asked, confused. He picked up the wet towel and slowly sat on the toilet across from Indy. He brushed the hair away from his face and began cleaning off the rest of the dried blood.

You always just… I don’t know. It’s so easy for you. You say and do the right thing and I feel like a side show freak. He felt Sasha’s fingers under his chin and he turned his face slightly, trusting his friend like he did no one else. He reached over for the rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.

"Skye. You are not a side show freak and Max is a good guy. And he may not really understand this, but I don’t think he is going to hold it against you. He never made fun of you for being covered in paint – just wondered if that was your job. I told him you worked at The Sprout. He took the alcohol wet cotton ball and began dabbing at the cut under his eye. Actually, he asked quite a bit about you and seemed bummed you didn’t make it to tryouts. He nudged him with his knee, Is this about Max? Why do you care what Max thinks?"

Indy looked down at his hands in his lap, I don’t… not really. Just wanted, for once, to make a good impression.

How about we go play a round of pick up – show Max you aren’t a total – mess, did you say? Carefully, he put the band-aid on and smiled. Indy, relax. Every other day of the week you’re hilarious. Come on, let’s go beat the crap out of Chris and Steve in a game – that’ll cheer you up.

They walked out to the fire together, lacrosse sticks in hand, Anyone up for it?

Indy! Hey man. Max, dude, you have to see this asshole play, one of the other guys said with a grin on his face.

Asshole? Really? Indy asked, a laugh just touching his lips, You’re such a jerk, Chris.

If you just joined the team, you wouldn’t be an asshole, he shrugged.

You know he can’t, another guy said, He has work.

Max watched them banter back and forth as they split into teams and Sasha turned the flood light on in the backyard. For the briefest moment, they hovered in eager anticipation, then – as one – their bodies moved, but Max had never seen anything like Indy. His entire body moved in perfect synchrony, bending and flexing as he pivoted and spun around the opposite team. Within what seemed seconds, the ball was in the net and Indy was futilely trying to synch his belt up tighter.

If you get Indy, we should get another player, Chris said before eying Max with a smirk, Max, wipe the drool from your face and stop gaping at Indy.

Indy looked up suddenly with an eyebrow raised to see Max quickly looking down, What?

Max blushed, but rolled with it, much worse had been said and done at his old school, Damn. I’ve never seen anyone play like that… have you ever been on a team?

Indy’s cheeks reddened at the praise, Nah. I don’t play well with others.

He’s lying. He does, just doesn’t have the time, Sasha rolled his eyes. Are we ready? He asked, stepping back into position.

Sweaty and feeling more at ease, Indy popped a piece of popcorn into his mouth as he leaned back on his elbows an hour later. Max sat on one side of him while Sasha was on his other. He wanted to say something to the new kid, but had no clue what. He wasn’t the best at small talk and just as he went to blurt something out, and probably embarrass himself, Chris asked, You were saying something earlier about how you can’t wait for the game against your old school. Said you wanted to trash them – seemed kinda hostile… any particular reason?

Max blushed a dark red. He had been dreading this moment. He swallowed, strengthening his spine, They’re all a bunch of assholes. My… my ex is… he blushed deeper and stared at his toes, now the captain of the lacrosse team.

Woah – hold up, Chris raised a hand, You’re gay? Max’s blush deepened and he felt his heartbeat pick up as each set of eyes bored into him. He nodded, but before he could say anything, Chris spluttered, Shit man. I’m sorry. If I had known that… fuck. What I said earlier… I didn’t mean -

Max let out a breath of air, he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Don’t worry about it. It’s totally fine – I’d forgotten you even said anything, he lied. He remembered – just like he remembered the stunned look on Indy’s face as he said it. Max mentally shook his head as he heard Chris say to go on with his story, Right. So, he is now the captain. He’s a senior this year and… well, we dated most of last year and it was all great until we… well, he stopped as his face flamed again.

Sasha chuckled and helpfully filled in, You had sex?

Yeah… he mumbled pulling a leaf into strips, I… I didn’t really want to, but he made it seem so important, but then after, he just brushed the whole thing off. We did it a couple of times before I heard the older guys on the team talking when they thought I wasn’t there. Turns out it was all part of some bet. All the girls they were dating and me… well, they were trying to see who they could get to do the most shit over the year and they had to prove it too… they were sharing videos and pictures with each other.

What the fuck? Indy spluttered and the others said similar things, but Max was watching Indy’s face as he sucked in the side of his lip that held the two small rings as he gently shook his head. I hope someone beat the shit out of them. That’s disgusting.

