Written by: Jason R.
Edited by vwl
Putting the last dish in the dishwater, Steven took one last look around the kitchen. Seeing everything was in its proper place, he grabbed a Dr. Pepper from the refrigerator before heading into the living room where his parents were enjoying an after-dinner glass of wine.
Flopping on the couch, he glanced at the clock on the wall. “Don’t worry. He’ll call,” his mother said, smiling. “He’s probably flirting with some girl and forgot about you.”
“He’d better not,” Steven blurted, blushing as he realized how that sounded. He added, “He’s the only way I have to get there.”
“I remember when I was in school,” David said, rubbing his chin with a thoughtful expression on his face. “My best friend, Bobby, used to do that all the time. Don’t get me wrong. Bobby was a very responsible lad, but the moment he saw a pretty face, his IQ dropped twenty points. And that’s quite considerable considering he only had 97.”
“You’re both eighteen now,” Lynn said in a matter-of-fact tone that could only mean she was warming up for a lecture. “It can’t be like it’s always been. You’ll meet a girl, Aaron will meet a girl, and you’ll grow apart. It’s only natural.”
“And what about college?” David interrupted. “I once left my best friend forgotten in the middle of New York City for twelve hours because I wanted to impress this girl.”
“I remember this story,” Lynn said. “Didn’t he get robbed twice?”
“No, only once. But he did score some of the best weed I ever smoked.”
“David, not in front of Steven,” Lynn scolded, giving her husband a frown.
“Come on, dear, the boy isn’t a lad anymore. It won’t kill him to know we used to smoke pot,” David said, winking at his son. “It was the sixties, for god’s sake.”
“I never,” Lynn denied.
“Don’t lie to the boy, dear.”
Turning to look at his mother, Steven asked, “Is it true? Did you and dad smoke pot?”
Her face turned red, and she stood up and walked over to the bookcase, pretending to look for a book. “I tried it once, but I never inhaled.”
“Just like Bill Clinton,” Steven said, giving his dad a sly smile. “But the real question is: if you had it to do all over again, would you inhale?”
Before his mother could think of an answer, his cell phone began to ring. Shaking his head at his mother, he answered it, “Hello.”
“Are you ready?” Aaron asked.
“Not really, I think I should talk a bit more with my mom about her marijuana problem,” Steven stated, making sure to keep his face neutral as he stared at his mother.
“What?” Aaron asked.
Lynn walked over and grabbed the phone from his hand. As Steven started laughing, she said, “Aaron, come over here and get this boy out of my hair before I lose my mind.”
“Anything for you, Mamma Carter.”
Handing the phone back to her son, Lynn ordered, “You’d better get ready; he’s on his way.”
“I’m already ready,” Steven stated, folding his arms. “Now, why don’t we discuss the issue some more.”
“I swear, David, I don’t know why I married you sometimes,” Lynn said, throwing her arms up.
“Dear?”
“Yes, David.”
“How can someone be robbed twice in one day?” David asked, a confused look on his face. “You would think the first time he got robbed, they would’ve taken everything of value.”
“David,” Lynn warned.
“Bye, Mom and Dad; don’t wait up,” Steven said, as he shrugged into his coat.
As he opened the front door, Lynn called out, “You be home by midnight.”
“Bye,” He said, closing the door. Walking down to the end of the driveway, he leaned against the mailbox. Making sure his coat covered his white T-shirt, he began to whistle as he stared up at the stars.
A few minutes later, he heard the familiar sound of Aaron’s car. In a few seconds, the Mustang pulled into view. Not waiting for the car to come to a complete stop, he opened the door and said, “You have no idea how glad I am to—”
He stopped in mid-sentence. There sitting in the front-passenger seat was the last person he ever wanted to see inside Aaron’s car: his archrival, the beautiful and very voluptuous Sara Parker. Sara had had a crush on Aaron since freshman year, and for three years, she had stalked him with a fervor.
“Hi, Sara,” Steven said, a frown creasing his face.
“You’re so glad to what?” Sara asked, twirling a lock of her blonde hair around one finger.
