Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2003 01:57:49 -0700 (PDT)
From: Robyn <wolfhowlin2001@yahoo.com>
Subject: Lives Intertwined (Chapter 11)

Lives Intertwined (Chapter 11)
By The WhiteWolf

	He made his way to the bar even though it was crowded. Jim could
barely hear the music of the voices in the bar. He glanced over at the
bartender.

	"What'll you have," the voice came across clearly. Obviously he
knew how to speak over the noise.

	Jim pondered for a moment realizing he hadn't thought of anything
yet, but then responded, "Affair." As the bartender went to fetch the drink
Jim looked next him and saw a man sipping on his drink. Nick looked up at
Jim and smiled, but soon looked back at his drink.

	A voice came on over the speakers, "Ladies and gentleman, we have
special treat for you today. They loved her in Rome, they adored her in
London, she is la désse magnifique femmelle. We all know her as Robyn!"

	Robyn began to walk up to the stage as she thought, "Female
goddess? At least he knows his French."

	The music began just as she walked on stage. She had already
pre-selected music from an Ace of Base CD. As she moved to the music her
eyes drifted around the room once again. She caught notice of Jim looking
up at her from a few tables away. Smiling she continued to dance but didn't
keep eye contact with anyone for too long. She occasionally glanced back at
Nick and he obviously knew Robyn was staring directly at him. Robyn was
playing a game of subtle movements and glances with both men, although
neither of two men noticed the other. Although she felt like the ultimate
tease she realized the song was nearing the end and she had to deliver the
grand finale in her dance. Seductively and slowly she pressed her back
against the wall upstage and slowly slid down while she closed her
eyes. This has always been a crowd-pleaser, even though Robyn wasn't sure
why. Perhaps it was the alluring and defenseless appearance it gave
her. The song was finished and Robyn took a second to reflect but then
stood up, gave a twirl smiling at the audience and exited. She heard many
whistles and applause as she continued moving back stage. Walking into the
dressing room she noticed Brad checking himself in his mirror.

	Greg took his wig off and glanced into the mirror. Although he
wasn't concerned with his makeup at this point he thought he should see how
he looked anyway.

	"Nice maneuvers," a voice spoke.

	Greg looked into his mirror and saw the go-go dancer, "Thank
you...uh..." he wasn't sure of the man's name.

	"Brad," he introduced himself. "I noticed that you're very
flexible... captivating... seductive," he continued to compliment her.

	"Well, I do try for an even mix," Greg spoke although a bit nervous
at this point.  He knew that Brad was coming on to her. He stood up. "Well,
you'll have to excuse me, I need to get out of my costume." Greg turned
away and faced the mirror.

	Before another second passed he felt a body press up against him,
"What's your hurry?" Greg felt pinned between the dressing room table and
Brad. "You don't have to leave so soon." Brad's hands began to roam down
the front of Robyn's dress.

	Without warning Greg bent his arm at a 90-degree angle and twisted
his pelvis back elbowing Brad in the stomach. By twisting his body he put
more force into his blow knocking Brad back against his own table.

	"Don't you ever touch me," Greg yelled in his female voice. He
wasn't sure why that voice came out at the moment but he grabbed his case
and put his wig back on. She wasn't going to stay around the dressing room
any longer. Brad was surprised but he didn't feel any regret for his
actions. He thought that he acted with an acceptable behavior under his
personal circumstances. After all, Brad had worked here longer than Greg,
and he knows how the real world works. He thought Greg was just a naïve
little "girl".

	Robyn didn't leave through the back way this time. In the direction
she walked there was only one exit. If she wanted to go out in the back
alley she'd have to pass by Brad again. Instead, she walked through the
club and out the front door. She tried as quickly as possible to make her
way through. Before she was halfway she heard a couple more whistles of
approval from the men. At this point it didn't feel flattering. She held
back any emotions she was feeling until she got outside.

	Jim noticed something was wrong as Robyn had left quickly without
even looking back at him. He got up to follow her. At the same moment Nick
felt the desire to talk to Greg once again but did not see Jim moving
towards the door. Before Nick even got to the exit he was intercepted by a
coworker.


	"Nick," the man sighed, "I really didn't know this club was-"

	Before he could finish Nick interrupted, "Don't worry about it."
Nick didn't even know what his coworker was going to say. He was
concentrating on catching up to Robyn. "I have to be going anyway. Thanks
for the invite." Nick was already walking away as he spoke the last few
words.

	"Greg? "Jim asked as he saw the back of her as she leaned against
the car.

	She recognized the voice but didn't turn around. Robyn suddenly
remembered, "Jim?"

