Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 08:05:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: Brad Wiley <newbie2k79@yahoo.com>
Subject: To the End3

For the legal stuff, look at chapter 1.  For websites mentioned, they hold
their own copyrights, and I'm not about to overstep my bounds.  Now, on to
the story...

     I watched Peter and Jason walk away and tried to settle my stomach.
After I closed the door, I walked to the kitchen and poured myself a glass
of Sprite.  Then I went up to my room and turned on my computer.
     Soon enough, I was checking my e-mail.  I quickly skimmed through the
messages.  Several wanted me to apply for a credit card.  One promised to
enlarge my...  Well, you know.  I rolled my eyes and deleted them without
opening.  Then one e-mail caught my eye.
     It was from an online dating service I was a member of.  I opened it
breathlessly.  My eyes ran all over the words.  Finally, a username.
Apparently, Nomad79 saw my picture and wanted to get to know me.  I clicked
the link and was transported to his profile.
     He didn't look that bad.  Blonde hair cut in a bowl style, blue eyes,
and nice tan.  This kid looked too good to be true.  He lived in the next
town.  I sent a quick note to him asking if he'd like to meet.
     After that message was sent, I went back to my e-mail.  Several
minutes later, I was in a chat room.  I just sat there, "listening" to
everyone, when a name suddenly caught my eye.
     "Are you the one who just e-mailed me from American Singles?" I typed.
I sent the private message and held my breath.  A few seconds later, I got
my reply.
     "Hello.  I believe you have the right person." he typed.
     "What made you decide to choose my profile?"
     "Well, you're close to my age, close to my location, and you are very
cute."
     I blushed.  "Thank you.  My name's Brent."
     "I'm Chris.  How long have you been gay?"
     "I've known for about 3 years now.  You?"
     "Do you have a boyfriend?"
     "No.  Do you?"
     "No.  Wanna meet?"
     Something was telling me to be careful, but I ignored it.  "Sure.
When and where?"
     "How about tomorrow, after school?"
     I blinked.  "Ok.  Where at?"
     "How about the coffee shop here in Talbott?  Think you could catch the
city bus over here?"
     "Yeah, sure.  It'll take me about half an hour, I think."
     "Ok, cool.  See you then."
     Just then, CallWave came on.  "Jason, do you realize that it's time
for bed and you have school tomorrow?"
     I rolled my eyes.  Sometimes I wish I hadn't given my parents my phone
number.  I logged off the Internet and shut down my computer.  Then I
opened my door and yelled that I was going to bed.  I changed into my
pajamas, then crawled into bed.
     After lying there for an hour, I decided to get a drink.  On my way
back to my room, I heard mom and dad talking.  I don't usually eavesdrop,
but I heard my name, so I stopped.
     "Tom, be reasonable." mom said.  "Remember how I ended up having to
drag you to our dance?"
     "Yeah, but that was because I was severely shy." dad responded.
     "Well, don't you think that is Brent's problem?"
     "That boy has never been shy a day in his life."
     "True, but there's a first time for everything.  Maybe he's finally
coming into that awkward period in every boy's life."
     "Linda, he passed that a year ago."
     "What are you saying, Tom?"
     "All I'm saying is I'd better not be raising a limp-wristed pillow
pusher.  If I find out I am, I'll beat it out of him."
     Mom took chose this moment to look toward the bedroom door.  Through
the narrow crack, my eyes locked onto hers.  Instantly, I saw the lights go
on in her head.  Then I saw nothing but pity.  She looked away, and I
crawled back into bed, sobbing.
     When my alarm woke me the next morning, I slapped it off.  I groaned,
not wanting to get up, until I remembered that I had a mission after
school.  That caused me to fly out of bed and throw my clothes on.
     As I entered the kitchen, I saw mom sitting at the table with her back
to me.  I took a deep breath and got ready to eat breakfast.  When I sat at
the table, mom just looked at me with the same pitiful look from last
night.
     I tried to ignore her, but I could feel her eyes on me the whole time.
Finally, I looked up at her.  We stared at each other for a few moments,
then she finally spoke.
     "You heard?"
     "Yup."
     "Is it true?"
     "What, that I'm gonna get the shit beat out of me?  Yup."
     Mom nearly dropped her coffee cup.  She looked like she was deciding
whether to cry or laugh.  Unfortunately, she chose to cry.
     "I won't let him hurt you.  You are our son."
     "Correction," came a growl from the doorway.  We turned to see dad
standing there.  "He's YOUR son.  No son of mine would turn against me like
