Kayden
by Ryan Keith

Chapter 7 -  Understanding

I really doubt this course will help me in the future. Sure, it's interesting, but what can I do with knowledge of different religions? I'll supposedly be opened up to other people's cultures, beliefs and traditions, but I already am. Shin's Japanese, and I understand some of the customs his family follows. Scott's parents are atheists. Why they put their son into a Catholic school, I'll never know. I guess the school board is trying to promote an image of open-mindedness. If that's so, how come all Catholic schools are against promoting gay awareness? We all know the school doesn't support gays because they follow the Church's teachings, but then what's the point of taking world religion studies? Maybe that's why I hate this subject so much, or maybe it's because of our asshole teacher, Mr. Sergeant. Oh, and it's first period on Monday, too.
"This is going to be a long week," I thought to myself as I laid my head on my desk without the slightest indication of awareness.
Mr. Sergeant continued his explanation of an ancient religion called Zoroastrianism. I thought I was pretty cool, but the teacher is just so boring. He never seems too excited about anything.
Mr. Sergeant paced back and forth along the rows and columns of desks looking down at the book between his hands. "The god of this religion, named Ahura Mazda is believed to be a supreme god and the final destination for all... "
The rest of his words were blocked out of my head. Gods were the furthest thing from my mind. I sat up and briefly scanned the room of familiar faces. Maya sat beside me, her eyes glued on the textbook, following the teacher's words with a pen in her hand ready to scribble down any important notes. She looked as pretty as she ever did, her long, golden-brown hair brushed beautifully down her back. I could see why Jett likes her so much.
I turned my head slightly and watched Kayden. He was scribbling some notes. Not even the most beautiful girl comes close to Kayden. Under his boyish looks is a complex child. That boy, Kayden. Is he the one for me? I casually stared out the window while the voices around me faded into silence.
***********
Kayden's breath on my neck sent icy shivers down my spine. I fell into his embrace while he gently rubbed my back with his powerful hands. We pulled ourselves close to each other as we fell onto my bed. I landed on him and smiled as I watched him chuckle under my weight. I rubbed his chest with one hand while my other traced his face with my fingers. Kayden smiled at me. I brushed my finger along his jaw as I brought myself up to claim those lips for my own. I gently rested my head on his chest. Hearing his heartbeat through his flesh made me realize that my heart, too, was racing.
His arms slowly wrap around me. In one swift movement, he's on top, with his left hand clasping onto my own. He raises his body a bit and examines my form with his sharp, gentle eyes. I turn away from his stare, embarrassed by my aroused state.
"You're beautiful, you know that?" Kayden whispers.
I can't bring myself to look at him. "No I'm not. My body is still a kid's body... there's nothing beautiful about it."
"No. You're wrong. It is beautiful. We're only fifteen. You're not built like a house, but you're still perfect. I can't wait to see how great you are when we grow up. You'll be much hotter next year." His smile felt reassuring.
"Oh, so I'm just a kid right now, am I?" I questioned playfully.
"They were your words, not mine, Zac," he said, staring down at me.
It felt so strange for him to be over me. I felt so embarrassed to be pinned under him that I couldn't comprehend how HOT it actually was.
"Jerk," I smiled, squeezing his hand. I watched as his face scrunched up, like pain had washed over him. I looked at our hands. Sure enough, his wounded hand was the one I had squeezed.
"You took off the bandage. Why?” I asked worriedly. “It's not fully healed yet."
"It wasn't bad. It was a sharp slice; nothing got damaged. It's healing perfectly," he stated, ignoring my concern.
I brought his hand to my face and examined it. He remained motionless over me, one hand supporting his body over mine. How he managed to keep his balance boggled my mind, but I was more concerned about his hand. I traced my finger along the soft tissue of the forming scar. It wasn't too bad. It had already started to heal, with a normal scab in the center of the fading bruise.
"See, I told you," he declared childishly.
I pressed his hand into my face, and gently kissed the scab.
"You injured your hand to save me and my friends. You scarred your precious body. Why?" I asked.
Kayden watched me, his blue eyes clear of the doubt and worry that so often clouded them.
"I would risk my whole body to save you. I don't exactly know why I did what I did, but I know that I wanted to protect you. I would die for you, Zac." He never broke his gaze. I was certain he meant every word just by the way he looked into my eyes.
