Okay, so this is the last one! I hope you like it! This one is for Dianna (jknc) :)

 

Don't Panic

 

Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

Will’s POV

 

 

“No.”

 

“What about a visit to that exhibit you wanted to check out?”

 

“No.”

 

“The library?”

 

“No.”

 

It was times like these when I was sure Guy was the ultimate definition of stubborn. He would give me “yes” or “no” answers and basically shut me out. It was also times like these when I was sure it was just a matter of pushing me too far to slap him across the face.

 

“The park?” I asked, tiredly resting my head on my hand.

 

He stayed silent, getting up from the couch and heading in the door’s direction. I simply watched, not knowing what I had done this time.

 

He looked back at me, his face showing a softened expression.

 

“Are you coming?” He half-smiled.

 

“Right behind you.”

 

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

 

We walked quietly until Guy suddenly stopped.

 

“What am I to you?” He asked me.

 

“What? What do you mean?” I was confused. What the hell did that mean?

 

“If you had to explain our relationship, what would you say I am to you?” He elaborated.

 

I was looking at him as if he had two heads. “Where the hell did that come from? What’s going on in that tiny skull of yours?”

 

“Forget it.” He walked off towards a bench, sitting down, defeated.

 

“Are you gonna force me to annoy till you decide to tell me what’s going through your mind? Cause I’ve learned from the best. Chris!” I tried to persuade him.

 

“It’s just that this whole thing made me realize I can’t even help you the right way. I tried and you didn’t want me near you when you needed someone the most. And… I… I always thought you were my best friend. And I also thought you felt the same way. That’s how pathetic I am, huh?” He sighed.

 

I smiled in spite of myself. It sounded so cheesy but it was really nice hearing someone say they considered you their best friend.

 

“You are.”

 

He looked at me from the corner of his eye. “I don’t want your pity.”

 

“It’s not pity. I’m not that kind of person and you know that.” I said.

 

“True.” He mumbled. “But I don’t want you to say that just because I said that.”

 

“I’m not.” I said, truthfully.

 

“Well, in that case, I’m kind of worried. We’re supposed to have each other’s back and help each other. And you didn’t let me do that… I… I feel like we should know these things about each other. But we don’t.”

 

“That’s your problem. You think too much.” I told him. “No one knows me better than you and my wife. And I don’t expect you to know what to do in these situations. I don’t know either and it’s okay. You know so much about me even I have no awareness of.”

 

“Guess you’re right. I guess I must be in that time of the month.”

 

I chuckled with him. This is what I longed for when I was a little boy. To have a friend to laugh and joke with. To have someone that fought for me and tried to help me at all times, selflessly. To have a promise of loyalty and unquestionable companionship.

 

“Have you ever made one of those promises with someone, when you say you’ll always stick together no matter what and exchange stuff to remind you of that commitment?” I asked, out of the blue, after a few minutes of silence.

 

“I think that’s called a marriage.” He frowned in fake thoughtfulness. “And I did. Kinda went down the toilet for me.”

 

I rolled my eyes. “I know that, but I mean between friends.”

 

“Well, no, I never got to that point with anyone. Actually, the only friend I had in my childhood was the one I ended up married to.” Guy confessed.

 

“Oh… Seems like we’re not that different.”

 

He simply nodded. There was a dullness in his eyes that told me he wasn’t at peace with that fact as well. In a way, that made me feel better because I knew I had someone I could move forward with. Maybe that’s what he needed all along. A partner in crime. A companion for the ride.

 

“Will! WILL!” Guy was raising his voice at me. I got distracted for a minute and it seemed like he was talking to me. “Where did you go?”

 

“Nowhere. Just… thinking maybe now life will get back on track for us. We have the new studio about to be ready, the new material is shaping up the way we wanted it and… we’re finally facing our problems, right?”

 

He snapped his head up. I raised my eyebrows at him, indicating there was no room for denial. He slowly smiled, very much like a feisty, little boy. I smiled in return, glad to see him like that. I missed his smile sometimes due to his mysterious attitude.

 

“Let’s go before I had to slap that smile off your face.” I said, running fast, heading to my car. I could hear him yelling at me, cursing, as he ran to catch me.

 

I just laughed and laughed. I ran and I ran. And I couldn’t remember a time when I felt that free before.

 

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

 

I woke up and like I always did, I heard the chirp of my loyal, feathery friend.

 

I glanced at the other side of the bed and the sight of my wife, with her hair in a perfect disarray spread on her pillow and her hand gracefully touching her cheek, I realized I couldn’t feel happier. So much I took for granted and so much I had to be thankful for. I could undoubtedly point out a few things to improve in my life. However, what I couldn’t deny was the feeling in my chest. It was a warming, tingling sensation that ran through my skin and invaded me completely.

 

Disrupting me from my musings, my eldest daughter jumped into my bed, managing not to wake her mother up.

 

Ever since I talked to her about some of my own experience, she seemed to get stronger and stronger. She wouldn’t just allow other kids to walk all over her and be defeated by that. She stood her ground and that earned my respect. There were times when I was still worried but I guess we can never have full control over our own children’s problems. I just had to be there, aware and by her side.

 

She crawled and got under the covers, hugging my right arm and talking to me in a hushed voice. I simply listened until the sound of other two little infants talking loudly could be heard, louder by the second.

 

Next thing I knew, I had three pairs of arms glued to mine, three sets of mouths moving at an alarming rate and an amused wife looking at me, grinning at the sight.

 

I was in love with life again.

 

 

 

Brilliant Disguise

 

[Forgive me, Brooke]

 

Chapter 1

 

 

"I am sick of you always telling me what to do," Jonny told Chris.

"Well I am the lead singer. It is my job," Chris told him.

"I am tired of that lead singer bullshit too," Jonny said, with his eyes flashing.

"Are they at it again?" Will asked.

Guy didn't answer.

He just nodded.

Will took a deep breath and shook his head.

"Do you guys always have to argue like that?" he yelled at them.

"Fuck off!!" Chris yelled back.

"And while we are at it," Jonny said, walking close to Chris and poking him in the chest with a lone finger, "Stay away from me when we are on stage."

Chris slapped his finger away.

"You know the fans like it," Chris told him.

"I don't give a shit," Jonny said, "I am sick of this 'best friend' crap that we have to keep going."

"What do you mean?" Chris asked.

"Damn Chris," Jonny said, "You know I don't really like you that much. We have never really gotten along very well."

Chris nodded.

"I know," he said.

"It was all Phil's idea to play up that angle for the concerts."

"Well you aren't my favorite person either," Chris said, "But acting is part of this job."

"Fine," Jonny said, "But stop touching me and standing close to me. It really gives me the creeps."

"Come on Jon," Chris said, "It is for the good of the band."

Jonny's nostrils flared and he glared at Chris.

"My name is not Jon...." he said, "It is either Jonathan or Jonny. Everyone else gets that. Why can't you?"

"I'm sorry," Chris told him.

"You aren't sorry," Jonny said, hatefully, "You are just a narcissistic asshole with some kind of weird obsessive-compulsive disorder."

"You are a conceited son-of-a-bitch," Chris told him, "Everyone thinks you are quiet and sweet but the truth is you think you are too good for the rest of us."

"That's right," Jonny said, "I am too good to be playing with the likes of you three."

"Hey," Guy said, "That's enough."

Will rolled his eyes.

"I'm not staying here to listen to any more of this," he said, "I have a date."

"Another date?" Guy asked, "You just got back from one."

"That's right," Will said, smiling slyly, "I am on a thirty minute schedule and I want to grab a smoke on the way."

Guy shook his head.

"How do you do it?" he asked.

Will shrugged.

"Everyone knows I am the cute one in this group. Just read those fan message boards."

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

"Did you and Jonny work things out?" Will asked Chris.

"I don't know," Chris said, "He still hates me."

"That's not new," Will told him, "You two have always been like oil and water."

"Yeah, I guess we were lucky we were able to stand each other this long," Chris agreed.

"He's just such a diva," Will said, "Always worrying about his looks and stuff."

"It's weird that Jonny and I have such good stage chemistry, but can't get along for a second off stage."

"Well you two better figure it out soon," Will advised, "We have more concerts next week."

Chris nodded.

"We will," he said, "We always manage to make it work, somehow."

 

"Are you ready?" Chris asked Jonny backstage before the concert.

Jonny was staring at himself in the mirror and straightening his jacket collar.

"Why are you interrogating me?" he asked.

"Geez...." Chris said, "I was just trying to make conversation."

Jonny turned from the mirror to look at him.

"When the time comes...I will smile and look adoringly at you and you can do whatever it is you do," Jonny told him.

"These fans expect a little flirting," Chris told him.

Jonny looked as if he might be sick.

"I should kill Phil for suggesting this stupid gimmick all those years ago," he said.

"Yeah," Chris agreed, "Who would have thought two mortal enemies could appear to be so close?"

 

On stage Jonny was smiling sweetly at Chris as Chris danced by him singing.

Chris leaned over and put his head on Jonny's shoulder.

The crowd reaction was instantaneous as the fans went wild.

"Get away from me," Jonny muttered under his breath to Chris.

"Screw you," Chris said back, smiling broadly.

"Bastard," Jonny countered, still appearing to dote on Chris.

Chris leaned close to Jonny's ear.

Another roar emanated from the crowd.

"Prick," Chris said into Jonny's ear in a loud voice.

Guy was keeping a close eye on them.

Will was keeping a close eye on three or four cute little twenty-somethings that were dancing around in the front row.

He made a mental note to tell the security guard to bring them backstage after the show.

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

Jonny and Chris sat in the interview room waiting for a reporter from a magazine to interview them.

Neither of them said a word.

Jonny sat with his arms crossed across his chest, looking at the ceiling.

Chris was tapping his foot nervously.

"Do you always have to do that?" Jonny asked him.

"Do what?" Chris asked, innocently.

"Tap your foot like that," Jonny said.

"No," Chris said, "I don't have to do it. I do it to piss you off because I know you hate it."

Jonny leaned over and grabbed Chris by his shirt collar.

Just then the door opened and the reporter came in.

Quickly Jonny smiled brightly at Chris and pretended to be rubbing his neck.

The lady reporter smiled at them.

"You too are so cute," she said, "I just love the fact that you are so close off stage."

"That's us," Chris said, putting his hand on Jonny's leg and leaning toward him.

The reporter sat down in the chair provided for her across from Chris and Jonny.

"Now," she said, "I was told I could ask you anything, except about your personal lives."

"That's correct," Jonny told her.

She made a note and then looked up at them.

"That's okay," she said, with a wink, "I think we all know what question I would ask about your personal lives. And I think we all know the answer."

Chris looked at Jonny and they both smiled sweetly at one another.

"Whatever could she mean, Jonny?" Chris asked.

"I have no idea," Jonny said, winking at Chris and smiling.

The reporter was clearly taken by their "affection" for one another.

"Did you write the song 'Green Eyes' about Jonny?" she asked Chris.

To himself Chris thought, "No, I wrote that song about my cat. If I wrote a song about Jonny it would be called 'Evil Bastard.'"

But to the reporter he answered, "I can't really say, specifically who it was about, except that it was a very important influence in my life."

Then Chris winked at Jonny.

Jonny blushed a little and turned away.

"Next question," she said, "You and Jonny used to live together. Did that make you closer?"

Chris looked at Jonny and giggled.

But to himself he thought, "We lived together for about 8 hours before I threw all his shit out the window."

"Naturally, when you live with someone, you get closer to them in many ways than you do just with casual friends."

"Do your songs reflect your relationship?" she asked.

Chris laughed and shook his finger at her.

"That's getting a little personal," he teased.

"Sorry," she said, "It is just so wonderful to see two people who have been friends for so long and are still friends even with all the fame and fortune."

"That's us," Chris said, taking Jonny's hands, "Best friends til the end."

Jonny smiled as well.

But he was thinking, "Let go of me you sweaty imbecile before the end comes sooner than you think."

 

 

ECONOMICS

 

Chris sat down in his seat. Another day, another boring economics class.

He opened his notebook to a blank page and began drawing. He liked to draw when he was bored and had nothing else to do. Since he was a bit early, the room was mostly empty. As time went on, though, the room slowly filled with his classmates.

His drawing only took about three minutes to complete. He held it up in front of him and admired the work. It wasn't a masterpiece, but it was alright. The ink lines ran across the page and merged into one another to form the outline of a flower. Chris thought it was supposed to be a tulip, but he wasn't sure anymore. It was some sort of flower, anyway.

He lowered the paper down and looked around the room. Naturally, the first thing that caught his eye was Jonny. Jonny was walking to his seat. When he got there, he removed his backpack and sat down. After a few seconds, he turned his head and looked in the direction that Chris was sitting in. Panicked, Chris lowered his head to look at the desk. “Oh my god, he looked at me!” he said.

“... Are you talking to yourself?” the girl sitting next to Chris asked. Chris slowly looked up at her.

“Maybe.” The girl took a good look at him, narrowing her judging eyes, then leaned towards the girl sitting to her right, who happened to be Amber. “Amber, this guy sitting next to me is weird.”

“Yeah, well, the Guy sitting next to me is a man-whore,” Amber replied.

“Is he really?” the other girl asked, craning her neck to get a look at Guy. “But he's kinda cute.”

“Wanna switch seats?” Amber asked.

