Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:14:17 -0700 (PDT) From: Puer Amore Subject: Visit from David VIII VISIT FROM DAVID (PT VIII) By Barry pueresamo@yahoo.com Disclaimer: This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of persons or places mentioned in this story to actual persons or places is only slightly more than coincidence. Copyright 2006 Barry. All Rights Reserved. Well, David asked, did we do justice to John Denver and to Bread? Indeed, you did. I replied. And Travis did a very fine job with Make Love Stay. Travis, David began, when you read sheet music, you actually hear the music in your head as you memorize the lyrics, don't you? Sure, doesn't everyone? Travis responded. You have a gift, Travis. We must nurture it. David said. Do you play an instrument? David asked. No, I've never learned. Travis responded. Would you like to? David asked. I don't know, I've never thought about it. Travis replied. OK. David said. We can talk about it another time, then. OK. Travis replied. David turned to me and said: This morning, while I watched Travis sleeping on your breast, a song came to mind which might right for us to celebrate Travis. Great! What is it? I inquired. Yeah! Travis injected. What is it? It's a surprise! David declared. Besides, I don't have the lyrics for it here. I'll have to go onto the internet... Letssingit.com...or one of those sites and pull them up. Aw! Travis exclaimed. How about a hint. OK. David replied. The underlying rhythm is a heartbeat. That's all I'm saying. Hmmmmm. Travis puzzled. You'll just have to wait. David said with a smile. The phone rang to interrupt us. It was Trey. After hanging up with Trey, I said: OK, you two, Trey closes at 3:00 and he'd like us there about 3:30PM. Sounds Great! David said. By then we should be starve... Starvicating! Travis injected, with a grin. For sure. David added, grinning back at Travis. In the meantime, Travis, let's go look up those lyrics. David suggested. ALLRIGHT! Travis replied. Barry, no peeking now! David exclaimed. OK! I'm going to the kitchen, then, and call Sam and Brian and wish them a Merry Christmas. I'll tell them we'd like to drop by later, if it's OK. OK! David shouted from the other end of the house. The time for us to leave for Trey came quickly. David came through the front door, having started to car so it might warm up, singing I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. Really? I asked with a smile. If we'd have opened the curtains, we'd have seen it already. Wonderful! I exclaimed. Don't get too excited, Barry, it's little more than a dusting, but I'd say it qualifies. Travis injected: I don't know if I'll ever be happy about snow or sleet or ice ever again. I understand, sweetie. I replied. It continued to snow, albeit lightly, during our drive to Trey. Trey was waiting for us just inside the door. He ushered us in and locked the door behind us. Merry Christmas, My Dear Friends! Welcome! Trey exclaimed. I'm so glad you could join me. We're honored you asked. David replied. You're such a sweetheart, David. Trey declared. Trey led us to the celebrity table next to the piano bar and near the kitchen. Travis, you're the guest of honor. You sit here, please. OK. Travis replied. The rest of us took our seats, according to the placement of our napkin rings. Before Travis, upon the table in front of him, was a glittering little box labeled, simply, To: Travis... From: Trey. Travis looked at it briefly and looked over to Trey saying: Oh Trey, you didn't need to get me anything, really. Oh yes I did, Trey said. Ganymede suggested it personally. I wouldn't want him to be upset with me. Travis smiled. His eyes sparkled in the Christmas lights. Thanks Trey. Thanks a lot. Travis said. Please open it, Travis. Trey said... Before I have to leave for the kitchen. I want to be sure you like it. Travis wasted no time ripping the wrapping paper from the box, much to Trey's amusement. David and I, too, were watching with big smiles. Removing it from the tissue paper, Travis held up a shining new 10K gold napkin ring. He saw that his name was engraved on it. Oh Trey! Travis exclaimed. It's beautiful. My very own napkin ring. Real Gold and everything! With my name on it. Thank you Trey, It's beautiful Travis rose from his seat and approached Trey, and kissed him on the cheek. Thank you, Trey. I love it. Thank you very much. Merry Christmas, Travis. Trey said. Now, Trey continued, you're a set. Barry and David have rings exactly like yours. Also gifts from Trey. I injected. The gold glittered and was reflecting in Travis' sparkling eyes as Trey rose and said: Well, then, it's off to the kitchen with me. Wow! Travis exclaimed, as Trey left the room, That was very nice of him. I didn't bring him anything. Oh, but you did. I insisted. You brought him the joy of watching you open his gift and relish in it. Furthermore, you gave him the kiss of an angel. I continued; You gave him something far more precious than gold, sweet Travis. Believe me, Trey knows it. It's true Travis, David inserted, you gave Trey the gift of your friendship. Gold could never measure up to that. Trey stuck his head, briefly, back out of the kitchen door and said: David, could you please play the bartender? Sure, Trey. David responded. Soon, Trey returned with