Date: Wed, 3 May 2000 4:40:10 -0600 From: Ryan Subject: The New Things Chapter 2 Legal things... If you are not 18 years old and above, you are advised to leave but if you don't want to leave, don't say anything to others. If you are offended by the story of gay people in love doing "things", why on earth are you here? Disclaimer... Everything here is FICTION. Similarities to real situations, real people, or real events are merely COINCIDENTAL. Author's note... I would like to thank the ones who emailed me, especially to Jordan West (author of "I Only Wanted Aaron") who gave me loads of things to improve my story. I would still appreciate you giving comments, suggestions etc. Email me at ryan@cuteandcuddly.com The New Things - Chapter 2 _________________________ Steve and I had been in the shack for 2 hours. We were part of the group of kids that built it -- (actually, the shack had almost been finished when I arrived on the scene, so I all I had done was help with the finishing touches), and we both liked the place. Everything in the shack was special for us. The blue color of the walls and ceiling, the brown carpet that Rick brought, the little TV that I brought, and even the dirty old couch that Steve brought, gave us a comfortable, cool feeling, and it seemed to make it a part of us. The shack was like a second home. Steve was FINALLY going to tell me why he was so upset -- my one reward after hours of nursing and cajoling him through his suffering. I was anxious to find out what was plaguing him that was so painful. He had suffered for three days, and finally, he was on the brink of telling me why. "Rick, the reason I'm so fucked up for the past few days because I am different. It's like something just hit me and changed me. I am falling for this guy, now, and I realize that... I... am...gay." He said the words with deep conviction, yet it was enveloped with fear and uncertainty. I was filled with conflicting thoughts -- shocked because we are talking about Steve here -- masculinity personified, but I was happy because the person I've been dreaming about for the past two weeks, is GAY! The word "gay" echoed in my head. My head and heart were filled with emotion, but I was stunned with that numb feeling that told me my face was as devoid of emotion as my mind, at that moment. I just stared. Steve saw my dead expression and wailed louder cries. How can I be so insensitive? We were best friends! Steve didn't know it, but he is my love. Most times, lately, my head was filled with thoughts about him. "So?" Even *I* got sick of myself when I said that. Damn, all I could manage to say was "So?" I didn't relish revealing my insensitive side. Steve stared at me with such gravity, that my tears came in a downpour. I knew he was confused when he saw me there, sobbing. I had a reason to cry. I had to tell him. Steve had to know. NOW. "I'm gay too, Steve. I've been wanting to tell you that since we first met. I just can't destroy the friendship that I longed for because of this fuckin' moving from Florida. I just..." Steve didn't let me finish. He just grabbed me, and embraced me tightly -- and cried. I don't think Steve cried about his pain now, but because sharing our secrets took the tension out of him, tension that had tormented Steve for so long. And the sudden release had its effect. Maybe these are tears of joy? I just held him, there in the shack, not thinking of the rest of the world, but the new world that I had, in that moment -- a world with Steve. "Thank you, Rich. You turned this into a happy day, just now." He said these words with no pain, but with conviction. I could see, he was happier. We broke our embrace and looked in each other's eyes, which were now swollen with tears. "Rich, your eyes are fuckin' red and swollen." We stared at each other and laughed. Now we knew a secret -- we both knew we were gay. I still have a secret, my love for this guy, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him. I don't know why, but........... "Who is the lucky person, anyway?" I asked him. He just stared at my hazel eyes, piercing my soul. His face was painted red as he looked down to the ground to hide his blushing from me. He just mumbled, "Today is not the right day, Rich. Soon, you'll be the first to know." "How soon? Tomorrow, maybe?" I asked. What can I do, I am dead curious over 'that guy,' that Steve keeps mumbling about. "Maybe. Thanks for everything Rich." With that, he gave me a tight embrace, which for me was one hot embrace. The polar ice caps could melt, with that hug. "Don't mention it, dude." As we broke our embrace, I