Hezekiah's POV

The Nexus, Pacifica Vista...

Sunshine.

Perfect skies.

Golden sands.

A cushy and opulent all-inclusive resort surrounded by ethereal and lush wildlife.

That's the exact vibe of a perfect summer vacation that I never truly envisioned back on Earth since I was trapped in boarding schools and random camps over the summer in Europe while my family got to enjoy all of that and more. Little wonder that I was so pale and gaunt while everyone sported tans.

But it doesn't matter at this point since I was now checking in at the Ivory Bay Health Resort and Spa while taking in the happy camaderie of the people who were looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the sprawl in the Nexus. A group of young women wearing floral-print sarongs were sashaying and glowing from what looked like a trip from the spa. An elderly couple were chatting animatedly at a middle-aged pair with the latter feeling more and more uncomfortable.

"We hope you enjoy your stay here, Mr. Chamblee," the receptionist, a perky blonde, chirped as she handed me my room key. "And with you being the newest resident and a special case, consider your vacation as a complimentary gift from God himself."

I nodded. Looks like the Lord's been busy making sure that I was well accommodated. Probably wanted to make it up to me as penance for sending me to Earth in the first place. "Thank you," I said. "I intend to enjoy my time here, even more so after everything."

The female receptionist nodded, giving me a sad smile. "It's a lot to take it, I know," she commented. "Mr. Chamblee, all of us in the Nexus know of your story and how you weren't meant for Earth in the first place. But know that this is going to be a good life for you here. I guarantee it."

"Kiah?"

I whirled around to see Chance dressed in a floral-themed button-down shirt and tan khaki shorts approach me. "Hi," I said, surprised by his easygoing smile. "Wait, do you work here?"

"Bellboy and part-time bartender," he explained. "Looks like you're taking advantage of exploring the worlds of the Nexus. Planning to get in some time on the beach?"

"Maybe, but after I get one glimpse of home in the world where I don't exist first. I kind of need to see how everyone would enjoy their summer vacations without me."

He nodded in understanding. "That's true," he commented as he took my suitcase and led me to my room. "It's kind of a recommendation to peek into the timeline to see how people are faring without us rejects who are here in the Nexus."

"Is your family better off without you?" I couldn't help but ask.

A flicker of pain flashed through his eyes. "Unfortunately, yeah," he said bitterly. "Dad always liked to say that if I wasn't born then the family would be more at ease with his world of little girls. And now that I'm no longer existent, I'd like to think that the bastard got his wish after all."

"Damn," I breathed before turning to him when we got to my room. "That's harsh."

"Tell me about it," Chance noted, no trace of his happy persona in display. "I don't like looking at the timeline where I wasn't born because it's a reminder of what I could never be a part of. You know what my dad said before he shot me? 'Next life, be reborn as a girl so you can at least make this family better. Your sisters are angels. You're just a demon spawn. You disgust me.' That's what he said. What was ironic was that I didn't bother fighting back because I knew that I was going to die either way. It's pathetic, but at least I was peace with leaving a world that never had any opportunities for me."

I only nodded, feeling sad and pissed off for him as I opened the door to my bedroom and let him inside to carry my bags. "Won't you stay and take a look at my family's life without me?" I asked tentatively. "I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to, but-"

"Kiah, I could use some distraction," Chance interrupted. "And besides, I was about to take my break anyway. Heck, I could use a small vacay myself."

That earned a laugh from me as I placed my bags inside the walk-in closet.

Seven minutes later, Chance and I sat down on the bed and turned on the TV as I chose the summer vacation before my senior year in high school on the screen. The screen changed to a look at my family enjoying a day of sunlight and gourmet barbeque as Mariah was gushing over her fiance Andrew proposing to her. "You make me so happy, Mariah Chamblee," the blonde and athletic senator's heir said dreamily as he presented her with a small engagement ring. "My parents told me that I'm making a mistake with doing this, but I don't care. You are my light and world. Say that you'll be mine and I promise myself to you and your family forever."

"Yes," my older sister warbled, voice thick with emotions as everyone came to her side while her newly-minted fiance slid the band of gold on her finger. "I love you, Andrew! Thank you so much!"

"Good work, son," Dad boomed, clapping the young man on the back before barking for glasses of champagne as a celebration. "You're going to be a good asset for this family like your future little brothers-in-law. You're like another son that I wish I could adopt."

"In all fairness, sir, you're like the father that I wished that mine was," Andrew replied. "Dad and I never saw eye to eye about anything anymore, especially when it comes to Mariah. He and Mom don't like her at all and vow to disown me if I made her my wife. Guess he'll have to disown me because I'm with Mariah until the end."

"Marvelous," Mom commented. "Your family will only drag you down, Coleman. Now that you're going to marry my daughter, you're going to become more and more like a true Chamblee that holds itself as part of the diamond standard."

Chance flicked off the TV, rolling his eyes. "That's depressing," he muttered. "Your family is more like mine, but more pleasant and unashamed of themselves like mine. And who's this Andy Coleman, anyway?"