“That I didn’t finish my sentence,” Steven said, even as he gave Aaron a look he hoped carried all the frustration he felt.
“I tried to tell you on the phone, but your mom hung up on me,” Aaron explained quickly. Behind her, he mouthed the words, ‘I’m sorry.’ “She came over to visit my sister, and my mom thought it would be a good idea if I drove her to the party.”
“Peachy,” Steven said, somehow maintaining the neutral expression on his face. “I’ll just get in the back then.”
Sara made a show of leaning all over Aaron as she made room for Steven to crawl into the back seat. In the process, she managed to grope him a few times. “Isn’t this fun, the two of us all cozy?”
“Yeah, cozy,” Steven muttered, crossing his arms and frowning.
“I don’t know; from where I’m sitting it’s a bit on the frosty side,” Aaron stated, putting the car into gear. Turning the car around, he tried to catch Steven’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
“Get used to that feeling, bucko. The weatherman says it’s going to be a chilly night with a high possibility of frost,” Steven said, glaring at Aaron’s reflection in the mirror.
“Really, I thought it was supposed to be around eighty tonight. Can you get frost at eighty degrees?” Sara asked Aaron, looking at him with expectant eyes.
“Apparently,” Aaron said, turning on the radio. “What do you want to listen to?”
“Cool 95, that’s my favorite station,” Sara said, randomly pushing buttons on the stereo.
“I say 105.7 the X,” Steven blurted. “I’m in the mood for some angry, bang-your-head music.”
“Bang-your head music?” Sara asked.
“Yeah, you know, bang my head, bang his head, definitely bang your head,” Steven said, a grimace painted on his face.
“How about the River?” Aaron compromised. “A little something for everyone.”
A few moments later, Aaron pulled his cell phone from his pocket, saying, “Hello.” A few moments later, he added, “Hey, Mike, we’re right down the street from you. Still need that ride over to Mindy’s?”
“Great, see you in a few,” Aaron said, closing his phone.
Steven began laughing even as Sara blurted, “Mike who? It better not be who I think it is.”
Aaron smiled at her, giving her a look of innocence. “He asked me for a ride earlier today. You don’t mind, do you?”
“No,” Sara replied, giving him a smile. “Whatever you think is best.”
When Aaron stole a look through the mirror, Steven blew him a kiss, nodding his approval. A few minutes later, Aaron pulled in front of Mike’s house. Steven asked, “Sara, since you’re in the front seat, can you go and get Mike for us?”
Before she could reply, Aaron flashed her a smile and added, “Yeah, that’d be cool.”
Patting Aaron’s cheek, she cooed, “Only for you, baby.”
She opened the door and walked towards the front door. The moment the car door closed, Aaron turned around, pleading, “I swear I was gonna tell you.”
“It’s okay,” Steven assured him, gripping Aaron’s hand. “Did Mike really call you?”
“Nope,” Aaron stated, a devious look on his face.
“Genius. Evil, but genius,” Steven said, chuckling loudly.
“I thought you’d like it,” Aaron said. “Now get your ass up here before they come back.”
“Perfect,” Steven said, jumping up in the front seat. “Mike will think he’s died and gone to heaven. He’s been trying to get her in the back seat for three years.”
“That’ll give him some fuel for his alone time for a few months,” Aaron said, watching the front of the house intently.
When Mike opened the door and saw Sara standing there, he took a step back, and for a moment Aaron thought the boy might pass out. Steven laughed and said, “I bet he’s got a full-on robot chubby.”
“Nasty picture you paint,” Aaron said, frowning. “Yet, probably true.”
A few seconds later as they walked back to the car, Aaron saw Mike talking excitedly, his hands waving about in his enthusiasm. The look on Sara’s face was worth having to haul her around for the night.
When Sara opened the car door and saw Steven in the front seat, her green eyes narrowed, and she put her hands on her hips. “Oh, no. I’m sitting in the front seat.”
