How Could I Forget?

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

On his way home, he could hear a constant beep on his ears. He didn’t know where it came from but it didn’t stop.

 

As soon as he entered his room and got changed into his pajamas, he sat on his bed and grabbed his guitar. He touched the strings and the beep disappeared. He stopped and the beep could be heard again. So he opted to play.

 

He played with his eyes closed, visualizing the chords in his head along with lyrics he had written just 30 minutes before. If this was writing music, then Chris didn’t want anything else in the world. It was painful, intense, exhilarating, breathtaking and ultimately an experience of pure joy. At least, that’s what he felt right at the moment.

 

Then, jolting him out of his musical trance, he heard another beeping noise, but this time it was different. It was the phone.

 

“Hello?” Chris answered, not too happy to be interrupted.

 

“Hey, it’s me.” He heard Guy’s silky voice on the line. “You forgot some of your papers here… and I read some of it.”

 

Chris heard Guy pause and waited for his next words. He didn’t want anyone to read it at this point but there was no way to change that now.

 

“I think it’s brilliant, man.” Guy said, truthfully. “But I want to talk to you about it later.”

 

“Sure. If you want, you can come here after your shift.” Chris suggested.

 

“I am just leaving, so I’ll see you in a bit. Oh! And I’m taking the other three with me, cause they’re…well, they’re drunk enough for tonight.” Guy said, looking at Jonny, Will and Phil giggling in a silly manner just like the girls they were talking to.

 

“Okay.” Chris agreed.

 

Twenty minutes later, Chris heard three distinctive voices outside his door singing YMCA while another voice telling them to be quiet. Chris went to open the door and sure enough Jonny, Will and Phil were with their arms around each other while Guy tried to push them into the small dorm room.

 

“Heeey, Chrissy!” Jonny exclaimed as soon as his eyes landed on the pajama-clad young man. “You will not believe how many chicks we met tonight!” He slurred, entering Chris’s room, sitting on the floor right next to the bed.

 

“Oh yeah? You’ll tell me about it tomorrow, okay? We have to be quiet, it’s late so…” Chris tried to explain.

 

“Whaaat?” It was Will’s turn to slur, following Jonny and sitting right next to him, his head falling on Jonny’s shoulder and leaning into him, falling asleep the moment he sat down.

“Hey, where am I going to sleep now? I want to be next to Jonny!” Phil said, indignantly, trying to squeeze in between the bed and Jonny, his efforts rewarded.

 

Next thing they knew, the three young men were happily sleeping, Will and Phil laying their heads on Jonny’s shoulder while he snored with his head on the wall.

 

“Man, these guys just don’t know how to drink without making fools of themselves…” Guy mumbled. “And without vomiting on my clothes.” He continued looking down at his shirt and pants, a grimace on his face.

 

“Yeah…” Chris agreed, distractedly as he rummaged through his own clothes. “Here, you can change into these.”

 

“Thanks but I’ll just head out.” Guy said quietly.

 

“Why? I thought you were coming to see what I wrote?” Chris asked, frowning in confusion.

 

“Yeah, but it’s already crowded in here and you all have classes in the morning. And I have work.” Guy replied, his hand on the doorknob. He paused and looked back at Chris. “I thought those lyrics were amazing.”

 

With that, he was out of the door. Chris stood in the same place for a second, unsure of what had happened. Guy could be moody and silent but he wasn’t the type of person to just change his mind like that.

 

“Wait! Why are you leaving, man?” Chris asked him, catching him be the arm in the stairs. Guy looked at his friend with a menacing look that clearly told him to release him. Chris took his hand from the younger man’s arm and heard him sigh in frustration.

 

“I already said I have to work, man. And it’s not like you need me in there. Actually, it’s not like you guys need me at all.” Guy said, looking down.

 

“What are you talking about?” Chris questioned him, helplessly.

 

“Let’s face it. You are all finishing your degrees, the band is at the same point it was four months ago and sooner or later we’ll all go our own separate ways.” Guy told him, sincerely.

 

“That’s not true. We’ll always stick together. And the band, well, we are beginning to get more committed to it now, right?” Chris replied.

 

“I guess.” Guy said, uncertainly. “It’s just… The band is all I have to hang on to. I hope I didn’t pass the opportunity of having a great future because of it.”

 

Chris sighed, sat on a step and patted the spot next to him. Guy accepted his gesture and sat near him, resting his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together.

 

“Do you regret dropping out of college?” Chris asked him.

 

“Sometimes.” Guy confessed. “When I see you all studying and talking about your classes together. I feel like I’m not a part of it anymore. I am slowly fading away from the group and the only thing that makes me a part of the group is the band, really.”

 

“But you’re our friend. Nothing’s gonna change that. Even if our band doesn’t make it, we’ll make it. As friends.” Chris assured him, putting an arm around Guy’s shoulders.

 

“You promise?” Guy looked at him. He sounded like a lost, little boy and Chris had never felt so much the need to protect him as he did at that moment.

 

“I promise.” Chris nodded. It wasn’t fair that he was the only one risking his career ambitions while they safely had their degrees. Just because he was brave enough to admit music was the only thing he really wanted to do.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

 

“Whaaat?!” Will whined as he heard the pounding on his door. He got up, barely awake and already sporting his menacing glare at the unknown visitor. He opened the door to reveal a chirpy Chris, holding his guitar and coming in without even asking.

 

“Hey, man! I have some stuff to show you.” He said, excitedly. It had been two weeks and things were starting to look up for their band. They got a few gigs booked and most of the college community was already very familiar with them. Word got around and nothing like a good friend like Phil to manage their short career.

 

“Chris, it’s 7 in the bloody morning! I only went to sleep at 3. Which, by the way, must have been the same time as you did.” He argued, going to his bedroom. “Wasn’t rehearsal enough last night?”

 

“As a matter of fact, no. We need to keep working and, well, sleep didn’t exactly come to me.” Chris admitted, sitting down on top of the comforter on Will’s bed, while the younger man tucked in under the sheets.

 

Chris started playing and singing much to Will’s dismay. He loved the music but it was seven in the morning and he had very little sleep so he wasn’t exactly in the mood.

 

“Come on, Will, what do you think?” Chris nudged him. “On a scale of 1 to 10.”

 

“1 to 10? 7.” Will answered, with his eyes closed.

 

“Really, 7? That’s unbelievable!” Chris said, jumping on the bed.

 

“On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s 7 in the morning! On a scale of 1 to 10, 7 is the number of times I’m gonna punch you if you don’t shut up! On a scale of 1 to 10, 7 is how much I hate that song for keeping me up right now!” Will shouted at him, his anger increasing with each word.

 

Chris’s lip trembled in a way Will had never seen. Oddly, it reminded him of the faces of many girls when he told them Guy was gay so that they would stop pestering him.

 

“Aw, come on, you’re not gonna cry, are you?” Will asked, already regretting his outburst. “I’m sorry, man, I’m just sleepy. I promise I’ll be good now. Play it again.”

 

And just like that, Chris’s face brightened instantly and a huge smile was plastered on his adorable face, his blues eyes shining like two precious sapphires.

 

“Here we go!” The sound coming from the guitar filled the tiny bedroom and Chris’s voice gracefully accompanied it. Sometimes, Will was just awestruck by the beautiful timbre Chris had. And the fact that he was not cocky about it was even more admirable.

 

Chris finished the song and looked at him, expectantly.

 

“It’s a 7, man.” Will smiled. “Just because of that, you deserve breakfast. Wait here, I’ll bring it in a couple of minutes.”

 

Chris smiled, satisfied with the Will’s response. “Thank you.”

 

Will prepared everything he could with the food he had in the cabinets and fridge and put it in a tray. He was humming to the song he heard just minutes before when he entered the room to see Chris curled up on his bed, his arms embracing the guitar, as if protecting it.

 

Will was not the kind of person to use words such as cute or endearing, but the sight in front of him certainly provided that opportunity. Silently, he put the tray down on his desk and walked to his bed, laying down beside Chris.

 

Finally, he fell asleep.

 

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 12

 

 

The professor was droning on and on.

Guy was trying to pay attention but his mind had gone blank as soon as Cassin entered the classroom.

They hadn't seen each other or spoken since that night in Guy's apartment.

Guy was trying to focus on the class but his eyes kept wandering over to glance at Cassin.

He thought back to how they had stood in his living room, arms around each other, kissing for hours.

He thought back to how surprisingly soft Cassin's lips had been and how normal it seemed to be with him.

For a second he could almost smell the clean soapy smell of Cassin's hair when he ran his hands through it.

"Guy...."Rebecca was waving her hand in front of his face.

He looked up at her.

"Class is over," she said, "Do you plan to sit here all day?"

Guy looked quickly around the room.

"He's already left," she told him, "Did you say anything to him?"

"No," Guy said, gathering up his books, "We haven't talked at all."

"Hmm," she said, "That's weird that he didn't even talk to you."

"Yeah," Guy said, "Maybe it was just a passing thing for him anyway."

Rebecca shook her head.

"He isn't like that," she said, "Maybe I can find out what is wrong?"

"Maybe you should just leave it alone," Guy told her, "It's better this way."

 

"What did you decide about your problem?" Jonny asked him.

"Oh, that...it turns out not to be a problem after all, " Guy told him.

He was sitting in the studio, studying his textbook.

"Are you okay with that?" Jonny asked.

"Sure," Guy said, "It was a little learning experience. That is what school is for, right?" he joked.

"You look a little sad to me,"Jonny said.

"Maybe a bit," Guy admitted, "But it will pass."

"Isn't this one of the nights when you have that study group?" Jonny asked.

"Yeah, it was. But I decided not to go anymore. I can do just as well on my own," he told him, turning back to his book.

"Maybe we can help you," Jonny offered, "What class is it?"

"British Imperialism in the Late 19th Century," Guy said.

Jonny frowned.

"I don't even know what that is," Jonny told him.

Guy laughed.

"Thanks for trying to help," he told him.

 

 

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 13

 

 

Guy was cursing his laptop under his breath as he sat in the library.

He had spent all day researching his thesis topic and was now ready to take notes, but his laptop was refusing to cooperate.

"Could you use some help with that?" Cassin asked.

Guy looked up in surprise.

"Yes," he said, shaking his head, "I usually have no problem with these things."

Cassin set his stack of books on the table and leaned down to look at the computer.

Guy's pulse quickened just having him that close.

"There you go," Cassin said, "All ready to go. Just a loose power cord."

"Thanks, I should have figured that out. I just haven't been able to think very clearly lately."

"You do seem a little tense," Cassin said.

"It's this damn paper," Guy told him.

Then he looked him in the eyes.

"No, it isn't," Guy corrected himself, "It's you."

Cassin looked surprised.

"I've left you completely alone," he said.

"That's just it," Guy said, "Why?"

The librarian passed by and shushed them with a finger to her lips.

Cassin rolled his eyes at her.

"Let's go in the stacks," Guy told him.

Cassin followed Guy up the two flights of stairs to the long rows of shelves filled with thick, heavy books.

"Now," Guy said, "What's going on with you?"

"I was giving you time to decide what you want," Cassin said.

"But that night in my apartment.."

"That night you kept telling me that it was a bad idea," Cassin explained.

"So I did," Guy admitted.

"Do you think different now?" Cassin asked.

"No," Guy told him, "I still think it is the worst idea that I have ever heard of."

"Oh," Cassin said, sadly.

"But I also don't give a shit if it is a bad idea or not," Guy told him, "I want to be with you."

Cassin's blue eyes flew open.

"Oh God, really?' he asked.

"Really," Guy said, grabbing his shirt collar and pulling him close.

Their mouths came together and they kissed deeply and passionately.

Cassin pushed Guy up against the shelves of old dusty books and nibbled on his neck until they knocked some books on the floor, scaring them both.

"Let's get out of here," Guy told him.

 

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 14

 

 

Guy came into the studio the next morning, whistling.

Will, Jonny and Chris looked at him strangely.

"I am glad you are all here," Guy said, "I have to tell you something."

"Oh no," Jonny said.

"That's right," Guy said, "Jonny already knows about this. So I will tell you other two."

"What?" Chris asked, looking from Guy to Jonny.

"I am involved in a relationship," Guy said, "With a guy."

Chris drew a sharp breath.

Will started laughing.

"This isn't funny," Chris said, looking at Will.

"You haven't heard the best part yet," Jonny told him.

"And he is young," Guy continued.

"How young?" Will asked.

"Who cares how young?" Chris squeaked out, "It's bad either way."

