Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 01:39:03 +0000 From: Pete Cathcart Subject: Young Love (Chapter 7) Young Love Chapter 7 by Petros I walked down the long dark corridor with Jenni on my arm. We could see a light not far ahead of us. We reached the source of the light, the doorway into the school's main gymnasium which, for tonight, would serve as a disco hall to about two hundred teenagers. The men at the door collected our tickets and took our coats, exchanging them for numbered, raffle like, tickets. I stepped into the hall with Jenni right behind me. The lights danced across the floor. Red, green, blue and yellow beams swept across the huge hall, illuminating its occupants. I looked back at Jenni. She looked absolutely stunning tonight. She took my hand again and led me off to mingle with friends. Before I realised what was happening I was stood in the midst of a crown containing my arch enemies Steven, Neil and Gary. Oddly they were all dressed in white: white shirts and white denims. They looked almost angelic. To my astonishment they all approached me and spoke. "Hey Petros, you look great tonight!" Steven began. "Hi Pete, you look wonderful. How've you been?" Gary asked cheerily. "Yeah man, where've you been hiding?" Neil demanded. This was getting a little too weird for me. I grabbed Jenni's hand and made my excuses before dragging her off. The night seemed to fly past. We danced most of the night away to various songs, they all seemed very nondescript as they blended into each other. By the end of the night I was all danced out so I collapsed into one of the seats that surrounded the hall. I sat out for the next few songs, I think. The end of the night must have been approaching. I heard the voice of the DJ call out that the last dance was approaching. The dance floor began to fill up with couples, hand in hand. I looked across the hall and saw Derek sitting, quite alone, on the opposite side. The first few unmistakable bars or my favorite song began to waft out. Derek made eye contact with me as Ben E. King's gorgeous baritone voice began to mesmerize the young lovers on the dance floor. There was a come-on look in Derek's eye as he stood up and walked out into the middle of the floor. I hesitated and scanned the hall for his partner. When I could see no-one else moving to join him I stood up and picked my way uncertainly through the sea of intertwined bodies to meet him. I reached him just as the first chorus began. "No I won't be afraid, "Just as long, "As you stand, "Stand by Me," I took Derek in my arms and held him tightly as we began to sway with the music. I closed my eyes as he began to sing along, quietly in my ear. "So Darlin', Darlin', Stand by me, "Oh, Stand by me, "Oh, Stand now, "Stand by me, Stand by me." The music and the singing slowly faded away. I could hear Derek whispering my name in my ear. "Peter, Peter..." I could feel my body shaking gently. I opened my eyes again to see my mother leaning over me. "Peter, you drifted off. Hurry up, you'll be late for your party..." Damn. It was all a dream. I'd sat down on my bed to get my shoes off and I must have fallen asleep. If I thought I went over the top getting ready for the disco then I'm not sure how to describe the effort the Derek put in. Derek arrived home at about the same time as me but didn't stay long. After dropping his school things in he hurried to the town centre for his appointment with the hairdresser. About three quarters of an hour later he was back home just in time for dinner. He rushed his food down before heading to the shower where he spend the next half hour scrubbing every inch of his body from head to toe, ensuring that no speck of dirt, drop of sweat or snippet of hair remained. Only once he was sure that no impurities or blemishes remained did he leave the cubicle and begin towelling himself. With his smooth baby soft skin restored to it's natural state of dryness he wrapped the towel round his waist and wandered through to his mother's room to use her hair dryer. Having lightly dried his silky brown hair he returned to his room to begin dressing. After much deliberation he chose a pair of white trunk style boxers by CK. They hugged his athletic form beautifully and showed off his large, well-formed package nicely. That must have played some part in his decision. Once his shorts were on he covered his torso and sparsely populated underarms in a fine mist of Lynx's Oriental deodorant. By this point I had long since finished my hour long soak in the bath and was sitting, completely ready, impatiently waiting for the time to pass so I could get on my way. Derek returned to his wardrobe and carefully removed the new outfit he'd bought specially for tonight. When I say bought, he'd chosen it at least - his parents had supplied the readies. He climbed into