Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:34:01 -0700 (PDT) From: Robyn Subject: Live Intertwined (chapter 4) Lives Intertwined (Chapter 4) By The WhiteWolf You have reached Chapter 4, which starts the story with one of my more interesting and enigmatic characters, as you may soon find out. He reached up to his chin and rubbed the goatee that he had been growing. It wasn't the unwillingness to shave, but rather he felt a need for a different look. A new town and a new look. After watching the driver for a few minutes he assumed she wasn't interested. Nick is basically a wanderer. He hitchhikes for most of his journey. Although never truly revealing himself to his brief benefactors, he is very intelligent. His only sources of income are the temporary odd jobs he finds. Although he doesn't get much money from them, he hopes that moving across the country might enrich his life. So far, he hasn't learned anything worth his time. He had been watching Robyn for most of the time. As she spoke he noticed that her mannerisms were nearly exactly like a woman's. Robyn must have had lots of practice. Realizing the she was a drag queen hadn't made him nervous, only curious. Still, the ride had turned very quiet and made the air uncomfortable. "Well, we're in town," Robyn turned into a small parking lot, "I'm riding a little outside of town, so I better let you off here." As the car stopped Nick opened the door, "I bid you farewell, Robyn." Nick picked up his leather case. "And to you Nick," she returned. Good-byes were never required in Nick's life; besides, he hardly knew her. The emotional side of his life is very shallow, and that is due in part to his intellect. He was never cold towards anyone; he just rarely felt deeply about people. It was late, it was not the time to find any source of work, and the only option for Nick was to find a warm bed and perhaps a warm body if at all possible. The closest motel was only half a mile down the street. He didn't care what motel it was; he wasn't a connoisseur of rooms of the inns he occupied. Nick had enough money for a couple nights he assumed. The cost wouldn't be a problem; he had been frugal lately and had saved up enough. After putting down a couple dollars at the front desk, Nick was given a room key. Entering the room he went straight for the bed. Now the hard part: finding a warm body to invite to his warm bed. As he looked towards the head of bed and saw a slot for a quarter, he knew that magic fingers wasn't going to help one iota. Nick opened his case and after rummaging through it for a few seconds he pulled out a Playgirl Magazine. He flirted with the idea of dialing one of the numbers listed in there. Obviously, he would find a physically stimulating conversation but nothing to satisfy his other need: his mind. It's the same reason he does not watch porn movies, aside from the incredibly bad acting and that it is absolutely tasteless. Nick knew that eventually his hormones would take over and he won't care how he got off. Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out a small book. After turning a couple pages he found a phone number he had gotten some months ago. He picked up the phone and hesitated. This person he was about to call had met him briefly in another town and probably wouldn't remember him. Still, Nick has needs. He dialed the number. After 4 rings a plain faint voice spoke, "Hello?" Nick wasn't exactly sure how to state this, 'Hi, this is Nick. You probably don't remember me." "Can't say I recall your voice," said the voice after a slight pause. "Considering we met 3 months ago, I wouldn't blame you." "3 months ago, well you must be mistaken I was^Å Nick?. Nick from New York?" "Yes. That Nick." "Well, how have you been?" "Can't complain. I just got into town and thought I'd give you a call, and maybe we can meet sometime? I enjoyed talking to you." "And I, you. Got any plans now?" "None whatsoever. I'm free." "Great, I've got some paperwork to finish up, and I'll be done soon so I'll meet you around 8:00." "Sounds good, I'll see you then," Nick hung up the phone. After 3 seconds passed Nick picked up the phone and dialed the number again. "So, where are we meeting?" The bar wasn't crowded which pleased Nick, for he doesn't like large crowds. He sat in the chair sipping his Johnny Beach waiting for Ryan. "Is this seat taken," a man walked up to Nick. Nick recognized the voice and didn't even need to turn around, "Why, not at all. Help yourself." "I was quite surprised to hear from you," Ryan spoke as he sat down. "I said I'd call you." "People rarely mean what the say," Ryan looked up at the bartender," MGD." Ryan glanced down at the bar at Nick's drink. "Still drinking those? Never could develop a taste for vodka." "Beer was never my style." Ryan ran a hand down Nick's chest, "You always did have style." Nick stretched out his arm and put it over Ryan shoulder. "And you always had a way with words." Both partners leaned in for a kiss. Their lips met gently while their tongues teased one another. Nick gently placed his hand to the back of Ryan's head while they kissed. It was half an hour later when Ryan led Nick by the hand out to his car as they headed back to Nick's motel room. Nicks objective of finding a warm body had been met. An hour later Nick had laid his head down on the pillow as he lay on the bed. Ryan was beginning to put his jeans back on. "Have you seen my crucifix necklace," Ryan looked back at Nick. Nick continued to look at Ryan as he pointed to the end table, "Right there." "Thanks," Ryan spoke. As he put the necklace on he looked at Nick. "You're not really religious are you?" "Not really," he sighed after a pause. "I see organized religion as a scam." "A scam?" "Well, yeah, most mainstream Judeo-Christian religions are based on a metaphysical, vengeful god. So you must repent your sins, go to church and^Å well, to be perfectly blunt, shell out a couple dollars into the collection plate every Sunday." "So what you're saying is that organized religion is a scam." "Exactly," Nick smiled. Ryan leaned back on the bed, "I'm going to miss these talks." Nick knew what Ryan was talking about. Ryan had a wife and kids. It didn't matter, Nick could never commit to anyone. He had no desire to, either. "Yes, too bad you're not single... it's a great life to lead." Ryan looked at Nick," Nick, I could never do that. Are you sure this is the life you want to live... never be in a stable relationship?" Nick paused for a moment as he was about to explain why he couldn't stay in a relationship. He decided against it. "The single life is for me." After Ryan and Nick said their good byes and kissed for one last time. Nick turned around to lie on the bed. "Single life is so depressing," Nick thought as he turned his head and glanced at the clock. Although it was still early he decided he needed some coffee. He put on his leather jacket and stepped outside his door. Looking around the cyber cafe across the street caught his eye. As he neared the cafe he saw the name "Wired". "Cute," Nick spoke to himself. He entered the shop and sat down at one of the empty terminals. A waitress came over and he ordered a cinnamon latte. The waitress walked away and nearly ran into another man while looking back at Nick. TBC