Date: Wed, 7 May 2003 10:50:02 -0700 (PDT) From: afterglow Subject: stay chapter 10 Stay Chapter 10 by afterglow Disclaimer: This is not wonderland. This is serious stuff. So if you feel that the tootsie fairy just whacked your butt in here, please read something else. This contains love/sexual desires between teenagers. Any similarities to certain persons are purely coincidental. And unless this kind of material offends you're crude mind, I suggest you sit back, relax and enjoy wonderland. *** Wow, chapter ten. I couldn't believe I even survived this long. All thanks to you guys, I really appreciated taking your time and reading my crapy story. Anyway so many people have send me emails last time, thank you all. I really don't want to disappoint you but I think there about one or two chapters left before Stay ends. And don't worry, it's going be nice. Anyway, thanks again to all the nifty writers at the chatroom, you guys keep my day alive everytime. To Bret(there I mentioned you first, you're not mud), Kano/Ekaitz, Jesse, Daniel(okay, I won't call you avatar this time), UPDC, esteban, hcblue, Loves Folly, Pfantazm and to my mentor(I think) and extremely sexy mom, Sara (aka. wavyscribe), you people are great. You can meet this guys at the niftywriter's chatroom and get to know their soul and unconventional horny taste for humor. Love ya guys! *** It's been a while since I've talked to you. I guess you really missed me huh? Yeah, I missed you too. And your little annoying antics. Ow! Stop hitting me! "I'd like to remind you all that exams are just around the corner. So brush up on those American and English lit writers. And by the way, before I forget, your special project would be a week before the tests, I suggest you don't take that lightly. That would be forty percent of your grade. So if there's no more questions..." and then the bell rang. Urgh! I totally forgot about her project. Jed and I were supposed to work on it but all when end up is blank. "Edo, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ms. Jane said while the class left the room. Shit! This must be about the project. I've been so busy hanging around Jed and Pat so much I couldn't even do school work. Well not that it's a bad thing. See, for the past few weeks, my life has been on it's peek. It's like everything is going smoothly as planned. No more rough roads or lonely nights. Just plain teenage life. With Pat and Jed around, it seems that the world is much easier to bear now. "So how's it going dude?" There, she's trying to be 'cool' again. "Dude? Ah, that's terrible," I laughed. She just shrugged her shoulders, "You've got that smile plastered on you again, I got it somebody's having a wonderful day." "Actually, I've never been better." "Oh, really? Do tell," she said stressing that English accent I pouted, "Do you do this to all of your students?" "No, just a particular one. Besides we should improve our student-teacher relationship." Ms. Jane is always been this way. Eventhough nothing much happens in my life, she always seems to be interested in me. I guess that's why I like her so much. You don't meet everyday a teacher who knows you more than just your last name. "Well, I've got new friends," I smiled. "Really, that's great! I knew you would come out of that shell. So how is it?" "It's kinda different you know," I said while fidgeting my hands, "It's like... It's like I don't want our friendship to end. I've been alone so much. And I don't want anymore to be that stupid boy sitting on that stupid library trying to get away from everyone. I'm happy now. And my only fear is too loose them in my life." "Ah, teenagers. You know when I was young I really didn't have much friends like you. And I try to be an introvert and I'll always say that I liked being left out. But soon I realized that I was wrong. That I will forever be part of everyone no matter how I push them away. It's like you're a piece of a great puzzle. The other pieces are nothing without you." "Story of your life," I concluded. "Yup, story of my life," said she. Meeting Ms. Jane is one of the most memorable moments in my life. I guess I would really miss her when I'm in college already. She wants to be a psychologist for kids and teens but I think her teaching paved the way for that. "Anyway," changing the mood, "How are you and Trish?" Huh? Oh. Oh no. How do I answer this? 