his pale cream coloured Levi's and buttoned them with ease. They were a perfect fit, hugging his gorgeous bubble butt tightly while flowing loosely down his muscular legs, leaving them unrestricted and free to dance the night away. Once satisfied that the waistband of his underwear was showing be donned his shiney new Ralph Lauren shirt. He checked himself out in the mirror as if to make sure that the vibrant red really did complimented his mousey brown hair. Finally, once he was finished dressing he returned to the bathroom to begin the lengthy process of styling his hair. He'd only had his hair cut that afternoon (it was early evening now) so it should have been painless, but Derek was looking for perfection that night. Twenty minutes and a whole lot of moose later he emerged satisfied. He barely had time to return to his room and spray on some after-shave before the doorbell rang. He opened the door and ushered me in. Derek looked pleasantly surprised at my appearance; I scrubbed up well. I stood before him, every hair carefully waxed into position, my carefully pressed deep blue YSL shirt hugging every contour of my shapely chest and my black Versace jeans tightly adhering to my long legs, grinning broadly. I was astonished by his appearance. I knew he was good looking, drop dead gorgeous more like, but I'd never seen anyone looking this hot before. I'd put a lot of time into picking out clothes for tonight and took long enough to get ready, but my efforts had been greatly surpassed. I didn't recognise his outfit and I noticed his hair had become shorter and much tidier. I was suitably impressed. No, I was stunned. No doubt about it, Derek was out to pull tonight and looking like that no one was going to stop him. "Wow! You look stunning man," I said, totally awe-struck. "Thanks man. You're looking good yourself. Out to impress someone tonight?" he asked, blushing slightly. He was so cute when he blushed, shame he didn't do it often. "Yeah, well, not really. It doesn't matter." I started to feel quite silly. Why had I made this much effort? I knew who I was trying to impress but I knew it to be pointless. "Well, whoever you want, I'm sure you'll get them. I don't think anyone's out of your reach... Not looking that hot anyway," he said smiling sweetly. Now it was my turn to blush. If only he knew, perhaps he did? Was that what he was hinting at, did I only have to ask? No. No, No and no. I'm not asking anything, that was a stupid though. No chance I'm gonna ruin everything because I can't keep my hormones in check. I dropped my overnight stuff, including a half bottle of scotch, in Derek's room before we set off to the school. My dad had driven me to Derek's apartment but returned home once I'd left the car. The school was only five minutes away so I wasn't bothered. We reached the school gate where Jenni was to meet me. She didn't seem to have arrived yet so we stood patiently and waited. "I'm starting to wish I had found a date for tonight," Derek said. Date's weren't required at these affairs, they were quite casual and apparently they were considered a good place for picking up partners. I wasn't in the market for one, so I'd brought Jenni for 'protection' from unwanted advances. Derek, however, was quite single at this time and had no intention of staying that way. "Why?" I asked. "Because. I'll feel stupid going in alone, when you two are together," he said. He sounded just like a little boy. I suppose he was just a boy really, he never gave the impression of it though. "Don't be stupid, mate. Loads of people go by themselves, you won't feel out of place once you're inside. You're gonna pull for sure tonight. Anyway, if you go in with a girl, you're kinda stuck with her for the whole night, this way you can get round as many as you like!" I laughed to myself, and was rewarded with a puzzled look from Derek. "It's going to be hard enough pulling anyone tonight, never mind more than one!" He really didn't seem to have any self-confidence. I couldn't help wondering what might have happened to him to make him so shy. It was strange, because he wasn't shy with other guys, he was one of the loudest, most extroverted guys in our group but he seemed to lack all faith in himself. I didn't understand him at all. "Don't bet on it, you'll be beating them off you." I said, trying to raise his spirits. "Yeah, well. I'm quite choosy; I've got a few prospective pulls but I don't fancy my chances." The conversation would have continued like that for sometime had Jenni's father's car not pulled up. My date looked absolutely stunning, for a girl. Her dark brown hair, which normally flowed freely around her head and across her shoulders, was neatly tied back in a long pony tail. Her dress was a very sexy black number, not too short and not too long. It was made from some kind of