Part 15

 

 

“Come on,” Chris said, holding out his hand. I skeptically looked at him.

 

“Why do you look like you're trying to trick me into something?” I asked. He dropped his arm a little and sighed.

 

“Jonny, we're gonna run there. That's it,” he said. Held held his hand out once more. “There, now that I've been totally honest, can we go??”

 

Chris started to bounce slightly on his feet, and I thought it would be fun to make him wait another minute or so. But he must have known my plan, and he took the liberty of grabbing my hand and pulling me down the road a bit.

 

We stopped, then Chris took a deep breath. “This is it, Jonny,” he quietly said in an awed tone. “I'm gonna run. For the first time in my life, I'm gonna run.”

 

“I'll be honest with you, it's not that great,” I told him. He turned to me and just smiled.

 

“Thank you for doing this with me. It really means a lot.” He quickly faced the road ahead of us once more, took another deep breath. “OK, on 3... 1... 2-”

 

“THREE!” I immediately shouted, and I started running before he even knew what was going on.

 

“Jonny!!” he yelled, though I could tell he wasn't really angry or anything. He seemed to be a bit shaky at first, and he held onto my hand tighter, but after a while he was starting to run ahead of me.

 

We didn't actually get to reach the trail to the overlook before we stopped running. It wasn't so far from Chris's house, but he got tired pretty quickly, so we walked the rest of the way. Chris started laughing as we strolled down the side of the road, and he swung his arm back and forth, consequently moving my own arm as well.

 

“This is so weird! Jonny, did you ever do something that you thought you'd never do?” he asked.

 

“Well, I never thought I'd date a guy,” I replied.

 

“Something that you've wanted to do, something you haven't been able to do,” he clarified. I shrugged. “Well, it really is an amazing feeling. It's like... well, it's indescribable I guess,” he said with a laugh. “But it feels great.”

 

Chris sighed contentedly, and we were both silent from then on, until we reached the rocks leading to the overlook. I decided it would be best to let Chris climb first, that way I could help push him up if he needed. It took him a minute or so to feel comfortable climbing, but he eventually got the hang of it and made it to the top with no problems. I followed, and within another few minutes we continued walking.

 

The overlook was just as perfect as I had remembered it. It was late spring now, so there was still some empty patches of dirt scattered about the ground and trees still left bare, but for the most part things were starting to turn green again. The water below was steadily moving, and the sun reflected off of bits here and there and made it shine spectacularly.

 

“This is so pretty,” Chris softly said, grabbing onto my arm and staring with amazement at the beauty that surrounded us. “I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before.”

 

“I used to come here all the time,” I told him. “It was a nice place to sit and imagine that everything was perfect in the world. Sometimes, in the summer, it would get so hot that I'd end up falling asleep in the grass.”

 

“That doesn't sound too pleasant,” Chris laughed.

 

“No, it was actually quite comfortable. I mean, I kinda started sweating and then the sweat mixed with the dirt and the back of my neck was sort of gross and dirty when I woke up, but it was fine otherwise.”

 

“Hmm, I could really use a nap right about now,” Chris said in a dreamy sort of way. “I guess I'm not really used to being awake for this long anymore.”

 

“How long have you been awake?” I asked.

 

“I don't know, six hours or something,” he replied with a shrug. I quickly did the math in my head, an area in which I had certainly improved since the beginning of the year.

 

“You've been awake since four??” Chris glanced up innocently and shrugged his shoulders again, this time much less confidently.

 

“I've been waking up at weird times for months now,” he carelessly said. “I'll wake up at four, then go back to sleep at eight, then wake up again at noon, then go to sleep at three, then wake up at five, then go to sleep at nine, then wake up at eleven, then go to sleep at one, then wake up at four... Same thing pretty much every day.”

 

“Why do you sleep so much?”

 

“I guess I'm just used to it.” He paused momentarily, looking as though he too was pondering why. But he didn't seem to be having much luck. “Anyway, that running kinda tired me out a lot.”

 

“Well, we can go back if you want-” I began, but Chris interrupted me with a wave of his hand.

 

“No, we just got here. I have a better idea,” he said, taking hold of my arm and dragging me to a patch of fairly thick grass. He sat down, pulling me along, and then he laid back and stared up at the clouds. I laid beside him, and he turned his head. “The clouds are nice today, too,” he smiled.

 

“I'm sure they are.” I didn't even bother to look up at the sky. I could see a tiny reflection in his eyes, anyway, but even then I didn't really care. Chris scooted over and rested his head on my chest.

 

“I'm only gonna close my eyes and rest for a bit, OK, I'm not actually going to fall asleep,” Chris told me. I put my arm around him and let my hand lay on his waist.

 

“All right.”

 

Several minutes went by and neither of us said anything. It was quite obvious that Chris had in fact fallen asleep, despite his assurance that he was not going to. That was fine by me, since I thought it was nice that Chris was sleeping in my arms. It was the first thing I had ever wished to stay the same for the rest of my life.

 

 

RELATIVITY

 

 

 

September 1971

 

"Would you like to help me with breakfast Robert?" the woman asked.

As she cracked some eggs into a bowl.

"Sure," he said, scooting an old chair up to the cabinet.

The little blonde boy climbed into the chair with some difficulty.

He was about nine years old.

The woman tousled his hair and smiled at him.

She was his aunt.

"Aren't you glad that you came to stay with me and Albert for a week?' she asked.

The little boy looked at her and smiled.

She poured the mixed eggs into a frying pan.

"Do me a favor," she told him, "Go wake up Guy."

Robert frowned.

Guy was the boy's cousin.

The son of his aunt.

He was sixteen years old.

And quite full of himself.

He was medium height and slender.

Dark haired and tan from years of summers on the farm.

Large brown soulful eyes.

And given to teasing his younger cousin unmercifully.

But still, his aunt had asked him to do something.

Robert took a deep breath.

Jumping down from the chair, he walked slowly down the hall.

He peeked around the corner of Guy's room.

Hoping that his cousin was already awake.

But instead, Robert saw that there was a lump still lying on the bed.

Robert walked slowly over to the bed.

His cousin was lying on his back.

Brown hair mussed terribly.

Face turned to one side.

Shirtless and without covering.

Guy had broken his lower forearm playing football several weeks before.

Now that cast-clad arm was lying across his flat brown stomach.

Robert stared at his cousin.

A strange feeling came over him.

A weird twinge grabbed at his stomach.

Guy was lying there looking like a statue of bronze.

His face and chest resembling a work of art that would have made Michelangelo green with envy.

Robert thought he had never seen anything so beautiful.

 

 

 

 

Part 16

 

 

The first thing I heard when I stepped inside was crying. It was coming from the living room- more specifically, my mother, who, along with my father, was sitting on the sofa. He was on one side, facing my mum and staring at her with a strangely blank expression, and she was on the other side, trying to become part of the armrest while simultaneously bawling her eyes out.

 

I stood in the doorway and watched. I don't think either realized I had come home, and maybe they didn't care. They were obviously in the middle of something.

 

“Will you say something? Please,” my father said, his voice low and not at all genuine. He sounded professional in a way, like no matter how long he had actually been home for, he could not get his mind away from the last business trip. We weren't family to him, we were simply more people for him to do his business with.

 

“I just... can't believe-” she began, cut off by her own breath, hiccuping as more tears forced themselves out. She turned to look at my father, but it was only another moment before she turned back. She shook her head, either to symbolize that she had nothing else to say, or that she just couldn't speak anymore.

 

“I'm so sorry, really, I... I never wanted for any of this to happen,” he said, no more convincing than before. “All I've ever wanted was to be able to provide for- for you, and for Jonny... And some things have happened along the way, things that I couldn't control in the moment-”

 

“Oh, please,” my mum snapped, “I've shared a bed with you for eighteen years, you know how to control it.” This seemed to anger my father, since he was probably used to his insincere tone working on the people he bestowed it upon.

 

“I don't think that's very fair,” he said. Of course he didn't. “You don't know what it's like out there. You don't know what I have to go through every day just so you can have a roof over your head. Just so our son can have his meals every day.”

 

“Our son?” she repeated, quiet and with a hint of sarcastic laughter. “You don't even know Jonny. You never raised him. You didn't watch him grow up, I did. While you were out, selling watches and sleeping with your secretary.”

 

He stared at her incredulously, like he had just been insulted as he never had before. “I do not sell watches,” he quietly said, but with firmness and great offense. And just then, I had never felt angrier with him. If I had been close enough, or actually involved in the fight, I might have hit him right then and there. My mum looked like she was close to doing it as well.

 

“And that's all that matters to you,” she replied, calm despite her angered face. “It doesn't matter that you broke up our family, it doesn't matter that Jonny is probably completely messed up because of all of this. What do you sell? Lies? You don't seem to be very good at it, if you do. I can't imagine that you could have supported us for so long doing something you're awful at.”

 

“I don't see how it would be my fault that Jonny is messed up. After all, you said it yourself, I didn't raise him.”

 

“Exactly.” Both of their heads shot over in my direction, and it was then that I realized I had spoken. I figured I may as well keep going with it, so I took a step into the room. “Mum raised me single-handedly, and she did the best she could. A lot of people forget that it takes a lot to take care of even just one kid. It takes more than one person to do it right, and even then...”

 

“Would it have been better for me to spend more time with you, and for you to then be housed inside of a cardboard box somewhere on the side of the road?” my father asked me in a very parental sort of tone, one that I had never actually had directed at me before. “Because it takes money to be able to keep this place, and it takes work to make money.”

 

“You didn't have to be gone for so long,” I told him, trying, but failing, to keep my voice down. “You didn't have to go on business trips to make the money. You could have picked a regular old desk job, and maybe you wouldn't have been so happy, but at least we could have been a family. Now you come home and expect us to worship you like all your subordinates do. But you have to earn respect, dad. And you certainly haven't earned mine.”

 

My father stared at me, breathing heavy and angrily, but he said nothing. Maybe he thought that no matter what he said, it wouldn't make a difference because no one seemed to be listening to him, or maybe it was just that he knew he was wrong, and he didn't want to admit it. So he kept his mouth shut. I was content with that.

 

“Jonny, maybe you should go to your room for a bit,” my mum said, “your father and I still have some talking to do.”

 

“It's not like I won't hear you guys yelling,” I said. “And anyway, I already know what you've both been up to.”

 

“Both?” my father repeated, very loudly with very wide eyes, as he turned to my mum. “So, you've been cheating on me?”

 

She didn't answer; her eyes were glued to me, the most devastated look on her face. I had the feeling she was under the impression that I thought less of her because of her actions, and it must have hurt her to think that. I just stared back at her, trying to decide whether or not I did think less of her.

 

“Actually, I think I will go to my room,” I quietly said. “Is the phone in the kitchen?”

 

“You're gonna call Chris? You've been with him all day.”

 

“Who's Chris?” my father asked, having temporarily forgotten what had just happened. I sighed and started to back out of the room.

 

“You know what? Never mind, I'll just go to my room.”

 

“Who is Chris?? Who's Chris?” I heard him ask my mum as I walked further away from the living room. Her muffled reply came shortly after, and I drowned it out with my door, slamming it so hard I actually scared myself.

 

I laid down on my bed and closed my eyes. I tried to think back on what the day had been, the amazing day I spent with Chris. Sure, for quite a while he had been sleeping, but it was still a great day, because it couldn't be anything else as long as he was there with me.

 

Quite a long time must have passed while I was drifting into my own world, and suddenly a knock came out of nowhere.

 

“Come in,” I said, not bothering to open my eyes. I figured it would be my mum. The door creaked open, and a few seconds later a voice spoke.

 

“Jonny.” I sat up and looked with surprise at the door, where my father was standing. I should have seen it coming. “It, um...” he began with uncertainty, taking a few small steps forward, “it has been made clear to me today that I have not spent much time with you over the years.”

 

“It's too late, you know.” He nodded his head.

 

“I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me tonight,” he said. “At least I could, uh... get to know you a... a bit.” He spoke the last part unenthusiastically, and as though he had read it off a screenplay or something. I looked at him for a while, and in that moment I really wanted to be able to say yes, and really mean it, to really want to try to make things work. But they wouldn't, and I didn't care anymore.

 

“Please, Jonny,” my mum calmly said as she appeared in the doorway. “Just spend an hour or two with your father.” Of course, now I couldn't say no, because I couldn't let her down.

 

“Fine.”

 

 

one.

 

 

 

"Gather round...gather round" Chris announced, standing tall in the abode he and his fellow band mates liked to call 'The Beehive'.

 

One by one, they resided in front of Chris, their faces looking like puppy's, hoping they were getting some sort of treat.

 

"Now...I bet you are wondering why I have gathered you round!" Chris said, cheerily.

 

"Yeah, we were watching Deal or No Deal! The Banker was just about to show his face when you switched the bloody telly off!" Will said, grumpily.

 

"Well...I promise you, you will want to hear this" Chris said, grinning, showing his dazzlingly white teeth.

 

There was an awkward pause.

 

"So...are you going to tell us or can I get back to doing my hair?" Guy asked, raising a small mirror in front of his face.

 

"Well...I was thinking of going on a little...field trip!" Chris said, clasping his hands together excitedly.

 

"Chris...we're not 10 year old American school children...grow up!" Will said, turning to walk away.

 

"Well...like it or not, we are going to Auctionmania!" Chris said, holding a poster in front of him for everyone to see.

 

Guy perked up. "Auctions...like, with antiques?"

 

"For gods sake Chris...now you've got Guy interested...it must be boring!" Jonny said, rolling his eyes.

 

"Just because you wish you were me!" Guy said, tutting and fiddling with his hair.

 

"That man can not be straight..." Will said, his head in his hands.

 

"Well guys...it is for one day only, and the taxi is outside! Let's go!" Chris said, running out of the door. Guy quickly followed him while Will and Jonny, hands in pockets, reluctantly followed suit.

 

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

 

Around 2 hours and 49 minutes later...

 

"Well...we're here!" Chris said, throwing the front doors of the venue open. The hall was massive, with lots going on.

 

"You didn't say it would take almost three hours!" Will exclaimed.

 

"For god sake...you'll enjoy it! Maybe they are auctioning off some hair for you Will!" Chris said, cheekily as he seemed to skip across the room. "We'll all meet back here in 2 hours- have fun!"

 

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

 

120 minutes later...

 

"Ahh...what a brilliant day" Chris said, looking up and remembering the last two hours of his life with joy. "So...what did everyone get?"

 

"Well...I got 5 new cameras, a stone-age mirror, some hair gel belonging to Thom Yorke and a bag of jelly babies!" Guy said, running on the spot.

 

"What about you...Jonny?" Chris asked, his eyebrows raised in anticipation.

 

"I got a new cap...it's like my old one but it's got a star on it!" Jonny said, raising a smile.

 

"Ooh...that's nice" Chris said, feeling the caps rough texture. "Did you get anything, Will?"

 

"No" Will replied, grumpily. "It was so boring!"

 

"He's lying" Guy said. "He bought some hair"

 

Embarrassed, Will tried to explain himself. "I've just got one to try it out!"

 

"Uhh...he bought six different styles" Guy said, chuckling.

 

"Fine...whatever! Hey, anyway, what did you get Chris?" Will said, trying to change the subject.

 

"The Stongehenge!" Chris replied, grinning.

 

"What?" Jonny exclaimed. "What the hell, Chris? What do you want the Stonehenge for?"

 

"Now...that is a very fair question but, how about we go out for a meal and I will explain everything" Chris replied, looking at the shocked expressions of his three best friends.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

The end of Guy’s story brought about a long but not unpleasant silence. Both men sat side by side and listened to the rain hitting the roof with tremendous force. Flashes of lightning would light up the dark of the night with white hot intensity. Thunder roared every so often.

 

Guy didn’t mind any of this. He actually enjoyed it. Thunderstorms were magnificent things to watch. But once the wind began to pick up, a nervous energy bubbled up inside him. The soybeans wouldn’t be able to stand too many strong gusts.

 

And when the windowpanes began to rattle and the house began to creak with the intensity of the wind, Guy began to feel very worried. He nearly jumped clean into the air when he felt one of James’ hands rest on his left knee.

 

“You’re shaking,” he noted with concern. “I can feel it from here. What’s wrong?”

 

Guy noticed with surprise that he was indeed shaking. His trembling hands made it seem as though he had just ingested about a gallon of caffeine or sugar. And he had unconsciously been tapping his feet against the side of the bed frame.

 

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t even realize.”

 

He tried to laugh it off. But James was clearly not fooled. He stared into Guy’s troubled brown eyes. “Do your eyes always change colors when you are upset?” he asked thoughtfully.

 

“Um….I don’t know,” Guy replied. “I never knew they did at all. Nobody ever told me. I guess no one noticed?”

 

James scoffed. “No one ever paid you enough interest to notice. All it takes is an observant eye. And not even a very observant one. The change is obvious.”

 

“Oh?” Guy inquired, delicately raising one eyebrow in a silent challenge.

 

“Yes,” James replied, sounding sure. “Your eyes turn at least two shades lighter when you are distressed about something.”

 

“Lighter? That’s odd. I never would have guessed that.” An idea came to him.

 

“Does that mean I am easy to read?” he asked.

 

“Absolutely,” James replied with a smirk.

 

“Damn,” Guy remarked. “And all this time I thought I was fooling people.”

 

“Oh I’m sure you were,” responded James seriously. “I’ll bet nobody ever paid attention long enough to notice.” He looked right into Guy’s eyes. “But you can’t fool me. Your eyes are much lighter now and they make you look lost and innocent. Which is why I inferred you must be worried or distressed.”