'Sorry mam but Trish got renovated for the week, her toe nails were undone.' Urgh! Me and my big mouth. Suddenly we both saw someone waving at the door, "Hey, I see the batallion has arrived." It was them. Jed was trying to peep from the corner while Pat kept on waving at me and Ms. Jane. "Um, yeah. Thanks for your time ma'am," I walked through the door and said, "Bye." Soon I met Jed and Pat's worried faces. I told them I was alright and that we were just having a teacher-student bonding. But still they had that look of uncertainty. "Do you think she found out?" Pat raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, God I hope not," I said praying with my hands up. *** This is my new hobby. Hanging around mall after class. Not that I have that much money but you know Pat. The mall is like her Sistine Chapel or something. And fashion would always be her style. Jed agrees with her. They both conspire to take me out and try some trendy clothes. Hey, what do you mean look at me? My shirt and jeans are fine. FYI, these jeans have served me a great deal. Plus they're durable. And nice. And... peachy. Yeah, you heard me, peachy! As in pretty, bright and gay! err... that didn't sound right. "Oh my God! I think I'm gonna cry!" Pat screeched. And by the way, I hate Sale Fridays. It makes Pat go berserk. "It's even 10 percent off! I have got to try those shoes," she truns her head to us, "Guys you can wait here, it won't take long." "Yeah sure," Jed said while tugging my arm. "Ow! Yeah, yeah," I said a little annoyed. "Okay, pray for me," with crossed fingers she managed to enter the store. And then it was me and Jed. I don't really thought about it until now but this is the first time I've been alone with him since we all became friends. Weird, huh? Yeah it was weird alright. He's there looking all cute and beautiful trying to scan his surroundings while I'm here looking like a jackass trying to scan Jed. He was much taller now. His head starts to produce fine strands of dark red. And he's body is dead handsome. I hate doing this you know? It's like I'm invading him or some sort. But I can't help it. Okay, okay I know I might be caught or something. Urgh! Just one more look and I promise I won't stare again, please? I then began slowly eyeing him up from his shoes, to his waist, to his chest, to his face. And when I least expected it, I saw Jed looking straight at me. I can't move. I didn't. Or I couldn't? Maybe it's his green eyes or his striking looks, I don't know, but at that time, at that moment, my mind went into a complete blank. Shit! But then a high-pitched voice from hell dragged me down from my heavenly bliss. "Hi, I seem to have lost my way around here. Do you know where the girl's room is?" a teenage girl with pink hair and pink lolipop flirted around Jed. Jed seems to be startled at first but then spoke, "Uh, go to the far end, around the stairs, it's the first one on the left." He said while montioning his arms. Well, the girl dosen't seem to listen. She just kept playing with her candy and eyeing his every movement. I breathed. No, it's not what you think. I don't envy Jed for having girls flock around her like turtle doves. It's just that... well let's put it this way. The guy's attractive, smart, funny and I'm ugly, stupid and boring. I mean we're complete opposite. And now that we're standing by each other, the contrast seems to be as thick. "Uh huh, yes well... um," displaying those puppy dog eyes the girl 'acts' like she's stammering then moving her head down. "Yeah, what is it?" Jed, obviuosly walked into her trap, lifted the girls's chin which made her blush. "I know this sounds awkward but can I have your number?" Oh, I'll give her more than Jed's number alright! I'm gonna kick her ass... What am I doing? I sound like a jealous bitch. The girl then caught Jed's hands and kissed it. Oh that's it. That's it. You have just earned your one way ticket to hell girl. She then kissed it one more. I saw Jed's face turn into bright red. He then searched for me and lipped 'help'. Oh, girl I'm gonna bitch slap you so hard... "Excuse me," I interrupted, "Actually...," looking at Jed's green pools, "He's already taken." And with one quick swipe, I carried an arm around Jed's waist. It was a Kodak moment. Her mouth went wide and her eyes stared in disbelief. I think she was trying to say something but she couldn't. "But you..." pointing at me, "And you?" And she went into crimson, "I'm sorry I have to go to the girl's room." And she went off. That's it girl, and don't come back! The whole time I was trying to contain myself. Wow, did I really do that? Did I really drove one of Jed's mischievous fans out? I was battling with myself when I heared a strange voice slip though my ears... 'Aint no mountain high enough...' What the? 