our salads and placed them before us. Please don't wait on me. Trey said. I'll join you for the entrée in a bit. Travis was first to taste his salad. It's delicious! Travis declared. I've never tasted anything like it. What does he put in the dressing? It's wonderful. It's a closely guarded secret, David responded. You'll never get him to tell you. Trade Secret! David said with a smile. He won't even prepare it in the presence of the other chefs. Trey has been a true friend for many years, Travis, and we're blessed to have him as our friend. I said. I continued: True friends are few and far between, sweet Travis. It has been famously said that a true friend is someone who knows everything there is to know about you, but loves you anyway. We're very blessed, in that we have several friends who satisfy that definition. You'll be lucky, if, in your lifetime, you can count such friends on one hand. Travis nodded, still working on his salad. Save some room now, sweetheart. I suggested. Trey emerged from the kitchen and placed our entrees in front of us. Prime Rib, and all the fixings. Wow! Travis exclaimed in a protracted fashion. Trey brought a fresh carafe of coffee and placed it on a little candle- warmer on the table next to us. Trey took his seat next to Travis. Merry Christmas, my dear friends, ENJOY! Trey exclaimed. Trey continued: I thought a little departure from the usual Christmas fare might be a welcome change. I've had enough ham, turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin pie for this season. As Travis reached for his knife, I said: Travis, I think you'll appreciate the special seasoning Trey marinates the prime rib with. Travis placed the first bite into his precious mouth. His eyes lit up and he looked at Trey as he chewed and swallowed it. Travis, finally able to speak, said: My tongue is having an orgasm! We all broke into laughter. That's a good, succinct, way of putting it, Travis, I agree with your assessment. I said. Thanks for the high compliment, Travis, Trey said. No one has ever put it into quite the superlative as you just did. I'm glad you're enjoying everything. I'm enjoying having you all. Seriously, Trey, Travis said, I've never tasted anything so delicious...and the salad is like it was personally delivered by Ganymede from heaven. You're the food angel, Trey. That's my new name for you. Travis declared. The Food Angel. Travis, that's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you very much. Trey responded. Trey turned to me and exclaimed: He's an angel! God, you're lucky. I am, indeed. I agreed. I have, not one, but two angels entrusted to me. I'm truly blessed. Travis, would you like more wine? Trey asked. I'm OK for now. Thanks, Food Angel. Travis responded. Trey smiled and said: Anyone else? We're fine, Trey, everything is just super. Thank you. I said. As we finished, Trey rose from the table and said: I'll get the dessert. Whoa! Travis exclaimed, as Trey set the dessert in front of him. It's Death by Chocolate. Trey said. I think you'll like it. Ganymede recommended it as perfect for an angel. Travis smiled. Travis ate as much as he could and turned to Trey and said: Would Ganymede understand if I take most of this home? I'm stuffed, Food Angel. Of Course, Travis. As you wish, Trey advised. Coffee all around? Trey asked. Great! I responded. After Trey had served the coffee, David turned to Trey and said: Trey, if it's OK to use your piano...Travis and I have a special present for Barry. We'd like you to be here for it too. I'm honored. Thanks, David. I had a pretty good idea what was about to happen, and tried to prepare myself so as not to begin crying, still again. Are you ready, Travis? David asked. Yes. Travis replied. Travis rose from his seat and came over to me and motioned for me to turn my seat sideways. I complied. Travis stood somewhat wedged between my legs, which I spread to accommodate him. He reached and took my hands into his own and looked lovingly into my eyes. David began, low on the keyboard, simulating a heartbeat. Travis came in on cue, still gazing into my unworthy eyes. The first time, ever I saw your face I thought the sun rose in your eyes And the moon and the stars Were the gifts you gave.... God! I thought. My heart will surely burst. I love these two angels. Only God could love them more. And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth I felt the earth move in my hands Like the trembling heart Of a captive bird That was there, at my command My Love. I wanted to kiss him right there and then.... And the first time, ever I lay with you I felt your heart so close to mine And I knew our joy Would fill the earth And last, til the end of time My Love. And last, 'til the end of time. My love. I wasn't sure I could make it through to the end without blubbering like a baby.... The first time, ever I saw Your face Your face Your fa-ace Your face.... Travis ended the song, but not his loving eye contact with me. He bent to kiss tears from my cheeks and, then, pressed a loving kiss to my awaiting lips. Trey, standing off to my side, watching this exchange, had tears of his own. He was busy wiping them from his eyes with a napkin. God, Barry! Trey exclaimed, You ARE truly blessed. Travis is more than an angel, he's a god. Had he lived in ancient Greece, the