 

“Wow….that’s impressive. You’ve got a good read on people.”

 

James just shrugged. “All you have to do is pay attention.”

 

“Your eyes change colors too, you know,” Guy told him suddenly. “When you are deep in thought they get darker, more mysterious. And when you are eager to say something they flash a few shades lighter. It’s quite entertaining to just watch your eyes as you say and do different things.”

 

Guy blushed a little, recognizing what an odd thing that was to say to someone. He hoped it hadn’t sounded too weird. He couldn’t read the expression on James’ face and it made him even more nervous to add to his already present uneasiness about the storm.

 

“Why don’t you tell me another story?” James suggested.

 

“No…I don’t think so,” Guy replied timidly. “I don’t have anything interesting to say, really.”

 

“Oh come on,” James encouraged, “I know you’re not boring.”

 

Guy shifted nervously on the bed. He swung his legs and tapped his hands lightly on his knees. He hummed a little tune without even realizing he was doing it. It was some old song his dad used to listen too.

 

James smiled at this. He put his hand on Guy’s shoulder. “You’re shaking again,” he told him kindly.

 

“I’m sorry,” Guy replied. “I am just worried about how my crops will fare in the storm. It’s getting worse and worse out there.”

 

James gave him a sympathetic look. “I know how much that means to you. But this is Kansas. There are storms all of the time. I bet there have already been at least twenty this season. And your soybeans survived all of them just fine didn’t they?”

 

“Yes….I suppose that is true,” Guy admitted. “But I just can’t help worrying.” He smiled sheepishly. “The soybeans are almost like my children, for how much time and care I give them.”

 

James looked at Guy for a long time and his eyes lightened like he wanted to say something very important. Guy found the intense stare very awkward and quickly turned his head away. Sometimes he really wondered what James could be thinking when he looked at him like that.

 

Finally James spoke, though Guy knew it wasn’t what he really wanted to say. “That’s why I said you should tell me a story. It would take your mind off of all of your troubles for a while. You can’t change the weather so you might as well find a way to deal with it.”

 

“I don’t know…”

 

“And besides,” James added, “I like the sound of your voice.”

 

Guy felt his cheeks getting warm yet again. He thought it was a very kind, though strange, thing to say.

 

“Okay,” he finally relented, “I will tell you a story.” He frowned. “But I don’t know what to talk about.”

 

“Just tell me about your life.”

 

“What about it?”

 

“Anything…..everything. Start from the beginning.”

 

Guy looked skeptical. “Are you sure you want to hear this?”

 

“I haven’t been more sure of anything in a very long time,” James said truthfully.

 

“Okay….if you insist. I will start from the very beginning.”

 

And he did. He told James all about is life growing up. He talked about meeting Julie and about Malcolm and owning the farm. He talked and talked until he was startled by a sudden force hitting his legs.

 

James’s head was resting on them. He was fast asleep. “He must have fallen asleep sitting up,” Guy said to himself. “See, I told you I was boring,” he whispered to James. “I put you to sleep.” He chuckled quietly.

 

He didn’t know what to do now. He didn’t want to wake James. He looked down at him. He thought he looked so peaceful and serene while asleep. But somehow he still looked as confident and as ever.

 

Guy was suddenly struck with an odd feeling that he wasn’t sure what to do with. Thunder boomed loudly from somewhere very close by and James twitched a little on Guy’s lap. Guy surprised himself by reaching down to stroke James’ hair.

 

He ran his fingers through the dark black curls. Suddenly all his worries seemed to dissipate and there was no place he would rather be than right there.

 

 

I've had this lying around for a while. I figured I'd post it, just because. This is all of it.

 

 

Boys Don't Cry

 

Chapter 1

 

 

Guy never was big on principles.

He was a simple man with simple values but didn’t believe much in the stereotypical things he often heard people spewing out.

He didn’t much care if people saw him yawn out of boredom during a conversation with him.

It didn’t faze him that some stuck up folks would give him dirty looks if he rested his elbows on the table during a dinner party.

Sometimes he felt like walking on the left side of the sidewalk, and ignored the so called rule for staying to the right.

And if he occasionally forgot to open a door for a stranger, it was no skin off his back.

He figured those people could just deal.

It was not as if he was hurting anyone.

He wasn’t committing any crimes.

He hadn’t robbed a bank.

Or murdered his ex girlfriend.

His mother used to widen her eyes in shock when she heard Guy saying such things.

She couldn’t believe she had raised such a brash son.

And then she would constantly be on Guy’s case about being more polite.

To the point where Guy almost gave in to her.

Almost.

He never quite reached that point.

He was too proud, and too devoted to his own beliefs.

But although he generally disagreed with his mother and basically the rest of the population as far as ideals went, there had always been one principle he had followed religiously.

The first time he heard it was on a balmy summer’s morning.

The heat of the sun had not yet reached the earth to its fullest extent.

A bright and shiny new bicycle was standing proudly on the sidewalk, just waiting for an equally proud rider to mount it.

And Guy was going to be just the right person for that.

Even as a young boy of five, he was pompous and quite sure of his capabilities.

Without hesitation he climbed onto the bike.

And was eager to show off the skills he thought he had to his mother.

But, as he was young, he was stupid.

And completely unaware of the skills necessary to ride such a contraption without falling off or crashing into some other object.

And unfortunately for Guy, that is exactly what happened.

He managed to stay on the bike all the way down his driveway.

But then he had to turn.

And this was a lot easier to do in his head than it was in reality.

At first he thought he was going to make it.

But then the bike tipped just a little too far.

And Guy couldn't keep his balance.

He fell, sprawled out on the sidewalk, the bike on top of him.

Quickly he scrambled to his feet, trying to get his bearings and get a sense of his injuries.

As soon as he stood he noticed a sharp pain in his right knee.

He looked down at it.

His pants were ripped at the knee and blood trickled down from the newly acquired wound.

It stung and throbbed.

If Guy had been older, he would have said it hurt like hell.

Instead he did what any young child would do.

He filled his eyes with tears and prepared to cry.

But before they could run down his cheeks, his mother was kneeling in front of him.

"Are you hurt?" she asked, full of motherly concern.

Guy just nodded and pointed to his injured knee.

"Oh that's not so bad," she said, giving him an encouraging smile.

"It hurts,' he told her.

"I know," she said.

There was a noise of a door swinging open.

Then Guy's father was standing on the front porch.

He crossed his arms.

"What's going on out here?" he asked.

"Nothing," Guy's mother replied sweetly. "Guy just fell off his bike, that's all."

"Is he hurt?" Guy's father questioned.

"A bit. But he'll be alright."

"Ahh, of course he will. He's a man. He can handle a little pain."

Then with a nod of satisfaction he returned to the house, likely to continue reading the Sunday paper as was the norm.

Once he had left, Guy's mother turned to Guy.

"Now you listen here," she told him.

Guy had looked at her skeptically, a look most five year olds would hardly know how to achieve.

But Guy was special that way.

He wasn't like other kids.

He never had the ignorance that allowed him to put blind faith in the words of an adult.

But this one time, he chose to believe.

"Wipe those tears away," she said, and Guy obeyed.

"Someday you will be a man just like your father. You will be proud and strong-willed. But crying just does not fit that image. It never has."

Guy had just stared at her, not fully grasping what she wanted him to do.

She grabbed his shoulders.

"What I am trying to say is, your father wants you to grow up like him. So he doesn't want to see you cry. Crying is a weakness for a man. Do you understand?"

"I think so," he said. "So does that mean when I am hurt I can't cry?"

"Well...you shouldn't," she told him. "When you are upset, it is better if you deal with it on your own. Your father would like that. You want to please him, don't you?"

"Yes," Guy said, and he meant it.

In some ways, Guy was still like other kids.

He was a boy. And boys looked up to their fathers.

So naturally, Guy admired his.

And he wanted to be just like him someday.

And if that meant putting an end to tears, then Guy would do it willingly.

"I understand it now," he said confidently.

And he did.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

He applied this single principle in everything he did.

He got cuts and bruises.

He banged his head.

He scraped his knees.

Once, he even broke a bone.

But never once did he cry.

And it wasn't just physical pain.

No, Guy kept his eyes dry as the desert even through emotional aches and pains.

When he was six he got a puppy.

He loved that mutt like a brother; a brother he never had.

But one day he left the gate open accidentally.

And the puppy was gone.

Guy put up signs all over town.

He knocked on neighbor's doors asking if they had seen him.

They hadn't.

And the dog never came back.

But he didn't cry.

When Guy was seven he found something better than a puppy.

He found a friend.

He moved in down the street.

And they were in the same class at school.

So naturally they became close.

They rode bikes together.

They explored the woods by their homes.

They became inseparable.

Until the boy's mother informed him one day that they would be moving again.

Then the boy informed Guy.

Guy and his parents helped the family pack.

They watched as they drove away.

Guy waved after them.

But he didn't cry.

When Guy was eight he didn't need any more brotherly substitutes.

His parents came home from the hospital with a real little brother.

Guy loved him instantly.

And he wanted to spend all his time with him.

But his parents didn't like that idea.

Instead, they spent all of their time with the baby.

And left Guy on his own.

One day Guy came home with a very good grade.

He hurried into the nursery where he knew his parents would be.

He excitedly tried to show them the paper.

But they immediately shushed him and shooed him out of the room.

Guy slowly left the room and sat down at the kitchen table.

He didn't cry.

This was the most his parents had interacted with him in weeks.

When Guy was nine his entire world was shattered.

His parents fought.

They had fought many times before.

Especially since the new baby.

But this time was different.

Guy's father packed his things in a suitcase and left.

Guy stood in a corner and tried to make himself disappear.

It worked.

It was hours before his mother noticed.

Their eyes met and she hurried over and hugged him tight.

Then she sent him to bed.

Guy figured his father would return by the time he awoke the next morning.

Because he was loyal.

Because he was decent.

Because he was a good husband and father.

Because that is what Guy had been raised to believe.

One week later he still had not returned.

And Guy learned why.

Apparently, he had been sleeping with another woman.

And apparently he had chose that woman over Guy's mother.

Guy didn't understand.

He thought what his parents had was love.

He thought love conquered all.

His father often told him that.

But now he was gone.

And Guy felt incredibly hollow.

In his young mind, he determined that love was as pointless as he had been raised to believe tears were.

He lost another human reaction that day.

The ability to love another.

And so in this way Guy grew up.

When something bad happened he did not have love nor tears to cling to for relief.

Sure when he got older he had girlfriends.

He had lots of them.

He was actually fairly popular in school.

But none of them ever meant anything to him.

And thus he never had the same girlfriend for more than a month or two.

That was okay with Guy.

He didn't believe in love anyways.

Not anymore.

And while he didn't believe in drowning his sorrows with tears, he did find a different thing to drown in.

Guy had his first beer when he was fourteen.

And he liked it.

Had he believed in love, he would have loved it.

It felt like a get out of jail free card.

A bus ticket to the next city over.

A plane ride in the clouds.

An escape.

And what a glorious escape it was.

Now Guy wasn't only running away from sorrow and love.

He was running away from everything.

Every emotion, every thought, and every feeling that might mean something.

He ran far and fast.

He laughed as everyone else stood by and watched him.

But they knew something he didn't know.

Guy was running straight for a wall.

He never saw it.

But he felt it.

It hit him, hard.

It was like the wave in the ocean that swells up unexpectedly and sweeps you off your feet.

Or the first tremor of an earthquake that causes the buildings to quake an tremble in a such a way that if they had thoughts, they must have been wondering why they ever thought they were sturdy in the first place.

But this wall wasn't a wave.

It wasn't an earthquake.

It wasn't even a wall.

It was a person.

Just one lowly human being.

But the effect that one insignificant human had on Guy was far from insignificant.

It was more devious than a wave, more sudden than an earthquake, and more robust than a brick wall.

For the first time in a long time, Guy was forced to feel again.

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

The first meeting took place on a cold winter evening when he was twenty five.

It was snowing.

But it wasn't a light dusting.

It was a heavy snow fall that was worsened by a strong, biting wind.

The temperature that night was far below freezing point.

Guy hated the cold.

He always had.

But it was okay.

He was inside.

Away from mother nature's wrath.

The bar was cozy and warm.

So inviting that Guy could never seem to pass it up as he walked by.

He sat in his usual seat.

The bartenders all knew him by name.

But tonight there was a new man working.

And Guy felt relieved.

The usual bartenders would expect him to drink excessively.

And for some reason, Guy just didn't feel up to it today.

He was still on his first beer.

He could hardly fathom that he was actually feeling bad enough as to not even want to drink.

And he was glad that the usuals who knew him weren't here to call him out on this.

The man that was working instead seemed out of place there.

He was tall.

But he didn't look menacing.

He was friendly.

But he seemed more genuine than the others.

He was thin.

His eyes were gray and looked kind.

For some reason, all this intimidated Guy.

He tried to disappear.

He had become skilled at that over the years.

He could be in a room for hours before anyone noticed he was there.

But not tonight.

As much as he tried to become invisible, the new guy seemed to notice him at almost the exact moment Guy wanted to disappear.

He walked over and Guy felt himself tense up.

He felt ridiculous.

But he couldn't help it.

He now wished he had drank more anyways.

It would have saved him from this feeling of awkwardness.

But he hadn't.

And now he had to face this man.

"Hey," the man said.

His voice was quiet.

But it expressed a strange sort of confidence that Guy had never known.

"You're new," Guy stated plainly.

He wasn't keen on the typical human greetings.

They were futile to him.

Just a waste of breath.

Of course, this didn't often sit well with those he spoke too.

Typically it resulted in dirty looks.

And in more extreme cases, a bloody nose for Guy.

Guy figured this man would react much the same.

But he did not nothing of the sort.

He just laughed.

It was more of a chuckle, really.

Since it was almost inaudible.

But it might as well have been an explosion to Guy.

As unexpected as it was.

"Don't look so startled."

Guy's eyes widened.

He hated the thought that his emotions were visible on the surface.

"What will it take for you to leave me alone?" Guy grumbled.

The man just laughed harder.

"I like you," he told him.

Now Guy was truly confused.

"But...why?"

"You're different. Different is interesting. Interesting is good, if you ask me. Sure is a lot better than being boring."

"Okay," Guy replied meekly.

He didn't know what to make of this man.

"I'm Rory, and you must be a regular here."

"Yeah."

He was reluctant to tell Rory his name.

"You don't really look like you belong here, Rory," Guy told him.

"I suppose it's obvious, huh?"

He pushed a lock of his reddish brown hair behind his ear.

"I am here because it is the only way I can make a living for myself."

"Hmm," Guy said.

He was actually intrigued.

But he didn't want that to show.

Luckily Rory continued on without any encouragement from Guy.

"I never went to college. I followed my girlfriend straight out of high school. Moved out here. I loved her. But things didn't work out. I decided to stay in the area though. And so here I am."

Guy could not hide his interest any longer.

"Why would you give all that up just for.....love?"

He also could not hide his distaste when he said "love".

"I would never want to give up feelings like that," Rory said sincerely.

"But that's....it isn't really there. And feelings, they just get in the way. They got in the way of you having a career."

Rory just shrugged.

"Those things don't mean much if you don't feel alive. Emotions....they allow you to feel like you are really living. That's not something I'm willing to sacrifice."

"But not all emotions are good," Guy argued. "A lot of them are painful and bring misery."

"That is true," Rory admitted. "But I'll bet it doesn't at all compare to the pain you feel."

Now it was Guy's turn to laugh.

"What pain?"

"The pain of loneliness," Rory said. "It's not something you can make disappear with a few drinks."

"I can try," Guy said. "Bring me another one," he told Rory, and finished off his current drink.

For some reason he felt a sudden anger towards this man.

Who did he think he was, trying to tell Guy how to live?

He didn't even know Guy's name!

Suddenly Rory grabbed Guy's wrist.

"Look at me," he commanded.

Shocked, Guy obeyed.

"What are you trying to avoid?"

"Everything," Guy said quietly.

"No...." Rory said. "Right now you are just trying to avoid me. Why? You were hardly drinking before."

For some reason Guy found himself unable to deny this.

Probably because it was true.

He sighed.

"Tonight I was thinking that maybe I was tired of being emotionless. But then I saw you and I got scared."

"Why were you scared?"

"Because I really like you."

"I really like you too."

"I'm afraid to feel things again. So many things could go wrong, and it will turn out badly."

"Listen. Things didn't work out with my last relationship. But I don't regret a thing. I don't think you will either."

Guy thought about it.

He could say no.

And go back to his regular life of bars, hangovers, and loneliness.

Or he could take a chance.

A chance at being happy.

"My name is Guy," he said slowly. "And I think I'd like to see you again, in a different setting."

Rory smiled widely.

"That sounds great."

 

 

 

Part 17

 

 

“And how did that go?” Chris asked as he dug through a container of strawberries that was sitting on his lap. He picked out one that seemed to satisfy him, and he took a large bite out of it. Then he turned his big blue eyes at me and waited for an answer.

 

“It was... awkward,” I replied, wincing at the memory. “I mean, I can't remember the last time I even had a five-minute conversation with him, let alone an hour long one. And the food at that place was pretty horrendous.”

 

“Aw, I'm sorry.” Chris turned back to his container and picked up another strawberry. “Want one?”