"Get used to it," Guy said, "Because he is going to be around, hopefully for a long time."

Chris was shaking his head.

"This isn't good," he kept saying over and over.

"Lighten up, Chris," Will told him, "Look how obscenly happy Guy is."

"I don't care if he is happy or not," Chris said.

Then he looked at Guy.

Guy had been his friend for so many years.

Through up and downs and the bad times and the good times.

In all that time, Guy had never seemed happy.

Most of the time he had just looked lost and lonely.

But now, as Chris looked at him, Guy was practically glowing.

"That's not true," Chris said, slowly sitting down, "I do care if he is happy."

"How young?" Will asked, again.

"Geez, Will," Jonny said.

"Twenty-one," Guy said, smiling.

"Oh no," Chris groaned, "I feel a migraine coming on."

"Way to go," Will said, giving Guy a thumbs up sign.

"Do you want to meet him?" Guy asked.

"What?? Now?" Chris asked.

"Yes, now," Guy said.

"I do," Jonny said, smiling.

"Me too," Will said.

Chris took a deep breath.

"What the hell," he said, "Bring him in."

 

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 15

 

 

"Graduation party at my house," Rebecca said, sitting down at the table with Guy and Cassin.

Her eyes drifted to their entwined fingers and she smiled.

"Can my friends come?" Guy asked.

"Of course," she said, "It's a big house, bring anyone you want."

"Maybe I can talk them in to playing a few songs for your party." Guy offered.

"Are they any good?" Rebecca asked.

Guy laughed.

"Some people say so," he told her.

"They are pretty good," Cassin told her, "I've heard them rehearsing a few times."

"That sounds great," she said, "I can't wait to meet them. But right now I have to go. I am going shopping with Ashley and Miranda."

"I wear a medium size," Guy joked, as she stood up.

She stuck her tongue out at him and she walked away.

"Do you have plans for this evening?" he asked Cassin.

"No," he answered, "I finished my last final this morning. Just waiting for graduation."

"Why don't you come over tonight?" Guy asked.

Cassin looked at him for a few seconds.

"Why don't I come over now?" he asked.

Guy was a little stunned by his brashness.

"Only the young can be so forward," he said.

"Maybe I'm not so young as I am impatient," Cassin said, "You have made me wait a long time."

Guy blushed a little and played with his cigarette lighter.

"I'm a little nervous," he said.

"Is that all?" Cassin asked, "I'm nervous too."

Guy looked at him in surprise.

"You are?" he asked.

"What did you think? That I go around doing this all the time?"

"No," Guy told him, "But you just seemed so sure of yourself I thought that...."

"Once," Cassin said, "Once. With the guy I dated in high school."

"Good God," Guy said, under his breath ,"I....I feel like a fool."

"It's okay," Cassin said.

"You never cease to surprise me and amaze me," Guy told him.

"I'm sure its' the same with me. I just assumed you had been with alot of girls."

Guy laughed.

"Truthfully," he said, "Just two. Most girls scare me to death."

Cassin leaned over and kissed him.

"Let's go," Guy said, "Now I am impatient."

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 16

 

 

Guy, Will, Jonny and Chris were having a great time playing an impromptu concert at the graduation party.

But suddenly they noticed a change in the crowd of friends and family.

"Oh shit," they heard someone say and they saw a girl run across the room and whisper something to Rebecca.

Rebecca looked strangely at Guy and then she looked at the other three.

She turned around and left the room and came back carrying a CD.

As soon as the band finished the song they were playing she walked up to Guy.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, waving the CD in his face.

"What?" he asked.

"My God, you are famous," she said, "I had no idea who you were. It never occured to me that your were that Guy."

Guy looked around as the crowd had now descended on Will, Jonny and Chris.

"We better go rescue them," Guy told her.

"But why didn't you say anything?" she asked.

"What did you want me to do..walk into class and say 'Hey, I am a famous rock star?' I liked being just a normal person."

"Does Cassin know?" she asked.

Guy looked around for him.

"If he didn't, he does now," he said.

 

Guy found him sitting in the swing on Rebecca's porch.

"So?" Guy asked.

"So what?" Cassin said, taking a drink of liquor from his glass.

"Now you know," Guy said.

"Yep," Cassin said, looking straight ahead.

"What are you thinking?" Guy asked.

"I'm thinking that I am an idiot and a fool and pretty out of touch," Cassin said.

"Why?" Guy asked.

Cassin shook his head and laughed.

"You are fucking famous and I should have known. I just thought you were some great guy. I didn't know you were just playing around."

"What does that mean?" Guy asked, with a bit of anger in his voice.

"All that shit about me being too young and crap....you were just using me and laughing to yourself, weren't you?"

Guy grabbed his hand and took away the glass.

He threw it on the grass.

"You have had enough to drink," he said, "Otherwise you wouldn't be acting like this."

"Tell me something," Cassin said, standing up and facing Guy, "Did you ever really like me or was this all just a joke to you?"

"What?" Guy asked, totally confused.

"OH you know, "Cassin said, "You probably thought, what a stupid kid this is....You probably had a bet with your friends to see how long it would take you to get me into bed."

Guy stood up and grabbed Cassin, pushing him against the porch railings.

"Shut up," he said, "Stop talking like that. I am not like that. Don't judge me because of others actions."

Guy looked into Cassin's eyes and he could see that he was really hurt.

"Look at me,dammit," Guy told him, "Tell me what you see when I look at you. Do you see a person like you are describing?"

Cassin looked at him intently.

"No," he said, softly, as he reached up to touch Guy's face, "I don't. I see a sweet, kind, gentle man that I worship."

Guy let go of him and stepped back.

"I worship you too," he said, "As much as it surprises the hell out of me...I do adore you."

"Then take me home,"Cassin said, "I've had enough of this party."

 

 

 

 

Back to School

Chapter 17

 

 

"Is that it?" Chris asked.

Guy looked up and smiled.

He was holding a paper-sized leather folder.

"Let's see it," Chris said walking over to him.

"I was waiting until everyone got here to look at it," Guy told him.

Jonny and Will came in carrying cups of coffee and breakfast for everyone.

"Come here," Chris told them, "Guy got his diploma."

They hurried over.

They all stood around in a circle as Guy opened the leather protective cover.

"Look, they spelled your name right and everything," Jonny teased him.

"It's great," Chris said, slapping him on the shoulder.

Guy was just looking at it.

"How does it feel to be a college graduate?" Will asked.

"I think I appreciate it more now," Guy said, "And I feel like I have learned more in this semester than in the rest of the years."

"Well, we have to frame this and hang it on the wall," Chris said.

Guy smiled and shook his head.

"You'll have to get in line," he said, "My mom already claimed it."

 

The End

 

 

How Could I Forget?

Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

Jonny looked at Chris from across his room. They were at his place, their instruments organized around the small room so that they would be facing each other while playing. Chris couldn’t stand still so basically he walked around in circles while singing and playing his guitar.

 

Jonny silently wondered how lucky they were to have found each other. He knew he sounded cheesy but he didn’t mind that. He was completely happy for the first time in his life. He was almost done with college, he had amazing friends and, to top it all, he was part of a band. A quite small band, but nonetheless a promising one. They had played some important gigs, thanks to many friends of theirs and people were starting to recognize their music. Of course, they still had to sign a record deal to make an album, even though they had some songs ready to be released.

 

“Jon! JON!” Guy shouted at him, waving a hand in front of his green eyes. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and adjusted his guitar, getting ready to play.

 

“Sorry. Got distracted for a bit.” Jonny admitted.

 

Will looked at him for a second before starting to count for another song. It was a strange feeling to be doing what they loved the most with their best friends and still feel like a daydream. He knew that’s what was going through Jonny’s mind. He had learned to recognize their several facial expressions, to understand what they were thinking about. They had learned the hard way what misunderstandings can lead to. Yelling, anger, sadness or, ultimately, crying, in Chris’s case.

 

There were just so many emotions inside him, ready to blossom and he didn’t want to keep them from being out in the open. That’s what happened when he wrote and it was the best way he could find to let his feelings out, with no reservations. He wasn’t afraid anymore of being sad or depressing or tired. As long as he could still write, sing and play in the band, he was alright with it. He had overcome many problems already in his life and he knew things weren’t about to get easier, quite the opposite actually.

 

“Maybe we should take a break. We’ve been playing for 4 hours now.” Chris said, setting his guitar on Jonny’s bed and going to the bathroom.

 

“Okay, but I have to get going, actually.” Guy told them, as he grabbed his keys. “Tomorrow’s my last day at work.”

 

“What?” Will asked, surprised. “Why? What happened?”

 

“Nothing.” Guy responded, shortly.

 

“Come on, tell us.” Chris urged him, hopping on the place, anxious to pee.

 

“I quit my job. Last week. I can’t take it anymore. The girls, the lousy paycheck and since I’m sure we’ll get the record deal, I just did it.” He admitted.

 

Silence filled the room.

 

Jonny looked down at his guitar, in thought; Will put his hand on his forehead, his arm resting on Jonny’s desk, and Chris just looked at Guy.

 

“Do you think we’ll make it as a band?” Chris asked with a serious countenance.

 

Guy looked at him, frowning. “If I didn’t think that, what would I be doing here, rehearsing and everything? I left college for a reason, I quit my job for the same reason.”

 

“I just never imagined we would actually manage to become a real band.” Chris answered, truthfully, his physical needs ignored. “I dreamed of this for so long that now it’s happening, I am afraid it will all disappear before we can even sign the deal.”

 

“Well, we didn’t sign yet but it’s bound to happen someday.” Will reasoned. “However, it’s risky to just quit your job like that, man. What if it doesn’t work out?”

 

“Why wouldn’t it work out?” Guy asked, sincerely.

 

“Simply because we might not be good enough.” Jonny said. “It could happen.”

 

“Then, if you guys think that, what the hell are we even doing? Playing around everyday? If I knew this is what you were thinking…” Guy sighed.

 

“It’s not that we’re not serious or that we don’t believe in what we’re doing.” Will said. “It’s just a matter of keeping our feet on the ground.”

 

“Well, I’m done with that.” Guy confessed. “We have to take risks. And you only can do that with confidence.”

 

Another silence filled the room. They weren’t used to Guy being the motivator. He was passionate about music, they knew that, but they didn’t know the extent of it.

 

Chris broke the silence. “Okay, now I really have to pee.”

 

The other three just looked at him running out of the room, bursting out laughing at the blue-eyed singer.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

 

 

It was incredibly weird doing photoshoots.

 

The amount of time spent in front of a camera, the various make-up professionals, the bizarre locations and the instructions the photographers dictated photo after photo.

 

Years had gone by and the only thing that hadn’t changed is the reluctance and boredom these sessions developed in the band’s members. They still remembered the first time they stood in front of a camera as a band, their eyes betraying their nervous state of mind and how naïve they still were. They arrived at the studio with their casual clothes and despite the photographer’s best efforts, they kept it. They were strongly set on being as genuine as possible even if the conditions they were in didn’t bring them any sort of comfortable or familiar environment they were so used to.

 

But they figured this was the turning point in their lives. There was the awareness that from that moment on, change and challenge were key concepts.

 

“Do you remember the first time we were recognized on the streets?” Chris asked Will, laying down on a sofa meant to be used for their photoshoot. They were waiting for Jonny and Guy who were still outside smoking.

 

“Mmmhh… Yeah.” Will answered, his mind wandering to another world, it seemed. “It was a couple of old ladies right near my house. They actually pinched my cheeks…”

 

Chris grinned. “Really? Oh well, you have nice cheeks.” He continued. “I remember too. I was with my brother and a bunch of girls came to ask me for an autograph. He just said ‘Man, you are so gonna get laid.”

 

“Who’s gonna get laid?” Guy asked as he and Jonny approached them from behind, sitting next to them.

 

“No one.” Will answered. “What took you so long? We’re tired of waiting.”

 

“I’m sorry, we were just… at the buffet.” Jonny admitted.

 

“Without me?” Chris asked, offended.

 

“We brought you chocolate, don’t worry.” Guy said, taking the chocolate bar from his pocket. “Just eat this after the shoot or else you’ll get dirty and we’ll have to do this again.”

 

“Don’t you think I know that?” Chris said, breezily, as the other three men looked at him, fully aware of his inability to behave when sugar was involved. “I’m a man, I’m not a child.”

 

Guy decided to not retort and instead just sat down between Will and Chris. Jonny sat next to Chris.