“Sorry, Sara,” Aaron said, flashing her a smile he hoped was dazzling, “Steven can’t sit in the back; he gets carsick. You wouldn’t want him to throw up, would you?”
“But…” Sara began, rolling her eyes. “Okay, fine, I’ll sit in the back.” Turning to face Mike, she stated in a flat tone, “But I swear, any part of you that touches me, you won’t be getting back, got it?”
Mike had a look of fear on his face as he nodded his head. Once they settled themselves, Aaron took off, Mike babbling along in the back seat.
By the time they had arrived at Mindy’s house, Steven had calmed down and actually managed to carry on a civil conversation. From the dozens of cars lining the street, the party appeared to be in full swing. Finding a parking space a few houses down, Aaron pulled over and shut off the engine, saying, “Everyone out.”
Once Sara crawled out of the back seat, she grabbed Aaron’s arm and pulled him towards Mindy’s house. Smiling, Steven glanced at Mike and shook his head. Mike was staring at Sara’s back with a look that reminded him of a tiger stalking a wounded gazelle. Smacking Mike on the shoulder, Steven said, “Come on, Romeo.”
“I don’t know why she doesn’t like me,” Mike complained, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“You know women; they’re all crazy,” Steven said, chuckling as Sara turned and flashed him a look.
“What does she see in him anyway?” Mike muttered. Then adding quickly, “Don’t get me wrong; Aaron’s cool and everything, but…”
“Forget about her,” Steven said, waving his hand. “You know how many girls are inside that house right now just waiting for some nice guy to get them drunk and take advantage of them tonight.”
“Maybe, but they won’t be Sara,” Mike said sadly, shaking his head.
Catching up to Aaron and Sara on the front porch, Steven rang the doorbell and said, winking at Mike, “You’re right, they’ll be better.”
Mindy opened the door and greeted them with a smile, “Hey guys, you’re late.”
Giving the slender girl a hug, Steven stated, “Now the party can start.”
Pushing past her, Steven yelled out, “Where’re all the bitches at? I’m in the mood for some fun!”
Heading towards the back of the house, Steven followed the sound of the partygoers. Opening the back door, he saw most of the senior class already there, along with several dozen juniors. Most everyone held plastic cups filled with beer from the two kegs resting in large tubs by the back door. About a dozen kids were involved in what looked like a drunken game of water volleyball. Mindy’s older brother Eli was busy cooking hamburgers on the grill, a cup of beer in one hand and a spatula in the other. The picnic table was loaded with chips, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and assorted junk food.
Skipping the beer, Steven walked over to one of several coolers and grabbed a bottle of water. Taking a huge drink, he looked around. Mindy’s back yard was huge. The swimming pool was set inside a large stone grotto that included a waterslide and a twelve-person hot tub. Along the back of the yard was a garden filled with flowers and small trees, with a brick walkway wandering lazily throughout. It was no wonder why Mindy’s parties were the highlight of the school.
Seeing one of his good friends, Steven made his way over to her. Michelle was enjoying the attention she was receiving from the several guys who surrounded her. And judging by the skimpy swimsuit she was wearing, he could understand the attraction. Sneaking up behind her, he touched her bare back with his bottle of water and laughed when she jumped.
Whirling around, she screamed out, “Watch the fuck what you’re doing.”
“Hey, gorgeous,” Steven said, grinning at her.
“Steven,” She called out, squealing as she threw her arms around him. “I thought it was that dick from my geometry class again.”
From the way she slurred her words, Steven could tell she had had more than a few drinks. “Damn, you’re drunk already.”
“Not me,” She denied, giving him a stupid looking grin. “I don’t drink…much.”
“Not you.”
“Hey, Steven,” Tyler called out, waving as he stepped from behind the slender girl. He was dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and matching short-sleeve shirt.
“What’s up, bro,” Steven said, slapping hands with his friend. “Having fun?”
“Always,” Tyler replied, taking a long drink from his cup. “How ‘bout you? Need a beer?”
“No, thanks,” Steven said, holding up his bottle of water. “I’m good.”
“You know better than that, Tyler,” Michelle stated, scolding the boy. “Steven doesn’t drink. But I’d love another beer.”