 

“Uh, no, thanks.” I looked out into the yard; it couldn't have been much longer now before my parents came back. Of course, I didn't even know where they had gone in the first place, but they had been gone for at least three hours, and certainly they would return relatively soon. ”I think what made it worse was that... well, I'm pretty sure my parents are trying to use me now to keep their marriage alive.”

 

“You think so? Or maybe they're just staying together for the sake of their child,” Chris suggested, waving his hand in the air, in a voice that implied he also thought it was ridiculous. I shook my head as he laughed a little.

 

“They would never do anything for the sake of their child. My mum, maybe, but not my dad, and certainly not both of them together.” I stared down at the steps we were sitting on, and messed with the chipping paint. “I kinda wish they'd just split up already.”

 

Chris was silent. I suspect he was trying to think of something to say, but couldn't. He tapped his foot a few times. “Maybe that's what they went to go do,” he finally said. I smiled.

 

“I guess it's a possibility.” Chris dug through his container again. His left hand was holding the plastic, but I decided to pry it away and lace our fingers together.

 

“Gee, thanks,” he sarcastically said, “I wasn't using that.” I stuck my tongue out at him, and he retaliated by shoving a strawberry in my face.

 

“Ew, get that away from me! Those things are gross, I don't know how you can eat them.”

 

Chris shrugged. “I don't think they're bad. Plus, it's not like I can really eat whatever I want, and my mum said these would be good for me. And I'm hungry.”

 

Chris went back to picking through the strawberries. I watched him, laid my head on his shoulder, and almost instantly he leaned into me. There was a sound of crunching gravel nearby, and I looked up to see my parents' car pulling into the driveway.

 

“Well, I guess they're back now,” I said, sitting up. “Come on.”

 

I stood up and started walking away a little. Chris set down his container on the porch and followed, since our hands were still joined. My mum and dad stepped out of the car and we all sort of met in the middle.

 

“Where've you guys been?” I asked.

 

“Oh, you know,” my mum casually replied, “around.”

 

“We got you something, son,” my dad said in an strangely monotonous voice.

 

“Oh... kay...” No doubt something they bought just so they could keep me around them longer, because without me there wasn't much left that they had in common. Well, I wasn't having any of that. “This is Chris, by the way,” I said, motioning to the aforementioned boy with my free hand.

 

“Nice to meet you,” Chris beamed. He stuck out his hand, which my dad tentatively shook, and I caught his eyes wandering over our other, interlocked hands.

 

“You know, you could have mentioned this at dinner,” he quietly said to me.

 

“Yeah, that dinner was awkward enough.” I coughed, to try to ease some of the tension that I felt existed, and then I decided to be inquisitive. “So, what did you get?”

 

“Oh, right-” My father quickly turned to my mum, who was digging through her purse. It took forever for her to find what she was looking for. Finally, she pulled her hand out, and with it brought some tiny bit of shiny metal. It was a key.

 

“Here you are,” she said, holding the key out for me to grab. I took a closer look at it.

 

“You got me a car?” I blankly asked. “I don't even know how to drive.”

 

“Well, your father will teach you,” she said, shrugging a little. “It'll be good. It'll be great. You'll love it! You have your own car now, aren't you happy?”

 

“Yeah, thrilled, obviously,” I sarcastically replied, and turned to Chris. “I have my own car now.”

 

“That is kinda cool,” Chris said. “My parents could never afford something like that...”

 

“I have no idea how mine did.” I turned back to my parents, and I'm sure they were prepared for me to ask how they paid for the car, but I didn't. “So, where is this contraption?”

 

“It's at the dealership still,” my father answered. “Tomorrow we'll take you down, your mother can drive this car,” he reached behind him and hit the hood of the car, “home and I'll take you somewhere so you can start learning how to drive.”

 

“Can Chris come?”

 

“I suppose.” He rubbed his hand over his forehead. “I think I need a nap now, that salesman was something else... He kept trying to snake us into paying more than the car was worth. Not such a surprise, really, but it's still a hassle to get through.”

 

“Well, let's go inside, dear,” my mum said. “We'll let the boys be alone for a while.”

 

She began to walk, and after my father looked at us and sighed, he left as well. I turned and watched them enter the house, then I looked at Chris.

 

“Your parents seem to be getting along well,” he said, though it sounded like he was unsure of the truth in the statement. He shrugged a little, and I smiled at him.

 

“They're certainly trying.”

 

“Well, that's better than nothing, right? I mean, I know you said earlier that you want them to just split up, but... maybe they can work things out. Maybe things will get better, you know?” Chris brought his arm back a little and pulled me closer to him. “And hey, at least you got a car out of it.”

 

“Yeah,” I said, laughing, and I kissed him on the cheek. “At least there's that.”

 

 

two.

 

 

 

 

"When you said that we were going out for a meal...a picnic was not what I imagined" Jonny said, flicking a fly off of his egg sandwich.

 

"It's a meal isn't it?" Chris asked. "And I paid for it!"

 

"No you didn't!" Jonny replied. "I saw you take that ten pound note from my coat pocket!"

 

"I'll pay you back" Chris said, winking. "Now...on to business, why I brought you here..."

 

"Why did you bring us here?" Guy asked.

 

"Well...if you would let me finish" Chris said, sighing. "I have brought you here to talk about my recent purchase of one of the greatest wonders of the world!"

 

"The Stonehenge..." Guy said.

 

"Yes, Guy, The Stonehenge" Chris said, still thrilled.

 

"And you were going to tell us why you bought it!" Will said, hurrying Chris on.

 

"Yes, well, I have bought it as our new HQ!" Chris said.

 

"We've already got The Beehive!" Jonny exclaimed.

 

"Yes but The Beehive doesn't quite compare to The Stonehenge, does it?" Chris said.

 

"So what the hell are you going to do, put a giant wired fence around The Stonehenge?" Will exclaimed, almost lost for words.

 

"No, I'm going to do one better, I'm going to put a massive Stone wall around it!" Chris said, feeling smart.

 

"But it is a Stone wall...of sorts" Jonny said, flabbergasted. "Are you actually being serious?"

 

"I think it's a great idea" Guy said, munching on his tuna sandwich.

 

"Shut up Guy!" Will and Jonny said in unison. Chris also found himself joining in with the hatred for Guy although he did entirely agree with him.

 

"Thank you Guy" Chris said. "Now, a toast to The Stonehenge!" Chris said, opening a can of cola and raising it. "To new beginnings!"

 

"To new beginnings!" Guy said, raising his can of orangeade.

 

"Chris, you can't just take The Stonehenge from the public!" Will exclaimed.

 

"I think you will find I can...I've got a deed and everything!" Chris said, joyfully. "Do you want to see it?" Chris asked, rubbing the piece of paper in Will's face.

 

"Please don't do that" Will demanded.

 

"Okay" Chris complied, standing up. "Now, if you would like to take your places in the taxi that will be pulling up any second...next stop will be The Stonehenge!"

 

 

 

Coldplay Story

 

By: ~J-M-P-16 (AKA Julia)

 

 

 

Mysterious invitation from the U.S. in the mail, ignore it or not? Sadly, I opened

it and it was a gig invitation for a Twelve Days of Christmas party line up. For twelve nights in a row there's a very formal and big party in New York State. Why someone would ask when they know that me and the band aren't going on tour again I don't know, but they did. I asked the guys and they all said it'd be okay and it sounded interesting. We left the day after New Years to arrive in the town we had to be in around 3:00.

"We're here," Guy said, "not as big as I thought it would be."

"I know," I said, "still, the letter said that the entire town was coming and that we were staying at the inn for free; eat free too. Not too bad, we just have to perform on the last night."

"That's four days away!" Johnny cut in, "Why are we here so early?"

"Get settled in, over our jet lag, and maybe see what our crowd's like," I told him, "That's what I'm thinking anyway."

"I'm sure," he said in a very upset tone, "and the next thing you know someone's off and drunk and unable to perform, perfect."

"That's not going to happen," I said, "we just need to focus."

"Whatever."

We settled our small dispute after that and went to the inn. It was a nice old place, part restaurant and the upstairs led to the rooms we were staying in. We got into the rooms, two people per room, and got settled in for a bit. I was just relaxing for a while and I heard a voice in the room:

"Get away from here, other wise, you'll pay the price."

Startled by this, my rational brain said it must be Johnny trying to scare me, "Johnny, is that you?"

"What? I didn't say anything."

"You didn't?"

"No, you're probably just a little freaked out mate, relax."

"I'm trying to, but I just heard a noise, a voice, saying to get out… or pay the price."

"You're paranoid, again, just relax. I'll go see if I can find us a cup of tea or coffee, alright?"

"Fine."

Jonny left and the minute he did, I heard the voice again, "You aren't listening to me, get out!"

"Who are you? Show yourself!"

I suddenly saw a person appear in front of me, a soldier from the American Civil War, "You actually believe that crap, I'm not going to kill you, nor am I going to kick you out, I just wanted to see how people react to that kind of stuff."

"Okay?"

"Now, down to business, do you know why you're really here?"

"To perform and have a good holiday in the states?"

"Wrong," he pulled out a rifle and pointed it right at me, "I'm here to show you the good of life."

"I thought you said you wouldn't shoot me!"

"I said I wouldn't kill you, never said I wouldn't shoot you."

"Waitwaitwait! Before you do that, why?"

"You'll find out in about fifteen minutes, you'll wake up refreshed and younger, literally."

"What?"

"Have fun Chris." Right after he said that, he shot my left hand, right between the equal (=) sign, and I fainted. I woke up fifteen minutes later, just like the ghost said, and I really was younger. I looked to be sixteen or so, and the guys did too. I wasn't sure of what was going on, but then I heard a knock on the door. The guys just woke up, like me, and I answered the door.

"Yes?" I said sleepily.

It was a girl, around the same age as I'd become, she had short ginger hair, "Hey, sorry to bother you, but, do you mind helping out, you and your buddies?"

"Uh, sure. What with?"

"College idiots tore down most of the decorations and we're looking for people who can help us out."

"Okay, sure, I guess." Another girl showed up next to her, whispered something in her ear, and left, "What was that about?"

"Oh, nothing, it's nothing," she said blushing a little, "but get your jackets and come out to the porch in about five minutes."

"Okay, but, I don't think I caught your name."

"I'm Mae, you?"

"Chris."

"Great, see you outside?"

"Yep."

"Awesome, thanks again." I nodded, she smiled and left.

"Chris," Guy said regaining consciences, "what was that all about?"

"We're helping out, get your jackets on and let's go."

"Okay?"

We got our jackets on, and before we left I looked at my hand. The equal sign was still there and there was a round purple bruise between the two lines. I grabbed some loose pieces of fabric I found from my bag and tied them together and then around my hand. I was the last one outside and was amazed to see how much had been destroyed.

"CHRIS! OVER HERE!" I heard being called to me. I turned and saw Mae, "C'MON!" I came up to where she was and she told me to follow her. "I have something important for you to do here in the back," she said handing me something, "hang this up for me? Its right there, see the hook and ribbon? This hangs right there, think you can do that?" I nodded, "Great! Thanks again." She left me to hang up whatever was in my hand and I started to climb the ladder that had been set up for the job.

I struggled to hang it up, the ladder wasn't quite even and I kept losing balance and jiggled when I reached up to try and hang whatever I had. I came close to hanging the decoration when I heard someone running and yelling my name, they were coming in fast. I turned to see who it was and lost balance. I fell off the ladder and onto who ever had come over to where I was. I landed pretty hard on top of who ever it was and when I was able to see straight again, I looked down and got of the person right away. It was Mae I'd landed on, she'd come over to tell me something I guess, startled me, and I fell.

"Oh my God, Mae! Are you all right?" I asked, worried she was hurt. I had my arm around the lower part of her waist and I had my other arm around her shoulder to try and support her as she got up. I don't think it helped.

"Ow, my head hurts."

"I'm really sorry, you came over and startled me and I lost balance. I didn't mean to hurt you, I never would, I'm so sorry."

"I'll be fine, I think, I came to tell you I'd given you the wrong thing to hang . . . and now . . . this is becoming more and more awkward."

"Why, what'd you give me, why is it suddenly awkward?"

"Look up," she said flatly and blushing, "then you'll know why." I looked up and she was right, she'd accidentally given me mistletoe to hang and it finally hung when I fell. I could feel myself blush and I let her go.

"This is awkward, I didn't mean for it to hang, I thought it wouldn't. I . . ."

"Yeah, I didn't either, I thought I'd given you the white lantern and it wasn't, I'm really sorry, I . . ."

"I should have looked first, I didn't though, and now . . ."

"This is really weird. I mean I don't really know you too well, I just wanted help and . . ."

"I just wanted a nice holiday, but things go wrong, and . . . is it me or is it really cold out here?"

"It's always cold during the winter, especially around now. It's bound to snow later tonight. Don't you guys get really bad weather in London?"

"Well, yeah, but it's mostly rain. How'd you know I was from London?"

"Your accent."

"Oh, well, I thought you wouldn't know right in England where I'm from and. . ."

"My grandma was from London, I know these things. Plus, the Union Jack with the word 'London' written across it on your jacket's a big give away."

"Oh, right," I said in an uneven tone, "dead give away."

"Yeah, now, how about I hold the ladder while you get the mistletoe down?"

"Okay, sure." I stood up and helped her up. I thought she was balanced, but when I let go of her hand, she fell over. I managed to catch her before she fell flat on her face, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Not anymore, no."

"Why don't you sit down?" I helped her over to the small bench right by the back door, "You'll be okay here, right?"

"Yeah, thanks, you better get someone to hold that ladder for you."

"Yeah, I'll be right back." I left her sitting on the bench and found Johnny. He was busy with something and so was Guy, so I got Will to help me out. Thank God he wasn't given anything too big to do because I didn't want to fall and potentially die again. I went around back, introduced Will to Mae, and got the mistletoe down.

"That all you need me for Chris?" Will asked.

"Yeah, I think so. I might need you again in a few minutes."

"Okay, find me if you do."

"Alright, thanks, Will."

"Yep." Will left and I went over to check on Mae.

"Feeling any better?"

"My head still really hurts, but not as bad as before," she said with a slight smile, "thanks for asking."

"Sure. Can you stand up?"

"Don't know," she said, "let's find out."

"Okay," I said giving her a hand, "nice and easy, right?"

"Yep." I went slowly and she stood up, not falling over, "Thank God, I've got my balance back."

"Good, now, can you walk?"

"Probably," she said, taking a few steps around, "I think I'll be okay." She took a step and slipped on some ice.

I caught her again, "What is it with you and falling?"

"Don't know," she said laughing a bit, "Why do keep catching me?"

"So you don't hurt yourself any more then you already have."

"Why do you care if I'm hurt?"

"Well," I said lifting her up, "a gentleman wouldn't have a lady be hurt." I could feel my cheeks grow a little pink, but I just blamed it on the cold.

"Oh, since when has chivalry been re-established?"

"Well, it hasn't. I'm just being nice, how about that?"

"Fair enough, what'd you do with that mistletoe?"

"Oh, right," I said pulling it out of my pocket, "here."

"Thanks," she said taking it out of my hand, "you still cold?"

"A little, it's not that bad, once you get used to it I mean."

"Good, I'm glad."

"It's still a little chilly though, don't you think?"

"I thought you said you'd gotten used to it."

"I said it's not as bad, it's still a bit nippy."

"Care for a cuppa?"

"A cuppa would be great, thanks."

"Alright then," she said smiling, "but one more quick thing before I leave."

"What?"

"Come here," she said signaling for me to give her my ear, "it's a secret." I turned my ear toward her, she cupped her hands around it, and then she hugged me. She had her arms around my shoulders, not my waist, which made me feel a little off.

"Uh . . . Mae? What are you doing?" She smiled up at me; I just looked back at her, puzzled. She looked down, blushed a little, and I wrapped my arms around her. "If you're really that cold, you should have just told me."

"You're worse than I am," she said, still smiling, "it is really cold out here."

"Yeah." We just stood there for a minute, our arms still wrapped around one another, and then Mae looked back up at me again. I looked back at her and asked, "Do I have something on my face or…?"

"No," she laughed, "I just can't make up my mind."

"About what?" I asked, letting her go, "what's it got to do with me?" She smiled at me again and kissed my cheek. "Wh-wh-what was that for?" I could feel my cheeks grow pinker then they had before.

"A thank you and to warm you up, come one, lets get you that tea."

"B-b-but . . . wait a minute!"

"No need for waiting stupid, or is there something you really need to say?"

"Well . . ." I stopped short.

What was I supposed to say, that I hated her? I really didn't, but that kiss just seemed a little out of place, she was the one who said that she barley knew me, and yet she's fine with kissing my cheek? It all seems a little too weird, too fast, and too crazy for my liking.

"Are you actually going to say anything or are we going to go get that tea?"

"I don't know what to say really."

"Then zip it and let's go."

That's when something crazy came into my mind. I didn't mind Mae being around, but, again, that kiss was a little too fast for me. I think maybe she really didn't mean it as an; 'I like you' but maybe she really did just want to thank me, like she said she did. I hope it's the thank you bit, because I need time to think. I thought it over and I thought it might be the best thing I can do right now, I had to kiss her to leave me be. I'd apologize later and she'd either ignore me and hate me forever or accept my apology and we'd be friends. I had to take my chances.

"Wait a minute," I said, "one last thing."

"Oh, what is it now?" I walked over to her and hugged her again, "Okay, Chris, now you're the one who's acting loopy on me."

"Who's loopy?" I asked.