 

This was the only thing that comforted them at these photo sessions.

 

The fact that they were together, that they remained each other’s best friends and that they had three other men to rely on to, to laugh with, to talk to, to share the most precious bond with.

 

 

 

 

 

The End

Okay....here is my attempt at a period piece.

It combines my two favorite things: World War II and Coldplay.

 

Blood and Stone

Chapter 1

 

 

August 27, 1939

 

"Do you think there's going to be a war?" Guy asked, strumming his guitar as he sat on his bed.

"I doubt it," Will said, looking up from the desk where he was sitting.

"What if there is?" Guy asked, "Will we have to fight?"

"Hitler's just full of hot air," Will said, "You would do better to worry about your chemistry paper than to worry about some

dictator."

"I hate college," Guy said, "Maybe I will just drop out and join the army."

"What the hell for?" Will asked.

The door of their room flew open.

Chris came hopping excitedly into the room and jumped on Will's bed.

Jonny followed behind him, carrying books from class.

"What are your guys doing this Friday?" Chris asked, with bright eyes.

"I'm not doing anything," Will said, "But Guy's going to join the army."

"What?" Jonny asked, looking from Guy to Will and back again.

"Shut up," Guy said, throwing a pillow at Will.

"I got us a gig," Chris said, smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

"No shit?" Guy asked.

"Where?" Will asked, suspiciously.

"In town at that little bar," Chris said.

"What's the catch?" Will asked.

Chris took a deep breath.

"Do you always have to be so negative?" he asked.

Will didn't say anything, but just crossed his arms and waited.

"Okay," Chris said, "So we aren't getting paid, but....."

"Oh..." The other three all said at once.

Will turned back to his studies.

Guy turned back to his guitar.

Jonny opened a book and began to read.

"Come on," Chris said, getting up and pacing around the room, "It will be good experience. We can try out some of our songs."

Yeah, maybe we can sing them to Hitler," Guy said, sarcastically.

"What?" Chris asked.

"Guy's worried about if there is going to be a war or not,"Will informed him.

"Who cares?" Chris shrugged, "It won't affect us. We are all in college."

Four days later Germany invaded Poland.

As an ally of Poland, Britain declared war on Germany.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

September 3, 1939

 

"Well there it is," Will said, staring at the headlines printed in bold letters.

"What?" Guy asked.

"There's your war you were so worried about."

"What happens now?" Guy asked.

"I don't know," Will said, honestly.

"We declared war on Germany. Doesn't that mean we all have to fight?"

"It will probably be just one of those things where Britain declared war as a means to scare Hitler.

Let's face it, no one is going to fight for Poland. What's in Poland?"

Guy had a very worried look on his face.

"Don't worry about it," Will told him, "It's all just alot of political talk."

"I hope you are right," Guy said.

"Do you still want to quit school and join the army?" Will asked.

Guy didn't answer.

He just kept staring at the newspaper headlines.

 

"Here, read this," Chris shoved a sheet of paper in front of Jonny.

"In a minute," he said, "I'm reading the paper."

"Why?" Chris asked.

"You know....the war..." Jonny said.

"Oh who cares," Chris said, "It will all be over in a few days."

"I don't know, "Jonny said, as he read, "Chamberlain seems serious this time."

"Yeah, yeah, just like he was before when Hitler invaded Austria. Nothing happened then either."

"You seem very nonchalant about all this," Jonny told him.

"I don't care about that stuff. I care about this," he pointed to the sheet of paper.

"What is it?" Jonny asked, picking it up.

"It's a new song," Chris said, "What do you think?"

Jonny lookedd it over for a few minutes.

"Sounds good," he said, "Now you just have to run it past Will."

"He will hate it," Chris said, flopping down on his bed.

"Maybe not," Jonny told him.

Chris said up.

"Come with me to show it to him and Guy," he said.

Jonny took a deep breath.

"Oh okay," he said, "I can read this paper later."

 

 

 

Blood and Stone

Chapter 3

 

 

December 1939

 

Will, Jonny and Chris were gathered in Will and Guy's room.

They were waiting for Guy to show up.

"I wish he would get here," Jonny said.

"Does anyone know what this is about?" Chris asked.

Will shook his head.

"He just said to meet him here and that he had big news."

Jonny sighed impatiently.

"I guess I can hand out the money while we wait," Chris said.

"That's a good idea," Will told him, "How much did we make?"

"Ah...these last four gigs....enough for one hundred dollars each."

"What does that come to in pounds?" Jonny asked.

"I don't know," Chris said, "The Army Air Force pays us in dollars when we play at their dances."

"I don't care how much it is," Will said, "Money is money.I never expected to get paid anything for playing music."

The door opened and Guy came in.

"Hey," he said, "What's up?"

"Where have you been and what is this big news?" Will asked.

Guy smiled, secretly.

"I'm not coming back to college after the holidays," he said, "I signed up for the army this morning."

There was nothing but stark silence in the room.

Finally, Chris said something.

"Why?" he asked, "Is school that bad? We graduate in a few months."

Guy shrugged.

"I'm not interested in school. It bores me. I want to do something exciting."

"But....it is dangerous. You do realize that? Right?" Will asked.

"Geez, Will. I am not stupid. Yes, I know. I could get hurt. I could get killed. But that's not likely."

"What about the band?" Jonny asked.

"I'll still be in the band," Guy said, "I probably won't even leave London. This war thing will be over in a month or two. Meanwhile, I will have a little adventure. And get to wear a cool uniform. Girls love guys in uniform."

"Only you would join the army to get girls," Will said, shaking his head.

"So when do you leave?" Chris asked.

"Tomorrow morning I take the first physical," Guy said, "They will let me know after that."

"What did your parents say?" Will asked, "They can't be too happy."

Guy looked down at the floor.

"I haven't told them yet," he said, "I figured I would just write them a letter after I'm already in training."

"So you are going to miss Christmas?" Jonny asked.

"I don't know," Guy said, "We'll see."

 

 

 

Blood and Stone

Chapter 4

 

 

 

March 1940

 

"I don't see him," Jonny said, impatiently, as he scanned the crowd of young men in uniform.

"He said he would be on this train," Will told him.

"Is that him?" Chris asked, pointing toward a person walking briskly toward them.

"I think so," Will said, "God, he looks different."

"Huh? What did I tell you?" Guy asked, turning a complete circle so that they could all see his uniform.

"It's cool," Jonny said, "I have to admit that."

"I really like the hat," Chris said, smiling.

"Was it hard? Basic training?" Will asked.

Guy lit a cigarette and took a deep drag on it.

"I got to learn how to shoot a gun," he said, "Which was great."

"But I also learned to get up at 5 am, which wasn't so great," he added.

"I heard they yell at you alot," Chris said.

"You just have to keep your mouth shut and do what they say," Guy told him, "So yeah..it would be hard for you."

"Screw you," Chris said, and then laughed.

"How's school?" Guy asked.

"Weird without you," Jonny said.

"I certainly don't miss it."

"We have a show this weekend," Chris told him, "Can you play with us?"

"Sure," Guy said, "That would be great. I do miss playing music with you losers."

"How long are you home for?" Will asked.

"I'm here for the duration," Guy said, "Just like I told you. I am stationed at a barracks just outside London."

"Good, so you'll always be around," Jonny said.

"Yep, I'm not that easy to get rid of," Guy said, laughing, "I'm starved. Let's get some non-Army food."

 

 

 

SPRING & WINTER

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

“Jonathan,” I said gladly, opening my arms. My friend laughed and reached forward, pulling my into a firm embrace.

 

“Christopher Anthony John Martin,” he drawled, looking me up and down. “The wealthy are now visiting my parish. I never thought I’d see the day. Do, come in!” He took me by the shoulder and led me into the small church. It was dark, as the day was rather cloudy, but the candles and open windows offered just enough light. “Thank you for the donation...this place really needs it,” he continued. “You have a kind heart...”

 

“I would rather the money go to you than me.”

 

“How long did it take you to get here?” Jonathan asked, obviously trying to change the subject. I put down the hymnal I was inspecting and gracefully shrugged my shoulders. I didn’t want him to know I’d spent hours on the back of my new mare, and that I could barely walk without wincing.

 

“Well, it takes a good amount of time.”

 

“I’m sure,” he muttered, still smiling. “So...how are things turning out for you, dear friend?”

 

“It’s...odd,” I admitted, sinking down onto a pew. I sighed, “It’s unbelievable. I can’t get used to it.”

 

Jonathan’s face fell a bit. “I thought for sure you would be happy.”

 

“Jonny,” I whispered, shaking my head. “It’s not the life I’m used to. I don’t like having people work for me like they do. It’s just not...”

 

“ ‘Jonny’...you haven’t called me that in years.”

 

“Boyhood habits die hard, I suppose,” I said absent-mindedly.

 

“ ‘Boyhood’...we are not that far removed from it, are we?” he mused.

 

“Do stop repeating everything I say,” I laughed. “And yes, I would think we are rather far removed from boyhood. You and I are rapidly approaching thirty.”

 

“And you still have not found a wife.”

 

“Perhaps I’m not meant for marriage. And what about you? Have you found a woman whom you wish to marry?”

 

As I turned to study his face, he blushed. “Well...”

 

“Oh! You have?” I all but cried, grinning broadly. “That’s wonderful! Tell me; who is she?”

 

“I never said anything,” he defended weakly.

 

“But your face did. Don’t try to deny it, my friend, I know you too well!” I pointed at him accusingly, and he looked distinctly uncomfortable.

 

“Do you remember Chloe?”

 

“From...”

 

“The farm next to ours?”

 

“Yes, I’d say so. The girl with straw for hair?”

 

“Chris!” he admonished.

 

“Forgive me,” I muttered. “But that is how I recall her. She’s the one you care for?”

 

“I love her,” Jonathan whispered. I felt my stomach flip and my heart practically burst with happiness.

 

“Oh, Jonathan...I am so happy for you!” I cried, shaking his hand ecstatically. “I can’t believe it; one of us has finally found his lady.”

 

“Christopher...” he said, hesitating. “She doesn’t know I have feelings for her. I doubt she feels the same way about me.”

 

“Don’t be ridiculous, dear Jonny. How could anyone be opposed to you?”

 

 

 

Blood and Stone

 

Chapter 5

 

 

May 1940

 

Jonny and Will were sitting in Will's room listening to the news on the radio.

Jonny was ocassionally plucking out a few notes on the guitar he was holding in his lap.

Will, was sitting with his arms crossed at the desk.

"It's official, then," Will said, "Chamberlain is out and Churchill is in."

"And Germany is moving toward the west. They seem to have invaded France," Jonny said.

"Things are changing fast," Will said.

Just then the door burst open and Guy came running in.

"You will never believe it," he said, "We are shipping out."

"What?" Will asked, standing up.

"Oh no," Jonny said, laying the guitar aside.

"Yeah, we just found out. We leave in a few hours."

"Where to?" Will asked.

Guy shrugged.

"They haven't told us. But I am guessing to France. That's where the Germans are."

"Are you scared?" Jonny asked.

"No, not really," Guy said, but then he said, "Yeah, I am."

Will and Jonny looked at their friend.

"It's going to be weird without you around," Will said.

"Don't get killed or anything," Jonny told him.

"Please," Guy said, recovering his composure, "I am just looking forward to meeting some little French girls."

"Chris is still in class,"Jonny told him, "Can you wait for a while so you can tell him goodbye?"

"No," Guy said, "I'm supposed to be packed and ready to leave soon."

The three of them looked at each other.

"Take care," Will said.

"Keep your big head down," Jonny said.

"I love you both," Guy said, "And Chris too. Will you tell him?"

"Sure," Will said.

"Okay. I'll write you as soon as I can," Guy told them.

"One last hug," Jonny said.

All three of them came together in a joint hug.

 

 

 

Blood and Stone

Chapter 6

 

 

Two Weeks Later

May 1940

 

"Did the mail come?" Chris asked, anxiously.

"There's no letter from Guy," Jonny told him.

"Damn," Chris said, "All we have had is that one postcard."

"I'm really worried," Jonny told him, "The news out of France is all bad. The Germans are running wild."

Chris looked at Jonny with a sad look.

"I'm sure Guy is fine. He will come out of this with a girl on each arm holding a bottle of vintage champagne."

"I hope you are right," Jonny said.

"We need to talk," Will said, walking into their room through the open door.

"We haven't heard from Guy," Chris offered.

"It isn't about that," Will said, "It's about what we are going to do after school."

"What about it?" Chris asked.