“Well, come on, beautiful,” Tyler said, grabbing her arm. “I’m buying.”
Wiping the sweat from his eyes, Steven took off his coat and placed it on the back of a nearby chair. A few moments later, he noticed Aaron walking over with a cup in his hand. He smiled and said, “Hi.”
Aaron paused, taking a long look at his boyfriend’s outfit before sighing. Gulping down the rest of his beer, he wiped his mouth before saying, “Don’t worry, we won’t match.”
Laughing, Steven said, “We don’t match. You have designer jeans that probably cost more than my entire outfit.”
“Semantics,” Aaron said, shaking his finger back and forth. “Have you seen Michelle yet?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t believe how hammered she is already,” Aaron said as he scanned the crowed.
“She’s having a ball.”
“I wish I was having balls,” Aaron whispered, giving Steven a wink.
Lowering his voice, Steven said, “That can be arranged.”
“Later,” Aaron said. “Time for more beer.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise,” Steven called out as Aaron walked back towards the kegs. After staring for a moment, he turned around and walked over to where a few of the football players had gathered in a circle. He watched as two popular players jumped in the center and stripped off their shirts. Each held a beer, and as they faced one another, some blonde cheerleader shouted ‘Go’ and they raised the cup to their lips and started to drink as fast as they could. It was a simple game with no losers; the object of the game was to get drunk as fast as humanly possible.
The moment they finished, two more took their place, and a different cheerleader shouted ‘Go.’ For a while he watched the participants, laughing and cheering along with the rest of the crowd.
It was sometime later when Steven left the crowd of drinkers. Never being one to drink, it was only a matter of time before boredom set in. As he made his way along the garden path, he saw a bench surrounded by a bed of flowers. It was far enough away to have some privacy but close enough that he could keep an eye on Aaron, who was surrounded by the soccer team, and, judging from the loud laughter, enjoying himself.
Sitting down on the bench, Steven toyed with the bottle of water in his hands. Though it was after midnight, he wiped a thin layer of sweat from his brow. The humidity was torturous this time of year. Wishing he had worn a pair of shorts, he stripped off his T-shirt and placed it on the bench beside him.
“Having fun?”
Turning his head, he saw a very drunk Tyler standing in the shadows. He smiled and said, “You know me, I always have fun. How ‘bout you?”
Shrugging, Tyler shuffled over and sat down. He said, “Not really.”
“What happened to Michelle?” Steven asked, frowning when he saw a cigarette in Tyler’s hand.
Waving his hand, Tyler slurred, “She left with some math geek, saying how she’s going to deflower him or something.”
“That’s our Michelle, her charitable works are always interesting, if not a bit sick,” Steven said, laughing. Then adding, “Since when do you smoke?”
“I thought you liked guys who smoke,” Tyler said softly, dropping his empty cup to the ground.
“What ever gave you that idea?” Steven asked, turning to prop his leg on the bench between them in a conscious decision to keep as far away from Tyler as possible.
“Aaron smokes, and he’s like your best friend,” Tyler stated before taking a drag that was followed by coughing.
While it was true Aaron smoked, Steven had been trying to break him of that habit for years. There was nothing worse than kissing someone right after they had had a cigarette. Much like licking an ashtray. “Just because he’s my friend doesn’t mean I like everything he does. You’re my friend, too, and you never smoked.”
“Are we really friends?” Tyler asked, dropping the cigarette on the ground.
“Of course,” Steven said, flashing a smile. “I’ve known you most of my life.”
“We never hang out,” Tyler countered, grinding the cigarette into the ground.
“I see you every day,” Steven said, waving his hand in dismissal.
Tyler gave him a sad smile and shook his head, saying, “For five years we’ve been teammates, and we’ve never had a real conversation. If it’s not about swimming, it’s about our personal competition.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh, really?” Tyler said, laughing softly. “Name one time we ever had a real conversation, just one.”
Steven thought for a moment, and said, “That doesn’t mean we aren’t friends.”