'Ain't no valley low enough...' "Do you hear that?" I said aloud. "Hear what?" he said confused. Then I realized my arm's still wrapped around him. I guess he noticed it too and blushed like a cute tomato. I hastily removed my arm and said sorry. And the effects of what I did just dawned right through me. God! That was embarassing! I guess it was an awkward moment for both of us that we didn't say anything at each other after that. "Hey did I miss anything? You two boys are awfully quite," Pat said as she came back with a couple bags more in her hand. I think she noticed it because Jed kept blushing while I kept on dreaming. *** "So anyone for a hotdog?" Jed asked while snatching money from his wallet. "Me! Me!" yelped Pat. "How about you?" he turned to me. "Nah, not hungry." I said as Jed left me and Pat at the table. And then it was me and Pat's turn to be alone. This was never a problem for me as Pat usually does all the talking. Not that I don't talk too much it's just that I like listening you know? I read in an article that listening is just like mental therapy. Or so I think. You just let the other person do the yada yada and you just let yourself do the 'I understand' or 'Yeah, that's great'. Just like most husbands do. Okay, I'm really setting myself off here. And before I knew it, Pat just finished a sentence and was asking me about something. "uhh...um," I said trying to figure out what she said. "Aha! Your not listening to me!" "Yeah I do! Okay, okay you got me. What was the question again?" Typical male of me. "I just asked you about what you think about Jed," she whispered as if everybody in the building could hear her. "What do you mean?" "What I mean is does he like me?," Pat said stating the obviuos. "You mean the rumors are not true? He hasn't ask you out?" I inquired. Is there truimph in my voice? "No! He seems so tensed whenever I put my arms around him. Or flirt with him, just to see if he's interested but he never returned it. And for the most part he gets angry everytime there are rumors spreading about us." Pat seems so frustrated. She continued, "God! I'm starting to believe that he is..." As if my stupid tongue failed me, "Gay?" She stared at me for a sec while I mentally slapped myself. "No! Shy! I'm starting to believe he's shy." "Oh," was all I said. I'm confused here. I thought Jed liked Pat. I mean they're always together. And now Pat's saying that Jed's moving away because.... he's shy? This is insane. You know the worst part is, I'm starting to believe that he really dosen't like Pat that way. That.... that he likes somebody else. I don't know about you but have you seen Jed lately? From the first time I saw him, he was like the outgoing popular guy. But now he seems reserved. Always shy. I don't know if he only does that to me. But whenever we talk, he just can't seem to stop stammering. I guess that's why he keeps his response short. That's why we don't usually have long conversations. Maybe this was the 'change' Jarrod talked about. Maybe he's just confused like me. "There you go again phasing out on me!" Pat's voice brought me back. "Sorry got a little distracted there." "Well, you better not do that again or I'll... Wait can you see that?" Pat pointed to the bookstore in front of us. "What?" "That woman. She's... I think she's spying on us." "Yeah and I bet your spider sense is tingling," I joked. "I'm not kidding look!" I took a closer glance and there, I saw a binocular just watching at our direction. Wait. I know that woman. "Pat just stay here. Tell Jed I'll be right back!" I said to her as I started to get up. "What are you doing Edo? You're not going after her," I heared her reply. Ignoring her remark, I started to walk to the woman's direction. >From here, She has that white cloth over her head with big eye glasses. She must have seen me coming cause before I knew it she started to run. Wasting no time, I kicked off trying to out run her. But then something unexpected happened... 'Ain't no mountain high enough' What the? That song again! 'Ain't no valley low enough' Urgh! Stop it! 'Ain't no river wide enough' "Stop it!" I yelled And before I knew it, I was dodging everything insight while the song kept playing in my head. Is this a practical joke that you're playing on me? If it is... har har. As if it has a mind of its own, the song just went to full max, with background singers Ain't no mountain high enough (high enough) Ain't no valley low enough (no, no, no, no) Ain't no river wide enough (ain't no river wide enough) To keep me from getting to you, oh With the wind gushing through my face, as I duck, jump and fly over every living and non-livig object that came along my way, I found myself smiling and singing along. I was even surprised when I threw my arms up in the air and wave it like a whacked psycho. But when I turned around at a corner... "Ain't no mounatain.... uhmf!" I opened my eyes and saw a man with an ice cream stain all over he's tux. "Oh my! I'm so sorry," I said as I looked at the angry man in front of me. But soon it started again... 'Ain't no mountain high enough' This time it was fast-paced. Oh God dosen't that song ever stop!? I tried to feel angry at myself for being stupid but something about that song made me.... um, smile. Urgh! 