"Look, I just wanted to thank you," she said shoving away from me, "nothing more, okay?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, I told you that! Do you have hearing problem or what?!"

"No, I don't! That kiss just threw me off and I miss took it as an; 'I like you', I'm really sorry."

"Again, I know you a little bit more now, but I still don't know you that well. I thought you'd be used to it, considering that a kiss on the cheek is used as a welcome in Europe."

"Yeah, on chat shows and if you know the person really well it is, otherwise you just shake hands."

"I know that!"

"Right, but we'd already been introduced!"

"I realize that part, but . . ." she stopped short and sighed.

"But . . .?" I asked.

"Nothing, I'm just overreacting to a hug, that's all. I'm sorry, I just can't think straight, not when I know that this place is in the state it is and I've met you."

"Again, what have I got to do with it?"

"You've just been really nice and patient with me."

I felt terrible after she said that. I was about to make her run and leave me be and I'm the one who overreacted, not her, "Look, Mae…"

"What? What could it be now?"

"I'm the one who overreacted, not you. I'm the one who should be apologizing . . . again."

"Thanks for that, I still feel a little bad about this though."

"Don't, I'm the one who is about to be feeling even worse about this whole thing." She was just too cute, why could I not get the thought of my lips locked with hers out of my head?!

"Why? Is something wrong?" I stood there like a complete fool, pretty much twiddling my thumbs, not able to say anything. "Hey," Mae said, putting her hand on my shoulder, "lets just put this whole thing behind us, okay?"

"Sure . . ."

"Great." She slid her hand off my shoulder and held it out for me to take. I did and we walked back into the inn.

"Feels good to be back inside." I said.

"Yeah," Mae said, "I like it outside but it's nice to be back inside, especially when it's really cold like that."

"I agree."

"I can tell; your cheeks are still really pink."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm sure mine are too."

"A little."

"See? Now, where'd Charlie go?"

"Charlie?"

"Yeah, one of the workers here who can get us that tea I was talking about."

"Oh, right."

"Wait here a minute."

"Alright." Mae left and I sat in one of the chairs in the ballroom. I just sat there for a few minutes, waiting for Mae to show up. She came in about five minutes later with a tray.

"Okay," she said putting the tray on the little table next to the chair, "pick your

Tea. Charlie gave us a small kettle full of hot water and a few different types, so, take your pick."

"That was really nice of him."

"'Him?'"

"Oh, Charlie's a girl?"

"Yeah, her real name's Charlotte. I probably should have said that earlier, sorry."

"It's fine. I just didn't know; that's all."

"Alright, she also left us some milk, if you'd like."

"Yes, please. Did she leave some sugar too?"

"Of course," she handed me a small bowel of sugar, "here."

"Thanks." We both fixed our teas and just talked for a bit. I told her a little bit about life in London and she told me about her life in the states. We just went on for a while and finished off the little kettle (it only held about two cups each.)

"Thanks a lot for the tea," I said after we talked, "it was really nice after having all that fuss earlier."

"No problem," Mae said back, "glad you liked it."

"Yeah." Mae got up and started to pick up the tray. "Oh please," I said, stopping her, "allow me."

"Oh, okay, thanks. Just drop it off at the bar and if one of the tenders asks what you're doing, just tell them that it's from me."

"Alright, can do."

"Thanks." Mae smiled after she said that. I smiled back and walked over to the bar. I left the tray and wasn't asked any questions. I walked back to the ballroom to talk again with Mae, but she was gone.

"Where'd she run off to?" I asked aloud.

I felt someone's arms wrap around me from behind, "Boo." It was Mae, obviously.

"Hello again." I said, turning to see her. She let me go and I turned around, "Why'd you do that?"

"Because I could."

"Fair enough. Now, isn't there some work left outside?"

"Oh, why go outside again, they're almost done anyway."

"I guess. But what are we going to do here?"

"There were a few things that were torn down in here; do you want to set those up?"

"Okay. What kinds of things were torn down?"

"The ribbon wrapping the staircase was torn off, some of the tree's decorations were broken and need to be replaced, and the mistletoe needs to be re-hung."

"That's not much. Anything else?" I still had my thoughts from outside playing in my mind, why I did, I don't know, but it would have been nice.

"Not that I can think of."

"Alright then, let's get started, shall we?"

"Sure."

We both started working right away, starting with the stairway. There were ribbons that had been ripped, tangled, and torn apart all along the stairs and on the rail. We couldn't find any more ribbon, but we found some little bow shaped pins the same color as the ribbons. We put different colored ribbons in small "U" shapes and connected them with the pins. The tree was next. We moved the tree to the corner and put all the decorations to the front. It still looked like it was still missing something, so, we took the loose ribbon from the rail and tied them to empty areas. That took a good hour and a half maybe two hours, and the last thing was the mistletoe.

"Well, we need the ladder now, don't we?" I asked.

"Yep," Mae said, "I wonder how it'll look now that everything's different. I mean, the mistletoe is so small compared to everything else."

"Well, I saw some fake grapes in the bin we found with the pins, do you think if we painted them white and attached it to this it'd be better?"

"Maybe. Where would we get the paint?"

"Huh, good point . . . what about at one of the shops?"

"I know one that might have some paint, but I'm broke. I don't suppose you have any money, do you?"

"No . . . do we have any white ribbon left?"

"A little."

"That'll work just fine."

"How's ribbon going to help?"

"Watch." I took a little bit of the red fabric that was on my hand and tied it to the top of the mistletoe.

"What happened to your hand anyway?"

"Cut it."

"How?"

"Slipped in the kitchen while preparing dinner with my family."

"Hit a knife?"

"Yeah . . . that ought to do it." I showed her what I'd done, which wasn't much. I tied the red to the top into a ribbon like the ones on the steps. "That's just the beginning too, what if we took some of those fake grapes and, with the white ribbon, weaved it into the mistletoe so it'll be a bit bigger . . . and still be white."

"Never thought of that. That might actually work, I'll get some of the grapes and ribbon, be right back." Mae left and I was stuck looking for slits to weave the ribbon into, whistling a song as I worked. She came back with the grapes and ribbon and I started working on 'fixing' the small decoration. When I was done, we both checked it, and it was ready to be hung.

"We'll need the ladder, won't we?" I asked.

"Yeah," Mae said, "we better go get it." That's when we heard the door open and Guy and Will were carrying the ladder in. Johnny was carrying a ton of boxes in filled with all kinds of things.

"Where do you want the ladder?" Guy asked.

"Set it up by the stairs, please." Mae told him.

"Got it." They were setting that up and Johnny dropped the boxes by me.

"Hey Chris," he said, "Who's the girl?"

"Her name's Mae," I told him, "she's been showing me around and helping out."

"Oh, okay, is that why she kissed your cheek?"

I was shocked when he said that, "You saw her, I mean…?"

"You're cheeks are still red, mate."

"Really?"

"Redder than a blood rose."

"Wait, SHUT UP! They are not! You're just being an @$$!"

"Okay, maybe a little. Seriously though, your cheeks became pink when I mentioned that kiss."

"Bollocks!"

"You could say that, here she comes." Mae was walking over to where we were.

"Can I have the mistletoe, please?" she asked.

"I'll hang it," I said.

"Remember last time?"

"I'll have someone hold the ladder this time; I won't lose my balance again, really."

"Okay, but let me hold the ladder."

"Fine."

"I'll leave you two love birds be," Johnny cut in; "have fun Chris!"

"FUN?!" I said, somehow surprised by Johnny's being an a-hole (which I shouldn't have).

"LOVE BIRDS?!" Mae screamed. "Okay, lets get one thing straight Peach Fuzz," she said marching into Johnny, "I am not in love with your friend, nor am I trying to flirt, GOT IT?! You imply that one more time and I'll make sure that your sorry buck-toothed butt is kicked so hard you'll be sent back across the pond!"

"Oh, so you want to play stereo types, do you?" Johnny retorted, "Okay then, Fatty, if you really don't like my friend, why'd you kiss him?"

"I kissed his cheek, Toad."

"Pig."

"Oh, you're going to go there huh? Okay, why don't you get you go get some fish and chips and stuff your face like the Pudgy Rat you are!"

"Whiney Drama Queen."

"Momma's Boy."

"Texan Hot Shot, Daddy's Little Girl, Slob!"

"Oh, good set of insults, you Filthy Pig Dog, let me tell you a little something Sherlock. I always thought that European educational system was better than the American educational system, but if you can't tell that you're not in Texas, you really are an idiot. Plus, I know you have just as many hot shot, wanna be princess, SLUTS over there. Also, you're obesity rate is just the same as ours."

"Oh yeah, well . . . those aren't even insults! How do I-"

"Don't even contradict me, I'm going to let you off right now, go take your cuppa tea and crumpets and PISS OFF!" Mae was really mad; she even threw two fingers in Johnny's face. Johnny stood there, jaw dropped, eyes wide, and his face was pale.

"C'mon mate," Will said, "before you lose anymore of your dignity, let's go." Johnny wouldn't move, "Oh, come on." Will grabbed the back of Johnny's jacket and pulled him away. Guy followed, scared by Mae's fit, and soon just shot up the stairs.

"Uh, Mae?" I asked.

"What?" She was still a bit angry.

"Did you really have to go that far?"

"He shouldn't have said anything. He brought it upon himself."

"Still, don't you think that you could have, I don't know, lightened it up, just a little? I mean, I'm from England too, but I'm none of those things."

"And I'm not anything your buddy said I was."

"I know," I said, "you're a sweet, sassy, well dressed, and kind American ginger. I'm just a toad." My head hung down and I felt like a total loser.

"Don't say that," she said, lifting my head so I could see her, "I don't think that at all. You're a nice, cute, artistic, and thoughtful person. A true English Man." She smiled at me and I smiled back. I hugged her again. She hugged back and we just stood there for a minute. I lifted away quickly and kissed her cheek.

"We're even," I said to her, "now how about we hang this up?"

"Sure." Her cheeks were pretty pink when she did, so, I'm taking that as a good thing.

I started up the ladder while Mae supported it at the bottom. It was much easier to hang the mistletoe this time; I got on the first try. I stepped down and put the ladder up against the wall.

"That looks really good," Mae said, "very fitting."

"It does, doesn't it?" I said, standing next to her. I realized my mistake right away and my stomach sank. I was under the mistletoe with Mae, again.

"Well, this is weird," she said, "We're stuck under the mistletoe . . . again."

"Yep, this is strange . . ."

"Yeah, so . . . uh, do we follow tradition or . . .?" I didn't even bother saying anything back to her. I just turned to her and hugged her again. "Okay, break tradition; I'm good with a hug." She wrapped her arms around me.

"I'm not." I said under my breath.

"What?" Mae looked confused; I was too, what had I just done?! I'd tied myself into something I didn't want to be caught in. Well, she heard me, and I had to follow up with something. I kissed her cheek again. "Okay, fine. Sticking closer to tradition." She leaned in and kissed my cheek.

"Oh, I'm done beating around the bush!"

"Wait, what?!"

Right away, without thinking, my hands were on either side of Mae's face and I had my lips pressed to Mae's. I lifted away from her after a few seconds, my face probably red as ever, but she actually didn't seem to mind. In fact, she had her arms around my shoulders and kissed me after. We kept the score even, nothing more to say about it.

"I should um . . . probably go apologize to your friend, huh?"

"Uh . . . yeah. His name's Johnny."

"Right, what room are you in?"

"I'll take you up, okay?"

"Thanks." I stuck out my hand and she took it. We walked upstairs and down the small hallway to my room. I unlocked the door and opened it a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

This is by a deviantART user, I discovered while searching up Coldplay art. I will post the next chapters in the thread as per her request.

 

 

Coldplay Story

 

By: ~J-M-P-16 (AKA Julia)

 

Julia's Homepage

 

Chapter Two

 

Chapter Three

 

Chapter Four

 

Chapter Five

 

Chapter Six

 

Chapter Seven

 

Chapter Eight

 

Chapter Nine

 

Chapter Ten

 

Chapter Eleven

 

Chapter Twelve

 

Chapter Thirteen

First of all, hello to all the wonderful people that write for this amazing thread (if I may, one of the best threads of this entire forum...;))!

 

Thank you for all the marvelous stories you post here day after day, proving that Coldplay fans are indeed inspired by the lovely four men that keep us interested enough to write :D

 

And now, thank you for the consideration you have for me and for the MIA award. I have fallen out of the habit of posting here because sometimes I am busy and I lazy, so I apologize for it. I still read your stories and I know I should review like I used to but I feel like it wouldn't be fair to start now when so many stories I loved so much are already finished. I would have to go back in time.

 

The only way for me to make up for all that is by posting a story. I don't expect anything. This is just a small thank you for everything you have all given me. I'm sorry if it's not enough.

 

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 1

 

 

 

 

 

Growing up, he loved nothing more than chasing dogs. Unlike other kids, who ran away from them, he didn’t feel scared at all. He would get all of his clothes ripped apart, leaving his mother in a bad mood. Fortunately, he would always be saved by his big, pouty eyes.

 

And when the sun rose again, behind the tree next to his bedroom window, he would do it all over again: chase the dogs, run wildly through the fields and end up ruining his cream colored shirts.

 

He could see his mother’s dress blowing in the wind when she called him at lunch time. He would be already dirty. But she would just look reprovingly at him. To make him realize he had to behave. However, he would take no notice of that. Instead, he would eat as fast as he could, without choking, and get out the door before she could grab a piece of wet cloth to wash the dirt off his face.

 

In the rainy days, mud was his mother’s worst enemy. She would go to the “big city”, as he called it, and return with a frown on her face. Her black dress would be stained at the bottom and her hair frizzled from the humidity.

 

He would laugh at her every time, just to make her feel better. It worked. Every time.

Until he was nineteen years old and she didn’t come back. She didn’t get up in the morning to go to the market. She didn’t greet him as he got from work in the farm with twinflowers for her.

 

She was just as he saw her the previous day. Except now, she was gone.

 

Being an only child of a widow meant he had to endure the pity of his neighbors who he didn’t even care for that much, minus some exceptions. This made him rethink his life. Did he really want to stay where he was and live in a place so small he could say the entire names of everyone he knew?

 

He had seen London once. And he had lived in the tiniest village just to the west of Kirkcaldy his whole life. The sea was familiar, the green pastures were familiar, the grey, cold atmosphere was painfully familiar. He needed more than that.

 

“Just in time to live your life.” A voice sounded from the now open door.

 

He turned his head to look at the visitor and could see Mrs. Smith with a sad smile on her wrinkly face. A good-looking woman in her younger years, he could tell. The black clothing she wore from head to toe, quite literally, reminded him of his own mother.

 

“Hello, Mrs. Smith, how do you do?” He asked, politely.

 

She shook her head and sighed. “I have something to talk to you about.”

 

He looked intrigued at her and, after offering her a seat at the kitchen table, he sat in silence.

 

“You are far too young to stay here and condemn yourself to this life. Nothing of great significance happens here, except things like two years ago, with the riot in Edinburgh and, then, the loyal protest because of this silly King we have…” She kept talking, confusing him for a few moments. “Back to what I was speaking to you about, young lad. There is more to do elsewhere. And… your mother is not here anymore, you have nothing else to tie you down.”

 

He looked at her, still quiet.

 

She was saying exactly what he was thinking about but was a bit ashamed to admit. He had nothing to tie him down anymore. Although he didn’t know if he felt happy or incredibly sad with that acknowledgement.

 

“Where do you think I should go?” He asked, his expression showing how lost he felt. His resolve had vanished and he felt that he should rely on someone that could guide him with wise words.

 

“You know where you want to go. You don’t need my attempts to persuade you to go anywhere. Just promise me you will honor your name and your dear mother’s memory wherever you go.” She told him.

 

“I promise.” He said, then bowed his head just a little. Looking up again, he saw Mrs. Smith smile at him.

 

“No wonder your mother kept you away from the town’s market. Those shameless girls there would just traipse after you all the time.”

 

He tried to smile but it came out as a grimace. He remembered he would have to say goodbye to his best friend. The only girl who didn’t make him feel sick to his stomach with flirtatious eyes.

 

“I have to go say goodbye to Emily if I want to go right before the sun rises.” He said. “And I still have to pack my belongings, hand Mrs. Hubbard our keys and get the money I need to leave.”

 

“So the offer for the house still stands? She really wants the place?” Mrs. Smith asked.

 

“Yes. She actually told me last week that it would be a good place for the assemblies of the armies. It seems like they are preparing more attacks against the King’s own military campaign. I guess we won’t be having an agreement, unless he wants to let them have the religion they want.” He shrugged.

 

“Count on that! No King will tell us again what to believe in.” Mrs. Smith said, in an adamant tone. “But go, my dear, go tell your Emily you’re parting in a matter of hours.”

 

 

 

The cold was making its way to the solace of his bones, creating in him a sensation of utter discomfort. He was waiting for Emily by the dock. No sight of her yet. She was always late anyway. It gave him time to rehearse in his head what to say and how to avoid hurting her.

 

He loved her dearly but she was not a reason to stay. He had to find a way to make that fact slide and focus on the good things. She wouldn’t accept it easily, he knew. She was going to get mad at him.

 

“Booo!” She sneaked up on him, making him jump in his place. Her golden braid moved to the left as she giggled, amused by his reaction. “You are so easy to scare.”

 

Her tomboy demeanor wouldn’t be given away by her appearance, in spite of her fiery eyes and rough looking hands. She always had her hair spotless when she came to meet him and her clothes were as feminine as she was obstinate.