“Hmm.. sure!”

Amber and the other girl quickly switched seats. Chris had gone back to drawing, trying to perfect his flower.

“That's a nice drawing,” Amber said to him.

“Um, thanks,” Chris replied.

“You're Chris, right?”

Chris nodded. “That's what they call me.”

“I'm Amber. My friend said you're weird.”

“How nice of her.”

“Can everyone please get together with your partners,” the teacher commanded. The room filled with the sound of shifting students. Chris looked around, but he couldn't find Will.

“What do you we do if our partner isn't here?” he asked. At that moment, the door burst open. “Never mind.”

“Sorry I'm late!” Will exclaimed as he rushed over to the teacher, a note in his hand. Then he rushed over to where Chris was seated.

“Looks like your moving seats thing didn't help after all,” Guy said as he sat down in front of Amber. “You're still stuck with me.”

“Yeah, don't remind me.”

“So, Chris, I looked up some more stuff for our art store,” Will said.

“You're doing an art store?” Guy laughed.

“Shut up, Guy. What are you doing?”

“We,” Guy started, leaning back in his chair in an attempt to look cool, “are opening up a strip club.”

“A strip club?” Will said in a non-believing tone.

“Well, we can't actually call it a strip club.”

“Yeah, then what are you gonna call it? A gentleman's club?” Will sarcastically asked.

“Very funny. At least we're not starting some lame art store.”

Chris, not really caring about Guy and Will's bickering, turned his attention to the pair of guys in the center of the room.

Jonny and Carlos were sitting next to each other. Jonny was constantly writing, some sort of book opened up on the desk in front of him. Carlos was just staring at the board, twiddling his thumbs.

Carlos is such a jerk, Chris thought. If I were him, I'd do all the work so Jonny wouldn't have to. Aw, poor Jonny, doing all that work by himself...

Meanwhile, Will was doing all the work for their project by himself.

“Chris, do you have your part done?” Will asked. Chris didn't hear him. “Chris?” Still nothing.

After a few more failed attempts, Will took his textbook and hit Chris in the head with it.

“Huh? What?” Chris said, rubbing the spot where Will had hit him.

“Listen, Chris,” Will sighed, “I talked to Jonny yesterday, OK? I didn't say anything about you, because I didn't want to seem too obvious. But he and I are hanging out later, and I'll talk to him about you then, does that sound good?”

“Yeah,” Chris replied.

“Good. Now, can you please tell me if you've finished your part of the project? We've only got until tomorrow, you know.”

“Yeah, it's all done. Here,” Chris said, handing his papers over to Will. “Everything should be there.”

Will looked through the papers. “What's this?” he asked, pulling out a sheet. “Is that a... daisy?”

“Oh!” Chris exclaimed, ripping the paper from Will's hand. “That's supposed to be a tulip.”

“Tulips don't look like that, Chris.”

“I know,” Chris disappointedly replied. He started to crumple it, but Will stopped him.

“Wait! It's still nice, though. We could actually use it for a logo or something.” Will took the paper back and placed it in front of him. “Yeah, this would be a nice logo.”

“We have to have logos?” Guy interrupted. “Oh man, we are so far behind.”

“Maybe that's because you keep slacking off,” Amber bitterly replied. “If you'd stop trying to flirt with everyone and do some work, maybe we'd be finished.”

“Hey, I don't flirt with everyone... just you,” Guy added, winking.

“It's not working,” Amber said. Guy knew she was lying, though, as she had to cover her mouth to hide her smile.

 

 

some drama for youuuuuuuuuuu!

 

ECONOMICS

 

“Did you talk to him? What did he say? What did you say?” Chris spat out as he ran up to Will.

“Will you calm down, Chris? Give me a minute to answer your first sixty questions before you ask a hundred more.” Chris apologetically backed away a tiny bit. “Yes, I talked to him.”

He didn't continue, instead he waited until Chris grew so anxious that he started asking more questions. Slowly, Chris's lip began to twitch, and a few moments later he found it impossible to contain himself.

“What happened? How was it? What did you say? What did he say? What did he do? Does he hate me now? Do you hate me now?”

Suddenly, Will was starting to regret not instantly telling Chris everything.

“Stop!” he yelled. “First of all, why would I hate you?”

“I don't know, I'm sure there are a thousand reasons,” Chris shrugged.

“Well, I don't hate you, and neither does Jonny.”

“What did you say to him?” Chris calmly asked.

“I said something about this class, and how you were my partner, and I asked him if he knew who you were.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he did, but he didn't sound too thrilled about it.” Will watched as Chris's already anxious expression grew slightly more saddened. “But then I said something like, 'He's all right,' and Jonny said, 'Yeah, he's all right.' ”

Chris took a deep breath and grinned, placing a hand to his heart. “He said I'm all right?” Will couldn't help laughing a little.

“Yeah, he did.”

“Did he say anything else?” Will thought for a few moments, trying to decide whether or not to tell Chris was else he learned. Chris deserved not to be lied to, but it wasn't necessarily any of his business. Plus, it wasn't exactly the best news.

“Kind of,” Will said. “But... not anything... important.”

“Oh... I should probably go sit down now. I'll talk to you later.” Chris turned and headed towards his seat. When he was about halfway through the classroom, he looked up.

He stopped dead in his tracks and his jaw fell open. He couldn't breathe. It felt like someone was crushing his lungs. And his heart... The pain was what he equated to being shot, though he had never experienced that.

Standing in the center of the room, affectionately kissing Amber on the lips, was Jonny.

“Oh, shit...” someone next to Chris said. Chris briefly turned and looked through his tears to see that the words had come from Guy, who was also standing open-jawed.

“I guess we're in the same boat now,” Chris said. Guy looked at him. “Guy, right?”

“Yeah. And you're Chris?”

“Yep.” Chris looked solemnly at the floor. He sighed. “This is the worst day of my life.”

“Wait, you've got a thing for Amber, too?”

Chris shook his head. “No, Jonny. You've got a thing for Amber?”

“Yeah, I mean, look at her!” Guy exclaimed. “She's smokin'.”

“Jonny's so much more than just smokin',” Chris said. They both looked over to the new couple. “He's the nicest person in the world. And he's smart, and he's funny, and he's...” Chris, despite his attempts to hold his emotions back, felt tears drip down his cheeks. “... got a girlfriend.” He covered his mouth with his hand and quickly walked past Guy to his seat. He threw himself into the chair and tried to hide his face, slowly sinking down in the seat. Shortly after, Guy took the seat in front of Chris. He felt really bad for Chris.

“Hey,” he said, tapping Chris on the arm. “Don't be so sad. They can't last forever.”

Chris looked up. He appreciated Guy's efforts, but it didn't help.

“Jonny doesn't like me anyway. He only thinks I'm all right.”

“That could change,” Guy replied. Then, he got an idea. “And we could change it.”

“What do you mean?” Chris asked.

“I have an idea,” Guy said. “A plan which will hopefully get you with Jonny and me with Amber.”

Chris leaned forward. “Yeah?”

As Guy whispered his plans to Chris, Jonny whispered something to Amber.

“Jonny!” Amber giggled. “That's not very appropriate.”

Jonny frowned, a very serious look on his face. “All I said was I like your vest.”

“... Oh.” Amber, blushing, quickly excused herself and sat down in her seat. Jonny laughed at his girlfriend, then sat down. Before he did so, though, he caught a glimpse of Chris and Guy talking on the side of the room. He felt a twinge of guilt, though he wasn't sure why. It wasn't his fault he and Amber liked each other.

“Hi, Amber,” Chris said as naturally as he could. Guy had already left and returned to his own desk.

“Hey, Chris.” Chris looked at Amber. Part of him wanted to hit her. He knew it would be a ridiculous thing to do, though. What he needed to do was to put his and Guy's plan into action.

“So... dating Jonny, eh?”

“Yeah.”

“How long?”

“A few days,” she said.

“Really? But you were, uh, you know, flirting with Guy the other day, weren't you?” Chris was very bad at acting. Amber hardly noticed though.

“I don't think I was.”

Chris put a hand to his face and pondered. “Maybe it was Jonny flirting with Guy, then.”

Now Amber couldn't ignore Chris's failed attempts at acting nonchalant. “Or maybe it was Guy who was flirting with Jonny. He is a man-whore, after all,” she said.

“That's cold,” Chris said. “You know, Guy is one of my best friends, and he's so nice. One of the nicest people on Earth, really, and I don't appreciate you calling him a man-whore like that.”

“One of your best friends?”

“Yes.”

“What's his last name, then?”

“Uh...” Chris was toast. There was no way he could keep this up any longer, especially because he was horrible at lying. “It's, uh... I don't really see how that's relevant.”

Amber nodded, and leaned forward. “You can tell your best friend that he can stop recruiting people to hit on me for him. I'm with Jonny now... as I'm sure you know,” she coldly added. As she turned away, Chris decided that hitting her would not actually be so ridiculous. So, he spent the entire class imagining himself shooting her with lasers.

He was really jealous.

 

 

Brilliant Disguise

Chapter 4

 

 

Chris, Jonny and Guy were sitting backstage before a concert.

Guy was reading an Economics magazine.

Jonny was primping himself in front of a hand held mirror.

Chris was drawing horns and a devil beard on all the photographs that Jonny had signed for his fans. He was also eating some chocolate.

"Can you please shut your big fat mouth while you are chewing?" Jonny said to Chris.

Chris turned to look at him and opened his mouth to reveal a mass of swirling chocolate.

"That's disgusting," Jonny spat out, "You sound like a horse when you chew. Shut your mouth."

"Make me," Chris said.

Jonny turned back to the mirror.

"You are so gross," he said, "How is it that all those girls find you attractive?"

"It's my eyes," Chris said, smiling fake-like and batting his eyelashes.

Jonny turned up his nose at him.

"They are so big they make you look like some kind of deformed insect," he told Chris.

Chris' jaw began to work back and forth.

Guy had been watching all this interaction over the edge of his magazine.

He could see that Chris was finally getting really angry.

Guy lowered the magazine.

"Why don't you two give it a rest?" he asked.

Chris looked at him and stood up and walked away.

He came back unnoticed several minutes later.

He was carrying a pitcher of ice water.

He dumped it in Jonny's lap.

Jonny jumped up screaming.

First he turned pale and then he turned red.

"This is my only clean jacket for the show," he told Chris.

"Tough shit," Chris said, "I guess you will have to wear it anyway."

"I really hate you," Jonny said.

Chris ignored him and turned to Guy.

"Do you have any idea where Will is?" he asked.

Guy shrugged.

"Try the warm up room," he said, "It is usually quiet in there and Will likes to take his 'guests' there."

Chris turned to walk out.

"You might want to knock first," Guy advised, "Last time I didn't and got quite an eyeful."

"Can't he control himself for one day?" Chris asked in an exasperated tone.

"Like you do?" Jonny asked, hatefully.

"Fuck you." Chris said, slowly and deliberately before going out the door.

 

 

 

So I just finished reading 'Letters from the Inside', a novel primarily written in letters, and I thought I'd attempt to do the same kinda thing.:P Yeah, didn't work out too well... Also, apologies in advance if this is similar to something already written on here:)

 

Separation, Communication and Devastation

Part 1

 

 

Howdy Jonny,

 

I miss you so much!

Camp is terrible.

There's this gang of bullies. Their names are George, Steve and Nate, and there's another one, I think, but he just wanders around with them.

I got my head flushed in the toilet. Twice. I got my photos of you flushed down the toilet, as well. (The toilet trick. Never seems to get old, does it?) I got my sunglasses stolen (you know, those awesome green ones). I've recieved so many wedgies I've stopped counting.

All I need is you and now I can't even look at you in photographs! How will I last? I've got another three weeks here. I need you to hug me, Jonny. I need you to say you love me.

Oh, and they cut off a huge lock of my hair. We're not allowed to use clippers or razors here so now I've got a giant bald spot and I've almost grown a beard!

What's that? The fashion police? COMING TO ARREST ME ON MULTIPLE COUNTS OF UNFABULOUSNESS?!

I know, I'm being a bit of a drama queen, but still... If this happened to you you'd be freaking out as well.

And I'm in two of the camp directors bad books' now, after I walked in on them having a bit too much fun after choir practice, if you know where I'm going with this...

I don't even know why my parents sent me here. If this is a band camp, then why are the instructors confiscating my guitar for no reason at all?

At least I've still got a pad of paper and a pen, I can still write songs, at least.

Speaking of which, I've enclosed a song I wrote for you. I hope you enjoy it.

In your reply to this letter, can you please tell me who won the cup? Thanks. And also, what're the latest happenings on House?

How have you been, also? I almost forgot to ask. I guess I was too busy ranting on to you about the bullies...

On a last note, can you please save me from this hellhole? It would be much appreciated.

 

Missing you so much words can't describe,

Chris xxx

 

 

Brilliant Disguise

Chapter 5

 

 

Chris and Jonny were riding in the back of a stretch limo.

They were on their way to their last interview before the tour was over.

Chris was plastered up against the left side of the car.

Jonny was plastered up against the ride side.

Chris was coughing incessantly.

"Can you stop coughing?" Jonny asked, "It is really working my last nerve."

"I can't help it," Chris told him, "It's that cologne of yours. It smells like a skunk died."

"I think that is just your own bad breath you smell," Jonny retorted.