'Ain't no valley low enough' By now I was having a huge smile plastered on my face. And boy, the man had fire in his eyes. "Ain't no river wide enough," I sang to him as I swiftly ran away. And yeah with hands all over the air. Oh my, what's happening to me?! From behind, I heared the man yell, "Crazy teenager!" If you need me (I need you) Call me, no matter where you are No matter how far Just call my name And I'll be there in a hurry On that you can depend No need to worry 'Cause you see, darling There ain't no mountain high enough There ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you Ain't no mountain high enough (oh yeah) Ain't no valley low enough (ooh) Ain't no river wide enough (baby, baby, baby, baby) To keep me from you Ain't no mountain high enough (oh yeah) Ain't no valley low enough (ooh) Ain't no river wide enough (ain't no river wide enough) To keep me from you And as quick as it started, the song began to fade in a single zip. Like a busted tape recorder. Then I realized that I lost her. Shit! Where is she? I tried to search everything inshight but all I saw was this white door with a sign 'ladies' up on it. Oh, no. I'm not doing it. Urgh! Do I really have to? 'Ain't no..' Okay! Okay! Just stop with the singing already! Jeez, and I thought the Osbornes were weird. So then I entered the ladies room. Okay, this is supposed to be my first time here but damn, that's a lot of stalls! I tried to check if anybody was around and was relieved when no one was there. Just then I heard someone crying. I look down again and checked if anyone was there but I didn't see anything. But my mind was determined to find her. Oh, you really have no idea who she is do you? The one person that could only pull off this spying pranks. Come on think man! The library, the books, the secret letters, the voice. Oh, I give up! "Trish, it's me Edo. Look I just want to talk." "Go away!" she screamed. "No, not until you tell me what's wrong." "I said go away damn it!" And with one strike, the last stall opened revealing a very red and puffy Trish Payne. My heart broke when I saw her, "Oh, Trish whats wrong?" I cried. "What's wrong?!" She got furious, "You go fucking Pat Morkins and you tell me what's wrong?!" Oh. Oh, she thought I was with Pat. She thought I was flirting with someone else... what the? What am I doing? She's not even my girlfriend, we're not even together! "Look Trish would you calm down? Pat and I are just friends together with Jed. We we're just hanging out. By the way, I haven't seen you since the day you came to my house with Mr. Krauss." "Don't change the subject Edo! I know about you and that bitch. I saw you two hugging each other over at lunch. She was touching you all over!" I was getting frustrated, "I told you she's just a friend and at that time I badly needed her friendship. You knew I became so depressed for weeks, I can't even talk to anyone at school." "But I'm here Edo. You could talk to me. I just couldn't seem to think that you would rather choose that bitch instead of me." I breathed. This is it. I promised myslef I would do this just so it won't get out of hand but by the looks of it, it already has. "I don't love you Trish." There. Plain and simple. I kept telling myself, it was the right thing to do but I can't seem to think that my heart broke along with it saying those damn words. Seeing her reaction, watching her tears run down her face, I began to hate myself for being so stupid and wait for so long to tell her how I feel about her. She just sat there motionless, like life literally was drained out of her body. Then I started to imagine. What if the image I'm seeing right now is Pat. She, sitting there with a dead expression, holding the thought that Jed dosen't really love her. She would have her hankerchief at the floor, never picking it up because if she does, she'll cry all over again. Then it was Jarrod's turn. A lifeless Jarrod with clenched fists and red face. The holes on the wall would indicate a brusied hand that shattered it's remains. He would think of Pat. Yes. But mostly he would think, 'what did I do wrong?' I guess it was all back to him. We've been there. We've stayed there. We call it, 'The Burn Ward'. The moment were misery comes and pain is endless. I smiled at myself as I recalled my time in the Burn Ward. Yes. I was in that stall crying with my feet up. Trying to be a ball that no one could see. Yes, I've had my fair share moments in the Burn Ward. But it was never about love. It was about family. "Why?" Trish's soft voice resounded in the room, "Why don't you love me?" I knew that at this time words are useless. Because it's all about pain when you're in there, you can't really think. But it wasn't my part to judge her like that. Because she's a strong willed person and