"He's Mariah's fiance," I explained. "Son of a well-respected Democratic senator of Massachusetts who's not like his money-hungry son at all. Andy and I never talked to each other much since I was either away in Europe or locked in my room during lavish dinner parties. But even I knew that he's like everyone else in the family- ambitious, self-centered, and power-mad. Dad often said that he wished that he could have Andy as the son he wished I could've become. I wouldn't be surprised if he felt the same way once he learned that I died- never giving a damn about my execution. By now, everyone might've thought that I committed suicide after graduation. At least, that's the story that my parents would've gone with."

Chance snorted. "Figures. And with that, it's time to get out of here and make sure that you get some sun. Save the timeline watch for when you get back home. This is all about maxin' and relaxin', Kiah. And if you're looking for some...special treatments, I'll be glad to get you sedated with my personal touches."

He kissed me tenderly before breaking away and taking his leave.

My mind flashed to the night when I finally had my wicked way with him. Oh, boy. This vacation is going to be one for the books.

***********************

A nice shower after unpacking my things later, I had changed into one of the many triangular swimsuits that Chance gifted me earlier and soon found myself at one of the outside infinity pools that had a stellar view of the ocean. Being grateful for Chance teaching me to swim back on Earth, I stepped inside the pools and let myself sink for a few minutes before coming up for air. "That feels so good," I breathed as I floated around and looked up at the clear sky. 'It's like one of those hot spring baths that I heard about."

"All the more better to keep swimming."

I turned to see an older male who looked like an older version of Chance himself as he stood by the edge of the pool, he looking masculine in his black and white speedo that hugged his assets perfectly. "Uh, hi," I breathed, slicking my hair back. "I didn't know anyone else was around here."

"All the more reason to introduce myself, Mr. Chamblee," the older man said, giving me a small grin. "The name's Landon. Landon McMurray. And I've been following your story since your arrival, young man, never mind that everyone knows you by now. All the same, it's a pleasure of mine to meet you face to face."

Just then, Chance came outside to the pool in his red speedo before frowning deeply at Landon. "Who are you?" he asked.

Landon introduced himself. "I was just telling Mr. Chamblee that I've been following his story for the longest since his arrival," he explained. "And now that you both are in the Nexus, I want to make a proposition for you two."

"And that is?" I wanted to know.

Landon smirked. "What say you two boys join me for a special...rendezvous in my hotel room? The three of us can enjoy each other's company, get to know each other better, and maybe even get lost in some...well, you get my gist."

Before I could reply, I saw a glaring Louis emerge from out of nowhere. "Enough, Mr. McMurray," the gatekeeper intoned. "Leave these boys alone."

Landon held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "To be continued," was all he said before making his way towards the beaches. To me and Chance, "We'll see more of each other, I'm sure."

"What the heck?" I exclaimed.

"My thoughts exactly," Chance commented.

"Boys, you just met one of the most domineering members of the Nexus," Louis said, eyes narrowed in silts as he caught the older man  flirting with another male guest who looked more agreeable. "He doesn't mean any harm, just a bit...too much."

"All the more reason to stay away from him," Chance replied, shaking his head.

"I didn't say that," Louis replied. "I mean, he is quite a catch and all. No one wants to refuse anyone when it comes to a good time, especially people of Landon's caliber."

"What's his story, I'd like to know?" I asked out loud.

A shadow of mystery crossed Louis' face. "A man who was born in the wrong decade to be gay and had to settle for faking straight," he replied. "He held up the act for as long as possible to please his family and wife before he was killed by his in-laws' demands. Since his arrival, he's living in his truth as a gay man."

Huh. "You learn something new everyday," I mused.

"True, but let's be wary of him. I don't trust him yet," Chance told me. "There's something...I don't know, aloof about him."

Right.

"Anyway, gentlemen, I want to let you know that we're watching Miss Slade more intently now that she's watching you both," Louis noted. "And with you two boys destined as soulmates, you know that there's going to be some unwanted headaches from her."

"The letter," Chance commented, remembering the note that I showed him after coming home from therapy. "You think that she's planning something?"

"If she does, then Lucifer won't hesitate to end her time here in the Nexus. He and God think that she should've been in hell anyway. I'll explain everything about her later on, but I came to see how you are faring here."

"Getting along as fine as ever," I assured him. "All I can do is take it easy and live my life here."

"Good," Louis hummed happily. "Well, I'm off to greet newcomers. But again, I'll tell you more about Catalina later." He disappeared swiftly.

"Wonder what he knows about Slade?" I asked as I watched my neighbor step in the pool and swim to me. "I never knew of her background, to be honest."

"That's been on my mind for the longest," Chance replied. "But whatever it is, it can't be good at all. I won't let her get between us, Hezekiah."

For his sake, I hoped the same.

Cumulative word count so far: 18,876 words.

Looks like we got another guy joining the fray, folks! Landon McMurray's coming to shake things up for Chance and Hezekiah in more ways than one. So don't be surprised if he turns out to be one hell of a wild-card that will amplify this story to new levels.

As for Catalina Slade, we'll know of her life on Earth soon enough. But coming up next, it's Hezekiah's memorial service on Earth as Andy's father denounces the Chamblee clan before disowning his son and making one phone call to a sassy maid who'll help with the Fall of Chamblee clan alongside one unexpected guest.

Dedication: BriannaJoyCrump.

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