What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Author's Note: So, what exactly does lie within all of us? That's the big question, isn't it? Within all of us lie so many things...hopes & fears, truths & lies, the past and the future...along with the full compliment of the good and the bad. I like to think that within all of us lie not only the potentially heroic, but the potentially tragic as well. It's what we do with it that makes all the difference.

The characters you will meet in this story will be forced by both fate and by circumstance to take an honest look inside themselves, and confront what really does lie within. It's not always easy to honestly confront all of those little assumptions that we've based our entire lives upon. And, everyone has a past...one that most of us carry around with us as a constant companion, albeit a sometimes-unwelcome one.

Personally, I have also long been intrigued by the many little lies that we all tell ourselves along the way...lies that eventually seem to take on a life of their own in our consciousness. Along those lines, the title of this story contains a double meaning...not only what lies within us, but also what lies lie within us all as well.

I'm a sucker for `pithy quotes.' The title of the story obviously derives from a great quote, and one of my personal favorites. At the beginning of each chapter, is another favorite quote of mine that hints at the deeper meaning of events in that chapter...some more directly than others, perhaps.

The narration in the story alternates between the two principal characters Rusty & Ian;

and I hope this doesn't become a point of confusion. Hopefully, each has a distinct and separate voice...and a unique experience they draw upon. I have noted at the beginning of each chapter who the narrator for that chapter is.

Hope y'all like it.

Rickdog

The contents of this story are purely fictional, and include love between male teens. If this is not what you expected, or it is illegal for you to read this material because of the laws governing your area, then don't read it! This story is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced or published elsewhere without the author's permission. Question and comments are welcome at rickdog36@gay.com