 

“Hi.” He said, smiling at her.

 

“Are you feeling alright? You look quite worried.” She frowned in concern. “Is it… are you upset because of your mother?” She asked him, suddenly gentle and soft.

 

“Not just that.” He told her, truthfully. “I have something to tell you and I know you will not like to hear it. And I am not particularly happy either.”

 

“What is it? You’re making me really anxious now.” She urged him to tell her.

 

“I… I have to go.” He said, vaguely, staring at the line of the horizon. “As you know, I no longer have any family member here and I do not wish to stay here any longer. I… am really sorry.”

 

Her frown deepened. “What about me?”

 

“You have that burgh boy to marry. Did you forget about that? I am just a friend. It’s almost inappropriate for us to be as close as we are but everyone knows we are just friends, so there’s no harm.” He pointed out. “But I have to go. And I have nothing to keep me here.”

 

“You do!” She cried, suddenly. “I am more than your friend! I am more than that… How dare you just leave like this?”

 

“How dare I? How dare I?” He repeated, incredulous. “How dare you, Emily, ask me to stay? For you? You will be married in a couple of years and I will be left alone anyway. I have no plans to get married and you will become someone’s wife. Someone’s mother…”

 

She made a pained expression at his words and closed her eyes. “If only you would marry me…” She whispered.

 

His eyes widened and his blood left his face. “Marry you?”

 

“Yes, marry me.” She opened her eyes and grabbed his hands, pleadingly. “Please, marry me. Ask my father’s permission. I will vow to take my life if he doesn’t allow us to do so and we will be able to get married… I am giving you a reason to stay… Please, marry me.”

 

 

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving home was not as hard as he thought it would be.

 

Emily was certainly heartbroken but he couldn’t stay behind for someone who could not be his. And he could not be hers.

 

Therefore, the decision to go was fastened by that fact.

 

However, nothing had prepared him to face the tumult of a big city. London was much more enormous than he had envisioned. People walked at a faster pace and ladies dressed in fancy, very elaborate dresses, their pompous hats puzzling him. Was there a real necessity to wear those outrageously large accessories? If there was, it transcended him.

 

The rich men dressed in very formal attire, mostly black and white. He looked down at himself and his poor clothes contrasted greatly with his surroundings. He decided right away he did not care too much. He chastised himself for even having those thoughts.

 

He looked at the river that stood before him. River Thames. The sight left him gasping for air. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen a place so beautiful in his entire life. He wasn’t sure he would ever see it again either. His ears caught some conversations from people wandering about and strolling through that part of the city.

 

There was a state of turmoil that could be felt everywhere. The King’s desires were clashing against Parliament’s ambitions. In the middle, people picked their sides, monarchy conservationism against the freedom of the parliamentary system.

 

He could not have found a worse time to make his move to the British capital. It seemed like everywhere people were defensive and worried.

 

He went looking for a place to stay for the night. He would have to find a job the next day and the rising of the moon in the dark sky made him aware of the fact that he had been wandering around almost all day since he arrived that morning. After days of travelling, he was exhausted and begging for peace and quiet so he could have a good night of sleep.

 

Looking at the old buildings, he was afraid he would not be able to afford a comfortable place. However, he found a little room just above a tavern where an old man was cleaning the tables, while a few men were busy drinking or talking animatedly about politics, on top of everything else.

 

To his dismay, he could hear everything that was going on downstairs which made him sigh in frustration as he arranged his belongings in the tiny room. He had a few clothes, two pairs of rundown shoes and a photo of his mother. The money in his pocket was already proving to be very little for the expenses he would have in this new life he was embarking upon.

 

He sat down on the bed and wondered if he should go downstairs or try and get some sleep through the loud conversations just below his room. A knock on the door distracted him from his thoughts.

 

“Who is it?” He asked, frowning.

 

“This is Martin. May I come in?” A voice sounded from the other side of the door.

 

He got up and opened the wooden door to reveal a taller man with a fair complexion, intensified by a set of blue eyes. “I’m sorry, what are you doing here, sir?”

 

“Sir? No one has ever called me that.” The man said, chuckling. “My name is Christopher Martin.”

 

“Alright… My name is Guy Berryman.” He told the stranger, not knowing whether to invite him in or just go back to what he was doing and close the door on his face.

 

“I have heard you were new in town and I had to welcome you here. And… we have this reunion in the basement, so if you would like to join us, you are quite welcome.” Christopher said, with a polite smile on his face.

 

“Reunion?” Guy repeated. “What for?”

 

“Well, this is an issue we would like to address in a private environment but I think I can trust you with this…” He eyed the dark-haired man and decided it would be acceptable. As far as he could tell by the accent, he must be Scottish, so one more reason for the man to support what they were doing. “It’s about the King.”

 

“The King?” Guy repeated, once again. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Right now, he thought he was sounding very much like a fool. “What exactly are your concerns with the King?”

 

“It’s quite simple, actually. We don’t want him there anymore. It’s preposterous he would look beyond the parliament and forget the political principles of our country.” Christopher said, quite aggravated.

 

“Ah, that.” Guy nodded. “Well, I am not very fond of him either, but what can we do?”

 

“That’s the spirit: what can we do?” Christopher smiled. “I think you should come downstairs and join our heated debate about this issue. I believe you’re up for the challenge, young lad.”

 

“Young lad? You seem to be my age, why are you calling me young lad?” Guy frowned.

 

Christopher shrugged, embarrassed. “It sounded right in my head.”

 

Guy smiled and chuckled a bit at the other man’s antics. “Alright. Now, let’s go downstairs and find a solution for this problem, young lad!”

 

 

 

“So, we have heard Devereux is on the front of the pack.” One of the bearded, old man said.

 

“Hmmm… Do you believe he will be strong enough to kick Charles out of his throne?” A younger man, called Henry, said.

 

“I don’t know if he’ll be able to do it but if the Irish can start this war, we can bloody finish it!” An imposing figure exclaimed. “We can’t cross our arms and let this go on. We have had bad, crazy Kings but this one… he’s simply crossing the line.”

 

“Calm down, William.” Christopher said. Guy simply looked from man to man, trying to evaluate their personalities, as well as their ideas. “We should ask Jonathan to see if he has any news.”

 

“Last time he had news, Thomas Wentworth was just leaving the Tower of London. And not to a happier place.” Henry said, clearly somber.

 

“It’s true. But we have to wait for Jonathan before doing anything.” Christopher advised. “In the meantime, we have a new friend over here.” He gestured towards Guy, who felt surprised to be considered an equal among these strangers.

 

“Alright, introduce yourself, young man.” The older man, whose name was Harold, told him, gesturing towards him.

 

He neared the other four men, in an embarrassed manner. He looked up to see four pairs of eyes staring back at him. “I’m… My name is Guy Berryman… I am new in town, obviously.”

 

“And you’re Scottish, obviously.” Harold said.

 

“Indeed, sir.” Guy replied.

 

“You know, there’s something I like about those Scots. They’re not afraid of every single thing, like we are. You’re much braver than us.” Harold told him.

 

“I don’t know about that, sir. I only know about me. I don’t care for anybody else’s fears. Their issues, not mine.” Guy said.

 

Harold looked straight in his eyes and touched his own beard, in deep thought. Then, he turned to William and Henry. “What did I tell you? Hard as a rock. It’ll be good to have you with us. After Eleven Year’s Tyranny, we need A Thousand Years Freedom. And you’ll help us with that. Devereux won’t last, so we’ll be facing some very rough adversities.”

 

“Alright, old Harold, now let’s talk some business.” William ignored the old man’s praise directed at the new addition to their small group. “Please, do ask Jane to search for Jonathan.”

 

“At this ungodly hour?!” Harold cried. “When you have a daughter, you’ll know you never send a woman on the streets of London at night during wartime.

 

William sighed and looked at Christopher in annoyance. “I can’t go.” Christopher answered to the unvoiced question. “It’s really dark now.”

 

“I’ll go.” Guy said. “Just tell me where to go and what this man looks like.”

 

“I’ll go. You stay here with Miss Martin.” William looked at Christopher, almost killing the blonde man with his stare.

 

“No.” Guy said, unwavering. “I’m going. I don’t have any need for sleep at the moment and it’s already putting me on edge the way you are always bickering.”

 

The other four men looked at him, then started to laugh.

 

“Guy, you have to learn one thing: we are always bickering.” Christopher said.

 

“And another thing you should learn: it’s always Christopher’s fault.” Henry smiled.

 

Christopher didn’t even feign hurt. He simply laughed and grabbed Guy’s shoulders and patted his back. “Come on, you can go with William but let me tell you in advance that Jonathan won’t be alone.” Then, he winked suggestively, to which Guy responded with a silent frown.

 

Guy and William grabbed their thick coats, then went out the door, leaving the other three men in a comfortable conversation.

 

The cold wind of the London night was enough to chill the two gentlemen to their bones. Their faces felt the gust of the cool, angry breeze.

 

It was almost like a deserted city. No sound but the singing of birds. No sight but the dark buildings and somber homeless people going from church to church, in search of a place to provide them with some vestige of comfort for the few hours they were allowed to rest.

 

It was unsettling for Guy to see this apparent calm in the city when so much was changing and when he saw his own involvement in all these sudden events taking place in a town he couldn’t call his own. In a country he didn’t feel a part of.

 

He didn’t belong here. That much he knew. However, he knew it wasn’t a matter of belonging or an issue he was disconnected from. He was indeed an inferior of the King and he was ruled by his tyrant nature. He knew that much.

 

 

 

The feminine voice squealing and laughing quite loudly behind the door Guy and William were facing at the moment told them they were about to interrupt a very intimate situation. They looked at each other in discomfort and William raised his hand to knock.

 

“Wait.” Guy whispered.

 

“What is it?” The other man frowned, also speaking in a quiet tone.

 

“Don’t you… don’t you think we should… I don’t know, come back some other time?” Guy finished, unsure of himself.

 

“Yeah, when they’re naked and…” William protested, sarcastically.

 

“What makes you think they’re not naked now?” Guy asked.

 

“Trust me, they’re not.” William assured him, raising his closed fist up to the door. Guy looked suspiciously at him, but decided to persuade the other man.

 

“Let’s go back and we can do this tomorrow. It’s not urgent.” Guy tried to reason, getting away from the bedroom door.

 

“Not urgent?” William repeated. “It’s as urgent as it can get. We can’t plan when things are on top of us. We need to think with lucidity for only then will we make rational decisions to get our points across. There’s one thing you’re missing. This is not about fighting one time, seeing who’s killed the most and then, done… It’s about resistance and perseverance.”

 

“I do know that.” Guy interrupted. “But I do know we can’t always think far too much when things get out of our hands so frequently.”

 

“This is where you and I disagree.” William said, in a sharp tone.

 

Silence followed and both men stared at each other. Each one evaluating the other. Frown against frown. Steeling look against steeling look. In the end, Guy turned around and walked quietly to the stairwell and went down the narrow structure. William sighed and went after him.

 

“Hey!” He called after the young man. “Wait over there!”

 

“Just leave me alone. You can barge in there. I’m just going home now!” Guy raised his voice.

 

“Hey, hey! Who in God’s name do you think you are to talk to me like that?” William was offended by the other man’s straightforwardness.

 

Guy looked at him with an angry stare, setting his jaw and clenching his fists.

 

“You come in here and think you have it all figured out, huh?” William asked, rhetorically. “You are nothing but a penniless Scot who thinks he’s some sort of gentleman. In my opinion? You are just a conceited jerk.”

 

Guy simply shook his head and punched William in the face, which left him holding his nose in pain. He looked down at his hand and saw a little bit of blood on his fingers. He looked up at Guy who stood in the same place, nonplussed by the other man’s pain.

 

Interrupting William’s grunts of pain, a tall man appeared at their side, shirt open, in spite of the cold weather.

 

“What is the matter here?” The man asked. “Will, are you alright?”

 

“No, I’m holding my literally bloody nose and this idiot is standing right next to me!” He replied.

 

Only then, the tall man noticed the dark-haired figure next to them.

 

“Who are you?”

 

“I’m Guy Berryman. Who are you?”

 

“Jonathan Buckland.”

 

They didn’t shake hands and it seemed like they were off to a bad start. Jonathan went to help his friend while Guy merely looked at them, unsure of what he was doing there at all. He wasn’t a part of this. He wasn’t used to dealing with so many people, some of them which didn’t seem to even like him. He simply sighed and gathered his strength to keep doing what he had set out to.

 

“Mr. Buckland, will you come with us and join your other friends to talk about the matters of the Roundheads’ union?” Guy asked.

 

Jonathan looked at him, then at William, then back at Guy again. “Uhm… Sure… Are you ready to go, William?”

 

“I am.” He grunted in reply.

 

The walk to the pension was spent in silence, with Guy in the front and the two friends walking together. The foggy city was cold enough to make their fair skins feel the full effect of the wind. Shivers ran up their spines, leaving them with an unsettling sensation.

 

Finally, they reached their destination. Guy let them go in first, his head down and his eyes hidden in the process. William looked at him, regretting ever having left with this stranger. They didn’t even know if they could actually trust him. For all they knew, he could be a Royalist just trying to get information.

 

“Listen, it’s best you stay out of this.” He said to Guy.

 

The other man raised his head, seeing Jonathan continuing on his way in, obviously cold in his light clothes. “You were dying to say that since we met a couple of hours ago.” Guy said, in a low voice.

 

With that, he continued on his way in, going up the stairs and avoiding the common area where the men were. Christopher was a genuinely nice person and perhaps he had brought him along too soon. He had to remember he was a foreign man with no business with those men downstairs. At least William was clear with him about that.

 

He entered his room quietly and sat on the bed, his body heavy from exhaustion.

 

Tomorrow, he had a job to find. And maybe it was for the best to avoid all sorts of tumults that could come from this plotting group. He did believe in their cause but he wasn’t himself accounted as a reliable person so he guessed there was nothing for him to do but keep going, even if it was away from this War that was descending upon them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

 

Wide awake, Guy didn’t know what he should do. There were things he wanted to do which he knew he shouldn’t and he was shocked at himself for even thinking them. But then again, he wasn’t. James was special and Guy knew it, ever since their fight.

 

He slowly leaned forward and stretched his arm out to the bedside table, switching on an old battery powered radio sitting there. The last time he had used it was when he was still with Julie. She never liked storms, and he used to use it to make her feel calm.

 

The slightly worn and scratchy sound that the radio produced as it sent quiet streams of music out through its speakers pleased Guy. It reminded him of his ancient record player. And for reasons he couldn’t explain, it made him think of James too.

 

A very strong gust of wind rushed up with a sudden powerful and violent energy. It made the radio’s connection fuzzy and barely audible. And when it cleared up again it wasn’t playing music any more.

 

It was a weather report, and not a good one by the sound of it. Guy focused on the actual words. He could still only get bits and pieces of what was being said. But he heard the words tornado and high force winds and he heard the warning to take shelter.

 

He jumped off the bed abruptly and went to look out the window. James’s head hit the bed and his eyes flew open in surprise. For a moment he just watched as Guy crossed his arms and worriedly tapped his foot as he gazed at the night sky.

 

“What’s wrong?” he inquired.

 

Startled, Guy whirled around. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to wake you. It is just that this weather is getting worse and worse by the moment.”

 

“You really think it’s serious, don’t you?”

 

“…..Yes,” replied Guy solemnly after some time.

 

“I could tell. You have this particular frown on your face, and you are pursing your lips so that they are barely even visible anymore.”

 

“I don’t want you to worry,” Guy told him. “Go back to sleep. I will just stand and watch how things look outside for a while.”

 

James shrugged. “If it is what you want.” He laid down on his back and closed his eyes with his hands behind his head.

 

Guy smiled a little bit at the sight and wished he could be more carefree. He wanted to join him on the bed but instead he turned back to the window.

It was a good thing he did though, because it allowed him to see the dark shape of a funnel begin to form. He ran to the bed and grabbed one of James’s hands from behind his head, pulling him up. “Get up!” he ordered.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“We have to go now.”

 

“Wha….why?” James was struck by Guy’s harsh tone and knew it must be very serious.

 

“There is a tornado coming,” Guy said quietly.

 

James stared at him with wide eyes. He didn’t move and didn’t speak.

Frustrated by his lack of reaction, Guy jerked him off the bed by his arm and pulled him out of the room and down the hall. “Do I have to drag you all the way or are you just going to come willingly?” he inquired sarcastically.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“To the storm cellar. But we have to hurry. Follow me close behind.” He stared at him for a brief moment and their eyes met. "Actually," he said softly, “just take my hand and we will run together.”

 

“Okay,” James said.

 

The rain was still coming down and the addition of the wind made the visibility limited at best. But Guy knew which way to go. This had happened to him more than a few times before. He lived in Kansas, after all.

 

Stealthily he led James through the fields until he reached the small triangle rising out of the earth, the entrance to the storm shelter. He yanked on it hard, but the force of the winds made opening it impossible.

 

Just when he was feeling helpless James shouted out to him. “You take one handle I will take the other,” he told Guy. “Together we should be able to open it.”

 

James yelled out a count of three, and using all of their strength they managed to open it and rush inside. Guy went in first, followed by James. Guy then turned and pulled the doors shut, locking them with a padlock which hung from one of the handles on the door.

 

Then felt around until he felt the small shelf he had built into the side of the shelter, which housed a flashlight. He grabbed it with one hand, and grabbed James’ hand in the other.