glittery, shiney material which made it sparkle in the evening sun. "Wow babe, you look gorgeous!" I said to Jenni as I took her arm. "So does he," she whispered in my ear. I gave her a pretend hurt look using my best puppy-dog eyes. "Aww, you look smashing too," she added in the most patronising tone I've ever heard. I knew she meant it though, and I smiled to myself as Derek led us into the school. There were two teachers guarding the entrance to the PE department where the disco would be held. I handed over tickets for Jenni and I and Derek presented his. The teachers scanned the attendance blacklist for our names before admitting us. I led the way down the long, well lit, corridor. We stopped at the first changing room which was being used as a cloak room. My brother Andy, and another sixth year pupil were manning the cloakroom. They took coats from Derek and I and presented us with tickets, without levying the 50p charge. I grinned at him before heading off towards the main hall. I hoped someone was coming to collect Jenni, it'd be cold without a jacket by the time we were done tonight. She could always borrow mine, hopefully I'd be warmly snuggled up on Derek's floor or sofa tonight. I walked through one of the double doors into the main gym hall, hand in hand with Jenni. I felt strangely comforted by her touch. It was warm and gentle, almost sensuous yet somehow not. She touched me like only a best friend could. I looked around the vast expanse that now surrounded us. There were bodies everywhere already. We weren't late, doors had only opened twenty minutes earlier, it was a popular event. Jenni tugged gently on my arm as she spotted her friends: Steven, Neil and Gary. She waved at them across the hall. They waved back in acknowledgement. I knew their gesture was directed at my partner yet I returned the wave all the same. I was determined to have a good night, and no-one was going to stop me. Derek tapped my shoulder and pointed across the room to where, in the opposite corner, some of our friends had assembled. I looked back at Jenni, then at Derek. I was torn. Where to go? Drag Jenni with me and let her sit with my friends feeling uncomfortable, or do the right thing by her and sit miserably all night amongst shadows from my past. Perhaps this hadn't been such a good idea. Just before I was forced into submission either way, a voice spoke to me and resolved the dilema. "For goodness sake!" I knew that voice well. It could mean only one thing. I looked over to where the DJ had set up and, sure enough, there stood Mr Morrison; the computing teacher whose taste had been left behind in the sixties. "I've got the hippie hippie shakes!" The Swinging Blue Jeans sang out. "Oh Jenni, I love this song!" I said dragging her off into the middle of the sparsely populated dance floor, not before telling Derek I'd join him soon. Jenni gave him a look of desperation, he shrugged and walked off. Jenni and I gave Rock 'n' roll dancing our best shot, which wasn't that great. We lasted a few songs before giving up for a rest, and to be a little less anti-social. "Jenni, I'm off to talk to Derek and the gang. Don't come if you feel awkward, you go and talk to Stevie - I might join you in a bit." "You sure? We're meant to be together tonight?" She asked, sounding unnecessarily concerned. "Yeah babe. Go for it," I said practically shoving her in her friend's direction. I watched her until she reached them before turning away to join my friends. "Yo Pedro, you're back. Nice Dancin' man!" Derek greeted me upon my return. "Fuck off, I'd like to see you do better!" I shot back at him. "Oh. I meant it," he muttered softly looking really hurt. I looked round at him and touched his shoulder discreetly and mouthed 'Sorry' at him, before returning all the other greetings I'd received. I sat down and motioned for Derek to sit beside me. That seemed to bring him back to his normal, cheery self. Good, I hate upsetting people - especially my closest friends. We sat around chatting for a while, the music wasn't really anyone's cup of tea. Hopefully the DJ was just having his fun while we got into the mood before putting some real music on. After a while I left to get some drinks for the guys. I was just leaving the drinks stand, laden with cans of some cheap Cola, when I bumped into Gary. Not literally, luckily, or I'd have dropped everything. "Hi Petros. You and Jenni don't seem to be very close tonight," Gary said sharply. I was ready to get stuck into him, but I bit my tongue. "We're not going out. We're just here together. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to step on anyone's toes when I asked her," I replied calmly, not rising to his bait. "Yeah well, she feels stupid. She came here with you and you dumped her to hang out with your cool new friends," he emphasised the 'cool' in such a way it was obvious he harboured no such belief. "Oh really? She told you that did she?" Gary started to speak, but I cut him off, "No. I thought not. She's sitting with you because I didn't think she'd enjoy spending the night with my friends. The only reason I'm not with her is because I knew this would happen. Just because you're all so fucking childish and petty that you can't stand me having any other friends. I didn't want to start any fucking arguments tonight, I'm not the one trying to upset anybody." Somehow, that all came out in one breath. I had a habit of forgetting to breathe once I get going. "Whoa. Calm down man," Gary said sounding almost scared. He was looking directly into my eyes. I was returning his stare and I could see the fire burning in my eyes reflected back at me. The way he backed down, he must have seen it too. "Sorry," I said curtly as I walked off. I checked back over my shoulder, making sure Gary wasn't following me. I didn't expect him to, I don't think he anticipated me being so confrontational. Gary was, however, standing right where I left him still looking quite dumbfounded. I turned back and continued on my way, smiling to myself. Before too long Mr Morrison was joined by another teacher, Mr Dolan from the Art department, and the music started to pick up a bit. The medley of 60s and 70s hits gave way to a more warmly accepted mix of chart and dance hits. The new DJ seemed to capture the crowd's interest, I wasn't really that bothered either way. I kinda liked the old music, probably because my mum always played it at home. Anyway, the dance floor soon started to fill up; Fraser and Richard got up to dance. "Do you think we should join them?" Derek asked. "Mr Young, you're trying to seduce me. Aren't you?" I said raising one eyebrow. He managed a weak laugh, I think my feeble attempt at humour was lost on him. "Come on then," he said leading the way out into the middle of the hall. "Just a minute, I'm going to get Jenni," I replied, heading off towards where she was waiting. "OK, don't be long," Derek said as he walked off. What was it with this guy, had he figured me out? Did he know what all these games and throw away lines and little games were doing to me? If he was onto me then why didn't he say something, could there really be any pleasure to be gained from putting me through this hell? No, he's far too nice for that -it's just my imagination going wild again. I didn't want to think about it anymore, after all I'd all but given up hope of anything ever happening between Derek and I. Concentrating on the present once again I picked my way through the crowd to meet Jenni and lead her off to dance. Gary and Steven looked less then pleased at my arrival. Assuming that Gary had brought Steven up to speed on our earlier encounter this was understandable. I didn't hang around and risk further confrontation, I simply took Jenni's hand and dragged her away with me. I fought through the swarming masses of bodies, striving to rejoin my friends. Jenni and I were buffeted around and collided with from all sides but we made it through the crowd unscathed. Once reunited we began dancing once more. I noticed Derek was moving closer to Denise. Denise was a short blonde haired girl, quite attractive with huge breasts, who was in our computing class and perhaps other classes of Derek's too. I remembered Derek babbling about her, I think it was her anyway, on and off for the past few weeks. I could see what drew him to her, her assets were unusually prominent for a girl her age. The next song that came on was The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You", it's a really slow, mushy ballad. I stepped in closer to Jenni and held her tightly against me, wrapping my arms round her. I could feel her reaching round and clasping her hands on my waist as we started to sway gently with the music. As we slowly turned I could see that Derek had taken a similar hold on Denise. I winked conspiratorially at him, but deep down it was cutting me up to see him with a girl. I'd always known he was straight, but I'd never seen it demonstrated so blatantly in front of me and it hurt. A single tear formed in my eye. It grew slowly and hung there for what seemed like an eternity before gravity took control, sending it on it's winding, undulating path down my face before splashing onto Jenni's shoulder. She pulled back slightly as she felt the single droplet of my sorrow strike her bare flesh. She looked deep into my eyes knowingly. Her gaze conveyed a feeling of true sorrow and deep sympathy. That was it, the tears began to flow freely down my youthful face. I sobbed gently into her shoulder, to which she now held me tight once more. "This song always gets to me," I breathed softly in her ear. She squeezed me tighter, as if rewarding my vain attempt at putting