"Don't," I said weakly. "Don't hurt yourself for me. I would die if anything happened to you. It's funny, the moment I saw you I knew I wanted to be with you, but already it feels like I've known you for years."
He smiled down at me. "I know. I feel like I've known you for a long time, too. Like I have met you in a dream every night, and now you're real."
His voice turned into whispers as he lowered his head onto my neck. I shivered under his touch, his gentle, soft touch. He pulled up and took off his polo shirt and undershirt in one motion. I gasped as I watched, his form burning into my eyes. He smiled so proudly, a bit cocky, but I didn't care. He fumbled with my polo shirt buttons, his fingers carelessly attempting to undo them. He finally got them undone and pulled off my shirt. I helped him with my undershirt, lying back down after, as he looked me over. I looked away, embarrassed.
"Look at me," he commanded. Well, it was less than a command, really. It was gentle and soothing. I stared up at him, my eyes feeling a bit watery.
"God, you're beautiful," he sighed heavily. Before I could reply he lowered himself onto me, and gently wrapped his hands around me. Our bodies tangled for what seemed like hours. He breathed as heavily as I did. I was happy with that. He suddenly reached for my belt buckle. I felt him toy with it, trying to get it loose.
"No... " I felt my body shake. "Kayden, I'm... " He hastily unbuckled the belt and attacked the button of my pants. "Kayden, stop!" I said, a lot more forcefully. He finally did and looked up at me, his eyes pain-filled and apologetic. He lifted himself off as he turned to sit at the edge of my bed with his hands to his face.
"I'm sorry, Zac. I don't know what came over me. I didn't mean to go so far. I..."
I silenced him with my mouth over his, my chest pressed against his back with my hands on his slightly turned head. We closed our eyes and enjoyed the moment of silence.
When we finally broke free, I whispered into his ear, "I don't think I'm ready yet. I don't think you are either. For now, this is fine. We need to mature a bit more before we take it up to the next level. Our bodies might be ready, but we still need to prepare our hearts."
"I know," he whispered, his long face suddenly turning into a wild grin. "Do you know how cheesy that line was? `Prepare our hearts?'"
I slapped his stomach hard and giggled. I leaned against his back with my arms wrapped around him as his hands closed over mine.
***********
"Mr. Hunter, are you coming down with a fever? Your face is showing an unhealthy shade of red," Mr. Sergeant said in a bored tone.
I quickly shook myself out of my daze and tried to make the red drain out. "No sir, I'm... uh... I'm fine."
"Well then, quit daydreaming and start taking notes. Leave your fantasies to the sanctuary of your bedroom. This is a religion class, for crying out loud," he said indignantly.
The class chuckled quietly over the comment, but was soon silenced by Mr. Sergeant's stare.
I felt my face burn up a bit more. I turned to Maya, who was softly giggling but offering a genuine smile of understanding. I quickly looked away, and turned slightly to Kayden. I almost threw my book at him. He sat in his seat grinning proudly like he knew what I was thinking. I playfully licked my bottom lip and watched him uncomfortably shuffle in his seat. I turned around and tried to focus on the boring words, but I kept hearing Kayden's soft breath by my ear.
The next class was much more lively, with Mr. Clint, who is an interesting fellow. He's really easy-going, and isn't too strict on rules, besides attendance. He lets people whisper at an acceptable level, doesn't care about the dress code, and he's lenient on swearing. He obviously has to stop at the 'F' word.
We had been reading Macbeth and I was enjoying every moment of it. Mr. Clint had students play roles in the play during each scene. We were just finishing the first act. By coincidence, both Kayden and I played complementing roles. I played Duncan, and Kayden was Banquo. We shared secret smiles and grins during the exchange of words. When we finished the scene I looked up to see Mr. Clint eyeing both of us questioningly. I had to fight off the urge to laugh.
Lunch was with Scott, as usual, but this time Maya joined us. I can't understand either of them. They don't like each other, but neither would turn down the other to join in at a table.
Lunch period was mostly filled with Maya asking questions about our trip to Toronto. Sadly, our adventure in the city was short-lived. We've decided to make up for it another day, perhaps. No one's birthday is coming up any time soon. Shin turns sixteen in December, but that's way too far off. We'll think of something, and this time more people will be involved. Maya and Mai will definitely join up, and most definitely Kayden. Kayden and I share something so valuable, and I want to be around him as much as possible. I want my friends to like him, too. The only problem is Scott.