"We graduate in three days," Will said, "I have been thinking and I think we should all join the army."

"Why?" Chris asked.

"Well, let's face it," Will said, "Things are going badly. It won't be long before we are conscripted anyway. We might as well join now and maybe we could choose what we want to do."

Jonny looked at Chris.

"He has a point, you know,"Jonny said, "They might even let us stay together."

"Yeah, right," Chris said.

"I have decided that I am enlisting. I would like you guys to go with me, but if you don't want to that's fine too," Will told them.

"I'll go," Jonny said.

Chris looked at him in disbelief.

"Jonny...." he said.

"It's the best thing to do, Chris," Jonny told him.

"He's just scared," Will said.

"Hell yes, I am scared," Chris said, "And if you had any sense, you would be too."

"It's war, "Will said, "There is no getting around it. We either enlist, get conscripted or..or leave the country."

Chris tapped his fingers on the table.

"My mum will not like this," he said.

 

 

SPRING & WINTER

 

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

“I do believe, dear, that you should host a gathering.”

 

“A gathering? You mean like a party?” I asked, swallowing an ungentlemanly large mouthful of food. I glanced to my right, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw William make a face. I quickly wiped my mouth with a napkin and tried to sit a little straighter.

 

“Yes, Chris, a party,” my mother said, smiling ever so slightly. “What do you think? It would give you a chance to introduce yourself to our neighbors.”

 

“Neighbors?” I had only noticed two other houses on the way to ours, and I hadn’t thought about the fact that they were probably occupied. But still, it didn’t seem as if there were many ‘neighbors’ to invite. “How many neighbors do we have?” I asked tentatively, not wanting to sound stupid.

 

My mother tilted her head a bit, and I realized that she probably didn’t know either. “I’m not sure, but we need to establish our place here. People must know that we are different from the Martins who lived here previously.”

 

“I...suppose.”

 

“You don’t approve?”

 

“No, I’m sorry...I do. Excuse me, Miss?” I waved at a young woman, who happened to be holding the soup bowl. “Could I have some more of that, please?” I saw a ghost of a smile appear on her face before she hustled over and poured me some more broth. “Thank you.” The girl went away blushing and nearly tripped over her skirts.

 

I looked at William on purpose this time, and I saw him struggling not to smile. His attempt to hide his amusement forced a grin out of me, and my mum cleared her throat. “Chris, you should consider it.”

 

“I will, Mum. Don’t worry...we’ll have your party.”

 

“Your party,” she corrected.

 

I just nodded.

 

After dinner, I ran to catch up with William before he went back to the servants’ quarters. “Champion!” I called across the yard, shivering in the cool air. Everything was a dark shade of blue, and I could hear the nocturnal animals beginning to call to each other.

 

“Yes, sir?” he asked, standing still immediately.

 

“Do you know the people around here?”

 

“I’m not sure what you mean, sir.”

 

“Stop calling me ‘sir’!”

 

“I...” he seemed genuinely confused. “I do know most of the other families that live ‘round here. I could organize a list, and you could send someone out to deliver news to the houses.”

 

I nodded gratefully. “Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome, s...I mean...Mr. Martin.”

 

“Just call me Christopher.”

 

“I can’t,” he said quickly, frowning. “It’s not acceptable.”

 

“Oh...right,” I muttered dejectedly. “Goodnight, Mr. Champion.”

 

He nodded curtly and I turned to walk back into the house; into the warmth. Pushing him out of my head, I went to find my mother to tell her I would organize her ‘social gathering’.

 

 

 

I wasn't thinking about posting this one but the fact that the thread has been so calm lately made me change my mind. It's a one-shot. Enjoy!

 

In A Separate Sky

 

 

 

 

Chris entered the studio to see Jonny and Guy laughing as they sat on the couch with their guitars on their laps.

 

Will was standing on an armchair, his eyes concentrated on a magazine.

 

He had the worst news possible for them and they were happily unaware of it.

 

It had been six days since he went to the doctor. It had been six days since he talked to them.

 

He had been feeling tired and dizzy for quite a while but he blamed it on the effects of a long, grueling tour. He had the feeling something was wrong but he waited for it to pass. However, things were more complicated than that. His doctor ordered some exams and the results had come seven days ago.

 

Cancer. In its last stage.

 

Chris was unable to grasp the idea that he was basically sentenced to death. He had a very small chance of making it and he wasn’t really confident of overcoming what could be the most terrifying thing he could ever imagine. And it was happening to him.

 

He spent the last six days at home with his family. No one knew of his present medical situation and he still didn’t know what to do. And he didn’t have much time to decide.

 

“Hey, Chris!” Will said, noticing his arrival.

 

He was brought back to reality by the drummer’s voice. “Hey, guys!” He walked over to them, sitting on the arm of the couch, next to Jonny.

 

“What’s up with you?” Guy asked. “We haven’t seen or heard from you in days.”

 

“I…I was busy at home.” Chris answered.

 

“Okay, spare the details.” Jonny replied, playfully.

 

“Nothing like that.” Chris rolled his eyes but he was actually glad that something made him smile for the first time that week. “Just hanging with the family.”

 

“Oh, okay.” Jonny said, surprised at his tone. He wasn’t convinced by his friend’s attempt at smiling. He wasn’t convinced by his out-of-character serious tone. He was never serious when the four of them were hanging out. He would be the one to bring everyone out of any bad mood, not giving up until he saw the others laughing.

 

Chris stood up and went downstairs to play for a little bit.

 

His piano was the same way he left it, the sheets of lyrics were in the exact order he put them in, his bench on the same spot. But so much had changed since he had last been here.

 

He found out he had an untreatable cancer and he didn’t know what he was supposed to do now. He just felt incredibly lost.

 

“Hey!” Once again, Will’s voice startled him. “What are you doing down here? We have to talk about what we’re going to choose for the cover.”

 

Right. The cover for their next album.

 

“Oh, yeah. Sure. Let’s go.” Chris said, distractedly, going for the door that led to the stairs.

 

“Wait.” Chris felt Will’s hand on his shoulder, making him turn around. “Is everything alright with you? You look really pale.”

 

Chris felt the drummer’s stare making holes on his body. He avoided his gaze so as not to break under the pressure. He wasn’t ready to tell them. He knew he had to but he didn’t have the guts to do it so soon.

 

Suddenly, he felt his eyes getting moist against his will. Much to Will’s horror, he began to cry forcefully, his whole body trembling with each sob. He put his arms around Chris and tried to soothe him.

 

“Shhh, calm down.” Will whispered into his ear. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

 

The words came out fast and disorganized, after a long minute of silence.

 

“I have to tell you… but I don’t want to, really, I wished I could go back in time and do things differently…I would go sooner… I just don’t know if I can go on knowing what’s gonna happen.” Chris said, his face buried on Will’s shoulder and neck.

 

“What? What are you talking about, man?” Will asked, worriedly.

 

Chris stepped back and cleaned his face with his sleeves.

 

“I have cancer.”

 

For a moment, Will couldn’t breathe. He searched his friend’s face to see if he was serious and the look in his unique blue eyes told him Chris wasn’t joking. But, ironically, it seemed like a cruel joke destiny was playing on them.

 

“Oh my God!” Will whispered, his eyes widening in fear. “Oh my God, Chris!” He didn’t know what else to do except embrace his friend in a tight hug.

 

Jonny and Guy could hear the noises coming from downstairs and their own curiosity won over their respect for other people’s privacy. They entered the studio room on the lower floor, seeing Chris and Will crying beside the piano, hugging each other.

 

They looked at each other, shocked at what they were seeing. Chris would hug and cry, yes. But Will? Something was definitely wrong.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Looking back in retrospect, they could see the signs. The fragile condition he had been in for months, the fact that he was exceptionally sleepy and tired. Everything was in front of their eyes and none of them had seen it. They were his best friends and none of them had even thought something could be wrong with the singer.

 

This was what was going through the other three men’s heads as they approached the beach. Chris was already sprawled on the sand, fully clothed, watching the sun slowly setting. The horizon was adorned with a shade of pink and orange, contrasting with the blue of the sea and sky.

 

They looked at each other, deep frowns on their faces. This was supposed to be a happy day. It was meant to be a day of celebration. Instead, their spirits couldn’t be lower.

 

“Hey, Chris!” Jonny said, trying to sound cheerful but Chris knew him too well.

 

“Hi, guys! Come on, sit down.” Chris said touching the sand surrounding him, not getting up from his place, only opening his eyes to glance at the men standing above him.

 

They did as they were told, trying to take the solemn looks off their faces.

 

“I can’t believe Summer’s ending already.” Guy stated, dreamily.

 

“I can’t believe we didn’t even come to the beach these last three months.” Chris replied.

 

“There are more important things in life.” Will said, looking up at the sky. “We never get a decent tan anyway.”

 

“You certainly don’t.” Jonny agreed. “I can still remember what your head looked like the last time we came to the beach.”

 

All four of them laughed, remembering the incident. Will’s head was the definition of red for days afterwards.

 

Then the uneasiness set in once more. It was like a dark cloud was hovering above them everywhere they went.

 

“You know, I know this is not goodbye.” Chris said, his voice low yet certain. “I may not have to leave you but I’ll always be with you. You know that. I don’t know what will happen next or what your lives will be like in the future but you’ll be fine eventually. Just the three of you.”

 

Jonny couldn’t speak. The lump in his throat wouldn’t let him if he tried. He wasn’t ready to see his best friend die. He needed him; he knew it wasn’t fair, but he needed him to fight harder for him, to try to live a little bit longer.

 

Will looked at Chris, amazed to see peacefulness etched in Chris’s face. He was ready to go. As much as they weren’t, Chris was already willing to go. He knew the singer had been suffering and he wasn’t afraid of death anymore. He was only afraid of what would happen to his loved ones when he left.

 

Guy didn’t say anything. He put his head on Chris’s chest, laying closer to him on the sand. His cheeks were burning with the sensation of tears streaming down his face. The realization that he could feel Chris already vanishing from his life was too much to bear. He didn’t know how to deal with this kind of stuff, as much as he tried. He could feel Chris’s heart steadily beating in his chest. He wouldn’t be able to do that for much longer and he tried to savor every single thump until he felt nothing more.

 

The sun disappeared on the horizon and so did Chris.

 

 

 

Just wrote this one-shot, so if there's any kind of errors, I'm sorry!:P

 

Forever Young

 

 

 

 

 

I wasn’t used to the life I lived these days.

 

I have been getting more and more dependent and everyone around me has been worried about my health, as if I really cared about that. Normally, I would be, but not anymore, really. Not since I crossed that bridge and became an official problem to my family and friends, who I should add, are on the same page as me now.

 

I looked up from my book to see a lovely, beautiful woman in her forties, reminiscent of the woman I loved, staring down at me with a smile on her face.

 

I guess I should say my name is Chris and I am 70 years old, in case you’re wondering.

 

And the woman standing in front of me is my daughter.

 

I was resting at home and as soon as lunch time arrived, she came to take me out so that I could spend the afternoon with my grandkids. That’s something I definitely enjoyed, no matter what my mood was. I always had a great time with them. They were smart and sneaky, just like I liked to think I still was, even at this age. They kept me updated on everything and they knew they could talk to me with the guarantee of complete secrecy on my part. That was the deal.

 

Of course, the thing I loved the most was hearing them play their guitars. Luckily, they had my love for music, very much like their mother. She was a teacher but on her spare times, she would play piano for hours and hours, never getting tired of it. Like father, like daughter, it seemed.

 

And the best thing was when my son’s children joined in the mix. That’s right, I am a proud grandfather of five incredible people.

 

And this is what I talk about almost everyday with my friends. The conversations always stray to our delightful tales of our grandchildren’s lives.

 

I wasn’t the one with the most successors though. Will had seven, almost eight grandchildren; Jonny had three and Guy had two.

 

It was bizarre thinking that one day we would be like this.

 

So, back to what I was saying, my daughter is now in front of me with a smile on her face, telling me she has some news.

 

“We’re moving.” She said, hesitantly. “I know this is kind of upsetting, but I got that job in Manchester and we’re going to live there.”

 

“Oh.” I said, not sure of what my response should be. I was happy for her but this meant I would be away from my family. I know many people only see their relatives once or twice a year but I was near them for the majority of their lives. But I swallowed my sadness and embraced their joy. “That’s great, sweetie. Come here, give a hug to the old man.”

 

“We’ll visit every weekend and I already looked for a house near our new one, if you ever want to come live next to us or something.” She explained, as she put her arms around my shoulders.

