TEN THINGS J o n a t h a n A n d r e w Y b a n e z
A U T H O R ' S
B A B B L I N G
Okay, I know there are a lot of BACKSTREET BOYS
story out there and most of them are centered on people having
with crushes either BRIAN LITTREL, NICK
CARTER or KEVIN RICHARDSON. I try to
make this a little bit different from the usual with the
celebrities themselves falling for the fictional character.
I admit that I am not a BACKSTREET BOYS fan
although some of their songs really caught my attention. But I
am, indeed, a very big fan of BRIAN LITTREL and KEVIN
RICHARDSON, but since it was BRIAN LITTREL
who had a heart problem, I think it was best to center this story
around him. No, I don't think that he is gay, but it would
certainly be interesting if he is.
D I S C L A I M
E R :
I would like to remind you that this is just a part of the
imagination of the author and none of these events ever happen.
Any similarity between events in the story and situations in
somebody else's life is purely and absolutely coincidental,
accidental or, just simply, impossible. This story doesn't state
anything about BRIAN LITTREL'S sexuality or
choice of lifestyle, implicitly or explicitly. Remember this is
just a composition based totally on the imagination of the
author.
This story contains a homosexual premise and has homosexual
undertones. If you are a minor, you know the rules. Please don't
read this and find something more suitable for you age. But if
you reach the age of majority, you can come back. If you're a
bigot who just wandered here by mistake, you are allowed to stay.
I would like to request you, however, to please keep an open
mind.
Please enjoy!!!
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TEN
THINGS
By: Jonathan Andrew Ybanez
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T E N T H I N G S X See a rainbow at dawn X Taste the first snowflake of winter X Go to Disney World Flash someone from a car X See the dawn Be a star X Touch a snake X Make someone smile Talk to God Kiss my soulmate
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C h a p t e r 5
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A few days after having my
blood test, physical examination and the bone marrow
compatibility test, I decided have to a visit on Tevyn. I had been
staying in the same hospital as him, fighting away nausea, pain
and fear of being in a seriously dreadful and loathsome place.
So, I never had a chance to leave my bed. The doctor said that it
was best that Id be restricted for a few days after the
testing and had absolute bed rest. In the past 72 hours, I
wasnt allowed to leave the confines of my room and bed. It
was explainable that I havent visited Tevyn.
I woke up around 9:00AM and took a very long warm bath before
everything, something to wash away the grime, the soils and my
fears. Believe me, three days of no bathing is not a pretty
sight,... nor a sweet smell. Cassidy Adams, my personal assistant
came by later in the morning and brought me my breakfast and a
change of very fresh clothes. As everyone would agree with me, there would be no
chance in hell that hospital food would become a personal favorite.
Hey, Brian!!! You up? He asked me as he came into my
room.
CASS!!! I shouted from the bathroom. MAN, AM I
HAPPY TO SEE YOU!!!
Brian, I have a surprise for you!
Thanks, Cass. Would you believe that food here is
absolutely, horribly and positively awful! I definitely
dont think I would feed it to my worst enemy.
Wrapping a towel across my wet torso, I said as I came out from
the bathroom. Then, added with a wicked glint in my eyes and a
touch of evil in my grin. Do you think I would be arrested
if I feed it to Kevin?
Brian, even when youre great pain, you are still one
giant asshole. Cassidy said with a laugh. He went over to
my bed and then, opened his tote bag. He took out something
wrapped in plastic. Before I forget, heres a change
of fresh clothes, crisp from the cleaners.
Thank you, Mister Cassidy Adams. I took the change of
clothes from him and proceeded back to the washroom to put on my
attire. I shouted over as I changed. I wouldnt know
what to do without your help.
No need to thank me, Brian, its my job. And,
remember, youre paying me to do this. He walked by
the washroom and, jokingly, he whistled at me. Great
looking ass, big boy. No wonder youre such a great
asshole.
Really funny, Cass. I could die laughing. Did I pay you to
say that? I groaned then, retaliated with a smirk.
Maybe I should stop paying your salary.
Go ahead and cut my income. I rolled up his eyes, in
a devil may care manner. With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he
retorted, pulling a white box. If you really want to do
that, I might just have to urge to throw these away.