 

Guy then cautiously allowed the small orb of light the flashlight gave off to guide his and James’s feet down the creaky wooden stairs to the safety at the bottom of the shelter.

 

It was a small space, maybe 10 by 10 feet at the most. But it had never been a problem before, since Guy had only ever had Julie and Malcolm to share it with. And now it was even less crowded, with only James there.

 

Actually, Guy found himself feeling very lonely in the space. He had turned off the flashlight to conserve its battery power and it seemed as though the darkness stretched on and on for miles. He shivered.

 

And suddenly James was right next to him. Guy could feel the warmth of his breath on his face. And he could clearly smell the small dab of cologne he must have put on that morning.

 

“You know we will be safe here,” he whispered into Guy’s ear. Guy shivered again, though now it had nothing to do with the intimidating darkness.

 

“I do know that,” Guy told him. “But I still worry.” Guy swore he could see James smile, even in the dark.

 

“Come here,” James said. He sat down and pulled on Guy’s arm, urging him to join him on the cool earthen floor. Guy willingly complied and sat beside James. Without any warning, James slipped one arm around Guy’s waist and pulled him close.

 

Instantly Guy felt safe and secure. He felt warm and complete. He could hear the rushing sound of a tornado on the ground. The doors of the shelter creaked and groaned. But Guy wasn’t worried. He slipped his own arm around James’s waist and they huddled close together, sharing each other’s warmth as the storm raged above them.

 

“You know,” James admitted, “I never was asleep. I just wanted to see how you would react.”

 

“I think…..” Guy told him after some thought, “ that I would like to see how you react to this.” Then he leaned in closer and kissed him in the dark.

 

 

Prison Blues Part One

 

 

 

The 3 men sat perched upon the cement wall overlooking the courtyard surveying the

inmates that were the hard criminals. Will has been in for 2 years for stealing a car and

crashing it into a wall while drunk. Guy, well, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, his mates and him tried to rob a bank and his buddy shot a guard and killed him, Guy has served 8 years of a 10 yr sentence. Jonny is a chemist and he was caught giving another

country some information on a top secret formula, he claims the info was hacked off his computer, but the judge didn't see it that way, Jonnys time has almost been served.

 

It's 3pm and the bus carrying new inmates was making it's way down the bumpy dirt road.

The 3 men waited and watched as the new prisoners disembarked the bus, everyman looked the same, except 1, he was a very tall, skinny, longish hair, dressed in dress pants and a long sleeved white buttoned down shirt.

Guy thought aloud, "That one is gonna have a problem in here" Will and Jonny snickered at his comment and remembered when they 1st arrived, it was very scarey and the hard criminals were bullys.

 

7pm same evening, Will, Jonny and Guy were sitting at the benches eating dinner, when

the skinny one came walking in with his tray, his long curls were now shaven clean, and he was dressed in prison clothes. Jonny watched how the man went to the end on their table and sat, looking at them briefly. Will yelled out, "Hey you can sit here with us if ya want." The man ignored his offer and looked at his food and moved his spoon around the mushy crap they called food. Guy yelled, "Oye, he's talking to you." The man ignored him, Jonny swatted Guy on the arm and said "Leave him be." Will said, "Hey pretty boy, they are gonna love you in here." Guy and Will laughed. The man stood up with his tray and Guy whispered, "Oooh he had a change of heart." The man stood in front of Will and dumped his mushy food all over Will and Guy and leaned over and said, " Fuck off" Jonny just sat and stared, then busted out laughing at the two men.

 

Prison Blues part two

 

 

8pm the same evening, the 3 men were having a toss in the courtyard with the football, something they did every night at 8 right after dinner. Jonny kicked the ball to far and Guy ran after it almost knocking down the skinny guy, "Jesus Christ, you Fuck, watch what your doing." the skinny man said in anger to Guy, Guy spat back, "You need to watch who your talking to newbie, or someones gonna slit your throat while you sleep." imitating with his finger under his throat. "Piss off" was his reply to Guy, and Guy ran back over to his mates and said "That guy must of murdered someone, cause he's real angry."

Jonny grabbed the ball and said, "either he murdered someone, or he's going to if you don't leave him alone."

 

6am the guards sounded the "Get the hell out of bed alarm" Everyone proceeded to get up and stand at attention outside their cells for roll call, as the guards made their rounds, counting, one cell was open with no prisoner outside. The guard walked up to the cell and banged on it with his baton, "Martin" he yelled, "Get the hell outta that bed, or I will do it for you." No reply, so the guard entered the cell.

 

Will and Guy shared a cell and looked in terror at each other, they heard the baton hitting the bunk and then the guard dragging "Martin out of the cell, "Line up boy" he yelled, "You disrespect me again, I will personally put you in the hospital." Martin nodded and proceeded to spit blood out of his mouth onto the guards shiney boots, Will's eyebrows rose and under his breath said, "No, No, leave it be." The guard dragged Martin down the stairs and beat him

with his baton in front of the other inmates, while some cheered the guard on.

 

Jonny noticed that Martin never cried out in pain, nor did he yell, just stood and took it until the final blow knocked him down..... 3 other guards flew in and put him on a stretcher and took him out.

 

 

Prison Blues Part Three

 

 

8am

Jonny was folding bunk sheets and Will was washing them and Guy was, well not doing much other but instructing the other 2 how to wash and fold while he smoked a cig.

Will came upon some bloody sheets and winced and said, " That bloke is probably dead by now, don't ya think?" Jonny shrugged his shoulders and said, "maybe".

Guy saw Guard Wilder walking in and Guy asked, "What happened to that bloke named Martin?" Guard Wilder looked and said, " He was one tough son of a bitch, and for a skinny guy didn't get any broken bones, just some bruises, and that really pissed off Guard Walter."

 

Guard Wilder wanted the boys to know he wasn't like some of the guards, he just tried to do his job and provide for his family the best he could, and that he didn't condone the actions of some of the guards, the fellas knew this and always like to talk with him, because he seemed so down to earth with them and didn't treat them like crap.

 

One week later....

"Woah", Guy said, "There's Martin" He had some bruises and a nasty cut above his eye, but other than that seemed to look fine. Jonny decided he'd had enough and that he wanted Martin in with his group, so he got up and walked over to where he sat. He sat there for a moment looking at Martin and finally Martin said "What the fuck man, I'm not into Guy's in prison if your wondering that." Jonny laughed, "The way you look I'm surprised Big Mike hasn't gotten a hold of you yet." Martin twitched his lip in anger and said, "Who's Big Mike?"

Jonny looked around the area and spotted him, he was 250 pounds solid muscle with tats all over, Jonny pointed, "There, over there." Martin glanced at him, and Jonny leaned into Martin and whispered, " Words out he's watching you, so I'd be careful if I were you." Martin looked at Big Mike again, and said, "I can handle myself fine, Thank-You."

 

Jonny hesitated, and spoke again, "So what did you do to get put in here?"

"Look, Martin said, I'm sure your a great person, but I don't belong here with the rest of you, and my Father is working to get me out, so I'd rather not associate myself with the likes of you and your boyfriends."

Jonny leaned back for a few seconds and said, "You really are a ****, you don't know anything about me or my mates, how can you pass judgement on someone when you don't even know them?"

Martin said, " Ok, My name is Chris, and you are?" smiling, Jonny stuck out his hand and said, "I'm Jonny, Chris, nice to meet you." Chris stuck his hand out, then pulled it quickly away before touching Jonnys and said " There now we know each other, now you can piss off."

Chris stood up, took his tray and slammed in into the tray area of the breakfast room and never looked back.

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

As eerie as the city was during the night, when the sun shyly appeared through the branches of the tall, dark green trees, London was a new place.

 

It wasn’t a bright, warm sun that shone upon it as it happened everywhere else. It was mysterious as the people wandering through the streets every morning. Quiet or noisy, short or tall, thin or plump. Everyone held a secret in their hearts.

 

Guy was walking through the outdoors market, looking at the variety of vegetables on sale with hunger written across his delicate features. More than ever, he needed to do something to earn money or he’d be in a serious predicament.

 

“Have you seen something that pleased you, sir?” A deep, feminine voice called to him.

 

He turned around to see who it belonged to. His eyes were met by those of a petite, young woman, surely of his age, carrying a basket full of peaches. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a wild bun, allowing him to see her graceful, smooth, bare neck.

 

Looking down at her, he could see a dark, simple gown, which accentuated her fair skin.

 

“Hum… yes, I did, actually.” He looked away from her sapphire-like eyes. “But I can’t…”

 

“Tell me what you want.” She demanded, interrupting him and going over to what he presumed was her stand of products. The very one he had been looking at before she appeared. “I can give you a few.” She whispered, looking suspiciously to her right, as if expecting someone to appear by her side.

 

“No, thank you. That wouldn’t be fair. This is the result of hard work and I wouldn’t feel right just taking it.” Guy shook his head.

 

“I’m offering you. So, you’re not just taking it.” She explained, grabbing a few vegetables and going over to him and putting the products in his clothes, in a rush. Guy tried to stop her but found that he couldn’t once he saw the beautiful, pink tint of her cheeks. He was surprised that such a determined, young lady could feel embarrassment in his presence.

 

“May I please know your name?” He said, looking down at her. She looked up and shook her head. “Then, how will I properly thank you for all you’ve done for me?”

 

“You will know my name once you start working for the very house I work for.” She told him. “There’s a lack of men in my Lord’s farm. He’s searching for hard-working men and it seems like you are in need of a job, isn’t that correct?”

 

Guy nodded. “Indeed. Where is your Lord’s property, then?”

 

“It’s right out of the city. It’s a short journey.”She gave him the instructions to the house she worked for. “But you can live there, if you’d please. Most of the servants live there.” She said.

 

“No. I have already found a place and I already paid for the next three months. That explains why I lack money, having been here long enough to spend it elsewhere.” Guy explained.

 

“Fair enough. If you don’t mind long walks, you’ll be fine working there, sir.” She smiled.

 

“I’m not a sir.” He smiled back at her. “You don’t tell me your name so I won’t tell you mine just yet. In the meantime, you don’t have to call me sir, either.”

 

“Then, what shall I call you?” She asked.

 

“Nothing. When this evening comes, you will know my name. And I will know yours.” Guy answered.

 

He took her delicate hand and brought it up to his lips in a gentle way. He looked at her with reverence one last time before going on his way to his rented room, all the while wondering what he should do next. Should he go right away to talk to her mister’s house or wait a few hours, to make sure she would be there when he went?

 

He was spared these thoughts by the loud noise of a knock on his door, startling him a little.

 

“Who is it?” He asked.

 

“It’s Christopher.” A voice answered him. Guy sighed and got up to answer it. There stood a smiling Chris. “Good morning, Guy! I was here earlier and you had already left.”

 

“I went to the center of the city. Just to walk or a bit.” Guy answered. He left out the part where he found someone at the market. He thought it was private, anyway. And they weren’t friends.

 

“Oh, that’s good. Stretch the legs, breathe some fresh air, see people…” Christopher kept talking, but Guy couldn’t really grasp anything he was saying, since he talked at an alarming speed. He settled for inviting him in and sitting down, just listening to the sound of his voice. It was actually a good way to think things through. He had decided he would wait a few hours until he had to go and see if he could find a job in the house that young lady worked.

 

“… and it looks like maybe we’ll join the Army forces, since we need all the people we can get to support this cause.” Christopher was saying.

 

“What?” Guy asked, suddenly comprehending what he was saying.

 

“We’re going to be a part of the Roundheads forces.” Christopher said. “If you want to, you can join as well… Last night, you didn’t come with William but we all agreed on it. What do you think?”

 

“I… I don’t know, really.” Guy admitted. “I think I… I found a job.”

 

“Oh, that’s great!” Christopher beamed, his eyes wide and ready to hug the shorter man. Guy accepted the embrace awkwardly but happily. He felt better sharing a bit of what was going on with someone. And to be fair, Christopher trusted him from the moment they met, as Guy remembered.

 

“Yes, it is. I have to go there later to finalize the deal.” Guy said, a small smile on his lips.

 

Christopher noticed he seemed different from the day before but since he didn’t really know him, he brushed it off as his natural ways. “Alright, Berryman, but you’ll go with William because I know he’s going out of town so he can give you a lift. By the way, I’ll go tell him right away.”

 

With that, he was gone, not allowing Guy to decline the offer. He thought about sneaking out and avoid William, but he didn’t have anything to hide from. He was not the wrong one. In time, William would see that.

 

 

 

The journey to the property was not a terribly long one. However, the uncomfortable silence made it an infernal trip, with Guy looking down at his boots and William sighing deeply every step of the way.

 

“So, Christopher tells me you found a job.” William said, awkwardly.

 

“Yes.” It was Guy’s response.

 

“How did you manage to find it?” William asked.

 

Guy looked up at him and glared angrily. “In spite of what you might think, I am capable of standing on my own and doing things right. I don’t understand what in God’s name do you have against me!”

 

“This may surprise you, but I really don’t concern myself with such thoughts of you. I don’t waste my time with judgments of your character. It is only your presence that I abhor. Nothing else.” William shrugged.

 

Guy shook his head and sighed. He gave up trying to understand what was William’s problem with him. He hadn’t done anything wrong. Therefore, he had nothing to fear.

 

Approaching the place he was sure to be the farm he would be working at, he simply stopped and ignored William. In return, the other man went away in silence, following Guy’s example. Guy looked at his figure in the distance and shook his head.

 

He looked at the tall gate that stood before him. Made of iron and with ornate lines. Strong and beautiful. Guy decided he liked it.

 

He saw a figure approaching him, even though he hadn’t called anyone or made his presence known.

 

It was the girl from the market.

 

He smiled at her. She had changed her attire and now stood in a cream-colored gown.

 

“May I come in?” He asked, politely.

 

“Yes.” She simply said, opening the gate. Below the mild, tentative sun, they stood before one another, waiting for the other to speak. “May I know your name now?”

 

He smiled. “Yes, you may. My name is Guy Berryman.”

 

“Quite a beautiful name.” She said, sincerely. She brushed a strand of hair away from her face as a gentle breeze passed by them.

 

“Now, it’s your turn to give me more information.” Guy said.

 

“Very well. Welcome to the Earl of Essex’s farm. Our master is not at home presently as he will never be from now on. Expect orders from Mr. Smith and do know that his orders are not to be challenged. Not once.” She said, gravely, with the softness of her calm tone.

 

“And now, the most important part: may you tell me what your name is?” Guy pressed.

 

“My name is Green. Dianna Green.”

 

 

 

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working in a farm wasn’t anything new to Guy, but dealing with the amount of servants at the Earl of Essex’s domain was a challenge for his quiet nature.

 

He took care of the animals in the mornings, went to the plantations during the afternoon and then, rested for a bit before his journey back home, sitting below a large tree. The breeze would flow through the branches and caress his skin, which made him close his eyes in satisfaction. This was one of the best moments of the day for him.

 

Then, Dianna would appear with a snack for him in her apron. She would sit next to him and hand him whatever she brought each day. She didn’t need to say anything, which made him feel more comfortable. There was no need for mindless chit-chatter.

 

Although, that particular day, she had something in her mind. He noticed as soon as she approached him. Her eyes were low and serious, her mouth in a frown, unlike her usual peaceful presence.

 

Guy looked up as she sat down near him, on top of a strong, external root of the three. “Is everything alright, miss Green?”

 

She smiled, in spite of her concerned state. “You don’t have to call me that. I’ve told you. It’s Dianna.”

 

“I’m sorry.” Guy said. “What seems to be the problem, Dianna?” He stressed out her name, a small smile on his lips.

 

“A young gentleman is here today… Looking for you. And he doesn’t look very pleased. Shall I let him in?” She asked him.

 

“Looking for me? Did he present himself?” Guy asked, confused. Who could be looking for him?

 

“Yes, a Mr. Champion.” Dianna replied.

 

“Oh…” He said. “William.”

 

“Is he your… friend?” She asked.

 

“I wouldn’t call him a friend but I better go see what he wants.” He told her, getting up and lending her a hand so that she could follow suit.

 

They walked side by side, both entranced in their own thoughts, simply enjoying each other’s presence. As they neared the front gate, Guy asked her to go to her own affairs and quickly said his goodbye for the day. She understood it was a private matter but she still felt offended by his tone.

 

“What do you want, William? I was just about to go home.” Guy said, leaving the property and making his way to the road.

 

“There’s a shortage of soldiers.” William said, gravely. He didn’t want to ask for anything from this man but he still had to. Jonathan told him to.

 

“And why would I care about that?” Guy asked. “You made it clear I am not to be trusted. You made it clear I am not very bright. Quite frankly, it’s been weeks. If I were to change a state of ignorance, it would be a little bit longer than mere weeks.”

 

William sighed. “I’m not here because I want to.” He pointed out. “I’m here to follow orders.”

 

“You don’t seem that type. You seem the type to give orders. You know, more like the King Charles himself…” Guy said, with disgust.

 

“I didn’t come here to be offended.” William reacted with frustration. “I am just giving you the message. To me, it makes no difference.”

 

“I doubt that. You would rather beat me to a pulp right now than see my face every other day once we have to be together on the battles that will surely happen soon.” Guy said.

 

William closed his eyes, then looked at Guy. “Do you want to come or not?”

 

“Where to?” Guy asked. “I was headed home.”

 

“Christopher wanted us to meet in some other location. He said Camden was not as safe a place for our secret meetings. I guess he fears spies.” William told him.