	"Yes," he responded as he stood there. He wondered why she hadn't
turned around. "Is something wrong?" Robyn turned to face him. He saw a few
tears on her cheek. Jim was speechless for a moment. "What..." he stopped
himself and decided she just needed to be consoled rather than being
questioned. He held out his arms and took a few steps forward. Robyn walked
into his arms and leaned her head onto Jim's shoulder as they stood on the
sidewalk. Passerby's watched them but neither of them cared.

	"Could you come with me," Robyn sobbed as she raised her head to
look into Jim's eyes. "I don't want to be alone."

	Jim didn't ask questions. If was unnecessary at this point. She led
Jim to her car as Jim kept his arm on her shoulder.

	"Do you want me to drive you... you don't look like you want to,"
Jim offered as he spoke softly to her.

	Robyn only nodded in response. She didn't want to talk as she tried
to wipe the tears away from her face. Jim opened the door for her and then
got in the driver's side.

	Nick watched them drive off. He had seen the entire scene, but he
was generally concerned for Greg. He heard the music from inside play once
more and he wondered if he should even bother to walk back in. Before
opening the door he watched the car turn the corner.

	Alex had heard Heart of Glass for the third time and still could
not think of anything to write. He had tried every single one of his
inspirational techniques. He turned off the computer, agitated at the fact
that he hadn't written anything the past few days. It hadn't been a problem
of having ideas; it was a problem of sorting them out. He already had ideas
for a future book, but he knew he must finish one before he began the next.

	He looked down at the desk and remembered Jim's number. As Alex
glanced at the clock he saw that it was already 4:15. He couldn't be sure
if Jim was off work yet, but he decided he might as well try. Alex wasn't
sure of what he'd say so before he picked up the phone, he tried to imagine
how their conversation would run. Unsure of Jim's true personality he
couldn't accurately judge what Jim would say. He picked up the phone anyway
and dialed the number.

	Jim sat down with Greg on the couch. Greg, who had put on his
regular clothes, still had a few tears to shed as he lay his head on Jim's
shoulder. Neither of them had spoken for a few minutes and Jim wasn't sure
what was the matter. He wanted to help.

	"Do you want to talk about it," Jim carefully asked without moving.

	Greg stayed in his position and sighed, "Yeah." He moved his head a
wiped a tear away. "It's just the way people see me. As a girl or an
extremely effeminate man." Greg stood up and walked a few steps
forward. "They think I'm submissive or I'm always like a girl. I'm only my
female persona on stage, but people never see the other me." Greg saw his
wig resting on a chair.  After picking it up he threw it across the room
into a corner.  His voice was between anger and sadness, "I'm tired of
people always treating me like a girl, when I'm not Robyn. I just want them
to really see me." Greg put his head down on his arm leaning over the
mantle. Jim wasn't sure what to say as he sat on the couch. Should he
console him once again? Should he speak? Should he leave quietly?  Jim
dismissed the last option and though he should try to do the first two. Jim
walked over to Greg who was still by the mantle.

	As he was about speak when Greg turned to him, "You are the only
one who's seen me for who I really am." Very lightly he pressed her lips
against Jim's. "Thank you." For a moment Jim was stunned. He turned to
watch Greg walk into the bedroom, but he wasn't sure what all this
meant. Once again, Jim was faced with uncertainty. It was possible that
Greg wanted Jim to follow him or perhaps their meeting was over.  After a
few moments Jim walked into the bedroom.

	A soft Celtic sound emitted from the CD player in the room. Greg
turned onto his side draping one leg over the other as he stretched across
the bed. They both gazed into each other eye's as they both remained
silent.

	After a few short moments Greg continued to keep eye contact but
asked, "Do you like this music?"

	"I adore it," Jim responded aware the he was standing in the
doorway. He took a few steps inside. Greg leaned back on his elbows and
uncrossed his legs indicating his invitation clearly. Remaining calm, Jim
slowly advanced looking longingly at the picture before him.

	Greg noticing his hesitation patted the bed, "Room for one more."


	Chapter 11 was pretty exciting wasn't it? Exciting turn of events,
chance meetings, and an interweaving set of characters. How will it turn
out? Time will tell. But I'll bet you're pretty anxious for me to send out
Chapter 12... all in due time, but if you've liked what you've read so
far you'll enjoy it.
	But as long as were talking about you're feelings on the story,
don't keep them all bottled up inside, share them with me! All it takes is
a few minutes and I might even send my story out faster with some
encouragement... but that's doesn't mean I'm persuading you one way or
the other. Constructive criticism is always welcome. E-mail me at:
wolfhowlin2001@yahoo.com