 

She was the sweetest person I knew. And I was more than proud for all that she achieved so far. Now, she was leaving and, through my sadness, I felt relieved to see the world was changing and she was going with it, with her own family.

 

Unfortunately, I was on the same place I’ve been for the last years and I dedicated my time to writing, which was the one thing that kept me mentally sane and vibrant in my ‘mature’ state.

Just as she left my home, the phone rang and, looking at the caller ID, I could distinguish Will’s name. Thank God for my glasses.

 

“Hey, Champ! How are you?” I said, with a smile.

 

“Hi, I’m okay, but my back has been killing me lately. I shouldn’t have played football the other day. But my grandsons insisted.” He said, sighing. “I couldn’t say no.”

 

“Don’t lie to me. I know it was the other way around. Don’t try to fool me.” I said, shaking my head, even though he couldn’t see me.

 

“Fine, it was my fault. Don’t give me a lecture, I already had to explain myself to my daughters…”

 

I laughed at his words. “You never change.”

 

“Anyway, Guy called me and asked us to come to his house tomorrow for that rematch.” He told me, excitedly.

 

“Ohh, that’s great!” I replied. “Is he finally allowed to eat bad food?”

 

“I don’t think so. His daughter told him to keep on the diet the doctor put him in. So no beer, no greasy food, nothing. Or else, his cholesterol levels will go up again. His belly is already… big as it is, so he shouldn’t risk his health.” He said.

 

“Who would think he would be getting fatter and fatter as time went on?” I mused.

 

“Well, that seems to be no problem with the ladies. Remember the letters he got from the nursing home where we visited your college classmates?” He asked me.

 

“Ohh, yeah. Let me tell you one thing, fangirls are even pervier when they get old.” I admitted, amused.

 

“Absolutely.” He agreed. “Anyway, Jonny already said he’s going, he just needs to go to the supermarket to shop for some groceries.”

 

“Man, he’s always around the supermarket.” I thought out loud. “Why can’t he just buy everything he needs one single time like the rest of us?”

 

“You know he likes to go there smell the fresh fruit.” Will explained me for the millionth time.

 

“I know, I know, but wouldn’t it be easier if he just planted trees in his land or something like that?” I argued.

 

“Count me out of that subject. I don’t care.” He answered.

 

“Okay, so tomorrow afternoon, I’ll see you at Guy’s, right?” I asked.

 

“That’s right. Bye.” Will said, ending the call.

 

This was what my days were like. Writing, being with my friends, going to the park, walking around London, enjoying every single day. We weren’t used to being called old and we definitely weren’t used to being old.

 

But that was just because in our hearts we would be forever young.

 

 

 

Well, I'm back. The story's in a new font now.

 

 

Tell Me Your Secrets

Chapter 12

It all looked so... empty. I know that's not the most descriptive word, but what the hell. The seats were audience-less, which was a pretty depressive sight. The stage was naked, and the other roadies were starting to dress her up. Not me, though. I was dressing up the actual band. Tiff had been instructing through the whole drive to this stadium.

"Backstage, there's a closet with all the the bands' clothing," she told me. "Just hand some clean outfits to them when they come by. Be ready an hour before the show. Wash the dirty clothing while everyone else is cleaning up after the show. It's okay if the guys share clothing. Although avoid giving another band member Guy's clothing, he hates that."

Her voice ran through my head as I walked backstage, dragging two racks of clothes behind me. Pretty soon I found a door with the word CLOSET on it, and I lugged everything inside. One rack had Chris and Guy's clothing, another Jonny and Will's. Tiff dragged another rack behind me. This one was empty, a rack for dirty clothes. She set the rack next to mine, and left the room. She quickly popped her head back in the room.

"Remember everything I said?" she asked.

"Yeah," I mutter.

Tiff nodded, and walked away. I heard the squeak of new shoes on the floor, and Arlene opened the door, tossing me black shirt, and leaving. I took a good look at the shirt. It was about my size, with the word "CREW" in large white print on the front. I slipped it over my blouse, straightening it out afterwards. I peeked out the door, observing the bustling world outside. Everyone was carrying or dragging something, and directions were being shouted every which way. I turned to the racks, and got to work.

 

I took out a pair of pants and a scarf from Will's section. Then I got a white shirt. "42" was printed on it, in swooping letters- er, numbers. I straightened everything out, admiring its simple beauty. Jonny's outfit was similar, but with a lovely green shirt. I noticed a jacket in Chris' area. It was dark blue, worn out, and had patches of cloth all over it. And for some reason, I liked it. A lot. There was a similar jacket for Guy, but there was this (rather sexy, mind you) fold on the front. I hear the sound of running outside the door, and my stomach drops to my feet. To avoid letting my mind wander, I poked my head out of the room, to see a tall, blue eyed man with a field of curls on his head dashing towards me. Chris! And before I could move, THUMP!

I looked up at Chris. I was about half a foot shorter than him, so I really had to crane my neck. His face was a flushed pink, and his blue eyes were glowing with embarassment.

"Sorry," he stammered. "I didn't mean to crash into you!"

"I know, It's alright," I reply, stepping back. I handed him his clothing.

"If there's anything I can do-" Chris persisted.

"I'm fine," I interrupted, turning back.

"Oh," he murmured. "Okay." He left the room. I couldn't help feeling a bit guilty, even though it wasn't my fault. He seemed to be a sensitive fellow.

"Don't feel bad."

I whirled around. Guy stood in the doorway, chewing on a toothpick.

"Chris overreacts to everything," he continued. "He'll be over it in a few minutes."

"Good to know," I say, handing him his clothes. Guy smiled. God, he was gorgeous.

"Thanks," he mumbled. Soon, Jonny and Will came in., and I took care of them. After that, I sneaked out of the room. I'd never been to a concert before, and certainly not backstage. There was less chaos, the show was just waiting to begin. I find a good viewing spot, and I try to relax while I'm sandwiched between two old speakers. All of a sudden, everything's dark. Then a few sparklers light up. Chris, Will, Jonny, and Guy strut onto the stage. And the music plays.

 

heeeere are two chaptersss for youuu allllllll! :dance:

 

My Last Chance

 

Part 4

 

 

 

Love is a scary thing. I'd never been in love with anyone before, and the feeling was nothing short of terrifying and overwhelming. And I'd only been in love for a few hours. With every second that went by, my heart beat a sickening pace as the image of Jonny's bright smile pounded itself into my conscious. That beautiful smile, the one that could illuminate the entire universe, was killing me. I wanted so badly to be able to touch those lips, perhaps with my own, and to say that I belonged to him. But he was my best friend. What kind of person falls in love with their best friend?

 

And the sweaty palms. They weren't a problem at first, but as I stood waiting outside of Jonny's door the next morning, they quickly turned into one. Knuckles to wood, and within thirty seconds he'd be there. He, with that smashing smile and those ecstatic eyes, would open the door and greet me, and I would melt into a pile of gooey and sweaty human flesh. All metaphorical, but nonetheless frightenening. I gripped the jacket tightly in my hand, for fear that it would slip, and slightly unconsciously held it closer to my chest.

 

"Good morning, Chris!" Jonny chirped.

 

"Morning, Jonny. I, um, forget to give this back to you last night." I held out the jacket, and he immediately reached for it. "Sorry."

 

"Oh, it's not a problem. Do you want to come in? I'm just making coffee now, or I could make some tea if you like." Oh, dear. Accept? It might not be such a good idea to be around him so much while this is all new to me. Then again, free coffee and spending time with Jonny... very tempting.

 

"Coffee sounds nice, thanks," I smiled. The coffee was very nice indeed. I held the navy blue mug with both hands and took careful sips every now and then. Jonny was doing the same, seated at the opposite side of the table. We look very much like adults. Boring adults.

 

"So, what are we going to do today?" I asked in an attempt to liven things up.

 

"Hmm... I don't know," Jonny answered, quietly sipping his coffee. It was the first time in my life I had ever been jealous of a cup. It's a very strange feeling. "Oh, but we should go to that Italian restaurant for dinner, because they have the best baked ziti ever."

 

"Sounds good."

 

-----------

 

Later that night, we were sitting at a table located somewhere near the middle of the restaurant. There weren't so many people there, as it was a Tuesday night. Jonny was right, they did have the best baked ziti ever. I could only eat about half of what they gave me, though.

 

I was staring blankly across the room while Jonny was talking to me about something or other. It was probably quite rude for me to not be paying attention while he was telling me things, but I couldn't help it. All I could think about was what a mess I was in.

 

"Are you still alive, Chris?" Jonny asked, jerking me back to reality.

 

"Huh? Oh, I was just staring at that girl in the pink shirt over there," I quickly lied. He immediately turned around to see who I was talking about.

 

"Her? She's kinda hott, I guess. You should go talk to her."

 

"Nah, I'm good." Don't do it. Don't ask, you'll regret it. Do I listen to myself? Of course not. "But what about you? How's it going with that guy?"

 

"I'm not sure, actually. I've been talking to him more, right, but I don't know if anything has changed. Or, I don't know if he... you know."

 

"But you still like him?" Stop it! Stop asking these things!

 

"Oh, yes. Very much so."

 

"He should like you. What's not to like? Do you want me to speak to him for you?" WHAT THE HELL AM I SAYING?

 

"Uh, that might be a tad bit awkward."

 

"Nonsense." At this point, I was ready to slap myself as hard as I could. Maybe even harder.

 

"You're a great friend, you know that, Chris?" Friend. You're a great friend. Oh. "Even if sometimes you're not the smartest."

 

 

 

 

Part 5

 

 

 

If someone had come up to me ten years ago and told me that I would one day be in love with Jonny, I wouldn't have believed them. I'm not sure why, though, because looking back on everything, it was kinda obvious. Over the next week, I thought about almost every moment I had spent with Jonny ever. All the jokes we told, all the laughs we had, all the secrets we shared, everything. All of it pointed to this moment, but I was too blind to see it. Then I started to wonder if Jonny had been blind as well, or if he knew. I wanted him to know already, because then I wouldn't have to tell him, but I realized that he would have said something by now if he already knew.

 

I decided to tell him myself. So, one day when we were set to rehearse, I arrived a bit early to try to get a chance to talk to him. It took a lot of courage just to convince myself that telling him would be the right thing to do. Actually telling him was going to be nearly impossible. As I walked through the door that led me to him, I got this horrible sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was worse than any nervousness I'd ever felt before, even worse than when we were just starting out as a band and playing for small groups of people. Jonny's cheery, bright smile shining at me as I entered the room didn't help, either. But I smiled back and took the seat next to him.

 

"Jonny, I really need to talk to you about something."

 

"Go ahead."

 

"Um... this is not easy for me to say, but I... well, I'm in..."

 

"The mafia?" he joked. I looked up at him, and he immediately looked apologetic.

 

"Love. With you." His facial expression changed dramatically, but I was having trouble reading it. I guess he looked shocked, mostly. Naturally, I felt the need to apologize. "I'm sorry, Jonny. I know this complicates things, but I just thought you should know. But you like that other guy, anyway..."

 

"Yeah, it turns out that he's in love with me."

 

"Really? So you both like each other, then..."

 

"The funny thing is, though," he laughed, "he still doesn't know I like him."

 

"He doesn't?"

 

"No, and I keep dropping these, like, big hints, but he still doesn't seem to get it."

 

"How big are these hints?"

 

"I've talked to him about, well, him. Several times. Asked advice, told him how much I like him, told him that I've been dropping hints but he still doesn't get it..."

 

"You'd like someone that's that stupid?"

 

"Apparently."

 

"Maybe you should just actually tell him, then."

 

"I like you."

 

"Yeah, just like that. Then maybe he'll get it."

 

"Chris!" he yelled, burying his head in his hands.

 

"What?"

 

"Do you really not understand?" He grabbed my shoulders and pulled me so I was facing him, looking directly into his eyes. "I like you!"

 

Do you know what's worse than nervousness? Embarrassment. It's the worst feeling ever, and it takes every chance it gets to stab you all over. Then your face turns beet red, and you just want to hide. Hide, and slap yourself. I stood up and began to walk away, only stopping momentarily to say one last thing.

 

"Excuse me, I have to go in the other room and die of embarrassment now."

 

 

 

Champ

PART 2

 

 

 

 

"Guy! Have you got the bass?" Chris exclaimed, running between all the obstacles in the way in the room.

"Yep, I've got it!" Guy said, holding his guitar up.