Turning his attention to the partygoers, Tyler asked, “See anyone over there you’d like to take home tonight?”
Seeing Aaron amongst the soccer team, he took a deep breath and replied, “Oh, yeah, what about you?”
“There is someone here I’d like to go home with,” Tyler said in a quiet voice, “But I don’t think I have a chance.”
“Really,” Steven asked, rubbing his stomach absently. “Who is it? Maybe I can help you?”
Shaking his head, Tyler looked at his friend and then quickly turned away, saying, “I don’t think so.”
“Come on,” Steven urged with a grin. “She’d have to be crazy not to like you.”
“Really,” Tyler said, a hopeful look on his face.
“You’re good looking, funny, and the second-best swimmer in the state,” Steven replied. “What’s not to like?”
“You think I’m good looking?” Tyler asked, sliding a bit closer.
Their legs were almost touching, and under Tyler’s gaze Steven suddenly felt a bit exposed. Grabbing his T-shirt, Steven slipped it on before stammering out, “I mean, for a guy, yeah.”
Tyler slid even closer, their faces just inches apart. Steven could smell the alcohol on his friend’s breath, mixed with cigarettes; it made his stomach lurch.
Tyler reached out as if to caress Steven’s cheek, saying, “I think you’re good looking, too.”
Steven jumped up when Tyler leaned in for a kiss, saying, “What are you doing, Tyler?”
“I’m sorry,” Tyler stammered, horror in his eyes as he realized what he had just done. “I didn’t mean… Oh, shit.”
“Oh, shit, is right,” Steven mumbled, as he watched Tyler run across the yard and into the house.
“What the hell was that all about?” Aaron asked, walking towards him in the manner of someone that had had a few beers and was not sure of his own feet.
Steven sat down on the bench and put his head in his hands, muttering, “This day keeps getting better and better.”
“Was he crying?” Aaron asked, sitting down, making sure to keep his cigarette downwind. He added, with a grin, “Is he sad because he’s only the second-best swimmer in the school?”
“Something like that,” Steven replied, looking over at Aaron.
“He’s just jealous that he can’t be you,” Aaron said before taking a long drag.
“Don’t think so. More like he wants to be in me,” Steven stated, shaking his head.
“Repeat, please,” Aaron said, a confused look on his face.
“He tried to kiss me,” Steven explained. “Told me he thought I was good looking.”
“What’d you do?” Aaron asked, dropping the cigarette on the ground.
“Nothing. What the hell could I do?” Steven fired out in frustration.
“Makes sense why he ran away crying,” Aaron said, pausing as he looked towards the house. “If I couldn’t kiss you, I’d definitely run away crying.”
Chuckling despite the situation, Steven said, “This isn’t funny. Tyler’s gay, Aaron, and he wants me.”
“Well, he can’t have you,” Aaron said forcefully, standing up. “I don’t share what’s mine.”
“Any other time,” Steven said, grinning, “that would make me hot, but now isn’t the time for flattery.” Standing up, Steven asked, “How many beers have you had?”
“A few,” Aaron shrugged. “Maybe two beers…something like five or six…no more than eight.”
Laughing, Steven said, “So somewhere in the vicinity of ten.”
“More like the neighborhood of twelve…definitely twelve, definitely.”
“Okay, rain man, I’m driving,” Steven declared as he walked towards the house.
“Were we leaving?” Aaron asked, glancing over at the kegs on the back porch. “There’s still more beer left.”
Grabbing his arm, Steven explained, “I’m going to get you home before you’re too drunk to get it up.”
“We can always come back tomorrow and finish the beer,” Aaron said, grinning. “I’ll go and say bye to Mindy. Meet you at the car.”
“Grab my coat on the way out,” Steven called out, heading towards the side of the house. This night had deteriorated into something horrible, and all he wanted to do was find a place to crash into Aaron’s arms.
Once he arrived at the car, he leaned against the driver’s door and tried to wrap his mind around the fact that Tyler had a crush on him. Looking back over the years, he could see the signs so clearly. Wondering if others could see the same signs between him and Aaron as easily. He muttered, “What the hell am I going to do?”