telling her the truth is the least I could do to ease her suffering. "I don't know Trish..." "It's about my hair isn't it? I wear too much clothes for you? I know it's the perfume, damn! I shouldn't have brought that one!" I smiled at her, "Trish, it isn't about that. I like you just the way you are..." I trailed off. "Without this, or this, or this, " I said as I pointed to all her jewelries aside, "But I can't like you the way you want me to. So please don't blame yourself, there's nothing you did wrong that could ever make me not want you. It's just that..." "That what?" I looked at her straight in the eyes. Should I tell her everything? Should I tell her that I'm not attracted to her bacause I'm gay? I just breathed, trying hard not to cry, "It's just that I love somebody else." "I knew that bitch had that effect on you!" "No Trish, it's not Pat. It's..." God, what am I saying here? I don't love Jed. I just have a crush on him, that's all. Never love. I guess Trish noticed my nervousness cause she just smiled at me. "You don't have to say anything Edo. You don't," she continued, "I know this sounds cliche and you must have heard this a thousand times but when you love someone you've got to let them go." She was breaking into tears again. I tried to calm her down but she soon stopped me, "I love you Edo with all my heart. I guess you know that by now. And I will always love you for the rest of my life." By now, I'm surprised by her courage. Eventhough the world she so believes in crumbled just minutes ago, she managed to keep her head high. "Awwww, fuck, now all my make-up's gone to waste." She laughed. I tried to join her, "Nah, see without make-up you're beautiful, inside and out." "You really think so, or are you just pulling my leg lover boy." "Hey why does everybody keep calling me loverboy? But still Trish, you should really try to be youself, the real you. Without caring what others think." "Really and who told you that?" "Oh, nothing just a friend... who has a deep crush on you." *Wink* *Wink* Ow! What you did that for? Hey if you hit me again, I'll kiss Trish over here. OW! Stop hitting me! "Really, and who might that be? Somebody I already know? Somebody close?" "Oh, he's close alright!" *Smack* Hey, I'm gonna file you for child abuse! And then before I could say another word, two women busted into the door. Soon after much talking they began to notice that there was a man in the room. Oh, God. I think that's the most embarassing moment in my life. And before I knew it, Trish rescued me before I became the bursting tomato. "So they threw you out of the men's room just because your gay?!" Trish's voice echoed from the four walls of the room while the two women waited for my response. *** "Hey grams, I'm here!" I shouted. I'm exhausted. After all that running and shopping and more running, I just want to colapse in the couch. Oh, yeah I didn't tell you about what happened after Trish and I talked. Well, I came back finding Pat and Jed with worried looks on their faces. I just told them the short version of the story minus the running crazy around the mall. They took it pretty well. Pat kept teasing me about Trish while Jed just stared at the table the whole time. Anyway, Trish said she had to go. And there. I ended up lying in this couch. "Edo, good you're home," she entered in the living room, "Trent called, said something about tomorrow night, I can't really remember." "Okay, I'll call him." "After that Jarrod..." I immediately stood up. I haven't heard from Jarrod for awhile now, "What about Jarrod?" "He said something about visiting this Saturday," grams said. "Really! Whoopie!" I said as I jumped up and down from the couch. I began to chant like an indian who's prayers have been answered. "Hey! Hey! Calm down there tiger," she exclaimed obviuosly noticing my excitement. "And your father came by to check on you." The minute I heard 'father' I completely stopped. Excusing myself, I began to pace up to my room. "Edo, if there's something you want to talk about, I'm here." I turned around displaying my genuine smile. I know she meant well but at times like these, when everything is going so smooth, I'd rather not talk anything about my father. For me, he's as plain as history. I closed the door behind me. No Edo, your not going to cry or get angry or anything else. That's what he wants, for you to feel sorry for him. So I just layed at my bed. I took the pillow beside me and covered my face. God this feels awful. I tried to think on how to take my dad out of my mind. And soon I realized that I have to call Trent. I quickly dialed his number hoping that he was home. He told me he was working part time since he dosen't earn much with the band. "Hello?" It was him. "Hi Trent." "Edo?" "Yup. Why did you call? Is everything alright?" "Yeah, just