Chris stretched a long leg across the limo seat and kicked Jonny right in his ribs.

"Son of a bitch!!" Jonny yelled, "That hurt!!"

Chris leaned against the window of the limo and snickered.

Jonny's face twisted up into an ugly scowl.

"See if you think this is funny," he growled.

He scooted across the seat and smacked Chris right between his legs.

Chris turned pale and doubled over.

"Ha ha ha," Jonny said, moving away.

Chris grabbed the cap from Jonny's head and slapped him across the face with it.

They were wrestling fiercely when the limo stopped.

"We are here boys," the driver called out.

A crowd of fans was waiting for them.

It took several moments for Chris and Jonny to emerge from the car.

When they did, Chris was still trying to straighten out his jacket because Jonny had wrapped it around his neck.

His hair was a mess, Jonny's cap was askew and he was missing one shoe.

"Oh my gosh," one fan giggled, "Look at them."

"I know..."another fan said, "What a mess they are. What do you think was going on in that limo?"

"I think we all know what was going on back there," another fan said, with a wink.

"Aren't they just the cutest thing?" the first fan said.

"Yes," the second one sighed, "So nice to see two people who care about each other so much."

 

The End

 

 

This story is for Juliana. She offered a great deal of encouragement with this one especially.

 

 

The Machine

 

Chapter 1

 

 

Chris was pacing around the studio, alternately running his hands through his hair and rubbing them together.

His eyes showed large dark circles underneath them.

He wished Jonny and Will would hurry up and get there.

He stopped briefly to glance at Guy but then resumed pacing.

The door flung open.

"What in the hell is so damn important?" Will asked, "I just got to second base with my girlfriend."

"You were playing baseball at this hour?" Chris asked, confused.

"No....It's an American expression....." Will said, in an exasperated tone, "Never mind."

Jonny came in right behind Will.

"Do you know what this is about?" Will turned on Jonny.

"I just got here," Jonny said, throwing up his arms in self-defense.

"Sit down," Chris directed them both, pointing at the sofa.

"It's about Guy," he said.

"What about him?" Will asked, looking across the room at Guy.

"They know," Chris said, dramatically.

"Who knows what?" Will asked in a strident tone.

"How?" Jonny asked, quietly.

"I don't know," Chris said, running a hand across his face.

"Some bastard must have leaked the news."

"But no one knows but the three of us and Phil," Jonny told him.

"There is one other person...." Will said.

They all looked across the room at Guy.

"You mean...." Jonny asked.

"Yep," Will said.

"Dr. Jennings." Chris said, low and almost under his breath.

"But why would he talk about Guy to anyone?" Jonny asked, "We had a contract."

"Because he can make money from a story like this. Lots of money for his research," Will said.

"Anyway," Chris said, "This is an advance copy of the newspaper. It comes out tomorrow."

He held it up for the other two to see.

"Shit," Will said, "It's the Times. I was hoping it was one of those gossip rags."

"No," Chris said, "We couldn't get that lucky."

He handed the paper to Jonny.

"What are we going to do?" Will asked.

"I haven't decided yet," Chris told him.

"Did you ask Guy what he thought about it?"

Chris shook his head.

"Not yet," he answered, "He is still recharging."

The other three looked at Guy. He was sitting in a chair with two electrical cords plugged into the wall.

One was coming from his leg and one was coming from his shoulder.

He had a constant smile on his face.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

"Did you finish your project?" Lexie asked her best friend, Sydney.

Sydney shook her head.

"I hope the boss isn't angry," Lexie said.

"What do I care?" Sydney said.

Lexie arranged her coat on the back of her desk chair.

"You might kind of need this job to pay rent," she suggested.

"Or I could move in with you and you could pay my rent while I become a world famous novelist," Sydney suggested, with a quirky smile.

"I don't think so. I'm not paying rent for you for forty years."

"Forty years?" Sydney asked.

"Yes, because that's how long it will take you to become famous."

Sydney stuck her tongue out at her friend.

"I'm already a writer," she said.

"Yeah, you write alot. All the time. You just don't sell anything," Lexie offered.

Sydney crossed her arms across her chest and pouted.

"Well maybe if I had some encouragement..." she said.

"Hey ladies..."

"Oh no," Sydney said, ducking her head, "It's Adam....Look busy."

Adam was another office worker. He had been begging either one of the girls for a date for more than six months.

"Good morning," Adam said, slyly.

"Yeah yeah," Lexie said.

"Why don't you crawl back to the hole you slithered out of?" Sydney told him.

Adam leaned on her desk and gave her a disgusting leering smile.

"I have something you might be interested in," he told her.

Sydney looked him up and down and said, "There is no way I am remotely interested in anything you have."

"Oh no??" he was still smiling.

"So I guess you aren't interested in this front page story in the Times about your favorite band?" he asked, holding up the newspaper.

Sydney and Lexie both jumped for the paper at the same time.

Lexie held Adam down while Sydney took the paper from him.

"I always knew you two would be rough," he said, rubbing his wrist, "I kind of liked it."

"On your way," Lexie said, giving him a little shove.

Sydney was reading the article.

"This can't be true," she said quietly.

"What?" Lexie asked, looking over her shoulder.

"It says that....that...that Guy is a machine. He isn't even human."

"I knew it," Lexie said, matter-of-factly, "I knew that it wasn't possible for any human to be that perfect."

Sydney sat down heavily in her desk chair.

"I just don't believe it. The story must be a lie. I've existed on the belief that someday we would meet and he would fall madly in love with me."

"Come on, Syd...Those beautiful eyes....that luscious mouth....that perfectly shaped face.....I knew that couldn't be real."

Sydney looked up.

"I have to find out," she said, "I have to know if this story is true."

"And how do you propose to do that?" Lexie asked.

"It's simple," Sydney told her, "I have to meet him."

 

 

The Machine

Chapter 3

 

 

"What is that?" Lexie asked Sydney.

"What does it look like?" Sydney asked with a grin.

"It looks like blueprints," Lexie said.

"That's exactly what it is," Sydney told her, "Blueprints to the studio of our favorite band."

"What?" Lexie's eyes grew wide, "How??? Where??"

"Anything can be found online," Sydney advised, "If you just know where to look."

"What are you planning?" Lexie asked, with a terrified look on her face.

"Nothing much," Sydney said, with a secret little smile.

"You know he won't be there," Lexie said, guessing that her friend planned to enter the studio through some less than legal means.

"Your boys are having a news conference," Adam said, passing through, "The t.v. is on in the break room."

Sydney and Lexie stared at each for only a second before they both raced down the hall.

".......well that is just speculation and idle gossip," Chris was saying.

"Do you have any comment Guy?" a reporter asked.

Guy smiled sweetly as he always did, with a hint of shyness, leaned forward and said, "No."

"Ohhh....." Sydney swooned, "He is so perfect. He just has to be real."

"Can I pinch you to prove that you aren't a machine?" a reporter asked.

"Sure," Guy said, "But I would rather she pinched me," he pointed to a pretty reporter seated a few rows back.

Everyone laughed.

"Lucky bitch," Sydney said, under her breath, as she watched the reporter make her way to Guy's seat.

The reporter pinched him and he winked at her.

"He's real," she said, "And he smells really really good," she added.

Again everyone laughed.

Guy blushed a slight shade of pink as he laughed with them.

Will and Chris exchanged slight glances that no one in the room saw because they were all looking at Guy.

“That’s all the time we have for today,” Chris was saying in his usual charming manner.

“One more question please!” someone shouted out.

Chris looked toward the back of the room and squinted.

“One more,” he said, pointing to the reporter.

“Why do you suppose someone would make such a claim against you?”

Chris shrugged.

“Jealousy or boredom or lack of appropriate mood stabilizers would be my guess,” Chris said, jauntily.

Everyone laughed as the four band members stood up and politely thanked the reporters for their attention. As they existed the room, no one noticed that Will was practically supporting Guy.

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

Backstage Guy slumped against Will.

"Help me Jonny," Will said.

Jonny grabbed Guy's other arm and they sat him down in a chair.

"The damn charge isn't holding again," Will said, "Maybe he needs a new battery."

"Didn't he just get a new one not that long ago?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, he got a nickel-titanium battery but it doesn't seem to be working as well as the old one."

"We need to get him back to the studio. The doctor can look at him there," Chris said.

Will nodded as he bent down to talk to Guy.

"Guy, can you hear me?" he asked.

Guy nodded blankly.

"Can you walk?" Will asked.

"I believe I can," Guy said, methodically.

Will clapped him on the shoulder.

"It's okay, buddy," he told Guy, "We are going to get you fixed up just like when you were brand new."

 

"We are going to get arrested," Lexie hissed.

"Not if you will stop talking," Sydney said.

They were hiding behind a bank of trees in front of the studio.

Suddenly the door of the studio opened and Chris came walking out.

He was whistling as he walked down the sidewalk and passed out of sight from the two girls.

"That's it," Sydney said, "He was the last one, except for Guy. Come on."

"What are you doing?" Lexie asked. But Sydney was already walking up to the door.

"Do you plan just to knock and see if he answers?" Lexie asked.

"Why not?" Sydney shrugged, "Maybe he will."

"You are nuts," Lexie said.

Sydney knocked several times but no one came to the door.

"Let's go," Lexie pleaded with her.

"No," Sydney said, "I got this far. I am not leaving until I see Guy...face to face."

"If I see him face to face I may pass out," Lexie warned.

Sydney reached up to the door and turned the knob.

To her surprise the door opened.

"Oh my God," Lexie said, with wide eyes, "You aren't going in there!!"

"Watch me," Sydney said, with a slight smile.

Sydney boldly walked into the studio.

Lexie stared after her for a moment and then said, "What the hell...." and followed her.

 

 

The Machine

Chapter 5

 

 

"Do you hear that?" Sydney asked as they crept into the large open room that was full of instruments.

"You mean that low hum?" Lexie asked.

"Yeah," Sydney said, walking toward a closed door, "I think it is coming from this room."

"Don't go in there," Lexie whispered.

"Why not?" Sydney asked, but she was already turning the knob.

She opened the door.

Both girls peeked into the room.

Both girls gasped at the same time.

Guy was lying stretched out on what appeared to be a surgeon's table.

All kinds of instruments and machines were hooked up to him.

"Oh no," Sydney said, with a crack in her voice.

"It's true," Lexie said, as she stood staring at Guy.

Sydney walked slowly over to where he lay.

She stood and looked down at him for several seconds.

"I was so sure it wasn't true," she said, as she reached up and touched his soft dark hair.

Then she moved her hand down to touch his cheek.

His eyes fluttered a little when she touched him.

Then slowly his eyes opened.

"Hello," he said, "Am I supposed to know you?"

Sydney stood frozen to the floor. She couldn't move. She couldn't speak.

"He's looking at me and talking to me," she kept thinking over and over in her head, "Say something, you doofus!!."

Finally she managed to squeak out a barely audible, "Hi."

"Do you work for the doctor?" Guy asked.

Sydney shook her head.

She was too overwhelmed to speak.

"You have kind eyes," Guy told her, "You must be a nice person."

Sydney swallowed hard.

"Thank you," she said, quietly.

"Are you here to check my battery?" he asked.

"No," she said, a tear running down her cheek.

"Why are you crying?" Guy asked, "Did I do something to upset you? I am sorry if I did. I haven't quite been myself with this new battery."

"No," she told him, "You didn't...you couldn't...do anything to upset me."

Guy smiled a shy smile.

"Good," he said, "I can be an ass sometimes as I am prone to moodiness."

A loud buzzer sounded.

Guy looked around at one of the machines.

"I am finished charging," he said, sitting up and removing one of the cords.

"I...I..should go," Sydney said.

"Please don't," Guy said, reaching out to touch her hand.

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

"Please don't go," Guy said, looking ever so much like a lost little boy.

"But my friend.....she probably passed out by now," Sydney said, staring at Guy's face.

"I don't get to talk to many people," he said, "You know, the others, they like to keep me sheltered."

Sydney smiled at him.

"They are your best friends," she explained, "They don't want outsiders to hurt you."

Guy ducked his head to one side and smiled shyly.

"I know they mean well," he said, "But it gets lonely."

Lexie came hurrying into the room.

"Chris and Will are coming up the street," she said, "Let's get out of here."

Sydney looked from Lexie to Guy.

"I really have to go," she told him, letting go of his hand.

"Take me with you," Guy said, impulsively.

"What?" Lexie and Sydney said at the same time.

"Take me with you," Guy told them again, "Please."

"Okay," Sydney said.

"Sydney......" Lexie said, nudging her, "We can't just take him."

"Do you want to tell him no?" Sydney asked her.

Lexie looked at Guy and lost any inclination she might have had, however brief, to refuse him anything.

"Okay, but let's hurry."

"We can go out the back way," Guy told them, as he stood up.

He took Sydney's hand again and told Lexie, "Follow me."

Lexie shook her head.

"God, this can't be good," she thought.

 

"We can take you to my apartment," Sydney told Guy once they were safely driving away in her car.

"That seems convenient," Lexie said, bitterly.

Sydney shot her a look of anger.

"You can come too," she told her.

"I want to go out," Guy said.

"Out where? Lexie asked.

"Just out...." he said, throwing his arms open wide, "Out into the world. All I ever see is the studio, the charging room or some stage somewhere. I want to see regular things. I want to eat a hot dog at the beach. I want to taste that willowy looking stuff they sell on a stick...."