“Steven, are you out here?” Mindy called out, a few yards down the street.
“Over here,” he answered, walking out under the glow of the streetlight.
“You have to come inside!” Mindy said excitedly, swaying as she walked towards him.
“Why?”
Grabbing his arm, she pulled him towards the house, which was no small feat considering how drunk she appeared. She explained as they walked, “Tyler locked himself in my parents’ room and won’t come out.”
“Now he chooses the time not to come out,” Steven muttered, allowing her to pull him along the side of the house.
When they turned the corner, he saw Aaron standing on the back porch with a frown on his face. Aaron threw up his hands and spat out, “This is getting quite stupid, you know.”
“I concur,” Steven replied, pulling out of Mindy’s grasp. He asked her, “Which room is your parents’?”
Looking up, she pointed to the balcony over their heads, saying, “That one.”
Walking back a few feet, Steven looked up and noticed the balcony door was open. “Mindy, go inside and try to get him to open the door.”
“We already did that,” Mindy said, arguing. “It won’t work.”
“I know,” Steven said, making sure to speak slowly so the drunken girl would understand, “but it will distract him while I climb in through the balcony.”
“Okay,” Mindy said, smiling as she ran inside the house.
“Give me a boost, Aaron,” Steven said, walking over to the side of the house.
“Out of everything I want to give you tonight, a boost wasn’t on the list,” Aaron stated, cupping his hands and bending down.
Placing his foot in Aaron’s hands, Steven said, “1,2,3.”
Aaron grunted as he pushed off, stretching out as far as he could to grip the edge of the balcony, he said, “Just a bit higher.”
While Aaron pushed, he noticed Steven’s pants had slid down an inch or so. Seeing the thong, he stated, grinning, “Nice underwear.”
Looking down, Steven grinned. “It was supposed to be a surprise.”
“Kinky.”
“Perv,” Steven said, grunting as he grabbed the ledge and pulled himself up.
“I’m allowed, “Aaron called up. “It seems that’s the only thing we can do nowadays.”
“What’s that?”
“Perv on each other.”
“I swear I’m going to punch him right in the face after I figure out what the hell his problem is,” Steven said, throwing his leg over the railing. Looking down, he smiled and said, “Wish me luck.”
“Punch him once for me,” Aaron called out.
Walking over to the door, he peered into the room. He saw Tyler sitting on the bed, a prescription bottle in his left hand and a pencil in his right. He seemed to be pondering over a letter he was writing, his face sad and blotchy from crying. Taking a deep breath, Steven walked into the room, saying, “Oh, there you are, I was looking for you.”
“What do you want?” Tyler asked, jumping up and trying to hide the bottle behind his back.
“Just some chit and chat,” Steven said calmly, walking over to the bed. Sitting down, he ignored what he could only assume was Tyler’s suicide note.
“Come up here to make fun of the fag,” Tyler spat out, his face a mix of anger and sadness.
“You should know me better than that, Tyler,” Steven said softly, shaking his head.
“They’re all down there laughing at me,” Tyler stated, his voice filled with disgust. “I can hear them.”
“No
one’s laughing at you,” Steven said, leaning back on his hands, trying to put
the distraught boy at ease. “They’re a bit worried why you’d lock yourself in
Mindy’s parents’ room, but it’s not laughter at you.”
“Why not?” Tyler asked, still not brave enough to face his friend.
“Because I didn’t tell anyone,” Steven explained.
“You didn’t?”
“Why should I? It’s none of their business.”
Walking over to the bed, Tyler sat down and said, “I’m sorry. I made a mess of things, didn’t I?”
“Pretty much,” Steven agreed, smiling. “But it’s nothing that can’t be fixed.”
Tyler pulled his legs up and wrapped his arms around his knees, saying, “I never wanted you to find out.”
“Blame it on the beer,” Steven said, shrugging. “That’s what I do.”
“You don’t drink,” Tyler said, finally smiling.