"Where is Champ?" Jonny asked, as he sat down.

"He's just coming!" Chris said.

Will entered the room, holding his drums in his hands, it was a struggle.

"Set them up quickly, Champ! Jonny, give him some help, we need to set this all up in 5 minutes!" Chris exclaimed, putting a pen in his mouth as he moved a chair out the way.

Will, with the help of Jonny and Guy set down his drum kit. Two men entered the room. One of them began to talk.

"Hello Chris, Jonny, Guy and Will, I'm Adam Freeman" he said, smiling. "What are you going to show me today?"

"Well we would like to show you two songs, Brothers and Sisters and Bigger Stronger!" Chris said, forcing a smile, trying to hide his nerves.

"All right, i've got to go soon, so take it away!" Adam said, taking a seat along with the other man.

The band began to play. Adam decided to stop them half way through 'Bigger Stronger'.

 

"Can I stop you there, then?" Adam said, smiling. "Thank you, now could I speak to Chris in private? Please could you other three please leave the room for a few minutes!"

Guy, Will and Jonny complied. Guy and Jonny set down their guitars and Will took his drumsticks with him and the three of them exited the room.

"Chris!" Adam said.

"Mr Freeman" Chris replied, uneasy.

"That song you just played there, what was it?" Adam asked.

"Bigger Stronger" Chris replied.

"Ahh, okay, well it's good but not good enough, it's missing some texture I think, Some of the instrumentation is all wrong! Do you know what I am saying?" Adam exclaimed, shaking his head.

"I know exactly what you are saying!" Chris snapped, stood up and stormed out the room.

 

"What happened?" Jonny asked.

"It's not happening, now let's just get out of here!" Chris exclaimed, running down the stairs and out of the building. Guy, Jonny and Will followed.

"Chris! what exactly happened!" Will asked.

"You are what happened Will!" Chris shouted. Jonny approached Chris.

"What are you talking about, Chris?" Jonny asked.

"It's Will! It's the drummer, why the hell can't we have a half decent drummer?" Chris shouted, almost crying.

"Blame it on the drummer! Is that what it is?" Will asked, shaking his head, fighting back emotion.

"I want a record deal! Jonny want's a record deal! Guy want's a record deal, we can't do that with you!" Chris said, turning away.

"Well I want one aswell!" Will said, his voice now softer.

"Jonny" Chris said, turning back round. "Do you think we should get rid of Will?"

Will looked at Chris in horror at what he had asked.

Jonny shuffled forward, "I think it's for the best!"

Will bit his lip, knocking his fist against the wall.

"And you, Guy?" Chris asked.

Guy nodded.

"Well I don't need you either! Stuff you!" Will screamed, storming off, tears streaming down his face as he opened the door of his car and began to drive off into the night.

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 7

 

 

Mid June 1940

 

"A cook? Are they serious?" Chris asked, looking at his assignment sheet.

Will burst out laughing.

"Let me see," he said.

Chris handed the sheet to Will.

"What did you get, Jon?' he asked.

"Communications," Jonny answered, "I am going to be a radio operator."

"What about you Will?"

"I am going to be a mechanic," Will said, "On airplanes."

Chris' eyes widened.

"Cool," he said, "Why couldn't I get a great job like that?"

"Perhaps because even the army knows how clumsy you are," Will said, teasing him.

"At least we are all still together," Jonny said.

"Yeah, how lucky is that?" Chris said.

"I don't know," Will told him, "Not so lucky for me and Jonny if we have to eat what you cook."

"If only Guy had waited...he might be with us here too instead of somewhere in France," Chris said.

 

Guy was somewhere in France.

Right now he was more tired than he ever thought he could be.

He was also starving.

Their rations had run out days ago and he had been existing on chocolate bars and wine that some of the guys found stored in a cellar.

What he wouldn't give for a big thick steak and some milk.

For some reason he had been craving a large cold glass of milk.

From his position as a forward observer atop the church tower he could see for miles.

And all he could see was smoke and flames.

It seemed to him as if all of France was burning.

"Hey," someone called.

"What?" Guy asked, without turning around.

"The sargeant says we are leaving in fifteen minutes," the voice told him.

"Where in the hell are we going?" Guy yelled back.

There was nowhere for them to go. They were positioned with their backs to the beach already in this little town called Dunkirk.

"We are evacuating. Come on," the voice called back.

Guy stored his binoculars in their case that he wore around his neck.

He shouldered his rifle that seemed to weigh forty pounds and started down the staircase from the tower.

Just then a large shell from a German tank crashed into the tower right where he had been standing only moments before.

Guy ducked behind a wall for protection from shrapnel and falling debris.

Then he hurried down the stairs to join the others.

"Head to the beach," the sargeant told them, "We are supposed to be evacuated at dawn. Assuming we are still here by then."

 

 

 

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 8

 

 

August 1940

 

Guy woke up when Chris and Jonny jumped on his cot.

"Geez," Guy said, "Can't a guy get some sleep around here?"

"It's Saturday night," Jonny said, "Get up. We are meeting Will in half an hour."

"I'm too tired," Guy said, rolling over and pulling the pillow over his face.

"Why?" Chris asked, "We have a date to play a dance tonight. Remember?"

Guy took the pillow off his face.

"Shit I forgot," he said, "I was on guard duty all night and half the day."

"Well get up and get dressed," Jonny said.

Guy sat up and yawned and stretched.

"I hope I haven't forgotten how to play," he said, "It seems like it has been ages."

"It has been ages," Chris said, "And I have really missed it."

"Me too," Jonny told him.

Guy stood up and Chris saw the small scar on his arm that was left when he was nicked by a bullet during the evacuation.

"Hey, what was it like?" Chris asked.

They had never talked about it before.

"What?" Guy asked.

"Being in combat," Chris said, "Was it scary?"

Guy was buttoning his shirt.

"I don't know," he said, "You really don't have time to think if you are scared or not. You just sort of operate on instinct."

"The thing that most got to me was the smell," he added.

"The smell?" Jonny asked.

"Yeah," Guy said, tucking his shirt into his pants, "There's this weird smell left by all the exploding shells and falling buildings.

I never could get used to it. And I'll never forget it."

"That sounds awful," Jonny said.

"I just don't think about it," Guy said.

"Everyone says the battle was a disaster," Chris told him.

"Yeah, " Guy said, "At least I wasn't one of the ones captured."

All three of them were silent for a moment.

Chris and Jonny were thinking about how glad they were to have their friend back and safe.

"Come on," Chris finally said, "We don't want to keep Will waiting."

"That's for sure," Guy said, "He scares me more than any German army."

 

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 9

 

 

 

 

September 1940

 

 

"Come on Chris," Jonny was pulling on Chris shirt sleeve.

Chris was staring up at the spectacle above him.

The night sky was black...blacker than anything he had ever seen.

Ever since the Germans had begun their campaign of terror bombing all lights anywhere at night over Britain were turned out.

It was especially eerie around the cities like London.

And the complete absence of light also made it all the more thrilling to watch the red tracer bullets of the anti-aircraft fire.

"I'm not going to that damn shelter one more time," Chris said, "I want to watch."

Jonny shoved both hands into the pockets of his uniform trousers and nervously rattled the coins.

"I don't think that is such a good idea," he said, "We can get into a alot of trouble."

"Forget that," Chris said, pulling his cap down closer to his head, "Let's get over to the airfield. Will said we could watch with him."

Chris took off running across the wide grassy lawn of the barracks.

Jonny shook his head in disagreement, but followed him anyway.

They found Will in his usual spot....high on a ladder leaned over an aircraft engine.

He was mumbling something about the "damn superchargers."

"Hey Will," Chris yelled up to him.

"Hey," Will said, absentmindedly.

"You said we could watch the dogfights with you, right?"

"Yeah, just a minute," Will said, taking a rag from his pocket and wiping the engine oil from his hands.

"Is Guy coming?" Will asked.

Chris shook his head.

"His company is on manuevers again. They are somewhere out in the countryside scaring little old ladies and farm animals with their guns and tanks."

"Come over here," Will motioned, striding across the hanger.

On the other side of the hanger stood the aircraft control tower.

It wasn't in use at the time because most of the fighter aircraft were based out of another airfield.

The three of them climbed to the top of the tower and sat on the platform, dangling their legs off the side.

"Here comes one," Chris said, excitedly.

"Shit, look at those guys go after him," Jonny said.

"Like piranhas in a fish tank," Will agreed.

Suddenly they saw the enemy fighter plane catch fire on one wing.

It made a fantastic sight as it fell in slow motion to the earth and crashed in a huge fireball.

"Score one for the good guys," Chris said.

"That was pretty cool," Jonny agreed.

"That was a human being,"Will said, "Someone's son, maybe someone's father. We should not forget that."

They all sat in silence for a few moments.

"I'm just grateful it wasn't one of us," Jonny finally said.

 

 

It feels good to be back.

 

THE ADVENTURES OF CHRIS

AND JONNY .

Prologue

 

 

I was about to leave the studio when I decided to have a talk with Chris. We’d just finished a few long hours of editing and writing new songs. The night was pitch black, and thunder threatened to bring rain. When I found Chris, he was sitting silently in the kitchen, looking at some mysterious photos that I couldn’t make out and wildly scribbling at a piece of paper. “Chris?” I said, obviously startling him. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

 

Chris sloppily tried to shut his notebook and stuff the pictures inside at the same time. He smiled, frowned, and then smiled at me again. “Jon! No worries, you didn’t scare me. Just working on some new songs.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Mmmhm.”

 

I sat down across from him. “Can I see them.”

 

“No.”

 

“Why?”

 

“They’re not finished.”

 

“Okay.” Chris always lets me see unfinished songs.

 

The thunder screamed above us. Chris had been acting quite odd for about three months or so. All he did was scribble around in said notebook, write songs when they were needed, then sneak off somewhere every single night and not be back until late the next morning. For a while, I’d convinced myself that Chris was planning on going solo and hated him. And then, I used my brain. Chris isn’t that kind of person. We’ve been a band for twelve years. He’s the most loyal person I know.

 

That goes for this band and his marriage. So, I needed to figure out what these late night adventures were all about.

 

The room was filled with tension. Chris always got defensive when we talked to him about what he was hiding from us.

 

“Chris?” I said softly.

 

“Hm? Yeah, what? What is it?” Chris spat.

 

I twiddled my fingers. “Uhm. We need to talk about this.”

 

“About what?” He legitimately looked confused.

 

His blue eyes were pale, and contrasted severely with the bags hanging underneath them. He must’ve not been sleeping

 

Out with it, Jon! Out with it!

 

“You’re hanging around here for hours, scribbling in that little secret notebook of yours and then you’re out all night. You don’t sleep, you don’t eat. Chris, what the hell is going on? Are you planning to kill us or something because frankly, if you are, I’d like to know.” I took a step back to wait for his reaction.

 

When I first started to speak, he looked hurt. Then scared, then… cheerful. He busted out into laughter, lifting himself out of his chair. “Oh, Jon, come on. Kill you? That’s a good laugh.”

 

“Then what is it?” I said defensively. “What have you been doing this whole time?”

 

Chris smiled brightly and picked up that notebook that I began to despise. "Jonathan." He panted. "I think you should come with me.

 

 

Stuck In A Moment

Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

Guy's POV

 

 

“Hi! I came here for my 11 o’clock appointment with Dr. Harrington.”

 

“Hello, Mr. Berryman! Dr. Harrington will see you in 5 minutes. Please take a seat.” The lovely receptionist told me in a sing-song voice I got used to these days.

 

I sat in a cold, uncomfortable chair and picked up a fashion magazine among many others piled on a small table beside me. I flipped through the pages, not concentrating on anything in particular. I just wanted to get my mind wandering, so that it wouldn’t focus on anything. So that I could forget things for a little while. That way I would be okay.

 

I had tried really hard to deal with my depression on my own. I really had. But there was no use. I had to reach the bottom to understand I needed help. I hit rock bottom before turning to the only people I trust. My friends. Even then, it wasn’t as easy as it sounded. I had lied, I had said I was fine and coping with everything, just so they could stop worrying about me and my latest problems. They had their own lives, they should be focused on that, not on my pathetic life. However, I got stuck in a haze of hurt and sadness that eventually led me to a place where suicide became an irresistible option. The only one, actually.

 

I still remember the day when everything finally changed and fell apart.