called if we're still on tomorrow." "Of course, you know the place right? They'll be there at six so you might want to go ealrier. How's the vocalist?" "He's still at the hospital. But don't worry he'll be out in a week." "Glad to hear it. I'm starting to get worried that the band's tired of hearing me sing." "Are you kidding? They love you. Your a natural." "Ha, I took voice lessons from my piano teacher when I was twelve. She literally made me dive and sing in the pool everyday just so she won't hear my changing voice." "Well, I haven't heard singing underwater but I guess she made the right decision, cause man you've got on hell of a voice." "Hey, if you keep this up, my head is gonna blow. Anyway about tommorrow, um I'd like to bring someone if you don't mind." "Well, I'm not the organizer of the event but sure. So who's the lucky boy?" "Actually it's a girl." "Don't tell me..." "No, no she's a friend. Her name is Trish." "You mean the girl that came by to your house with a teacher?!" Hm... somehow he sounds excited. "Yeah. You interested?" Somehow I have to push that one in. "Man she's hot!" Oh, we've got a competition here. In my mind I had to laugh, suddenly Trish was the new hot babe in town, attracting every straight guy in the planet. Oh, wait. I forgot, you're not so straight! Ow! You hit me again with that thing and I swear I'm gonna kiss Trish at the party! "What did you say?" Trent echoed. "Oh, nothing. See you tomorrow!" "Bye." and then he hung up. *** "Pat stop it, you're gonna kill yourself," I warned her as she was gulping down the last drops of her beer. I looked around. The band has been set, the lights, the decorations. The place was almost packed! I took a glance over Trish who was now in the midst of the crowd. I just waved at her to come join us at our table. "I'm not going to kill myself Edo. Look I'll just finish this bottle over here," Pat said. Well I never really thought Pat has a drinking problem until now. I looked over at Jed who was eagerly forcing her to stop but just gave up on it. I guess it's just one of those 10 things you don't know about Pat Morkins. "Hey, glad you could join us," I said to Trish as she took a seat beside me. But before she could answer, a voice yelled, "They're here!" And with that, the lights just turned off, the people began to quiet down while everyone was downright excited. Then the front door opened. A silohhete of a young woman and man came in. The man's hand was covering the woman's eyes as they walk through the dark. "Krauss, if this is one of your funny little games..." the woman said. But before she knew it, the man realsed his hand, the lights were on and the room fell into a big, "Surprise!" Then as though she caught a student cheating on her exams, she put her arms on her waist and a sheepish smile formed on her face. All this time the crowd was singing 'Happy Birthday' to Ms. Jane. After that everyone was flocking at her. I persoanlly kissed her on the cheek and handed her my gift that I bought from the mall yesterday. She just hugged me back and lipped 'thank you'. Then I moved up front where Trent and I met. Soon, I reached for the mike and started to talk. Normally, this would be the time where I run down the stage like a baby but this time I didn't do it. I finally got rid of my fear. I guess practice makes perfect huh? "As you all know we are hear today for a very special reason. And that reason came in a form of Ms. Jane. I don't know about any of you here but Ms. Jane is not only a teacher but a friend. A friend who was just there to kick my ass and will be there whenever I need somebody. So 'dude', this is for you." As soon as I heard the fast beat of the drums, I felt a sudden surge in my body. I began to sway like crazy as the lead guitar strummed. I heared the crowd cheer and saw Ms. Jane beside Pat, Jed, and Trish all dancing to the beat. Didn't they say that I would make a mistake Didn't they say you were gonna be trouble People told me you were too much to take I could see it, I didn't wanna know I let you in and you let me down You pushed me up and you turned my whole life around I could feel that I had no where to go I was alone, how was I too know that.. You'll be there, when I needed somebody You'll be there, the only one who can help me I had a picture of you in my mind never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along. Soon everybody was dancing. They had this unusual dance choreography headed by Pat (who was clealry drunk). I smiled as everyone started moving in one motion. Then as I was about to sing the next verse, I heard a voice from behind me sing. Who'd believe that after all we've been through I'd be able to put my whole trust in you Wait a minute, Jed's not supposed to be singing with me. I looked at Trent and he had that innocent