"Cotton candy?" Lexie asked.

"That's it..." Guy said, smiling, "Cotton candy. I want to lie in the grass at the park. I want to watch the stars at night. I want...."

"Settle down," Sydney said, "We will do anything you want."

"That's great," Guy said, smiling, "But we only have three days."

"Why three days?" she asked.

Guy's face showed sadness and disappointment.

"Then I have to go back. My charge only lasts that long."

 

 

The Machine

Chapter 7

 

 

Chris and Will looked around the empty room.

"Where the hell is he?" Will asked.

"Maybe Jonny took him somewhere," Chris said, hopefully.

"You know he wouldn't do that," Will said.

"Do what?" Jonny asked, walking in.

"Take Guy somewhere," Chris said.

Jonny looked confused.

"Why would I do that?" he asked.

"We were just hoping," Will told him, "It seems that Guy is gone."

"Gone?" Jonny said, frowning, "He can't be gone. Maybe the doctor took him."

"We just came back from speaking with the doctor," Chris explained.

"Do you think he went out on his own?" Will asked, looking very concerned.

"God," Chris said, rubbing a hand across his face, "I hope not. He doesn't know anything about the world out there."

"I told you we should have let him have more freedom," Will said.

"Fine," Chris said, holding up a hand, "I was wrong. That doesn't help us find Guy, does it?"

"Should we call the police?" Jonny asked.

"And tell them what?" Will asked, sarcastically, "That our bass player who is a machine has escaped from the room he is usually kept in? Yeah...that would go over really good."

"I am only trying to help," Jonny said, defensively.

"Meanwhile, Guy is out there....alone," Chris said, "If anyone recognizes him....we are through...finished...."

"I never wanted to do this anyway," Will said, "We should have just tried to make it based on our music alone."

Chris sat down and took a deep breath.

"I know," he said, "It just seemed like a good idea to have a really handsome person to get attention for the band. We didn't figure on Guy turning out so well. He is so handsome I would even go out with him."

Chris saw the look that passed across Jonny's face.

"It was only a joke luv," Chris told him, " You know you are the only one for me."

Jonny smiled and winked at Chris.

"Where do we start looking?" Will asked, "And how do we look without raising suspicion?"

Chris shook his head.

"I don't know," he said, "Where would you go if you were Guy?"

"A Strip Club?" Jonny asked.

"A bar?" Will asked.

"This is going to be harder than I thought," Chris said.

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

Sydney was driving down the highway with the radio blaring.

"Go faster," Guy said, laughing.

All the windows were down and the sun roof was open.

Sydney's hair was blowing in the wind.

"This feels so good," Guy said, settling back into the car seat, "The wind and the sun make me feel......"

He looked at Sydney with a confused look as he searched for the right word.

"Happy?" she asked.

"That's it!" he told her excitedly, "Happy."

"Where do you want to go first?" she asked.

"To the beach," Guy told her, "I want to see what sand feels like."

"To the beach it is," Sydney said.

 

At the beach, Guy jumped out of the car and ran to the sand, throwing himself down in it and wriggling around.

"This is so sad," Lexie told Sydney, as they watched him.

"He is even more beautiful than I thought he would be," Sydney said, quietly, "And so gentle. And so sweet."

"Hey!!" Guy yelled, "Come over here and let's build a sand castle."

"How will I ever take him back, Lexie?" Sydney asked.

"You won't have a choice," her friend told her, "In three days he runs out of power."

"I think I love him," Sydney said, almost in a whisper.

"That's ridiculous. He is a machine," Lexie said.

"Not to me," Sydney said, "He's so much more than that. He has a good heart. And a kind soul."

"Which are both powered by a battery," Lexie said.

Sydney didn't say anything. She knew better in her heart.

 

"I am starved," Lexie told the other two.

"Would you like to get something to eat?" Sydney asked Guy.

"Sure," he said.

"What would you like?"

Guy seemed lost in thought for several seconds.

"Peanut butter," he said.

Sydney frowned.

"Are you sure?" she asked, "There are so many other things to eat."

"I don't know," Guy said, looking down, "I just saw it on television once and these little kids seemed to be having a great time eating it."

"How about that hot dog? Or a pizza? With lots of cheese..." Lexie asked him.

Guy looked at her with a blank expression.

"What is cheese?" he asked.

Lexie looked at Sydney.

"This gorgeous man does not know what cheese is," she told her, "I think that is a terrible crime."

She took his arm in hers.

"Come," she said, "We will introduce you to the wonders of cheese. Especially melted..ooey..gooey..cheese."

"And I will like this ooey gooey cheese?" he asked.

"Oh yes," Sydney said, "It will probably be your favorite thing about this entire experience."

Guy looked at her for a long moment.

"I doubt that," he said, brushing her cheek with his hand.

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

"What time is it?" Guy asked.

"About 7:30," Lexie told him.

"I need to go to power save mode soon," Guy said, "Otherwise I will run out of charge much sooner than three days."

"Okay," Sydney said, "What do you need for that?"

"Just some place where I won't be disturbed for three or four hours," he told her.

"Lexie and I need to get some sleep too," Sydney said, "We can go to my apartment."

 

"You take the bedroom," Sydney told Guy.

"I don't need a bed or an entire room," he said, "I can just lie down in the floor or on the couch."

"Okay," she told him, "Do you need a pillow or blankets or anything?"

"No," he said, lying down on the couch.

"Wait," Sydney said, "Before you...do this power down thing..."

"Yes," he looked at her.

Sydney walked over to him, bent down and kissed him on the forehead.

"What was that?" he asked.

"A kiss," she said, "Because I am happy I met you."

Guy stood up.

"Hmmm," he said, "I thought a kiss was like this."

He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers.

Sydney thought she might explode or die or die from exploding.

"There are lots of kinds of kisses," she told him, "I like your kind better than mine."

"Did I do it right?" he asked.

"Oh yes," Sydney said, smiling at him.

"I think you are very pleasing to look at," Guy told her, "And your hair smells good."

"Thank you," she said.

"And you are very nice," he said, "You aren't at all like those other people that Chris and Will warned me about. I know you would never try to hurt me."

Sydney shook her head.

"Never," she said, "I only want to help you and protect you."

"I feel happy to be with you," he told her.

A few stray tears ran down Sydney's cheeks.

"Why are you crying?" Guy asked.

"These are tears of happiness," she said.

"I don't understand," Guy said, shaking his head, "So many things to learn."

"Don't you worry about that now," Sydney said, "We have lots of time to teach you the important stuff."

 

 

Separation, Communication and Devastation

Part 2

 

 

Hi Chris,

 

I LOVE YOU!!

Guess what? I fell down while playing baseball at school, and then some idiot dropped a metal baseball bat on my leg while I was still on the ground. I know! Now I have a broken leg, and its hard to move, but my parents are still making me go to school!!

Is the bullying really that bad, Chris, or are you exaggerating a bit?

If it really is that terrible then perhaps you should consider telling one of the instructors who doesn't hate you. It's not going to go away on its own, Chrissy.

Anyway, I've been okay, I guess. Missing you a lot.

Oh, I'm eating a chocolate bar as I write this. It makes me think of you.

We had to stage a mini musical in drama today and I had the best idea. I wanted to perform Why Do Alpacas Look Like Llamas?: A Christoper Martin and Jonathan Buckland Musical. That would've been so cool! But I got stuck with Randal, so we had to perform Randal the Vandal: The Musical. It was crap!

Don't worry about your hair, Chris. It'll grow back and I'm sure you still look hot.

Thank you for the song. It was lovely. And I've enclosed some photos of myself in here, just so you can see me.

And I have a giant project to do on King Henry VIII, so I haven't had any time to watch House or the cup. I'll ask someone tomorrow who won.

Camp is so far away from my house, though, so I guess I can't save you. That makes me sad. Anyway, when you come back, my arms will be wide open.

And Corey stole our spot in the cafeteria. I know! We have to take revenge on him when you get back.

 

I can't wait to see you.

And try not to walk in on any more camp directors. It would only give the bullies another reason to, well, bully you.

Love, Jonny.

 

(P.S. My parents say hi to you.)

 

 

 

SPRING & WINTER

Chapter...11!~

 

 

 

 

Two days later, Guy showed up at the front door. At first, I didn’t know why Mrs. Bennett was calling me down so early, but as I finally dragged myself down the stairs, pounding my feet with each step, I began to fear having company. What if it’s Guy? I thought to myself. That would be terribly awkward.

 

Of course, the man waiting in the main hall was Guy. Damn it!

 

“Good morning, Chris!” he said brightly, obviously perking up. He moved over to the railing, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I came to give you this,” he continued, holding up a nicely wrapped package. “It’s from my mother, to yours. It’s some sort of cake, I believe. I haven’t tried it yet, but she says it’s good. But then again, she made it...”

 

I struggled not to look at him for too long. “Oh, well, thank you. I’m sure my mother will be very pleased. Is that all?” I said, rather coolly.

 

Guy looked a little disheartened. “Well, yes.”

 

“Why didn’t you have someone else send it over?” I asked, even more coldly.

 

Guy looked nervous. “I...wanted to see you.”

 

“Oh,” I murmured, blushing. “Right. Well, it’s good to see you.”

 

“Yeah,” he agreed, pushing his thick, dark hair away from his forehead. I watched the movement and felt an odd, twisting sensation in my stomach.

 

“Would you mind showing me around the property a bit?” he asked slowly. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I would love someone to speak to...for a few minutes.” Immediately I wondered what could be bothering him, and my uncertainty turned to concern.

 

“I wouldn’t mind at all,” I assured. “Mrs. Bennett, could you take this to the kitchen for me?” I handed her the cake, and she took it with her apron.

 

“Of course, Mr. Martin. I will let your mother know of the delivery as well.” She smiled her wide, rosy-cheeked smile and shuffled off down the hallway.

 

Guy breathed a low sigh of relief and took me gently by the arm. “Thank you, my dear friend. It’s of the upmost importance...”

 

I patted his slender shoulder reassuringly and led him outside.

 

“So, um, Guy...what’s the matter?”

 

We were past the main path and close to the garden when he finally opened his mouth. “My mother...she wants me to marry the girl,” he said weakly.

 

“Joanna?” I asked blankly, shocked.

 

“Yes, her,” Guy said bitterly. “But I don’t care for her...let alone lover her. Chris, I don’t want to marry her!” Suddenly, he sounded as if he were about to break down into tears. “She’s a good woman; kindhearted, pretty...but I would rather move away from my own home than spend the rest of my life on earth with her.”

 

I cleared my throat uncomfortably. “Surely...you don’t have to marry her.”

 

“No, I suppose I don’t. But I do not want to upset my mother by refusing; she adores Joanna and thinks there’s no other woman suitable.”

 

I felt a deep anger at his mum for trying to force him into marriage. If he didn’t want to marry the girl, she had no right to expect him to. Guy only deserved the best; he deserved to have love. So I told him, “You deserve to have someone you can love.”

 

“Do I?”

 

“Of course, man. You’re a good person who deserves to have love and all of its benefits.”

 

He smiled and wrapped an arm around my back. “That is good to hear. I feel completely certain now,” he chuckled. Then he looked up and stared quickly into my eyes. “You are a good man as well.”

 

“Thank you,” I said, relishing the feeling of his hand at my side.

 

“Do you want to go swimming tomorrow?” Guy asked suddenly. “I need to get home now; my mother’s expecting me back.”

 

“Sure,” I said, without thinking. I was too busy being mesmerized by his face.

 

Guy smiled. “I can find my way back, thank you.”

 

It took me three whole seconds to realize that he was already walking away. God, that man had such an odd effect on me! He made me feel...helpless and protective at the same time. But I just wanted him to be happy. If anyone deserved it, he did.

 

 

 

ECONOMICS

 

 

For the next week, Amber would walk into Economics every day and greet Jonny. They would talk until the bell rang, then Amber would return to her seat.

During those days, Chris never showed up to class on time. He waited in the hallway outside of the door until the bell rang so he wouldn't have to see Jonny with Amber. Every now and then Guy would walk out and talk to him.

“Hey, Chris,” Guy said.

“Hey,” Chris answered.

“So, how's the plan going?”

“Well... are Jonny and Amber still together?”

“Yeah,” Guy muttered.

“Then it's not going so great,” Chris said.

“Listen, I think that might change soon, though,” Guy said. “I've been talking to Amber's friend, and she says that they don't really seem like they should be a couple.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Chris asked.

“Like, they don't have any chemistry, you know? So, I don't think they'll last much longer.” Guy looked off into the distance and smiled a devious smile. “It's near the end, I can feel it.”

The bell rang. Chris sighed and he and Guy walked into the room. “I hope you're right.”

Chris and Amber sat down in their respective seats at nearly the same time. They both glanced over at Jonny.

Jonny was sitting with his hands on his desk, fingers laced together, patiently waiting for the class to begin. Amber smiled. She like that about him, that he was always so enthusiastic about learning; she thought it was cute.

Her smiled faded. That was the problem. He was cute and funny, sure, but that's not what she wanted.

What she wanted was sexy... charming... Scottish...

She looked two seats over to her right. Guy was talking to her friend, whose name, he learned, was Clarissa. He must have said something funny, because she was laughing. Flirtatiously.