a brave face on. It's a really deep and moving song and would have been perfect for the last dance but as the last chorus of, "Won't let nobody hurt you, "I'll stand by you, "And on and on, "Baby on into your darkest hour I'll never desert you, "I'll stand by you," faded away it was quickly replaced by another up-beat chart tune. Jenni slowly released her grip on me and led me, by the hand, from the dance floor. We sat for some time. Jenni's arm around me gently stroking my shoulder, speaking comfortingly in my ear. We drew some funny looks from the other kids but I didn't care. I was sitting with the most beautiful girl in my world and she was giving me everything I needed right there. A few songs passed before Derek returned to shake up my life once more. "Hey Pedro, I didn't see you leave," his tone changed as he sat down and saw my bloodshot eyes and tear stained face close up, "What's wrong man? Are you Ok?" "Yeah," I sniffed, "I'll be fine." "Sorry mate. I didn't notice you were gone or I'd have been straight over," he continued. That'd be right, I though, he was far too busy making out with his new conquest. "Really. It's sound. I'll talk to you about it later," I lied, "enjoy yourself tonight." Our little talk was interrupted by the DJ's voice booming out over the music. "Ok folks, I hope you've all enjoyed yourselves tonight but even good things have to come to and end. The next song after this one is going to be the last." As he finished speaking the unique sound of another sixties tune began to ring out from the speakers. "Oh my god, he is not playing this," I said wiping my eyes. "What's up, what is it?" Derek asked as we began to walk back onto the dance floor. "It's the Chiffons. One fine Day. Heard of them? No, didn't think so," I said sarcastically. Actually I quite like the song but its message reflected what I was feeling a little too much. I started dancing with Jenni again, trying to cheer up. She smiled at me and I began to melt. Her smile was so warm and loving, I didn't deserve her. As I cheered up I couldn't help singing along, "One fine day, we'll meet once more, and then you'll want the love you, threw away before. One fine day you're gonna want me for your girl." It's funny how a song can mirror what you're feeling so closely. Either that or we only really listen to the words when they sound like they're relating to us. Whichever was true the Chiffons had captured my situation almost perfectly. The song came to and end too soon and the last dance began. I listened carefully, hoping that things would take a twist and my dream would come true. I listened closely for those famous first notes. But it wasn't to be. Bryan Adams' "(Everything I do) I do it for you" was the best we were going to get tonight. I was disappointed but I didn't let it show. I moved in to hold Jenni again and waltzed the song away with her. The song ended and the lights came back on. The air was filled with groans and cries of more but their objections were in vain. The DJ spoke out over the noise asking us all together our things and form an orderly queue to collect our coats. Derek stopped me before I reached the door. "Pedro, give me your ticket and I'll wait for your coat," he said. "Thanks mate, but it's Ok," I protested. "No, I insist," he said grinning, "anyway I think you two need time to talk. Wait for me at the main entrance." He wasn't going to let me win so I surrendered my ticket and left, hand in hand with Jenni. Upon arrival I slouched against the gatepost and waited for Derek to appear. Jenni moved in to stand in front of me, between my legs. She placed her hands of my face, lifting it to make eye contact. "Are you sure this Party's a good idea?" She asked, her voice filled with concern. I thought for a moment before replying. "Yes, I'll be fine. Besides I think I could use a drink," I said thoughtfully. "A drink? You're only fifteen Pete. I can see this becoming a problem." I smiled and half-laughed at that. "Almost fifteen. Don't worry. When I start drinking alone, then I'll have a problem. Oh and Jenni..." "Yes?" "Thanks." "Thanks?" She said, looking a little perplexed. "Yeah, Thanks," I raised my hand to her face. "Thanks for being there for me tonight, you held me together. I don't know what sort of scene I'd have made if you weren't," I said gently stroking her cheek. We stood there, just looking at each other, sharing a moment, until Derek arrived. Then we waited some more. Eventually, the entire clique and their partners and friends were assembled and we began the trek to Derek's abode. Twenty minutes later we were all inside, crammed into Derek's modest flat. Most people found somewhere to sit in the living room, although, as is customary at Parties, the kitchen got its fair share of occupants. The party was in starting to get going: the stereo was booming