 

 

I was at the beach. The stars were shining and sparkling while the full moon stood above me, its reflection on the cold water ahead. The captivating, mysterious sea never ceased to amaze me. In fact, for me there is nothing or no one so undecipherable and enticing like the sea with its unexpected waves and unforgiving tides.

 

I breathed in, closing my eyes to savor the saltiness in the air. It was ironic that I came to end his life in the same place where I had the most beautiful memories. I was planning on leaving this world with everything I loved on my mind. I was clinging to those memories so that my reasons for killing myself wouldn’t surface and further destroy me but they did, inevitably.

 

Exactly four months before, my parents and I headed to my brother’s house. Since it was a long drive, we had enjoyed the trip, stopping in a few cities along the way, in the morning. I still have pictures I took that foggy day. The roads and the sky were covered in a light mist in which the tall trees stood out in their majesty.

 

We were in a particular curvy part of the drive and I was in the backseat looking out the window, barely listening to my parents’ conversation. I knew they were talking about my brother’s new home but beyond that, I have no idea.

 

And then, in a matter of minutes, everything was destroyed. It was all so stupid, really.

 

A dog ran in front of the car, causing my dad to turn sharply so as not to hit the animal. Meanwhile, another car was forced to do the same. The last thing I remember is seeing two bright lights shining in front of me, while my mother screamed in a desperate manner.

 

It was the last time I heard her delicate voice. But I wanted to hear it again. As soon as possible, in a place where I would never have to face the idea of never hearing it again.

 

Everything ached. The emotional pain had long been embraced by the physical one. And looking down at the ocean brought me an odd sense of relief. I was scared but the deep blue water, as violent as ever, seemed to be the perfect way to end his pain. To put an end to my misery.

 

 

 

 

Stuck In A Moment

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

But somehow, I wasn’t able to go through with it. I had entered the water and just when it touched my chest, I felt as broken as I had no idea I could be. Instead of keep going, instead of getting lost in that haze I was stuck in, I felt the urge of running away from the nightmare I was in. I wasn’t over with life at that moment. As much as I wanted it to be easier, as much as I was confused and hurt, I wanted to fight.

 

I got out of the water and sat on the sand, looking down at my trembling, white hands.

 

I never imagined I would have to say goodbye to my parents so soon. Truth be told, I had the silly idea that they would live longer than me. However, life and death played their cards and it seemed like my parents were the ones to lose. I still couldn’t understand how I had survived.

 

I had lost too much blood when the ambulance came to rescue us and I had multiple injuries from head to toe. But I made it. With nothing but a severe depression.

 

I wouldn’t eat. I wouldn’t sleep. I had to be with someone at all times. Basically, Will, Jonny and Chris had to babysit me, each one a week.

 

After those 3 weeks, I came back to my house. But the phone wouldn’t stop ringing. They were too worried about me to leave me alone even though I wanted them to, asked them to, in fact.

 

They were very different when it came to looking after me at their homes.

 

Chris would be all over me, only leaving when Gwyneth was with me. He would even ask for his daughter to bring him chocolate when we were watching TV just so that he wouldn’t have to leave the room. He was sweet though. I knew he was just trying to help and his usual quirky self would bring me out of my constant misery.

 

Jonny was patient and understanding. He would do everything he could to leave me be and have an eye on me at the same time. He would take me out to the park and one night he brought me to a pub near his home. He thought a beer or two would cheer me up. It didn’t. Simply because I couldn’t drink, it made me nauseous and I asked him to leave. We stopped to get waffles instead. The whole week he tried to force me to eat and sleep but I could only fulfill his first request.

 

Will was another story. He didn’t talk. He would avoid me as much as possible and his kids wouldn’t come near me; he would always tell them to go to their room to play and dinner time was the only period of the day we would be together. I had thought he was mad at me at first, then I realized it was his way of letting me be, of letting me cope, of letting me grieve. Maybe because Will knew what it was like to lose a parent, I felt more comfortable with him. He didn’t have to try to comfort me, he knew it wasn’t possible.

 

After those weeks, I was mostly at home by myself. There was no point in going out and truth is I didn’t even like the idea of being with people, except Chris, Jonny and Will.

 

When the doorbell rang one day, I was tempted to let it ring until the person gave up but it seemed like persistence was a characteristic of the visitor because ten minutes later, the offensive noise was still echoing around my home.

 

I was still in my pajamas and it was 3 in the afternoon. I made my way to the door, with my head pounding and my eyes red from the lack of sleep. I opened the large door to reveal my daughter with her little umbrella open even though the day was as shiny and bright as it could be.

 

She was, without a doubt, the most unpredictable person I knew. And she was also the only one who could put a smile on his face for the first time in months without even trying.

 

For a second, I felt like grabbing her and running away to escape this hell he was living in but as soon as the thought came it went as I looked up to see her mother.

 

“Hi, Guy!” She said, breezily, giving me a light kiss on the cheek. She was in a hurry, I could see, and then I became aware that there was a car waiting for her. Oh, that’s right, her new boyfriend.

 

I didn’t hear a word she said to me as she was leaving. Probably, “See ya” or “Take care”. I just looked ahead at the car, following its route until it disappeared from my sight.

 

I closed the door and went to look for the little brown-haired girl that was loudly singing something Chris had taught her the weekend we spent at his house. She was in my room, in front of the mirror using a remote control as a microphone. I couldn’t help but grin and, unknowingly, tears made their way down my face, until they reached my generous stubble.

 

I had never felt so deeply the sensation of love and pride swelling in my heart and the thought that I could lose her at some point, it scared me. On the other hand, she gave my life a true meaning; she made my life worthwhile living.

 

I remember telling her the news of my accident and that her grandparents were gone. She went quiet, then put her arms around my neck and whispered in my ear.

 

“Don’t leave, daddy.”

 

I can still feel the shock I experienced that day.

 

 

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 10

 

 

 

April 1941

 

"Chris, this food is worse than your usual cooking," Jonny told him, as he looked at the shapeless lumps that Chris had spooned onto his plate.

"It's all we have," Chris said, "You know how bad the situation is. No one has much to eat."

"Well the Lend-Lease deal has passed," Will said, "Things should be easier then."

"What exactly is this plan?" Guy asked.

Will laughed.

"It's the Americans, again. They are sending us supplies and we lend them access to our bases."

"Why in the hell should we do that?" Guy asked.

"Because they want to get involved in this war, but it isn't going to win public opinion. So this is the way they get involved."

"That is kind of like blackmail," Guy said.

"Nah, it is just the way that politics works," Chris said, sitting down to join them.

"Are you finished with your shift?" Jonny asked him.

"Yes," Chris said, "Thank God. I have to take a shower."

"Before you go," Guy said, "There is something I want to tell all of you."

Chris took a deep breath.

"What is it now?" he asked.

"I've joined the paratroopers," Guy informed them, casually.

Will's eyes flew open.

Jonny stared at him.

Chris just put his head down on the table.

"Why?" Jonny finally asked.

Guy shrugged.

"Lots more money and it just sounded like a cool job. No more of that marching infantry for me. Plus, I get a pair of those tall shiny jump boots."

"As much as I hate being a cook, I would rather do that than jump out of an airplane," Chris told him.

"I hear that the paratroopers are an elite unit," Will said.

"You should join with me," Guy suggested.

"Ah..no way," Will said, picking up his cap, "I love working on these planes. And with the new deal with America we will be getting all kinds of planes I have never seen before---and all new and shiny."

Chris lifted his head off the table and looked at Will.

"You sound like a kid at Christmas with new toys," he told him.

Will laughed and rubbed his hands together.

"This kid better get to work. I have to check over 124 planes before tomorrow morning's bombing run," he said.

 

 

 

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 11

 

 

 

June 1941

 

"This dance is the best one we have ever played," Chris said, excitedly, jumping around.

"Yeah, these American aircrews really know how to throw a party," Guy agreed, looking around the hanger.

It was brightly decorated with thousands of yards of red, white and blue streamers and about a thousand of the like colored balloons.

"I see that Jonny and Will are already flirting with those USO girls," Chris told him.

"Yeah." Guy laughed, "I guess they are hoping to have better with the American females than with the British ones."

"Let's get a beer before our break is over," Chris told him.

They were leaning against the makeshift bar, slowly nursing their bottles of American beer when a man in uniform stepped up to the microphone.

"Excuse me," he said, tapping the microphone to get the crowd's attention.

Gradually the loud babble of voices died away.

"I have news," the speaker said, dramatically.

There was total silence as if everyone in the hanger held their breath at the same time.

The last time this happened less than a month ago, it was to report good news.

That the British had caught and sunk Hitler's super battleship, The Bismarck.

This time the news was not so good.

"We have a report from Moscow," the speaker went on, "Russia has been invaded by elements of the German Army."

No one spoke.

No one moved.

"Shit," Guy said quietly, "This war really is going to be worldwide."

Chris looked at Guy.

"Let's find the others," he said.

They met Will and Jonny half-way across the hangar.

Each one had a girl in tow.

Jonny had a pretty blonde in a USO uniform.

Will had a redhead dressed in the uniform of a Womens' Army Corps (WAC) officer.

"Did you hear that?" Will asked them.

"All that is left is for the Americans to hop in and join the fight," Jonny said.

Will shook his head.

"That will never happen," he said.

"Not even after this? Russia?" Guy asked.

"No way, American public opinion is still too powerful. The general public would never support this war. Not so soon after the last one."

"Then we are screwed," Chris said, "We lose either way."

 

 

THE ADVENTURES OF CHRIS

AND JONNY .

Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

There was a soaking rain falling to the dark, grim streets of London when we left. I could barely see Chris’s face as we walked down the road together, turned left, turned right then got to some sort of apartment complex. “Jon,” Chris turned around, beads of rain dripping off his lips as he talked. “I haven’t been completely honest with you guys.”

 

“The hell you haven’t.” I chuckled, finding it somewhat comical. “Is this where you come at night? Are you cheating on Gwyn?”

 

Chris let out a howl of laughter, grabbed my arm and led me into the apartment. They were grim, colored in brown and gray paints with almost a dirt path leading you to your destination. We got to a big, oak door with a brass “42” hanging on the front. Chris stopped again, and I was starting to get the feeling he was going to murder me.

 

“Jon.” Chris panted. “I’m a detective.”

 

I stared at him, motionless. Was this some sort of stupid joke or prank? A detective? Chris can’t find his keys in the morning. When I started to laugh, and Chris didn’t laugh along, I knew this wasn’t some sort of joke. “A….uh. Really?”

 

He nodded frantically. “I don’t work for the police or anything. I’m a private detective, and people come to me to solve eery stories and crimes.”

 

“Crimes? What crimes?”

 

“Uh, murder is a popular one.”

 

My eyes all most fell off my head. This was too weird to be true. “This is too weird to be true!” I repeated out loud.

 

He turned the rusty doorknob and the door began to open. Inside, things were pitch black until I found an old candle burning in the center of the room on some sort of table or countertop. The thunder was screaming outside, lightning bolting across the sky started to give me a feel of what this place looked like. It was tiny and grim, just like all the other rooms in this place. “Sorry,” Chris said. “this place doesn’t have electricity.”

 

“Do you have a fireplace?” I shivered. “It’s freezing in here.”

 

Chris’s shadow crossed passed me, I heard him shuffle some things around in the pure darkness, finally, the fire started to glow. It was some sort of home and laboratory turned into one. I was stunned. My best friend had been keeping this all secret for months and I didn’t have a clue. “W… what do you do with this all?”

 

“Solve crimes.” Chris replied, hanging his jacket on a log – turned coat holder. “Jon, I know this is a lot to take in but I promise, I was planning on telling you.”

 

“Oh really?” I laughed snottily. “That’s hard to believe.”

 

“I want you to join me.”

 

I turned around to see Chris’s blue eyes glowing from the small amount of light in the room. “Hm? What’s that?”

 

“Join me. I can’t do this all on my own! I’ve tried and, you know something? Criminals are actually more trusting when you have a “friend” with you. They think you’re up to something when you’re alone.”

 

“You’ve been meeting with criminals?”

 

Chris frowned. “No?”

 

I guess it kind’ve did make sense. Ever since we were kids people had been coming to Chris for advice when they lose things, like car keys or even a lost family member. He was great at it, too. I remember in college when my dad died he actually ‘guessed’ that it was a heart attack. That never really left my memory, but I had no reason to think Chris was actually a genius detective and singer.

 

Join him? Me, a detective? I can’t see it. “What, would we be dressing up like Sherlock Holmes, running around London to try to solve the eeriest of cases?”