Amber felt horrible for thinking the things she did about Guy, not only because she was with Jonny and had been for a mere week and a half, but because she knew he was a player, yet she still fell for it. What made things worse was that she knew he wanted her, too.

She looked to her left. Chris was still staring at Jonny, though he soon realized that Amber was watching him and looked away. Amber sighed. Just another thing to make her feel horribly guilty.

“Today we'll be looking at classified ads,” the teacher said, handing out packets of paper. “Of course, these are just made up, but you'll be able to get an idea of what it would be like if you were to try and find a job.”

Chris took the stack of papers from the kid in front of him, grabbed the top packet, and handed the rest back. He quickly glanced at a few of the ads.

Cashier, babysitter, bus boy, carpenter, telemarketer. They were all horrible. He had no interest in any of them. Why couldn't there be a musician needed? He loved music more than life. More than... no, not more than Jonny. But close.

Will, on the other hand, thought the assignment was wonderful. There weren't many interesting choices, but he recognized that not everything in life could be interesting. Plus, you have to start somewhere, and even little jobs like washing dishes could take you places in the end.

Being the good student he was, Jonny obediently read all the ads, circled ones he thought sounded OK, and filled out the forms on the other papers.

Guy didn't even look at the paper. He was too busy flirting with Clarissa. He really had no interest in her, but he hope that flirting with her would make Amber jealous.

Amber stared at her paper, but didn't do anything. She just kept thinking about her situation, trying to make a decision. It was a difficult challenge, but by the time the class ended she had made up her mind.

“Jonny, can I talk to you for a minute?” she asked as she walked over to Jonny's seat. There were still about five minutes until the class was technically over.

“Oh...” was all Jonny said. He knew what she was going to say.

“It's just not working, right?” Amber asked.

Jonny slowly shook his head. “No.”

“I'm sorry. I guess... I thought I liked you more than I actually did.”

“I know how you feel,” Jonny agreed.

“Maybe that's not a bad thing, though. Some people just aren't compatible. And we can still be friends.”

“Yeah, of course. You're a nice person, Amber.”

“And you're nice, too, Jonny. I'm glad we're friends,” she smiled. “I do feel bad, though, since it's only been, what? A week?”

“Week and a half, yeah. But don't worry about it, I mean, we both feel the same.”

“Good,” Amber said. “Plus... I think there's someone who deserves you way more than I do.”

“Who?” Jonny asked, and Amber gave him a look that said, 'You know who.'

Chris was at his desk, struggling to fit his right arm into the strap of his backpack. He looked like such a dork.

“I'm not saying you have to fall in love with him or anything,” Amber said. “You don't even have to like him. But you should talk to him, be his friend. And please, just keep an open mind when you do?”

Jonny sighed. “OK.”

Amber smiled. “I'm glad we had this talk, Jonny. And, uh... we still have a few minutes left... you could go talk to him now. Ta!” Amber waved and walked away. Jonny gathered his belongings and headed towards Chris.

Chris had only just managed to put on his backpack when Jonny spoke. “Hi, Chris.”

Chris looked up, completely stunned. “Hi, Jonny.”

“How, uh... how are things going?” Jonny awkwardly asked.

“Things aren't going too good,” Chris answered honestly.

“Amber and I broke up, you know.” Jonny expected to see Chris light up, but he didn't.

“You did? Sorry to hear.”

“Why? You should be jumping for joy, right? This is good news for you.”

“But it sucks for you,” Chris said.

“Eh, not really. I didn't like her so much anyway.” Jonny struggled to find something to talk about. Luckily, he was saved the trouble of coming up with a topic for discussion by the ringing bell. “Well, I'll talk to you later.”

“Yeah,” Chris said as they began to walk away, a smile stretched across his face. “Talk to you later.”

 

 

 

 

 

One Day Like This

Chapter 5

 

 

 

It was around 8AM when Guy got out of bed to shower. He decided on a cold shower, and the cool water felt good on his skin. He replayed the memories of early that morning over and over. He could barely believe any of them were real. It had all been so amazing, so perfect. Well, he didn't like the word perfect, but it was certainly everything he had ever wanted. No, it was more than I could have ever wanted.

 

I didn't know what want was until today he thought. Now I understand. I understand what the others....what they mean when they talk about relationships like this. I always thought that they were being ridiculous, that they were just exaggerating, when they told me about them. But he knew now that it wasn't true. These emotions....they actually do exist he thought with wonder.

 

They were all right, I didn't even know what I was missing. Until now he added, sighing with contentment.

 

He thought of her smile, her laugh, her hair, her face, her skin, her body. He smiled to himself.

 

I could go on and on.......

 

Guy continued to have such thoughts as he finished up in the shower and began to dress himself. He was almost done getting ready when something suddenly hit him. He was supposed to be on a plane to Wisconsin a hour ago.

 

Shit!

 

He hurried out of the bathroom.

 

"What's wrong Guy, you look freaked."

 

"My plane....." He let his voice drift off.

 

"Oh...oh! Shit Guy, I'm really sorry! This is all my fault! I....I should have just told you to leave.....and now you've missed your flight."

 

She half collapsed back on the bed, feeling the tears start to build.

 

I shouldn't have been so selfish she thought with remorse.

 

Instantly Guy was next to her, and sitting down on the bed, he whispered softly, stroking her face, "It's not your fault Em. I'm fairly certain that in the back of my mind, I knew I was missing that flight. I think.....I think that I wanted to miss it."

 

He breathed deeply, collecting his thoughts.

 

"I don't want to be away from you Emily, not ever. I have no idea why, this is all so new to me. But I'm going to work something out. Don't worry love."

 

He kissed her on the cheek.

 

"I'll be right back".

 

And with that he hurried out the door. While he was gone, Emily couldn't help but wonder if he would actually return, or if she had just screwed things up too much for Guy to handle. She didn't bother to fight back the few tears that welled up in her eyes.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Guy had reached the elevators and impatiently pressed the "down" button about 15 times.

 

Come on, come on!

 

When the doors to an elevator finally opened, he hurried in so quickly that he nearly walked right into somebody.

 

"Sorry" he mumbled.

 

He tapped his foot impatiently and waited for what felt like years until the elevator reached his floor. He really had no reason to hurry, because he had no idea what he was going to say to the guys. But regardless, he entered his room and went straight to the nightstand, retrieving his phone from where it lay, holding it like it was a disease. He knew they must've been calling him. There was no doubt about that. Sure enough, he cautiously opened his phone and groaned as he read the words "17 missed calls" on the screen.

 

Damn.

 

Luckily, it was a new phone and he hadn't had a chance to set up his voicemail yet, so there were no voicemails to listen to. He scrolled through the missed calls. 3 from Phil, 2 from Jonny, 1 from Will, and the other 11 were from Chris.

 

Figures.

 

He sighed. He needed a plan. Well first he needed an explanation, then a plan.

 

How the hell am I going to explain myself? "Oh yeah, well I met this fan who wanted to ask me some questions so I said 'sure'. I soon realized that I really enjoyed talking to her so I invited her to my hotel room......"

 

He knew he'd never get passed that point. He would instantly be bombarded with questions, or worse, laughed at. He could picture it now.

 

"Oh Guy, you crack me up! For a second there, I actually thought you cared about the girl."

 

Normally, the assumption that Guy just wanted a good time with a girl would be justified. He wouldn't blame them for thinking of it that way.

 

But this time it's different. It really is.

 

He knew no one would believe him though. Especially not Will.

 

I suppose it's my own fault, always saying these meaningless words about girls that are 'different' and 'special'. The problem is, now I actually mean it. Damnit, what am I gonna do?

 

Well, he knew he certainly wasn't going to call Will. He couldn't call Chris either, it'd just make him even more upset.

 

The poor guy's probably beating himself up about this already, wondering what it is he did wrong..... he thought guiltily.

 

And he couldn't call Jonny; Jonny was always so nice and understanding, Guy was afraid that if he spoke with him he'd break down and change his mind. So he decided to call Phil.

 

But what to say? How can I make him understand?

 

Suddenly, he realized something.

 

I don't have to make him understand. He may never understand anyways. I can just tell him what I'm going to do. But what do I want to do anyways? I know I want to be with Emily all the time. I don't know much of anything else right now.

 

But there was a solution, ringing out like a bell in the back of his mind.

 

Yes, that could actually work....yes, it could definitely work.

 

This was the solution, the best solution, the only solution, or so he thought anyways, for him and Emily to remain together. He finally dialed Phil's number.

 

"Guy!"

 

He was instantly greeted with the hushed exclamations of Phil, who sounded both agitated and relieved at the same time.

 

"Why the whispering man?"

 

"I don't want the others to hear me talking to you, they'll worry.....hold on, I'm walking away....OK, it's safe now. Where the hell have you been!?"

 

Although he was obviously angry, he sounded more like he might cry. Guy felt really bad now.

 

I must have put him through some serious hell. He probably had to completely redo his schedule he thought, frowning.

 

"We had to miss our flight because of you! And now we have to work out a completely new schedule!"

 

Wow he's really working himself into a frenzy. Usually he's really good with sudden schedule changes.

 

But then something hit him. Phil wasn't just their unofficial manager. He was their close friend. And he had probably been up half the night worrying. Guy felt his throat close up. He felt horrible now.

 

"Phil, come on, it's OK. We can work out another schedule."

 

"Yeah" he said, calming down again. "You're right, you're right."

 

"And it'll be easier this time, because I won't be around to screw it up."

 

Well there it is, I put it out there. That probably wasn't the best way to say it, but what's done is done.

 

"What?"

 

"Ok Phil, I know this won't be easy to take but....", he paused, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly."I'm leaving the band."

 

 

The Machine

Chapter 10

 

 

"Sydney?" Lexie called in a whisper, walking into the darkened living room.

"Yes?" Sydney answered.

"Where are you?" Lexie asked, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the darkness.

"Here," Sydney said, in a hoarse voice.

Lexie followed her voice to the couch. Sydney was sitting on the floor beside the couch.

"What are you doing?" Lexie asked, still whispering.

"You don't have to whisper," Sydney told her, "He can't hear you."

Lexie sat down on the floor beside Sydney.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked.

"Nothing," Sydney answered, wiping her eyes, "Just watching him sleep and holding his hand."

"Sydney......" Lexie said, "This is no good."

"Why not?" Sydney asked, angrily.

"He's not some stray animal we found on the street. He belongs somewhere. With other people. Not with us."

"I don't believe that," Sydney said, "I think he belongs with people who care about him. I think he belongs with me."

"You are just a little biased, wouldn't you say?" Lexie asked.

Sydney didn't answer and didn't look at her.

"The others, Chris, Will, Jonny, they care about him. They have known him for more than ten years. They have been taking care of him."

"Yes," Sydney said, "And practically keeping him as their prisoner."

"Just for his protection," Lexie told her.

"Yeah right," Sydney said, "They are just keeping him locked away to protect their own interests. If anyone knew that he was...was..well...if anyone knew, their little band would be over. No more money, no more fame...God, they are selfish."

Lexie was quiet for a few moments.

Then she spoke. She knew her friend was going to hate her for what she had to say, but she also knew that it was the right thing.

"Tomorrow, he needs to call them," she said.

"Why are you out to ruin this for me?" Sydney asked, tossing her head at Lexie.

"I'm not," Lexie said, "But the others will be worried about him. It isn't right that he doesn't let them know he is okay. After all, whether you want to believe it or not, I think they think of him as a friend and as one of their family."

Sydney was silent for a long time and Lexie began to wonder if she was ever going to speak to her again.

Then she said, "He kissed me," in a very quiet voice.

Lexie smiled at her friend and hugged her.

"I am happy for you," she said.

"He has the softest lips," Sydney said, almost as if she was in a trance.

Lexie looked at Guy.

"I can believe that," she said.

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

 

"What are we going to do today?" Guy asked, excitedly as he drank the orange juice Lexie poured for him.

Lexie looked at Sydney.

Sydney looked away but then she stood up and reached for her phone.

"We will do whatever you want," she told Guy, "But first you have to do me a favor?"

"Of course," he said, smiling sweetly, "I never get to do something to help someone out. Everyone else is always helping me."

Sydney handed the phone to Guy.

"You need to call your friends," she told him.

The smile disappeared from Guy's beautiful face.

"Don't you want me around anymore?" he asked, "Are you sending me back already?"

Sydney stood dumbfounded. Shocked that he could think she didn't want him around.

"It isn't that at all," Lexie tried to explain, putting her hand on Guy's shoulder, "We just don't want Chris, Jonny and Will to be worried about you."

Guy's face relaxed a little.

"I suppose you are right," he said, "I am sure they were quite surprised when they went back to the studio and I wasn't there."

"That's very true," Lexie agreed.

"But what do I tell them?' he asked.

"Tell them that we will bring you home tomorrow," she said.

Guy looked at the phone.

"Tomorrow?" he asked, "That seems such a short time away."

 

"What else did he say?" Will asked.

"That's it," Chris said, "For the tenth time, he said he would be home tomorrow."

"Did he sound okay?" Jonny asked.

Chris turned the conversation over in his mind.

"He seemed...different. He seemed..happy."

"How can he be happy?" Will asked, "He is a machine."

"I don't know," Chris said, shrugging his shoulders, "I just know that I have never heard him sound like that before."