and the drink flowed freely around. Before long the atmosphere was positively jumping as everyone entered the party mood. An hour or more must have passed before anyone was drunk enough to try to dance in the crowded living room. I was about a third of the way through my Glen Moranangie by this point, but I wasn't that far-gone. I remained comfortably placed on the three-seat sofa with Jenni by my side. Fraser sat on my other side with his girlfriend, Angela, squeezed in beside him. A half-empty bottle of Buckfast (tonic wine) sat upright in his lap. I spent most of the night chatting away to Jenni and Fraser, and to Richard and Scott who were squatting on the floor in front of us. Derek, who was sitting in an armchair adjacent to my couch, was pre-occupied by Denise and didn't really enter into the merriment. Denise seemed to be providing all the entertainment he needed. I couldn't help notice that I was receiving some pretty full on eye contact from Emma (the girl from my registration class). Either she'd had a little too much to drink, or my efforts to look good tonight weren't going unnoticed. Well, whatever was going on I didn't feel comfortable so I left for the kitchen, mumbling about needing some water. Topper was in the kitchen, along with a few other guys I half knew. They were having an almost incoherent conversation, they way you do when you're drinking. Not phased by this and needing a break, I joined in their prattling. Almost as soon as I'd left, Emma left her seat and moved to fill my position, beside Jenni. Jenni had probably noticed Emma's behaviour so she had a fair idea why she'd arrived beside her. "What's up?" Jenni asked casually. "Oh, not much," Emma said failing to sound off-hand. She hesitated before continuing, "I didn't know you and Petros were going out, he never said anything." Jenni thought hard before deciding what approach to take. "No, we're not. We're just really old friends, that's why he asked me with him tonight," Jenni said, trying not to put me in a difficult position but finding it hard to lie. "Oh, good. I mean, that's cool," Emma's face lit up as she spoke. "Yeah, he's single - but I don't think he's available really." "What do you mean?" Emma said, her face showing her disappointment. "I'm not sure if I should say much. I think he's got his eye on someone, though I don't know who. He's been quite secretive lately," the lies now flowed freely from Jenni. Before the conversation could go much further, Richard interrupted and began speaking to Emma. I remained in the kitchen, talking at great length about nothing in particular. I must have been there for quite some time, possibly an hour, before I felt guilty about deserting Jenni. On returning to the living room I found my position occupied, but Emma readily departed to take up a position on the floor between Richard and Scott. My seat now vacant, I resumed my position beside my girlfriend for the night. A cursory glance in Derek's direction revealed that his two-litre bottle of cheap, strong cider's contents had been vanquished. By the time I finished my whiskey it was about two thirty in the morning. The numbers began to thin out, slowly at first with one or two people calling for Taxis. At around three am a mass exodus, including Jenni, occurred. I was feeling pretty smashed by this point, so I paid another trip to the bathroom leaving Derek, Denise, Fraser, Angela and Richard in the living room. I stood over the toilet, relieving my swollen bladder, whilst checking myself out in the mirror which hung about it. Apart from slightly redder cheeks I was still looking as good as I did when I left the house. I noticed that the music had stopped, or at least been turned down so I couldn't hear it from here. I finished off and left the bathroom. I emerged into the hallway just in time to see Derek and Denise disappearing into Derek's bedroom. I slumped sideways against the doorframe. I felt crushed. There was something missing, I felt empty inside. A part of me had vanished right there and then. I felt sick. Sickened by my loss, I rushed back into the bathroom and collapsed in front of the toilet and began to vomit fiercely. A few minutes later the sickness subsided. I left the bathroom, and the flat. I began to walk down the steps to the ground floor below but stopped. I didn't have the motivation to go anywhere, or do anything. I just sank to the ground and sat on the cold stone steps. The anguish of my loss began to overwhelm me. I'd always known this would happen, but I wasn't prepared for it. I started to sob, gently at first, then more violently until I was crying uncontrollably. I must have sat there for ten minutes before I heard the flat door open and then close again. I didn't look round to see who was coming out. I was surprised when I saw Denise rush past me down the