He opened the box and revealed three giant chilidogs.
GIMME, GIMME, GIMME!!! I screamed like a little boy,
as I was overcome by the gimmes. As soon as I
got the hotdogs in my hands, began to gobble each one like there
was no tomorrow.
Hey slow down, your liable to choke yourself with those
hotdogs. He said in his usual southern twang. Snickering,
Cass stared at me as I wolfing down and stuffing the dogs into my
face. Dont tell me you havent eaten hotdogs
before.
Believe me, Cass, the past three days had been hell for
me. I said between breaths and gulps as I continued to chow
down my food. I was scared half to death. And like I said,
the food here is poisonous. Its really ironic that the
greatest risk the patient could have after an operation is either an infection or poisoning from hospital food.
I dont understand you, Bri! He came over me and
messed up hair. Youre scared shit out of you in this
kind of place but you still continued to have this test. Why on
earth did you do it?
Long story. I said non-chalantly. I didnt want
to tell him everything about Tevyn, his leukemia and the
connection of our dreams.
Well, give me the short and abridge version of that epic.
He shrugged. I have to leave town for a week starting this
afternoon and still hadn't prepared a single damn thing to bring
with me. Going to Georgia to see my an aunt of mine
I needed to help out a friend.
Raising his right eyebrow, Cassidy gave me a thoughtful stare and
suddenly got up and uttered. Well, love to stay here and chit chat
about that friend of yours but
got to go. Still have mounds of clothes to pack up. Good luck on your quest in helping this friend of
yours.
Heaving a sigh of relief, I silently said a prayer; thanking God
that Cassidy didnt ask me further about my marrow
compatibility test. Usually, he can get on my nerves with his
curiosity and questions. Sometimes he can get overboard in asking
question on personal matters that it makes me wonder if he is
working undercover for some tabloid. Before you go, Cass,
could you bring my bags to my car?
Sure, no biggie. Thats what youre paying me
for. With one clean swoop, he got his tote bag, my duffel
bag. Waving goodbye, he said. See you in a week or
two.
And he left my room.
@);-,'----- @);-,'----- @);-,'-----
I left my room around
10:30AM and gone to see Tevyn. I decided to ask for his
forgiveness and to tell him about my plan. I had been such an ass
a few days before and I think he deserves some sort of an
explanation from me. I slowly limped over to room 552, to Tevyn's
room. My upper legs were still a little bit sore the doctors
extracted some bone marrow sample on my hips.
When I arrived at the room, I knocked softly at the painted door.
A voice from inside answered. Come in, the door is
open.
I entered the room silently so as not to disturb the other
patient. A thick curtain was still drawn to divide the space. On
the first bed lain an old lady, sleeping quietly and serenely. I
moved over to the second bed and saw Tevyn packing all his
clothes inside his duffel bag. He was wearing a Toronto Blue Jay
Baseball cap, a college jersey and a pair of khaki chinos. He had
his back turned against me so he didnt have an idea that I
was behind him.
Good morning, Tevyn. I greeted him.
HOLY CRAP! he said, quite startled as he faced me.
Then, there was silence between us. The space between us was
calm,... deadly calm. Everything in the room was serene and
placid, except the emotions on Tevyn's face. The expression on
his face was mixed, full of apprehension and gladness. It was
understandable since he wasnt really that sure if my visit
was amicable or hostile.
Oh, its you! He managed to cough out some
words, though he is said it chillingly. I didnt quite
expect to see again. So what brings you out here?
First and foremost, I would like to apologize to you.
I started my explanation, facing the floor. I would like to
tell you that I was quite shock and I didnt know how to
react to, uhm... ahh,... to my, uhhmmm... oooh gosh! I
shook my head as I paused for a while, searching through my
vocabulary for the best choice of words. ...I would like to
apologized for my rather embarrassing faux pas a few days
before.
Thats okay. He shrugged. I mean that was
the same reaction I got when my father found out that I was gay.
So that was understandable
So can we shake on that. I smiled, as I extend my
hand to him. I mean peace, diplomacy and all those junk?
Alls forgiven and forgotten then?
Sure. He received it with a smile and a firm
handshake.
I, then, silently added. ...And also,... I would like to
help you.
