Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2005 22:23:52 -0700 From: Samuel Forte' III Subject: finding andrew-chapter 2 ** This story is a true story, telling of people and events that have taken place in the last three to four years. I have the consent of the others who are involved to use them, but no last names will be used for privacy reasons. This story will focus around two people as they stumble upon each during high school and find themselves falling for one another. They are able to survive the trials, tribulations, and difficulties that are thrown at them and from each other until everything comes to an abrupt end...All rights to this story are mine (lol well it is based on MY experiences) so no copying or publishing without my consent!** Finding Andrew Chapter 2 - A More Formal Meeting I spent the last five minutes with the group until the bell rang for 1st period. I said my goodbyes as I headed to the gym for PE. I was one of the last to make it to class as I barely beat the bell. The teacher told me to take a seat on the bleachers. I sat down on the first row in between two young looking guys, propping my feet up on my backpack. I took a look behind me, seeing if I knew any of my future classmates as the teacher began blabbing away. I didn't recognize anyone so this would be a first. I was never "Mr. Popular", nor did I want or try to be that, but I did become friends or at least associates with a vast majority of the school. I blushed when the teacher asked for the two juniors to stand up. Nick (the other obviously...we did become good friends and still talk to each other today) happened to be standing next to me as we both stood. Mr. Baker pointed it out to everyone that we were the only upperclassmen and that we would be the so called "leaders" of the class as the freshman looked on. As I sat down, I looked to the guy sitting on my left and was surprised. The guy I bumped into that morning was staring at me! He broke the stare first as he turned away blushing. I couldn't help but flash a crooked smile. This class could actually be pretty good. Interesting better yet. We went through the rest of class listening to Coach Baker blab away. When the bell rang, the mystery guy nearly ran me over as he took off for the door. I can be pretty shy at times, but I knew I was going to make an effort to get to know him. He, along with the whole Mario fiasco, clouded my thoughts during 2nd period. I don't know what it was about that guy, but he had perked my interest. Then I had to figure what to do with Mario. There was no way that I could let him out me. That was a disaster waiting to happen. My sister was a sophomore and I didn't want her to have to deal with that stuff because you know how cruel kids and teens can be. She never needed to deal with that. And also lost in this was Lizzy. I was just falsely leading her on by going out with her. Yes I felt horrible about it, but what was I to do? I put those thoughts in the back of my mind as the bell for lunch rang. I thought at least. "He" was in front of me in line as I waiting to get a pepperoni pan pizza along with a clear powerade (usual lunch for me). We again locked eyes with me looking away first this time. I grabbed my stuff after paying and made my way outside to join my friends. Lizzy, of course, had the seat next to her reserved. I sat down greeting her along with my friends. I wasn't as talkative as usual thanks to the events earlier in the day. I made my usual weird remarks, but I wasn't myself. Lizzy caught on and I came up with some weak excuse to get her off my case. I made it through the rest of that first day pretty good. When I crawled under the covers that night, I thought about "him". I slept peacefully wondering how soon it would be before I got the chance to talk to him. The next day was unusually boring. When I saw Mario, he made a gesture to his watch reminding that my little deadline was approaching. I rolled my eyes as I headed off to my locker. That day was more routine as most of my classes were with my friends. During my free period, I caught the city bus to the mall blowing a few bucks in the arcade. I was looking forward to the next day and when it came I was a little nervous. When class started I was one of the first to make it as I took a seat in the same spot as last time. Nick waltzed in and we made small talk until the bell rang. We were picking lockers and I picked one in the first row for the sake of being close to the door. As luck would have it, "he" picked the one next to mine. When we made our way back to the bleachers, another of the teachers (Miss Edgar, I believe) was taking the locker info along with the combos. I paid extra attention knowing that names were called out. I found out that his name was Andrew. Class ended shortly after and we were reminded to bring swim trunks for a swim test next Monday. You'd figure a gay guy would love that, but I wasn't looking forward to it. I have been known to let my wandering eyes get me in trouble from time to time. Hell, I still do at twenty so you could imagine how bad I had it at sixteen with little to no self-control. The rest of the week went by pretty fast. Mario and I ran into each other during school on Thursday and he wasn't too happy that I was sticking to my decision. We ended up getting into a heated argument and were separated before things got out of hand. Words would go unspoken between us...until Monday evening. A certain someone would shatter his silent spell. Monday was finally here as the swim test left me a little nervous. I had told myself to just act normal. The test would determine what class you would be in: beginner (level 1), intermediate (level 2), and advanced (level 3). I joked with the rest of the guys about me being a level zero and it was pretty funny. It was a