“True, but no one knows that,”
Laughing, Tyler put the pills on the bed between them, saying, “It’s just…I saw you, sitting in the moonlight, shirtless. And for a moment, when you said I was good looking and funny, I hoped you felt the same way about me.”
“I meant what I said, Tyler,” Steven stated, turning to mimic the way Tyler sat. “You’re funny and good looking; any girl, I mean, any boy would be lucky to have you for a boyfriend.”
“But...”
“I’m sorry, Tyler,” Steven said sincerely, patting the boy’s leg. “I don’t feel the same way about you.”
“I know,” Tyler said, sighing.
Grabbing the bottle of pills, Steven looked at the label and grinned despite the mood in the room. “So what’s with the pills and the sudden urge to become a writer?”
Laughing, Tyler shrugged and admitted, “I don’t know; I guess I’m just stupid.”
“That’s your problem, Tyler,” Steven said, chuckling. “You shouldn’t try and make life-changing decisions while intoxicated.”
“Don’t make fun of me,” Tyler said, though he was still smiling.
“I wasn’t…well, not much. Were you really thinking about killing yourself?”
“Yes,” Tyler whispered, looking down.
“Because you can’t have me or because everyone might know you’re gay?" Steven asked gently.
“Both, I guess,” Tyler said, this time laughing sadly. “Sounds pretty pathetic, doesn’t it?”
“Yep, considering you were going to kill yourself with anti-gas pills,” Steven said, tossing the bottle between Tyler’s legs.
“What?” Tyler blurted, grabbing the bottle and reading the label. “What do you know? I just saw a bottle of prescription pills; I figured they’d do the trick.”
“Seriously, Tyler,” Steven said, gripping the boy’s face in his hands. “This was stupid.”
“I know,” Tyler whispered, his eyes filled with shame. “I’m just so lonely and tired of hiding.”
“Tyler, I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through,” Steven said, the lie causing him to grimace. “But nothing is ever so bad that you have to give up.”
Looking into Steven’s eyes, Tyler smiled and said, “You don’t know how bad I want you.”
“Tyler,” Steven said, sighing. “You don’t want me.”
“Yes, I do,” Tyler argued.
“No, you don’t,” Steven stated firmly. “You want an idea of me. This person you fantasize about, it’s not really me. It’s all smoke and mirrors, shadows of something not even real.”
“You don’t understand,” Tyler countered. “You’re perfect.”
Shaking his head, Steven said, “I’m not perfect. Ask my parents, or, even better, ask Aaron. He’ll tell you; he’s seen all my faults. I’m petty, and selfish, and there are times when I’m the biggest asshole you’ll ever meet. I’m just like you; I’m just me.”
“I wouldn’t care,” Tyler declared. “I want you anyway.”
“Somewhere out there,” Steven said, waving his hand, “is the perfect boy just for you. He’ll accept you despite all your faults, and you’ll love him in spite of his.”
“Are you sure you can’t be that boy?”
Shaking his head, Steven replied, “Sorry, Tyler. I don’t feel the same way you do.”
“I know,” Tyler said, smiling. “It was worth a shot.”
“Are you okay now?” Steven asked, peering intently into Tyler’s eyes.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Good, because I’m tired and want to go home,” Steven stated, standing up.
Tyler joined him, and when he stretched his arms over his head, Steven could just make out the top of a pair of black Speedos peeking out over the boy’s pants, just like the pair he was missing. Pushing that knowledge from his mind and all the implications that went with it, he headed towards the door.
“Wait,” Tyler said, rushing over to stand in front of the door.
“What?” Steven paused.
“What are we going to tell Mindy?”
“I don’t suppose the truth…”
Tyler’s face cringed in horror, Steven added, “I thought not.”
Thinking for a moment, he offered, “Why don’t we say you had some bad gas pains, and you had to relieve yourself?”
“That’s kind of gross, don’t you think,” Tyler said, shaking his head.
“All right, Einstein, you come up with something,” Steven said, crossing his arms.
Rolling his eyes, Tyler reached for the doorknob and said, “Fine, I had explosive farts.”
