Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 15:39:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: nervousfragments@yahoo.com
Subject: International Destinations - Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO: Thank you so much for the feedback, and keep it up! It's the
only way I know to continue writing. Here's a short chapter to move along
the plot, but a chapter with more sex will be up in a day or two. Remember,
if you aren't interested in explicit content, don't read. This work is
copyrighted. Enjoy! I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Please email me at nervousfragments@yahoo.com

___________________________________________


Reality was just beginning to set in. It was still unbelievable, but after
our plane landed and I quietly followed Alex to our bags, and then a train
that would bring us into Manhattan, I was a little more grounded. Yes, this
was really happening, but I was still Kyle, just joining my new friend on a
family trip. We hadn't really spoken much; it had only been a day.

Sitting on the train, I looked around as we throttled through a black
tunnel. A girl peered at me from under her hood, an Asian guy with an iPod
looked at the close proximity between me and Alex. I hadn't realized how
close he always sat to me. It made the silence tolerable, and even
welcome. Alex was listening to his iPod too, I glanced over and saw that it
was a band I liked.

"I love that song," I said.

"What?" He plucked an earphone out.

"I love the song you're listening to." He handed me the earphone and we
shared listening.

"Yeah, I love playing it," he offered.

"Guitar?"

"Bass. Why, do you play?"

"Yeah, guitar."

And then we talked about guitars. This was how conversations started. I'd
just have to try, because Alex seemed content just sitting quietly. I
wanted him to know how grateful I was for this opportunity.

"Next station is the last stop," announced a burly voice over the
loudspeaker. "New York, Penn Station."

We were here. I was excited, while Alex, of course, was nonchalant. I
looked for an exit. I couldn't wait to see the city. Instead, Alex led me
down a sloping hallway and two staircases, to a subway. Would I ever be
outside?

As I waited for him to find a subway card in his suitcase, I called my
Mom. I told her about the plane ride and she thanked me for "remembering
her." I heard a man in the background. She often dated, but rarely brought
anyone home. I never met my Dad.

I held the phone away as Alex walked toward me, smiling with a subway card
in his hand, suitcase wheeling behind him in the other.

"I have to go, Mom."

"Alright, hon. Alex's mom just stopped by with an itinerary, so I'll always
know where you are. She said she was heading to the airport now. You and
Alex have to make your way to the Palace Hotel. That's the hotel chain kind
enough to pay for your summer!"

"I was wondering about that..."

"Love you, Ky."

"Love you too."

My mom used to be a flight attendant, so she wasn't too shocked (or
jealous) about my travels. I was lucky to have such a good relationship
with her. She knew I was gay, and supported everything I did. Katy always
called her a "cool mom."

Alex heard our conversation and, as he led me to a bench to wait for the
subway, added to it.

"My dad gets an allowance every week from the company for transportation
and food and stuff, while we're all traveling. His business partner was
supposed to be here, but he stayed in California. So it's his 'allowance'
paying for you."

"Tell him I say thank you!"

A loud subway rushed along the tracks. Its doors parted for us, and a mass
of all sorts of people flooded out. Alex held on to my hand, which in turn
was holding a heavy suitcase. We sat down in two corner seats.

"When's the last time you were here?" I asked. "You seem to know your way
around."

"A year ago, but we were here for a long bloody time. I love New York."

"Cool." I thought I would too, if I ever saw it.

"Don't worry, I'll be just as lost as you as the trip goes on."

I laughed. That would be fun too.

The subway screeched to a halt. We were downtown, in SoHo. This is where
the hotel had been built. Alex told me it was really nice, but also new and
stood out from the rest of the area. We left the subway and walked up a
flight of stairs. We were in New York! The sun was beaming and reflecting
off buildings, with every store, person and restuarant I could imagine.
Down one street, I could see the hazy image of the Empire State Building.
It was unreal for me. Alex just kept walking, checking street signs in the
distance.

I was falling behind.

"Hurry up!" he called playfully.

I caught up and followed him across a street, we then turned right and
halted at a looming black glass building with red and gold flags jutting
out. There was a red awning that guarded revolving doors. Above all this,
the building was emblazoned with silver lettering that read PALACE
HOTEL. Palace Hotels, our benefactor.

"We're here," Alex announced, out of breath. He smiled. I smiled back and
asked when if I'd get to see New York! Due to the time difference, we had
lost 3 hours. It was already nearing evening.

"I'm starving," Alex replied. He continued, "we can go check in with my dad
and unpack. If there's no plans for tonight, we can eat and explore the
city."

"Sounds good. I need a shower too," I said suggestively. I did need to wash
up, but the hint couldn't hurt. I wanted to remind Alex that we were both
horny teenagers, and yesterday, for a few seconds, we had kissed.

"First things first," he said. His strong hand assuredly patted my ass, but
he quickly removed it and pushed through the hotel's revolving doors.

____________________


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