"He went with these people willingly?" Jonny asked.

"Apparently so. And they aren't reporters or anything either. Just two very nice young ladies."

"Maybe things have to change when he comes home," Will said.

"In what way?" Jonny asked.

"Maybe we let him out more. Maybe he is more able to deal with things than we think he is."

Chris reached for his phone.

"I am calling the doctor," he said, "He should be here when Guy comes home. You know, to make sure there is no damage."

 

 

The Machine

Chapter 12

 

 

They played all day in the park.

They ate cheap hot dogs from the vendor carts.

"We will probably all die of food poisoning," Lexie joked.

Guy looked at her with chili dripping down his chin.

"Well, I guess you won't," she told him.

They borrowed a kite from a little boy and Guy helped him fly it.

They found a hill covered in leaves that were just beginning to drop from the trees.

They spent hours rolling down the hill, finding themselves wrapped in a blanket of yellow, orange and red leaves at the bottom.

Guy finally got a taste of cotton candy which he turned his nose up at.

"Taste like sweet air," he said, in a disappointed tone.

Night was coming on and a storm was forming.

They sat on the cool grass and watched the lightning.

"Come on," Sydney told Guy when the first drops of rain began to fall.

"I want to stay here," he said.

"You'll get soaked," she told him.

"I...I've never felt rain before," he explained, "The guys always make sure I stay dry in case it interferes with some of my circuits."

"Will it hurt you?" Lexie asked.

"I don't know," Guy said, "But I would really like to feel it for just a little bit. Please...."

Sydney and Lexie sat down beside him and were soon drenched.

Guy turned his face to the sky, closed his eyes and let the little drops hit him square in the face.

The girls were both utterly speechless at the sight of the water trickling down Guy's face and neck.

It was only a tiny storm and soon passed them by.

"That was intoxicating," Guy said, smiling.

He turned to Lexie and kissed her on the cheek.

"Thank you," he said.

She smiled at him.

He turned to Sydney and looked at her for a few long moments.

"Thank you," he said.

Then he kissed her on the mouth.

"I am glad that you enjoyed it," she said, running a hand through his wet hair.

"This has been the most perfect day," he said.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 13

 

 

"I want you to do me a favor," Guy told Lexie late that night.

"Sure," she said.

"Tomorrow morning when you and Sydney take me back, there is something I need you to do."

"Okay," she said, "What?"

Guy reached into his shirt and brought out the little silver cross he always wore.

"This is my 'Restore' switch."

"It looks like a necklace," Sydney said.

"I know. But it is my emergency restore switch. If something happens to interrupt my programming I can be restored back to the way I was a week ago."

"I don't understand," Lexie said, shaking her head, "Has something happened to you?"

"Yes," he said, "You and Sydney happened to me. I have such wonderful thoughts of the two of you. Especially of Sydney. I need to be restored back to before I met you."

"But why?" Lexie asked.

"I could never go back to the life I had before if I remembered what it was like with Sydney," he said.

"Oh," Lexie said, finally understanding.

"But why not ask Sydney?"

Guy smiled sadly.

"She likes me and I like her. It would be too hard for her."

"Does she know that you are doing this?" Lexie asked.

"No," he said, "You can tell her after a few days have passed."

 

It had been arranged that the girls would leave Guy at the British Museum.

Guy wanted to protect them from the any retribution that might come from Chris, Will and Jonny.

He didn't want their identities known.

Sydney looked at him one last time.

She didn't say anything.

She just turned and walked away.

"It's time," Guy told Lexie.

"If you are sure," she said.

He sat down on a bench and nodded.

"I'll have to sit here while my systems reboot," he said, "The guys should be here by then."

Lexie swallowed hard.

"It has been so wonderful to know you," she said, "You aren't a machine at all. You are much more human than most people I know."

He smiled slightly.

Lexie felt inside his shirt for the cross.

She did as Guy asked.

He sat perfectly still and his eyes went a little dull.

She turned and hurried away.

 

 

 

Chapter 14

 

 

"What do you mean?" Chris asked, the doctor.

"I told you," the doctor said, "He won't hold his charge."

"But why not?" Jonny asked.

"I don't know," the doctor said, "I have tried everything. New batteries, rewiring the main systems....everything. He just doesn't work anymore."

"But you said there was no damage," Will said.

The doctor shook his head.

"There was no damage. He came back in perfect working order. But now..." he threw up his hands.

"So that's it then.....Guy is....dead?" Jonny asked.

"I am afraid so," the doctor said, "But I will keep trying."

Chris sat down and covered his face.

"Oh no," he said, "He can't be dead. He was one of us. He was our friend."

Tears started to form in his eyes.

Jonny just stood still, as in shock.

Will turned away.

"I was the one that spent the most time with him," he said, "Especially in the early days. Always sharing a hotel room and sometimes even sharing a bed."

"He never seemed like a machine," Jonny said quietly, "He just seemed like a friend."

 

"Excuse me," the doctor said, the next morning, "Did you move him?"

Chris, Will and Jonny looked at each other.

"No," Chris said, quietly, "We haven't been near that room.We couldn't. Not yet."

The doctor took a deep breath.

"He isn't there," he said.

"What do you mean?" Will asked.

"Where could he have gone?" Chris yelled, "You said he was dead."

"He was," the doctor said, defensively.

At that precise moment the door of the studio flew open and Guy came walking in, smiling brightly.

Chris' mouth flew open.

Jonny sat down in a nearby chair.

Will fainted.

The doctor just pointed.

"Hey guys," he said, helping Will up off the floor.

"Are you okay?" Chris managed to ask.

"Sure, why wouldn't I be?" Guy asked, "I just went for a walk."

"But you are supposed to be.....to be..." the doctor said.

"I know I shouldn't go out alone," Guy said, "But it was only for a short time."

The doctor grabbed his arm and pushed him toward the lab.

"Come," he said, "We have to find out what is going on here."

 

 

 

Chapter 15

 

 

"I don't have an explanation," the doctor said, "All of his organs are working normally. They are just working without any electrical charge."

"So...what?" Chris asked, "Are you telling me that he is human?"

"Basically, Yes," the doctor said.

"And he doesn't need any of this machinery or anything else?" Jonny asked.

"No," the doctor said, shaking his head, "He is just like you and me now."

 

"Let's go out," Lexie told Sydney.

"No," she said.

"You haven't done anything but go to work, sit in this apartment and mope since.."

"Since you told me what you did to Guy," Sydney finished for her.

"I told you, he asked me to do it," Lexie said.

"I know what you told me," she said, "But that doesn't make it any better."

"I am sorry that you are still angry with me," Lexie said, "But you have to get over it sooner or later."

"We will see about that," Sydney said.

Lexie took a deep breath.

"I am going to a movie," she said, "To get some air. You should do the same."

 

An hour later Sydney was walking through the park.

Her head was filled with memories of Guy.

She sat down on a bench, put her head in her hands and began to cry.

A gentle hand touched her on the shoulder.

"Are you okay?" a voice asked.

Sydney recognized the voice, but she thought she was having a dream.

She looked up into the face of Guy.

He looked a little shocked when he saw her face.

He stepped back a few steps.

"Do I know you?" he asked, "You look very familiar."

Sydney smiled at him.

"I am Sydney," she said.

"I am Guy," he said.

"I do know you," he said, in a whisper, "I don't know how. But I do know you."

Sydney wiped her eyes.

"Do you want to get a hot dog?" she asked.

Guy smiled.

"That would be great," he said, "I think I like hot dogs."

Sydney took his arm.

"You love them," she said, "This time we will try not to get chili everywhere."

 

The End

 

 

Separation, Communication and Devestation

Part 3

 

 

Jonny! Jonny! Jonny!

 

Guess what? You'll never believe it... I made a friend!

It's so cool. Her name is Simone. She's a selective mute, but that's okay, we communicate in writing. Isn't that awesome?

But I thought that having a friend around me all the time would make the bullies go away, but now they're pickiing on me even more!! I haven't told the instructors yet but I might need to. Yesterday they stole my clothes and towel while I was in the shower.

Speaking of which, I know you told me not to walk in on any more camp directors, but I kind of did. It's not what you think, though. The instructor is meant to be vegetarian but I saw her eating a hot dog. She swore me to secrecy and blackmailed me. She said that if I tell anyone she eats meat, then she'll spread the photos of you and me kissing around.

Oh, and four of the photos you sent me got stolen. I've only got eight left now.

I'm definitely over this camp... They won't let me eat chocolate. I know, right! I used to be up all night because I ate too much chocolate, but now I'm an insomniac because I don't eat any.

And, by the way, what type of chocolate were you eating before?

Do you think you could send me some? Just a small Kit-Kat or Twix bar. Anything. I need a fix!!!

Randal the Vandal? Pssh. That would be crap. When I get back we'll have to make Why Do Alpacas Look Like Llamas?: A Christopher Martin and Jonathan Buckland Musical and perform it to my parents.

King Henry VII? Does everyone in class have to do a project on him or did you just choose it?

That makes me feel so much better. I can't wait to come back home and give you a hug.

And plant a bomb in Corey's locker or something. A stink bomb!! We can't just sit merely and let him steal our spot.

How is your leg, by the way? I almost forgot to ask. I was rambling again, I guess... I wish I was there to kiss it better.

 

You don't know how lovely you are,

I want to run away very, very far,

So you can hold me in your arms

And we'll escape the drama.

Together, we'll watch Ultimate Robot Fighting Llamas.

 

Love Chrissyboo xxx

 

(P.S. Remember the chocolate!!)

(P.P.S. That little poem was really terrible. Forget you saw it. It never existed, okay?)

(P.P.P.S. Actually make a mental note of Ultimate Robot Fighting Llamas. I want to watch that someday. Because you know if I made a mental note, I'd lose it somewhere.)

 

 

 

ECONOMICS

 

 

“Chris, Chris, Chris!” Guy yelled down the hallway. Chris turned around.

“It's nice to see you too, Guy,” Chris said.

“Did you hear about Amber and Jonny?”

“Yeah.”

“Isn't it fantastic?” Guy said, beaming.

“Better for you than me, I think.”

Guy tilted his head to the side. “Why's that?”

“Amber seems to like you more than Jonny likes me,” Chris explained. “But he did talk to me yesterday,” he added, smiling.

“Really? What did he say?”

“Well, he just said hi and asked how things were going, then the bell rang. Still, progress is progress, right?”

“You know what, Chris? I like your optimism,” Guy said as they entered the classroom.

Guy walked over to his seat to find that Clarissa was no longer sitting to his left, much to her dismay. Instead, Amber's bubbly blondness filled the seat. Guy didn't have any problem with that.

“So, I see you're sitting next to me now,” Guy said.

“Yeah, well... It would seem that you're quite good at what you do,” Amber replied.

“Does that mean you like me, then?”

“Maybe,” Amber deviously smiled.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I honestly have nothing planned for today, because, well, I wasn't supposed to be here. You were supposed to have a sub, but things changed and now I am here. So, I'm just going to play this movie that you would have watched anyway had there been a sub today,” the teacher announced in an awfully tired tone. A few minutes later, the teacher had started the movie. It was a boring movie about how the economy works. It was worse than any other thing they'd done in that class.

Naturally, no one payed it any attention. Will stared at the clock, Chris stared at Jonny, Jonny stared at the screen (though he wasn't paying attention either). Guy and Amber continued their conversation.

“Do you want to go see a movie or something?” Guy whispered.

“Sure. When?”

“I don't know, maybe Friday?”

“Friday works for me,” she said, smiling. Then she shook her head. “I can't believe I'm saying yes to you.”

“Why can't you believe it?”

“Because you're... not really my type, I guess.”

“You think I'm a player,” Guy said.

“Yeah.”

“I'm not, I promise.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Berryman, could you please stop interrupting my class?” the teacher asked. “In fact, why don't you take a seat up here? There's a free spot right next to Mr. Buckland.”

Guy rolled his eyes. The teacher never liked him. He was always the one getting in trouble, it seemed. Still, he moved up to the seat beside Jonny.

Jonny didn't move his focus at all, until a few minutes later when a note was being shoved under his arm. He hesitantly took the paper and opened it.

It was a note from Guy, which said, Got any tips for going out with Amber?

Jonny thought it was a bit rude for Guy to ask him such a thing, though he didn't really mind. He wrote back, Yeah, make sure there aren't any other guys in love with you. Oh, and make sure that she actually likes you.

Guy took the note, and moments later handed it back to Jonny.

She broke up with you because of Chris?

Jonny had to stop and think for a while after he read that. Did she break up with him because of Chris? Well, he was one of the reasons.

I guess so... she said that he deserved me more than she did.

Probably because he's in love with you, and she, you know, wasn't. But, do you even like him or anything?

Well... I don't actually really know him, to be honest.

Maybe you should change that. He's a great guy. Oh, and we should probably stop passing notes, the teacher's looking at me kinda funny. I'm already in enough trouble as it is.

Jonny reread the note over and over. Guy had a point. Chris did seem like a great person.

Fifteen seemingly endless minutes later, the bell rang. This time, the cheers were no longer silent. A chorus of thirty students all sang, “Thank God!” as they exited the room.

Jonny made sure that he got Chris's attention before he left.

“Chris, wait up!” Jonny yelled from across the room. Chris immediately stopped and waited for Jonny by the door.