“Anyone on the swim team would vouch for that,” Steven said, laughing.
Before Tyler could open the door, Steven ran over to the bed and grabbed the half-finished note. Shoving it into his pocket, he walked back over and smiled, saying, “It’s going to be all right, trust me.”
“I know, thanks.”
“It might be weird for you, but you can talk to me anytime,” Steven said, grabbing Tyler in his arms and hugging him tightly. He ignored the sigh that escaped Tyler’s lips; that was something Tyler would have to figure out on his own.
“Thank you, Steven,” Tyler whispered, “for everything.”
Aaron was standing against the wall, calmly rolling a coin across the back of his fingers when Tyler opened the door. Seeing the two of them walk out with smiles, he broke out in a grin and asked, “You okay, Tyler?”
“I think I’m going to be,” Tyler replied shyly.
“Good,” Aaron said, grinning. Punching Tyler on the arm playfully, he added, “And now that you’re gay, I like you even more.”
Giving Steven an accusing look, Tyler stated, “No one, huh?”
Shrugging, Steven replied, “It’s Aaron, we’re inseparable; everyone knows that.”
“Besides,” Aaron said, putting his arm around Tyler’s shoulder. “Having two people who know and still like you is better than only having one.”
“That’s true,” Tyler said, letting Aaron lead him down the hall.
“And unlike the guppy over there,” Aaron said, grinning, “I don’t mind if you stare at me in the showers.”
“Kind of sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Tyler quipped, pushing the boy away.
“When you have it, you have it,” Aaron replied, striking a pose.
“That’s true,” Steven interjected. “And when you get it, let us know.”
Aaron pretended to shiver and said, “Damn weatherman was right.”
“What?” Tyler asked, looking back and forth between the two boys.
Steven chuckled, and when he saw the confusion on Tyler’s face, he broke out laughing, saying, “Don’t worry about it, private joke.”
Once they arrived downstairs, it took a few minutes for Tyler to explain his actions. After Mindy arched her eyebrow, Steven wasn’t sure Mindy bought the rather flimsy excuse they had decided on, though she did wish them a good night, hugging and kissing them in turn.
At the end of the driveway, Aaron asked, “Tyler, you sure you’re able to drive home?”
“Yeah,” Tyler replied. “I’ll be fine, I seem to have lost my buzz along the way.”
“All right, see you later,” Aaron said, smacking Tyler’s fist lightly.
Steven did the same thing, saying, “See ya tomorrow at the pool.”
“Later.”
Steven grabbed Aaron’s arm and pushed him towards the car, leaving Tyler staring after them. Reaching into his pocket, Aaron handed Steven the keys, saying softly, “I think I owe you some fun on the ride home tonight.”
“Now, that’s kinky,” Steven said, grinning.
As they reached Aaron’s car, they heard Tyler yell out, “Aaron.”
Turning around, Aaron yelled back, “What?”
“Don’t worry, you have it.”
Laughing, Aaron fired back, “Perv.”
“He’s right you know,” Steven stated, his eyes burning with lust. “You do have it.”
“What the hell is this?” Aaron blurted, reaching for the passenger door.
Looking into the back of the car, Steven muttered his own curse. Mike was sprawled out in the back, a full cup of beer nestled between his legs. And from the sound emanating from his throat, he was fast asleep.
“This night just keeps getting better and better,” Aaron stated angrily, reaching into the back seat and grabbing the cup. He dumped it on the ground before climbing inside the car.
“God hates us,” Steven declared, sitting down in the driver’s seat. “Jerry Falwell is right: God hates faggots.”
“Maybe not all faggots,” Aaron countered. “But I do believe he hates us.”
“Looks like I’ll have to give you a rain check,” Aaron said, sighing as he leaned back into the leather seat.
“Why not?” Steven muttered, “It seems to be the growing trend today.”
Hiding a yawn behind his hand, Aaron shut his eyes and said, “Take me home, Jeeves.”
“Oh, yeah, God hates me.”
Copyright©2006 Chaotic Life