No, Max frowned and looked back down. See, that’s why I want them pulverized. I tried to tell the coach and principal, but they came from such good homes there was no way they would ever do something like that – meanwhile I’m some societal deviant or whatever. Max sucked in his lower lip and bit it, before slamming his fist into the ground and blurting out, There’s nothing wrong with me despite what they all said, but my parents believed me and moved us here. My little sister started kindergarten this year and my folks said they didn’t want her going to school with their shitty influence. Max looked up at their watchful faces and felt the heat rising in his cheeks again, Sorry. I probably should have kept most of that to myself for another year or two… I tend to overshare sometimes.

Hey Sasha, someone else babbles when they’re nervous. It’s not just you! Indy laughed good naturedly before saying without looking up, It’s okay – at least with me. Your parents are really okay with it?

Max nodded, Yeah. I mean, I think my dad was a little put off at first, but he came around. My mom finds it entertaining to watch chick flicks with hot guys in it whenever I’m around and ask my opinion. For the record – I hate chick flicks. Indy laughed again as someone else asked when he came out, About three years ago to my parents – so I was maybe twelve and a half, I think. He shrugged.

I wonder what your dad’s reaction would be if you told him you were gay Indy? the guy next to Chris said with a pondering look.

Max looked over at him with surprise – a flutter starting in his stomach. He saw Indy’s eyes widen in what could only be fear, but within a second, his face was back to the normal nonchalance, Well, he would probably try to have me exorcised, followed by lots of confessional time, then I would most likely be flayed – a lot – then locked in the closet and told never to come out. He shrugged, So, pretty much business as usual – oh except he would probably also try to kill me. Three cheers for religious sycophants.

Max looked at him trying to hide back his horror at the calm way he said such a horrible truth, He would really do that?

Indy snorted and instead of responding to the question said, Thankfully, I’m straight and will happily keep it that way and stay alive. He tossed another popcorn piece into his mouth.

Max furrowed his brow, but had no clue what to say or how someone should even react to that. He felt the fluttering die before it had really started and stared back into the fire.

3

Indy stepped up to the group clustered around the locker bank in the sophomore hallway with the same feeling of nervous anticipation he always had on the first day back at school. While most of his classmates and friends had on their first day best, Indy was sporting his two sizes too big hand-me-down dark jeans with a belt so old it was cracking and a dark blue t-shirt that had shrunk in the wash. Self-consciously, he tugged on it as he readjusted his patched backpack.

Max looked down at him with a half-smile, I’m sure this has been mentioned before, but you’re kinda short.

Or you’re related to sasquatch, ever thought of that? Indy tossed back with a raised eyebrow, but he had to admit, he did feel remarkably small standing next to Max. His head barely hit his collarbone. He sucked in his lip rings as he looked up into Max’s bronze colored eyes, I also would like to point out, I just turned fourteen.

Seriously? He asked in bewilderment. "You are a sophomore, right?

Yeah, Indy laughed, not offended as he knew exactly where this conversation was headed.

How?

Well… Indy sighed and leaned down to spin his locker combination as he explained, See, I moved here with my folks when I was six, but they didn’t put me in school right away. When they finally did, I had to take this aptitude test to see what grade I would be a best fit for since I have a late birthday, but I did better than they expected and I ended up in third grade.

Max shook his head, If you didn’t go to school until third grade, how did you learn all the math and reading and stuff? Were you homeschooled or something?

Everyone began laughing at the idea of either of Indy’s parents bothering to homeschool him. Indy straightened up, Hell no. I just picked things up and am a super nerd. It wasn’t completely the truth, but the truth was hard to look at in the blinding light of day.

You don’t strike me as a nerd, Max admitted, taking in his double lip ring, faded leather watch, and the rest of his slightly disheveled wardrobe.

Don’t let his look fool you, Chris chuckled as he slapped Max on the shoulder, and just pray to whatever god you serve, that you get him as your project partner.

Indy rolled his eyes, I refuse to do all the work this time you lazy shit.

I did some of the work, Chris dramatically put a hand to his heart as if hurt.

You watched the fucking movie and spelled ‘was’ wrong three times, Indy reached over and tapped him on the forehead, Yep. It’s hollow.

Max laughed, What class was that for?

English, Sasha said, But sophomore history has a year-long project too.

They turned and started walking down the hall, a few peeled off to other classrooms leaving Indy, Max, and Sasha to turn into history together. They sat down at one of the empty tables, When’s your birthday?

Indy looked at Max, Uhhh… August. Why?

Just curious, Max was struggling to comprehend just how much older than Indy he was. He would be turning sixteen in November. He glanced up and caught Indy staring at him with a raised eyebrow. What?

It’s not a big deal. I get it. I’m young compared to most of our class, but other than being a shrimp – compared to you – I’m way more mature than most of the imbeciles here.

Except you still have your V card, Sasha tossed in as if it was an all important fact.

Indy’s face turned scarlet, You seriously had to say that? I bet a lot more than you think do. Most just say they lost it because society -

Sasha cut him off, And you don’t date – ever, he grinned as Indy fell silent and just stared at the table, lips pressed together.

After a moment, they heard him mumble, I just… I don’t have the time. Not interested.

There. You aren’t so mature, Sasha persisted.

Struggling between wanting to tell Indy it was okay and not wanting to tip off that he was quickly beginning to think way too often about him, he was saved having to say anything as the teacher moved to the front.

As I call your names, stand up and find your partner assigned to you, she raised her voice to silence the chatter that had begun at the disappointment, This will be your partner for the rest of the year. This week you will be finding your topic, which you will do preliminary research on for the remainder of the month and present on the Friday before homecoming. Groans sounded out from the class which she ignored. Before you find your seats, I expect you will take a syllabus and packet detailing your lives in this class for the rest of the year. You will read both with your partner today. With that she began calling names. Max held his breath with fingers crossed under the table as he hoped for either Sasha or Indy. Sasha Haliday with Ashley Reynolds. A girl in their friends group wiggled her fingers and smiled, but Max had seen her flirting with Indy over the weekend and caught her hint of disappointment. A few groups later she called, Maxwell Thompson with- she paused and looked up, Indigo Meredian.

Max began to glance around, then heard a familiar voice sigh out, Indy. I go by Indy. The teacher looked over at him – plainly surprised to see a boy and not a girl. Indy sucked in his lip and rolled his eyes skyward at the snickers from his classmates. I hate roll call. Come on Max. Let’s get our stuff.

A few minutes later, they were seated in the back flipping through the syllabus, I know you work a lot and with the lacrosse training schedule, it might be kinda hard to find time on week nights… Max said, not looking at Indy. Maybe, if your dad lets you -

Indy started laughing, "My dad doesn’t let me do anything. He simply doesn’t care. As long as I don’t embarrass him somehow."

Oh, he swallowed. He still had no understanding or idea of what Indy went home to every night, only that it wasn’t good. In that case… want to spend the night this weekend? We still have a lot of stuff in boxes, but as long as you don’t mind…

For some reason, Indy looked extremely nervous, I don’t know, Max felt rocks in his stomach as Indy went on, Could we meet at The Coffee Cup instead? He looked over at Max and then his eyes widened, Oh shit, Max, it’s not that I don’t want to. I just, he sucked in his lip rings and spun them once, I have to work until three and then am filling in for a few hours at five. I should be done at eight, but for me to ride my bike over, I wouldn’t get to your house – you live over on Cleary, right? Max nodded, It would just be late and I need the money. He stuck his foot up and wiggled his toe poking through the hole in his shoe.

Sure, I can do that. I’ll have my mom drop me off, he smiled, feeling relieved, then hesitantly added, And maybe next weekend, instead?

I’ll think about it. That could possibly work, Indy looked back down at his paper.

**

Indy raised his hand and hit the doorbell, feeling distinctly out of place. Max’s house was huge with a well-kept yard and garden and he could only imagine what the inside looked like. The door flew open to show Max with a smile on his face, Hey! You’re early.

Looking down and scuffing his shoe on the ground, Indy tried to explain and now wished he had taken more time leaving work, Sorry. They let me out early ‘cause I didn’t take a break. I should have called before I left.

It’s fine Indy. I forgot you don’t have a cell, he stepped aside and waved Indy in, You can throw your stuff there for now. Make sure you take your shoes off or my mom will be pissed. We’re still eating, but I can grab you a plate on the way to the dining room.

Indy kicked off his shoes and curled his toes under to hide the giant hole as he looked around at the beautiful home. He felt like a piece of trash that just blew in off the street and swallowed hard. He didn’t belong here.

Indy? You good? Max asked as he looked down at his new friend. I’m sure you haven’t eaten dinner yet.

I’m okay. Not that hungry, he mumbled as he began to follow Max down a hallway lined with family photographs. Indy looked up at Max and couldn’t help but notice how polar opposite their wardrobes were. Not even a thread was out of place on Max’s pullover v-neck sweater with a perfectly matching undershirt and his sweatpants were even from that fancy store Indy couldn’t even afford socks from. Not to mention, he noted grimly, that Max’s socks didn’t even have wear in them.

Max turned back to look at him as he walked into the large kitchen and began raiding cabinets for tableware, "Really? I’ve kinda noticed you never eat lunch and I’m guessing no breakfast – which leaves dinner. From