Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

"Do you want to sit or stand?" Mercury asked.

"Whichever makes me look more natural," Nick replied. "I am not enjoying this."

Nick stood by the window like an awkward catalogue model. That would not work.

"Here," Mercury said.

Taking hold of Nick's muscular shoulders, Mercury guided him into his chair. He rested one of Nick's arms on the desk.

"What do I do with the other one?"

At the moment, it hung limply.

"Oh, my goodness," Mercury exclaimed. "What do you usually do with it?"

"I've absolutely no idea."

They both burst into laughter. Mercury had filmed thousands of videos. Yet, he had always been the focal point. He was not used to directing others and Nick would clearly struggle to take a selfie.

"Rest it on your thigh," Mercury said.

Before he made the finishing touches to the camera, there came a loud knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Mercury said. "Don't you dare move a muscle."

Mercury opened the door to find Eddie standing there.

"What are you doing?" he asked. "We're bored."

"We're in the middle of something right now, Eddie," Mercury said. "We'll be out in ten minutes max. Can't you watch a movie or go outside? It's a gorgeous day."

Eddie peered over Mercury's shoulder. "Is that a tripod? Are you making a film? It's not porn, is it?"

"Eddie!" Nick exclaimed.

"Of course it isn't porn," Mercury said. "He's got all his clothes on. Now off you pop and we'll be right out."

Mercury closed the door.

"Honestly," Nick said. "Those kids."

"You are going to have to tell them, you know," Mercury said. "Hopefully when I upload this interview, we'll start getting some attention."

Nick sighed. "You're right. I'll do it after this."

Mercury fiddled with the focus one last time. Nick looked great. It was hardly a stretch to achieve that.

"Rolling," Mercury said. "How about you begin by telling us about Bodhi House?"

"Bodhi House provides somewhere for teenagers to go that isn't the streets," Nick began. "Gang culture is the biggest threat facing our young people. They think they're adults yet parents still treat them like kids. Here, we recognise the transition can be difficult."

It was straight out of the brochure. Whilst it might be true, Mercury intended to dig deeper. He wanted to shine a light on the commitment that Nick and the other people who worked there felt toward the House.

"Why does this mean so much to you?"

Nick seemed taken aback for a second. Mercury nodded.

"Because if I'd had something like Bodhi House when I was growing up, I would have avoided a lot of trouble. I experienced the horror that is gang culture and it almost destroyed my life. I've buried many friends who weren't so lucky. I want to be the difference that matters."

Once they'd finished, Nick got up and stretched. "Bloody hell, that's hard. I don't know how you do it all the time."

"It's a bit different on a red carpet, pestering people about what designer labels they're wearing. None of that matters. Not like this. Don't worry, you did great. And you looked good enough to eat."

Nick spun around. "Is that right?"

"Oh, I didn't mean…well, it all helps."

The glint in Nick's eye suggested he was enjoying Mercury's discomfort.

I guess it's payback for making him sit there and be interrogated.

"I'd better go and do the deed then," Nick said.

"What do you mean?"

"Tell the kids. They have to know."

"I'll stay here."

Nick took hold of Mercury's hand. "No, please come with me. The kids love you. I think it'll be easier if you're there."

If they shared any more of these intense moments, Mercury would seriously have heart failure.

He followed Nick out into the main room.

"Okay, gang," Nick said, clapping his hands together. "Cinema room, please. I have something I need to talk to you about."

"Sounds dodgy," Eddie said. "I told you they were up to something in there."

"What is it?" Brooke asked.

"All will be revealed when you go through," Nick said. "Anna, can you get anyone from outside?"

A worried Anna did as she was told.

"Is it bad?" Eddie asked. The colour had drained from his face.

"Not necessarily," Mercury said. "Come on."

As he led Eddie and Brooke through into the cinema room, Mercury had a lump in his throat. Even if he had to knock on every door on Queens Crescent to get that money, nothing would stop him from making sure Bodhi House remained open.

In the cinema room, beanbags and comfy chairs faced the projector screen. Mercury got Eddie and Brooke settled before sinking onto one of the chairs. His heart ached for them and what they had to face.

The others soon came in, everyone sharing scared glances as they found seats. Nick stood at the front, wringing his hands.

"Right, guys," he began. "I've got some news and it's not good."

"Told you," Eddie said.

Mercury turned and gently shook his head. This speech would be hard enough for Nick. It wasn't time for interruptions.

"The charity that funds us is struggling," Nick said. "Basically, they might have to sell the house."

Everyone gasped.

"But…we won't have anywhere to go," Hassan said, his eyes filling with tears.

"Wait, wait," Nick said, holding his hands up. "It's not a done deal. Do you remember when Fenella came this morning?"

They nodded. The kids seemed to be stunned into silence, which was a first.

"Well, while she was here, Mercury offered to head up a campaign to get enough donations not just to buy the house—we want to set things up to keep us running for as long as possible."

Hassan fixed on Mercury. "Why can't you buy it? You have loads of money."

"Hassan!" Nick said.

Mercury stood. "It's okay, it's a fair question. Even if I bought the house, the charity would still be struggling. One person's money can't keep things going indefinitely. But lots of people's money can. We can do fundraisers and get a regular income. Then Bodhi House will be here for lots of other children who need it when you're grown up and doing your own thing. Your kids might even come here."

"We could open more places," Anna said.

Mercury caught Nick's eye and smiled.

"I'd like to work in one," Olena added. "Like Nick."

"Can we help?" Brooke asked.

Some of the other kids murmured their approval at this. It appeared they had a ready-made army to go into battle with.

