Diane left the libary after politely excusing herself. Thomas watched her, making sure she left completely. He felt like something was getting on his nerves whenever he meets her. But, then again, he has only met her twice. Nevertheless, she still was annoying to him.

Strange. She did so much for me. Why am I not thankful?

Thomas sighed. He hasn't sighed in a long time. Maybe it was finally time to sigh. It was in the right time, wasn't it? This was his second day in Earl's house and he still hasn't figured anything about what his relationship with this mean rich guy was supposed to mean.

Looking to his side, he found a thin leather book on one of the fine glass reading tables. Opening it to the first page, he began reading in curiosity. Suddenly, his face blushed a bright red when he came to discover that the book he was holding in his hands was, in fact, a romance novel. And not any romance novel; it was a homoerotic one. Yet, he continued to absorb the words.

The story began with a very young Robert Bagley, who was around 21 years of age.

Is this what Earl was reading in his past time?

"Robert, beautiful and graceful as he always was, leaned forward in an excellent elegant manner, to kiss this other young man. The friction between the flesh of their soft lips sent a signal of heartbeats, like that of hoofsteps of a black stallion, up and down Robert's body. Just when the fire burned between them, something moved and the heat was extinguished. And just when Robert opened his eyes, the other man had pushed him aside and ran. The other man ran like the wind, as though his life was in grave danger. But, was he? No. Robert was not a dangerous man. Robert could not understand. He had sacrificed himself for this, yet the boy dared to abandon him? Life was never fair, as he learned from past experiences, from past lessons. But, with hope still burning in his heart, he had sacrificed his emotional safety for the love he desired. He had no money, but he had at least a place to live. He starved, he collapsed so many times in the heat of the summer. He wanted love, but only recieved a lying kiss and no name. That boy, he now thought, would never meet him again..."

Thomas suddenly jolted out of the dreamy world of words that he was just now engulfed in, and looked up. He had heard a creaking sound of the library door. This time, the sound wasn't as loud as it usually was, but it was still noticeable. Wondering who or what caused the disturbance, he stood up. The door continued to open in a slow, steady manner.

A voice, numbed by the muffling of the walls by books, made its way to Thomas' voice. "Tommy? Are you there?" It was Earl.

The entering man, closed the large doors behind him, as he stepped onto the carpeting.

What is he doing here? But, then again, this is his library after all. He has all rights to enter here. But, in my book, he has no right to enter in my presence. Did he even know if I was here? Or did he search all over the mansion for me?

"Tommy."

"My name isn't Tommy," Thomas scowled.

"Hmph."

"I'd much prefer to be called Thomas, or even better, Mr. Valerie."

Honestly, I hate my last name. But, what right does he have to call me baby names?

Earl smiled. It was a very weak smile, as if he didn't even have enough energy to lift his facial muscles. It wasn't a smile like before. He seemed stronger back then.

What happened?

Earl's eyes were slightly red, signifying either that he was tired or that he was crying, or maybe both.

"What a pity. You weren't even called Tommy by your own mother." Earl sneered, and then let his expression drop, drooping once again.

A line of thought stroke through thomas' mind.

What did he say? How did he know that? It was true that my mother didn't call me by that baby name, but how did Earl find that out? He's probably around my own age...

Thomas' thinking was stopped abruptly when Earl said, "And what is that book you are holding?"

Thomas looked down at the book he was pressing to his chest with his arms. "It's none of your business."

Earl laughed lightly and shook his head, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Your tongue is like acid flung in random directions. No, Tommy, it IS my business. That book is mine."

Thomas again peered down at the book his was holding. His face blushed from embarrassment, looking slightly sad, his eyes watering. He slowly walked towards Earl and handed the book to him.

"Sorry," Thomas said as he solemny placed the book in Earl's hand.

"Now that's much better." Earl put the book under his armpit and began walking past Thomas. The golden-haired boy stayed put. He felt a pang of pain in his chest. His tried to look at Earl, but his eyes became blurry with wetness.

Earl was walking towards one of the bookshelves and proceeded to place the novel in its proper location.

"Why?" Thomas heard himself shake as he spoke.

"Yes?" Earl looked back at Thomas, raising his eyebrow.

"Why are you so mean to me?"

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Keyword: The Battle of Moltenburg

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