Help?!!! He looked at me curiously, as he sat down on
his bed. What do you mean help?
I know that your physical condition is deteriorating.
I lifted my eyes to him. But I decided to donate my bone
marrow,... if that possible.
Brian, you dont get it, do you. He said biting
his lips as he was shaking his head. I think you already
had the idea that I rejected chemotherapy, cobalt or the other
usual crappy stuff the doctors prescribe to patients with my
condition.
I think I have that idea. I said, as I recalled what
Mrs. Lawrence informed me a few days earlier. Which reminds me, I
still have to send her my 8 by 10 glossy.
Do you why I rejected therapy already?
Not really...
Do you know why?
I started. Well,...
Well then, let me tell you why... He interrupted me,
as he bit his lips.
Its because its a hopeless cause already.
He shrugged, trying to give me an indifferent expression, but his
eyes says another set of emotions. I have already accepted
the fact that I won't last until the end of the year. So please,
dont make this harder for both of us.
He stood up, quite teary eyed and went over to the window. Tevyn
stared intensely outside the bedroom window. He glanced back at
me and gave me the most enigmatic smile. Did you know that
there was a rainbow today at dawn?
Really? I said as I approached him at the window.
How did it looked, I was still asleep and got up around
9:00AM.
It was really nice. He said still smiling while
looking out of the window. It looked like a huge bridge
hanging over the early morning sky. He explained it to me,
quite enthusiastically. It was a truly awesome sight,...
because the sun barely stretched out of the horizon and the sky
was still pinkish or peachy or something.
You really enjoyed the sunrise today, havent
you? I said leaning on the windowpane. I looked at him with
curiosity, then I said. You know, I have to hand it to you.
You seem to see the bright side of everything.
Why I see the bright side to everything? Why indeed? Oh,
thats a toughie. He shrugged, smiling brightly.
I guess I have, too. Its not every day that we get a
chance to see things as beautiful as the view I had this morning.
And in my case, I may not have the chance to see it
again...
Then, his huge grin began to turn into a sad, bittersweet smile,
a nostalgic sigh escaped from his mouth. I dont think
I would have the chance to see another one anytime soon.
Have you been listening to yourself? Youre just
wallowing in a heap of self-pity! I asked him, wild-eyed.
I know that you dont want to die. So why not accept
my help.
Yes, Brian, I have been listening to everything I have been
saying. He closed his eyes, sighing with emotional pain in
his heart. But I am already tired.
He knocked his head on the windowpane a couple of times and said,
his body began to shake violently. Dont you know that
I have been through a lot already? Ive had this disease
since I was fifteen years old. Now I am already twenty-four.
Nothing is going to change, its never going to change
and,... and... and I am already tired,... so tired already. For
nine years, I have been through tests after tests, promises after
promises, faith and prayers, and it all came to one big nothing.
I have built up my hopes only to get back to square one.
So many times, only to get my hopes dampened. He
walked to his bed and faced away from me, trying to hide his
tears. If I had a dollar for every time,... a dollar each
time I said those words all for nothing, a dollar for
each moment I get my hopes up only to have it crumble down back
to nothing, I would have been a trillionaire.
I looked at him, sadly and thought deeply for a while. As serious
I could get, I narrowed my eyes and grabbed Tevyn by the
shoulders. I shook him, as if to wake him up. I then frankly told
him. Do you want to see another rainbow at dawn.
Huh? He stopped crying and looked at me in confusion.
What did you say?
I asked you if you want to see another rainbow at
dawn.
What do you think? Angrily, he asked me a rhetorical
question with a mocking sneer.
Well, let me tell you what I think. I approached him,
making slow and sure moves to calm him down. I think you
do, but you are already jaded because every time you find a new
road to go, you end up on a dead end.
So?
SO, right now, I think it is best that we make the best of
what we have and grab opportunity by the balls. I sat
beside him and put my arms over his shoulders to give him moral
support. Tevyn, opportunity is already here, knocking on
your door and is being served on a silver platter. As much as a
cliché as this sound, opportunity DOES knock only once.
What if its still not the one?
I shrugged with a funny smirk on my face. And if it still
isn't the one, then it isn't the one. Think of it, if you missed
out on a chance, think of the loss you might have on your
hands.