 

Chris sat down next to me at the table with a sigh. “We can dress up if you want to!”

 

I rolled my eyes. “Wow. This is insane.”

 

“It’s actually really fun. Here, look at this.”

 

Chris disappeared into another room for a minute or two, then came back with a giant metal contraption. “This,” he said, tapping the top. “is how I figure out if blood is old or new?”

 

“Blood?” I gulped.

 

He obviously didn’t see how queasy that word had made me. “Yes, blood!” This amazing contraption can actually give me how many years blood has been where it’s been. It’s pretty brilliant.”

 

“You know, police have that kind of stuff.”

 

Chris stomped back into the other room. “The police can’t do their jobs!” He yelled. “I’ve actually outsmarted the police in my last four cases.”

 

“So… when did you get into all this science stuff?”

 

“College.” He walked towards the window where the rain was dancing. “I took a course in biochemistry and loved it. Was the best in the class.”

 

Chris leaned over the table so that our faces were just inches apart. “Jon. Will you join me?” I can’t do this alone.”

 

Before I could answer, there were some loud footsteps climbing the stairs, then walking towards our door. Suddenly, someone knocked. Chris told them to come in, and I got on the defensive. The middle of a stormy night in a worn out apartment with no electricity… it’s like every horror novel you’ve ever read.

 

A silhouette appeared before us. He was a tall, thin man with slicked back hair and a ragged, worn baseball t shirt thrown over his body. “Mr Martin! You must come! Daniel Smalls has just been found dead at the quarry!”

 

He was panting and sweating, like he’d been running from the river to here. It took me a few seconds to realize Chris was giving me a sarcastic look, waiting for my answer still.

 

“After you, Mr. Holmes. I mean Martin, sorry.” I joked.

 

 

Blood & Stone

Chapter 12

 

 

 

December 7, 1941

 

"I still can't believe it," Will said, shaking his head, "What in the hell do the Japanese have to gain from bombing Pearl Harbor?"

"It just proves you don't know as much as you thought you did," Chris told him.

"Shut up, Chris," Guy said.

"What's eating you?" Chris asked.

"What's eating me?" Guy asked, staring at him, "Oh I don't know....maybe it is just that now that the Americans are going to be in this war....the damn thing will never be over."

"And..." Chris asked, "You were the one who wanted adventure."

"I am also the one that wants to get back to playing music like we used to. I am afraid the music is going to get lost in all this war shit."

"But Chris is still writing songs," Jonny told him, "And we still play at dances."

Guy shifted in his seat and lit a cigarette.

"I know, but that feels like part-time. I want it to be full-time."

Chris slapped himself on the forehead.

"I almost forgot to tell you guys, with all this news of the Japanese and all....guess who is coming here to this very base.....next week....to play a show?"

"We don't have time for your damn guessing games, Chris," Will told him, "I have to get back to the flight line. There is a leaky engine on a B-17 that has my name on it."

"Okay, fine," Chris said, sounding a bit disappointed.

"It's Glenn Miller and his Band."

Guy sat up straight.

Jonny's eyes grew wide.

Will pursed his lips.

"Seriously?" Guy asked.

"Yep," Chris said, smiling, "And I am sure we will get to meet him. Maybe even talk to him a little about music."

"Glenn Miller.......that could really open some doors for us..." Will said, almost as if to himself.

"Open doors?" Chris said, "That could open the roof for us if we could get him to listen to us play."

"Well shit, we have to practice. Alot," Guy said.

"And we will..." Jonny said, "If we intend to impress the most popular musician alive today."

"I'll come up with a regular rehearsal schedule," Chris said, "This war can't last forever and when it does end we need to be ready."

"Agreed," the others said in unison.

 

 

Stuck In A Moment

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

 

For a long time, I didn’t talk. I didn’t tell anybody what was going on with me. I wanted to, but for some reason I didn’t have the courage to start a conversation and basically say what was on my mind.

 

Chris made an effort to make me talk but I would just open my mouth and close it again, not knowing how to communicate. Eventually, he didn’t push the issue anymore and people thought I had dealt with my problems regarding the accident.

 

I hadn’t, though, and the only option was talking, which made me more nervous because I knew I had to see a professional. I was relieved because this kind of step meant I was doing some progress, even if my mind was all fucked up.

 

Dr. Harrington was a friend of Will’s from college.

 

When I asked for his number, Will looked at me for a long moment and then when he as about to write down the number, he confronted me.

 

“Are you going to tell me first?” He asked, his eyes never wavering from mine.

 

“Tell you what?” I was confused at first. Then I realized he wanted to know what happened to trigger that choice, to make me want to see a psychologist. He didn’t answer me and I decided to sit down in the couch near me.

 

We were alone at the studio and the rain outside didn’t stop. It was almost midnight and I had already made the bed to sleep. There was no way I was going out the door with that pouring rain.

 

“I… I reached a point where I…” I tried to say in a soft manner but soon realized brutal honesty was the best way to do this. “I wanted to kill myself.”

 

Will gasped, his face contorting in sadness. “Guy…”

 

“It’s not like I planned to be like this, it just developed into this.” I explained. “I still see my mom and dad before the collision and I want it to go away. That’s not how I want to live.”

 

I looked down at my hands and gathered my thoughts.

 

“I would give anything to be stronger and get over this but I can’t seem to do that, so my option right now is going to someone who can help me deal with this.”

 

“Okay, I understand that. But what about us?” Will asked.

 

“I tried but I can’t talk to you guys about this. It’s not your fault, it’s just my inability to talk. I guess I’m also too ashamed to talk.” I added, ruefully.

 

“Ashamed? Why?” Will sounded surprised.

 

“Because I am here and my parents aren’t. Knowing that your parents are gone is horrible, but knowing you survived the same situation unharmed?” I asked, shaking my head, trying to control my emotions. “I can’t look at my brother without feeling like I killed our parents.”

 

Will didn’t say anything; he was processing what I was saying to him with a serious expression on his face.

 

“Can you give me the number?” I firmly asked.

 

“But-” Will began.

 

“Can you give me the number or not?” I asked, not looking at his face. I didn’t want to have that conversation. I knew what he was going to say and he would be right but I still wouldn’t really believe him. I became so messed up…

 

“Sure.” He relented, scribbling on a piece of paper. “He’s really good, so…”

 

“Okay, thanks.” I said, awkwardly.

 

“You’re gonna sleep here?” Will asked, looking at the bed they had purchased for no good reason besides hypothetical emergencies, and seeing it was half open, the deep blue, cotton sheets and pillows neatly arranged.

 

“Yeah, the weather is no good and I’m not risking going out in this rain. What about you? You shouldn’t go.” I said.

 

“I guess I shouldn’t drive home in this kind of condition…” He admitted, looking out the window, multiple raindrops running down the glassy surface.

 

“Yeah.” I agreed. “Stay here, you can take the bed, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

 

“No, I’ll take the couch, the bed’s for you.” He said.

 

“No offense, I’m the only one that can fit in that one, when it comes to laying down.” I insisted.

 

Will hesitated for a moment, then he nodded in agreement.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

It was three in the morning and I still couldn’t sleep. Judging by his tossing and turning, I could say Will was as awake as I was.

 

“Fuck.” He muttered, annoyed. He threw the covers away from his body and put his feet on the cold wooden floor, his hands on either side of his body, grasping the mattress. I pretended I was sleeping and looked from the corner of my eye, watching what he was doing.

 

He went to the window, watching the rain fall violently on the street, his hands on his hips. He stayed there for a while until he turned to me.

 

I immediately closed my left eye completely. I could hear his footsteps coming in my direction and I felt my heart thump louder, although I couldn’t explain why. Probably because I felt like a kid being caught doing something wrong.

 

He knelt down in front of me, I could hear, and put his hand on my hair. I felt a familiar lump form in my throat and when he moved his hand through my head, I had to fight against the desire to cry.

 

He did exactly what my dad did whenever I was sick.

 

“Please get better.” He whispered, with a sigh. “Please get better soon, Guy.”

 

He stroked my hair one more time, then he stood up and went over to the bed and flopped down on it, falling asleep five minutes later.

 

However, I couldn’t sleep and I predicted I wouldn’t be doing that soon.

 

I made sure Will was deeply sleeping before getting up and leaving the studio. I left a note so that he wouldn’t get worried and went out the door.

 

Walking around the city at 4 in the morning was the most peaceful thing ever. Especially on a rainy day. I took my time and breathed in deeply and admired everything London had to offer me. The trees, the cool air, the beautiful buildings.

 

It was then that I realized how much I still had in my life worth living for, worth fighting for. I had my daughter, my friends, everything that surrounded me. I took life for granted before all this mess started and I learned to appreciate it more than ever. I realized how I underestimated so many good things that now made me feel there was a point in living and suffering and loving.

 

This meant I still had to endure the pain that entered my system so deeply that I don’t think will ever truly leave me.

 

 

 

 

Collateral Damage

 

Chapter 1

 

 

Chris woke up when he heard the sirens.

They seemed to get louder and louder.

Then they were screaming in his ears and pounding in his head.

He shook his head and tried to clear it.

Everything seemed fuzzy.

He was having a hard time catching his breath.

"Damn, Guy must be smoking in here again" he thought.

Suddenly, he felt two strong arms pulling on him.

He fought back with all his strength.

Then the arms scooped him up and he was being carried away.

He flailed around as best he could, but still could not get away.

"What a fucking crazy dream," he said to himself.

Then he felt cold air and his body started to shiver.

There were shadows figures moving all around him.

One of them pushed something wet and cold against his face.

He struggled and clawed to get the thing off him.

He was being smothered to death by some alien creature!!

He tried to scream or yell but nothing came out.

He tried to call out for Jonny.

Jonny would help him get rid of this creature!!

"Jonny!" he finally gasped out, "Where are you?"

Like magic, as always, Jonny appeared by Chris' side.

Chris grabbed him and stared at him with big eyes.

"Wake me up, Jon!!" Chris pleaded.

Jonny leaned forward and picked Chris up off the ground.

"You are okay," Jonny told him.

Chris pointed at the thing that was glued to his face.

"Get this off me!" he yelled.

Jonny eased the offending thing from Chris' mouth and nose.

Then Chris smelled the smoke.

"What's happening?" he asked Jonny.

Jonny looked at him with sadness and pity.

"Fire," he said, simply.

"What?" Chris was completely confused.

"The studio is on fire," Jonny said.

Chris turned around quickly.

Flames were shooting out the windows and the roof of the building.

"Where are Guy and Will?" Chris asked.

Jonny didn't say anything.

"Where are they?" Chris screamed.

"I don't know," Jonny said, quietly, "No one has seen them."

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

Chris started running toward the burning building.

Jonny followed, screaming his name.

"Chris!!! Stop!!!"

Jonny caught just the ends of Chris fingers and tried to pull him back.

Just then he tripped over one of the fire hoses and he lost his grip on Chris.

However his yelling caught the attention of the firemen.

Two of the yellow-clad rescuers grabbed Chris and held him back.

Chris was biting, scratching and kicking at them to let him go.

"My friends!!! They are in there!!" Chris kept yelling.

"What?" the fireman asked.

It was impossible to hear clearly over the tumult of sounds.

"Our friends are still in there," Jonny told them.

The firemen looked at each other.

"Keep him here," they told Jonny, releasing their iron grip on Chris' arms into Jonny's protective custody.

Chris and Jonny watched as the firemen slipped oxygen masks over their faces and ran toward the building.

And emergency medical technician tried slipping a blanket over Chris slender shoulders but he brushed it away.

The building was hardly anything now but a free-standing skeleton.

The firemen stopped at the entrance and looked around.

They knew that the chances of anyone being alive in the conflagration were almost non-existent.

But they knew they had to try.

Chris and Jonny watched as the two firemen bravely ducked into the mass of flames.

"Jonny," Chris said, "Please tell me that Guy and Will are okay."

Jonny just looked at his friend and didn't answer.

"Jonny?" Chris asked.

In the semi-glow from the fire, Chris could tell that Jonny was crying.

"No.....no....no," Chris said, shaking his head.

Jonny turned to Chris and silently put his arms around him.

Tears began to fall down his cheeks.

They both looked up as a loud crashing sound announced that the front of the building had collapsed.

Around them all the other firemen and emergency workers were standing still.

All they could do now was watch.

Chris looked at them in disbelief.

"Do something!!!" he screamed.

Jonny grabbed Chris' face with both hands and held it still.

"They are gone," he said, in a shaking voice, "Will and Guy are gone."