 

“So, where are we going?” Guy insisted.

 

“My home.” William finally said.

 

 

 

“Finally, you’re here!” It was the first thing Jonathan said when they came in through the door.

 

His clothes were a little torn up and his beard had been growing for quite a while, as Guy observed once he entered William’s home. It was apparent to Guy that they were all well-off in life but he never imagined so many luxuries in a single home.

 

High ceilings, dark furniture adorned with gold, fine tapestries and the most beautiful paintings filled every room of a house that resembled that of a King’s. It was a quiet place with one or two maids coming in and out of the various rooms, busily doing the designated chores.

 

“So, has everybody arrived yet?” William asked, sitting down in a regal chair at the dinning room table.

 

“No, Cromwell seems to be meeting with some other associates in North London. He’s trying to get their support.” Henry informed them.

 

“Well, then, do we have to wait for somebody else?” William questioned.

 

“Not anymore, you don’t.” An imposing figure appeared in the room, dressed in a dark attire. His dark locks of hair contrasted greatly with his fair skin. His countenance was serious and invigorating for the other men in the room. It was quite humbling to see such a man in their presence. “I gather you were waiting for me, young fellows…”

 

“We were, indeed.” Christopher said, his wide eyes mesmerized by the sight. “Mr. Devereux, would you do the honor of taking a seat, please?” He said, standing up. The other men followed suit, still transfixed by the arrival of the Earl of Essex, the third.

 

His father had served Queen Elizabeth I, even if he was later executed for treason. However, the importance of the title wasn’t lost on the men that now stood before him. It wasn’t everyday that they had the chance to be with someone as influential as Robert Devereux. He could very well have his flaws but he did fight for what he believed in, according to what he considered suitable.

 

Robert took his seat next Christopher and Harold, knowing fully well he was being observed by everyone in the room. “Should we skip pleasantries and cut to the problems at hand, gentlemen?”

 

All heads nodded and he proceeded with the instructions.

 

“After so many years of indifference towards this cause, we need to get the Parliament up where it belongs. We are not supposed to be quiet! We have to take action and make sure the King doesn’t dismiss the politicians that do represent the people in the Houses of Lords and of Commons.”

 

“So, what do you suggest, then?” Jonathan asked. “We can’t just barge in the King’s room and ask for it. We need to assess the situation very wisely in order to get him to accept our terms.”

 

“He won’t want what we are demanding of him. He’s been running away from it for years. There’s no more room for agreements and conversations or anything like that.” He paused, sighing deeply. “I have done what I could to humiliate him in a peaceful manner. Now, when I accepted the imposition of the Captain-General and Chief Commander of the Army’s title, I didn’t take it lightly, just as I don’t take lightly what we are discussing here. What I’m proposing here is War, even if I am not a supporter of these methods to get our points across. I know you have all been in the military path, if only for a while, so I need all of you by my side for the next battle. We believe September is going to come to an end in peace, but October certainly won’t.”

 

“Who else will be with us?” William asked.

 

Devereux laughed a bit and stood up to pace around the long dinner table, admiring its high chairs. “Quite a lot of men, Champion.” He looked straight at William, finding in the other man the strength he sought in for the Parliament’s Army. “But I think you will know of Thomas Harrison… Nathaniel Rich and Edmund Ludlow… Charles Fleetwood… Matthew Tomlinson and Francis Russell… I believe they are not unfamiliar to all of you.”

 

Guy could hardly grasp anything that had been discussed so far. He missed the part where indications were given in a specific way and his military career was actually a nullity since he didn’t have one. He had no idea of the intricacies of a belligerent confrontation of armed men in a battlefield. Basically, he would have to ask Christopher later.

 

By this point, Robert was talking to them about the progresses and setbacks in the Parliament up to this point. The Summer would be over soon and with it, so would the quiet whispering in the streets. The conflict was bound to force people to choose which side they were on.

 

Guy decided what his side was a long time ago. Scotland was aware of everything that had been happening in the South of Britain. Therefore, he knew he wanted no King to rule with austerity and arrogance, forgetting other opinions and, most of all, the division of powers.

 

 

 

 

 

Prison Blues Part 4

 

 

Jonny gets back to his seat by Will, and Guy looks over at him and say's "What, he doesn't wanna be your boyfriend?" Jonny glared at Guy and took a sip from his drink, "I thought I could break down his barrier, but I was wrong, what an ass he is, I hope Big Mike does get him."

Will replied, "I wouldn't want you to regret what you just said, so I am gonna ignore that last bit," as Will pats Jonny on the back in a caring sort of way. "Come on, let's go outside for our 1/2 hour before we gotta go do our laundry duties," Guy laughed. Will's eyebrows went up as if to say "You mean while you smoke and give orders?"

 

The day went by uneventful and Jonny was called to the main guard office, as Jonny knocked on the door, Guard Wilder approched him and said, " Look we need you to move into the cell with Martin for a few days while we inspect and clean and paint yours.

"Oh come on, not with him, I can't, he's as mean as a snake." "Jonny you can't get out of this one, they wanted to move you to Big Mikes cell and I said "NO".

"Oh this is just great, I won't even be able to breathe around him, he's so testy."

 

As Jonny collected his things, Guard Wilder tapped on Chris's cell with his baton, "Hey Martin, you have a guest for a few day's." Chris looked up and rolled his eyes, and continued reading, but holding up his middle finger to the guard. Jonny came in and the cell shut behind him. "Well, where do you want me to put my things?", Jonny asked, Chris, while not looking up from his book replied, "You really want me to answer that?" Jonny mumbled, "Not really."

 

Jonny sat on his bunk which was on the bottom and started whistling a tune. Chris unfazed continued to read. Jonny trying to get a rise out of Chris, started to sing which Chris found very soothing, but still chimed in and told him "to shut it".

Jonny- "No you be quiet"

Chris -"I am quiet"

Jonny-"No your talking"

Chris-"No I'm not"

Jonny- See, yes you are"

Chris threw his book down and shouted, "J, Jon, Jonny whatever your name is, please leave me alone."

 

This started a staring contest and each one never took their eyes off each other for about a minute, until Jonny stuck out his tongue and Chris finally smiled and said "Your an ASS," while he was starting to laugh. Jonny said "Not as big of an ASS as you." Chris replied, "Ok, you win, are you happy now?" Jonny thru his tears from laughing so much, stuck his hand out for Chris to shake, and Chris hesitated and finally grasped hold of Jonny's hand, and shook some of the pain he was feeling away.

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

September was about to come to an end. But there was warmth in the air which prevented them from wearing too much layers of clothing.

 

In Christopher’s case, this was his rule for the entire year, much to everyone else’s admiration. Jonathan in particular found it strange that he wouldn’t get cold when it was snowing outside. They had been friends since they could talk and never had he seen Christopher with more than a worn-out shirt and a vest. His limit was a thin jacket.

 

To Jonathan, it was quite an accomplishment. He had been cold his entire life. He always sought warmth in everything that could provide him that. The strangest thing was that around Christopher he would get colder than ever. His bones ached with the intensity of such low temperatures in his body and he felt like he was diving in an ice lake for hours and hours until he finally froze. He couldn’t help but shiver every time Christopher called his name and it was something he didn’t get completely used to. It was a gradual process.

 

To overcome such coldness, he found solace in lovely, yet not so respectable young ladies across London and beyond. He tried to find someone who could take his shivers away, someone who could protect him from facing the undeniable and cold truth: he was in love with his best friend. And the scariest thing was that it was a perpetual emotion. It wouldn’t go away like the snow in January or the cold wind in November. It was supposed to haunt him for the rest of his life. He had realized that even though he couldn’t understand how he could feel such things. For his best friend, out of all the people in the world. A man.

 

Jonathan sighed as he lay in the grass.

 

Since Guy worked in Robert Devereux’s property, their entrance became available in his land. It made it easier for them to meet and prepare for the upcoming confrontations.

 

He sat up for a bit, his long arms supporting his torso.

 

In the distance, he could see Christopher riding a horse, happily enjoying the peacefulness the country side provided him. He didn’t have to worry as much here. And Jonathan knew he worried day and night about every single thing. That’s one of the things that made him even more protective of him. Christopher was alone in the world except for his friends, so Jonathan didn’t want him worrying even more and suffering even more than he already had. He wanted to be someone he could rely on. He wanted nothing more than to be the person Christopher thought of first to tell a secret.

 

Interrupting him, Dianna approached him. He had been very observant and he could see what was going on with her and Guy, even though no one had said anything about it yet. He suspected they hadn’t even confessed to each other what they felt towards one another but he knew it was only a matter of time.

 

“Excuse me, sir. Do you need anything?” She asked, a smile on her lips.

 

He smiled back. “No, thank you. And I told you it’s Jonathan.”

 

“It’s hard to adjust to that. I am used to calling gentlemen by that term, so…”

 

“So, you may call me Jonathan, anyway.”

 

She nodded and silently turned around before Jonathan’s voice stopped her. “Listen, could you sit here with me? I wanted to talk to you about something.”

 

She frowned but slowly sat next to him. Her light blue gown made her eyes stand out and Jonathan knew exactly why Guy felt the way he felt. Her eyes reflected not only beauty but also kindness and brightness.

 

“What would you like to talk about, si-… Jonathan?” She corrected herself, grinning.

 

“I was just wondering… how would you tell someone you love him?” Jonathan asked, unsure.

 

She looked surprised. “Oh… I wouldn’t know… I never had to face a situation like the one you are presenting.” Dianna answered. “Although…”

 

“Although what?” Jonathan pressed.

 

“I… I still have a few considerations about it… It’s… It’s supposed to be very simple. You just tell the person you love exactly that: that you love them.” She said.

 

“What if that person doesn’t love us back? What would one do afterwards?” Jonathan, afraid of the answer.

 

“Carry on. Cry and feel miserable at first, but it’s not the end of the world.” She said, a smile on her face as she looked at his frightened eyes.

 

“Do you love someone?” Jonathan asked, boldly.

 

“I… I prefer n-not t-to answer…” She stuttered.

 

“Imagine, then, telling that person you love them and that person laughing at your face or saying they would never love you no matter what.” Jonathan insisted.

 

Deep down, Dianna knew she shouldn’t feel affected by it. She was fine the way she was now, living her life in a quiet lull of the days. Day after day, she would get up, do her chores and do things exactly as she was expected to. But as soon as Guy arrived, she had the urge to experiment. To let herself feel, to discover new things. To allow herself to fall in love. Then, she would tell herself to stop thinking about it.

 

However, it was useless and, as she sat there, listening to Jonathan’s inquiries, she realized she had fallen in love in spite of her wish not to.

 

“Well…” She fell silent as she felt herself get dizzy. “I don’t know what I would do…”

 

Jonathan nodded. “Me neither.”

 

“Why are you so afraid of telling Christopher you love him?” She asked, looking into the distance. “He loves you too, you know?”

 

Jonathan said nothing. He simply listened to her.

 

“He doesn’t say anything but the way he treats you… I would die happy if I had someone like that in my life.” She said, looking down at her hands.

 

“Then, you don’t have to worry. Just tell Guy what you feel about him.” Jonathan said, chuckling when he saw her snap her head up in shock.

 

“I… I… don’t know what you’re referring to… My feelings about Mr. Berryman are quite clear and honestly exposed to him. He is a dear acquaintance of mine. Nothing more.” She explained.

 

“You can say all you want but you will only fool yourself with that speech, my dear.” Jonathan said. “I have come to a resolution though…”

 

“And may I ask what that will be?” Dianna asked, still surprised, her breathing a bit faster than usual.

 

“For once, I will make things right and follow what my heart is telling me. No more sleeping around and no more denying what is right in front of me.” Jonathan admitted.

 

“I should hope so. I have to tell you that it’s a bit uncomfortable for me to accept you are pursuing so many women only to leave them the next day, after… after… satisfying your… urges.” She finished, a deep blush on her face.

 

“I know. And don’t be offended when I tell you that you should do the same.” He said, standing up.

 

She simply looked down at her hands, hearing his footsteps lead him to the interior of the house. She didn’t know what to think of their conversation.

 

Should she follow her heart like Jonathan told her to? Should she become vulnerable to someone she loved more than anything else in her life, despite knowing him for a short period of time?

 

For the time being, she did nothing. She merely got up and did her job like she did every single day. At night, she would think about it.

 

She would make her decision. Once and for all.

 

 

 

 

 

Cemeteries of London

 

 

Chapter 6

 

(More to come tomorrow;))

 

 

 

 

 

The next day was spent in a blur at the Earl of Essex’s property. Robert Devereux was about to visit the gentlemen at the land and things had to be in order. They had to be physically ready to take part in the battles ahead.

 

Guy spent the day working with the animals and only joined the other men for training right before the sun was setting. At the end of the day, he was so exhausted, they all decided to stay at the Lord’s house that night.

 

It was a whirlwind for the maids, getting the guestrooms ready, with sheets, blankets and pillows flying around.

 

Jonathan decided to ask Christopher to take a walk before they went to their assigned bedrooms. While Christopher had no idea what was in store for him, Jonathan couldn’t keep himself from beating his fingers against his legs as he walked. The tension was latent, even if one of them was completely unaware of it.

 

In the meantime, William was sitting down in the living room, his head supported by his hands.

 

“Something bothering you?” Guy asked, as he passed by the living room, seeing the other man obviously preoccupied.

 

William looked up. “Nothing that concerns you.”

 

The short tone he used made Guy shake his head in resignation. There was no way of making William understand he had nothing against him. However, his words were like shards of glass thrown at Guy. He wanted nothing more than to prove his nature. His loyalty and his honor.

 

Knowing that there was nothing that could change William’s mind at the moment, he continued on his way to his bedroom for that night.

 

 

 

As soon as he entered, he sensed an odd feeling in his stomach. Looking up, he saw Dianna arranging his bed.

 

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I thought you would still be outside for a bit. Yours was one of the last beds to be taken care of…” She was explaining.

 

“You don’t have to apologize.” Guy said. His eyes remained locked in her gaze.

 

She looked away, her cheeks getting more and more flushed as the seconds ticked by. “Very well, sir, I’m going now.”

 

She was breezing past him when he grabbed her arm. “How many times have I told you it’s Guy?”

 

She remained quiet, her heartbeat increasing its speed. His touch on her arm was strong yet gentle, clearly not aiming to hurt her. But it felt like he was trapping her there when she just wanted to run away from that place. Run away so she wouldn’t have to deal with the turmoil that he created in her heart.

 

“I’m sorry, but it’s really for the best that I don’t call you that, sir.” She said.

 

He looked hurt but her lowered eyes didn’t see the expression on his face. He let her go and quickly moved to his bed, sitting down and sighing in frustration. “I thought I would find good people for me here.” He confided.

 

Now, it was her turn to feel hurt by his words and she turned around to look at him. “I’m very sorry you feel that way. I’m sorry I disappointed you.”

 

He shook his head. “No, I just let myself think far too much…” He sadly smiled at her. “It must be my quiet, hard personality. Scares people away.” He tried to joke.

 

“I don’t think you’re like that.” She said, against her own will to get away from him.

 

“You don’t?” Guy questioned, his frown deeper.

 

“No.” Dianna said, throwing caution to the wind. “I think you’re quiet, yes, but in a soft, polite way. And you care about people. You care about causes and you fight for them. That is why I know this Army that has been organized by Mr. Devereux will be okay if you’re a part of it.”

 

Guy didn’t say anything. He nodded in appreciation but simply let himself fall against the headboard and put his legs up on the bed. As she saw him do this, Dianna decided it was time to leave the room.

 

“If you don’t need anything else, sir…” She trailed off, seeing his gaze in her direction, not allowing her to utter a single word. She breathed with difficulty and her hands trembled a bit. “…I need… I needed… to tell you something…”

 

“What?” He asked, curiously.

 

“It’s more of a question, really…” She corrected herself. She was having a hard time being in one place so she paced a bit. “I was just wondering if…”

 

“If…?” Guy pressed.

 

“Do you have someone…?” She left the question open for him to answer. She didn’t know how to pose such a query, so she left it like that.

 

“You mean… romantically speaking?” Guy asked, frowning. Her nod enlightened him and he thought about it. “Well, I used to… but it wasn’t… I mean, it’s not the same…”

 

“Oh… and how do you feel about it?” She continued asking.

 

“I don’t feel anything about it. It’s over. As a matter of fact, there was never too much to begin with. I didn’t love her.” Guy explained.

 

“How do you know that?” Dianna asked, her eyes focused on his.

 

Guy looked at her. She was standing at the foot of the bed, right in front of him, her eyes piercing through his. She was standing up while he was sitting down. It seemed to him like he was in disadvantage so he stood up and moved to her side, his eyes never wandering from hers.

 

“Because I am in love now.” He admitted, his own breathing starting to get heavier with anxiety.

 

Her eyes widened. What was he telling her? “Who is the receiver of such love?” She asked, in spite of her fears.

 

He smiled at her innocence. She had never looked as beautiful as in that precise moment. Her untamed, blonde hair framed her face, making her look like a porcelain doll.

 

“The receiver?” He repeated. “It’s the person standing in front of me now.”

 

She looked as if she was about to faint, so he rushed to get her a chair. She sat down heavily on the seat and he kneeled in front of her.

 

“Are you okay?” He asked.

 

“I… I don’t… I don’t know.” She answered, truthfully. She had no idea he could love her back. It seemed like her love was meant to be lived in silent reverence. However, this turn of events made her rethink her own actions.