Oh my god, he's gonna talk to me again, Chris thought. What if I say something stupid? Duh, Chris, you always say something stupid.

“What's up?” Chris asked as Jonny walked up to him.

“I was thinking... we should hang out later,” Jonny said.

“We should?” Chris repeated. “Um, yeah, of course! Definitely!”

“Cool. And you can sit with me in lunch, if you want to.”

“I'd like that very much,” Chris smiled. “Jonny?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being nice to me,” Chris said. “I know you don't like me, but it means a lot to me.”

“Oh. Well, you're welcome. But as for the not liking you thing,” Jonny said, “never say never.”

 

 

 

 

I might not be able to get on here tomorrow:( so I thought I'd update just in case :D

 

Separation, Communication and Devastation

Part 4

 

 

Hi Chris,

 

What poem? I never saw any poem.

I'm so glad you've made a friend. Is she from here? Wait, let me rephrase: Does she live in the same town as us? Does she go to our school?

Definitely tell the instructors. You've only got what, two weeks to go? Make sure you have fun.

You'll last with eight photos, right? Tell me if any more get stolen, because I'll send more, then.

I've enclosed a small block of chocolate. Sorry, it was all I could find. And make sure no one else sees you eating it, because, think about it, you'd probably get the block stolen.

I was eating some M 'n M's when I wrote that last letter, by the way.

Trust me, Chris, it was really crap. You wouldn't have wanted to see that. I had to be tooth decay for some reason even though there was nothing related to teeth in the musical. It was just Randal running around like an idiot and me running around like an idiotic piece of tooth decay!!

And, we were given an instruction to choose a significant historical figure and do a project about them. I just chose Henry VII because, well, no reason actually.

Oh, and it turns out nobody at school watched the World Spelling Cup. And nobody watched House, either. Sorry.

If I can find one, I'll plant a stinkbomb in Corey's locker tomorrow. I'll ask my little brother if he has one. I mean, come on, what nine year old boy doesn't have a stinkbomb?

Chrissy, you know I'd love nothing more than for you to kiss my leg better. Oh, I miss you. Anyway, it's okay, I guess. It still hurts, though, and while I was working on my history project (you know, on King Henry VIII) someone graffitied on my cast. I don't know how I didn't notice them drawing on it, but anyway... They wrote 'Jonny loves Chris' on it, which is actually a good thing!!

Guess what? Ryan flipped out in class yesterday and threw a chair at Mrs Gibson. She ended up going to hospital. You've been missing so much (not!)

And I'll throw a coming home party for you, and we'll watch Ultimate Robot Fighting Llamas and eat lots of chocolate.

 

Love you. Don't get into any trouble, please,

Jonny.

 

 

It's been SUCH a long time since I've done this...I don't wanna abandon Druids. Okay. Here I go.

 

Druids Came Out of the Trees

Chapter 5

 

 

When the meat was served

It was a big hit

Cooks rushed around

And stuffed sheep on the spit

 

Jonny was laughing

And chugging down wine

Staggering and drunk

He joined the conga line

 

Jazz and bebop blasted

Over the noise and the din

Kids had pretend swordfights

The winners screamed, "EPIC WIN!"

 

A team of ten Druids

Brought out the huge cake

It could've been big enough

To plug a whole lake

 

The cake glistened with frosting

The creamy, chocolate type

In thick shiny green letters

"FOR JONH BUKLIND" was piped

 

Jonny let out a "SQUEE!"

And ate the cake in one bite

Then his vision went black

And he went out like a light

 

-------------------------------

 

When he woke up

He was tied to the table of stone

Wearing only a loincloth

And chilled to the bone...

 

 

 

:sneaky:

1-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12

 

 

Losing Grip (Part 13)

 

 

 

 

I think Julia was up t something; it was only 7:30. Usually when we all went out for dinner, she would stay there talking-up a storm until midnight. What could have been going on with her?

 

"Are you okay?" I drove slightly slower, I was bad at multi-tasking.

 

"Yeah."

 

"You don't seem like it. You always have something to talk about. You hadn't said a single word tonight."

 

"Nothing is wrong. Everything is right." she store out the window towards the moon.

 

-----

 

I placed my jacket on the wooden coat rack.

 

I lie myself down on the couch, my head upon the armrest, comfortably. However, I sat up as soon as Julia walked into the living room. I knew how she hated it when I did that.

 

She held a small white envelope in her hand. She sat down next to me, took my hand, and placed the small white card in it, without saying a word.

 

I smiled. "What is this? I thought it was your birthday!" She laughed.

 

I carefully tore open the thin envelope and took the card out. I looked back at her before opening up the card. I looked inside the card and my jaw dropped in astonishment.

 

Congratulations, You're Going to be a Father...

 

 

 

Pet Shop Boys

a Dianna and Brooke collab :awesome:

 

Chapter 1

 

 

"Something is missing," Chris said, looking around the studio.

"I put your handcuffs back in the desk after my date last night," Guy said, defensively.

Chris looked at him and rolled his eyes.

"No," he said, "That's not what I mean. We always say this place is like our house. But what does every house have that we don't?"

Guy shrugged.

Jonny scratched his head.

"I know," Will said, excitedly, "A French maid."

Jonny looked at him and frowned.

"Every house has a French maid?" he asked.

"In a perfect world," Will said, raising his eyebrows.

Chris stood up and slapped his piano a few times with his ruler.

"No," he said, in an aggravated tone, "This house needs a pet."

"Well, we already have Jonny," Guy said, patting Jonny on the head.

Jonny slapped his hand away angrily.

"We need to get a pet to make us....to make us...you know normal," Chris said.

Will burst out laughing.

"Do you have something to say about it, Mr. Champion?" Chris asked in his best school teacher voice.

Will just shook his head.

"Let's get a dog," Jonny suggested.

"They smell," Guy said, turning up his nose.

"So do you," Jonny said, "But we let you stay here."

"That smell is called testosterone," Guy said, leaning close to him,"Which you should recognize considering how much you are always sniffing around Chris."

"Let's get a cat," Will said.

Chris looked up at him with wide eyes.

"No cats," he said, matter-of-factly.

"Why not?" Will asked, slamming a drum stick down.

"Because Chris is afraid of pussys," Guy said.

Chris looked at Guy and showed him his middle finger.

"Because cat's are messy and they get hair everywhere and...."

"And What?" Will asked.

"And I think they can read minds," Chris said.

Guy fell over into Jonny's lap laughing hysterically.

Chris ignored him.

"Now," Chris said, "I have made an exhaustive lists of area pet shops and lists of appropriate pets which they may have in stock."

He walked around the room handing out copies of his lists to the other three.

"A snake?" Will asked, "You can't be serious."

"Why?" Chris asked, "You may be a rat, but I think even a snake would turn you down?"

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

"I think this one is cute!" Chris said, pointing through the glass tank.

"Chris, for the fifteenth time, we're not getting a snake," Will said. "If you want something slimy that slithers, I can hook you up with my cousin. Now, what I think we need is something a bit..."

"Less dangerous?" Guy asked as he watched the snake devour it's lunch.

"Yeah," Will agreed. "Something like..."

"Guys, come here!" Jonny yelled. The other three ran to his side. He was standing in front of a giant tank of fish.

"A fish?" Guy lamely said.

"It's certainly less dangerous," Will said.

"Yeah, and more boring."

"I think it's perfect, Jonnyboy," Chris smiled. "Fishies are so cute and easy to take care of. Which one should we get?"

"Hmm..." Jonny began. There were nearly a hundred little fish swimming around, and they all looked the same to him. He pretended to be carefully deciding, and a few moments later he pointed to a random fish. "That one."

"Oh, that one is perfect!" Chris exclaimed.

Ten minutes later, they left the store with the fish and all the supplies they needed to take care of it. Chris, already being overly defensive, was holding the fish to protect it.

"You are so cute!" he said, lifting the container the fish had temporarily been placed in. "Hmm, you need a name."

"How about Bob?" Guy suggested.

"Bob is the most unoriginal name I've ever heard," Chris replied. "But if we can throw a 'Sponge' in front of it, you've got yourself a deal."

"You want to name the fish Spongebob, really?" Will asked. Chris shot him a look.

"It should be Jonny's decision anyway, seeing as he picked it out."

"Uh... Spongebob is fine," Jonny said, not wanting to argue. Will groaned.

"Spongebob it is!" Chris exclaimed. "Come on, let's take you home."

For the next few days, Chris was constantly by Spongebob's side. He would read to him, sing to him, and feed him all the time. In fact, he actually fed Spongebob too often.

One morning, as the other three entered the Bakery, Chris was sitting on the floor next to the fish bowl, sobbing with his head buried in his knees.

"Chris, what's wrong?" Jonny asked.

Chris slowly looked up and through broken sobs said, "Spongebob's gone."

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

"I .....I just can't understand it," Chris said, leaning on Jonny's shoulder, "I did everything. I did everything just like the book said."

Guy picked up the book that was laying on the floor next to the myriad of fish toys and supplies.

"This book?" he asked, turning it over.

Chris nodded.

Guy started laughing as he turned the book around so that Will could read the title.

"This book is for preparing fish....not taking care of them," Guy explained.

Chris started wailing louder.

"It's alright," Jonny kept telling him, "You just made a little mistake. We can get another one."

Chris jerked his head up and stared at Jonny.

"Never...." he said, "SpongeBob was....he was just so special. I can never look at another fish again."

"Guy and I will take care of him," Will said, patting Chris on the elbow.

"What!!???" Chris screamed dramatically," NO!!! NO!! We must give him a funeral."

"A funeral for a fish?" Guy asked.

"Yes," Chris said, gaining his composure back, "I will call the undertaker at once."

"Chris...." Jonny said, "Don't you think that is a little over the top?"

Chris looked at Jonny with surprise.

"You picked him out," he said, "Didn't you feel a connection with him? If I die will you just flush me away too?"

"It's tempting," Guy said, under his breath.

"Okay, okay," Jonny told him, "But maybe we could have a more private service. Just us here."

Chris flung himself dramatically down on the sofa.

"I just can't take any more," he said,"You make the plans."

"Okay," Jonny said, looking at Will and shrugging.

"But there must be flowers," Chris said, "Lots of flowers and lots of pretty shiny rocks. SpongeBob would have liked that."

"Sure," Guy said, "Rocks."

"And the music must be thoughtful," Chris interjected.

"Music?" Will asked.

"How about "Highway to Hell?" Guy asked, laughing.

Chris sat up.

"It must be something from "The Little Mermaid." That was such a lovely movie. SpongeBob and I watched it several times."

"Would you like to plan the funeral?" Jonny asked.

"No, I couldn't...." Chris said, looking away and putting his hand to his forehead.

But then he jumped up, "Well, maybe just a few things."

He grabbed a pen and paper.

"We will need food for the reception....and..."

"How about caviar?" Will asked.

Chris threw himself down on his pen and paper.

"Poor SpongeBob!!!!" he wailed.

Jonny looked hard at Will.

"Nice..." he said, hatefully as he went to comfort Chris.

Guy looked at Will. They both laughed and high-fived each other.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

“Thank you for coming, everyone,” Chris said, wiping a tear from his eye. The four men were gathered in Chris's backyard, surrounding a small hole in the ground. “Spongebob would have appreciated it.”

“Chris, this all looks... um... lovely,” Jonny politely said.

Chris had set up a table nearby with a bunch of flowers and a picture of Spongebob on it. The fish, of course, not the cartoon, though he had considered it.

“Thank you, Jonny. Spongebob just meant so much to me.” Chris turned and looked at the picture. “We were... best friends.”

“It's a great loss,” Will said. “Now, can we get this over with? There's a game on in an hour.”

“Will!” Jonny slapped Will in the arm. Chris ignored them both.

“I would like to say a few words, if that's all right,” he said. The other three nodded, and he continued, “Spongebob was a wonderful fish. He was always there for me, even when no one else was. And now he's... gone!” Chris sobbed. Jonny walked over to him and put an arm around Chris. Chris accepted the kind gesture by burying his head in Jonny's shoulder.

While Chris wasn't looking, Guy grabbed the small box Chris had made with Spongebob's lifeless body in it and placed it in the hole in the ground. Will quickly covered it with dirt.

“Oh, look, he buried himself! Guess it's time to go then,” Will said, dusting his hands.

“You guys are horrible,” Chris whispered. “And we're not done yet, anyway.”

For the next twenty minutes, Guy and Will whined and rolled their eyes as Chris performed the various activities he had planned for the funeral, including belting out a heartbreaking rendition of “Part of Your World,” during which he burst into tears.

A few days later, Chris was still mourning over the loss of Spongebob. Will walked into the Bakery, however, with a surprise.

“Chris, I felt bad about being such a jerk the other day,” Will began. “So, I went to the pet store and-”

“You didn't get another fish, did you?” Chris asked, horrified. “I told you, I can never look at another fish again. I don't think I can even watch Finding Nemo.”

“No, it's not a fish,” Will replied. He pulled a cage from behind him, and inside of it was some sort of furry creature.

“What the fuck is that?” Chris shrieked. “It looks like a monster!”

“It's a ferret, you twerp,” Will spat. “I thought you'd appreciate it.”

Chris cowered back a little. “Well... you thought wrong.”

“Whatever, it's our new pet now,” Will said, placing the cage on top of Chris's piano. “And that's final.”