stairs. I was confused when I heard her sniffing. No, more than sniffing - crying. Suddenly my self-pity was lost as a sense of fear, and concern for my friend took control of me. I picked myself up and stumbled back up the stairs into the flat. Luckily the door had not closed fully, so I was able to let myself back in. I rushed to Derek's room and slowly opened the door and peered round it before entering. Derek was lying stretched out on his bed, facing away from me. I could hear him crying. I slowly sat down on the bed beside him, and placed my hand on his shoulder. "Derek, what's wrong? What happened?" I asked softy, in the most comforting tone a drunk can produce. He continued sobbing for a minute or more before replying. "It's... It's me. We... Me and Denise were going to... You know, well... We were going to sleep together, but I couldn't. I tried but I just couldn't." "Hey man, don't worry about it. You've had a ton to drink, you can expect that sort of thing. She'll understand. You'll both be fine again by tomorrow." "No. It's not that," he stopped for a moment choosing his words, "I couldn't. I wasn't turned on. She didn't turn me on." "No mate, it's just the alcohol. It does that to you, Mr Gordon told us in science," I tried to comfort him. "I doubt it," he said. "Why?" I asked, quite puzzled by his behaviour. He must be really bad. He rolled over onto his back and looked up at me. "Look," he commanded. I was startled to see that he'd opened the fly on his jeans and had pulled his shorts down. There, right before me was at least six inches, possibly seven, of rock hard cock pointing straight up. My eyes almost popped out of my head. I lifted my jaw up from where it was resting on his bed before I started to speak. Derek however interrupted me. "See, you turned me on," he said almost triumphantly now that he'd proved his point. "Whoa man, you're steaming. I don't turn you on," I said in disbelief. "But you do. You always have, I love you," he said softly. "Oh Derek. I wish you meant that, but it's the drink talking. You'll have forgotten all about this by the morning." "What do you mean you wish I meant that?" he asked. "Nothing. Well, I suppose you're drunk so you won't remember. What the fuck... Derek I'm in love with you. Have been since I first met you almost three years ago," at that he sat bolt upright, "now go to sleep, you'll forget all about this by morning," I continued. "I doubt it! That cider..." "Yeah?" I said, quite intrigued by the direction his drunken rambling had now taken. "Lemonade. I filled an old bottle with lemonade earlier. I was just acting drunk in case this all went wrong. I needed back up, so I could blame it on the drink if you didn't feel the same. I was convinced you weren't interested, but I had to try." As he finished he leapt across the bed and hugged me tightly. I pushed him away and pulled his mouth open to smell his breath; not a trace of cider. "So, you really love me?" I asked, still in a state of shock. "Yes!" "Well, umm, will you go out with me?" I asked, following the 'straight' protocol. "Yes!" he exclaimed before moving in to kiss me. His soft lips felt electric as they touched mine. He kissed gently at first. He held me there, with our mouths closed for a few moments before I felt his lips part slightly allowing his tongue to push it's way gently into my mouth. It was amazing. I'll never forget that first, powerful kiss. We sat for what seemed like hours, our lips locked together, our tongues gently caressing one another. We were in heaven. After an eternity we broke the kiss. I opened my eyes, unable to believe what was happening. He sat there, inches away staring lovingly into my eyes. I wanted him so badly, I'd lusted after him for so long and now he was mine. I could have him, and hold him. We undressed each other slowly, taking in the spectacle of each other's naked bodies. The sights weren't new but the experience was. We climbed into bed together, holding each other. His skin felt so right against mine. My whole body was tingling. I felt complete. He drew me in close to him and kissed me again. I was so glad he wasn't drunk. I was though, and before long sleep crept up on me and washed over my body as I lay in my lover's arms. To be continued? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ That's the end of Chapter 7. Hope you all enjoyed it... This seems like quite a good place to leave the story. I'm not sure if I'll continue it, please, please let me know if you want me to. If there's still interest then this will mark the end of Part 1 and the rest of the story shall be told, otherwise this is the final chapter. Thanks for reading. Please share your thoughts and feelings with me. Email me at mailto:younglove@petros-world.co.uk Or look up my website http://www.petros-world.co.uk/ for more contact information.