that."
     "Tom, calm down.  Maybe it's just a phase Brent's going through.
Maybe he'll get over it next week."
     "Maybe." dad replied sarcastically.
     "Maybe I'm not."  When will I ever learn to keep my mouth shut?  Dad
let out a strangled yell and leaped toward me.  Quick as lightning, I was
out of my chair and out the door.  Forget the bus, I'm running to school.
     I got to the school early enough to visit the library.  Using one of
the computers, I quickly sent an e-mail to mom telling her where I was
going after school.  Then I sent an e-mail to dad, giving him directions
straight to hell.
     When the bell rang, I slowly walked to my Math class.  Peter met me at
the door, but must have seen the look on my face, because he didn't say a
word.  We walked in and sat in the back of the room.
     "Brent?"
     I looked up at Peter, and realized why I liked him so much.  It wasn't
because he was cute; it was because when he cared for someone, it showed on
his face.  His concern was genuine, and I appreciated that.  Now more than
ever.
     "Brent, what's wrong?"
     "Am I a bad person, Peter?"
     "Of course not!  Why do you ask?"
     "Is being gay really all that bad?"
     Peter looked around quickly.  "Don't say that too loud, Brent.  You
know how people are around here.  And to answer your question, I don't
think so."
     "Then why are people like me hated so much?"
     "Who's saying you are a bad person, Brent?  Who knows?"
     Reason number two why I like Peter so much: He will stand up for you
no matter what.  If he gets hurt in the process, so be it, but he will do
his level best to make sure you don't get hurt.
     "Let it go, Peter."
     "No, Brent.  You know me better than that.  Who is saying this shit?"
     Fortunately, I didn't have to answer him.  The teacher asked us to
calm down and started class.  I couldn't concentrate, though.  So much was
happening all at once, could I make it through?
     When the bell finally rang for the next class, I slipped out, leaving
Peter behind.  I felt bad for doing it, but it was necessary.  At least for
now.  My next class was on the other side of the building from his, so I
knew I was safe for now.
     English had always bored me.  Today was no exception.  Thankfully, the
girl sitting next to me woke me up when the bell rang for lunch.  After I
had gotten my tray and sat down, Peter and Jason joined me.
     "Brent, what is going on?" Jason asked.
     "What do you mean?"  I hoped I wasn't acting too innocent.
     "You know exactly what I mean.  Peter told me he's worried about you,
and that's enough to concern me.  Now what's going on?"
     "Peter's under the impression that someone has found out about me and
is picking on me."
     "Did they?  Are they?"
     "No, Jason.  As far as I know, no one here at school knows I'm gay."
     "They will if you don't keep your voice down." Peter said with a
smile.
     I looked over at Jason.  He kept his eyes on me, penetrating into my
mind.  Normally, I would have enjoyed having his eyes on me.  Now, I was
just uncomfortable.
     "Come on, Brent." Jason said softly.  "I don't care if you are or not,
you are still my friend.  If anyone is going to give you trouble over
anything, they have to answer to me.  You know that."
     "I know, Jason, and I appreciate that.  I just can't tell you what's
going on."
     "Why not?"
     "Because if he found out anyone else knows, I'm dead for sure."
     Peter gasped, and I glared at him.  "You don't mean..."
     I nodded my head, tears threatening to build up again.  Jason looked
from Peter to me, then back to Peter, confused.
     "Did he hurt you yet?" Peter asked.
     "I didn't give him the chance." I replied.
     "Who are you talking about?" Jason demanded.
     Peter just looked up at Jason, and the lights came on.  Jason's eyes
were lit with that dark fire again, and I reached out to put a hand on his
arm.
     "Jason, let it go.  He just doesn't understand."
     "Not yet he doesn't." Jason growled.  With that, he sprung from his
chair and rushed out of the lunchroom just as the bell rang.
     The rest of the day passed uneventfully.  Just being able to tell my
two best friends what was bothering me made me feel better.  I was actually
able to concentrate in my last two classes.  The last bell of the day
finally rang.
     I headed outside to the busses.  After some careful questioning, I
found the bus that would take me close enough to the city bus transport
station.  Once I was on my way to Talbott, I finally began to realize how
stupid I actually was being.  Too late now, I'll just have to make the best
of it.

Where does Brent go from here?  Should he stay in Talbott, or should he go
back home?  Find out what he does in the next chapter.  Direct all comments
to Newbie2k79@yahoo.com