"Firstly, you have to check with your parents," Nick said. "Mercury will be handing out leaflets for you to take home tonight. Then we can start next Monday."

"And any ideas you have will be gratefully received. This is your fight as well as ours," Mercury added.

Eddie sprang up from his chair and dashed out of the room. Nick went to follow him when Mercury stayed him.

"Let me go," he said. "Please."

Nick seemed torn. "Okay. If you need me, I'm here."

Mercury left Nick to all the other questions the kids were sure to have. Through the window, he saw Eddie sitting on one of the garden chairs, his head in his hands. With a deep breath, Mercury followed him outside.

He sat in the chair next to Eddie and waited for Eddie's tears to subside. When he looked up, he seemed surprised to see Mercury.

"I expected Nick," he said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Do you mind it's me?"

Eddie shook his head.

"Want to talk about it?" Mercury continued.

"I don't want this place to close," Eddie said. Another sob escaped. "What will happen to me?"

"Even if we don't manage to save it, there'll still be events. The charity isn't closing."

Eddie slumped in his chair. "It's not the same. I can come here whenever I like. Mum's carers don't turn up whenever I need them."

Mercury hadn't thought about Eddie's home life. The responsibilities he held were such a lot for a young man like him.

"I promise you, we'll do our best."

"Yeah right. You'll finish your community service and fuck off with your rich mates. You won't give a damn about us."

Mercury recoiled. "Is that really what you think, or are you lashing out?"

Eddie bowed his head. His mouth pursed shut.

"If those words are anger, that's fine with me. I can take it. If you believe them, you are very much mistaken. I might not have been here very long but I can see for myself how special Bodhi House and everyone attached to it are. I will not turn my back on you, Eddie. I promise you."

Eddie raised his head. "Do you really mean it? My dad said the same thing when Mum got diagnosed. He fucked off in no time."

"I know that feeling," Mercury said. "My dad was handy with his fists. Not on me. On my mum. In the end, we ran away."

"Madeline Morrison ran away from someone?"

Mercury laughed. "She did. Don't worry, I'm not giving away her secrets. It's all in her autobiography."

"My mum's reading it," Eddie said. "When she heard you were here, she got it out of the library. When she's not too tired, obviously."

Mercury nodded. "How's she doing at the moment?"

Finally, Eddie's face lit up.

"She's having a good spell," he said. "It's my birthday next week. We're going to have takeaway and movies. I get to choose everything."

"Sounds exciting, although I dread to think what you'll put your poor mother through."

Eddie grinned. "She pretends to like Marvel films."

They sat in silence for a minute while Eddie got himself together.

"Do you want to go inside?" Mercury asked.

"I'm sorry for crying," Eddie replied.

Mercury stared at him. Eddie's vulnerability broke his heart.

"There's nothing wrong with crying, you know," Mercury said. "I cry all the time. Bottling things up is where the trouble is. You don't have to worry about anything in front of me. I did wonder something, though."

Eddie frowned. "What's that?"

"Will you help me? Get the others to be part of this. They listen to you more than anyone."

"More than Nick?"

"Well, I'm not sure about that. He's pretty loud."

Eddie pulled a face. "You're pretty noisy yourself."

Mercury playfully swatted him on the shoulder. "Hey, you're on my side."

"I am and I will help. I promise."

"That's the spirit," Mercury said, getting up. "Come on. The others will be worried about you."

Eddie nodded and got up.

The rest of the house had moved back into the main room when they got there. Nick was helping Hassan set up yet another board game.

"Eddie," Hassan said. "Are you playing?"

"Okay, before that we need a young people's meeting. No adults allowed."

"Looks like we're not wanted," Mercury said.

Nick glanced from Eddie to Mercury. He seemed unsure. Mercury walked over to the office door.

"Fine," Nick said, following him. "Would you be so kind as to knock on the door when we're allowed out?"

Nick and Mercury went into the office, closing the door behind them.

"What did you say to him?" Nick asked.

"Not much," Mercury replied. "Did you know it's his birthday next week?"

Nick nodded. "Cath planned a picnic in the garden. The weather is supposed to be nice."

Mercury chewed on a fingernail. "Can I ask something and you not go off on the deep end?"

"Possibly, although I'm not making any commitment."

Mercury fiddled with a pen. "If I had an idea that would really make his birthday special that would cost a weeny bit of money…"

"Mercury—"

"Please, hear me out. What if I were to give a donation? I know it's against a million rules. The kids don't have to know it came from me. Just say the money has started coming in and you've taken a tiny slice. Please, Nick."

Nick shook his head. "I don't know. What happens when it's another kid's birthday?"

"Jeez, I'll give enough for all of them. You strike a hard bargain."

"That's not what I meant."

"I know. I really want to do this."

Nick nodded. "I can see that. My my, we really have got our hooks into you."

"It's true. I've been Bodhi'd."

Nick took a step closer. "We found a part of you that was always there."

Mercury's heart almost pounded out of his chest. Nick was right. He'd never been so fired up about anything before.

"I think I quite like it," Mercury replied, softly.

"I think I do too."

This time, Mercury's resolve vanished. It might be the worst thing he could do yet the indecision might very well kill him.

This time he closed the gap between him and Nick. Their chests pressed together. Their beating hearts only inches away from each other.

Mercury almost cried out when Nick rested his hand in the small of Mercury's back. It was now or never. Mercury chose now.

Their lips touched. The passion that had been boiling inside Mercury all this time exploded as they kissed hard. It was everything he'd dreamt it to be.