History was uneventful. As interesting as history can be sometimes, learning about the establishment of society and the form of government in Canada is not generally appealing to me. I almost fell out of my seat laughing when I saw Scott with his head down on his desk. A puddle of drool was forming on the desk for everyone to see.
Finally, phys ed, the one class I really enjoy. We played basketball, which wasn't a problem for me. Jett has the stamina, but lacks the skill. What do you expect from a building who plays hockey? Kayden and I were on the same team. Coincidence? Of course not. I made sure I was on his team. Traded places with another kid who didn't mind switching.  With our teams made, it was my team versus Jett's.
"Ready to go down, Hunter?" Jett taunted me.
"You'd better polish that ass, buddy, good enough for me to kick it," I joked. Both teams let out a healthy laugh and cheer while the coach chuckled, shaking his head.
To say it was an easy match would be a lie. Both sides were even, and both were working hard. Jett proved to be a great defenseman: with a body like that he sure can block. However, what our team lacked in strength, we made up in speed and skill. Kayden was pretty fast, even though his shots never really scored. Our team soon found a balance and played our moves right. I made it to mid court with the ball, where Jett stepped up, grinning. Usually I'm not too competitive unless it comes to swimming, but I really wanted to win. I smiled at Jett before I winked, and flew past him, darting past another defenseman, before two more blocked my path. I turned quickly to pass the ball behind me to a teammate. Our chance was lost when Jett surprisingly intercepted it and called his team back.
I didn't even see it coming. I don't think Jett did either, or anyone else. The ball disappeared from Jett's hands. Before anyone realized it, Kayden was making his way to the basket.
Knowing Kayden's lack of shooting skill, I called out to him, "Kade… pass!"
He turned to me and smiled. I felt the whole gym melt away into darkness, leaving only Kayden and me. I felt moments pass, seeming to stretch out for eternity. Our gaze never breaking, I was at ease. In an instant, we were back, and the ball was in my hands.
"Shoot!" someone shouted.
I stepped back, calmly jumped, and shot. The ball spun in the air before making it into the basket. I was behind the three-point line and earned myself a crowd-pleasing cheer.
Back in the change room, a bunch of sweaty, topless guys talked about the game.
"That was an awesome play out there by Hunter and Pierce," someone mentioned while I buttoned my shirt. I couldn't help but smile proudly.
Jett's hand was on my shoulder with a firm but friendly grip. "Yeah, you two sure packed a punch out there. What happened to being passionate only about swimming?" he questioned.
"Hey, when I'm playing you, it's all about winning," I joked.
Kayden also took part in the friendly banter. It wasn't long before the conversation shifted into friendly jokes among the three of us. I could sense envy in a couple of guys, but others were smiling at our friendship. It's well known that Jett and I are like blood buddies. It won't be too long before Kayden is acknowledged as part of the 'gang'. That thought plastered a happy smile onto my face.
Some of us met after school. Maya had already gone home or somewhere, but Mai was still hanging around Shin. I made kissy faces at her before she shot me a look that seemed to challenge me to test her viciousness. I understood, and earned a nice cheek pinch from her.
"I gotta head home soon. I have a game tonight," Jett informed us.
"Oh yeah, when and where is it?" Shin asked.
"Iroquois Center, at seven. You guys gonna be there?"
"You can count on it, bud. I'm gonna go skate around with some guys. I'll see ya guys later," Scott replied. With that, he was off on his board, weaving through students as he waved bye to us.
"I have a test tomorrow, but I'll come watch. You wanna come, Mai?" Shin asked.
"I think I'll pass. No offense, Jett, but I don't like watching you get hurt," Mai quipped.
"Please? I'll buy you ice cream later," her boyfriend whined.
Mai let out a sigh before submitting to his request. If anyone can change her strong will, it's Shin.
Jett turned to me. "You need a ride, Zac?"
"Nah, Dad comes home early tonight, so he'll take me. If he's not busy, he might stay and watch the game. I have swim practice at the rec center before that, though.."
It's a given that I go to all of Jett's games. He's my best friend; who else is going to cheer for him and comfort him during a close game? It's like we have an unstated rule: I go to his games and he goes to my swim meets.
"Aww, cool. Great. How about you, Kade? Need a lift?" Jett asked.
"Me?" Kayden almost squeaked.
I was so proud. That's why I love Jett; he's really friendly. In no time, Kayden would definitely be fitting in.