place would be replete with statues of him. David, too, Trey continued. It's not fair. You have the two most precious angels of all. What is left for the rest of us? Rest assured, Trey. There are many other angels out there, right now, starving for someone to love them. I did get the two best of them though, didn't I? I asked, as I winked at Travis. Yes, you did, indeed! Trey exclaimed with a smile. Trey, I said, I can't thank you enough for all you've done to make our Christmas so special. You're a true friend. You've always been. We love you Trey. I second that! David declared. Me too! Travis injected. Everything was wonderful. I love you guys too, Trey replied. Thank you for joining me. It's been equally special for me that you would allow me to share in such an intimate moment as Travis' song. You three have something very special. I'm so happy for you. I'm blessed to be your friend. Thank you Trey. You have a special place in our hearts, you always will. I stated. I only wish Michael could have been here with us. He'd be next to me crying, like I am. Trey suggested. I know it's been crushingly difficult for you to be without him after all those years together. I said. No one, of course, can ever replace him in your heart, Trey. You know that. I hope the place you have made in your heart for the three of us, might, somehow serve up a little consolation. You are loved very much, Trey. Never doubt it. I said. Oh, I know! Trey exclaimed and I'm blessed to be able to welcome you into my tired old heart, you are most welcome there. Trey said with a smile. Travis was looking at me with questioning eyes. Travis, Trey's lover of many years, Michael, died in an auto accident a few years ago. It's been very difficult for Trey. I instructed. Travis said nothing. He went immediately to Trey and delivered a sweet hug. Trey responded with his own hug. Travis kissed Trey on the cheek and said: I'm really sorry, Trey. It would kill me if anything happened to Barry or to David. Thank you, Travis. That you understand my pain, at your age, is further evidence of just how special you are. Trey instructed. Trey turned to me and said: He's an angel. Ganymede brought you another angel You ARE really blessed. I know! I agreed. How about if we help you clean up before we go to see Sam and Brian? I suggested. Naw! Trey replied. I'll take care of it. It'll only take a few minutes. Let me prepare a couple of plates for you to take to them. Please tell them Merry Christmas for me and that I hope they enjoy the food. Trey said. Trey looked, very seriously, at me and said: Have you prepared Travis for what he is about to see and experience? I was going to do so in the car. I replied. However, I continued, perhaps I should do that now, while you prepare the plates. Trey nodded, then, began to walk toward the kitchen. David came to my side to help. Travis, I have explained to you that Brian has HIV / AIDS. He has also contracted a couple of opportunistic diseases. Those are diseases that become possible, or even easy to contract, once your immune system is devastated by the HIV virus itself. I'll explain it all to you in much more detail at home, later. Brian has Kaposi Sarcoma. It's a type of cancer. It produces lesions, or open sores, that are very unpleasant to look at. Furthermore, those lesions tend to necrotize. That means that the flesh, itself, dies, so it behaves in the same manner as when a body has died. You mean parts of him are already dead.....but most of him is still alive? Travis inquired. That's an apt way to put it, I'm sad to say. I replied. One more thing. David added. When tissue or skin necrotizes, it.....well....it putrefies.....it...well, it smells very badly. Travis, sweetheart, if you'd rather wait here with Trey or wait in the car while David and I go in to see Sam and Brian, We'd all understand. This will be difficult, even for David and me. Sam and Brian are our friends, right? Travis asked. They are, yes, sweetheart. I replied. Then I should go to meet them and show them that I'm their friend too. Travis said. OK. I said. If you change your mind on the way, it's OK. Really! It's OK. Sam had been watching for us and met us at the door. Sam opened the door and smiled, happy to see us. Welcome, my friends! Sam said. Turning to Travis, Sam said. Travis, thank you for coming, I've heard so many wonderful things about you. Travis nodded and held up the plastic bag with the plates Trey had prepared. Travis said: Trey sent these and asked me to tell you Merry Christmas and he hopes you like the food. Sam took the bag from Travis and sat it on a small table near the door saying: I must call Trey in the morning and thank him. That's very sweet of him. Then, Sam hugged me, then David, saying: David it's so good of you.... David interrupted him and said: Of course you know we love you guys and want to see you. Of course, Sam said. We love you guys too. Brian is anxious to see you. Sam said. He picked up a small jar of camphor and said: You might want to put a little under your nostrils. I'm used to it by now, but most visitors.....well you might want to.....his eyes fell to look at the floor. Sam, I'm so sorry. I said. I wish I knew what to say. It's OK. Sam said. There's nothing to be said. I love him; I'll be with him to the end and hope