“Fine,” Chris pouted, crossing his arms. “But you're taking care of it.”

“Yeah, we don't want another Spongebob incident,” Guy agreed.

Chris looked over at Guy, speechless. Then he started crying.

“Thanks a lot, Guy,” Jonny said. “I finally got him to stop half an hour ago.”

“Yeah, well, it's not my fault your lover's a crybaby,” Guy retorted.

“I am not a crybaby! I'm just sensitive,” Chris cried. “Right, Jonny?”

Jonny merely shook his head in amazement. “You're something, all right.”

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

 

Chris was playing random notes on his piano trying to find an appropriate way to express his unending sadness over the untimely death of SpongeBob.

The brown creature that Will had brought home from the pet store was lying in its hammock in its cage.

It just kept staring at Chris.

Chris stared back.

"Will, this thing is staring at me," Chris said.

Guy walked over and looked at the ferret.

"That's the life," he said, laying his sunglasses down beside the cage as he studied the animal, "All he does is eat and sleep."

"Not much of a pet," Chris growled.

"Oh, like that fish was," Will retorted, "At least you can take this thing out and pet it and let it run around the room."

He walked over and opened the cage and took out the ferret.

The little masked animal wrapped itself around Will's arm and Will petted it.

"See," he said, holding it close to Chris.

Chris eyed it suspiciouly for a few moments and then smiled.

"He is kind of cute," Chris said, "Put him down and let's watch him run around."

Will set the ferret down on top of the piano.

The ferret immediately went for Guy's sunglasses.

He grabbed them in his little mouth and ran.

Guy lunged over the piano trying to catch him. Instead, he merely slid off the slick surface and landed hard on the floor.

"Ouch!! That little fucker!!" he yelled, "Those sunglasses cost me a thousand dollars."

The ferret leaped off the piano, still carrying the sunglasses and landed on the chair.

Jonny reached for him, but he was too late.

The ferret dove under the sofa.

"Now what do we do?" Chris asked, walking over to the sofa.

The ferret was poking his little nose out from under the sofa but no one noticed him.

"They are known for stealing things and using them to make a nest."

"Dammit Will, those sunglasses were supposed to get me dates. They aren't nest material. You better get them back," Guy demanded.

Chris was walking back and forth in front of the sofa, shoeless as usual.

"Ah Chris, you might want to find some shoes," Will said.

"Why?" Chris asked.

Suddenly, he let out a piercing scream.

Will made a face.

"That's why," he said, pointing at Chris.

Chris was hopping around the room, shaking his foot which had a ferret attached to the end.

"Get it off!!!!!" Chris said, "Get it off!!!."

He was jumping all over the room trying to shake loose the iron grip of the little animal.

Jonny jumped up to try and help him.

Chris flung into him and they both went rolling across the floor in a huge ball of arms and legs. The ferret let go and ran back under the sofa.

Seconds later the animal came running across the room carrying Guy's sunglasses.

Will dove after him. Guy dove after him. They knocked their heads together.

Both lay there for a second, stunned.

The little animal jumped up on Guy's chest and dropped the sunglasses. Then he hopped back up on the piano and went back in his cage.

Seconds later he was fast asleep in his hammock again.

Guy lifted his head and looked at the chewed up remains of his thousand dollar date-getters.

"Will," he said, "That thing is going back tomorrow."

 

 

so awesome it wont fit in one post :awesome:

 

Pet Shop Boys

a Dianna and Brooke collab :awesome:

 

Chapter 6

 

 

“OK, ferret's gone,” Will said as he entered the Bakery with yet another cage in his hand. “And now we've got a bird. Is that all right?”

Chris jumped up from his seat at the piano and peered at the new animal.

“It looks OK... Does it fly at the speed of sound?” Chris giggled. Will rolled his eyes.

“No, but it probably sings through the night, so you two should get along well.”

“Ooh, maybe we could do a duet!” Chris said excitedly as he grabbed the cage from Will. He walked over to the piano and gently set the bird on top of it. “We can sing the song I wrote for Spongebob.”

Chris cleared his throat, and began to sing.

Spongebob, man

A great friend you were

But you left this world too soon

Our time together was a blur

And Spongebob, my dear

I really wish

That I had more time to spend

With you, my dear fish

You were lovely and awesome

But I fed you too much

And now I-

The bird interrupted Chris's singing with a loud squawk. Chris smiled. “Yeah, take it, little guy!”

The bird was really trying to tell Chris to stop, but in his naivety, Chris thought the bird was singing along.

Chris neatly wrapped up the song with a lovely piano bit, and said, “That was great. We need to give you a name, man!”

“Maybe we should call it Bird,” Guy said. “You know, 'cause that's what it is... and... I've got nothing else.”

“We should call it Funkmaster Flex,” Chris said, grinning.

“What?” Will laughed. “Why?”

“I don't know, it sounds cool,” Chris shrugged. “I think he's some American rapper guy.”

“Whatever,” Will said. “Funkmaster Flex it is.”

Chris smiled and shoved his face up next to the birdcage. “Hi, Funkmaster Flex! We're going to have a lot of fun, I can tell.”

Two weeks later, Jonny received an urgent call from Chris telling him to rush over to the Bakery. As he opened the door, he was startled to see Chris standing in front of him, looking absolutely mortified.

“What's wrong, Chris?” Jonny asked as he finally calmed himself down.

“Funkmaster Flex. He's driving me crazy.”

“I thought you loved him.”

“I did!” Chris said, finally moving out of the way so Jonny could walk inside. The two then walked into the other room, where all of the instruments were kept. “But he's driving me crazy now.”

“Well, what's he doing?” Jonny asked.

Chris widened his eyes and whispered, “He's mocking me.”

Jonny burst out laughing. “Mocking you? How?”

“Follow me.” Chris led Jonny over to the cage. Funkmaster Flex was just sitting, staring at them. “Now, watch this.”

Chris took a deep breath and started to sing. Moments later, Funkmaster Flex started squawking.

Then, Chris stopped singing and began to dance. Funkmaster Flex followed him, flapping its wings and moving its legs.

“See?!” Chris exclaimed. “He hates me!”

“Chris, I don't think he hates-”

“WHY DO ALL THE ANIMALS HATE ME ALL THE TIME?” Chris cried. “Is there something wrong with me, Jonny?”

Jonny looked at Chris. Chris was looking back, with big eyes filled with tears. Part of him wanted to laugh at the sight, but the other part of him felt bad for Chris.

“No, there's nothing wrong with you, Chris,” Jonny smiled.

“Thank you, Jonny,” Chris sniffed. Then he looked over at the bird. “I don't think Funkmaster Flex wants to stay here, though.”

“Well, I guess we could take him back and try to find another pet,” Jonny said. Then he grabbed Chris's arm. “Come on, let's go to the store, then.”

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

"Jonny....pssst....over here," Chris was motioning wildly.

Jonny walked around the corner to see what Chris was looking at.

Jonny stepped back quickly.

"God no," he said, his voice shaking, "No....no...no."

"But it's so cute," Chris said, shoving his hand toward Jonny.

"Get it away from me Chris," Jonny said.

Chris turned away in disappointment and put the big, hairy, black tarantula back into its cage.

"I really wanted that," Chris said, making cooing sounds at the spider.

Jonny grabbed him by the arm and pulled him away.

"I have a better idea," he said, dragging Chris over to the hamster cages.

"Jonny...I don't want a..." Chris stopped and his eyes grew larger than Jonny had ever seen them.

Chris grabbed his chest and clasped both hands together.

His face glowed like a little boy on Christmas morning.

"I've never seen anything so perfect," he whispered to Jonny in amazement.

Jonny smiled.

"I thought you would like it," he said.

But Chris didn't hear him. He was staring at the hamster that was in the cage.

The hamster was running endlessly on the little wheel, displaying amazing amounts of energy.

Chris head was moving in a circle as he followed the motions of the little furry animal.

"It's me....."he kept saying, "I have found my animal soul mate, Jonny. Thank you."

Jonny rubbed his hand up and down Chris' back.

Chris turned to him and planted a large kiss square on his mouth.

"It's what our kid would be like, if we could have one," he told Jonny, "Furry like you and always running in circles like me."

"Does this make you feel better about losing SpongeBob?" Jonny asked.

Chris was staring at the hamster.

"Who?' he asked.

 

"It's a rat," Guy said, looking at the animal.

Chris' nostrils flared and he pushed Guy away.

"It is not a rat," he declared, "It is my soul mate. My child. My destiny. The reason for my existence..."

He would have gone on endlessly if Jonny hadn't cleared his throat in a threatening manner.

"I hope you take better care of your soul mate this time," Will said, sarcastically.

"We shall feast on chocolate and tell each other our deepest secrets and live in peace and harmony, forever," Chris said, dramatically.

Guy leaned over to Jonny.

"You might want to make sure he doesn't try to have sex with it," he warned.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

"You are so cute, yes you are!" Chris said. He was holding the hamster, who he had named Little Little Chris, much to both Guy and Will's dismay and disgust. Jonny had just laughed.

"Here, little guy, have some chocolate," he said, shoving a rather large bar of chocolate into Little Little Chris's face. The hamster immediately jumped on it, and scarfed it down. "You really are like a miniature me."

Chris stood up and walked over to where Little Little Chris's cage was. He placed it in its cage.

"Now, after I eat chocolate, I like to go for a run," he said. "It helps with the sugar rush."

As if it knew exactly what he was talking about, Little Little Chris jumped on its wheel. Excited to see such a thing, Chris joined him by running in place.

"You really are my animal soul mate!" he exclaimed. "We're so much alike."

For hours Chris watched Little Little Chris spin on its wheel. He would have continued to do so for a lot longer, had he not heard the other guys walk into the room.

"Chris, you're already here? Figures," Guy said.

"Still in love with that thing, eh?" Will said.

Chris stood up and shot a look at Will. "It's not a thing, thank you very much. He's my soul mate, OK? And his name is Little Little Chris."

Guy disgustedly moaned, Will covered his face with his hand, and Jonny chuckled.

"Can't you name it something else?" Guy asked.

Chris stormed over to Guy. Guy was almost intimidated, until he remembered that he was dealing with Chris.

"You know what, Guy? No, we can't. And I don't go around asking to name you something different, do I?" Chris spat. "I mean, what kind of name is Guy? That's not a name, it's a noun!"

Will started laughing.

"And so is Will!" Chris shouted. Somewhere in the background, the sound of the moving wheel stopped. Chris stood still, breathing very heavy, and Jonny walked over to him.

"Chris, sweety, calm down."

"How can I calm down," Chris said through his teeth, "when these imbeciles are insulting the love of my life?!" Jonny narrowed his eyes, and Chris corrected himself. "The other love of my life."

"Listen, Chris, I-" Jonny began.

"I don't think you need to worry about, ahem, Little Little Chris anymore," Guy interrupted, craning his neck to see around Chris and Jonny.

"What do you mean?" Chris asked, frantically turning around.

Will walked over to Little Little Chris's cage.

He gasped, covered his mouth with his hand, then turned around and shook his head.

"What?" Chris asked with a shaky voice.

He slowly moved towards the cage. At first, he thought maybe Little Little Chris had somehow escaped. He hoped.

But as he walked closer, he saw Little Little Chris collapsed on the wheel.

"No..." Chris said. He pulled the hamster out and examined it closely. "Come on, little guy, wake up!"

"Chris-"

"Wake up, Little Little Chris!" Chris impatiently said.

"Chris-"

"Come on!"

"Chris, stop!" Will said. "He's gone."

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

Chris slowly opened his eyes.

He was lying on the sofa where Jonny had carried him after he passed out.

Then he remembered what had happened.

"Jonny!!!' he jumped up and ran to the hamster cage.

"Yes?" Jonny joined him by the cage.

"So it wasn't a dream," Chris said, beating his head against the cage.

"No," Jonny said, "I am sorry, sweetie. But Little Little Chris is no longer with us."

"Where is he?" Chris asked, angrily turning to Jonny.

"Calm down," Jonny told him.

"No, I must see his furry little body right now."

"We buried him," Jonny said, gently.

"Did you call the paramedics?" Chris asked in a shrill tone, "Did you even try to save him?"

"Will tried to give him CPR," Jonny said.

"And I tried beating on his little body," Guy said.

Chris glowered at him.

"You know to get his heart started again," Guy quickly explained.

Chris stuck his hand into the cage and whirled the little hamster wheel.

"What will I do without him?" he wailed.

"You still have me," Jonny said, smiling brightly.

"All done," Will said, as he came walking into the room from the kitchen.

"Did you get it fixed?" Guy asked.

"Yes," Will nodded.

"What?" Chris asked.

"Ah, there was a slight problem with the garbage disposal," Will said.

"Yeah," Guy told him, "Something got stuck in it."

Jonny made a face at both of them as if to say "Stop talking about it before Chris asked what got stuck in the disposal."

Guy and Will both laughed.

"I am going to die," Chris said, dramatically, walking to the sofa and collapsing.

"What do you mean?" Jonny asked.

"Just like my little soul mate. His heart couldn't take it and mine can't either. This is it Jonny."

He held up his hand to reach for Jonny.

"Guess he won't fit in the disposal," Will said, quietly.

"He might if we put him in head first," Guy said.

 

The End

 

 

 

 

:dance: