Part 10
By Jeff
Macncheezaroni@aol.com

Note: The new year brings new (old friends), new characters, and new relationships! Keep reading and writing!

Chapter 10- Resolution

Ryan and I laid on my bed on our stomachs, silently watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

“Crazy bitch,” I cursed, throwing a popcorn kernel at the scream. “Take the guy for pete’s sake!”

I moved the bowl of popcorn onto the floor, next to a large stack of romantic comedies. The bowl knocked over the first few selections: Sixteen Candles, Casablanca, She’s All That, etc. Ryan and I had stopped by Blockbuster and cleared out their romantic comedy section. We continue to watch Audrey Hepburn flaunting around, ignoring the leading man. I was getting miffed. Why can’t my life be a romance story, I thought sadly, happy endings and all.

“I have to pee,” Ryan announced, climbing off my bed. “I’ll be right back.”

“Should I pause it?” I asked him.

He pondered for a second, “Nah, don’t bother, just keep watching. I can only stand ignorance and denial for so long.”

With that, he walked out of my room and into the bathroom. The phone rang, and I grabbed the closest portable phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey Dway,” a quiet voice answered.

It was Tyler, duh, and I could hear small sniffles in the background.

“Listen Tyler,” I replied. “I’m a little busy right now, can we talk later?”

“I really would rather talk about it now Dway,” he responded.

Ryan walked back into the room and noticed my phone call. He mouthed kitchen and disappeared downstairs.

“Say something, please, anything,” Tyler pleaded.

“What do you want me to say?” I replied, confused.

“You’re just too rational and calm about this,” he admitted. “I’d rather have you throw a tantrum or something, so I can read your emotions.”

“Sorry,” I said, a bit stiffly. “I’m far too exhausted to waste anymore emotions. If you want to know my emotions, I am feeling angry, sad, disappointed, irritated, annoyed…”

“…Ok, I get it,” he said.

“The list continues,” I said. “Would you like me to continue to list my emotions for you?”

“No…” he said, sadly. “I really am sorry Dwayne. I need you more than anything, you’re the only thing good in my life Dway.”

I took in a deep breath and sighed, “Tyler, it’s obvious our relationship has been different since the beginning of the year. I just never brought it up, but face it, we aren’t in love anymore.”

“But I do love you Dway,” Tyler responded. “I admit that I haven’t been very affectionate or patient…”

“…and those two traits are what I like most about you Ty,” I said, staring at a picture on the dresser.

It was a picture of Tyler and me, in front of the Ferris wheel, at a carnival during spring break.

“What if I changed? What if I’m a better boyfriend, most caring, loyal, sincere…”

“And what if you cheat on me again?” I finished off. “Ty, let’s just be honest. You want sex, and I don’t think I’m ready. Therefore, I’m not going to be able to help you relief your sexual frustrations. Then, with your dick doing all the thinking, you’ll go off and do something you’ll regret. Why don’t we just end it, right here, right now?”

“Don’t you love me Dway?” he asked, his voice getting softer.

“Of course I do,” I replied. “That was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever made. But it’s for the best.”

“I’m not giving up on you Dway,” he said, his voice rising with determination. “So don’t give up on me either.”

With that, he hung up abruptly. Always a drama queen, I thought to myself amusingly.

“Knock knock,” Ryan said, tapping gently on the door. “Is it safe to come in?”

“I believe so,” I said, giving him a tired smile.

Ryan scanned the room with his head, “Inspection cleared.”

“C’mon doofus, let’s finish this movie.”

“Do we have to?”

“Hell, we already missed the entire middle portion,” I responded.

“Good,” he said. “This movie royally bites.”

~~***~~

 

A week later, I had to get out of my house.

“Mom, I’m going for a jog,” I said. “Be back soon.”

“Be careful honey,” she called back. “Check both sides of the street befo…”

I shot back, “Oh give me a break Mom.”

“Just looking out for my child, is that a crime?” Mom retorted.

I shook my head and left my house in a starting sprint. I slipped on my Discman and listened to some Green Day. I jogged through the silent and serene neighborhood, and finally, I arrived at the nearby park. I stopped to extend my stretches, and I realized that Tyler was walking my way with his two cocker spaniels, Roxy and Coal.

“Hey Dway,” he said.

I slipped off my headphones, “Hey Ty, out walking the two dogs I see.”

“Yeah,” he replied. “Thought I could use the exercise.”

Please…like he needs the exercise. Just making conversation I guess.

“Can you believe break is almost over?” he asked. “I could get use to this sleeping in and doing nothing all day.”

“Yeah, me too,” I agreed. “How’s your family?”

He hesitated to answer, “They’re alright, they’ve been asking about you.”

I pretended to not care, “Oh really? Well, just tell them I said hello.”

“They know Dway,” he said sadly. “They know we broke up.”

I asked boldly, “Do they know WHY we broke up?”

He looked at the ground, “No, they don’t.”

“It’s better that way,” I responded.

“Just gives them another reason to think that their son always fucks up something good in his life.”

I didn’t respond to that comment, actually, I couldn’t respond to that comment.

“You want to drop off my dogs and go grab something to eat over at Denny’s?” he asked me.

I just shrugged, “Sure Ty, let’s go.”

His face lit up like a kid during Christmas, and my heart just melted. The poor guy is so unhappy, but then again, I was unhappy. Come to think of it, I haven’t missed or yearned for Tyler in the last week. I just did a lot of thinking, and I felt like I’ve finally taken a good, steady step to a new direction. This lunch will be sort of a favor, no strings attached. We walked a few blocks to his house, no one was home, but he let the dogs into the house and shut the door behind him.

“Alright,” he said, a bit more cheerfully. “Let’s grab some grub.”

We decided to take his Honda Accord, so he opened my door and I got in. The ride over was rather silent, probably because I had nothing really to say. We got to Denny’s, and a waitress placed us in a cozy booth in the back. Great, I thought wearily, privacy.

“I’m starving,” he said, eagerly accepting his menu. “I think I’m going to have one of their sandwiches…or maybe breakfast…oh waffles!”

He went on for five minutes, naming various items off their menu. I couldn’t help but smile. The guy is an asshole, but he’s so lonely and miserable. Damn it, I was something good in his life. His lost, I thought with a smirk.

“You getting anything?” he asked me.

“I decided a long time ago,” I said. “I didn’t feel like voicing it out loud like you did.”

“Oh,” he said sheepishly. “Well, I’ve decided on their waffles with whipped cream and strawberries. Mmm.”

The waitress took our order and menus and left. He just stared at me with his icy blue eyes, and I began to fumble with nervousness.

“Uh…did you hear about the party this Saturday at Brad McDonald’s house?” Tyler asked.

“Oh yeah,” I said. “I think Ryan and I are going to go.”

His hand was playing with his napkin, and he gripped onto his napkin at the mention of Ryan’s name. “So you and Ryan pretty good buds?”

“Yes,” I said. “I miss the guy, I’m glad we’re friends again.”

“Oh, I see.”

“So how’s the old crowd?” I asked. “I haven’t talked to any of them this break.”

“Neither have I,” he replied. “They’re all off in their fancy cruises and ski trips. So do you and Ryan hang out a lot now?”

Uh oh, here we go…

“Off and on, I guess we’re catching up on lost time.”

He grumbled in response. Suits him right, I thought bitterly.

“Well, I’m thinking about going to the party too,” he said. “With Ken, Will, and them…”

“That’s cool,” I said, unaffected by his attempt to make me jealous.

Face it Ty, you’re fighting a losing battle.

The waitress came back with our food, and we devoured it. We just kept to small talk like unfinished homework and chores and our plans for the new year. The waitress came back with our check, and I reached into my gym shorts for my wallet. Tyler put his hand out as a gesture to stop.

“I got this bill Dway,” he said courteously. “Consider it my treat.”

More like a pity lunch, I thought.

“Thanks,” I said, mustering up a fake smile.

God, this guy is impossible. He cheats on you and then buys you food.

“You want to go see a movie or something?” he asked.

“You know…” I began. “I’m going to take a rain check on that, I’m going to go finish up some last minute homework.”

“Alright,” he replied, a little sad.

Make up your mind Tyler, I thought. Either be the evil bastard that you are or play the innocent and sad puppy angle. I’m sensing some bitterness, I thought to myself. I need a good venting anyhow.

“You seem a little distracted,” he said, interrupting my thoughts.

I thought for a moment, “Actually, I feel fine.”

His Accord pulled up to my house, and he leaned over. I quickly opened the door and said, “Thanks for lunch Ty.”

I shut his door and ran up my porch steps and into my house. Oh idiot, I screamed in my head. That’s the last time I pity that kid! What was he going to do, kiss me? Did he think we went on a date or something? I ran up the stairs, passing Ben and Dad along the way, and straight into my room. I picked up the phone and dialed Ryan’s number.

~~**~~

“He bought you lunch?” Ryan asked incredulously. “The guy IS evil!”

I could sense his sarcasm in his tone.

“Shut up!” I said, hitting him with a nearby pillow. “I just mean…he leaned over and tried to kiss me.”

“Did he actually puckered up?” Ryan asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Will you stop mocking this situation?”

“I’m not,” he said. “It’s a realistic question.”

“No, I didn’t see him pucker up.”

He let out a laugh, “So you’re all worked up over a non-existent kiss?”

“I’m not worked up!”

“Suit yourself!” he said, picking up one of my discarded magazines.

“What are you doing?”

He put the magazine down, “I think we human kind like to call this reading.”

“You’re not even taking me seriously!”

“Because there is nothing to be taken seriously,” he retorted. “You’re getting worked up over your ex who just bought you an innocent lunch.”

“I hardly call it innocent,” I said. “He tried to take advantage of me.”

“And now I’m officially calling you insane,” he replied, continuing his reading.

“I’m hopeless,” I said, with an exasperated sigh.

I slammed myself face down onto my bed next to Ryan, he just keeps on reading.

~~**~~

“We’re gonna dance all night, dance all night to this DJ…” I sang to Paul Oakenfield on my computer. I was getting ready for the party tonight, and I was pulling out some clothes to try on.

Ben entered my room, “Are you going to keep squawking? The rest of the house would like to conserve its peace.”

“I was singing,” I replied defensively.

“Oh, so that was singing…” he retorted. “Are you go to McDonald’s party too?”

“Yeah,” I replied. “Aren’t you?”

“Well, my crowd isn’t going until about 9,” he answered.

“I’m just getting dressed, I think I’m going out with Jacob, Clarissa, and Ryan first.”

“Ah, so the clique reunites.”

“I think we’re giving our clique another go.”

“Good stuff,” Ben said, leaving my room. “I’m happy for you Dway, but for my sanity, stop squawking!”

“Singing!”

“Squawking!”

“Singing!”

“SHUT UP!”

That was Jane.

~~**~~

“Man…” Jacob said, cautiously slicing his steak. “I think my dinner is still alive.”

“That’s disgusting,” Clarissa remarked, poking at her Caesar salad. “That’s why I eat things that are organic.”

“So you think,” Ryan commented.

“Let’s just leave our dinner alone,” I said, ending all the side comments.

We chewed our food quietly, and then Clarissa spoke up.

“You know, I kinda miss this.”

Jacob nodded, taking small bites of his steak.

“I mean…don’t get me wrong, I love hanging with my homegirls, but it’s not the same as hanging with one of the guys.”

“Those ‘homegirls’ just don’t cut it for your masculine side then?” Ryan joked playfully.

“Guess not,” she gave a dramatic sigh. “You can only get manicures and pedicures so many times a month before your hands and feet feel like falling off.”

I laughed, “I’m just glad I’m no longer hanging out with that creep.”

“You mean Tyler?” Jacob restated.

See, not the brightest crayon in the box.

“Yes, I mean Tyler,” I repeated.

“You guys were really close,” Clarissa commented, looking up from her salad.

She knows. I gave Ryan a look, and Ryan nodded.

“Were you guys…”

“…were we boyfriends?” I finished.

“Well…yeah,” Clarissa replied. “I’ve just been curious for the last few months.”

“Yes,” I said. “Clarissa, Jacob, I’m gay. I’ve been gay for quite a while now. I went out with Tyler…but we didn’t do anything…yeah…”

Clarissa and Jacob stared back at me. Oh no, I thought. Are they going to hate me now? Are they going to call me bad names and tell the whole school?

Jacob swallowed his masticated steak, and Clarissa continued to poke at her salad.

“You know D,” she started. “You should give us two some credit. We’ve had it figured out since about the eighth grade. We just never brought it up. We read you and Ryan like a book.”

“I’m only half,” he remarked. “I still dig chicks.”

“Fine, so you’re bi,” she said. “But it doesn’t really matter to me what your sexual orientation is…you guys are still my rock…my MEN!”

“Shut up before I hit you with my purse,” I said snickering.

“Good for you,” Jacob said to me. “Sorry about Tyler…the guy was born as an ass.”

“Let’s not ruin our dinner by talking about him,” I said quickly. “Just keep this on the down low for a while. I don’t think Tyler wants to be outed. Come to think of it, I don’t want to be outed either.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” Jacob said, zipping his lip.

Clarissa merely nodded, “When do I ever squeal?”

I gave a slight cough, Ryan rolled his eyes, and Jacob just laughed heartily. Clarissa feigned a bewildered look and pouted. I think I can safely say that my little clique has reformed.

~~**~~

 

We pulled up to Brad’s house at about nine-thirty, and the house was already rocking to the low, bass beat. It was your typical teenage, high school party you see in the movies. We walked up the pathway and entered the hall. People were meandering to and fro the house, and others were chatting, dancing, and having a genuine good time. Clarissa promised to rejoin us in a little bit, as her faux fur posse dragged her away to another room (the bathroom). Jacob found some friends from student government and joined them by the drinks. Ryan saw some band folks and said that he’d be right back. I was left alone by some ridiculous looking statue, and I quickly traveled to the opened backyard with the pool. The backyard was decorated with loads of Tiki torches and strings of lights. Brad gave me a slight wave, as he turned on the barbecue to grill up some hotdogs and hamburgers. I waved back and then spotted Tyler with Ken and Will.

Tyler smiled at me and gave me a friendly wave. Tyler looked pretty good with a shell necklace, Abercrombie striped shirt and some dark, faded jeans. All of which I picked out during one of our escapades at the mall. What can I say, I have good taste!

“You look awfully lonely,” someone said.

I turned around to find a fairly tall and good-looking guy. He had this goofy grin on his face that made him seem somewhat childish and immature.

“Actually,” I said. “I’m here with some friends. They’re mingling, and I thought I’d check out the backyard.”

“I see,” he said, nodding at my explanation. “Care for a drink? I can grab you a soda, or maybe you like a nice, cold beer.”

“I don’t drink,” I stated. “But you can make yourself useful by getting me some Sprite.”

“Your wish is my command,” he said, as he graciously bowed.

I laughed and moments later, he returned with my ice, cold Sprite.

“Thank you,” I said, as I popped open the can and took a sip. “Never seen you before. You new around here?”

“Actually, I’m Brad’s cousin,” he said, extending his hand. “Aaron McDonald.”

“Well Aaron McDonald,” I said, shaking his hand. “I’m Dwayne Carmichael.”

“Dwayne Carmichael,” he said. “Nice name.”

“Thank you,” I said, slightly blushing. “Aaron McDonald isn’t too shabby of a name. It’s almost pretentious.”

“Are you saying that I’m pretentious?” he said, giving me one of his goofy looks.

“Do you even know what pretentious means?” I shot back, giving a slight chuckle.

“You think I’m dumb?” he said, giving a dramatic sigh. “I want you to know that I’m fourth in my class.”

“Where are you from anyways?” I asked.

“Why do you care?” he shot back.

“Maybe the people from that area have smaller vocabulary and less brain cells to boost you up that high up in ranking.”

“Ouch,” he said, stabbing an imaginary sword through his heart. “That got me right here.”

I laughed, “Seriously, are you out of state or something?”

“Worse,” he replied. “I’m from the next town over.”

I couldn’t helped but laugh, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re weird?”

“Has anyone ever called you presumptuous and maybe a tad insensitive?” he retorted.

“A few times,” I responded quickly.

He slightly chuckled, “I like you Carmichael, how would you like to grab dinner with me tomorrow night?”

“Excuse me?” I said, suddenly getting seriously.

“Well,” he explained. “I like you and I want to get to know you. You do eat, don’t you?”

“Get to know me?” I asked, still confused. “What is this, a date?”

“A date it is,” he said, smiling.

“Wait,” I interjected. “You’re gay?”

“Yeah,” he replied nonchalantly. “Aren’t you?”

“Well, yeah…but not openly,” I replied.

“I know, I’m not either,” he said. “I just had a gut instinct about you Dwayne, so we got a date?”

“Actually, I don’t know…I just got out of this relationship and…”

“Save the Oprah special,” he said. “I’m just asking you out on a date, not proposing marriage. Just relax dude, date means food and talking. And you’re quite a talker…”

“Fine,” I said. “One date.”

“Your ex wouldn’t be the hunk hanging with Brad over there, would it?”

I looked up to find Tyler hanging around the grill.

“Yeah,” I answered, a little bewildered. “How did you know?”

“I’m just your typical stalker, I always know everything about the people I date.”

“Really now?” I said, raising my eyebrow.

“Really,” he said confidently. “Either I’m psychic or it’s because he’s been staring at you for the last ten minutes.”

I looked over sheepishly, and I saw Tyler quickly turned away. Damn Aaron for being right.

“I’ll see you later Carmichael.”

He ventured indoors and disappeared. I tried to enter the house to find Ryan, and Tyler blocked my way.

“I see you’ve met Aaron,” Tyler said.

“I see you have too,” I shot back. “Tyler, will you please move out of my way?”

“The guy is bad news,” Tyler said, in an audible whisper. “I’d watch out for him.”

“Ty,” I said, tiredly. “Stop being a dick and let me through.”

“I’m not giving up on you Dway,” he said again and moved aside.

I gave him a look and entered the house. The party had heated up in the last ten minutes, with people getting drunk and dancing wildly with the music. I found Ryan, Jacob, and Clarissa dancing with some other people. I joined in, swaying with the beat. I looked over and saw Aaron, he was leaning against the refrigerator with a beer in his hand. He saw me and raised his bottle up at me with approval. Some girls came up to him, and he flashed him that trademark grin and carried a conversation with his fan club. I continued to dance until Clarissa suggested that we grab some beverage to cool us down. Clarissa grabbed some mineral water, Jacob and Ryan reached for the Coke, and I popped open my second can of Sprite for the night. Aaron walked by me and slipped his hand into my back pocket. I quickly looked around, but no one had paid attention to that friendly, if not strange, exchange. I was a bit shocked by Aaron’s forwardness with this whole gay thing. He might not have to see these people on Monday, but unfortunately, I do! Wait, half of them will be too drunk or high to remember the party.

I reached into my back pocket and found a slip of paper, it had his name, e-mail, and phone number written down. I looked around the kitchen and living room, there was no sign of Aaron. I suddenly realized that my bladder needed some relief.

“Hey Clar, where’s the bathroom in this joint?” I yelled over the music.

“Second floor,” she yelled back. “Be aggressive, the line is super long. Be smart, go use the master bathroom.”

I decided to take Clarissa’s advice and went up to the second floor to scout out the master bedroom. Assuming it was the last door in the hallway, I followed the hallway. The door opened, and Aaron came out with another guy. He was one of Ben’s friends, but I didn’t really know his name. The kid looked rather wasted, but Aaron still had that goofy grin plastered on his face.

“We meet again Carmichael,” he said cheerfully.

“Did you guys just do it in the master bedroom?” I asked.

“It’s none of your business,” the other kid slurred.

Well, I just assumed those were his words. It could’ve been something else…who knows.

“Kid’s got a point there,” Aaron agreed. “Anything behind closed doors remains a secret.”

Great, so this guy’s a gay player.

“Can you just show me the bathroom in this place?” I asked, a little irritated. “I really have to pee.”

“You aren’t upset, are you Carmichael?” he asked persistently.

“Aaron, just show me the bathroom.”

“Fine, you go in and it’s right around on the other side.”

“Thanks,” I said, pushing the door open and locating the bathroom.

I found the bathroom and locked the door. I relieved my bladder, flushed the toilet, and then washed my hands. I dried my hands and remained stagnant. What am I thinking? Why am I bothering with some guy I don’t even know? The guy is a walking STD, and Tyler actually warned me. Shit, I hate it when that kid is right. Frustrated, I opened the door. I found Aaron sitting on the bed, waiting for me to leave the bathroom.

“You were in there for quite a while,” he commented. “I thought I’d have to go in there and rescue you.”

I wasn’t too keen on the jokes, but I found a smile to plaster on my face.

“You know me…high maintenance, I like to take my time.”

“Cut the crap Carmichael,” he said, his goofy grin vanished. “Why don’t you just say it?”

I gave him a confused look, “Say what?”

“About what just happened…with Tom and me…”

“Oh, so that’s the kid’s name. You know, you shouldn’t mess with people under intoxication. That’s just mean,” I said, then added, “At least wait until they’re sober.”

He cracked a small smile, “Thanks for the advice. We still on for tomorrow night?”

“I don’t know,” I said. “I’ll call you or something.”

“Right,” he said, giving a cold laugh. “You’ll call or something. Why don’t you just tell me that you’ll be taking the latter choice, that you won’t be calling me. Just cut all the lying and bullshit, just tell the truth. What do you think Tom and I did in here?”

I took a deep breath, “I don’t know what you and Tom did, and I frankly don’t care. Look Aaron, you’re a nice guy. Granted we just met, but I really think you’re out of my league. So why don’t we just say our good-byes right here, right now?”

“If that’s what you want,” he replied.

“Good bye Aaron,” I said.

“G’night Dwayne,” he said.

I opened the door and went downstairs. Clarissa and I danced for a few more hours and mingled with Ken, Will, and Natasha, this foreign exchanged student from Belgium. Ryan and Jacob suggested that we should get going, and I glanced up at the grandfather clock to read that it was almost 4 a.m.

“Night’s still young guys,” Clarissa urged. “Stay longer and party hardy!”

“Man, I have to use the bathroom again,” I said. “Damn my small bladder.”

“Go use the bathroom Dway,” Ryan said. “We’ll be here partying.”

“That’s what I’m saying!” Clarissa exclaimed. “C’mon!”

The three joined some odd conga line that led to the backyard, and they were off. I shook my head and went up the stairs. I decided to use the regular hallway bathroom, however, I saw a long line forming. Changing my mind, I snuck to the master bedroom to use the bathroom once again. The door was slightly ajar, and I pushed it open cautiously. I peered inside to find Aaron making out with another guy. Wait a minute! This guy comes to a party and finds gay boys, and I go to the same damn school and never find any of them. Does this guy have a sixth sense known as gaydar? I tried to sneak in and used the bathroom without interrupting their make-out session. My curiosity betrayed me as I sneaked another peek at Aaron, and Aaron was staring back. He was still sucking the life out of the other guy, but his eyes were pierced deeply into mine. I turned around quickly and went into the bathroom. I repeated the same cycle from previous hours: peeing, flushing, washing.

I really didn’t want to leave that bathroom, but I knew I had to go out there and face Aaron with his boy toy of the hour. I opened the door and found the bed empty, and I looked around.

“Looking for me?” Aaron asked, appearing behind an open closet door.

“Don’t flatter yourself Aaron,” I said tiredly. “I must applaud your efforts for attracting so many gay guys from my school. I would’ve never thought that so many of them populated the campus.”

“You just have to take chances,” he said simply.

“Do you even know that guy’s name?”

“Charlie…I think…or maybe it was James…”

“Ok, c’mon, Charlie and James don’t even sound alike,” I said. “For christ sake, at least get their names correct, if you’re going to suck the life out of them.”

“What’s your problem, Dwayne?” he asked, his eyes narrowing.

“I see you remember my name,” I said, smugly. “But wait, that’s because you haven’t gotten me onto the bed to play tonsil hockey.”

“You are presumptuous,” he said. “You just like to presume and assume everything. Here’s something that a friend once told me: To assume, is to make an ass out of ‘you’ and ‘me’.”

“Wise friend,” I said, with a smirk. “Well, thanks for the ethics lesson, but I really have to get back to my friends.”

“You have my number,” he said. “I’m open tomorrow evening.”

“Don’t bother penciling me in,” I said, heading for the door. “I’m booked anyways.”

With that, I left. I passed the increasing line for the bathroom, and I found Ben in the midst of the line.

“Hey you,” I said, greeting my brother. “I see you’re stuck in this line.”

“I think the guy in there, well, the last three guys in fact, have all been barfing,” he said glumly. “And it’s just holding up the damn line.”

“I’ll let you in on a secret,” I said and whispered into my brother’s ear, “Sneak into the master bedroom. Bathroom is always empty.”

“Thanks,” he said, giving the line a last look before making a beeline for the master bedroom.

I’d like to see Aaron make the moves on my brother, I thought comically. Benjamin Carmichael would punch the lights out of that stupid, goofy Aaron McDonald. I decided to see if my brother would like to get a ride home with me, so I waited in the hallway for a few more minutes. Five minutes past by, and no sign of Ben. I’ve been eyeing that door, and it has not opened. What if Aaron has sucked Ben into his seductive web of pleasure? Seductive web of pleasure? What the hell is that? I really have to get my noggin checked. I decided to wait a few more minutes, and there was still no sign of Ben. Great, another gay guy in the family, I thought. Here I go assuming things again, I swear, everyone just reads me like a damn book. Making my way to the master bedroom, I opened the door slightly. I peaked in and found Ben and Aaron casually lounging on the bed.

“Dwayne just has to open up a little bit,” my brother said. “He can be a real bitch with a cold exterior, but he’s just so lonely and hurt from Tyler. The guy up and cheated on him with some pansy down south. Oh, excuse my language.”

“It’s ok,” I hear Aaron replied. “It’s just your brother is one fascinating character. Warm and friendly one minute, cold and snappy the next. Most intriguing. I’ve never encountered anyone as emotional as he is…”

“That’s Dwayne though,” Ben said. “He’s really not that emotional, he’s just been a bit touchy lately. Usually, he’s a comic relief. We get along okay, and if I was gay and not within the same family, I’d date him.”

I slightly chuckled and made a mental note to store that comment somewhere in my head for future tauntings. I decided to interrupt this heart to heart by knocking on the door.

I opened the door and scanned the room, “Oh, good, we’re all decent. Hey Ben, do you need a ride home?”

“Will you at least acknowledge my presence?” Aaron asked, annoyed. “The cold shoulder was so sixth grade.”

“Hello Aaron,” I said, giving him a cold look, then I turned back to Ben, “You want to go soon?”

“No,” he said. “I told McDonald that I’d stick around to clean up. Plus, Mom and Dad think you’re at Ryan’s house.”

“Okay, that’s fine then,” I said. “Well, I’m going back downstairs.”

I closed the door behind me and went down the stairs.

Clarissa jumped me from behind, “I thought you fell down the toilet or something.”

I laughed, “You wish, no, I just bumped into my brother upstairs.”

“Okay,” she said, accepting my answer. “C’mon, let’s go grab some polish dogs. All this dancing has gotten me famished!”

“Let’s go!” I agreed cheerfully.

Brad smiled and handed us two warm polish dogs. Clarissa quickly added a few condiments and devoured her polish dog. Yup, I thought, she’s definitely one of the guys. I added up some ketchup and took a generous bite into my polish dog.

“My compliments to the chef,” she commented to Brad, in between bites.

Brad just laughed, “Anytime guys. Having fun?”

Before I could answer, Clarissa jumped in, “Oh yeah, TONS!”

“Swallow dear,” I whispered. “Chew, swallow, then talk.”

“Having a good time Dway?” Brad asked me.

“Yeah.”

Aaron picked this moment to appear, Brad said, “Have you guys met my cousin Aaron?”

Clarissa carelessly extended a hand to shake, while continuing to demolish her polish dog. Aaron shook her hand and turned his attention to me.

Brad continued, “And this is…”

“Dwayne Carmichael,” Aaron finished for him. “Yeah, we met.”

Brad pulled me aside, “You know Dway, Aaron only lives about ten minutes from here. With Tyler out of the picture…”

“Wait,” I said hastily. “How do you know?”

“Give me some credit Dway,” Brad said. “I’m more observant than you think. I noticed the closeness and then the sudden gap. Tyler can be a real ass, but Aaron is a sweet, loyal guy.”

I gave a slight cough, “How well do you know your cousin?”

“Well enough,” he answered thoughtfully.

“Forget it Brad,” I said. “Thanks, but no thanks. Your cousin is out of my league.”

“You sure?” he asked. “Visits all the time, it’d be a shame if I’m his only friend in this town.”

“Oh…I think he’s made a few new friends tonight,” I said, making a sly comment.

“Really?” Brad continued. “Good for him, I’m always telling him to not be shy and just go up and meet some new folks.”

REAL observant Brad, I thought jokingly. Your cousin is a WHORE!

“Brad!” Clarissa called. “This polish dog is delicious, can you fire up a few more?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he responded smiling.

I think someone has a crush on Clarissa. Mental note to set THEM up, at least they’d be happy.

“Sun’s rising,” Aaron commented, stepping to my side. “I’ve never shared a sunrise with anyone before.”

“They’re overrated,” I replied. “The sun goes up and goes down, big deal.”

“I think it’s romantic,” he said.

“What would you know about romance?” I shot back.

“I guess I wouldn’t,” he said.

What? No witty comebacks or snotty remarks?

“I know about your past Dway,” he said.

“I know,” I said. “My bro filled you in on some crap, big deal. Don’t pity me okay? I hate when people pity or grovel for me. I’m a tough guy, I can handle this by myself.”

“Would you like to know what I did with those guys tonight?”

“No,” I answered. “I’m not one to kiss and tell.”

“With Tom, he was so sick, I just helped him vomit up his dinner in the bathroom. And Charlie, he was so drunk, he didn’t realize he was kissing my lower right cheek the whole time.”

“Oh come on,” I replied annoyed. “I’m not dense. I saw you plow your tongue down Charlie’s throat. Don’t give me that bullshit.”

“I’m not kidding you,” he said. “I swear, there was no tongue action. You are just assuming things. AGAIN.”

“It doesn’t matter anyway,” I replied wearily. “I’m exhausted and I just want to go home.”

I turned around and found Clarissa and Brad talking and laughing. I decided to go back into the house to find Ryan. I started to walk away, but Aaron reached out to stop me.

“One date, please,” he said.

I searched his eyes and mustered up some courage to say, “No, Aaron. I’m through with infidelity. I told you earlier that you’re out of my league, and I’m sticking to that.”

His eyes lost its gleam, and I couldn’t even place that goofy grin of his. I just turned toward the house and walked away from him.