"Yeah, obviously. Kinda rude to be asking everyone and not invite you. Plus I gotta show you where my real skills lie. Basketball isn't my thing, but I could definitely work you in hockey," Jett grinned.
I watched as Kayden's expression slowly grew into a beaming smile. I honestly had to almost squint my eyes because it was so bright.
"Thanks, Jett. Sure, I'll come," Kayden replied, the brightness still radiating from his smile.
"My dad and I can pick him up," I said. "You gotta be there early, Jett, remember? What's he gonna do for thirty minutes by himself?"
"Sounds like a plan," Kayden and Jett both said at the same time.
Jett nodded before waving at us and leaving to meet his mom. Shin and Mai also decided to leave. Shin walks Mai home every day. They don't live too far from the school, but it's awfully gentlemanly for Shin to do something like that.
That left only Kayden and me.
"You going to the rec center now for swim practice?" Kayden asked.
"Yeah. You going home?" I asked.
"Well, I was thinking of going for a run at the track there. Mind if I come along?"
How could I refuse my boyfriend? That is what he is, right? I mean, friends don't usually kiss like we did, right?
"Sure, babe. I gotta go home and grab my stuff. I have some shorts that probably fit you, so you don't need to go all the way home," I told him. He blushed a little and I realized I had called him `babe' and also turned a bit red.
"Sure. Let's go."
If we were out, and there weren't so many students around, I would have held his hand.
"What is he doing here?" demanded Scott in an irritated tone.
I shot him a look, well hidden from Kayden. "He's here to watch the game, Scott," I said, angrily spitting out his name. "Jett invited him. It isn't a problem." It wasn't open to argument. If Kayden's going to hang with us, Scott better learn to accept him.
Scott just rolled his eyes and walked into the arena. I turned around and saw Kayden's weary face.
"I don't think he likes me," Kayden said dejectedly.
"Don't worry," I said in an assuring tone, "he's just being an asshole. He probably thinks you're the type of person who'd try to fit in with our gang to use us."
"Why do you think I'm not?" he asked while we made our way inside.
I turned to him and smiled. "'Cause I really like you." I quickly turned around to hide my embarrassment. I felt satisfied knowing he was grinning like an idiot behind me.
We walked into the section where Mai and Shin were already seated. Scott sat a seat over with his arms crossed and legs propped up on the seat in front of him. He tried to hide his scowl, but it was obvious he was upset. I decided not to pay it any mind.
"Hey, Kade, Zac… up here! We got great seats," Mai shouted over the loud noise in the arena.
We made our way up towards them. I saw Kayden give Scott an apologetic look, but Scott just scoffed and turned his attention to the ice.
Mai and Shin also sensed Scott's hostile attitude and offered Kayden sympathetic looks. We tried talking about random things, but a comment or two from Scott seemed to ruin any chance of a normal conversation.
It wasn't until Maya showed up that Scott began to brighten up. Oddly enough, Maya took a seat beside Scott. I figured they would want to sit as far away as possible from each other, but neither seemed to care.
"How did you know Jett had a game tonight?" Mai asked Maya.
She turned to Scott. "Scotty boy here told me. I had dance after school and couldn't stick around."
"Don't call me that!" Scott said acidly.
We talked some more before the game started. Kayden was unusually quiet. I guess I would be too, if Scott bit my head off for anything that came out of my mouth. I was really upset with Scott; his behavior was childish.
Jett was skating with his teammates around the ice towards their side. He saw us and waved. We all cheered and waved back. Jett seemed to emit a proud glow while he caught up with his teammates.
"It was a close one, man. You'll get them next time," I said encouragingly. We were sitting around outside waiting for rides. Maya and her father had already come by and had decided to drop off Mai and Shin.  
It really was a close game. Both teams were tied one up in the last minute. Jett had been playing hard all game. His coach thought it would go into overtime and pulled Jett to rest up a bit. The opposing team scored in that last minute.
"Yeah, I know. I played well enough not to think the loss is my fault, but it feels like my efforts went to waste," Jett said, depressed.
"Just bite the bullet, buddy," Scott offered, with a hand on Jett's shoulder. "You'll give it back to them next time. The season just started, so you have heaps of chances."
Jett nodded and accepted Scott's consoling.
"Hey, at least you showed me how hockey is played. I guess you're right; basketball isn't your best game. You were literally on fire out there," Kayden said enthusiastically.