saw a tear in his eye, and his killer smile that always boosted my spirits. "I better split. Call you later, Rich." He left me there in the shack, alone, contemplating what happened in this very spot earlier. He is gay. He loves someone, but who? I just laid there, in the shack, calming myself and running through the conversation I just had, with Steve. I stayed until around 4:30, when I decided that I should go home. The ride home was a long one because the thoughts about the special guy in Steve's life was confusing me more. Rick Collins (or Ricky, most of the time) was there in my porch waiting for me. What on earth is he doing here? "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you here till eternity." Rick said with a little annoyance. He did wait for me. 'Waiting? Why was he waiting?' I didn't remember saying I'd meet him. Rick was a cool guy. He was in some of my classes. He was an easy-going, understanding guy -- and he was good at football. Sometimes it got confusing, that his name was so close to mine, but I sorta got off on that, most times. "Sorry, someone just needed company and a sympathetic ear. So, wazzup?" I asked him, quizzically. "Nothin', Rich, just letting time pass by. What do you say about game or two in playstation." Even though I wasn't in the mood for a game, I nodded in agreement, and smiled. We played until 5:30 PM, with Ricky winning most of the games, which was very unnatural, because I always beat him in these games. Maybe, it's just that my mind was too busy, wondering who the lucky guy was. "What's wrong with you, Ricky? You seemed bothered by something," Ricky asked me, maybe sensing that my soul was not in the game. "Nothin', Ricky, I just need to think about something important." I told him. I really hoped he bought it, and was ready to take off. "I better leave, call you later." I could tell, by Ricky's tone, he was quite disappointed. My mind was still away, thinking about Steve and the lucky guy. He left me there in my house, all alone with thoughts of 'that guy.' I couldn't stop thinking about this. Whoever 'that guy' happens to be, he was too important in Steve's life, and in my life, now. Mom arrived, a few minutes later, and started to prepare dinner. I had planned to help her, but if she saw me in this mood, she would ask questions, no doubt, and more questions would push me over the edge, right now. As soon as Dad arrived, we ate our dinner. During dinner, I was silent, which was unusual. Feeling self-conscious about my odd mood, I was avoiding eye contact with my parents. I suspected that I had aroused their curiosity -- that they could read me. "What's wrong, Richard?" Mom asked in her usual caring and warm tone. She's always been very affectionate, even with my friend Pete and other friends in Florida -- which makes her the best. "Nothing. Just thinking of school stuff, mom, nothing serious." I said it in my most convincing manner. I didn't think they believed me, but they let it pass. After dinner, I placed the dishes in the dishwasher and went to my room. In the quiet of my little sanctuary -- my 12 x 14 foot bedroom -- I was full of thoughts. I couldn't stand it. Steve's GOT to tell me who 'that guy' is! I dialed Steve's phone number, but there was no answer. Maybe they're still having dinner, I thought. After ten minutes, I called him again. "Hello?" Even on the phone, his voice was sexy. "Hey, Steve." I greeted him in the most cheerful way. I couldn't let him sense the down mood I was in because of 'that guy'. "Hey Rich! So wazzup?" "Just wondering if you're ready to spill. The suspense is fuckin' KILLING me here, dude. I'm gonna DIE any minute, now." "Let me think about it," Steve said. "I let you die, or tell you about my love, is that it? Hmmm, tough decision.... I think I'll let you die." He said jokingly, and laughed. His laugh was so engaging. It was one of the things I liked most about Steve. He had a laugh that seemed to come from the soul. When Steve laughs, I can't help laughing myself, sometimes. "C'mon, Steve. Tell me, please." "Tomorrow, let's meet in the mall around 1 PM." That was good enough for me. I convinced myself that it was better than nothing. "Okay. See you tomorrow, then." _________________________ End of Chapter 2 What will happen next? What NEW THINGS will come to the lives of Richard and Steve? Thanks again to my new friend, Jordan West who really helped me with the editing and stuff and those who email me. The responses are really heartwarming. Comments and suggestion are always welcome. Flames will be ignored! Please do email me... ryan@cuteandcuddly.com