smile on his face. And soon I felt Jed whispiring to me, "We have got to stop meeting like this." I just looked at him then to Trent who was obviuosly staring at Trish's direction. Urgh! the guy set me up! He still wants me and Jed to be together. Urgh! But then I didn't know why but I just suddenly calmed down. I guess it was because of Jed's voice. It was the second time I heared it and God, it was the voice the launched a thousand karaokes Goes to show you can't forgive and forget looking back, I have no regrets cause.. You will be there, when I needed somebody You will be there, the only one to help me I had a picture of you in my mind Never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along You will be there, when I needed somebody You will be there, the only one to help me I had a picture of you in my mind never knew it could be so wrong Why'd it take me so long just to find the friend that was there all along Jed and I kept smiling the whole time. Soon, the song started to fade in the background and the people where now sitting at their tables exhausted. "You were great," Jed said. "So are you." "Well, I haven't really got to know your name," Jed smiled sheepishly. Oh, so he's going to play this game again. But as soon as I opened my mouth, Pat came tumbling up the stage, hugging Jed instantly. "Jed you're amazing!" Pat kissed him on the cheek, "You too Edo," she was obviously too drunk. I guess Trish noticed it and jumped at the stage and hugged me too, "Hey, you know you should be a singer." And I just looked at Jed and I saw him looking straight at me. We were two singers choking to death. *** It was already late when the party ended. I can see Ms. Jane really had a good time, she even had a bikini and a trip to hawaii for a birthday gift. I just came to her and said goodbye while the people around her are still waiting for their gifts to be opened. I guess the faculty and the students just adore her. And right now, at this moment she certainly holds all of the pieces of the puzzle together. "Hey, Edo we need to go, I think Pat needs to rest," Jed said as I saw Pat lying on the wall talking Japanese. "Yeah sure," I turned and Trish peeped in. I remembered that she just came by here all by herself, "um, but what about Trish?" I said suggestively. "Trish could join us, where are you from?" But before Trish could answer, Trent's head appeared, "I could take her." "It's you," Trish looked surprised. "It's me," Trent blushed. Am I missing something here? There was an awkward silence for a minute. Jed was about to debate but I motioned for him to just let it go. And then we were off leaving the two lovebirds in their cage. Carrying a drunk lady along a wide parking lot is torture. Pat kept cussing everything in site, not that there was much but she was just too loud to bear. Then she suddenly spoke in English, "Why don't we play little a game, truth and tell," Jed and I just looked at each other and ignored her. "The first question is... Edo are you a virgin?" I shrugged my shoulders. "No.... yes, damn!" I found myself answering her. Jed just snickered. But soon enough, Trish asked him the same question and said that he wasn't. Then Trish forced me to ask her and she said she's fucked so many times her pussy was wide enough to build the great Wall Of China around it. She continued this series of questions until she finally had the last one. "Edo... are you gay?" I stoppped in my tracks. Of course Pat knows I'm gay. But Jed. Should I tell him? After all, he's my friend, right? I glanced at Jed who was also staring straight at me. I don't know but he had that hopeful eyes. "I'm... I'm... I'm... not" I surprised myslef. I'm not? I caught Jed's eyes and he seems dejected. "Ask me! ask me!" Pat barked like nothing happened. "Are you gay Pat?" I said trying to sound disinterested. "Hell no, I'm no homo!" I just glared at Pat. God, I hate drunkards. "How about you sweetie? Are you gay?" Pat said to Jed. For some reason the 'gay' part seem to echo louder in my mind. Jed was shocked. He turned too me and was sweating like crazy. And soon Pat reapeated the question. "Honey, are you gay?" this time whispering suductively on his ear. From here, Jed was a about to burst. I was just about to tell Pat to leave him alone when Jed's voice squeaked. "I'm gay." This time he was staring directly at my eyes, without flinching. Then we heared a loud thump in the ground. Pat fainted on the parking lot. *** A little crazy chapter there. I know, I know, Edo's a potential mental patient but hey some of us do hear music whenever we do something right? No? Oh well. Anyway, I know it's pretty long but I think it's worth it. I just want to take the story in a happy mood before it ends. Thank you for all the emails, and keep reading. Stay cool guys! *afterglow