 

“I know it’s a lot to take in. I was just being honest with you.” He said, getting very nervous with her reaction to his revelation. “I am… I am sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I didn’t mean it.”

 

She stood up under his gaze. “I have to go.”

 

“Wait!” He said, standing up as well. “How do you feel about this?” Once again, his hand was on her arm.

 

She simply smiled. “Happy. For now I know my love is not unreturned.”

 

With that she left in a hurry, before he could even process what she had just said. When he did, the silliest grin made its way upon his face. His brown eyes shone with contentment.

 

He made his way to the bed and fell down on top of it, falling asleep in a matter of seconds, his mind finally at ease.

 

 

 

 

 

Prison Blues Part5

 

 

9pm lights out...

As Jon and Chris lie in their bunks in the dark, listening to the silence, Jon whispered "Chris you awake?" Chris say's "Well they just turned the lights out Jon, I guess I am, So where did you learn to sing like that?" "Oh I can't carry a tune, I just thought it would piss you off."

 

Chris chuckled, "Well I thought it sounded pretty good, no matter what your intentions were."

"Shh" Jon replied, "You need to keep your voice down, Chris, the guards will hear you."

 

"I don't give a flying fuck what they hear." Chris proceeded to Fart very loudly and said very proudly "Hey did you hear that?"

Chris and Jon laughed for the next 5 minutes and Jon whispered "Oh geez, please, no more, I need a nose plug."

 

Chris stretched his long legs out which hung over the end of the bunk and said, " So Jon, did you kill someone?" Jon explained he was a chemist and worked on a top secret project with the FBI and finally completed it, and locked it away on his work computer, next thing he knew he was being arrested for giving a enemy country our secrets.

 

Chris: How long have you been in?

Jon: 7 years, 11 months, and 28 day's.

Chris: well, how long did you get?

Jon: I have a hearing in 2 days, and hopefully my time will have been served.

Chris shot up and said, "You might get out in 2 day's?

Jon: That's what they tell me.

 

Chris layed back down and quickly became terrified again, he just started feeling alittle less afraid and now the one person he felt somewhat safe with, was leaving.

 

Chris: Well you deserve to be let out Jon, what will you do?

Jon: I know there's nobody that will hire me as a chemist anymore, unless it's a company that is privately owned and will take a chance with me. Now explain your deal, what happened?

 

Chris sat up and grabbed onto his knees and started to explain

I drove to a booze store to pick up some wine for a date I was having later, and I was towards the back picking thru the bottles to find what I wanted and I heard a "POP, "POP"

and I looked around and gathered my bottles and walked to the front to check out, I rounded the corner and saw a man raiding the cash register and another man telling him to hurry up, they spotted me, and the next thing I remember I was waking up on the floor of the store with a gun in my hand and a dead guy on the floor, and the police racing thru the door. I had a big knot on the back of my neck and I'm thinking there was actually 3 men and one hit me from behind and then planted the gun in my hand, I know I didn't kill that man, but the higher ups have been having alot of crime in and around London and they rushed the trial, even tho I had the best Lawyers in the country, and here I am. My father is a very prominent man in London and he had to watch his eldest son get convicted of murder. His big wig Lawyers couldn't do anything because the Lawyers for the people needed a conviction to show crime is on the way down and I was their scapegoat.

 

Jon: Didn't the store have cameras?

 

Chris:The criminals made sure to spray paint them out, beforehand. My prints were all over the gun, but my father is working with every Lawyer he has to clear my name.

 

Jon: Wait is your father the same man that owns all those software companies thru-out London and America?

 

Chris: and Australia, Russia, and Hong Kong, he's getting ready to buy a pharmaceutical company too.

 

Chris decided he was too upset to talk more so he told Jon he wanted to go to sleep, so Jon running his hand thru his hair bid Chris a goodnight.

After a few minutes, Chris leaned over his bunk and looked at Jon upside down and said in a soft voice, "Jon, I didn't murder that man." Jon answered, "I believe You."

 

 

Prison Blues Part 6

 

 

3days later

Jon dressed in street clothes gathered his things and headed for freedom. Guard Wilder spoke, "I'm gonna miss you Jon." Jon nodded and said, "Could you please tell Chris I will visit him in 2 days, and make sure Will and Guy keep an eye on him, he's an innocent soul, even if he doesn't appear outwardly, he just doesn't belong in here." Guard Wilder said he would and Jon stepped out of the door into the sunlight of freedom.

 

2 day's passed and just as Jon promised he was led into the common area for visitation, Bars kept the 2 men apart, but Chris didn't care, his friend had kept his promise.

 

Jon: I saw a limo leaving, was that your father?

Chris: Yes, he has this hot shot lawyer from America taking over the case, and said I could get a new trial soon.

 

Jon: that's wonderful Chris

 

Chris; Yeah, something about the knot on the back of my neck and the bruises that were photographed that were not allowed in evidence, my Lawyer said they should have been submitted to the courts.

 

Jon: I bought you some chocolate and cookies and a few magazines.

 

Chris: Great thank-You, slide them to me thru the slot.

 

Jon did so and asked Chris if everything was ok and if Will and Guy hung with him.

 

Chris: Yup they are pretty nice to me, except Guy, sometimes I feel like punching him he makes no sense most of the time.

 

They both laughed and the watch Guard said "Times Up Boy's"

 

Chris and Jon looked at each other and Chris put his hand up on the bar, and Jon put his hand up and their fingers touched and Jon said, "I'll be back soon." Chris nodded and said "Thanks Jon"

 

Next week came and Jon arrived at the prison to have a visit with Chris, Guard Wilder stopped him at the door and said, "Jon, you can't visit today.

 

Jon looked bewildered and asked "Why"

 

The guard sighed and took a deep breath and said " Chris is in hospital"

 

Jon's eyes grew wide and wanted to know what happened.

"Big Mike attacked him in the shower room, and well you know."

 

Jon backed up to the wall and slowly slid down, "Is he ok?"

'Well he sustained alot of brusing and well, he had things done to him that NO man or woman should have done without permission."

 

Jon: "He was raped?"

Guard Wilder: Yes, Jon, I'm afraid he was.

 

Jon broke down and cried, in between tears he angerly asked "Where the hell was Will and Guy, they were supposed to stick together.

 

Guard: They were showering and Chris went back to get his flips that he forgot and Big Mike and his goons dragged him into the shower stall and held him down while Big Mike had his way, it happened so quickly that when Will realized Chris had gone back, him and Guy went back and found Chris on the ground with blood and he was out of it."

 

Jon was now curled up and crying and the Guard bent down to console him and Jon pushed him away, returned to his feet and said " I gotta go, will he be able to see me next week?'

Guard Wilder said, " Yes, he's being released in 2 day's back to his cell."

Jon: please tell him I know what happened and I will be back Wednesday. He pounded the door open and left.

 

The hospital bed was back in the corner of the room, and Will and Guy waited until the coast was clear and snuck in. Chris had his eyes closed, black eye and brusies on his forearms. Will reached out and touched Chris's hand and Chris jumped and thrashed around, Will said "Whoa, Chris, it's me, Will." Chris looked at Will and Guy and turned his head "Go away, please." Chris pleaded.

 

Guy spoke softly, "It's ok Chris, things will get better, at least you didn't die."

 

Will looked annoyingly at Guy and whispered, "Let me do the talking" There was silence for a few minutes and Chris turned to them and said, "It's not your fault this happened, so don't feel like you were supposed to protect me or something, I shouldn't have gone back in alone."

 

Will: That's not your fault either, ya know,(pause) what happened to you.

 

Chris started breathing harder then started to cry, Will and Guy could only sit and watch their friend suffer, for they both knew exactly what he was going thru.

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

 

After only a couple of seconds Guy pulled away. He couldn’t believe what he had just done. But what truly surprised him was that he was glad he did it. James grabbed his hand and pulled him closer again.

 

“Hey, that’s not fair,” he whined softly, “You won’t be able to see my reaction from way over there.” Then he wrapped his arms around Guy and kissed him back, for a much longer time period.

 

Finally he pulled away for some air. But not too far away. His body still brushed against Guy’s and they could still feel each other’s warmth. “You don’t know how long I have wanted to do that,” James told him, resting his hand lightly on Guy’s leg.

 

Guy chuckled. “You have barely known me half a day.”

 

“Yes, and I have wanted to kiss you ever since I got out of my car.”

 

“I haven’t been attracted to anyone since Julie left.”

 

“You haven’t had human contact with anyone since she left though, have you?”

 

“I suppose that is true,” Guy replied, smiling.

 

“Hey, it’s alright. I haven’t been attracted to anyone in a long time. And no one has ever come along whom I have wanted more than I want you.”

 

Guy blushed deeply and was glad for the dark so that James wouldn’t see. “Have you ever liked a guy before?”

 

“No. Have you?”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Good. Then we can explore this new thing together.”

 

Guy was silent for a long time. He didn’t want to believe what James was implying with his words. “You’re not actually going to stay here, are you?”

 

“Not if you don’t want me too,” James said, sounding hurt.

 

“No, I do…I….I think it would be lovely if you stayed. But why would you want to? There’s nothing for you here. Why give it all up for some silly little romance?”

 

“First of all, I don’t think it’s silly, or little. It’s certainly not a little attraction. And I don’t see this as some short, meaningless fling. I am done with that shit. I’ve had quite enough of those kinds of ‘relationships’. You are special. I can see that. I knew it ever since our eyes first met.”

 

Guy cut him off. “I think you are special too. I’ll admit I wasn’t exactly thrilled with your presence at first. But after that little fight we had, something just changed.” He paused for a bit. “But I still can’t picture you giving all of that up.”

 

“Why not?” James replied, angrily. “I’ve told you already, I don’t care about my mansion or my car or whatever the fuck else people say I should be appreciative of.” He moved his hand to squeeze Guy’s arm. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be harsh.”

 

In response Guy moved in a bit closer and rested his head on James’ shoulder. It felt a little bit weird. He hadn’t been like this with anyone in so long. But it felt nice. He had forgotten what it felt like to be close to someone. “It’s okay,” he whispered. “I understand.”

 

James let out a little laugh. “You know, it’s funny. I have all these things. More than I can count. More than I can even remember. But yet the only thing I want is something I don’t have.”

 

Guy was silent after that. He didn’t know what to say. He wanted to tell James that he could have him any day, but he was scared. Over the past few months love and anything relating to it had become such a foreign concept to him.

He was scared because he could tell he would indeed love James someday. It was inevitable, with the way he was and how he made Guy feel. Guy didn’t know if he could handle those feelings again.

 

“I think the storm is over,” James said. He always seemed to know when Guy felt uncomfortable speaking. And what amazed Guy was that James was fine with that. Even though he had basically just poured his heart out to Guy, he was content to let him sit there without saying a word.

 

“Yeah,” Guy replied weakly. It was true, the storm was over. Guy could hear nothing from above. He slowly stood up and tired to stretch in the cramped space. He picked up the flashlight and switched it on. “Come on,” he said, pulling James up and leading the way out of the shelter.

 

Guy was surprised to see small bits of daylight peaking over the horizon line and hitting his home at various angles. He had no idea they had been down there for that long. The various colors slowly moving up in the sky gave him a warm feeling inside. This was the first time in a long time in which he felt the dawning of a new day was something to look forward to.

 

But once his eyes wandered to the fields that feeling disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. All of his crops were destroyed. The field was in a state of complete devastation. His hand shook. His legs shook. He felt dizzy.

 

“I’ve got you,” James whispered in his ear, grabbing him just before he fell over.

 

Guy turned to look at James with painfully sad eyes. “The tornado must have passed right through here.”

 

James squeezed him tightly. “But you should feel lucky. Your house is still standing,” he said, trying to coax Guy out of his obvious state of shock.

 

Angrily, Guy shoved him away. “How could you even say that!? I don’t care about my house…it is just a ridiculous possession. I could build a new one. I could live out in the open. But I can’t grow a new crop. And without that, I won’t have an income. And without an income, I won’t have Malcolm. You of all people should understand about what’s important! You’ve been preaching about it all night long!”

 

“I’m sorry,” James replied, not knowing what else to say or do.

 

“I think you should probably go now,” Guy told him.

 

James tried to hide the pain in his voice. “Okay,” he said. “One again, I am very sorry.”

 

“Just leave. Please.” Guy turned away, missing James’ nod in reply.

 

James turned on his heels and began to walk towards his car, which was somehow left untouched by the storm with the exception of the wet interior. But he turned his head briefly to catch a glimpse of Guy just one more time. Just one more look at what he would never have.

 

James didn’t see Guy look back too, just after he had turned his own head away. But what he did see was somewhat of a miracle. When he got into his car, he noticed something quite special under the passenger seat. And then he knew what he had to do. He was going to get what he truly wanted, just once.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

Quickly James reached down and picked up the flat, square object. He stared at it for a while, liking the way it felt in his hands. He had completely forgotten he had this. He hadn’t used it in a long time. Actually, he had meant to take it to a pawn shop a while back. Now he was glad he didn’t.

 

Carefully he slipped his fingers inside the slot on one side of it and pulled out the circular record inside. It was black and very shiny as if it were brand new. In reality, it was quite old.

 

It had once been his mother’s. She used to play it all the time as she worked in the kitchen. And when she wasn’t playing it on the family’s old fashioned record player, she was humming it. And after the record player met its final hour, she would take up singing it.

 

James remembered the sound of his mother’s voice with fondness. She had always had a nice voice. He gently slipped the record back inside the square case, a small smile sneaking onto his face.

 

The record reminded him of humble living and hard working. It reminded him of small but animated dinners, everyone at the table talking and laughing and joking and unknowingly depicting the tight knit family most people could only dream of.

 

And now when he thought of those things, he was reminded that he wanted all of that with Guy. He wanted to have that kind of life with him. He needed it. The mere thought of driving back home all alone made him nauseous.

 

Now more motivated than ever, James got out of the car with a fire burning in his eyes, heart, soul, and whatever other stupid and corny thing he could think up in his head. He marched up the dirt road and to Guy’s front door. He knocked loudly in a way that said “you had better open this door or I will kick it in myself”.

 

Guy opened with an expression of extreme shock on his face. “James……I thought you left…” He didn’t make it sound like he had wanted James to leave. It was probably because he didn’t.

 

Guy had tried his best to hide his joy at James’ return. But James saw through it, and Guy knew that he did. He had kind of expected it, even hoped for it.

It would be easier on Guy if he didn’t actually have to state his feelings. He had never been very good at that. So he was quite relieved when he noticed James’ mouth turn up into a small smile.

 

“I couldn’t leave Guy, I’m sorry. At least not until I have played this.” He held up the record which had been tucked neatly under his arm. “Do you happen to have a record player?”

 

Guy’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t help it. He had always loved music. “Of course I do,” he replied with an almost child-like excitement. “It is right this way.”

 

He led James inside and to a corner in the main room where the old record player stood proudly. He watched suspiciously as James gingerly took out the shiny record and put it on the player.

 

Although he was naturally attracted to the record simply because it played music of some sort, he was apprehensive about what might be on it. He was both afraid and eager to listen to what James wanted hear.

 

Very gently, James set the needle down. Guy smiled a little at the cautious way he did this, realizing that James was obviously quite familiar with how these things worked. Then the music began to play and Guy sat down on the floor to listen.

 

James sat beside him as the music slowly got louder. To Guy’s ears, it sounded foreign. And he became sure of it once he heard the voice. It was a man’s voice, singing strange words with a thick accent that Guy guessed was Spanish. After about a minute or so, Guy recognized that the words were indeed in Spanish.

 

“You can understand Spanish?” Guy questioned.

 

James smiled widely and his eyes shone. “I can speak it too. My mother is Spanish. She was raised in Spain until she was a teenager, when she moved here to follow my father who she had met while he was visiting as a tourist. It was the only vacation he had ever been able to afford to take.”

 

“This song….it sounds very beautiful,” Guy said quietly. “But what does it mean?”

 

James smiled even wider. “I was hoping you would ask that.”

 

He stared up at the ceiling a moment, collecting his thoughts and deciding on the best way to summarize the song. “This is a song about trials, and overcoming them. It is a song about pain and love. But most of all, it is a song about new beginnings.”

 

“How do I know you are telling the truth?” Guy teased.

 

“Translate the lyrics for yourself then, and see if I am lying.” His eyes sparkled and shone with life. He winked playfully and Guy found himself grinning as a result. Then James began to quietly sing along with the man’s voice.

 

Guy inched closer to him. He realized that every moment James was in his house things just felt right, like he was supposed to be there. It was almost as if James had been there as long as Guy had. That was, at least, what it had felt like to Guy as he watched James leave.

 

And now he somehow wanted to convey to James these thoughts he was having. But the right words seemed so difficult to find. “Your singing voice is lovely, you know.”

 

“Oh…I didn’t even realize I was singing out loud.” James fidgeted in his embarrassment. “Thank you,” he responded quietly, gazing at Guy with soft eyes. “You know, what I was trying to say with this song…..is that you…well….us….could start a whole new life together.”

 

Guy just stared into his eyes, listening to the sound of James’s voice.

 

“And I know it may seem crazy, but really, what are the odds of us finding each other?” He moved in a little closer to Guy. “I have always believed that the universe puts up signs for us. We just have to find them. As soon as we want to see them, they will be there, plain as day in front of us.”

 

Guy couldn’t take it anymore. He leaned over and kissed James passionately. “I would like to hear you singing that song every morning,” he told him as he pulled away again.