Jett brightened up a bit from Kayden's comment. "I guess I kinda was, huh?" He let out a gentle laugh and said, "You're alright, Kayden, you know that? You're pretty cool."
I quickly turned to see Scott's face heat up a bit. He was definitely not liking this. Before Scott could say anything, Dad showed up. What a lifesaver.
"So, I guess you didn't win. Don't worry, buddy, another time," Dad said, assuring Jett.
"He might have won if you stayed," I scolded my dad.
"Yeah, why didn't you come?" Jett asked, leaning on his hockey stick.
"I had a business dinner with some people," Dad replied.
"Oh, a date, huh? Must be pretty hot for you to skip my game," Jett teased.
We all chuckled at that, even Scott.
"Well, if you think balding fifty-year-old men are hot, then that's your call. Some kids have no taste." Dad smiled.
Jett and my dad get along great. Jett used to tell me that talking to my dad was like talking to an older brother.
"Hey, you never know. Older men come with experience," Kayden pointed out.
Everyone laughed except Scott, who just gave Kayden a sidelong glance.
"Well, anyways, you boys need a lift home?" Dad asked Scott and Jett.
"Nah, my mom is picking me up in a few minutes," Jett replied. "What about you, Scott?"
Scott glared at Kayden and turned to Jett. "I think I'll ride with you. It'll give Zac and Kayden a good chance to bond," he spat sourly.
I had had enough. "You know what Scott? You could go fuck yourself. Why do you have to be such an asshole?" I asked angrily. I turned to Jett and said, "I'll talk to you later, Jett."
I turned to walk to the car as Dad was about to say something about my words to my friend, but I shot him a look that meant I would tell him later. I walked away and heard Kayden's voice speak up.
"Um, Zac really didn't mean to say that, Scott. I'll, uh, see you guys later."
Jett returned his goodbye but Scott just said, "Whatever."
The ride was quiet.
"I shouldn't have come. It would have been better that way," Kayden said in a quiet voice.
"Don't take his blame, Kayden. It's not your fault he's such an idiot," I said, staying calm, but with the anger just below the surface.
"Don't talk about your friends like that, Zac. You're just angry. Let it go and deal with it tomorrow," Dad said in a fatherly tone. "And if you don't mind, Kayden, can I get directions to your house? I really don't know where I'm going," he said with a smile.
Kayden blushed before giving directions to his house. It suddenly occurred to me that I'd never seen Kayden's house. When we got there, I wasn't disappointed. It's a nice two-story house with a one-car garage. Amazing it's fully paid for. It isn't too far from the supermarket or school so I guess it's a perfect place for someone who has no transportation.
"Are your parents not home, Kayden?" my dad asked.
"My mom is working late, Mr. Hunter, and my dad is out of town on business," Kayden replied.
I turned to look at him questioningly. I had thought he lived alone. He gave me an apologetic look. I just accepted it and decided to ask him when we were alone.
"Call me Kevin or anything else, please, Kayden. I hate the Mr. Hunter crap. Makes me feel so old," Dad complained with a smile. Dad hates being called Mr. Hunter by my friends and teachers.
"You got it, Mr. H," Kayden answered. "I'll tell my mom you said `Hi'." Kayden opened the door.
"You do that. I'll see you later, Kayden," Dad replied.
"Later, Kade." I smiled. How could I not smile? Kayden was so hot stepping out of the car, and he was mine. Scott was already out of my mind.
"See ya, Zac. I'll call you, okay?"
Kayden was gone. While riding home I stared out the window watching the vehicles pass.
"You know, you can stop anytime soon. We might get pulled over. That smile of yours might distract other drivers," Dad said.
I turned to him but couldn't stop grinning.
"Geez, what's with that face? You'd think you got laid or something," he remarked.
I just continued to grin at him, but I could feel my cheeks heat up. All of a sudden I flew forward in my seat as dad pulled a fast brake.
"Okay, mister. You got my attention. Now what is this about?" he asked in a half-heartedly father type of voice.
"Well, I invited Kade over the other day and uh, well, we kinda figured out each other's feelings. And before anything could be said, well, I uh... " I couldn't really bring myself to say it.
"Okay, stop. As much as I need to know where your relationship is going, I don't want specific details. You're my son! Think before you start talking." He wasn't angry, just happy for me, and at the same time interested. Like he wanted the little details, but didn't want to admit to it.
"Uh, well, we just went to my room, and then... "
"Did you use protection?"