slow start to knock down the barrier between the freshmen and myself. It would take a few months, but I kept chipping away at it. As soon as we had to go to change, I was pulled out of class by history teacher, Mr. Anderson. He just had a question about an essay answer on an assignment (just a further explanation since I tend to be vague with things at time). By the time I got back, the men's...well really boy's locker room was nearly empty. Just one person stood there as I walked in with my backpack still on my shoulders. The guy was standing across the room with his back to me wearing only red striped boxers. Muscular legs, a nice firm back, and then I saw the hair. Spiky...it was him! It was Andrew and he was staring back at me! I blushed and quickly turned away after being busted by this cute stud. I gathered my wits and actually surprised myself by starting a conversation with him while we changed. "Hey there. Sorry to startle you." "Oh, it's ok. Just a little nervous being alone in here with a junior." He replied timidly. We were already changed as I turned to face him. "No need to be nervous. I don't bite. I'm Sam." "Yea, I know. Baker has been talking about you with basketball nonstop (he was an assistant coach and it was known that I was a pretty good player). "I'm Andrew. Nice to meet you." He said extending his hand for me to shake. I shook it and caught him giving me a discreet head to toe look. "So Andrew, why don't you talk much?" I asked curiously. "I don't have...many friends...here." He said in a sad tone as he dropped his head. That was obviously a touchy subject with him. Normally I would have pushed the issue, but I was trying to put him at ease with me. I could always find that out later. "Well bud you have a friend in me." I carefully responded as I grabbed him around his far shoulder and pulled him into me in a friendly matter. "Thanks." He said flashing me his patented smile. I still laugh at it now because that was how everyone knew him. He also had ears that stuck out a little more (I liked them unlike him...it added to his, uh, cuteness for lack of a better word) which helped intensify it. "So we better get out there before we get in trouble." "Yea you're right. I'll race you!" We bolted out of there and flipped into the pool making a flashy entrance. We were reprimanded of course. Each person would be given their test individually in the far lane, while everyone else was free to do whatever. Andrew and I hung out the whole time as we started off just talking. I learned that he had an older brother (three years and he was a senior) and was a very experienced swimmer. I'm glad that I was in the pool as my lower half was showing its appreciation for his body. He had golden tan skin and a six-pack well into development. I did my best to keep my eyes at eye level. He offered to play a game of basketball as we made our way over to the hoop which I happily accepted. We had a blast as we tried to dunk each other under water and dunk the ball for easy points. We were just having a good time. We were the last two to take our test and, as I expected, I failed. Off to the beginner's class for me. I was pretty sad knowing that Andrew was a good swimmer. No way he would fail right? He surprised me by suddenly not being able to swim a lick and failing easily. Welcome to the beginner's crew. I didn't say anything as he waded back towards the hoop with a slick grin on his face. He said he would explain later as he tackled me under and we got back to our game. The teacher would soon blow the whistle for us to shower and get dressed. We were held back and reminded not to splash in the pool again if we didn't want to get detention. By the time we got back in the locker room, we were there alone. "So a beginner, Andrew?" He laughed as we took our towels and clothes out. "Well I didn't want my only friend to be in a different class. Besides, I figured you could use my help anyway." We both laughed at the comment as we headed to the showers (we had our backs to each other and I KNOW I didn't take a peek because I was too nervous). We changed back and joined the rest of the class in the hallway as we waited for the bell to ring. "Andrew, you're pretty cool. You do know that right?" "Thanks, Mr. Junior." He replied sarcastically and grinning. "How would you like to hang out at my house after school?" "Really?" You could sense the excitement in his voice. "Sure. We'll have fun. Whatever you feel like doing." "Cool. Where do you live?" "You'd have to ride the bus home with me (no car yet)." "...Ok. I'm in." "Don't you need to ask you parents?" "I'll let my mom know during lunch. I'll find you during lunch since we have the same one...to let you know for sure." I almost forgot we had the same lunch. "Sounds good." I said as the bell rang. We bumped fists as we headed our separate ways to 2nd period. I was already feeling giddy as I made my way to Pre-Calculus. I sat down and stretched in my seat reflecting on the day so far. I couldn't wait to see him at lunch. ****************************************************************************** Chapter 2 done and out the way. I'm just a little excited to get this out here for everyone to read :) I'll be busy with the holiday season, but I'll continue to do a minimum of at least two chapters a week. The plan is to get two in and maybe even sneak in a third when I can get more than a day off in a week. Again my email is fallenangel595@hotmail.com so feel free to send a friendly hello or lend some writing tips or criticism. This is a true story, so I can't stray too far from what happened. I might get into a few fiction ones after this is done if I get a good response from you guys. The third installment is in the works and should be done shortly so stay tuned. Chapter 3: Bonding Time With a New Friend