After hearing my words, Tevyn thought intensely. Slowly he began
to liven up. A big smile began to crack on his face. He, then,
gave me a big hug. Thanks, Brian.
I still had trouble hugging him, even after my talk with Nick.
But slowly I locked my arms around him so that he may not get any
hurt feelings. Much to my relief, he let go of me. He went over
to his bag to continue packing. Why are you packing your
bags already? I asked him.
Well, today is my last day in the hospital. He
replied, smiling. Im going back to Toronto this
afternoon. Still a lot of things to do and not much time to do
it.
But you can't leave now. I began to protest as I
suddenly jumped off the bed. You have... OUCH!!!
SHIT!!!
Brian, are you okay?
Its nothing, theres just a dull pain in my
hips. I wince with pain.
Here drink this. He pulled out some tablets from the
side of his bag.
Whats that? I asked, examining the label of the
pills.
Theyre pain relievers. He explained after he
handed me a glass of water. Drink two tablets and that
should help you in getting rid of the ache.
Thanks. I said as I downed two pills.
Ive noticed that youve been limping since you
got here. He looked me with great worry on his face.
Suddenly, his expressions altered from concern to anger.
Oh, no... Youve already taken the test, didnt
you? DIDNT YOU!!!
Yes, I did... I said in a very small voice.
Why did you do that? Tevyn sighed, his eye were mixed
with anger and sadness. You didnt even asked me
first.
I did it because you were sick and I...
So, you just assumed that I would jump on this thing
because you did it. Why did you really do this in the first
place? He interrupted me as his tone began to rise higher.
He face began to flush up and he was waving his hands feverishly.
So I would forgive you for what you did a few days earlier?
You did this for,... for,.. for publicity sake. WHAT WAS THE
FUCKING REASON??!!!
Realizing what he had said, he became silent for while. Then
said, as he paced around the room. I couldnt believe
I said that. He stopped pacing and faced me as he covered
his mouth, as if to shut it up. Im so sorry. I know
that your intentions were good and sincere, it is just things and
pressures seem to come to me at every corner. I apologize.
Thats okay. Thats how I felt a few days earlier
too. I replied. Tevyn looked at me curiously. I quickly.
Nothing that you should worry about.
I thought for a while and then I looked at him intently. I
inquired him. Do you really want to know why I did
it?
He bit his lip first and then, slowly, nodded, looking quite
unsure whether he wants to know the truth or not.
Remember what you said about soul mates? And about
destiny?
Yes, I said I believe that everything has its place and
time because the fates wish to keep everything in order. He
started, quite uneasily. I said I believe that there are
people and things in this world which are meant to cross paths
because if they dont,...
...Their existence would prove to be meaningless and
futile. I finished the sentence for him.
Meaning?
Meaning that we were meant to meet each other because, it
was fated. I explained. Nick told me that destiny
wished us to cross path because I may just be the cure to your
disease.
Do you really believe in that? He said, eyes
sparkling.
I dont really know what to believe anymore. I
said, a little bit skeptical, but to stress a little bit to my
idea and give more umph to my point, I added by
saying. But if this was fated to happen, should I fight
destiny?
I guess not... He answered, still skeptical.
He then returned back to his things and continued packing. I
looked at him and asked
I still, I have a list of things to do and so many places
to go.
Shouldnt you at least stay around and rest?
Nope,... absolutely have no time to stop. He said as
he zipped his bag shut and lifted it up.
But, what about the test results? I have asked Dr. Murray
to forward it here to you. I blocked his way as he walked
away from the bed.
Oh, that,... He bit his upper lip as he thought
gingerly. Then with quick smile, he said. Well, they can
send it to me in Toronto. Then I will decide from there.
With that he headed for the door.
I hastily added. But wouldnt that be just a little
bit, uhmm... a little bit too ahhh... I stopped
mid-sentence for want of a much better word to use.
Just a little bit too late? He said it in a very easy
going fashion that it scared me. Dont worry Brian, I
have already come to terms with that.
So, you won't even wait for the results?
No,... he looked at me and when out the door.