I almost choked. "DAD!"
He let out a chuckle before saying, "I just want to know you're playing it safe."
"Well, we didn't have sex. I thought things were going too fast. He agreed, and we just kissed."
"Do his parents know?"
I had to think about that one. I had thought Kayden lived alone. Suddenly it clicked. Kayden wasn't about to tell dad he's living alone. That would raise suspicion. Dad would be too smart for that, and sooner or later discover Kayden is a runaway. That could lead to some serious trouble.
"I don't know, I didn't ask him yet, but I don't think it's a problem. He says he's cool with his parents."
"Okay, that's good." After a moment of silence, Dad gave me a suspicious look. "So is that all you did? Just kiss? You probably had your hands all over him."
I just sat blushing, cursing myself for even giving him the smallest amount of information.
"Sorry, Zac, I was just kidding. You're a lot smarter than I was at your age. I guess I should buy you some stuff and that way whenever you're ready with this boy you can... "
"DAD!"
"What?" he said with big smile. I could tell he was enjoying this. "When I was your age my dad bought me condoms and told me to act responsibly. I'm glad I didn't." He ruffled my hair a bit before I knocked his hand away. "But in your case it might be painful."
My face has never gotten so red. How could he even think of something like that? I'm not ready.
"Don't worry, I won't say any more. Just follow your heart and be careful. Kayden seems like a great kid. I'm glad you found him. You've been a lot more energetic lately."
"Well I kinda have to thank you for that. Good looks runs through our blood," I commented.
"Then I guess you never saw pictures of your grandfather as a teen. He was a hideous boy. You got a lot of your mother's looks."
I scowled at the mention of the woman who gave birth to me.
"Don't be like that, Zac. She was a very kind young lady, just not ready for a responsibility this great," Dad said compassionately.
"That's why she wanted to abort me? Fucked-up way to show kindness," I said in anger. I always seem to go sour at the mere mention of that bitch.
Dad sighed before speaking. "I really wish my parents had discussed it with me before telling you about her. You seem to think she's a beast."
I didn't respond.
"You're always too angry with her to truly understand. When that anger dies down a bit, I really want to tell you about her."
I continued to stare out the window. Dad finally gave up and started the car again. "So what's up with Scott?" he asked after a couple of minutes.
I shifted my mind back to Scott, and a new anger arose. I told Dad about Scott's attitude since the Toronto incident.
"Well, I can see why he would act that way. You don't have to be so angry with him." He continued to drive carefully through our neighborhood.
"What do you mean?"
"Scott seems to be the type who most people can't understand. He's the hardest type to be friends with. You've known Scott for a long time. Has he ever hung around anyone else but you, Shin and Jett?"
"Well, he does skate with other guys."
"But does he hang out with them like he does with you?"
I could see what Dad meant. Scott only skates with certain guys, but he steers clear of other skaters. The people he skates with never hang around him.
"Maybe he's afraid to lose you, because you guys are his only friends. He might say things just because he's afraid of losing you guys. People like him are always scared someone's going to steal the people close to them."
I absorbed his words and turned to him. "You mean, he's scared to lose me as a friend? But he's great around people. He might not have many close friends, but everyone likes him."
"It doesn't matter," Dad said sternly. "At this moment, you guys are what's most important to him. He seems to be the type of person who would want to protect his friends from all harm. He might think he could lose you to Kayden. He doesn't understand your feelings towards him. He still thinks you're straight, remember?"
Does that mean Scott thinks Kade is a threat? He thinks Kade might steal me away?
Scott seemed more complex to me than ever. I never realized he might actually think those things. Dad's words made sense. I needed to have a talk with Scott.
"Thanks, Dad. I think I know what I have to do."
END OF CHAPTER 7

6/25/04:  This chapter and the preceding six chapters have been meticulously re-edited by Aaron, a crewmember at  www.themailcrew.com, from an earlier version that was posted elsewhere.  Thanks, Aaron.
Special thanks to my dear friend, ol' buddy Eddie, aka Besterboi, who took time out of his busy as it is schedule to edit my work. Again, forward all e-mail to me.^^ I love e-mail, and for those of you who wrote to me, you know I respond all the time. If I haven't its because I can't. Sometimes the e-mail I send gets returned to me, and I can do nothing about it.  E-mail is  Ryan_Kayden@yahoo.ca
Copyright 2003, 2004    Ryan Keith