he'll be waiting for me when my time comes. Sam said. As we removed our coats and placed them on the coat rack, Sam saw Travis in the full light. He turned to me and said: He's strikingly beautiful; Barry. He's at high risk, you know? I've explained that to him repeatedly. I said. Sam turned to Travis and said: Travis; learn well from what you are about to see and experience here tonight. If you make even one bad decision, you could find yourself in the same situation as Brian is now. Do you understand? Sam asked. Travis nodded and said: I'm all Barry's, I don't have to worry. We decided that it was wise to take Sam's advice and use the camphor, embarrassing as it was for us. I turned to Travis, once more, and said: Sweetie; are you sure you want to see this? Travis nodded. When we entered Brian's room, what we beheld was a shock, even for David and me. I hadn't realized that Brian's condition had deteriorated so quickly. Travis squeezed my hand and stood a half step behind me. None of us were truly prepared for this horror. Brian was completely nude, lying on a hospital bed, brought in by the Hospice people. His legs were spread to keep the lesions on his thighs from rubbing. Sam saw that we weren't expecting this and promptly said: His lesions are now too sensitive to tolerate being covered, plus they constantly ooze, due to the necrosis, so I move from one to another wiping away the puss. Dear God! Sam. You're a saint.....a saint. Brian was not very lucid; he was on a morphine drip.....usually a sign that death was only a matter of hours, at most a few days away. You'll have to get a little closer for him to hear you. Sam advised. As we moved to his bedside, Brian, who had been facing away from us and toward the window, responded to my "Hello Brian, it's David and Travis and I", by turning to face us. As he did, Travis was shocked and drew in a deep gasp. David and I were equally taken aback. Brian's face was covered with reddish-purple lesions and, as Sam had warned, they were oozing green puss onto his face, even as we looked on. When Sam saw this, he said: Oh My! I'm sorry Brian. I'll tend to them right away. Brian, so sedated he could barely speak, turned to me and slowly formed a smile for us. Don't try to speak, if you find it difficult, Brian. We understand I assured him. Sam's dabbing at the putrefying flesh of Brian's lesions caused their odor to be amplified into the air. It was indescribable! Overwhelming even the camphor. Travis was, by now, squeezing my hand so tightly that I feared he had cut off its circulation. I turned to Travis and asked: You OK, sweetie? Travis nodded. I turned back to Brian and said: This is Travis. I'm sure Sam has mentioned him to you. Brian mustered up a weak and raspy one word response, as he looked at Travis: Beautiful. Brian said. Yes, he is. I agreed. Brian still looking at Travis, but speaking to me, said: Protect him. I will Brian, you know I will. Brian nodded slowly. He turned to David and said: David, sweet David, Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you, Brian. David said. I'm so glad I was able to be here. Brian nodded and said to David: Take care.....Barry.....Travis....OK? Of course, Brian. Travis and Barry are why I live. I will always take care of them. David replied. Brian turned to me and said, in that same weak raspy voice: Merry Christmas, Barry. Merry Christmas, Brian. I responded. Look after Sam once I'm gone, OK? Brian asked. Of course, Brian, you can take it to..... TO THE BANK! Travis concluded for me. Brian nodded and smiled at Travis. Sam had stayed busy during our conversation dabbing away the putrefication from Brian's lesions. Brian's legs, arms, torso, even his penis were disfigured by these disgusting open sores. I could sense that Travis was trying to cope with something even most grown men couldn't palate. Brian, I said, I don't want to add to your stress. Besides, it's getting late and we'd better be getting along now. I said. We love you very much, and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I assured him. Love you too. Brian said. Finally, he turned again to me once more saying: Protect Travis. I promise, Brian. I will. David will too. I promise. I assured him. He turned back to Travis and smiled and said: Love....Barry.....David...trust...them... his voice tapering off to a whisper. I love them with all my being, Travis said. Don't worry. Brian smiled and nodded slowly. Then he turned to face the window once more. It was our cue to take our leave. Thank you for having us, Sam. I said. Thank you for being here. Sam replied. It means a great deal to us that you would share your Christmas with us this way. Sam followed us to the door and offered us moistened wipes to remove the camphor. Try to eat something, Sam. Trey sent it as his Christmas gift. Besides, you've got to keep your strength up. OK? I suggested. Sam nodded and smiled. He kissed each of us on the forehead and said: Thank you for coming. Merry Christmas. Thank you, Sam. If you need us, please don't hesitate, seriously, Sam, we'll be here in a flash. I assured him. He nodded and turned to Travis. Travis, I hope this visit helped you to understand the risk you take if you.... I know, I understand, don't worry. Travis interrupted. None of us spoke during the entire ride home.