I chased him to the elevator and from there tried to convince
Tevyn to at least wait until this afternoon for the outcome of my
test, but to no avail. Tevyn wouldnt even listen to my
explanations. He passed by front desk for the bills.
Good morning, sir. The front desk clerk greeted Tevyn
a little bit coldly, as she filed her nails. How may I help
you?
Good morning. Tevyn tried to smile back. I am
Tevyn Winters. I have been staying in room 552 since last
Wednesday.
So, sir?...
I would like to inquire about my bill. My insurance is
going to pay for it, right?
Tevyn!!! I said, trying to catch his attention.
Please give it more thought. This is a matter of your life
and death. You just can't pass the opportunity.
Yes, your insurance company will be billed for you
confinement here in this hospital. She replied as she filed
her nail. May I ask what your insurance company is,
sir?
TEVYN, WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME!!!
Brian, please not now. Tevyn finally faced me.
Could you just wait a minute, I have to finish something
here.
Sir, you insurance company? The lady behind the
counter was already losing her patience. She began tapping her
fingernails on the desk.
HEY, WERE TALKING HERE! I glared at her, to
which she glared me back.
LIKE I CARE! She glared me back. LOOK HERE,
BLONDIE, I STILL HAVE SOMETHING TO DO TODAY. I DONT HAVE
THE TIME TO WATCH A LOVERS QUARREL! I AM QUITE
BUSY...
WHICH IS WHAT? I interrupted her angrily, pounding my
heavy fist on the counter. FILING YOUR NAILS?!
Excuse me for a minute, okay? Tevyn turned to the
totally ill-mannered bitch. We have to straight things
first.
Go ahead. She rolled her eyes and sarcastically
continued. Its not like I have something to do.
Sure you do! Those fingers and nail really look
hideous that you might want to file them off. I wanted to
tell her, but stopped myself because she wasnt worth the
trouble and bad publicity.
Tevyn pulled me to a corner and whispered his lecture to me.
Brian, I will talk to you later, after I finish here, okay?
Now be a good boy and sit there on one of the benches. He
ordered me and, obediently, I went over the waiting area.
He walked back to the counter and faced the desk clerk and
apologized, smiling. Sorry, for the trouble. Hes not
always like that. Bryan is just having a sore day
Dont we all! She said rolling her eyes,
flaunting her irked expression. Your insurance company,
sir.
Sun Life of Canada, my insurance agent told me that they would cover any charges made. He looked at the ceiling with
an exasperated expression on his face. So could you just
send them the bill? I think that they...
Sir, please sign this release form. She interrupted
him, not even giving him a chance to finish his sentence as
passed him some sort of a note. We will be sending the bill
to their office here in Florida, if they have one.
Thanks.
Oh and Mr. Winters, this came for you. Its from Dr.
Murray. She said as she continued filing her nails, without
even giving Tevyn a glance.
Hey, this package was dated two days ago. He
exclaimed as he looked carefully at the small envelope. I
was supposed to get this envelope immediately,.. that was two
days ago! WHY WASNT THIS GIVEN TO ME TWO DAYS AGO!
Sorry... She said not the least apologetic, still
filing her nails. I must have forgotten to send it to your
room.
Sorry just dont cut it! Tevyn was starting to
lose his cool.
HEY DONT TELL ME HOW TO DO MY JOB! The bitch
barked. YOU HAVE YOUR LIFE AND I HAVE MINE! AND LETS
KEEP IT THAT WAY, OKAY MISTER WINTERS!
The people at the lobby stared at them as Tevyn's face started to
flush and his ears began to redden. I can see that he was getting
uncomfortable with the whore. I stood up and approached both of
them. Tevyn, anything wrong? I asked him.
Oh, nothing. I guess we better leave now. He said,
still staring at the floor as he walked away.
I guess so. I said following his lead.
She was so rude... Tevyn said, almost close to tears.
I know. I agreed with an ire expression. I looked at
the clerks direction then I continued, a little too loud
for the entire lobby, I might, purposely add, still staring at
her. Dont take it too personal. I mean, bitches in
heat who didnt get laid last night, usually act that
way.
I laughed out loud. Tevyn, on the other hand, tried to suppress
his giggles, ended snickering loudly. Now it was the sluts
turn to blush.
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